In and Around Mar19 by In and Around Magazine

Your Local Monthly Magazine - delivered to 30,000 homes in and around Telford

Connecting Local Businesses with Local People

magazine WWW.INANDAROUNDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ISSUE 170 - MARCH / APRIL 2019

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Contact FLEUR on: 01952 603457

sales@iandaprint.co.uk 2

Based in Telford

More than just a kitchen and bathroom supplier...

Visit our showroom and be inspired... our kitchen and bathroom experts are on hand to help turn your design dreams into reality. MKM TELFORD

KETLEY BUSINESS PARK, TELFORD TF1 5JD 01952 947 888 | mkmbs.co.uk f l

PROPERTY 6 Record Start to the Year 6 Electrical Checks Soon Compulsory for Landlords 8 Why Hasn’t my House Sold Yet? 12 Free Home Energy Checks for Older People 16 Spring Clean Finances

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT 20 22 26

The People's Vote Crowns a New Winner for Woods Midlife, Hormones and Food Recipe: Mini Orange & Chocolate Cakes

MOTORS & LEISURE 28 Is a Hybrid Right For Me? 30 Is a Diesel Car Right for Me? 31 Car Racing at Pit Stop Enginuity 32 Discover National Parks Fortnight 6th-21st April

GARDENS & OUTDOORS 34 Fabulous Fruit Trees 36 Heavenly Herbs

BEAUTY & FASHION 42 Natural Beauty 44 Beat the Mad March Hairs

HEALTH & FITNESS 48 50 51 52

Coping with Hayfever Shockwave Therapy Men Over 50 …Don’t Get Caught Over the Limit! National Stop Snoring Week 22nd-28th April

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL 54 58 60

Cash ISA's - Still Worth It? Don't be an April Fool Open Banking: What's in it for you?

CHILDREN, EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES 64 Treating Head Lice 68 Growing Green Fingers

HOME INTERIORS 70 Decorate Your Home for a Seasonal Celebration 71 Age UK Seeks Volunteers

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & SERVICES 74 Concrete 80 Spring Into Pattern 84 Simple Style

COMMUNITY & WHAT’S ON 92 Movies - Coming Soon 95 Books: Scribe to Screen

Welcome to the latest edition of ‘In and Around’. Your LOCAL magazine, helping you to find businesses and services in and around your area.

Fleur Abel

T: 01952 603457

We are celebrating our 14th Year in business as the very first In and Around Magazine was produced back in February 2005. The magazine has grown and changed a lot since that very first issue. Although the magazine has changed, the ethos behind it hasn't - the magazine was started to help local residents find local businesses in this area and over the years it has helped many businesses to grow with the responses they have had from their advertising and the support from local residents has been amazing; thank you!!!

E: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING SALES

Amanda Weston M: 07807 648 689 E: amanda@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING SALES Colette Clark

M: 07469 998 597 E: colette@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

Please continue to support our LOCAL businesses by using their services where possible. Enjoy your read...

Fleur

AREA A Edgmond

Tibberton

Newport Church Aston

ine’ und Magaz ‘In and Aro reas

A41

Distributio

Lilleshall

The Humbers A442

Bratton

M54

Oakengates

St Georges

Red Lake

Lawley & Overdale

The Booking/Copy deadline for the APRIL 2019 issue is Tuesday 19th March 2019

homes

Hadley A442 A5223

Ketley J7

30,000

Trench

Leegomery

Wellington A5

Muxton Donnington Wood

Apley

Admaston

Total distribution

A518

Donnington

Shawbirch

The Rock

Lawley Village A5223

Old Park Lawley Bank

M54

A41

Dawley

A464

Dawley Bank

A464

Shifnal

A442

Stirchley

Delivered Door to Door

Aqueduct A4169

Madeley Ironbridge

Priorslee

Horsehay Lightmoor Village

A442

Great Hay

AREA B PRINTED BY:

Precision Colour Printing Ltd, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ

Total distribution to 30,000 homes across 2 months. 15,000 copies are delivered to Area A one month and then the next month to another 15,000 homes in Area B, so each area receives the magazine once every other month.

www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk 4

DIRECTOR

We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in In and Around 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. 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. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views expressed by contributors, or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers. Advertisers details (other than those provided for inclusion in advertisements) are confidential and will not be given to any third party.

INNOVATION, INDIVIDUALITY AND DESIGN Quality building contractor and designers based in Shropshire

ALL CONSTRUCTION WORK UNDERTAKEN View our latest projects on our instagram page or visit our website for more details.

www.louka.co.uk

Louka Fine Finish Ltd t: 07383 011901 e: sean@louka.co.uk 5

Record start to the year

A look at the Telford property scene with James Carlon

Despite the property market slowing down in some parts of the country, here in Shropshire it’s a different story.

It’s a similar situation to last year, in that the main thing holding the market back is a shortage of available properties - so if you want to sell your home, now is a really good time to get on the market because the buyers are out there.

Indeed, it’s been the busiest start to a year we have seen for a long time. Across all Nock Deighton offices during January alone, we completed 51 sales, totalling £14.2 million, with an average price of £281,000, and agreed a further 54 sales.

Get in touch on 01952 292300 to see how our property specialists can help you achieve the best price for your home.

We took 75 homes to the market (average price £288,000), hosted 591 viewings, received 172 offers and registered 467 new applicants. So there is plenty of activity in the local market - and crucially, we have buyers waiting for the right property to come along.

Electrical checks soon compulsory for landlords

James Carlon Residential Sales Manager Nock Deighton t. 01952 292300 m. 07974 154950 e. j.carlon@nockdeighton.co.uk

A look at the Telford lettings scene with Dawn Clarke

Property landlords are facing unprecedented levels of change at the moment, making it all the more important to keep fully updated on the many rules and regulations and how they affect you.

Those properties already covered by a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) won’t need to replace it until five years after it was granted.

The latest change concerns the introduction of mandatory fiveyear electrical installation checks on private rented housing.

Please drop me a line on 01952 290163 for more advice about property management and lettings.

The new rules will be phased in with agents and landlords being given at least six months to familiarise themselves with the legislation. A transitional period will apply for two years, with all new private tenancies being affected in year one. Then, in year two, all existing tenancies will be brought into line.

All inspectors hired to issue an EICR must have the relevant qualifications and be competent to conduct inspections, and failure to comply with this will result in tough financial penalties.

Dawn Clarke Director Nock Deighton t. 01952 290163 m. 07976 209011 e. d.clarke@nockdeighton.co.uk

PROPERTY

Hereford Drive, Priorslee, Telford 4 bedroom detached house A superbly presented spacious modern detached family home, pleasantly situated in one of the most popular residential developments in the area. 8 viewings, 4 offers

SOLD We have buyers waiting - more properties are urgently required!

Residential Sales & Lettings | Property Management | Land & New Homes | Surveyors www.nockdeighton.co.uk

Telford 01952 292 300 Newport 01952 570 222

Ironbridge 01952 432 533

Why hasn’t my house sold yet? Property tips from

Glyn McKenna of Nock Deighton in Ironbridge

It’s true that some houses sell quicker than others - but is there more you, or your agent, could be doing to make your property more attractive to buyers? “ There are a number of factors which combine to help sell a house, some are out of your control, but there are plenty

Secondly, do enough people know your house is up for sale? Is it being marketed in the right places - the local paper, magazines, social media and so on? Thirdly, is the property being seen in the best light from photographs or to anyone passing by for a look before arranging a viewing? There are two elements here professional photographs will make a big difference, but you can do your bit by ensuring your property is immaculate - inside and out. Why not give me a call on 01952 432533 for more advice about getting the most out of your property?

of things within your control which can have a big impact. ” Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, is the asking price. Is it too high and do you need to look at it again to come up with a more realistic figure? At the same time, don’t be panicked into selling your home for a ridiculously low figure, well below what you realistically feel it is worth.

Glyn McKenna Branch Principal Nock Deighton t. 01952 432 533 / 07739 484952 e. g.mckenna@nockdeighton.co.uk

PROPERTY

8 Ashtree Park, Horsehay, Telford 4 bedroom detached house â&#x20AC;˘ Asking price ÂŁ427,500 This executive family home briefly comprises entrance hall, guest cloakroom, living room with inglenook fireplace, dining room, breakfast kitchen with granite worksurfaces, splashbacks and a range cooker, utility room and study. On the first floor, off of the galleried landing there are 4 double bedrooms, en suite to master bedroom, family bathroom and full length airing cupboard. Outside to the front there is a brick pavioured driveway providing parking and access to the detached double garage. There is a large lawned area to the front and a further lawn running along the side of the property. EPC: C

FOR SALE Residential Sales & Lettings | Property Management | Land & New Homes | Surveyors www.nockdeighton.co.uk

Telford 01952 292 300 Newport 01952 570 222

Ironbridge 01952 432 533

New Show Homes

Shropshire house hunters will be able to view properties from Bovis Homes’ brand-new range as it launches two new show homes at its Haygate Fields location in Wellington. As well as being among the first show homes from the new collection to open in the country, the properties will also include an array of exciting features to demonstrate how smart technology can be used at home. “We only have a handful of show homes open to the public from our new housing range, and we are delighted to be launching two at our Wellington location,” says regional sales director, Elaine Cartwright. “These show homes will be particularly special as they will demonstrate our new state-ofthe-art smart home system which is available to customers at Haygate Fields.” Bovis Homes is offering buyers the ultimate smart home package, with cables and devices built-in to create a clean, modern and stylish property. Visitors to the show homes will be able to see for themselves how the technology could transform their day-to-day living. “Our three-bedroom Spruce and four-bedroom Aspen show homes will be set-up to demonstrate the functionality of the system and will include appliances such as ovens, fridges and TV systems, as well as sound and lighting which can be controlled by a smart home app on a phone or tablet or by voice control,” says Elaine. The new collection, which ranges from two-bedroom homes to large five-bedroom family houses, are named after British trees, and have been designed and developed by Bovis Homes for launch in 2019.

AT HAYGATE FIELDS WELLINGTON Elaine says: “The first part of the design process for the new range involved talking to all types of home buyer and asking what they looked for in a new home. “In developing those ideas into the designs, our guiding principles were to create quality homes that are eye-catching and well-proportioned on the outside, with a real sense of light and flow on the inside.” The four-bedroom Aspen has a front-facing sitting room, which is light and airy, while the contemporary, open-plan kitchen and dining area is ideal for entertaining friends and family. There is also a separate study, which takes the hassle out of working from home. The master bedroom, with its private dressing area and luxury en suite, is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The impressive three-bedroom Spruce combines traditional architecture with modern design to stunning effect. The sitting room and open-plan kitchen and dining area span the full length of the property, making them light, airy and very spacious – ideal for entertaining guests. While the master bedroom includes a private dressing area and en suite. “So far, the feedback for the new homes has been phenomenal and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to experience the exciting new designs here at Haygate Fields,” says Elaine. “If you’re looking to move, it’s worth registering on our website to receive exclusive launch dates and sneak peaks at the new style housing range and pre-show-home prices,” says Elaine. “Alternatively, you could pop into our sales centre and speak to the sales team who will be able to tell you more about our new homes and our range of purchase assistance schemes, which could help to get you moving.” The new show homes are due to launch in April. To register for updates and for more information, go to www.bovishomes. co.uk

PROPERTY

Contemporary show home coming soon

at Haygate Fields, Wellington Register your interest today for an exclusive invite to the opening day. Launching this spring, we have two brand new show homes from our brand-new range that have been created with modern lifestyles in mind.

Haygate Fields Wellington Shropshire TF1 2DA

Open daily, 10am - 5pm

01952 305051 bovishomes.co.uk

Join us and see how the new designs have been brought to life with the latest smart home technology. Photograph depicts a typical Bovis Home interior. Internal images may include optional upgrades at an additional cost. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Ask our sales advisor for details.

Free Home Energy Checks Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin are once again able to offer 100 free and impartial home energy checks for the over 60s, having secured funding to cover the cost for the third year in a row.

FOR OLDER PEOPLE

The energy checks have, once again, proved popular this year; a number of appointments are still available but they need to be booked and undertaken no later than 31 March 2019, so if you would like a free Home Energy Check, please call Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on 01743 233123.

The combination of cold weather and rising fuel costs represents significant cause for concern for many older people, who already worry about their ability to pay their energy bills. This can seriously impact both their physical and mental health and well-being, especially during the long winter months. Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK STW, said: “It is a sad but real fact that there are many older people in our community who live in poorly insulated houses, who struggle to keep warm and who desperately need some assistance. Together with Marches Energy Agency, a reliable, trusted local company, we are working hard to help people reduce fuel bills wherever possible and an energy check is the first step to achieving this.’

JAYS REMOVALS & STORAGE LTD We are a family run business and deliver a professsional removal to the highest standard. We ensure our customers are 100% happy with the work we do and offer excellent value for money.

YOUR HOME, SAFE IN OUR HANDS

LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION Do you have leaflets or flyers that you would like delivered with this magazine?

Prices from £40 per 1000 WE CAN ALSO DESIGN AND PRINT THEM FOR YOU TOO! For further details please contact

Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 E: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

Members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen • Nationwide Service • Home Packing Service • Fully Trained, Uniformed Staff • Storage

• Piano Moves • Packing Materials • Commercial Moves • 7 Days a Week Service

Call us today for your free quotation 01952 289118 Unit 9 Horton Court, Hortonwood 50, Telford TF1 7GY

www.JaysRemovalsAndStorage.com

PROPERTY

Luxury Holiday Homes

AT SARNFAEN HOLIDAY PARK

Sarnfaen Holiday Park is nestled between the mountains and the sea in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park. Our luxury range of holiday homes set in green and spacious landscaped gardens are the perfect place to escape, discover, unwind and to build unforgettable memories. Whether you want a relaxing holiday or choose to experience the freedom of owning your own holiday home, Sarnfaen Holiday Park is the place to be! “We want to offer you and your family a truly memorable holiday experience. Offering the best products with the emphasis on quality and design, delivered by the highest standards of service with a smile” Owning a caravan holiday home or lodge can be a life enhancing experience. Quiet weekends away or longer break, whenever you like, without the need to book.

can take advantage of everything the park and the area has to offer, whatever the season. Holiday home owners also get the benefit to nominate annually 8 family and friends to use our Leisure Facilities free of charge whilst staying in their holiday home. When you embark on your journey of holiday home ownership it’s really important that you choose the right Park for you and your family!

You will be proud to show off your new holiday home – and your children, grandchildren and friends are sure to want to come and stay in a wonderful location with superb facilities.

Our friendly team here at Sarnfaen will make sure you understand completely the whole process of owning you own holiday home including the annual financial commitment you require. We are confident we will be the place for you!

We are open from 1st March to 7th January each year – so you

We welcome you to visit Sarnfaen at any time.

Luxury Holiday Lodges g For Sale

5-star family run, luxury holiday home park nestled between the mountains and the sea in the beautiful Snowdonia National park on the mid Wales coast. The perfect place to escape, discover and unwind, and to build unforgettable memories. Boasting excellent park facilities for all the family to include a newly built leisure centre with swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym and a relaxing café area. We have two luxury holiday lodges now for sale with prices starting from £125,000 to include extensive UPVC decking, pitch fees for 2019 and dedicated ﬁbre broadband.

Viewing available 7 days a week please call 01341 247241 Email debbie.ball@sarnfaen.co.uk | www.sarnfaen.co.uk

Swap Your Old Home

With our amazing part exchange deals you can swap your old home for a beautiful new Lioncourt Home, that’s ready to move into this March at Oaklands Park in Shawbury. If you want to move home in a hurry this spring and you’re stuck in a chain or don’t even have your house on the market yet, Lioncourt Homes could have the answer with their superfast, chain-free, no hassle part exchange scheme. This popular initiative is designed to make moving into a brand new Lioncourt home as fast, simple and smooth as possible. Thanks to the team at Lioncourt, you can move with speed as well as confidence and they’ll take care of all the hassle and paperwork. You’ll also save on estate agent costs to make the process even sweeter and you could move into your new home sooner than you think, in one seamless step. Liz Herring, Lioncourt Homes Sales Director says, ‘’Our Part Exchange scheme has proved enormously popular with our customers. To many of them it’s been the difference between moving and not moving. With no chain involved it does away with having to agree dates with others, wait for their mortgage

FOR A BEAUTIFUL NEW LIONCOURT HOME offers or searches to come thorough. We are the equivalent of a chain-free cash buyer and a as ‘5 star builder’ we pride ourselves in delivering exceptional customer service and this is just another example of us going that extra mile for our customers.’’ If you’re looking to move now, there’s a select range of detached homes that are ready to move into and once you’ve chosen your dream plot, Lioncourt will arrange a valuation on your existing property and make you an offer, (subject to survey). You can even stay in your existing home up to 14 days after you get the keys to your new home, so there’s no unnecessary rush, no pressure and no hassle. Some of the 4 and 5 bedroom homes on this select development are ready to move into at this delightful village location and prices range from £325,000 to £345,000. There are a host of local amenities in the village including shops, school, pubs and the popular village hall, as well as convenient transport links to the nearby town of Shrewsbury. The show home is open Thursday to Monday between 10am and 5.30pm on Shrewsbury Road, Shawbury SY4 4NR.

PROPERTY

A range of 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes

Feel more at home with our 7 day Part Exchange deal At Lioncourt Homes we help you move into a beautiful new home faster, smoother with less hassle and less cost.

3 bedroom detached homes from £195,000 4 bedroom detached homes from £325,000 5 bedroom detached homes from £335,000

With our 7 day part exchange scheme^ you could be moving to your new Lioncourt home sooner than you think.

Call 03330 110 601*

Don’t delay, speak to one of our friendly sales consultants today to find out how simple the process could be.

Oaklands Park, Shawbury, Shrewsbury, SY4 4NR Show home open Thursday-Monday 10am to 5.30pm

Where everyone feels at home lioncourthomes.com

^Part exchange exchange available available on on selected selected plots. plots. All All offers offers are are subject subject to to terms terms and and conditions. conditions. *Call *Call rates rates may may vary, vary, the the cost cost of of your your call call will will vary vary depending depending on on your your landline landline or or mobile mobile phone phone provider. provider. ^Part

Spring Clean

YOUR FINANCES

Spring is the season when we give our homes a good clean and tidy up, so why not do the same with your finances? There are many ways to take control of your financial life, and the majority of them are so easy it’s worth looking at all the possibilities. All you need is a little time and dedication, so with this in mind, here are a few ideas for a financial spring clean and a richer 2019.

Get organised

Financial decluttering offers a clearer view of your overall financial situation and valuable insight into unhealthy spending habits. Begin by finding all your relevant paperwork such as mortgage statements, insurance policies, credit agreements and utility bills, and decide which documents you need to keep. Although you should be mindful of retaining tax paperwork, you may not need to keep all of the older general documentation. What you do retain can be safely filed away in a dedicated folder so you have easy access should you need it.

Reduce outgoings and make paying easier

Not only can you save money by cancelling subscriptions that you no longer need, sorting out your paperwork highlights any excessively high payments you’ve been making and allows for tighter financial control. You can sign up to receive paperless bills and bank statements, which reduces the amount of paperwork in your home and helps to declutter your physical living space. By signing up to pay your bills by direct debit, you can also remove much of the hassle of making regular payments – providers might even offer you a discount for doing so.

Make a new budget

Whether or not you already operate a budget, making a new one can instil fresh life into your finances and allows you to overhaul your spending if necessary. Make sure to include all important annual events including birthdays, Christmas and holidays in the budget, so you arrive at an accurate plan for monthly expenditure. By scrutinising your bank statements you can see where you’ve been overspending during the last year and adjust accordingly, or lower your outlay in high-cost areas. This might involve checking comparison websites, or simply being more careful with the food shopping.

notebook. Whatever you do, keeping track of how much you spend helps you stick to your budget and deal confidently with the inevitable financial setbacks we all experience.

Tackle debt

By tackling debt you free yourself from the threat of serious financial difficulty, and provide new opportunities to save. You might choose to use the ‘debt snowball’ method of paying off the smallest debts first, or get stuck right in and pay off the largest debt. However you decide to approach it, becoming debt-free is liberating and an important element of a financial spring clean.

Maximise tax-free savings

With the end of the tax year fast approaching, make sure you’re taking advantage of your full tax-free savings allowance. You can currently save up to £20,000 tax-free in an Individual Savings Account (ISA), and are allowed to spread this amount between a cash ISA and an Investment ISA. If you don’t use your full allowance by 5th April, however, it will be lost.

Check your pension

Your pension provider should send you a pension statement once a year, so it’s a good idea to review how well it’s performing. If you have more than one pension it may also be worthwhile seeking professional advice as to whether they should be combined. If you think you have additional pensions but can’t quite remember, a facility on the gov.uk website can help you track them down.

Search for old bank accounts

You may have money in accounts that have been lying dormant for years, but there is a way to track them down. As with forgotten pensions, this is very useful if you can’t remember the bank accounts you’ve held in the past.

Plan finances ahead this year

If you’re planning a holiday in 2019 or need to buy a new car, for example, in conjunction with your new budget, saving a little each month can help to achieve your goals without going into debt.

My Lost Account is a website that helps you find old bank accounts, building society accounts and NS&I investments, so you can reclaim forgotten money and close them down. It’s also possible to check for any Premium Bond prizes that you haven’t claimed via the National Savings and Investments website.

Maybe you could open a new savings account for each prospective large purchase, or use a traditional piggy bank at home and watch your savings fund grow the old-fashioned way.

Overhauling your finances can make a significant impact on life in general, and helps you to make the most of your money. So start your spring clean this month and you’ll be reaping the rewards not only in 2019, but for many years to come.

Track your spending

http://tiny.cc/Clearscore-finance

With so many personal finance apps and tools now available, you can track your spending wherever you are. You might prefer to use a spreadsheet, or simply write down your spending in a

http://tiny.cc/Goodhousekeep www.mylostaccount.org.uk/about

by Ann Haldon

PROPERTY

Moooooving...?

Choose Barker Healey Property to sell your home and make sure your property stands out from the crowd!

WA N T E D PROPERTIES TO SELL

1% ISSION

COMM

10 High Street, Newport TF10 7AN

01952 813625 www.barkerhealey.co.uk A beautifully presented, recently built four Bedroom home which boasts two reception rooms and a Breakfast Kitchen. The property occupies a generous corner plot with private rear garden and driveway parking. A large Entrance Hall leads to all principal rooms as well as a Downstairs W.C. To the first floor there is a Master Bedroom with Ensuite, three further Bedrooms and a family Bathroom. The detached Garage has lighting and power, whilst there is also side access to the rear garden. Presented to a very high standard throughout, the property is currently being offered with NO UPWARD CHAIN.

4 Yew Tree Meadow, Hadley Park

Benefiting from the remainder of the NHBC certificate, DG and GCH throughout. Close to major commuter links and near to Telford Town Centre.

Guide Price ÂŁ250,000

Restaurant Review

FINDING THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN AND AROUND SHROPSHIRE

THE SEVEN STARS AT BROCTON

Cannock Road, Brocton, Stafford ST17 0SU

T: 01785 594000

We leave Shropshire this month and take a short trip over the border into Staffordshire to the renowned Seven Stars situated in the small village of Brocton. The journey there was very straight forward and took around 25 minutes heading along the A5 towards Cannock and then up through Penkridge village to Brocton. The original part of the building is 400 years old, so has all the usual features you would expect, high vaulted beamed ceilings and cosy alcoves. The use of different colours and textures gives the interior a very cool but relaxed feel and ultimately a very pleasant dining experience. There are various dining areas from the comfortable bar, a larger main dining area with a roaring wood burner and even a private dining room with clever rotating copper panels that can be revolved to open the room up or closed to create a more intimate dining experience for larger parties. We were shown through to the main dining area and were seated near a wood burner which was very welcome on such a cold evening. We ordered a glass of wine from the considerable wine list while we studied the menu. For starters Nik ordered the Chilli Crumbed Chicken Strips (£6.45) and I ordered the Button Mushrooms Stuffed with Goats’ Cheese and Chilli Butter (£6.45). Nik’s chicken strips had a lovely crunchy coating with just a slight hint of chilli adding a little heat, they were served with a fresh rocket salad and a tasty mayonnaise dip sprinkled with chilli – Nik said it was a great start to his meal. My large plump mushrooms were loaded with a combination of tangy goats’ cheese and a rich chilli butter, these were served on a heavy metal skillet, the amalgamation of the textures and flavours was really good. The dish was served with some large croutons which were perfect for mopping up the delicious juice in the bottom of the skillet.

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT After a short rest the main courses were served, the presentation was remarkable, both main courses looked superb. I had chosen the Sesame Breaded Chicken Breast (£14.95) and Nik opted for a dish he hadn’t had before which was the Pork Tomahawk Steak (£16.95). Not one to usually order pork, Nik instantly knew he had made the right choice when the large pork steak arrived at the table. The large steak was perfectly cooked, juicy, succulent and there was certainly plenty of it. It was served with broccoli, buttery crushed new potatoes and edamame beans with silver skin onions and a lemon and Sage sauce. The edamame beans, and potatoes were excellent with the pork and the sage and lemon sauce finished the dish off perfectly. Nik loved this dish and left a very clean plate, definitely one to try for meat lovers. My sesame breaded chicken was quite a substantial dish, a very generous portion of sliced breast meat coated in light crisp breadcrumbs with black sesame seeds. The dish was served with a delicious pork fried rice, pak choi, cucumber salad and a luscious honey and soy glaze, a fabulous dish! After such great main courses, the desserts had a big act to follow and they didn’t disappoint. I chose the Eton Mess Meringue Roulade (£6.95) and Nik decided on the Mango Panna Cotta (£5.95). Nik’s panna cotta was served with a blackberry salsa and amaretti biscuits. The Panna cotta was sooooo silky smooth, along with the sweetness of the mango sauce and sharpness of the blackberry salsa this dessert had everything. The dish was finished with delicate amaretti biscuit crumble and mint leaf.

My Eton Mess Meringue Roulade was served with Chantilly cream, fresh berries and raspberry sorbet. The meringue was just how I like it, melt in the mouth, slightly chewy in the middle and a little softness at the bottom. The fluffy Meringue was topped with luxurious Chantilly cream and fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and a sprig of fresh mint. The raspberry sorbet added a nice sharpness to counter the sweetness of the meringue. A lunch menu is served between 125pm with a range of sandwiches, salads and light bite options. On Sundays you have a choice of ordering from the main menu or a range of Sunday lunches are also available. It is advisable to book in advance and tables can be booked over the phone or on their website. You can also view the current menus online. The Seven Stars is owned by Parogon Pub Group who are a privately owned independent company which currently have 6 restaurants, mainly around the Staffordshire area. The Swan with Two Necks in Blackbrook has been closed for a refurbishment but re-opened last month. The very latest addition to the group is the Red House in Lilleshall, which is currently closed and awaiting a full refurbishment, they are expecting to open the doors around July/August time this year. The Seven Stars has lots to offer, with a great unique interior, delicious food and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere – but don’t just take our word for it, go and see for yourself.

Reviewed by Fleur & Nik Abel

OPENING TIMES

Sun to Thu: 12pm to 11pm • Fri to Sat: 12pm to midnight Food served until 10pm everyday

THE SEVEN STARS AT BROCTON Cannock Road, Brocton, Stafford ST17 0SU

T: 01785 594000 E: info@thesevenstarsbrocton.co.uk

View our menus online at:

www.thesevenstarsbrocton.co.uk 19

The People’s Vote Wood’s Brewery are to launch a new beer on the 4th March. It was voted for by beer drinkers at last year’s Shropshire Oktoberfest, which was attended by 10,000 people. xx Wood’s will add ‘Take 5’ to their growing collection of beers, which includes Shropshire Lad and Shropshire Lass. Take 5’s name derives from the five hops used to create it – Target, Centennial, Mount Hood, Amarillo and Citra. It is a classic 5.2% India Pale Ale and will be available in cask form for the on-trade market. The vote took place at an Innovation Lab at the real ale festival. Wood’s created three IPA’s for the poll, called Shady Sam, Dodgy Dave and Rowdy Rob, which festival goers tasted and scored. Shady Sam was crowned the clear winner for taste and Dodgy Dave was slightly ahead for nose. The recipes were combined to create

ARC AND VMS LIVE PRESENTS MUSIC LIVE AT WOLVERHAMPTON RACECOURSE

LIVE AFTER RACING

FRIDAY 30 AUGUST

LI V E ON L A DIE S DAY SATURDAY 31 AUGUST PRICES FROM £40 TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk vmstickets.co.uk

CROWNS A NEW WINNER FOR WOOD’S the finished product, which features a blend of five hops from around the world. Andy Pinnock, Head Brewer at Wood’s comments: “We tweaked the Shady Sam recipe a little, by adding some Citra hops from the Dodgy Dave recipe. By taking the best from both beers we have created a very smooth yet hoppy, floral and citrusy IPA, which is incredibly drinkable. A big thanks goes to the beer drinkers of Shropshire for helping me to create this fantastic IPA.” Wood’s, based in Shropshire, was established almost 40 years ago, and soon set about disrupting the market place with an early uptake of the real ale revolution. Wood’s were one of the founding members of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) going up against a surge of gas-pumped keg beer companies to produce traditionally brewed beers. Take 5 will be available from Wood’s Brewery from the 4th March 2019.

CODEWORD

Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a different number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. Once you have filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the grid to the right.

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

TAke THAT vs JeRsey Boys TRiBuTe - Saturday 30th March - £32.00 per person our Take That and Jersey Boys tribute are back to entertain again. enjoy a three course meal followed by our tribute and disco until 1.00am.

MoTHeR’s DAy LuNcH - Sunday 31st March - £30.00 per adult, £15.00 per child enjoy a three course lunch in our Lakeside Restaurant with magician chris Priest and Richard Harvey on the piano.

eAsTeR suNDAy LuNcH - Sunday 21st April - £25.00 per adult, £12.50 per child enjoy a three course meal with coffee in our Lakeside Restaurant, plus an easter egg for the children.

THe sPiRiT of suMMeR ‘shops Away’ - Thursday 9th May £12.50 per person, Shopping only entry: Free of charge

come along and enjoy a shopping experience from a wide variety of unique local businesses 10.30am – 4.30pm.you will also enjoy a one course meal served with a glass of fizz.

Booking is essential for all events, call 01902

700100

Great location, convenient to J3 M54 and only 20 minutes from the centre of Wolverhampton and Telford.

Look us up on Trip Advisor

Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR

01902 700100

sales@patshull-park.co.uk

www.patshull-park.co.uk

THE

WHITE HOUSE HOTEL MUXTON

Wellington Road, Muxton, Telford TF2 8NG

T: 01952 603603

Food Served:

2 Steaks and Wine for ONLY

£27.50

(available everyday) 2 Succulent Prime Rump Steaks with a Bottle of House Wine

Mon-Sat 12pm - 9:30pm Sun 12pm - 8pm

MONDAY NIGHT MANIA £8 MAIN COURSE

£3.50 Starter • £3.50 Sweet Choose 1, 2 or 3 courses

Served in the bar or restaurant between 5pm & 9:30pm every Monday night. Please book to avoid any disappointment

Visit our website to view our latest menu

www.whhotel.co.uk

Midlife, Hormones and Food Midlife is a time of many changes for women, physically, emotionally and mentally. Chef, Nutritional and Lifestyle blogger Sabrina Zeif is on a mission to help women understand the effects of midlife and the menopause. She says “Menopause is not a dirty word, nor is it an old woman thing. It's a natural transition for all women and perimenopause symptoms start in your 40's.” Believing that knowledge is power, Sabrina regularly blogs on the issues of diet, lifestyle, relationships and what food is good to cook to improve health and hormone function. Her passion for living and her sense of humour make her a great hit with her followers, she runs a local ‘Menopause Meet Up’, holds regular workshops and has created a global community of like-minded women. She says "Hormones affect both our brain and gut function. I know from personal experience and years of research that symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause, such as weight gain,

cravings, hot flushes, moodiness, headaches and forgetfulness, can all be improved through eating well.”

Some of the things that she recommends are:

Seeds – Flax, Pumpkin, Hemp, Sesame and Sunflower seeds are packed full of vitamins, good fatty acids and are a low GI food, keeping you fuller for longer. Try crushing them and sprinkling them on yoghurt, cereals or salads. Flax seeds also contain phytoestrogens which can ease menopausal symptoms.

Turmeric

– is often used as a digestive healing agent due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Try it in a home-made coconut latte with some added ginger, vanilla extract and ground nutmeg.

Quinoa – fast and easy to use for a tasty, nutritious breakfast cooked with coconut almond milk and served with pumpkin, flax seeds and berries which are high Vitamin C and fibre. To find out more or to book Sabrina as a speaker, see www.themenopausechef. com, find her on Facebook or join her Global Community.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD Across 1. Aromatic herb (5) 4. Vehicle framework (7) 8. West Germanic language (7)

Down 1. Polishes, gives a shine to (5) 2. Travel on the piste (3) 3. Mendacious (5)

9. Main artery of the body (5)

4. Brightly-coloured seashell (5)

10. Catapult (9)

5. Made more fit for a particular purpose (7)

13. US TV corporation (inits) (3) 14. Smart frock suitable for formal social occasions (8,5) 17. Unit of sound intensity (3) 18. Study of the physical properties of sound (9) 22. Pandemonium (5) 23. Place of complete bliss, delight and peace (7)

6. Vast plain and National Park in Tanzania (9) 7. Spiritualists’ meetings (7) 11. Put the blame on, incriminate (9) 12. Style of popular music originating in Jamaica (3) 14. Booth (7) 15. Passage (7) 16. Moldovan monetary unit (3) 19. Proprietor (5)

25. Device that causes something to be removed or to drop out (7)

20. Gesture involving the shoulders (5)

26. Triangular part of a wall (5)

24. Liturgical vestment worn by a priest (3)

21. Dry white Italian wine from Verona (5)

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

SIX COURSE TASTING MENU

PEAKY BLINDERS RACE & CASINO NIGHT

With six courses to indulge, enjoy and digest, this is an evening definitely not to be missed!

If you’re a fan of the fabulous TV show, then get dressed up in 1920’s gear for a blinding night, includes a free drink on arrival, two-course meal, race night (with 8 races) & casino tables

Fri 15th March 7pm

Sat 30th March - 7pm

£39.95 pp

MOTHERING SUNDAY

EASTER SUNDAY

Sunday Lunch 12-2pm

Sun 31st March

Sun 21st April

3 course lunch and

3 course lunch with coffee and Free family portrait

Easter Egg Treat £24.95 pp

£28.50 pp

(under 12's half price)

Afternoon Tea 3-6pm £19.95 pp

Afternoon Tea 3-6pm £21.95 pp

(Enjoy with a glass of fizz for an extra £5.95pp)

(Cream Tea £15.95pp)

Free family portrait

WHIRLWIND WEDDING PACKAGE £2995 (supplements for a Friday & Saturday)

Our Whirlwind Wedding Packages are perfect for anyone who is planning a last-minute wedding in Shropshire and looking for late wedding availability. As the name suggests, if you only have less than 6 months to plan, then our experienced team can help pull off your big day! Due to the short lead time, our Whirlwind Wedding Package are the most cost-effective deals that we offer but as Hadley Park House Hotel is an awardwinning wedding venue in Shropshire, our experienced wedding planners can use their contacts with our local wedding partners to make planning a quick and speedy process. We work closely with many wedding services in Shropshire, from venue dressers, photographers, videographers, wedding cars, wedding stationery, florists, menswear hire, wedding cakes and entertainers. Price based on 50 day guests and 80 evening guests (inc. bride & groom). For full details please call us or view details on our website.

Hadley Park House Telford TF1 6JQ

01952 677269

info@hadleypark.co.uk

www.hadleypark.co.uk 23

We’ve Retired If you’re approaching retirement age and you live with a partner, you’re probably looking forward to having some ‘quality time’ together to explore new horizons and take part in hobbies you both enjoy. While there’s every chance that your future will be just as fulfilling as you imagine, life as a retired couple doesn’t always provide the kind of roses-round-the-door contentment that the clichés suggest. When the Skipton Building Society undertook research with 660 retired couples, around a quarter of the group admitted that retirement had put their relationship under pressure, while 13% confessed that they “irritate each other beyond belief”. Flashpoints included complaints about time spent on the phone, interference in the kitchen and situations where one partner is frustrated with their other’s lack of ‘get up and go’. Arguments about money and lack of personal space were also a source of tension. Retirement inevitably means you will get to spend more time in each other’s company, but it may take a while to get used to this unaccustomed ‘togetherness’. If, like Mhairi and Danny Brandreth, you’re already feeling a little claustrophobic in each other’s company, downsizing to a smaller property will only intensify those feelings. Mhairi and Danny’s retirement began with a move from a large family home in the suburbs of Birmingham to a cottage in Wales. While the cottage was perfect for the rural lifestyle they had dreamed of, neither had considered what effect moving to a smaller property might have on their relationship. “Before we retired, both of us worked quite long hours, and when we got home in the evening we would often end up in different rooms: Danny would watch TV while I caught up with friends online,” says Mhairi. “The first thing that struck us when we moved into the cottage was there was nowhere to escape to!” Danny picks up the story: “It wasn’t long before we started getting on each others’ nerves. One day, after an argument about something really trivial, we realised that if we didn’t change things, we could be heading for divorce.” The compromise they reached was that they would spend at least one day a week apart, pursuing different interests. Mhairi adds: “It sounds an odd thing to say, but agreeing to spend more time apart has actually brought us closer. I think we would have had a less stressful start to retirement if we had set some guidelines for our lives together.” Ironically, when civil partners Gail Priestman and Shakuntala Kabir retired, the arguments focused on their respective hobbies. While Shakuntala, a keen gardener, found time to lavish even more love and attention on her plants, Gail took up photography and wanted to travel more in order to pursue her hobby. “I’d dreamed about Shakuntala and I travelling the world together,” says Gail. “But last year’s hot summer made her uneasy about leaving the garden for any length of time. The garden was like a dependent relative you can’t leave behind and I felt was taking over our lives.” Shakuntala agrees: “I could understand Gail’s point of view, but I couldn’t see a way out. I’d always planned to

AND MY PARTNER’S DRIVING ME CRAZY

spend more time in the garden when I retired, but it hadn’t occurred to be how all-consuming that interest might become.” Eventually the couple reached a compromise, agreeing to take their main holiday in the wintertime. Shakuntala also joined her local Garden Society and found a fellow member who was willing to do a ‘garden minding’ exchange during summer breaks. Both couples discovered that simply drifting into retirement without discussion about how their new life was going to work led to stresses and strains in their relationships. The organisation Relate has the following advice to couples planning to retire: • Prepare at least five years ahead for retirement and develop your hobbies and interests before you stop working. • Make a list of the things you’d like to do when you have more time on your hands. • Talk to your partner about mutual interests you could develop together. • Follow the lead of someone you know who has coped with changes in a positive way. • Find time to talk to other people about their experiences of retirement. If you’ve retired and are worried about your relationship, or if you plan to retire and feel anxious about the future with your partner, Relate offers a free Live Chat session with a trained counsellor (visit relate.org.uk). Retirement offers a great opportunity to reconnect with your partner and share new experiences and interests, but adjusting to change can be stressful. It’s encouraging to know that out of the 660 people quizzed by Skipton Building Society, nine out of ten said their relationship issues didn’t mean a lack of love or commitment and felt confident that they would eventually enjoy a happy retirement together.

by Kate McLelland

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

OPEN from 10am for breakfast

10% OFF

Coffee & Cake 62 High Street Newport TF10 7AQ

Food served 10-3pm

Special Offer your food bill

£3.50

Freshly prepared homemade food available from 10am till 3pm, including healthy options, sharing platters and small appetites selection

(T&C's apply - Discount applies when ordering off the main menu, excludes drinks and any other offers. Valid until 30th April 2019 - please mention this advert)

Two main meals for £13.50 on a Wednesday T&C'S APPLY

T: 01952 820 810 Ideal venue for Birthdays, Parties, Christenings, Wakes, etc.. Free Wi-fi • Disabled Access Baby Changing Facilities • Pool Table

www.thebarleynewport.co.uk 25

Recipe

MINI ORANGE & CHOCOLATE CAKES

These lovely little citrus cakes take no time to make and are a delicious sweet treat.

Ready in: 1 hour, plus cooling and setting | Makes 12

INGREDIENTS: 225g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 12 mini chocolate cookies 225g golden caster sugar 225g self-raising flour ½ tsp baking powder 4 medium eggs, beaten Juice and zest of 1 orange 100g milk chocolate, melted, plus extra grated, to serve

TIP

Orange slices, to serve (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, fan 160F, gas mark 4. Use the extra butter to thoroughly grease the holes in a 12-hole muffin tray. Line the base of each hole with a circle of baking paper. Drop a mini chocolate cookie into each hole. 2. Place the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, eggs, orange juice and zest in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a hand-held electric whisk for 3-4 minutes until smooth and creamy. 3. Spoon the mixture evenly into the holes in the muffin tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until risen, golden and springy to the touch. Cool in the tin for a few minutes then run a small palette knife around each cake to loosen and turn out on a wire rack. Leave to cool completely. 4. Dip the top of each orange sponge in melted chocolate and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Leave for 30 minutes or until set. Serve topped with grated chocolate and orange slices, if liked.

These make delicious warm puddings – instead of leaving to cool and dipping in the chocolate, serve warm drizzled with the melted chocolate and with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraiche.

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

The Bridge Inn Lower Bar, Newport TF10 7BJ

T: 01952 324481 www.thebridgenewport.co.uk

Selection of local real ales, bottled Belgium beer, craft beer and 25 gins. Freshly prepared, home cooked food, using local suppliers.

Daily

Specials Board Large selection of fish dishes & gluten free dishes

Always a Warm Welcome

Bar Opening Times:

Wednesday to Sunday 12-3pm & 4.30pm-Midnight Monday and Tuesday 4.30 till closing

Good Quality Local Food Served:

Wednesday to Saturday 12-2.30pm & 5-9.30pm • Sunday 12-6pm

or Supp

Catering for family parties, funerals and corporate lunches LOCAL FOOD, PREPARED IN OUR DELI KITCHEN Buffets with free delivery within 3 mile radius

e roduc cal P t Lo

including Hortonwood and Stafford Park

3 Menus to choose from starting at £4 per head (minimum order 4 persons)

Please allow 24hrs notice for Lunches and 48hrs notice for Parties

Daily sandwiches also available to order please call for a leaflet

Daily Fresh Deli hes Sandwic at both Available stores

Pop-in and see us at: Donnington

Station Road, Donnington, Telford TF2 8JY • T: 01952 677345

Priorslee

Woodhouse Lane, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9UR • T: 01952 200696 @shopgreenfields

Green Fields Farm Shop

The Home of Great LOCAL Food • Fresh Bread • Milk, Tea & Coffee • Wenlock Edge, Fordhall Farm, Malcolm Wickstead’s • Huge Range of Cheese and Deli Products & Buttercross Meats • Beers, Wines & Ciders • Vegetables, Herbs, Salads, Fruits & Nuts • Rice, Pasta and Sauces • Home Made Cakes & • Special Dietary Products Goodies & much more...

Fruit & Veg Boxes delivered to your door

(Weekly or Fortnightly)

FIRST BOX 1 /2 PRICE

Is a Hybrid car right for me?

town. Here, the electric motor can take the brunt of pulling away and low-speed work – where a combustion engine is at its most polluting – with the engine cutting in only when necessary. Thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque, hybrids are particularly nippy off the line, and their acceleration is good, too. If you take it gently, most hybrids will remain a full EV at these speeds, too, allowing for silent, relaxed progress through crowded city centres.

There are good reasons to switch from a petrol or diesel car, such as concerns over environmental impact, tax benefits for low emissions vehicles or simply to save money at the pumps. As full-electric cars aren’t suitable for every driver, a hybrid car may be the answer – merging combustion technology with electrification to give, in theory, the advantages of both.

Types of hybrid

Mild hybrids use very small electric motors and battery packs exclusively to aid the engine, and never drive the wheels directly. Often they’re virtually indistinguishable from driving a standard combustion-engined car. The traditional or parallel hybrids, popularised by the Toyota Prius in the late 90s, use a larger battery pack and electric motor and are capable of a few miles on electric power alone. Often, the cars will set off on electricity, with the engine cutting in over a certain speed or throttle load. They can’t be plugged in, and gain all of their electric power from brake regeneration and engine power. Plug-in hybrids can be plugged in to a socket or outlet, have bigger battery packs and electric motors, and can usually travel at least 20 miles without using the combustion engine. The aim is that they are driven mainly on electric power, with the combustion engine cutting in for longer journeys or under heavy load. Increasingly rare are range-extending electric vehicles, which are essentially electric cars with a combustion engine added to act as a generator.

What’s your mileage?

High-mileage users still benefit from a diesel over a hybrid car in most situations, as the electric motors on most hybrid cars provide little or no assistance over a certain speed. Thus on a motorway cruise, a hybrid car reverts to being a petrol vehicle – but one burdened with the weight of a battery and electric motor. This is especially true of plug-in hybrids, which have excellent fuel economy figures when the battery is charged but drop to substandard levels when running on combustion alone. However, a high-mileage driver would see the cost benefits of a hybrid compared to a standard petrol car – but motorway users will still favour diesel.

Where do you drive?

The benefits of a hybrid system are most keenly felt around

On faster roads, however, the CVT gearbox used in most mainstream hybrid cars doesn’t respond well to heavy feet and makes rapid progress downright uncomfortable as the revs spiral. The weight of a battery pack and motor can lead to ponderous handling, while the ultra-efficient low rolling resistance tyres don’t offer the best grip.

Where do you live?

Being able to charge a plug-in hybrid or range-extending electric car at home is critical. These cars benefit most from regular charging, allowing owners to make the most of the electric-only range before switching on the combustion engine. Most of these vehicles, with ranges of around 30 miles on battery power alone, will mean a cost-saving regular commute as the engine will never switch on. However, standard hybrids don’t require charging and can be treated as a normal petrol or diesel vehicle.

Worried about the environment?

There are a few environmental concerns surrounding hybrid vehicles. On long runs, a diesel will be both more efficient and emit less carbon dioxide, while the manufacture of batteries does contribute significantly to the hybrid’s environmental footprint. The hybrid wins, however, when it comes to local emissions and air pollution. A Toyota Prius, for example, emits just 78g/ km of carbon dioxide under official testing, far less than the cleanest diesel car. The ability to run on electricity alone at low speeds also helps with particulate emissions.

Are hybrid cars reliable?

Hybrids have proven to outlast the manufacturer’s expectations in terms of longevity, and even the very oldest Toyota Prius and Honda Insight models from the 90s can still be going strong well into 2019. If looked after, a hybrid’s battery pack will last the lifetime of the vehicle with no ill effects. In addition, regenerative braking reduces wear on brakes and tyres, aiding maintenance costs. Just be sure you have the car serviced by a garage that knows what it’s doing.

How much do you have to spend?

Hybrids command a cost premium due to the addition of the electric motor and battery systems, but many will see the benefit – hence why most private hire drivers in London use a Toyota Prius. For example, the hybrid Toyota Prius comes in from £24,245, which could also get you a rather plush 1.5-litre, 148bhp petrolengined Volkswagen Golf in R-Line trim. So carefully consider the cost benefits and whether your mileage will be sufficient to make the most of it.

by James Baggot

MOTORS & LEISURE

A Family car… But not as you know it. The all new Mercedes-Benz B-Class has arrived, call in and take a test drive.

Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, SY1 3TG 01743 537233

Lookers.co.uk/Mercedes-Benz Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the Mercedes-Benz range: urban 14.2(19.9)-62.8(4.5), extra urban 25.9(10.9)72.4(3.9), combined 19.9(14.2)-68.9(4.1). CO2 emissions 325-108 g/km. The indicated values were determined according to the prescribed measurement method. These are the “NEDC CO2 values” according to Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions, chosen optional extras and other non-technical factors.

MERC0342 Shrewsbury In and Around Feb 2019.indd 1

19/02/2019 13:56

Is a Diesel Car

RIGHT FOR ME?

Despite recent bad publicity, diesels still fit the bill for some drivers – and we explain why.

In September 2015, the world of diesel changed forever when news broke that Volkswagen had been covering up illegally high emissions of nitrogen oxides from its diesel vehicles. Since then diesel has come under a lot of pressure, with various groups calling for it to be heavily taxed or even banned altogether. Many say that diesel was mis-sold to buyers, promising low emissions and high fuel economy when in reality it was totally unsuitable for the journeys they do. But diesel isn’t necessarily the bad guy all the time. For some buyers, it’s still a good choice. But are you one of those buyers? Read on to find out…

What’s your mileage?

Diesel cars make a lot of sense for high-mileage drivers. Those doing over 20,000 miles a year will soon benefit from the increased fuel economy a diesel engine provides – and over time, they’ll save money. This is because diesel fuel contains more energy than petrol, meaning that even though it’s slightly more expensive it offers more miles per gallon. However, in most cases, diesel variants of cars cost more to buy than their petrol equivalents, so depending on the price gap you’ll need to do more miles to break even. For example, the Volkswagen Golf 1.6-litre diesel costs around £1,600 more than the equivalently powered petrol car. According to the official fuel economy, a driver would break even after around 75,000 miles – so for an average driver, that’s over six years. But for a motorway mile-muncher doing 30,000 miles a year, they’d break even in less than three years.

What type of journeys do you usually do?

Diesels are very efficient – when they’re warm. However, they take a while to heat up, which means during the first 10 miles or so of any journey they’ll be inefficient and polluting. That’s not really good news if you regularly undertake lots of journeys shorter than that, and it gets worse, too. You see,

modern pollution control systems need the engines to be running at a certain RPM to function. This is easily achievable on the motorway, but if your car starts a regeneration cycle while you’re idling on the school run, you risk clogging up expensive and complex systems such as exhaust gas recirculation or diesel particulate filters.

How heavily loaded are you?

If there’s one thing diesels have over a petrol engine in abundance, it’s torque. This sheer pulling power means that for heavily loaded vehicles such as people carriers, vans, or trucks, there really isn’t much substitute for a diesel. That’s especially true of people who often tow heavy items like caravans or horse boxes – they’ll find that a petrol engine, unless it’s a super-powerful one, really tends to struggle in these situations. A diesel is more pleasant to use when loaded to capacity, and won’t suffer as much strain as a petrol car would. You won’t need to ride the clutch so often, nor will you need to go through the gears at such a rate.

Which cars are you looking at?

Of course, this all assumes you have an option. However, several cars simply don’t offer a viable alternative to diesel, leaving you with the choice of sticking with the oil-burner or choosing a different car. Let’s take pickup trucks, for example – there’s currently not a single petrol-powered crew-cab pickup on the UK market. The same is often true of people carriers, and even some executive or family cars have this issue, too. Move into the more luxurious end of the market and you may find the diesel is the ‘sensible’ option. Sure, there’s a petrol version available – but it’s a monstrous V8 with a daft amount of horsepower and a fuel economy figure in the teens. In these situations, you may just have to work around a diesel – taking regular long journeys and making sure it’s impeccably serviced to keep the emission control systems running as they should. There’s no doubt many drivers of diesel cars today would be better off in a petrol model, or even an equivalent hybrid or electric model. Yet the fuel has its uses, for high-mileage, heavily-laden or penny-pinching buyers. As always, just shop carefully and consider all of your options before you buy.

by James Baggot

MOTORS & LEISURE

Discover the Excitement

OF CAR RACING AT PIT STOP ENGINUITY

Meet a real racing driver, get up close to a Formula 3 car and drive a ‘virtual’ car on the race simulator at the exciting Pit Stop event at Enginuity, Coalbrookdale over the weekend of 9 and 10 March. The day will be packed with fun and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy including having a go at changing a wheel on the F3 car. Ironbridge Gorge Museums have partnered with the University of Wolverhampton Race (UWR) team to stage this exciting interactive family event, which will see the University running four interactive sessions throughout the weekend focused around engineering, racing and science. As well as the amazing Formula 3 Renault racing car, which takes centre stage, university students will be showcasing two Morgan cars and their Formula Student race car. Go along to the Enginuity Theatre and listen to Formula 3 race driver Shane Kelly talk about his exciting life, while race engineer Matt Fenton will explain what’s needed to get a car race ready. Then meet the School of Engineering students and hear about their choice of career. If you’ve always admired the wheel change speed on Formula 1 circuits, try entering a competition as to who can change a wheel the fastest on the F3 car – there’s a prize for the winner! Then imagine you are a race driver and take a selfie sitting in the F3

car or holding a trophy on the podium. You can also enter a raffle to win a Race Day at a 2019 UK Formula 3 event at Donnington, Silverstone or Oulton for a family of four (two adults and two children). The Race Team will be supported by sponsor RS Components, who will be bringing their Titan II vehicle, which features technologies such as RS’ DesignSpark platform, Raspberry Pi, 3D printing, robotics, Internet of Things and thermal imaging – as well as virtual reality and augmented reality technology. In addition to this, the University’s team will be unravelling the mystery of science by encouraging audience participation and interaction through physical demonstrations and showing science off through performance, theatre, illusions and mind tricks. Tickets, which can be booked at www.ironbridge.org.uk or bought at the gate cost £5 for children up to 16 years and full-time students and £7 for adults, under 5s free. They include entrance to Enginuity and a range of fun hands-on activities for all ages.

Telford Hotel & Golf Resort 18 Hole Championship Course | Putting Greens Driving Rage | Golf Shop | Golf Lessons Bespoke Packages | Buggies

Championship Golf Course USGA standard greens

Membership fees from £295 Society packages from £17.50 pp

To enquire or to book, please contact our golf team on

01952 422964 or email proshop@telfordhotelgolfresort.co.uk 31

Discover National Parks 6TH-21ST APRIL

Britain’s fifteen national parks protect almost 10% of England, 20% of Wales and 8% of Scotland, encompassing waterfalls, caves, mountains and rivers, so visit these beautiful landscapes on your doorstep. The record breakers: The oldest (1951): Peak District

90% of the Park is farmland, alongside gritstone edges, steep limestone dales, moorland and impressive caverns famed for rare Blue John stone.

The newest (2010): South Downs

Visit vast woodlands, vineyards, charming market towns, rolling hills and the famous white cliffs at Seven Sisters.

The internationally recognised: Lake District

A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its many lakes, including Windermere, its literary ties with Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter and for Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. Take a boat trip or follow one of Wainwright’s famous fell walks.

The only Park designated primarily for its coastline: Pembrokeshire Coast

It’s not all just cliffs, beaches, harbours and coves. The park is home to prehistoric tombs, Celtic crosses, Iron Age hill forts and numerous castles too. You can walk its entirety via the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path, spotting seabirds, seals, dolphins and sharks.

The smallest: Broads

Snowdonia

Snowdonia includes our oldest nature reserve, Cwm Idwal, and Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales, along with castles, gorges, waterfalls, numerous sandy beaches and several scenic railways (including one that ascends Snowdon itself).

North York Moors

Discover: heather-covered moors; a beautiful coastline, including Robin Hood’s Bay and traditional fishing villages; the Hole of Horcum, a huge natural amphitheatre; and the ‘finest view in England’ at Sutton Bank.

Brecon Beacons

Famous for its mountain ponies, standing stones, waterfalls, caves, castles and mountain landscapes.

Dartmoor

This open landscape of rocky granite tors, stone circles, medieval villages and heather-covered moorland roamed by ponies has inspired books, films and music.

Exmoor

A landscape of dramatic extremes, with high moorland, rolling farmland and steep cliffs alongside tranquil woodland. Look out for wild red deer and Exmoor ponies or visit ancient burial mounds, standing stones, Roman forts and medieval villages.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Britain’s largest protected wetland. Its 125 miles of navigable, winding waterways provide a habitat for some of our rarest wildlife. Discover a Roman fort, medieval churches and traditional drainage windmills.

The Park’s many Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000ft high) provide an amazing backdrop to 22 large lochs and around 50 rivers and streams.

The largest: Cairngorms

Some trees in this historic royal hunting forest are over 1,000 years old and ponies, cattle, sheep and pigs graze on open heathland. Its attractive coastline has a strong maritime heritage.

You’ll find ancient pine forests, castles, winter sports, the tourist town of Braemar and the second highest mountain in the UK, Ben Macdui, in this mountainous park that’s bigger than Luxembourg.

And no less remarkable: Yorkshire Dales

Caves, peaks, ancient woodlands, traditional barns, drystone walls, waterfalls and amazing rock formations abound (as do delicious Wensleydale cheeses).

New Forest

Northumberland

Tranquil and remote, home to wild mountain goats, the remains of Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland Dark Sky Park (the largest area of protected night sky in Europe). Find out more at nationalparks.uk

by Allsion Runham

MOTORS & LEISURE

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Shifnal Golf Club | Decker Hill | Shifnal | Shropshire | TF11 8QL T: 01952 460330 • E: secretary@shifnalgolf.com • www.shifnalgolfclub.com 33

Fabulous

FRUIT TREES varieties of the same fruit have been grafted, meaning you can grow three varieties of apple or pear on just one tree. The varieties are selected by the nursery so that they all pollinate each other and so you should get a fair crop from an established tree.

If you have ever been put off the idea of growing your own tree fruit, such as apples, pears, plums or cherries, simply because your garden is on the small size, think again; it is not difficult to grow a fair quantity of fruit in even a tiny garden. There is no need for an orchard, acres of land or even a large garden, so just how do you manage it? Start by checking out the plant’s ‘rootstock’, which is the type of tree root that the variety you want has been grafted on to. The rootstock determines how big a tree will grow, and if you get one that has a dwarfing effect your tree will be much less inclined to become huge. Rootstocks ‘Pixey’ on plums, ‘M9’ on apples or ‘Quince A’ on pears should help to reduce the risk of a large tree developing. You could also use an apple or pear as a border edging. Each tree will spread to 150cm (5ft) or more and can be trained to form a horizontal barrier at about 45cm (18in) above the ground – they look fantastic when in flower, and then bear fruit along the horizontal ‘arms’. A pollinator tree nearby is needed to ensure good fruit set or choose the self-fertile ‘Concorde’ pear and you’ll still get a reasonable crop with just one tree. You can buy ready-trained step-overs from some garden centres and specialist fruit nurseries. Consider growing fruit trees in pots. There is no doubt that growing pretty well anything in a pot takes more effort from you, as the plant will be reliant on you for food and more moisture, but provided you use a good-sized pot – perhaps even a half-barrel – it can work well. It is best to use a loambased John Innes No. 3 compost, but make sure there is plenty of drainage material at the base of the container – broken flower pots work well! Provided you make sure that no one variety gets out of hand and grows too vigorously, it is a useful idea in a smaller garden. ‘Family Trees’ are basically trees on to which two additional

When space is limited, you can grow ‘Ballerina’ or ‘Minarettes’ trees. These are what I call ‘skyward’ apples, because they produce their fruits on short spurs which grow out of the vertical main stem, with the result that you end up with a tree measuring up to 2.4m (8ft) tall, but which is so columnar that you can plant them just 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart if you want more than one tree. This form of tree is available as many different varieties, including dessert apples, cooking apples, pears, plums, gages and damsons. They can be grown in patio pots or in open ground. Most fruit trees need a pollinator, or sometimes two, to ensure that the flowers on each variety are pollinated so that the fruit can form. If space is very limited and you can definitely only afford the space for one solitary tree, then you can still grow fruit: choose a variety that is described as ‘self-fertile’, meaning that the tree does not need a companion and can fertilise its own flowers. If you love apples, this might be a ‘Queen Cox’, ‘Greensleeves’ or ‘Red Devil’, or if pears are your passion, try the variety ‘Concorde’ or ‘Invincible’, for cherries try ‘Stella’ and for plums choose variety ‘Victoria’. If you do provide a pollinator you’re likely to get a heavier crop, but without you’ll still get a fair quantity of fruit. If you have a fence or framework with a bit of planting space next to it, then you could also grow your fruit as an ‘espalier’, which means trained and pruned so that the tree lies pretty well flat against the fence with several parallel ‘arms’ that bear the fruit, or perhaps as a ‘fan’ where the branches are trained and pruned to produce a near flat fan shape against the surface – this works especially well for cherries, plums, damsons and even apricots. Why not grow a cordon or single-stemmed apple or pear over a simple arch? Better still, grow one variety up one side and another (a suitable pollinator) up the other – it’ll look stunning in the spring when in flower, and then again when it bears its tasty crop! At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find some great gardening items: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for vegetable plants and advice, Nemaslug and other natural pest controls, stylish cloches, pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or book Pippa for a gardening talk at your club.

by Pippa Greenwood

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

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Gardening

HEAVENLY HERBS

Plants in pots have become trendier in recent years; indeed put just about anything in a container and someone will want it in their garden. But life in a pot or other container suits some plants better than others, to say the least. I’m not exactly a dedicated follower of horticultural fashion, but I have to say that I’ve always liked to grow herbs in pots. For starters they look pretty, and there are lots of ornamental variegated forms that are readily available too. But perhaps more importantly, herbs in pots can be kept in any well-lit spot close to the house. There’s no need to worry if your garden soil is too wet and soggy for them and, best of all, no need to go traipsing to the far end of your garden on wet, windy evenings just because you fancy perking up the supper with some fresh, zingy herbs. In a planter they can be within stretching distance and you won’t even have to put your wellies on! If your life lacks a garden, then herbs in window boxes are perfect. Most do not grow very tall so won’t block the light coming into your house, many are aromatic (so perfect on a warm evening when you have the windows open) and of course harvesting is extra easy – just open the window! Making a herb planter is easy and inexpensive, and the results should be long-lasting too. You need a good-sized container – I love to use terracotta as these plants, many of which have Mediterranean origins, suit this material down to the ground. You will also need some good-quality compost, some horticultural grit and (of course) your favourite herbs. A local nursery or garden centre should provide you with a fantastic array of herbs perfect for your planter at this time of year. Some of my favourites include: variegated cream and green sage (why have just plain green?); ‘Tricolor’ sage, which also has splashes of purple on its leaves; golden lemon thyme (with a great lemony flavour); prostrate rosemary; chives; and golden oregano. But more important than taking note of my favourites, choose herbs you know you will actually enjoy eating, but opt for pretty varieties of these where available. Good drainage is essential for a herb pot or else the plants won’t last long at all. Use broken crocks (such a smashed flower pots or kitchen crockery) laid loosely over the drainage hole(s) before you add the compost and gravel. Make sure you buy proper horticultural grit and mix about one-part grit in with three parts compost. Horticultural grit is a must because the alternatives – such as grit used by builders – often includes salts or other impurities that can damage plants. Positioning the plants properly within the container is really important too. The plants will get bigger than they are when you buy them, so allow them room to grow, but remember: if you choose your favourites, you’ll be constantly trimming them throughout the growing season, so planting a little closer than the plant label suggests should be fine! If you include a trailing or prostrate form of herb, it helps to position it close to the edge so it can cascade downwards. Unless you have a phenomenal memory, I suggest you hide the labels around the edges of the pot, just beneath the soil, for reference later on. Once all the plants are out of their pots and in position in the

container, fill in all the gaps between the root balls and around the edges of the container with the compost and grit mixture, firming it in as you go. After you have completed the gap filling, you can top dress the compost with grit, which helps to keep drainage good around the crowns of the plants, makes the planter look better and helps to discourage weeds and many pests too. Next, water the pot well to settle the compost, top up the grit layer if necessary, then stand your pot in a sheltered spot close to the house door or even on your balcony or patio so it is easily accessible, whatever the weather. If you find you’re not eating the foliage fast enough, you can always freeze chopped herbs in ice cube trays with a little water for use later in the year when growth is slower. At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find some great gardening items: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for vegetable plants and advice, Nemaslug and other natural pest controls, stylish cloches, pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or book Pippa for a gardening talk at your club.

by Pippa Greenwood

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

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Travel

Swept by the Atlantic breeze on the banks of the river Tagus, Lisbon is a lovely city where beyond the tree-lined avenues and elegant squares, the past lingers in myriad nooks and crannies. Old or new, quiet or bustling, the Portuguese capital is full of contrasts and always surprising. At the foot of the ‘seven hills’, Baixa, the lower town, is the main commercial hub, rebuilt in neo-classical style by the Marquis of Pombal after the 1755 earthquake. At the heart of it all is the spacious Rossio Square, beautifully paved in wavelike patterns of limestone and basalt. Fountains, flower sellers, cafés and pastry shops, it’s a place to relax and watch the world go by. Restaurants and boutiques line the popular Augusta Street ,while beyond the Triumphal Arch the vast Plaça do Comércio opens out on to the river, spanned by the 25th of April suspension bridge. Inspired by the Golden Gate in San Francisco, the bridge commemorates the peaceful return to democracy in 1974 when the population muzzled the soldiers’ rifles with carnations.

A nostalgic place where old-fashioned trams rattle on the cobbles Stylish façades, blue mosaics glinting in the sunshine, churches, museums and gardens: there’s plenty to explore in the centre,

LISBON

but sooner or later visitors come across the intriguing Santa Justa Elevator, a neo-gothic lift embellished with filigree, wood panels and brass fittings. Built in 1902 by an apprentice of Eiffel, it takes you up to the western heights of Bairro Alto overlooking the low town and river. Sleepy in the day, lively at night, this old district loves bohemian life. On the eastern side of town, the traditional Alfama district clambers up the slopes, just like the Kasbah set up long ago by Moorish invaders. Tightly packed houses, steep winding lanes, narrow passageways and hidden squares, it’s a nostalgic place where old-fashioned trams rattle on the cobbles and the melancholy sound of Fado guitars drifts in dark tavernas. Up on the top is Castelo de Sao Jorge, the citadel built by the Moors then turned into a royal palace. It’s well worth the climb, for up on the battlements one can enjoy the most magnificent panorama over Lisbon and the river Tagus on its way to Belem, where caravels once set off to explore the world. At the mouth of the river, Belem claims some of the finest buildings financed by the golden Age of Discoveries, including two UNESCO sites, the grand Jeronimos Monastery, with its turrets and archways mirrored in a pond, and – also commissioned by Manuel I – the fortified yet delicate Belem Tower lapped by ocean waves. But most dramatic perhaps is the Monument to the Discoveries, built in 1960 and rising 52 metres above a huge mariner’s compass. Shaped like a caravel about to sail, it is flanked by statues of maritime heroes, among them Vasco de Gama, and led on the prow by the great pioneer Henry the Navigator.

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“Every woman wants to look her best on her wedding day because it’s the one day in her life that she will photographed more than any other day in her life, so its key she looks her absolute best, her make-up will only look great if the make-up artist on her special day has a flawless canvas to work on, so that’s where her prewedding skincare regime will ensure the canvas is ready for the masterpiece. The BeeSlim ritual I have created would help not only a total 40

body detox aiding slimming elimination and firming skin, but the ritual aids facial contouring and toning of facial expressions, so that the ultimate face you wear to your wedding is as perfect as can be. Other than skincare, the essential components to having beautiful skin is without a doubt as they say “Skin Deep” so a healthy diet and lifestyle is key, however that doesn’t mean to say you can’t afford to enjoy yourself once in a while…everything in moderation! If this all seems a lot to be doing in preparation and you would like one thing that could help with your beauty regime for the day I would suggest you buy ‘The’ Bee Venom Mask – (Insider Secret: The Duchess of Cambridge favoured this above all else in preparation for her big day with Prince Wills) the bee venom works to control the facial muscles giving an instant lifting and tightening effect almost mimicking the effect a bee sting has on the skin, but without the obvious painful sting. It smoothes the frown lines on the forehead and gets to work on wrinkles, and on a bride’s wedding day will act as a topcoat and primer for the skin, giving the bride a smooth surface for foundation application. If you wanted that little extra

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Natural Beauty Looking for natural skin and haircare products that are as effective as they are gentle? Here’s our pick of some of the best natural brands on the market. Green People is one of the UK’s best known organic brands. It was born out of a mother’s need for gentle, natural products that wouldn’t irritate her daughter’s sensitive skin. The entire range is free from synthetic chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, alcohol (ethanol) and artificial fragrances. It’s also been cruelty-free and suitable for vegetarians from day one. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try the Age Defy + Cleanse & Soothe Balm. It’s made from natural oils and waxes with added essential oils. Used with the muslin cloth provided, it’s very effective at removing makeup and leaves skin feeling soft and pampered. £32 may seem steep for a cleaner, but a little goes a long way so it should last for months. See www.greenpeople.co.uk. Swiss company Weleda (www.weleda.co.uk) has been making natural skincare products for almost 100 years. The brand has always been cruelty-free, and is committed to sustainability and treating people fairly. Their bestselling Skin Food is a multi-purpose balm for treating dry skin patches. Weleda has recently introduced a Skin Food Lipbalm, £6.95. Like its big sister, the lip balm is made from natural waxes, blended with essential oils such as rosemary, chamomile and calendula. It’s non-sticky, suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free. Pop one in your bag to guard against chapped lips. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is a key ingredient in most high street shampoos. It gives you plenty of lather but can leave hair feeling dry and brittle. Faith in Nature sells a wide range of SLS-free shampoos. Recent releases include the Dragon Fruit Shampoo and Conditioner, which are 99% natural, suitable for all hair types and have a rich, tropical fragrance. At £5.50 each, they’re a great price too. Lyonsleaf is a family-run business producing 100% natural skincare products. Most ingredients are grown on the family’s Somerset farm. Lyonsleaf doesn’t use any artificial colours, preservatives or fragrances and recently went plastic-free. Try the Body Butter, £16.99, which is made from shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil and other natural ingredients. It’s rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, smells divine and leaves skin feeling softer and more hydrated. See www.lovelula.com. Natural skincare and hair products can be difficult to find on the highstreet. Holland and Barratt is worth popping into for brands such as Weleda, Tisserand, Dr Organic and Faith in Nature. If you’re shopping online, head to www.biggreensmile.co.uk, www.lovelula.com or www.naturalcollection. com. All three sites have strict policies about the types of products that they’ll sell. For example, Love Lula has a strict no parabens, no SLS and no animal testing policy. Big Green Smile also lets you filter your search by what’s important to you, so if you only want organic, vegan products, for example, it’ll show you which ones are suitable.

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BEAUTY & FASHION

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Beat the Mad March Hairs Technology promises to tame your tangles and your tresses, solve split ends and make your hair incredibly curly or fantastically flat. Vacuum cleaner company Dyson’s expertise in moving air around means it makes a very effective (and very expensive) hairdryer that gets your hair dry in a fraction of the usual time without extreme heat. At £299 the Supersonic is a big investment but it might seem a good buy when you consider the cost of your time. If that’s out of reach though, review site ExpertReviews says the best budget model is currently the BaByliss 2100 Salon Light, which delivers great results for a little under £30. If you’re considering a cheaper model, pay attention to both the power and the weight: some hairdryers are uncomfortable to hold if you need to dry longer hair. One of the best-rated curling tongs is the gHD Soft Curl Tong. It has a large 32mm width barrel and has an automatic cut-out so you don’t need to worry about whether you’ve left it on. The results are spectacular but again it’s pricey at £110. As with hairdryers there are plenty of less high-tech and considerably less expensive models around that do a perfectly good job, such as Remington’s Keratin Protect Curling Wand; at the time of writing it’s £24.50 online. gHD is probably better known for its hair straighteners, and its Platinum + White Styler tops the Cosmopolitan best-buy list despite its £175 price tag. It constantly monitors your hair to ensure it’s delivering the right temperature to the right place at the right time. For men, hair care is more often about removal than styling. According to the tech site T3, the best electric razor for men is the Philips 9000 Series Prestige, a wet and dry razor with wireless charging and the ability to cope with days of stubble. The RRP is silly at £450 and it’s widely available for much less, but lesser models do a great job too. Hair removal isn’t just for men, of course. Epilation is a great alternative to waxing, and Braun’s Silk-épil 9 is the best and – according to many reviewers – the least painful model around. Shop around, however; if you don’t want the various scrubbing and shaving attachments you can get it for considerably less. If you’d rather zap hair than pluck it, consider an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machine although it’s not as effective on blonde, grey or red hairs or darker skin tones. The best known brand is Philips, whose Lumea range starts at around £150. Just be careful if you’re planning to travel anywhere sunny, as you shouldn’t use these devices on skin that’s just been – or is about to be – exposed to lots of sunlight.

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Stylish Looks for Spring After a long, cold winter we’re all eager to pack away those woolly jumpers, thermal tights and boots, ready to embrace the new season’s fashion looks. And, there are plenty of perfect spring styles on offer that’ll look amazing when the sun shines. Whether you’re dressing for work or play, you’ll feel fabulous in lightweight layers, beautiful prints and vibrant hues. Here are our favourites:

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Top £32. River Island

Chunky Hoop Earrings £5. Accessorize

‘Hourglass’ Sandals £62. Office

Cats Eye Sunglasses £14. Oasis

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Floral Dress £19.99. New Look

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Denim Dress. See in store or online for prices. Oasis

Health

COPING WITH HAYFEVER

You may think it’s too early for an article about hay fever, but many of its 18 million UK sufferers would disagree. The main pollen season runs from March to September and if you’re sensitive to tree pollen, your symptoms could start as early as January. 2018’s high pollen counts caused misery for many. If you were one of them, here are ways to be proactive this year, combining prevention and treatment to reduce your symptoms.

Prevention

your pharmacist or your GP about alternatives before you give up on antihistamines altogether.

Nasal Medications Decongestant nasal sprays help to unblock your nose by reducing swelling in the blood vessels. Ideally, they should only be used for occasional relief or as a short-term additional treatment when your symptoms are severe, as they can cause rebound congestion. Steroid nasal sprays or drops contain a small amount of steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the nasal lining. They can also help itchy eyes, and are usually used when other treatments haven’t worked.

Prevention can be easier if you know your triggers and the pollen forecast. Your GP can refer you for a skin prick test for the most common allergens or a blood test for the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, which is produced when you come into contact with pollen. For pollen count information, you can check the Met Office pollen forecast at www.metoffice.gov.uk/health/public/pollenforecast.

Antihistamine nasal sprays help relieve an itchy nose and reduce sneezing.

You can reduce pollen contact by:

If your symptoms are so severe that it seriously affects your quality of life and ability to work, or causes or exacerbates asthma, other treatments or therapies are required.

• Avoiding drying washing outside and cutting grass • Showering before bed and wearing fresh clothes every day • Closing windows • Putting Vaseline around your nostrils • Wearing wraparound sunglasses • Vacuuming (preferably with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner) and damp-dusting regularly

Eye Medications Antihistamine eyedrops help to reduce itchiness and relieve watering eyes.

Treating Severe Hay Fever

Steroid tablets are only usually used for a short course of treatment, and only given if other medications aren’t working. They reduce inflammation caused by your allergic reaction, which reduces the severity of your symptoms.

Inhalers

• Getting a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and air purifier units for indoors

You may be offered a steroid inhaler, which will reduce inflammation in your airways, and/or a ‘reliever’, such as salbutamol (‘Ventolin’), which opens up the airways and makes breathing easier.

Controlling your symptoms

Injectable medications

Both cigarette smoke and drinking alcohol can make your symptoms worse, so avoid them. Research by Allergy UK in 2014 showed that 62% of hay fever sufferers found their medication ineffective – yet they either failed to change it or didn’t use it properly. So remember: • Hay fever treatments aren’t effective unless used as directed (and regular use is essential to prevent symptoms). • Combining treatments can help you better control your symptoms, but always seek the advice of a GP or pharmacist first. • If your current treatments aren’t working, don’t ignore it—ask your GP or pharmacist for alternatives.

Available treatments: Oral Medications (Tablets and Liquids) Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical produced when your body is exposed to an allergen and the culprit responsible for your allergic reaction. They may not relieve a blocked nose, but they’re effective against other nose and eye symptoms. As a preventative, they work best if taken regularly and are best started before high pollen count periods or the months your hay fever usually occurs. However, they can also be taken as required when your symptoms begin. Some antihistamines (e.g. chlorpheniramine, known as Piriton) make you drowsy, potentially affecting your ability to work or drive, but non-sedating antihistamines such as Loratadine or Cetirizine are available. If one type doesn’t work for you, ask

These may be recommended too if steroids aren’t adequate. Monoclonal antibody treatments (‘mabs’) such as Xolair block a substance involved in the body’s allergic reaction. Xolair injections are usually given every two or four weeks.

Immunotherapy (building resistance) Immunotherapy progressively builds up your allergen immunity and it’s only available in specialist hospital centres, so that your reaction can be closely monitored and any adverse effects treated. Treatment should ideally be started three months before your trigger pollen season. A specialist will gradually introduce your body to small amounts of allergen, either by injection into the skin or via a sublingual tablet (which dissolves under the tongue). You may be able to continue the sublingual tablets (‘SLIT therapy’) at home. The dose of allergen is gradually increased until you can tolerate exposure without developing major symptoms. Immunotherapy is given over three consecutive years and it’s important that the course is completed for the best results.

Finally… Being trapped indoors by hay fever is miserable. If you’re desperate for a day out but can’t face the pollen potential of the countryside, head for the seaside. The pollen count is lower nearer the coast.

More information: AllergyUK: www.allergyuk.org; Helpline 01322 619 898, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri by Alison Runham

HEALTH & FITNESS

Ableworld are the leading Mobility Retailer in the UK. Since 2001, they have grown their Independent Living Stores oﬀering an extensive range of value for money, quality products for the elderly and disabled. Ableworld employ professionals who have been in either Mobility (including Engineering), Nursing or Care Home Sectors for up to twenty years. However they are also a local company with a Retail and Buying background. Ableworld are member of NAEP and are also a recognised Community Equipment Dispenser giving customers added peace of mind. Ableworld are now proud to be endorsed as a Which Trusted Trader, ensuring we provide all of our customers with the best possible service.

Our Range includes: • Stairlifts • Scooters • Powerchairs • Riser Recliners • Wheelchairs • Walking Aids • Hoists • Bath Lifts • Bathing Accessories • Toileting Essentials • Household Items • Continence Care

Engineering Ableworld are very proud of their extensive, highly skilled Engineering Department which is one of the best in the UK’s Mobility Industry. Between them they have a wide variety of experience and provide a professional and accurate service. From installations and adaptations to regular servicing and safety checks of scooters, wheelchairs and stairlifts, the service is professional and complete. Their Engineers are continually updating their skills as new scooters and powerchairs are introduced.

North West Specialist Division As well as a wide range of popular and standard mobility equipment at value for money prices, Ableworld also has a Specialist Division. This is where clients require ‘bespoke’ or ‘made to measure’ equipment which requires a high level of technical knowledge and back up. The Specialist Team provide a one to one service either in store or in the home to either adults or children. Through years of experience the team have earned a deep level of trust from customers, their families and healthcare professionals they work with.

Contact one of our stores today Newport (01952) 820772 Shrewsbury (01743) 369427

www.ableworld.co.uk

7141684

Oswestry (01691) 680180

Shockwave Therapy Shockwave therapy is a relatively new treatment modality that has been demonstrated to be invaluable tool in the treatment of tendon and soft tissue injuries.

First used in the 70’s for its use in breaking down Kidney stones and calcification deposits in the body it became more common place in the 80s and in the 90’s more research appeared into the treatment for soft tissue injuries, so in this form it is a relatively new technology. It is a modality which uses pressure disturbance to stimulate the recovery of chronic and sub-acute soft tissue injuries. It works by applying rapid repeated pneumatic pressures through a device applied directly to the painful tissues. Often it is used after conventional treatments have failed to stimulate recovery such as hands on manual techniques, ultrasound and exercise therapy although it can be used as a front-line treatment.

demonstrated to benefit Tennis elbow, Golfers’ elbow and shoulder pain so it does have a broad spectrum of uses. In terms of treatment its self, most of the research suggests between 3-6 treatments will achieve good improvements although in can take more in more chronic conditions. In all this modality will be of huge benefit to patients with tendon/soft tissue injuries especially if more conventional treatments have failed. It is regularly seen as the go to treatment prior to more invasive treatments. If you are experiencing tendon pain that has been on going, then please feel free to call for free advice as to whether this treatment may benefit you. We offer day time and evening appointments so please call 01952 462330 or email us at enquiries@shropshirephysio.co.uk

The effects on the soft tissues are: • Mechanical Stimulation • Increased local blood flow • Increase in cellular activity • Pain relieving effects on local nerves • Breaking down of calcific deposits There are several research articles demonstrating the benefits of the treatment and a rising number of articles supporting its use. A lot of the evidence centres around particularly tendon pain in conditions such as Jumpers’ knee (the exacerbation of the patella tendon), Achilles tendon problems and plantar fasciitis (pain from the sole of the feet). It has also been

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SB Sports Injury & Physiotherapy, Broadway, Shifnal TF11 8AZ 50

HEALTH & FITNESS

Men Over 50 Once again Men in the Telford area are being invited to attend a special event on 25th March 2019 from 6pm to 8.30pm at Haberdashers Abraham Darby, Madeley, Telford TF7 5HX where they will be able to get checked for prostate cancer FREE OF CHARGE. Tests will be provided by Mr Baxter-Smith, an authority on prostate cancer who has worked closely with Lions clubs across the country to make screening more widely available, and professional Phlebotomists will be on hand to take blood samples. Mr Baxter-Smith urges all men in the “at risk” catergories to get their PSA check done every year. So even if you have attended before please come along and be checked again

DON’T GET CAUGHT OVER THE LIMIT! men in categories ‘at risk’ from the disease to attend the event and get checked by having a simple blood test. “It has been proven that early diagnosis of prostate cancer results in better outcomes,” says Lion President Jim Philbin, “and that is why every man in an ‘at risk’ category should come along and get checked. The “at risk” categories for prostate cancer are: • All men over 50 • All men over 40 with history of the disease in their family • Any man over 45 from an African/West Indian Ethnic group

Prostate cancer affects around 45,000 men in the UK every year. Of those, almost one third will die from the disease. In Shropshire alone, around 250 men are diagnosed annually with prostate cancer. Despite these frightening statistics there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer, which is why Ironbridge Lions, together with Ironbridge Rotary Club, are urging all local

“Having talked to others about similar events staged around the country in recent years,” says Mr.Philbin “it’s a fact that many men who had no prior symptoms were tested and found to have prostate cancer and as a result were able to receive treatment before it was too late” And Ladies don’t let the man in your life slip through the net…. Make sure he comes to get checked. Remember it is free and you do not need an appointment.

Lion President Jim Philbin

For further information visit www.facebook. com/ironlions or call 0845 8339516

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National Stop Snoring Week 22ND-28TH APRIL

Even if you don’t snore (or think you don’t), you probably know a snorer. Although it’s a common problem, particularly as we age, it shouldn’t be ignored. Snoring can affect your sleep (and your partner’s), affecting your mental and physical health and damaging your relationships. It may also be a sign of sleep apnoea. Every year, National Stop Snoring Week aims to remind us that snoring is treatable.

What makes you snore?

Snoring is caused by your tongue, mouth, throat or nasal airways vibrating as you breathe. But what causes that? It’s the result of a restriction, which may be there constantly or only occur when your airway muscles relax during sleep. You’re more likely to snore (or to make your snoring worse) if you: • are overweight • smoke • drink too much alcohol • sleep on your back • take sedatives or muscle relaxants • are middle-aged or older, as you begin to lose muscle tone • Both alcohol and smoking can cause you to wake and the overnight withdrawal from nicotine causes symptoms (such as restlessness and anxiety) that can disturb you.

Tackling snoring

Try lifestyle changes to eliminate as many risk factors as you can. Use a tennis ball taped to the back of your nightwear to prevent you lying on your back, or a pillow or bed wedge to keep you on your side. If you struggle to sleep on your side, try elevating the upper half of your body with a bed wedge instead. You could also buy some ear plugs for your partner… If these tips don’t work, don’t rush to buy snoring solutions until you’ve identified the root cause of your snoring. The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association have questionnaires designed to do just this at britishsnoring.co.uk/itests. Problem: Your tongue partially blocks the back of your throat. Solution: A mandibular advancement device, which helps to bring your tongue forward. Problem: Your mouth falls open when you’re asleep. Solutions: A chin strap to hold your mouth closed, or a vestibular shield (a device worn in your mouth to make you breathe through your nose). Problem: Blocked or narrow airways in your nose. Solutions: Nasal dilators or strips that hold your nose open while you sleep, or sprays to reduce nasal swelling. If these solutions don’t work for you, don’t just ignore the problem – see your GP. They may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. Surgery is sometimes suggested if other treatments don’t help, but it’s not widely available on the NHS and isn’t always successful, particularly long-term.

Could you have sleep apnoea?

You may have sleep apnoea if you suffer from: • loud snoring, especially when lying on your back with your mouth open • noisy and laboured breathing • .short periods where your breathing stops or you gasp, snort or choke • night sweats • frequent urination at night

• Sufferers also often suffer headaches, irritability, daytime tiredness, forgetfulness, anxiety or depression and reduced libido. • The risk factors for sleep apnoea include all those for snoring, but you’re also more at risk if you have: • a large neck (17+ inches for men, 15+ inches for women) • a narrowed or obstructed airway (e.g. enlarged tonsils or tongue, or adenoids) • nasal congestion • a family history of OSA (see below)

Types of sleep apnoea

OSA (obstructive sleep apnoea), the most common type, is divided into two subtypes. Apnoea: the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse, causing total blockage of the airway. An ‘apnoea’ refers to a blockage of the airflow for 10 seconds or more. Hypopnoea: a partial blockage of the airway, resulting in an airflow reduction of greater than 50% for 10 seconds or more. People with OSA may have repeated episodes of apnoea and hypopnoea throughout the night and many experience episodes of both. This condition is often referred to as obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome, or OSAHS. The lack of oxygen triggers your brain to rouse you from deep sleep so that you move and/or wake up, and usually begin to breathe more normally. CSA (central sleep apnoea) is much rarer. The brain temporarily ‘forgets’ to tell your body to breathe. This occurs more in older people, opioid users and people with heart failure or who have had a stroke. Don’t ignore sleep apnoea symptoms. Sleep apnoea puts you at risk of: • high blood pressure (hypertension) • stroke, heart attack and heart disease • an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) such as atrial fibrillation • type 2 diabetes (although this may be linked to obesity as an underlying cause) • gradual loss of brain function (research shows that uncontrolled OSA may make you 12 times more likely to be involved in a road accident)

Treatment options for OSA include:

• lifestyle changes • using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which prevents your airway closing by delivering compressed air through a mask • a mandibular advancement device • surgery, if your OSA is the result of a physical problem that can be surgically corrected

For more advice, visit: The British Snoring britishsnoring.co.uk

and

Sleep

Apnoea

Association:

by Allison Runham

HEALTH & FITNESS

Experts in Treating Foot and Heel Pain!

You have most likely sought assistance for your condition, but have struggled to find an enthusiastic expert to help! Passionate and eager to reduce and cure your lower limb, foot and ankle pain. I have the latest equipment to assist your problem, what is more, I specialize in all Foot, Ankle, Leg and Achilles problems.

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Cash ISA’s

STILL WORTH IT?

As we come to the end of the financial year, you may be wondering if it’s still worthwhile opening a cash ISA, and whether this tax-free savings account offers the significant benefits it once did. Gone are the days when banks and building societies battled to offer the best deal for ISA savers. Given the low savings interest rates of recent years, the high rates offered on some current accounts, and the introduction of the Personal Savings Allowance, why would you want to open a cash ISA at all? There are a few reasons to consider giving cash ISAs another chance. First of all, however, let’s look briefly at the Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) to find out what it is and the impact it’s having on savers in the UK.

What is the Personal Savings Allowance?

The Personal Savings Allowance was introduced by the government in 2016 and allows you to earn £1,000 of savings interest tax-free. If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer the limit is £500, with additional rate taxpayers being ineligible for this tax-free allowance. You’d need a healthy savings pot to breach your PSA limit but of course that’s not impossible. Also, where previously an ISA was the only savings product offering tax-free interest, you can now use a number of different accounts, some of which offer much higher interest rates than an ISA. But the key here is that if you are likely to go over your PSA, cash ISA interest doesn’t count towards that limit, so you can earn it tax-free and still have your full £1,000 (or £500) PSA allowance.

Potential for increased earnings and a change in tax bracket

Whether you’re earning an average or relatively low wage at present, the potential exists for you to increase your earnings and change tax brackets in the future. The Personal Savings Allowance is halved to £500 for higher rate taxpayers, and you may find the threshold isn’t as ‘out of reach’ in years to come as it currently seems. Add to this the likelihood of a rise in savings interest rates in the future and you’ll receive more interest on your savings, again effectively moving you closer to the limit of the Personal Savings Allowance.

Saving flexibility

Cash ISAs offer considerable flexibility, with some providers allowing you to withdraw money and pay it back during the same tax year without losing any of your ISA allowance. This allowance, currently £20,000 (tax year 2019/20), can also be spread across a cash ISA and a stocks and shares ISA in the same tax year. The value of compound interest is also an important issue when considering the benefits of opening an ISA. If you don’t need ready access to your savings, you could amalgamate the balances of the cash ISAs you hold into a single fixed interest rate ISA account offering higher rates. Compound interest can accrue to a considerable sum over time, but don’t forget to keep the balance of your account within the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) limit in order to be safe – this is currently £85,000.

Potential to leave your ISA savings to your partner on death

In April 2015, the government introduced new rules whereby the balance of an ISA on death can be inherited by a spouse or civil partner tax-free. In practice, they would able to use your ISA allowance (to the value of your ISA balance) as well as their own for the tax year in which you die. This ability to inherit ISA savings tax-free is a significant benefit not available with other savings accounts. Your Personal Savings Allowance cannot be inherited alongside this one-off ISA allowance, however.

If you move abroad

If you decide to move abroad, the rules state you cannot save into an ISA once the tax year in which you move has ended, unless you’re an employee of the Crown and you’ve moved for work purposes. This is because you’re no longer a UK resident for tax purposes, and you’re also prevented from transferring the account(s) to a new provider. There’s no need to close the account, however – you can use it again if you return to the UK.

Consider a cash ISA as part of your savings mix

Clearly, saving into an account other than a cash ISA offers benefits, but it’s not a good idea to totally discount them when interest rates are low. Cash ISAs can offer a safe haven for your savings in the long-term and can be passed down to your family tax-free. Rather than relying solely on your Personal Savings Allowance, which could always be altered if there’s a change in government, give some consideration to a cash ISA as a part of your savings plan. It may prove to be an important savings product for the future you, but don’t forget to shop around for the best rates. www.rsmuk.com/ideas-and-insights/tax-facts www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/ Thisismoney.co.uk: http://tiny.cc/z72s1y www.telegraph.co.uk/investing/isas/ask-expert-can-stillhave-isa-move-abroad/ www.gov.uk/individual-savings-accounts

by Ann Haldon

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

FINANCIAL LTD

ITCHING TO GET INTO YOUR DREAM HOME? o First Time Buyers o Home Movers o Help to Buy o Right to Buy o Shared Ownership o Help to Buy refinance o Re-mortgages o Buy to Let

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w www.cdfinancial.co.uk m contact@cdfinancial.co.uk CD Financial Limited is an appointed representative of Openwork Limited which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Our fee for arranging a mortgage is £195.

Free Will Writing Service Parry Carver Solicitors are supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Free Will Writing Service, which is available for those aged 55 and over. Whether you are looking to make your first Will or update an existing one, it’s important that you properly plan your financial affairs to ensure your loved ones are looked after. Talk to us at Parry Carver today about having your Will written for free, for that extra peace of mind.

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Authorised & regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - Parry Carver SRA 71413

Telford Laundry LINEN AND WORKWEAR RENTAL

Home Laundry Service Telford Laundry provides collection and delivery right to your door; collecting on a regular basis or just on special occasions when you have loads of extra laundry. With Telford Laundry’s own fleet of vehicles you can be confident that your regular driver will collect and drop off your laundry items in the way that you would like. Telford Laundry drivers will arrange a convenient collection and drop off point for you which can include your place of work. Quality and professional laundry services are provided for bedroom linen – including bulky items such as duvets, bedspreads and sleeping bags, bathroom laundry and household items such as curtains and cushion covers. Talk to Telford Laundry about their professional dry cleaning service for men’s suits and wedding dresses.

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Laundry Collection or drop off at B3 Stafford Park 11, Telford

Call: 01952 216 053 On-site Services at Your Home: • Dry Carpet Cleaning Removes Spills, Spots, Smells & Odours Deep cleans and lifts carpet pile – like new We leave your carpets clean, fresh and ready to use!

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The NLG are proud of the quality services provided and we believe that the core requirements is a well-trained and highly motivated workforce. group companies participate in the Textile Services Association accredi training scheme.

In addition we have a robust Capital Investment Programme to ensure t

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Leasehold

WHEN IS A LONG LEASE A PROBLEM?

Twelve months ago Terry Jones Solicitors became part of the Metamorph Group of Companies which enhanced the services and expertise they can offer to their clients. Terry Jones, Director and Head of Commercial Property comments “The firm has trebled in size but has not lost its identity. We all share the same objectives and the same commitment in terms of providing professional and cost-effective expertise through highly proficient and skilled lawyers who are able to offer specialism in providing legal services to the community.

been on the receiving end of negative publicity in the wake of the leasehold house scandal. The Leasehold Knowledge Partnership Campaign believes that there are 100,000 families trapped in houses that are virtually unsellable because of rising ground rents.

“It is with this in mind I am delighted to introduce the specialist property brand of SLC Solicitors who are also part of the Metamorph Group of Companies. SLC Solicitors have been in existence for some years. They are a niche practice with vast experience of dealing with lease extensions and the statutory rights of leaseholders in a heavily regulated sector.”

“If your property is leasehold and you would like advice on the terms of your existing lease or options for extending your lease, or you are considering buying a leasehold property and want to know if the lease is going to cause issues in the future, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. We provide specialist services in leasehold law nationwide and combine creativity and flexibility with our unrivalled expertise to deliver results.”

Analise Broomhall who is Head of Property at SLC Solicitors added “Long leasehold properties have recently

More information can be found as to SLC Solicitors on their website which can be found at www.slcsolicitors.com.

Terry Jones

Don’t be an April Fool Unlike April Fools’ Day, which ends at noon, online trickery goes on all day every day. Some fraud is easily spotted but others can be really convincing. One of the most common kinds of trickery is ‘phishing’, which is when you receive official-looking emails from what appears to be your bank or a big-name website. The email usually says there’s something wrong with your account: click here to log in and fix it. But the link goes to a sophisticated fake, and if you enter your details the fraudsters can then use your details on the real website. That’s bad enough if it’s just one site, but many people use the same password on lots of different ones. If the fraudsters get your details for one website, they can then get into all the other sites you use. To prevent that from happening you can do a number of things. Firstly, never use the same password on more than one site and use the password manager built into Apple Macs, iPads and iPhones or use a third-party password manager such as 1Password, LastPass or Dashlane. Secondly, set up two-factor authentication. Sites from Google, Microsoft and other big names enable you to supplement your password so that when anybody tries to log in, a code is sent to your phone. No code, no entry. Thirdly, invest in security software. Look for ‘antiphishing’ in the features list: that means incoming emails are scanned against a list of known offenders. It doesn’t get rid of every fake email but it does filter most. Finally, be suspicious. Your bank will never email you if there’s a security problem or other issue with your account; similarly Apple or Microsoft don’t remotely monitor your computer and contact you if they find problems. If in doubt, phone the company or visit their website by typing its address into your web browser. Sometimes the fraudsters will phone you. They’ll say they’re BT, or Amazon, or Apple, or Microsoft, and their goal is to get you to download and install a program which they say will fix your problems. It won’t: it enables them to take control of your computer and either get your personal details or lock it up until you agree to pay a ransom. These calls are never genuine. Other scams are really old, but they’ve been updated for the digital age. Fraudsters misrepresent items on online shopping or auction sites, or they run offers for too-good-to-be-true deals as Facebook adverts – recent ads offered mountain bikes worth more than £500 for less than £50. There were no bikes, of course, and because the fraudsters weren’t in the UK anybody they fooled would find it exceptionally difficult to get their money back. Stick to reputable sites and go with your gut: if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Images top to bottom: Norton internet security box Suspicious page warning in Google Chrome Google page showing 2-step authentication.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

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Lasting Power of Attorney PEACE OF MIND THAT WON’T COST YOU THE EARTH A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document allowing you to choose who you wish to manage your affairs. Those appointed are your Attorneys and may be friends or family members. Most people think LPA’s are for older clients however anyone of us could have an accident or illness which leaves us either physically or mentally unable to manage our own affairs. Having an LPA in place gives you the peace of mind should this happen, allowing seamlessly those you have chosen to continue on your behalf. BUT AT WHAT COST? All LPA’s must be registered with the Court of Protection before they can be used by your Attorneys and currently this charge is £82 per LPA. You may be entitled to a reduction or exemption if you are on a low income or receiving certain state benefits. In addition, you will also have to consider the fees of your appointed legal professional. It is advisable to appoint an experienced professional to guide you through the whole process however costs can vary significantly, with some firms charging in excess of £1000 for a married couple. BE SAVVY, SHOP AROUND AND MAKE SURE YOUR PEACE OF MIND DOESN’T END UP COSTING YOU THE EARTH. Call us today on 07786 543813 for a quote – you will be pleased you did.

E K M Legal Services Ltd • Wills • Estate Administration • Powers of Attorney

Advice you can trust Contact us on 07786 543813 or info@ekmlegalservices.co.uk

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Elizabeth McEvilly

Director

Open Banking

WHAT‘S IN IT FOR YOU?

Open banking has heralded something of a revolution in the retail banking industry in the UK. It offers protection if you decide to share personal banking information with authorised third parties, and as a bank customer could offer you access to financial tools and resources that make money management easier. The second Payment Services Directive (PSD2), introduced in January 2018, is a key part of open banking. It forces UKregulated banks to allow authorised third parties, also known as regulated providers, to access your bank account information with your permission. So why has open banking been introduced, and how might it affect you in day-to-day life?

Why introduce open banking?

An investigation into the retail banking market by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revealed insufficient competition between the larger, more established banks and newer entrants. It was found ‘traditional’ banks were not trying sufficiently hard to retain or win customers, whilst new banks were finding growth particularly challenging. The CMA wants the industry as a whole to be more competitive, and also to make better use of advancing technology for the benefit of customers.

What does open banking mean for you?

must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or the equivalent financial body in Europe. The FCA publishes a list of registered providers, with two different types of service being on offer: Account information services This could include budgeting assistance, being able to view all the information from different bank accounts in one place, or receiving recommendations for financial products based on an assessment of your spending habits and transactional history. They may recommend a particular type of credit card, for example, or a new account to maximise your savings. Payment initiation services

One of the drivers to introduce open banking was advancing technology, and its potential to help you manage your money more effectively using new products and financial tools built by app and product developers.

Payment initiation services allow you to make payments directly from your bank account without having to use MasterCard or Visa as an intermediary.

So having gained permission to access information such as your spending habits and the regular payments you make, authorised third parties can provide valuable budgeting tools to help you make the best financial decisions for your circumstances.

Open banking can help you find the best deals and most suitable products based on your financial habits and regular payments. It also provides a framework to help you budget and better manage your money.

This naturally encourages innovation and introduces more competition to ultimately benefit customers. It could also signal the end of ‘traditional’ banks’ hold on the market. So what information might you share with an authorised third party?

Information sharing and open banking

If you use online banking, you can share information from your ‘payment accounts’. These are typically current accounts from where you make your household payments but could also include credit cards and other types of bank account. You may decide to share information such as: • Bank transactions. • Account balances. •.Regular payments such as standing orders and direct debits. We already give permission for third party websites to access our personal information, a good example being a Facebook or Twitter profile. It is a similar scenario with open banking in that you have total control over who you authorise. Crucially, you can also revoke permissions via your online bank account or mobile banking app if you change your mind at a later date, or no longer need the service the third-party provider is offering.

How does open banking work in practice?

When you sign up to a third-party provider’s service, they request permission to access your bank account. If this is provided, your bank is contacted and the instruction processed. Each provider wishing to take part in open banking

What are the potential benefits of open banking?

From a security perspective, you won’t be asked to share any login details other than with your bank, and you remain in control of the process from start to finish. You can limit the access for third parties to a defined period of time and revoke it whenever you wish.

Are there any downsides?

One potential downside of open banking is the threat that fraudsters could gain access to your bank account information. Security of your data as it’s transferred and used by other firms is a legitimate concern and you would need to contact your bank to find out their policy in this event. The new legislation is designed to offer protection if you are targeted, however. It’s also crucial to ensure third party providers are regulated by the FCA, and you can search the Financial Services Register online or the Open Banking Directory to find out. The main point to remember about open banking is that you don’t have to allow any third-party access to your bank account. It’s a system that only works on express permissions but one that could, in theory, help you make the most of your money. www.gov.uk/government/publications/retail-banking-marketinvestigation-overview blog.yoyowallet.com/open-banking-benefits www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/open-banking register.fca.org.uk www.openbanking.org.uk/customers/regulated-providers

by Ann Haldon

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY What are they used for?

We all hope to remain healthy and independent for as long as possible. However, there can come a time when we are no longer physically or mentally capable to make decisions for ourselves. While a person still has full mental capacity and can make their own decisions, that person can appoint an Attorney (or several Attorneys), who will manage their affairs and make decisions on their behalf when they can no longer do that for themselves. There are two types of Powers:

1. Financial Decisions A Financial Decisions Power covers decisions regarding how your money is managed and how your property and other financial matters are dealt with.

2. Health Care Decisions A Health Care Decisions Power covers medical treatment and welfare to include residence and medical decisions. It can give your Attorneys power to refuse or consent to treatment on your behalf.

Our Office in Newport offers a warm and approachable service to all clients. Appointments can be offered to suit you or you can just pop into the office for a chat. We are also happy to meet clients at home, if preferred. Rachel Davenport is our friendly, local Solicitor with family ties in Newport. She has vast experience in dealing with elderly clients in the area and is proud to be part of the Dementia Friendly Scheme within Newport. Rachel can be contacted on: T: 01952 281060 • E: Rachel.Davenport@Clarkeslaw.co.uk or visit: 21 High Street, Newport TF10 7AT Telford Office: Hazledine House, Telford Centre, Telford TF3 4JL • 01952 291666

2 Hour Dry Cleaning Available on most main line items

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Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am till 5:30pm Saturday: 9:00am till 4:30pm ALSO drop off and collection available at Green Fields in Donnington & Priorslee 61

Why Choose

WOLVERHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Wolverhampton Grammar School is Reading and writing matters an extraordinary school. Founded in The School's Libraries are the busiest places on campus. Children of all ages reading, researching and doing homework. Although 1512, it's one of the oldest schools in the children join the School with different skills and abilities, the early of Senior School are devoted to nurturing and discovering country and a real jewel in the crown for years talent; whether that’s reading, writing, debating, drama, music or sport. education. National award winning and ranked top of the league tables for grades 9-7 at GCSE, the school was also rated "excellent" by School Inspectors. The school also ranks top 25 nationally for GCSE results across all independent schools. Every student in the school has the best opportunity possible to leave with excellent exam results. But, what's offered, is much more.

First priority is the happiness of your child Children at Wolverhampton Grammar School receive pastoral care like nowhere else – that’s because happy children do well, thrive, and leave the school with excellent exam results and the confidence to embrace whatever opportunities come their way.

Academic excellence You should expect nothing less than access to the very best inspirational teaching from the top independent school in Wolverhampton. The academic achievements of the students speak for themselves. All teachers are experts in their own academic disciplines, trained and experienced professionals who love their subjects as much as they enjoy teaching students. Small class sizes and space for individual tuition enables the teachers to get to know each and every child.

All children in Year 7, 8 and 9 have a School iPad with a stylus Apple Pencil to set the standard for drawing, note-taking and marking up documents. Handwritten workbooks are used in English, Maths and a range of subjects. Art lessons foster skills and creativity in a variety of media, from traditional techniques such as oil painting, to chemical photography, animation and film-making, all based on a strong foundation of observational drawing.

Life outside the classroom The school offers over 100 extra-curricular clubs – the largest range available from any school in the area. Everything from Political Forums, Technology clubs, Debating, Warhammer to Climbing, Cooking and Art Lectures. From the very best nutritionally balanced food prepared by award winning chefs to the latest science laboratories, Sports Centre and a School Learning Hub - your child will have access to the very best facilities.

Interested to learn more? The school hosts a Secondary School Discovery Day on Saturday 11th May for current Year 5 children from any school across the West Midlands, Shropshire and Staffordshire. For more information about the Discovery Day or details of how to join Wolverhampton Grammar School, contact Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar telephone 01902 422939, email jam@wgs-sch.net or register online www.wgs.org.uk.

CHILDREN, EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES

Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 7-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18

Judged ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate

Secondary School

Discovery day

TES Independent School Award Winners 2018

Saturday 11th May 2019 Wolverhampton Grammar School is opening its doors to Year 5 children to get a taste of what life will be like at a Senior School. For more information about the Discovery day or joining our School, please contact Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar.

T: 01902 422939 E: jam@wgs-sch.net or register online www.wgs.org.uk

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13/02/2019 15:59

Treating Head Lice

There are few parents of school age children who haven’t received the dreaded head lice letter. For many of us, it’s a pretty regular occurrence. Checking for head lice Head lice are sneaky, quick-footed, tiny little beggars. You’re unlikely to spot the live lice just by looking, so you’ll need to use a nit comb to try to catch one. You can also look for egg cases (nits) on wet hair, and some children get a rash on the back of their neck or behind their ears. The very thought of nits tends to make everyone suddenly itchy, but watch for your child scratching their head when they’re not thinking about lice, such as when they’re absorbed in a TV programme. If your child does have nits, check the rest of the family, and then use one or more of the following methods.

The constant combing method

Smother your child’s hair in conditioner and then go through every inch of it with a nit comb, wiping the comb on a piece of tissue after each stroke. Repeat daily until you can no longer find any evidence of lice. If your child has short to medium hair, this might be all you need to do. Personally, however, I once combed my daughter’s long hair repeatedly, then decided to treat with a head lice solution ‘just in case’. Within minutes there were lots of dead lice on her shoulders. I’m sure you could get rid of head lice by combing alone but be prepared to make it a daily habit for at least two weeks.

Electric combs

These nit combs emit a small electrical current to kill head lice. They only work on the live lice though, not the eggs, so you’ll need to repeat the process every few days, for at least two weeks. It’s a laborious process that’s every bit as time consuming as the previous method.

Chemical treatments

There are numerous treatments on the market. The stronger ones claim to kill lice and eggs within minutes. Others need to be left on overnight or only kill the live lice, not the eggs. You’ll usually need at least half a bottle for each person, more in some cases. We’ve had the best results with NitWits, Full Marks and Lyclear. None of them have aggravated my daughter’s sensitive skin, but some have required a repeat treatment.

Tips:

• Head lice spread quickly. If your child’s best friend has them, it’s unlikely your child will have escaped. And yes, there’s a good chance you’ll get them too. • If your child has long hair, keep it tied back, ideally in a plait so it’s less ‘swishy’. • Even if your child doesn’t have head lice, try to thoroughly comb through hair with a nit comb once a fortnight, to keep lice at bay. It’s a chore but could prevent an infestation if you catch a stray louse in time.

by Kate Duggan

CHILDREN, EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES

Park the Car

AND PUT THE CHILDREN ON THE TETTENHALL COLLEGE BUS!

In response to demand from parents across the Midlands, Tettenhall College independent school, based in the village of Tettenhall, west of Wolverhampton, doubled its fleet of minibuses in 2018.

pupils and, as much as possible, provide a personal service for them and their families. We just try to make life as easy as possible for them.”

“We now run school minibuses which cover a radius of 60 miles every morning and evening,” explains Steve Williams, Site Manager, responsible for school transport. Our routes stretch as far as Bridgnorth, Telford, Walsall, Bilston and into Staffordshire, providing a really valuable service for many families every day. Parents feel that when they take fuel costs and their time into account, our subsidised school buses are exceptional value for money. ”

For information about school transport and Open Days visit www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk 01902 751119.

“My parents run their own business and can’t fit in dropping me off at school and getting to work on time,” says Year 11 pupil, Jenson Shore. “It’s a really reliable service and very convenient for our family”. “The ethos of Tettenhall College is that we provide a personalised education,” adds Headmaster, David Williams. “This extends to every detail of what we offer, including helping our pupils get to and from school. Our bus service aims to be flexible and to make life as stressfree as possible for our families.” All buses are driven by professional, DBS-checked drivers. “The children like the fact that they know their driver and enjoy being with friends on the way to school and home”, says driver, David Smith. “We get to know the

His eleven year old daily passenger, Ellie adds: “I really like it because our driver always makes it a fun start and end to my day!”

Transport 2018/2019

STAFFORD

PENKRIDGE TELFORD

BREWOOD

Wrekin Park

Muxton

CODSALL

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WorfIeld Rudge Heath

WALSALL

FINCHFIELD PENN

bilston

Personalised Education

Open Days Tuesday 12th March 9am – 11.30am | Saturday 11th May - 10am to 12.30pm

Contact: admissions@tettcoll.co.uk • 01902 751119

CHILDREN, EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES

Birchfield School Birchfield School is a fully co-educational school for all years from aged 4 to 13. It is set in twenty acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside, enjoying views of the Wrekin and Clee Hill. It is located just off the A41, close to Junction 3 of the M54; just 30 minutes from Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth and Market Drayton. One of the great strengths of Birchfield is that it is a completely independent school, allowing parents freedom to select the best fit next school depending on their child’s needs and strengths, be it at age 11 or 13. Many preparatory schools are tied to a senior school partner and therefore pupils are ‘fed’ into their next school, sometimes spending up to fifteen years on one site. We believe, given the variety of schools available either at age 11 or 13 that one size does not fit all, and hence we work with you to make sure you find the right school for your child. With a reputation for academic excellence, in the year 2017 – 2018, 100% of our Year 8 pupils were offered places at their first school of choice which included Ellesmere College, Malvern College, Millfield School, Repton School, Rugby School, Shrewsbury School and Wrekin College. We value and ensure our pupils make the best use of open spaces such as our extensive playing fields, including three cricket squares and practice nets, a large outdoor multi-purpose astro-turf sports arena and an outdoor heated swimming pool. Sport forms an important part of our curriculum with all

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN SHROPSHIRE

children offered the opportunity to play for our many sports teams, through our extensive programme of fixtures with many schools in the area, plus the famous Birchfield match tea being one of our parents’ highlights each week! One of Birchfield’s unique benefits is our small class sizes (maximum 20), with specialist subject teachers working with children starting with French, Music and PE in Reception, and throughout their life at Birchfield to ensure that our subject teaching is of the highest standard and that pupils are exposed to different teaching styles and personalities from a young age. In Years 6, 7 and 8, pupils are assigned their own academic tutor who works with them on a one to one basis to help prepare them for their senior school exams. We are very fortunate in that we have a dedicated, separate nursery on the site for children from 6 weeks to 4 years where the pupils then move into the Preparatory School. Music and drama play an important role in the School with all children encouraged to take part in the school’s drama productions, as well as learning a musical instrument, with an extensive variety of instruments and music clubs available. Here at Birchfield we embrace traditional values whilst keeping pace with technology. Pupils from Reception through to Year 8 benefit from computer technology, tablets and Lego Mindstorm to support their learning experience, and these form a valuable and dynamic role in our pupils’ academic experience.

Growing Green Fingers

HELP YOUR CHILD LOVE GARDENING

Their own little corner

Your child may not have the same taste in plants as you do. So, if you can, give them their own mini-plot to experiment with. Let them choose the plants they want (after discussing soil conditions, shade etc.) and give them the responsibility of watering and weeding. Children aren’t known for their patience so try to incorporate some plants that will give instant enjoyment and have a strong fragrance, such as lavenders and geraniums, along with others that are easy to grow and worth the wait, such as sunflowers, sweet peas and marigolds.

Grow your own

Fussy eaters can often be persuaded to try new things if they’ve had a hand in growing them. If you have the space for a raised bed, you could try courgettes, lettuces, or dwarf runner beans. Limited space? Potatoes, carrots and peas can be grown in pots. Tomatoes thrive against a sunny wall, while pepper plants and herbs will be fine on a windowsill.

pitch or trampoline, but even small gardens can usually offer some space for play. A few fixed logs can make a fun miniobstacle course for example, and a swing can provide hours of enjoyment. Why not build a temporary den over a low hanging branch with some old sheets, clothes pegs and cushions? You could also make a mini-sandpit with a trough, large plant pot or small paddling pool.

A fairy garden

Create a fairy garden together by filling a shallow container with soil and adding a few small plants. You could use a small plant pot for a house, create a miniature lake with a ramekin and make a swing with sticks and string. Add some solar-powered twinkly lights and a couple of small wooden or plastic elves and fairies.

Safety first

Teach children never to eat anything from the garden without checking with you first. Do head to the RHS website (www. rhs.org.uk) to find out what plants to avoid growing though; some are very poisonous and others can irritate skin and eyes. Keep sharp tools, plant food and weed killer safely out of reach at all times. If you have a pond, cover it with a rigid metal grille.

Wildlife

Encourage your child to hang bird feeders in the garden and fill a shallow bowl for a bird bath. You could also help them to make a bee hotel by tying sections of bamboo canes together, or fixing the canes into a terracotta pot with some modelling clay. Older children might enjoy identifying different birds, bees and insects using a book or app.

Somewhere to play

You may not have room for a football

More inspiration

Sagaform Bird Feeder,£16 www.trouva.com

The BBC has lots of ideas for encouraging children into gardening, from growing patterns on the lawn to building a wormery. See www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/ gardening_with_children.

by Kate Duggan

CHILDREN, EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES

Bears Den

Pre-School

New Extended Opening Times Monday-Friday 8:30am - 3:00pm (term time only) •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

"Curious Cubs leave as Bright Bears" 2 Year Old Funding Available Forces and Non Forces children welcome

Ofsted Inspected Safe and Secure Site BCA Award Runner Up 2017 3 Spacious Rooms Plus Outside Play Area 30 Hour Funded New 30 Hour Funding - Enquiries Welcome Places Available, 15 Extended Funded Flexible Days Hours for 3+ Spaces Available Children Forces and Non-Forces Children Welcome (2, 3 & 4 year olds) Regular Yoga Lessons From a Fully Trained Professional

Fully Qualified Friendly Staff

Over 30 years experience, joyfully assisting years of generations through to their next stage in life where we nudge our children through introducing their first tastes of academic learning

For more information or to book a visit please call 01952 672 506

• Email: bears.den8@gmail.com

Bears Den Pre-School • North Gate • Venning Barracks • Donnington TF2 8JT (Find us near the Clocktower & Wyevale Garden Centre)

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

FAMILY DAY AT IRONBRIDGE

9 & 10 March Enginuity 10am to 4pm

A C I D Step inside TITAN II for experiments, activities and games!

TITAN II

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R A I N 69

Decorate Your Home

FOR A SEASONAL CELEBRATION

Bunnies, chicks or eggs – add some quick and easy decorations for irresistible Easter charm. Simple, colour-coordinated decorations can have great impact. Truly Bunny fabric eggs, £3.50, Talking Tables.

Hang pretty pom-poms for a quirky and colourful celebration. Decadent Decs Garden pompom flowers, £14, Talking Tables.

Nothing says Easter like a pretty garland. Wooden Happy Easter garland, £9; box of nine wooden Easter decorations, £6; white blossom garland, £18; pink cherry blossom spray, £10.50; all The Contemporary Home.

Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas. Celebrate the coming of spring by hanging a twig wreath with eggs and pink blossom, £45, Gisela Graham London.

These appealing chicken designs include Speckled Marans, Sussex Hens and some rather unusual blue and buff Orpingtons, in the form of fabric by the metre, oven gloves, tea towels, hob covers, fine bone china and more, all from Sophie Allport. Display spring flowers in these mini stoneware jugs, £7.50 each, Gisela Graham London.

Serve delicious Easter treats on these adorable pastel plates with cute bunny faces and attachable ears. Hoppy Easter rose-gold foiled Bunny paper plates, £4.99 for a pack of eight, Ginger Ray.

Get the Look What better way to display an Easter cake than on an Easter bunny stand? Easter bunny white cake stand, £12, Dunelm.

Go all out with a range of sweet table decorations. These cost from £4.50, from Gisela Graham London.

• Keep it simple by choosing a palette of pastel colours, such as yellow, pale blue and pink, with white as a background for a fresh and spring-like look. • Pick up small branches on a woodland walk and pop them into jugs or vases, to be adorned with small hanging eggs. • Hang bunting or a wreath – you could even have a go at making your own. • Set the table with care, adding themed decorations and fresh spring flowers – tulips and daffodils are inexpensive and wonderfully pretty. • Involve all the family in decorating hard-boiled eggs – from covering with gold leaf to marbling or simple hand painting, there are plenty of online tutorials to help.

HOME FURNISHINGS

Age UK Seeks Volunteers

FOR ITS WELLINGTON FURNITURE SHOP

Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin (Age UK STW) is urgently seeking volunteer retail assistants, van drivers and van drivers’ mates to ensure the continued success of its donated furniture shop in Walker Street.

one day a week.” Full and half day shifts are also available for volunteer retail assistants who enjoy meeting the public and providing excellent customer service. Age UK STW provides training, expenses and on-going support as well as the opportunity to join a friendly, motivated team. Anyone over the age of 18, who would like to add retail experience to their CV or simply get out more and meet new people, is encouraged to apply.

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK STW, said: “All profits from our Wellington donated furniture shop help fund essential services for older people many of whom live in the Telford & Wrekin area. “We are looking for physically strong individuals to drive the van and to assist drivers in moving large items of furniture during collections and deliveries. We would love to hear from anyone who could spare a minimum of

Pictured are: Paula Hinks (right), Wellington shop manager, with volunteer John Lane

HIDATO Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.

Please contact the Charity’s volunteer recruitment team on 01743 588 570 for further information and an application pack. Alternatively, visit www.ageukshropshireandtelford. org.uk or email volunteering@ ageukstw.org.uk.

Oakengates Carpet Company CARPETS•VINYLS•LAMINATES RUGS•BLINDS

Established

Since

1965

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www.oakengatescarpets-telford.co.uk 71

Turn Your Dreams

INTO REALITY

At Dream Kitchens and Bedrooms we’re here to make your dream designs a reality, and, we’re with you every step of the way. Whatever you’ve got planned for your kitchen or bedroom, you can trust our dedicated team to make the journey from design to installation easy. We’ve got more than 20 years’ industry experience and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service. Quality is at the heart of our business and it runs through every facet, so, whether it’s the customer care we provide or the quality of the products we sell and install, you can trust us to deliver results that exceed even the highest expectation. We take time to completely understand the needs of our clients and pay attention to those little details which make a big difference - whether that’s during the design or installation process. We pride ourselves on offering full project management and installation. We’re with you from the initial free home consultation to the 3D visualisation presentation by our Kitchen Designer. We’re with you from when the first trusted craftsman enters your home to when the last expert fitter leaves. We promise you nothing but the very best trades-people – specialists in plumbing, plastering, electrics and everything in between – and every installation is completed to the highest possible standards, with exceptional attention to detail. We’re passionate about what we do and we want to make your home look amazing. We’re ready and waiting to transform your home today, so why not contact us today to arrange a free design consultation.

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Tel: 01952 616166 to request your FREE home design visit www.dreamkitchens-bedrooms.co.uk 73

Concrete

If you love the tough luxe of the industrial look you’ll be crazy for concrete. Use it everywhere from floors, walls and worktops to tables and light fittings. This practical table is hard-wearing and durable, with simple lines and a clean, geometric shape for an impression of lightness. Concrete Perspective side table by Lyon Béton, £279, Lime Lace.

Crafted from raw polymer concrete with a distressed finish, this weighty, industrialinspired pendant features a simple, domed shade and ropestyle cable. Concrete pendant lamp, £100, Cox & Cox.

These porcelain floor tiles feature a concrete-effect design that ties in perfectly with the industrial trend. Avenue Broadway tiles, £49.95 per square metre, Walls and Floors.

With legs made from sustainably sourced oak, this dining table has a lovely top that looks like polished concrete but is actually a tough resin that is lightweight, durable and easy to clean. Conker kitchen table, £845, Loaf. Not all concrete is the same: this is concreteeffect in a wood-swirl design, both pretty and practical. Decorative Plate, £12, Gisela Graham London.

With an ultra-quiet movement, this Karlsson clock features black and red hands that make a lovely contrast with its grey case and dial. Franky concrete alarm/mantel clock, £25, Hurn & Hurn.

Create your own words and phrases using these beautifully rustic, handcast concrete letters and numbers by British design studio An Artful Life. Concrete Letters A-Z, £4.50 each, White Black Grey.

Add Interest With Concrete • Concrete is a versatile material that can be pre-formed or cast on site into any size or shape, and comes in a range of colours and finishes, from silky smooth to rough and raw. Heat- and stain-resistant and hard-wearing, it’s waterproof when properly sealed.

Perfect for styling real and faux house plants, these concrete planters add an industrial touch to any room. Two nested concrete planters, £20, Cox & Cox.

A smooth concrete base combines with a slim metal stem and soft cotton shade. Ira concrete table lamp in grey, £49, made.com.

• Concrete is a natural with neutral colour schemes, but it’s also brilliant at accentuating the deep, bold colours that are currently in vogue, and works well with warm shades that offset its inherent coolness. • Concrete adds instant texture. Combine it with the natural warmth of wood, the shine of metal or the gloss of ceramic or glass. Consider contrasting it with luxe materials such as marble, satin or velvet. It also looks amazing with house plants. • Full-on concrete makes quite the statement – ideal for a converted urban loft but less so for a smaller space. Concrete accessories are best in this case, providing a touch of rugged style without overwhelming. • Avoid too stark a look with plump and comfortable seating and plenty of warm lighting.

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Regent House Design & Developments Ltd Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Specialists

42 High Street, Gnosall, Stafford ST20 0EX Tel. 01785 822292 • www.regenthousedesign.com • Monday - Friday 9am—5pm.

Daylite Group, Units 15 & 16 Ketley Business Park, Telford TF1 5JD sales@daylitegroup.co.uk • www.daylitegroup.co.uk • 01952 240402 Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturday: 8:30am - 12:00pm

Shifnal Scouting After the success of the inaugural event in 2018, the Shifnal Scouting Cycle Challenge is back this year, and it promises to be better than ever. So, save the date – Sunday May 12th – and check out the event details on our Facebook page. Early bird online entry is available via Eventbrite too. Evolution and not revolution is the theme for 2019, and we’re planning on taking all that went well in 2018, and making it better. The ride was set up with the primary aim offering something for all cyclists. A 50km route for those less experienced or beginners, with a 100km option for those looking for more of a challenge. Both routes use the quiet Shropshire lanes, and with a feed station and toilets en-route in Gnosall, both routes offer some great cycling for all abilities.

CYCLE CHALLENGE

towards outdoor and camping equipment used during by the group during numerous camps and outdoor trips they enjoy throughout the year. So, if you’d like to take on the challenge, get out on your bike, whilst at the same time supporting this great local cause which has such a positive impact on the community, what’s stopping you? We’d love to see you on the ride on May 12th. You can also contact us via our Facebook page, twitter feed of by e-mail – shifnalscoutingcyclechallenge@gmail.com.

The event was originally set up in 2018 as a fund raiser for the 1st Shifnal Scout Group, and we’re delighted to be able to report that the money raise last year was used in the construction of the outdoor Bushcraft shelter which the group are now using. The aim this year is for the money raised to go

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

A LUXURY KITCHEN OR BATHROOM

Whether its a new kitchen or bathroom you are looking for we offer a complete package for our customers including any building work, plasterers, tilers, electricians and plumbers

Call Sal T: 01952 610999 M: 07976 467 830 www.kitchensbyrandr.co.uk

R&R Kitchens & Bathrooms

R&R Services Ltd, Unit B4, Stafford Park 15, Telford TF3 3BB

A.P.H Windows

Family Run Business Est 1981

01952 680441 • www.aphwindows.co.uk Manufacturers & Installers of High Quality: • Fully Welded uPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories • Internally Glazed with high Security Locks • Composite Doors • Garage Doors • Fascias, Soffits & Guttering • Building Extensions

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Spring Into Pattern

by Kathrine Sorrell

Sweetly pretty or boldly dramatic, pattern has the potential to transform any room. suited to medium- or small-scale patterns – unless you want to make a particular feature out of a tiny room by filling it with a giant pattern (this can work really well in a downstairs WC, for example).

A lush, dark foliage print gives a dramatic focus. Green Sanctuary Anthracite wallpaper, £150 for a box of three 300cm rolls, www.decoville.co.uk

While you could be forgiven for thinking that anything goes in interior design these days (actually, it pretty much does), eye-catching patterns are certainly having a moment. From simple geometrics to the catwalk-inspired ‘matchy matchy’ look of all-over pattern – yet another rollback to the styles of the Seventies and Eighties – pattern seems to be everywhere, even in an unexpected trend for covering ceilings with patterned wallpaper or faux tin tiles (look it up on social media for examples and how-tos.)

Designed in 1956 by Lisbet Job, this floral wallpaper still works beautifully in modern homes. Aurora wallpaper by Boråstapeter, £72, Cloudberry Living: www. cloudberryliving.co.uk

There’s no doubt that including pattern brings character to a home, but it can be daunting, and may not seem like an easy thing to pull off. Start by looking for inspiration – perhaps in the form of something you already own, such as a painting, vase or throw, or else images in magazines, books and websites. Then think about where you stand in terms of your pattern partiality. Simple, graphic motifs in muted colours, or naturalistic designs in vivid shades? Large scale or small? Historical prints or modern? Don’t forget that pattern is also present in subtle ways, such as the weave of fabric or basketry, the grain of timber or the loops of knitting, for example. These almost invisible patterns all add to the dynamism of a scheme, and should not be overlooked. Next, consider where it’s appropriate to use pattern. For some, it’s a subtle element within a room, such as a small blind or a cushion cover; for others, it’s allout, from walls and floor to fabrics and accessories. Remember that, in bigger rooms, you can afford to use very large-scale patterns for impact, while smaller rooms are generally better

Many people are worried by the idea of mixing patterns together and, if that’s you, there’s no harm in starting simple, with just a dash of a single pattern. For anyone who wishes to be daring and combine two or more patterns, one way to start is by studying the professional pattern books created by the fabric and wallpaper manufacturers, where it is easy to see which patterns work with which. This option, however, does limit you to the offerings of one company, so to introduce greater variety and interest, try creating a mood board, using swatches of fabrics, wallpapers and paint, and cut-out images of furnishings, loosely attached to a large, white sheet of board. Some interior designers are less formal, and simply like to spread everything out in front of them. Either way, it helps to place the most dominant pattern first – which may be the brightest, or the one with the largest scale – and work from there, adding others as you go. The point is to see how well the different elements work together, swapping items in and out, or changing their proportions, until the overall look feels right for you. Combining patterns can be as simple as choosing a floral and a stripe in one colourway, or it may involve time and effort spent on putting together just the right elements from a variety of sources. For patterns that co-ordinate, complementary colours are key. Lighter and darker versions of the same hue work well together, and will provide a pleasing variety, rather than all colours being exactly the same. After working out a comfortable colour balance, think about scale, as a variety of scales adds interest and impact. Bear in mind that very small-scale patterns are only really noticeable close up; from a distance they look like a plain colour, so are a decorative but quite subtle element within a scheme. Next: density. Loose, open patterns give a visual ‘breather’, while intricate patterns with closely placed designs have more drama. As with scale, when using several types of pattern together a variety of densities gives balance and interest. And finally: design. Abstract, figurative, retro, traditional, modern – you name it, there’s something for everyone, and a confident mix of patterns that cohere will make a room seem like it has evolved naturally over time and provide enormous, long-lasting appeal.

Odette tub chair upholstered in Amelia Toile linen by Oasis home, £499, The French Bedroom Co: 01444 415 430; www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk.

HOME SERVICES

Painting & Decorating

Neil D. Rogers Painting & Decorating

Interior & Exterior

W. E. Dunne Interior & Exterior Work No Job Too Big or Small Over 30 Years Experience City & Guilds Qualified FREE Estimates Contact: Will

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FREE ESTIMATES • Over 30 Years Experience 81

Local Writer

PUBLISHES HIS FIRST BOOK

Philip Huzzey from Muxton in Telford has published his first ever book.

DARWIN GLASS & GLAZING

Philip said he created ‘The Adventures of Rufus O’Malley’ after his wife Lorraine asked if he could make up a story as easily as he writes his songs, so he hit upon the idea of fictitious land where only animals lived. He wanted a main character, an animal who was strong and wolf like who also possessed magical powers and loved to travel in seek of adventures, and as he has always liked the look of Alaskan Malamutes, so that was it; here was Rufus. His story introduces the reader to the countries of Zanimos, Unger, Moorsher, Arven and Nordeamia. It tells the story of a hamster called Hamilton who is moving home from her teahouse in the city of Ungerborg to a country cottage in the nearby land of Zanimos. Her journey is perilous as she is pursued by evil creatures and her only protection is from her guide Brodney, a rather surly badger. Also into the story comes Rufus O’Malley who is a prince from the north of the world; but will his magic be strong enough to defeat the ghostly spirits of a witch and wizard who protect Zanimos from uninvited strangers.... The Adventures of ‘Rufus O’Malley A NEWFOUND FRIEND’ is available on line from Amazon and Waterstones.

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HOME SERVICES

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Hello, I’m Karl I own & operate GutterPRO across Telford, Newport, Shrewsbury, Shifnal and the surrounding areas. Because it’s my business, you’ll get a personal service and be certain we’ll clear up thoroughly after the job.

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Simply Style We all want our homes to be comfortable, practical and good-looking. Just as important as gorgeous colours and appealing accessories are necessities such as easy-to-clean surfaces, effective lighting and durable kitchenware. Which is where simple style – a combination of form and function that is completely unpretentious and always hard working – excels. It takes classic designs that have stood the test of time and combines them with the best of modern furnishings, using tactile materials and pale, neutral colours to achieve a look that is calm and quiet, comfortable and honest, and hugely pleasing to live with. Walls and floors are the starting point. Quick and inexpensive to achieve are walls in plain paint shades. Neutrals are fundamental, with a palette of soft whites ranging from chalk, ivory and bone through to deeper taupes and greys, with stronger accents providing contrast: sage green, midnight blue or earthy brown, for example. More finished surfaces, as appropriate to the room, could include grasscloth wallpaper, bevel-edge tiles or timber panelling. As for floors, the key is to combine the practicality of sturdy materials such as traditional stone flags, brick pavers or wooden floorboards with the softness of plain or minimally patterned carpets or conveniently placed, understated rugs. Furniture should be pared down in style, chosen for its strength, durability and comfort first and foremost, and always cleanlined as opposed to over-decorative. Windsor or ladder-back chairs, wooden stools, blanket boxes and traditional dressers are all just right for the simple interior, especially when made from natural wood or painted in a muted shade. Mixing eras works perfectly, too, provided pieces are chosen for their inherent good design and plain style, transcending all fads and fashions. Rather than elaborate window treatments of any type, this style has a less-is-more feel, and where windows can be left bare, then why not? Panelled wooden shutters look elegant and discreet, while Roman blinds and gathered curtains are

Image Above: Cuddlemuffin modular corner sofa with chaise, £4,645, Loaf: 0345 468 0667; www.loaf.com

preferable to anything elaborate. Other soft furnishings might include the plainest of loose covers for chairs and sofas (avoid frilled valances or other flourishes) and cushions with nononsense fastenings and the most basic of trims. Linen, cotton and wool are ideal fabrics for this style: unassuming, natural fibres that have been the backbone of classical decorating for centuries. Look for plain colours and stripes, adding a range of textures for interest. In addition to the soft drape of textiles, introduce a range of natural materials, such as woven willow, sisal, slate or timber, to provide an interesting atmosphere even in an apparently minimal room. To ensure a calm and airy feel overall, good storage is vital. Ancillary areas such as utility rooms, laundry rooms, boot rooms and dressing rooms are a great asset, but where space is more limited then well-designed cupboards, shelves and other storage areas are incredibly helpful in terms of clearing away the clutter and confusion of everyday life and making simple rooms feel more spacious and liveable. In kitchens, a free-standing storage piece such as a dresser, plate rack or butcher’s block breaks up the uniformity of fitted cupboards and creates a more timeless appearance. Finally, when it comes to lighting, inset spotlights throw light where needed without drawing the eye, while classic fittings, such as glass pendants, Anglepoise table lamps or slender wall lights with ceramic shades can be added where necessary. As for finishing touches, beware an abundance of accessories (always opt for quality over quantity), and choose essential items such as wooden peg hooks, hand-made soap, thick woollen throws and blankets, blue and white crockery, rustic bread boards and pillar candles, plus loose arrangements of gorgeous cottage-garden flowers.

Key ingredients of simple style • Consider wooden panelling, tongue-and-groove boarding, textured wallpaper and classic tiles as options for your walls. • Opt for classic floorboards, stone or slate flags, brick pavers or terracotta tiles for the floor, combined with plain carpets and/or subtle rugs. • Combine soft white shades with a few deeper colours. • Choose natural materials such as wood, slate, wicker, wool and cotton. • Ensure rooms are clear of clutter by making the most of storage space. • Remember that good design applies across all eras, so combining old and new will work if furnishings are chosen carefully for both form and function. • Avoid bold patterns in favour of plains and stripes. • Fit wooden shutters, Roman blinds or softly gathered curtains at the windows, or leave them bare if you dare. Impressive Concrete Wood light grey laminate, £27.99 m2, Carpetright: 0330 333 3444; www.carpetright.co.uk.

by Kathrine Sorrell

HOME SERVICES

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Electrical Contractors

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A friendly family business offering a reliable and competitive service by fully insured NICEIC Registered Electricians

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Spring has arrived

SO HAVE SOME UNWANTED GUESTS

Safely removing a tick The best way to remove a tick is to use a special tick-remover shaped for the purpose, which your vet should be able to provide. It’s important to twist the body before pulling it out, and to ensure the whole of the tick is removed. Leaving behind the head can cause serious infection in your dog, so if you’re not sure how to do it, take them to your vet.

Fleas

Although we welcome the warmer weather with open arms, spring also means the re-emergence of parasites that can cause severe discomfort for your dog, and are potentially a serious health risk. The danger of ticks

Fleas are smaller than ticks and can be very difficult to spot if your dog has dark fur. They can quickly multiply to the point where your pet is constantly scratching, which can cause serious irritation to their skin. Your vet should be able to recommend an appropriate flea and tick treatment based on their weight, which reduces the chances of infestation and illness. Being vigilant and aware of the dangers these unwanted visitors pose, however, is also a good first line of defence that will keep your dog happy and healthy.

Ticks are small oval-shaped parasites often found in countryside areas. They attach themselves to a ‘host’ to suck their blood, and if not removed quickly can cause health issues ranging from serious irritation to your dog’s skin to potentially lifechanging Lyme disease. cartwrights-advert-print-5.pdf

24/07/2018

www.petfleas.co.uk/blog/springtime-safety-for-your-dogs www.telegraph.co.uk/pets/keep-animals-healthy-in-spring www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-owners/ticks. By Ann Haldon 13:02

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Admaston

at Admaston House Comm. Centre: Mon: Yoga; 6.30-8pm Tue: Pushchair people 9.30am-12pm, Guitar lessons 4.30-7pm, Brownies 5.30-6.45pm, Guides 7-8.30pm, Rangers 7-8.30pm Childrens Cooking Classes - Every Tuesday (term time) 4.15-5.30pm (Ages 2-12), Email: natalie@cookstars.co.uk Wed: WI 2-4pm (1st Wed of mth), Weight Watchers 5:30&7pm, Bollywood Dancing 6.45-8.30pm Thu: Scouts 7-9pm, Explorers (age14-18) 7.30-9.30pm, Ladies alpha 7.30-9.30pm. Fri: Youth club 7.30-9pm. If you would like further info. on above visit www.admastonhouse.org.uk or contact Moira Hoath on 07722 213264. Wrekin & Telford Singers meet every Fri 7:30pm at Admaston House. We are a mixed voice choir - no audition just come along and enjoy singing with a friendly group of people. Contact Judi 01952 411801 or visit our Facebook @wrekin&telford singers or www.wtsingers.org.uk

Church Aston

Pitchcroft & Church Aston WI - Meetings held 3rd Wed of month in Church Hall, Church Aston at 7.30 pm. Variety of speakers & demonstrations. Guests admission is £3.50. Contact Linda Browning 01952 876306 for further details. Church Aston Gardening Club meets the 3rd Mon monthly 8pm, Church Aston Church Hall. New Members welcome. Sylvia 01952 812092 Crafty Sew and Sews - we meet for sewing, knitting and other crafts at the Church Hall, Church Aston on Tuesdays from 2-4pm. New members welcome. Church Aston Thursday Club meet fortnightly Thu afternoon 2pm till 4pm, speakers, outings. Contact Sylvia 01952 402744 or 812092 at Church Aston Village Hall: Mon: 10-11am Zumba, 11.30-12.30 Beg. Pilates, 2-4pm U3A Sewing/Craft Grp (alt. wks), 7-10pm Whist Tue: 10-12 Tai Chi, 6.30-9.30pm Line Dancing Wed: 9.30-10.25 Easy Tone, 10.30-11.15 Kettle Bell Class, 4.30-4.30 Kids Dance Classes, 7-10pm Whist Thu: 2-4pm Whist, 6-8pm Cubs Fri: 2-4pm Tea dance, 4.15-6 Twinkle toe dance, 6-7 Beavers, 7-8 Scouts Sun: From 7pm Ballroom Dance Lessons

Dawley

Telford Hot Trax Radio Controlled Car Club - Meets every Wednesday at Dawley Social Club, King St, Telford TF4 2AG @ 7.30pm to 10pm. Contact: 07834 808943 Dawley Traditional Market - Every Friday, Meadow Rd car park. Contact 01952 380934 Telford Christian Fellowship, Christian Worship & Prayer for Healing, Sun 10:30am12pm at the Dawley Hse, 2 Burton St, Dawley TF4 2ES. Contact Giles Higgins 01952 272961 www.tcfonline.org.uk Dawley Christian Centre: Mon: 5-8pm Brownies & Rainbows, Tue: 9.30-11.30 - Stay & play groups for under 5’s Fri: 2-4pm - Computer Club (3rd Fri each mth) 9-12 Table Top Sale

Donnington

Players wanted - Tickled Pink Ukulele Band Practice nights Weds @ Asda Donnington. Uke players needed. Contact us at: tpinkukes@gmail.com or call 07939 021162 Oakengates Rangers Colts U11’s Football Club - are looking to recruit male and female players for the 2014/2015 season if you are currently aged 10-11 please feel free to come along.Training every Thursday, 6pm to 7:30pm at Donnington football pitches (near Little Theatre). Contact Nik: 07506 722488 or Saul: 07411 467341. Telford Sea Cadets – Tue & Thu nights 6.459pm, Cadets is for ages 12-18, Juniors 1011. See website for details or contact us by

email: Telford.seacadets@yahoo.com Thu - The Creation Station ‘Little Explorer’ pre-schooler arts & crafts sessions. Cordingley Hall, Wellington Road. 10.15 to 11.05 (term-time) Call to book your place 0844 854 9128. at Donnington Methodist Church: 2nd Sunday of every month - Messy Church (3-4.30pm). Everyone invited. If you are a child you will need to bring an adult with you! An hour of fun, games & craft activities, don’t wear your best clothes. Donations welcomed. We don’t expect you to belong to a church.

Edgmond

at Edgmond Village Hall: Toddler group 10.00-11.30 (term time only) - Contact Chloe 07498 282055 Mon (term time only): Painting - drawing classes 1.00-3.30pm. More details Cynthia James 07722 624 210. Every Tue Afternoon (from 2nd Apr): Lunch - Afternoon tea - soup - sandwiches - cakes - tea - coffee - wine - prosecco & lots more, 1pm-5pm - more info Janis 01952 820572 / 07739 634703. Every 3rd Wed of Month - Edgmond W.I 7.30-10pm. Visitors welcome: £3.50, incl. refreshments. Contact Dianne: 01952 825564. Every 1st Sat of Month - Table Top Sale 9.30am-12.30. Bacon sandwiches, tea/ coffee & cakes. £5 table, free entry contact Janis 07739 634703 Antoaneta's Writers' Edgmond meet on 1st Wed of month at 5.30pm in members own homes. New members are welcomed. We are a small and friendly group keen to advance our writing. Contact Mark Pearce on 01952 550557 or email markpearce17@ hotmail.com for more info.

Hadley

Hadley Five O Club - for over 50s meets most Mondays 9-45am to 12-noon at Hadley United Services clubroom. Talks, entertainers, trips out, refreshments etc Call in, or ring Keith on 01952-244804. Hadley Traditional Market - Wed every week, Hadley Local Centre. Contact 01952 380934 Telford Wine Making & Home Brewing Club - at Hadley Rest Rooms, (by the Sikh Temple) on the 1st Thu of month 7.45 to 8pm. For info contact Chris Hall on 01384 345408 or Annette Jones on annette. jones234@yahoo.com Parkinson’s Telford & Wrekin Support Group - We offer support and friendship to people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. Come along to our friendly group, meet other people affected by Parkinson’s and get involved in a range of events and activities. Castle Farm Community Centre in Hadley, 1-3pm on the last Tue of every month. T: 01952 253877

Horsehay

Horsehay and District Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 3rd Mon of each month at Horsehay Village Hall at 7.30pm. Call 01952 503535 for more info. Horsehay Methodist Church - coffee morning on Wed 10.30-noon. Parents & toddlers on Fri mornings 10-11.30am. Youth group Fri 7-8.30pm (10 to 14 yr olds)

Ketley

Childrens Cooking Classes - Every Saturday (term time) 9.30-11.00am at Ketley Community Centre (Ages 2-12), Email: natalie@cookstars.co.uk Telford Stamp and Card Club meets on the second Monday of each month (except July and August) at 7.30pm at Ketley Community Centre, Telford, TF1 5AN. Visitors welcome.

Lawley

Learn to Play Bridge - at Lawley Community Centre. For further information contact Peter Seager on 01952 419999 Lawley & District WI meet on the 1st Tue of every month at 7.30pm StJohn’s Church Hall at Lawley. For more info. call Denise Edwards 01952 405756.

Leegomery

Childrens Cooking Classes - Every Thursday (term time) 4.30-5.45pm at Leegomery Community Centre (Ages 2-12), Email: natalie@cookstars.co.uk

Lilleshall

Lilleshall Women’s Institute - Open to all age groups - speakers, demonstrations, refreshments and raffle. At Lilleshall Memorial Hall 3rd Tue of month 7.30pm. Guests £2 per session. Contact Francis Taylor 01952 604718

Madeley

Madeley Art Club - meets every Mon (exc. Bank Hols), 9:30am-12 noon @ Jubilee Hall, Madeley - all over 55’s welcome. For more info call Tamara on 01952 680030. Madeley Traditional Market - Tue & Sat – every week, Russell Square. Contact 01952 380934 Life Drawing - every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm at Jubilee House, Madeley. Excellent tutor. For more info. call the WEA 01952 614451 or email telfordcentre@wea.org.uk. 1st Wed each month - Madeley Townswomen Guild meets 7.30pm at the Common Room, Bridle Court, Bridle Rd. Madeley, TF7 5SG Contact 01952 878069.

Muxton

Muxton Movers walking group - meet on a Tue & Thu evening, 7.15pm at Muxton School for an hour of fairly flat walking. Sundays, at 6.30pm, cover approx. 7 miles, in 1.5hrs. New members are welcome! at St John’s Church Muxton: Mon: 12:30-2:15pm NCT Bumps and Babes group - for parents and carers with children under 2, £1.50 donation Painting Club 2-4pm (term time). Tue: Tiny Tots (10am, term time), Rainbows - followed by Brownies & Guides Wed: In Stitches 2pm (1st & 3rd Wed) Embroiderers Guild 8pm (every 4th Wed) Muxton Ladies 7.45pm (1st Wed each mth) Thu: Forget Me Not Films 9.30am Monthly, Afternoon Fellowship 2.30-4pm monthly & Beacon 7.45pm Fri: Join us 4 a Cuppa! 11am Monthly plus litter pick, Lunch Club Over 50’s (1st Fri of mth) Sub:Zero – Youth Cafe, yrs7+ 4-6pm Sat: Prayer Breakfast (bi-monthly) Available for hire for parties etc.. Sun: Church Services 11am Available for hire for parties etc.. If you would like further info. on the above activities - contact the church on 01952 670033

Newport

23rd Mar (Sat) - NEWPORT (SALOP) RUGBY CLUB invites you to join us for our annual Ladies Lunch. Complimentary drink upon arrival, 2 course meal with tea/ coffee, games & raffle. To book your table contact Alison at: ajhodson@blueyonder. co.uk or 07814 691 473. Secure our table before the 28th Feb for the reduced cost of £25pp (£27.50pp if booked after). We will be collecting for Womens Refuge on the day (items include toiletries, mother and/or baby items, sanitary items, etc...) The Probus Club of Newport meet on the first Monday of each month at 1pm for lunch at The Swan at Forton. If you are a retired gentleman, then feel free to check that we are a friendly bunch! Phone Gwyn Jones on 01952 813433 for more details. U3A Newport - meet the 3rd Tue of each month at The Royal British Legion Club, Audley Road, Newport at 2pm. £1 entry to include refreshments, Members and visitors are most welcome to come along. Please visit our website to find out more. Evening Stitchers - Wed fortnightly 7.30 - 9.30pm Newort Cricket Club, Audley Avenue. Friendly, bring your own Emb. Knit, patchwork etc. Alison 01952 324084 Beaumaris Singers - New members welcome. We are a chamber choir of around 20 voices. We meet every Tuesday at 7.15pm during term time at Cosy Hall, Newport. For more information call David 07710 005050 or visit our website www.beaumarissingers.org Newport Rotary Lite - We’re an active, informal and mixed club focused on doing things to help the community in Newport and beyond. Message us through Facebook - Newport Shrops Rotary Lite. Childrens Cooking Classes - Every Monday (term time) 4.15-5.30pm at Newport Cricket Club (Ages 2-12), Email: natalie@ cookstars.co.uk Childrens Cooking Classes - Every Monday (term time) 6.30-8.15pm at Burton Borough Home Ec Room (Ages 10-17), Email: natalie@cookstars.co.uk

Gnosall, Newport & District Lions Club. 1st Mon monthly at 8pm - Community Room, Gnosall Fire Station, Wharf Road ST20 0DB. For people interested in helping in the community. Contacts: Pat 01785 780032 or John 01952 273919. Newport Writers' Circle meet on 2nd Wed of month (except Aug), 10.30am in the library. New members welcomed. A friendly group who share their stories in a warm and welcoming way. Contact Mark Pearce on 01952 550557 or email markpearce17@ hotmail.com for more info. Newport (SALOP) and District Male Voice Choir - seeking new members for well established friendly choir, meet 7.30pm on Mondays at Trinity Church Wellington Rd Newport. Novices are welcome, come along for a taster session. You do not to be a Tom Jones, just someone who can hold a note and fit in to the choir. For more infor visit our website, or call 01952 813267. Newport Afternoon Guild meet on the 1st Wed 2-4pm at the Cosy Hall in Newport. Call 01952 825 287 for further infomation. Newport Bridge Academy - Meet Mondays 7pm at Royal Naval Association, Bellmans Yard, Newport. All standards welcome very friendly club. Expert tuition every week from EBU Grand master & qualified teacher, followed by duplicate bridge. Easy parking and tea/coffee included. Please call Grahame on 07541 048785 or Bob on 07907 887010 or email newport.bridge. academy@outlook.com Newport Bridge Club meet Tue & Thu 7pm at The Hub St Mary Street Newport. We welcome duplicate bridge players of all standards. Interested? Come and join us. Call 01952 814474 for more details or e-mail info@newport-bridge-club.co.uk The Dalen Singers is a small, friendly, mixed voice choir founded 30 years ago in Newport. Rehearsals on Tue evenings, 7pm at Trinity Church, Wellington Road, Newport. If you would like to meet us just come to rehearsals, you will be very welcome, or ring secretary 01952 811741 for more information. Cygnus Book Club – Come along and join a friendly group as we discuss a spiritual book or theme of the month – all whilst enjoying drinks and cake! Contact Romella 07894 812440 Used Toner Cartridges - Shrewsbury Music Therapy Unit are collecting and recycling used printer ink cartridges to raise funds to subsidise Music Therapy for children with learning difficulties. Please drop off at Boots or Ace Computers, High St, Newport. Dressmaking Classes at Cosy Hall, Newport on Thu’s - 10am-12.30pm and 7.309.30pm ‘Saturday Sewing Bee’ 2-5pm, monthly. Details and booking contact Catherine on 01952 276061. catherine@ lovedressmaking.co.uk www.facebook. com/lovedressmaking Toy Library in Cottage Care Centre, Newport, every Friday 9.45-11.30, preschool age. Contact Steve Ravenscroft 01952 811935 or just call in. Newport RNA Club - Excellent venue with warm friendly atmosphere. Function room for hire. Mon - bridge club, Tue - open mic, Wed - pool, Thu - bingo, Fri - dominoes/ quiz nights/live entertainment, Sat - live entertainment. Pay on door. Non-Members £3. 07772 611540 Friends Singles Club, 45+, established in Shropshire, now meeting in Newport. Full details from 07955 851256 or email: singlesfriends18@gmail.com Newport Scouts, Longford Road HQ. Beavers, Thu’s at 6pm; Cubs, Wed’s at 6pm; Scouts, Wed’s 7.30 pm. Contact: Liz on 07780 611260 The Guild of Silk Painters - meetings are held from 7-9.30pm on the third Monday of each month atCosy Hall, Water Lane Newport. Contact - Margaret 01785 254803, Diana 01785 223339 or Anethia 01952 813101. Female 77 - Meetings held every Wednesday during term time at Newport Cottage Hospital 8pm. Speakers,demonstrations and outings. New members welcome. Contact Chris 01952 811533 Newport Wine Appreciation Group meet from 7pm-9pm on Tue’s at Cosy Hall, Newport. Beginners and more experienced enthusiasts welcome. Contact Geoff on 01743 884658 Newport Life Drawing and Figure Sculpting Workshops – Saturday mornings at Adams’ Grammar School. For further information please call Michael on 07528489320 or email michaeljamespotter@hotmail.co.uk Newport Farmers’ Market – 3rd Thu of every month, The Square and The Buttercross, Newport – Contact Tel 01952 380934

COMMUNITY & WHATS ON

Newport Trefoil Guild meets monthly on a Thursday at Cosy Hall, Water Lane. All members/ex members of Girl Guiding welcome. Contact Cris 01952 253960 for further details. Newport Photographic Club - meet 7.45pm on Tues (Sep-Jun) in the Baptist Church Hall in Water Lane, Newport. See www. newportphotoclub.com for details.

Oakengates

Maddocks Chess Club - Monday nights from 7:30pm at Maddocks Sports & Social Club, Church St, Oakengates, Telford. TF2 6BU. www.maddockschess.co.uk FREE Art and Craft Sessions - at The Wakes, Oakengates - every Thursday 102pm no need to book just turn up, everyone welcome. Table top sale - first Saturday of each month, 10am -12pm at the Holy Trinity Church in Wrockwardine wood and Oakengates. Contact Tanya May 07990 767855 (visit our facebook page for events: Holy Trinity Church Wrockwardine Wood) Oakengates Traditional Market - Saturday – every week, Limes Walk. Contact 01952 380934. The Telford & District branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society hold a Monthly Social on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Oakengates. There is a short chair based exercise session followed by refreshments & a chance to chat - open to anyone affected by MS. Branch Helpline number: 07866 628593. Boys’ Brigade - Tue at Oakengates United Church - 6pm Anchor Boys, 7pm Junior Boys Section. Friday - 7pm Company Section (boys and girls school year 7+). Contact Dave on 07548 574901. Oakengates Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 4th Thu of each month at the United Reform Church at 7pm. Call 01952 261 207 for more info.

Priorslee

Sewing For Pleasure - Sewing Machine Classes every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm, University Campus Telford, Conference Centre, Priorslee. TF2 9NN All abilities welcome. Call Nicky on 01952 201502 for more details or see our Facebook page facebook.com/MaudeandRose. Tea & Natter at St. Peter’s Church, Church Rd, Priorslee, 2pm-3pm, bring & buy with a draw. Every 4th Thu of the month. Come and join us for a chat with drinks & refreshments 50p – all are welcome. AgeUk over 60’s Pub Lunch Club at the The Lion Inn, Priorslee, meet 2nd Monday of each month. Please contact Pauline Comley for further details 01952 200359 Family Praise at St Peters Church, Church Rd, Priorslee: All-Age Worship, 2nd Sunday of each month, 1/2hour service, 10-10:30am, ideal for children! Contact Chris Harris 07941 961461 or email stpeterspriorslee@ btinternet.com Whist Drive - Every Sat, at Priorslee Scout Hut, 7pm prompt - everyone welcome, Call 01952 242009 for details. Carers` Group meets every last Tue of month, 2.30-4.30pm at the Old Fire Station, Shifnal. Contact Ivy 01952 750228 (day only) for more details.

Shawbirch

Shawbirch Community Centre: Mon-Fri: Little Chicks Pre-School 9am 3pm Mon: Youth Club 10-15 yrs (6–8pm) Wed: Bridge Club (7pm – 10pm) Fri: Telford Stage School - 5.45pm The community centre is available to hire evenings & weekends. For further info. call 01952 248538.

Sheriffhales

Sheriffhales W.I. - Meet every 4th Thursday, 7.30pm at Sheriffhales village hall. For further info contact Janet 07964 370679.

Shifnal

26th Mar (Tue) - Wrekin U3A. 2pm, Shifnal Village Hall.AGM and Group Presentation. Visitors welcome £1.50. Details at https:// u3asites.org.uk/wrekin Shifnal in Stitches - Informal knitting and crochet group meeting at Odfellows every 3rd Tue of the month, 7-9pm. All ages and all skill levels welcome. Find us on facebook.com/shifnalinstitches or email

shifnalinstitches@gmail.com Shifnal Senior Citizens meet every Friday afternoon in the Social Club in Curriers Lane, Shifnal at 2-4pm Membership £6 per year. All Senior Citizens are welcome. Shifnal Tots and Toddlers meet every Thursday 9:15am til 11am in term time at the Youth Club, Bridgnorth Road. Children 4 years and under with their carers welcome. Shifnal Tennis Club - Social play every Mon & Wed 6.30 onwards. New members always welcome including beginners or ‘back to tennis’ , junior coaching available throughout the week. Contact Merill Holt 07762 15270 or Head Coach Ian Gillespie 07761 970759 for juniors. LIVE AT HOME - Support for older people offering friendship and company, activities and entertainment, outings and visits, theatre trips and exercise. Contact Rachel on 01952 879873 Shifnal ART Group - Fri’s 10am-12. £5. Senior Citizens Hall, Curriers Ln. T&C. contact Jim 01952 463211. Get Shifnal On Line - Free computer lessons are on offer from local volunteers in Shifnal library. If you have no knowledge of computers, but would like to learn at your own pace, call 01952 461018 during Library open hours.. Carers` Group meets every last Tue of month, 2.30-4.30pm at the Old Fire Station, Shifnal. Contact Ivy 01952 750228 (daytimes only) for more details. Shifnal Men’s Link - Meet 3 times a year (Feb, Jun & Oct) at Haughton Hall for a meal with a guest speaker. Contact Chris Blake on 01952 463171 or email: info@ shifnal-mens-link.co.uk Shifnal Ladies Link - Meet 3 times a year (Feb, Jun & Oct) at Haughton Hall for a meal with a guest speaker. Contact Sue Blake on 01952 463171 or email: info@ shifnal-ladies-link.co.uk Stagekids of Shifnal - for 6–16s meet every Thu during term time at The Youth Club, Bridgnorth Rd, Shifnal, 6–11 yr olds meet at 6.45pm-8pm, 12–16 yr olds meet 8pm9.45pm. Contact Sandra on 01952 462759 Shifnal Millennium Sensory Garden - The working party meets each month from March through to the end of Nov. on the 1st and 3rd Sats and the 2nd and 4th Thurs 9.30am - noon. Enthusiastic helpers most welcome. Contact Angela - 01952 462627 for more details or just turn up on the day. Shifnal Flower Club meet 4th Tue of every month at Shifnal Village Hall at 7.30pm. Professional Floral Art Demonstrations, Garden Visits & Outings, if you love flowers, come & join us. Call Sue Munslow on 01952 461076 Shifnal Flower Club Workshop is 3rd Tue of every month at Curriers Lane Room, Shifnal - 7.30pm. Learn how to produce your own floral arrangement. Members £2, non members £4. Call Chris Finlan on 01952 750312. Shifnal & District Male Voice Choir meet on Thu at 7.30pm at Idsall School (6th form common room). New recruits welcome. Contact Ged Heyes on 01952 586968, for further details. St Andrews Church, Shifnal - Every Tue 10am – 12 noon Coffee and a listening ear in the Brooke Room. Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal - Every Wednesday 10am - 12 noon all welcome to drop in for a drink & a chat. Ladybirds tots and toddlers meet every Friday from 10-11.30am at Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal. All children under 5 and their carers are welcome. St Mary’s Church Presbytery, Victoria Road, Shifnal - Coffee Morning every Thu. All welcome for a drink and a chat.

St Georges

Telford & Wrekin Arthritis Support Group, meet monthly at St. George’s Sports & Social Club, Church St. 7.30–9.30pm. Also organize trips with side lift coaches and a 5 days holiday once a year with disabled access. Hydrotherapy sessions Thu 5–7pm, by appt only. For further details contact Mrs. Pat Watkins on 01952 618381. at St Georges Methodist Church: Mon - 4pm Rainbows / 5.45pm Brownies (Contact: 01952 293944) Wed - Snedshill & District Over 60’s Club meet 1pm (T: 618221 - Lois Bull) 1st Wed of every month - St Georges WI meet in the Church Hall at 7pm - contact A. Chetwood 01952 618353 for further details. Thu - 6pm Guides / 7.45pm Morningside Ladies Choir (Contact 01952 619347) Thu - 9:30-11:30am - Little Fishes under 5’s

group. For all pre-school children and their carers. Meets in the St Georges Methodist Church Hall. £1.50 per family to include snacks and drinks. Contact Kate on 07976 460777.

Telford - Town Centre

Afternoon Tea at Meeting Point House, Southwater - available Mon to Sat 12-3pm in the vintage inspired tea room. £8 for two, includes a pot of tea. The room is also great for birthdays and celebrations as well as local community groups. Call 01952 292268, visit www.meetingpointhouse.co.uk or email reception@meetingpointhouse.co.uk Tuesday Group lively discussions in a good humoured atmosphere. Women meeting 10:30 to 12:30 on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Venue subject to change. Contact Brenda on 01952 610939.

Trench

ATC meet at TA Centre, Territorial House, Trench, Telford between 18.45 - 21.30 every Tue & Thu night. Contact number for Sqn 01952 670720

Wellington

Telford Stamp and Card Club Meetings - Stamp Club meetings are on the 2nd Monday of each month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, in the Belmont Hall, Wellington. For more info call Richard Camp on 01952-405458. SPACES available at Wellington Brownies - for girls aged 7-10, Mon 6:30-7:45pm, Wellington Methodist Church - contact Joanne Martin on 01952 254555 Severn Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus meets every Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at Wellington Methodist Church,New Street,TF1 1LU for singing and fun. For more info. contact Membership Secretary, Carol Shore on 01952 597851 or 07792 862826. Wellington, the home of The Telfordaires Barbershop Harmony Chorus. For the MALE voice. If you can or can’t sing, just like to try, or need some entertainment for an event. Contact us on 0845 463 1618 Art and Craft fun for toddlers - every Friday at 11am at Wellington Methodist Church. Contact Kirsty on 07741 066858 or kirsty@art4tots.com or visit www.Art4Tots. com for further details. Art for Enjoyment - at Wellington Methodist Church - Tue mornings or afternoons, and now on Thu afternoons as well, 1.30 - 3.30pm. Call Liz Doody, the course tutor for more info. or to book your place on 07970 709116. SUNNYCROFT - 200 Holyhead Road, Wellington. House, gardens and tearoom open Fri-Mon 10.30am-5pm, last admission to house 4pm. Telford Lions Club - Meet on 2nd & 4th Monday each month at 8pm, at the Whitehouse Hotel, Watling Street, Wellington. To find out more about us, our activities and how to join us, t: 0845 833 9585 or email telford.lions@yahoo.com Car boot sale – Every Sunday, Victoria Road and Nailors Row car parks – Contact Tel 01952 380934 U3A Wellington - 2nd Thu of each Month meeting at Belmont Community Hall, Wellington - 2pm. Just come along and see what’s on offer, or visit our website. S.T.A.G.s (Strategic Tactical Adventure Gaming Society) one of the biggest wargaming clubs in the country. Historical as well as Sci/Fanasty wargaming. We meet at Belmont Hall in Wellington - see website for more details: www.stagstelford. co.uk or call 01952 417747 . Wellington Jade Singers ladies choir, meet weekly on Thu evenings 7.30-9.30pm Union Free Church Hall, Constitution Hill, Wellington, TF1 3BA, contact Chris Harris 07941 961461 or email jadesingers@ btinternet.com Wrekin Arts Photographic Club meets every Friday at 8pm at the Belfrey Arts Centre Wellington (Sep to Jun). Details from Sheila Thomas on 01952 617170 or www.wrekinartspc.com Eyton & Wellington WI meet 2nd Wed of every month, 7.30pm at Belmont Hall. Belmont Community Hall in Wellington meet every Fri 11.45am-4pm - Over 50’s, tea, raffle, speakers, bingo etc.. £1.50 entry, also lunch available at £3.50 at 12pm cooked on the premises. All welcome. For further details contact Margaret Atkinson on 01952 877409. The Wellington Girls’ Brigade meet every Tue in term time from 6-8pm at Wellington Methodist Church. All girls welcome from

5yrs+. For more info. call Tracey on 01952 405178. Wellington Evening Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 1st Tue of each month at 7.30pm at Belmont Community Hall, Wellington. Visitors welcome. Call 413686 for more info. Wellington Central Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 2nd Tue of each month at 2.15pm at the Carvers Close Community Room, Holyhead Rd, Wellington. For more info call 01952 251 364. Eyton & Wellington WI - Meet every 2nd Wed of the month at 7:30pm in the Belmont Hall, Wellington for speakers, friendship and tea & biscuits. Visitors welcome. Call Judi on 01952 411801 for more details. Grace Church Wellington - meets Sundays at 11am in the Wellington Library. An independent local fellowship. Visit www. gcwellington.com.

Other Areas

Garden Club - Kynnersley Village Hall, Telford, TF6 6DX. Meet monthly, 2nd Friday of each month at 7pm, we welcome members from all around the Telford area Contact Hannah talksherlock@gmail.com 01743 341949. The Wolverhampton Phoenix Club for the widowed - a club for both men and women who are widowed and are ready to restart their social life in a friendly supportive atmosphere. We meet the 2nd Sunday of the month at Codsall Village Hall at 7pm in the summer afternoons and 2.30pm in the winter. We have a varied program of entertainment and we also organise monthly lunches at local pubs, day trips and holidays. For more information phone Jim 01902 846696. Age UK Lunch Clubs - are held every month at 10 different locations. Ring Age uk Telford (01952 201803) for more details or check out the website: www. ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk IT Class (for older people) run every Wednesday 3-5pm at Brookside Community Centre. Contact Diane Douglas 01952 201803 ext 001 or diane.douglas@ ageukstw.org.uk Whist Drive - Every Fri, at Buildwas Village Hall, 7pm prompt - everyone welcome, Call 01952 242009 for details. Telford Sign Cafe - want to practice your signing or are you a Deaf Sign Language user who would enjoy helping us! Enjoy a coffee and a chat. All abilities welcome. Meet 3rd Fri of month from 7pm, at The Home Organisation Coffee Shop, Lightmoor. Contact Nikki: nikkibackhouse@ googlemail.com, 07791 724827 Wrockwardine and District Garden Club - Meet on 1st Thu of each month at Wrockwardine Village Hall at 7.30pm. Little Wenlock WI - meet 1st Wed of every month - in the Village Hall at 2pm, new members welcome - contact Diana on 01952 244136 for further details. Severn Sisters WI - Meet every 3rd Wednesday, 7pm at Longdon On Tern Village Hall. For further info contact Paula Pierce 07841 528543 Volunteer and Make a Difference - if you could help Guide Dogs locally with fundraising, sighted guiding or other volunteer roles, please contact Valerie Jobes on 01189 838 756 or valerie.jobes@ guidedogs.org.uk. Further info can be found at www.guidedogs.org.uk. The Wrekin Decorative and Fine Arts Society meets at the Cold War exhibition hall at RAF Cosford Air Museum on the 3rd Mon of the mth at 2pm. Visitors £5. Contact: Louise Nixon 01746 783517 - www. nadfas-wm.org.uk/wrekin.html Telford and Wrekin Ladies Circle is all about fun and friendship – trying something new, relaxing with friends, fundraising & great days out. If you are between 1845 and want to know more contact us at: tandwladiescircle@hotmail.com - 07961 961475 or find us on Facebook. Wrekin Writers meet 3rd Sat of month 9 till noon. Large friendly group that’ll help to motivate you with your writing. Visit www. wrekinwriters.co.uk or call Darren on 01952 405178.

To submit an entry to this feature please email your details to: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk please put subject as WHATS ON on the email. (Space is VERY limited, so brief details ONLY)

Local Health, Sport

Admaston

at Admaston House Community Centre (for further info. contact Moira Hoath on 07722 213264): Mon: Yoga (evenings) Contact Janet Evans on 01952 245983 Wed: Weight Watchers 5.30pm & 7pm Thu: Gentle seated and standing exercises for older people. 10.30-11.30am. Qualified tutor £2.50, call Diane Douglas on 01952 201803 for details. Thu: Slimming World - 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Contact Sharon on 07775 512563

Church Aston

at Church Aston Village Hall: Wed 9.30-10.25am Easy tone - over 50s & beginners Wed 10.30am-11.15 - Kettlebells Class - all over body workout using kettle shaped weight. Contact Kim on 07795 225017 Thu 11am Medau Movement & Dance exercise with Rosemary 01785 822442.

Dawley

Have fun – keep fit. Short Tennis Prime Time Club (over 55’s). Tue and Fri 5-6pm at Phoenix Sport & Leisure Centre, Dawley. First taster is free, membership £5 and each sesssion is £2. Please contact Peter on 01952 274657 Margaret on 019852 274535 or Keith on 506616. Touch Rugby - Telford RFC, Hinkshay Road, Telford TF3 3BZ. Wed 7pm ages 14 to adult Men and Women no previous experience required. £free. Just fun and fitness to be had! Ballroom Social Dance Class - Dawley Town Hall, Sun 7.3010.30pm. Call Donna on 01952 567920 Dawley Badminton Club meets on Tues 7:30-9:30pm at Holy Trinity Academy, Teece Dr, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9SF. We support a good club standard of play using feather shuttles. New members and visitors are welcome. Please come along on Club Night or contact Graeme Hughes on 07912 466207. Slimming World (Tue 9:15am & 11:15am) at Dawley Bank Call Paula on 07791 743509 Pilates Mon 7-8pm at the Pheonix Sports Centre, Telford Langley School. £33 block of 6 classes or £6.50 pay-asyou-go. Contact Beryl on 01952 462896 or 07971 875372, email: beryl.feely@gmail.com. Mons’ - 8-10pm - The Ironmen & Severn Gilders Morris dance team – great fun, all welcome, men and ladies, at The Telford Langley School, Duce Drive, Dawley, TF4 3JS. Contact us through our website www.imsg.org.uk or e-mail secretary@imsg.org.uk Dawley Christian Centre: Mon - GKR Karate 6.30-8pm Tue - Keep Fit 10-11am, Badminton Grp 7-9pm Wed - Zumba 8-9pm Thu 9am-12pm Help 2 Quit Smoking

Donnington

Bums n Tums fitness class - at Silver Threads Hall, Donnington 6.30-7.30pm. It would suit all fitness levels and is great fun! Contact Cheryl on 07714 610591 or cheryljauncey2@gmail.com

Edgmond

Yoga, Pilates & Yogalates Classes - in the new Studio at Edgmond Village Hall, Shrewsbury Road, Edgmond, Newport, TF10 8HU. Mon: Pilates at 6pm; Wed: Yogalates at 5.30pm and Yoga at 6.30pm. Cost: £6 PAYG or £30 (£5) in advance for 6 classes. Call/text Denise on 07875 661045 or email denisepheasant@hotmail.com to book.

Hadley

Gentle Exercise (for older people) - at the Methodist Church (Hadley) 2-3pm Mondays. £2.50 per session, all abilities welcome. Exercise Class at Hadley Community Centre (Hadley) Tue 1:00-1:45pm (for older people, but a little more physical). £2.50 per session, all abilities welcome. Slimming World - at HLC, Hadley - 5.30pm & 7.30pm Contact Sharon on 07775 512563

Daisy Birthing classes: Active Antenatal classes on Sat 1011:30am at HLC. Suitable for all pregnant mums. Email: janette-davey@thedaisyfoundation.com or phone 07808 066786. Thu mornings at Telford Thai Boxing, Hadley - 10-11am Yoga and 11:15-12:15pm Pilates. All ages and fitness levels welcome, including complete beginners. Contact - 07852 144119 or email iandglittleford@ btinternet.com. Indoor Bowls - Mon & Tue 2-4pm, at Hadley Restrooms. New members VERY welcome, free trial available. For more details contact Roger on 07955 852 534. Gymnastics Classes - Monday to Saturday, for beginners - advanced gymnasts. Contact: 07905 956644 or email shootingstarsonline07@yahoo.com Piloxing (Boxing, Pilates & Dance) - Mon 6.30-7.30pm. Zumba - Thu 6.30-7.30pm. Hadley Methodist Church, £3.50. All abilities welcome! Debbie 07891 686812

Jackfield

‘Tap into Health’ - EFT tapping workshops. Relief from stress, pain and more. Wednesdays 10.30 - 11.30 at The Gorge Therapy & Training Centre. £5 or whatever you can manage on the day. Caroline 01952 881151 www. carolinerolling.com Mindful Meditation - Sooth mind, body and spirit. £5. At The GorgeTherapy & Training Centre. For more info contact: Diane 01952 881151 www.you-in-mind.co.uk

Ketley

Yoga - Wednesdays 7-8pm at Ketley Community Centre, Holyhead Road, Ketley, TF1 5AN. Friendly class, suitable for all abilities and beginners are especially welcome. £5 per class, no need to book. Contact Debbie on 07790 006815, email debbieyogaone@gmail.com or see my website: www.yogaone.co.uk Over 50’s Class @ Ketley Methodist church, Waterloo Road, Ketley. Thursday 10-11am. Suits all fitness levels and is a great place to meet new people. £3 per session. Contact Cheryl on 01952 371325 or email cheryljauncey@ yahoo.co.uk Slimming World - Ketley Methodist Church on Tue at 5.30 & 7.30pm.

Lawley

Clubbercise and Legs, Bums & Tums - Tuesdays Lawley Primary School Arleston Lane TF4 2PR. All fitness levels welcome age 16+. Contact Kim - 07724 087516. Or find us on Facebook 'Clubbercise Telford with Kim' Baby Yoga at St. Johns Church Hall, Lawley – Mon 1-2pm, Adult Yoga Mon 8.15 to 9.15pm. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch.co.uk. www.mitchytitch. co.uk Mummy Movers - St Johns Church Hall, Wed: 7.30-8.30pm & Thu: 10.15-11.00am. Call: Laura 07929 154 536 / laura@ mummymovers.com Website: www.mummymovers. com Stretch & Tone Class - Tue - Lawley Village Primary Academy - 6:30-7:30pm Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982, or email vikkiburnell@ymail.com. Zumba - Mon & Wed - Lawley Community Centre 6pm Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982, or email vikkiburnell@ymail.com.

Leegomery

CJ's Dance Fit - Mon & Wed 6.30pm and Thu 9.45am & 11am at Leegomery Methodist Church, Hadley Park Road, TF1 6QG. Also an Age UK class on Thu at 1:30pm. Call 07793 777659 or email: claire.jervis74@gmail.com for more details.

Lightmoor Village

at Oak Tree Centre, Lightmoor Village: Wed: Help to Quit Smoking 5.30-6.30pm - for app’s call Rachel 07979 540496 Sat: Dance Classes 9-10.15am (7yrs+), 10.15-11am (3-6yrs)

Lilleshall

Sun 31st March - Lilleshall Monumental Race, celebrating its 10th anniversary please. Fun run at 10.45, tots and toddler event at 11.15 and main 10k at 11.30am. Prizes for all. Register for 10k at stuweb.co.uk. To do fun run, come along on the day BBQ, face painting and village fete atmosphere for all to enjoy. facebook at lilleshallmonumental/itsonlyahill Friendly flat green bowling, based at The National Sports Centre. Come along to club afternoon sessions on Thursdays 2:30pm to 4:30 during the summer and try your hand at a new sport. Further information on the club website www.lilleshallbowls.org.uk or contact Rod on 01952 590963 or Liz on 01952 814671. Lilleshall Trampoline Club - Tuesdays at Lilleshall National Sports Centre: (8-14 year olds) excluding school holidays

- Trampoline Foundation: 6 - 7:30pm & Trampoline Development: 7:30 - 9pm. £5 a session. Contact us on 01952 603003 Lilleshall Quick Sticks Hockey - Sundays 10-10:45am (7-9 year olds) at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. £30 for 7 weeks. Contact us on 01952 603003 Adult Yoga class, Mon 10-11am at the Memorial Hall in Lilleshall. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@ mitchytitch.co.uk. www.mitchytitch.co.uk Lilleshall Village Tennis Club - Welcomes new members, Tues, Thurs evenings & Sunday mornings. Junior & Adult Coaching – Saturday afternoons. Complete beginners course for Adults - Tues pm. For further details contact Pauline Coffey on 01952 604757 Lilleshall National Sports Centre - Sutherland Badminton Club - Tue evenings 8.30 - 10.30pm New members welcome. Contact: Amanda Haselock - 01952 677590 Premier Badminton Club are seeking new members. Tue evenings from 7:30pm at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. Contact Anthony 01952 526520 or Rob 01952 840453 www.premier badminton.co.uk Lilleshall Hall Table Tennis Club - meet Mondays during term time, 6.30-7.30pm for Juniors, 7.30-9.30pm for Adults, in Jubilee/Ford Hall at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. Adults £5, Juniors £3 per week. Coaching available for all abilities. Call Louise 813924 or Don 416048.

Madeley

Bootcamp/Interval training classes at Bridal Road, Bridal Court, Madeley. Every Tue & Thu 7-8pm. Suits all fitness levels and great fun. Contact Cheryl on 01952 371325 Slimming World- Jubilee House, Madeley High St, Wed at 3.30,5.30 & 7.30 and Sat 8.30 & 10.30am.

Muxton

at St John’s Church Muxton: Bumps n Babes (NCT) 12.30-2:15pm (fortnightly), sessions £1.50 Slimming World - Mon (9.30, 5.30pm & 7.30pm) contact Celia Powell 07575 123666 Wed: Over 50’s Aerobics (10am) If you would like further info. on the above activities contact the church on 01952 670033

Newport

Groupfit, Women Only and Boxfit classes at The Body Barn in Newport, Shropshire's biggest outdoor fitness facility see website for full details at: www.thebodybarn.co.uk or call Danny on 07894 569571. Tai Chi - Gentle exercise to improve flexibility and balance, relieve stress and aid relaxation. Suitable for adults of all ages and abilities. Cosy Hall Tuesday am. Contact Dilys 01952 588838 / dilysd407@gmail.com Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Clubbercise, Box-Fit, Circuits, Kettlebells, Body Pump, Fit-Steps, Yummy-Mummy’s, Relaxation, Tone & Sculpt ALL available at Pulse Fitness The Ballroom High Street Newport. Pay As You Go Classes Available Plus Pre-Paid Class Cards. Call Nikki 07967 343728 or email nikkiwitty@ymail.com Forton Cricket Club - Fancy playing cricket, we have two senior teams, ladies team and junior teams - for more info contact Clive 01952 825447 or cliverjones1958@gmail.com Nova Utd FC based in Newport, looking for new players for 2017/18,Training Saturday mornings 9-10.30 Shuker Fields, Ages 7 to 16yrs, all abilities welcome, for more details visit our website www.novaunitedfc.co.uk Martial Arts Club (Aikido) - Aikido at Burton Borough Sch, Newport. Mondays 7-9pm - Adult classes. Contact sensei@ meijyukan.co.uk website www.meijyukan.co.uk T: 0845 678 0091 Junior Badminton Club - we have places available for U11’s who want to learn how to play badminton. It’s £4 per week and includes coaching by a Badminton England accredited Level 2 coach. Saturday (10-11am under 11’s and 11-12 under 15’s) in term time at Burton Borough School, Newport. Contact Des Machin on 07949 192038, E: desmachin@ hotmail.co.uk Farmhouse Shotokan Karate Club, Moreton Millennium Community Centre and Burton Borough School, Newport - Tues, Fri & Sun. For all ages and abilities. Fully qualified and insured Instructors. First Lesson Free. Contact 07890 349451, email shropshirekarate@gmail.com or visit www. shropshirekarate.com Yoga Classes at Trinity Church, Wellington Rd, Newport: Mummy & Baby Yoga - Thu 1.30 – 2.30pm. Dru Yoga classes - Fridays 7 - 8.30pm. Contact Kate on 07989 514317, yogamebaby@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/ yogame4families Salopian Skimmers Frisbee Club are looking for new Male & Female players of all abilities. Wed night at Adams Grammar Sports Hall. 18.30 to 20.00. First 3 sessions Free. For more info email drew.barlow@live.co.uk or join us on Facebook. A small friendly group of people meet every Friday evening from 6-7pm in Burton Borough School to play social badminton and volleyball. If you're interested please contact Mark Pearce on 01952 550557 or email markpearce17@hotmail.com for more information.

& Fitness Classes Women’s Circle for Spiritual Development – are you looking to connect to like-minded spiritually awake women & deepen your connection - then this group is for you. 1st Fri of month in Newport – Contact Romella 07894 812440 Meditation for Calm Classes – held every Tuesday 2-2.50pm @ Tina’s Wellness Studio, New Street, Newport, drop in for £10 or prebook 4 weeks @ £9 a class (£36) Book Romella 07894 812440 Free essential oil classes – every Mon (& other days) Learn how essential oils can support your wellbeing goals, families health needs, emotions, sleep and even be used for cleaning. Contact Romella 07894 812440

Oakengates

Have fun – keep fit. Short Tennis Prime Time Club (over 55’s). Wed 7-8pm at Oakengates Leisure Centre. First taster is free, membership £5 and each sesssion is £2. Please contact Peter on 01952 274657 Margaret on 019852 274535 or Keith on 506616. Telford Fight Factory - Muay Thai, Boxing, Strength & Conditioning. At The Ice Lounge, Eden Complex, Cannongate Road, Oakengates. Fun, family friendly class, age 7-70yrs, Mon 6-7, Wed 7-8. Contact Stuart Whiston 07786 115899 or fb Clubbercise - Excercise in disguise. Easy to follow routines to Banging Club tunes from the 90s with L.E.D Glow Sticks. At The Ice Lounge, Eden Complex, Cannongate Road, Oakengates. Tue 7-8, Thu 7-8. Contact Amanda Whiston 07780 515350 or fb Telford & Wrekin Lawn Green Bowling Club - Est 1982 at Hartshill Park - Oakengates. Club nights Thurs - starting 6pm. Competitive and social bowling against other Midlands clubs. New members welcome. Contact Roger Rowley on 01952 612574. Slimming World (Sat - 8am & 10am) at Oakengates Rest Rooms, Charlton Street, Oakengates, Telford TF2 6BD Call Paula on 07791 743509 Martial Arts Club ( Aikido ) at Oakengates Leisure Centre. Mon & Fri 7.45 / 8.45pm Juniors ( 7yrs+ ). Mon & Fri 7.45 / 10.00pm Adults. New members always welcome. First lesson is free. If you would like more info contact us on: 07929761302. Email us on suekeithhayward@sky.com

Shawbirch

Shawbirch Community Centre: Tue - Antenatal Yoga (5:30-6:30pm), Yoga (7-9pm) For further info. contact us on 01952 248538.

Shifnal

Swimming Lessons - Duck N Dive Limited - Baby, preschool, afterschool & adult swimming lessons across various locations in Telford & Shifnal. T: 01952 301012, Email:info@dndswim.co.uk, Web:www.dndswim.co.uk Line Dancing Classes at Shifnal Memorial Club on Tue at 7.30pm. Slimming World - Shifnal Village Hall - Wed 9:30am contact Paula on 07791 743509 OR Wed 5.30 & 7.30pm contact Michelle on 07985 172287 Meditation followed by group activity every Thu 7.309.30pm at Citizen’s Hall, Curriers Lane, Shifnal. £8pp. Contact Norma on 01952 463876 or email Jehandra@ yahoo.com or Facebook -Jehandra Holistic Healing for more details. Tue mornings at St Andrews Youth Club, - Yoga 9:30 - 10:30am and Pilates 10:45 - 11:45am. £5 per class or £8 for both classes. Thu mornings at Shifnal Village Hall - Yoga 10-11am, £5 per class. All ages and fitness levels welcome, including complete beginners. Contact Gill on 07852 144119 or email iandglittleford@btinternet.com. YOGA every Thu at Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal Adults - 7.10-8.10pm, Pregnancy 6-7pm, Baby Yoga at St. Andrews Church, Shifnal every Wed 1-2pm. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch. co.uk. www.mitchytitch.co.uk Laughter Yoga - The fun way to good health. Mon 7-8 pm. Tues 10.30 - 11.30 at Shifnal Seniors Club, Curriers Lane. All ages, all abilities. All welcome. £6 on the day or £24 for 6 weeks. Contact Caroline: 07868240605 info@ gorgetherapycentre.co.uk Adult Fitness Classes at Idsall Sports Centre – METAFIT - Mon 6:30-7.15pm, YOGA - Tue 5.30-6.30pm, CIRCUITS Wed 7.30-8.15pm, METAFIT - Thu 6.30-7.15pm. Everyone welcome! 1st Class FREE !!! 01952 460499 Shifnal Bowling Club - Social Bowling every Thu morning 10.30am-12.30pm. Junior Coaching Sat morning 11-12. All are welcome to our club young & old. Contact Graham McCarthy 01902 372 955 for details. DANCE class 10.30 Wed at St Andrews Youth Club Hall. Exercises & routines for fitness & fun, over 50s, £5. More info www.shifnaldance.moonfruit.com Spaces limited so please contact Sally 01952 461768. Pilates Mon 10-11am (starting 5th Sep) at the Trinity Methodist Church Hall. Tue 7-8pm at Kemberton Village Hall. £33 block of 6 classes or £6.50 pay-as-you-go. Contact Beryl on 01952 462896 or 07971 875372, email: beryl.feely@gmail.com Shifnal Cricket Club - Junior cricket coaching - Mon 6.30

to 7.30 for boys aged 8-11, 7.30 to 8.30 for boys aged 12 and 13. Girls coaching and boys aged 14 and 15 Fri 6.30 to 7.30. For details please call Kevin Humphreys 07983 120061. Idsall Badminton Club meet at Idsall Sports Centre, Shifnal - Tue 7-9pm. All we ask is that you play to a reasonable standard. Ceroc Modern Jive and Salsa class nights at Shifnal Village Hall. Every Monday (exc Bank Hols) 7.45pm 11pm. New members always welcomed and no need to bring a partner. Contact Mike on 07990 554459, email cerocmidlands@aol.com or visit www.cerocmidlands. co.uk

St Georges

Clubbercise and Legs, Bums & Tums - Wednesdays at St Georges Sports & Social Club TF2 9LU. All fitness levels welcome age 16+. Contact Kim - 07724 087516. Or find us on Facebook 'Clubbercise Telford with Kim' HIITPad Fitness 4 week Intensive Academy. Morning and Evening groups. Held at Bailang, St Gower Street Trading Estate George's, Telford. For more info and next course dates visit www.hiitpad.co.uk Karate and Self-Defence at 1st Priorslee & St. Georges Scout Hall, Snedshill Way, St. Georges on Friday's 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Family-orientated, from beginner to black belt and beyond. Adults £3 Under 16s £2.50. Contact Zanshin-do Karate Chief Instructor Steve Lowe 6th Dan Black Belt for further information by emailing stevelowe59@blueyonder.co.uk "Koshi Wind-Chime Relaxation and Healing" Come for Healing and Relax to beautiful sounds. £5 each. St Georges & Priorslee Parish Centre. London Rd, TF2 9LJ. Every 4 wks Thu 7.30pm. Booking essential 07974 196 421 Nikki Slimming World - St Georges Sports & Social Club. Thu 9.30am, 11.30pm, 5pm and 7pm. Contact Celia Powell on 07575 123666 at St Georges Methodist Church: Tue 5-7pm Synergy Dance Troop (Contact: 01952 612776) Wed - 10.30am Pilates (Tel: 412924) / 1.30pm

Stirchley

Clubbercise - Mondays at Grange Park Primary School Grange Avenue, Stirchley. All fitness levels welcome age 16+. Contact Kim - 07724 087516. Or find us on Facebook 'Clubbercise Telford with Kim'

Telford - Town Centre

AQUABABIES - Swimming lessons for children aged 12 weeks to 3 years. Lessons held at The Park Inn hotel on Mon, Tue, Thu and Sat from 10am. To book your FREE trial lesson contact Lisa on 07598 617442 or Stuart on 01543 572855

Trench

Yoga - Mondays 7-8pm at Our Lady of the Rosary and St Luke Church Hall, Church Road, Trench, TF2 7HG. Friendly class suitable for all abilities and beginners are especially welcome. £5 per class, no need to book. Contact Debbie on 07790 006815, email debbieyogaone@gmail.com or see my website: www. yogaone.co.uk Interval Training class that suits any fitness levels - 6:30 to 7:30pm. At The Labour Club, Gibbons Rd, Trench. Proven to burn more fat than any other form of exercise. Also great fun too! Class costs £3.50. Contact Cheryl 07714 610591.

Wellington

Mindfulness and Relaxation - cultivate mindful presence and inner stillness. Weekly workshops incorporate mindful activities, meditation and relaxation, which will enable you to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. Tuesday's 7 - 8pm at Wellington Methodist Church. Session price £7.50. Contact Lorraine: Lorraine@affinityand-beyond.co.uk or 07898 823339 for more info or to reserve a place. Wrekin Shotokan Karate Club, at Wrekin College Sports Hall, Wellington: Wed 6:30pm; Sat 10:30am; and at Sport TCAT Mondays 7:30 pm. Learn authentic Japanese Shotokan karate from team of black belts lead by 6th Dan, Shotokan Karate International Federation, Japan. Contact: Tony on 07841 839372. Severn Spokes Cycling Group - We are a small, friendly and welcoming group of cyclists who run regular, easy paced rides from Wellington through the quiet lanes of Shropshire and beyond. Contact severnspokes@gmail. com or visit www.facebook.com/severnspokes and/or our website www.severnspokes.com Telford STAGS Walking Football - Normal Football rules except NO RUNNING! We play on a Monday morning 9.45 at the 4g pitches to the rear of AFC Telford Utd. All over 55's welcome. Also summer sessions Thu at 18.45. Contact Roy Vincent 01952 245407 for further details. KAPAP - Martial Arts Club held at TCAT, Haybridge Rd,

Telford, TF1 2NP on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm. First session free trail. Contact Paul - paul@kapaptelford. co.uk or 07737 825263. Immerse School of Diving - we have a training and club diving session on a Friday evening at 8:30pm at Wrekin College pool. Call 0777 377 1619 or email: info@ immersediving.com; visit www.immersediving.com find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/immersediving. An active and friendly scuba diving club, we cater for beginners through to professional level divers, and charge no membership fees or surcharges on your club diving. Slimming World - Wed & Thu at The Glebe Centre, Glebe St, Wellington, 5.30 & 7.30. Call Heather on 07737 734347 01952 289386 or just pop along! All welcome. Piloxing - techniques of boxing and vertical pilates with some dance moves. Fridays 6-7pm at Charlton School - £4. For more info contact Annette on 07866 021030. Wrekin Tennis Club - Social play every Tuesday & Thursday evening starting at 7-9pm & Sunday 11am1pm. Based at Oakengates Leisure Centre New players welcome, Contact Alan Pritchard at: alanp52@yahoo. co.uk or 07596 984442 or visit our website, www. wrekintennisclub.co.uk Telford Community Tennis Club, Junior tennis coaching lessons at Bowring Park, Wellington on Sun - 10-11am (47yrs), 11-12am (8-10yrs), 12-1pm (11-16yrs). We also have sessions for adult members of all abilities. www.telfordcommunitytennisclub.co.uk E: bob.kerr@telfordcommunitytennisclub.co.uk Friendly Badminton group playing 7-9pm every Thu at TCAT Sports Hall are seeking new players to join them. Come along and try a few taster sessions at £5 per night. Contact Jenny Varley (evenings 6-7pm) on 01952 249277. Wellington Badminton Club - Sports Hall at Ercall Wood Academy, Wellington. Club nights - Tuesday 8 - 10pm. All welcome. Contact Jerry Seymour (Chairman) on 01952 261008 or email jeremy.seymour9@gmail.com Website: www.wellingtonbadminton.co.uk

Other Areas

Taoist Tai Chi Society of GB - All ages and abilities welcome. See taoist.org.uk for information and availability of classes or phone 01952 597685. Swimming Lessons - Duck N Dive Limited - Baby, preschool, afterschool & adult swimming lessons across various locations in Telford & Shifnal. T: 01952 301012, Email:info@dndswim.co.uk, Web:www.dndswim.co.uk Dance Fit at Hollinswood every Friday 2.45pm-3.30pm, call Diane Douglas on 01952 201803 for details. Sutton Heights - Music4health singing for all ages and stages every Sat. Fee £10. 11am-12 and sound healing at 2pm-3pm please book before day. Contact Linda 01952 680232 or visit www.lindaangelis.com Telford Green Gym - Want to get and have Fun? Don’t like the Gym try the Green Gym.Improve your fitness and general well being by getting involved in practical conservation.The Telford Green Gym offers activities all over Telford On Tue, Wed and Thu. Contact The healthy Lifestyles Hub 01952 382582 Arriba Wellness Club - Community Weight Loss Challenge at Fitness First, Telford. Call Lisa Harris on 07580 434325. Yoga for Pregnancy in Albrighton - Weekly classes every Mon 8-9.15pm. Gentle exercise from weeks 15-40 of your pregnancy. Methodist Church Hall, High St, Albrighton WV7 3JA. Classes from £7. Call Rebecca Jenks on 07890 543 508.

To submit an entry to this feature please email your details to: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk - please put subject as CLASSES on the email. (Space is limited so brief details please)

MOVIES CAPTAIN MARVEL

Taking us back to the 1990s, ‘Captain Marvel’ follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes, and fights to protect Earth from an interstellar war. She’s one of the Kree, a race of noble warriors who are at war with the Skrulls. When their war reaches Earth, she teams up with a young Nick Fury – and begins to uncover secrets from her past as strange, forgotten memories start coming back to her. Release Date: 8th March 2019 Genre: Action Cast Members: Brie Larson, Samuel L Jackson

DUMBO

Circus owner Max Medici enlists Holt to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when Holt’s children discover that Dumbo can fly, persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Keaton) and an aerial artist named Colette Marchant swoop in to make the peculiar pachyderm a star. Release Date: 28th March 2019 Genre: Family Cast Members: Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Eva Green

COMING SOON... WHAT MEN WANT

Ali Davis is a successful sports agent who’s constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. When Ali is passed up for a well-deserved promotion, she questions what else she needs to do to succeed in a man’s world... until she gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts! With her newfound power, Ali looks to outsmart her colleagues as she races to sign the next basketball superstar, but the lengths she has to go to will put her relationship with her best friends and a potential new love interest (Aldis Hodge) to the test. Release Date: 15th March 2019 Genre: Romantic comedy Cast Members: Taraji P. Henson

SHAZAM

We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Asher Angel) case, by shouting out one word - Shazam! - this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam, courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart - inside a ripped, godlike body - Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.

Date: 5th April 2019 Genre: Action Cast Members: Asher Angel, Zachary Levi, Mark Strong Please note that release dates are subject to change and some previews may be shown earlier.

Notes from your local Ironbridge Gorge Councillor The Shropshire Hills Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) recently hosted a series of visits across Shropshire with Julian Glover who has been commissioned by the Government to lead a national review of designated landscapes. As part of his visit Julian attended several meetings across Shropshire and I along with local representatives met him in Ironbridge to talk to him about the value and importance of the AONB in Shropshire, its important links with Telford and Ironbridge, the relationship with the World Heritage Site and how we can continue to strengthen these links for the future. Road safety measures continue to be assessed throughout the Gorge and following calls from the Head Teacher of the Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge CE Primary School Sue Blackburn, I as the local Borough Councillor and a commitment from Telford & Wrekin Council to review how the School Safety Zone can be improved, work was carried out to install flashing school zone signing on the roads to the school and road marking warning signs on Buildwas Road and Dale End. The Council are also upgrading the street lighting in the vicinity of the school and current zebra crossing. We hope that the works will greatly improve the of the visibility of the School Safety Zone, which hopefully will ensure people are significantly more aware that they are approaching our school. This is the first stage of work to improve road safety and work on this continues to ensure we look at additional measures such as upgrading the current zebra crossing to a signalised crossing and explore any future aspirations to improve school safety within our community.

Ellesmere College Choral Society and Ellesmere Sinfonia are proud to present…

Messiah by George Frideric Handel

Saturday 23rd March, 7.30pm Big School, Ellesmere College

Tickets: £8.00 Adults / £4.00 Under 18s available from: boxoffice@ellesmere.com or call: 01691 622321

Cllr. Nicola Lowery (Ironbridge Gorge Ward) T: 01952 380 718 M: 07583 041 568 E: nicola.lowery@telford.gov.uk @Nic_Ironbridge

Nic.Ironbridge

www.ellesmere.com

Ellesmere College, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 9AB • Tel: 01691 622 321

Cllr Nicola Lowery

Co-ed 7-18 Day and Boarding

@ellesmerecoll

/EllesmereColl

ellesmere_college

PUZZLE - ANSWERS SUDUKO (EASY)

SUDUKO (HARD)

KIDS PAGE Crossword Solution: Across: Down: 2. Worms 1. Green 3. Leaf 4. Flower 6. Sunshine 5. Nest 7. Thaw 6. Spring 9. Rainbow 8. Holiday 12. Eggs 10. Warm 13. Mud 11. Puddle 15. Rain 14. Grass 17. Easter 16. Ice

TRIAL

CROSSWORD 9 Aorta, 10 Slingshot, 13 NBC, 14 Cocktail dress, 17 Bel, 18 Acoustics, 22 Chaos, 23 Nirvana, 25 Ejector, 26 Gable Down: 1 Buffs, 2 Ski, 3 Lying, 4 Conch, 5 Adapted, 6 Serengeti, 7 Seances, 11 Inculpate, 12 Ska, 14 Cubicle, 15 Transit, 16 Leu, 19 Owner, 20 Shrug, 21 Soave, 24 Alb

Here is one possible solution (others may exist)

ACID arid grid grin gain RAIN

WORDWHEEL PETROLEUM

CODEWORD

Across: 1 Basil, 4 Chassis, 8 Frisian,

The word that can be unscrambled is... Flowers.

WORD LADDER

HIDATO

3 Letters DEN DIE DIM DIN DIP END IMP MEN MID NIP PEN PIE PIN 4 Letters DIME DINE MEND MIEN MIND

MINE PIED PINE 5 Letters DENIM MINED PINED 6 Letters IMPEND

COMMUNITY & WHATS ON

Books

SCRIBE TO SCREEN

Big Little Lies – Liane Moriarty Series two of Big Little Lies is due this June. If you haven’t yet read the book that the first series was based on, now’s the time. It follows three mothers in the run up to a murder investigation. Madeline is fiercely loyal, impetuous and prone to holding a grudge. Celeste is stunningly beautiful but her perfect home life isn’t all it seems. The youngest of the three, Jane, is struggling with a secret from her past. As the three women become closer, a rift grows between the trio and the rest of the kindergarten parents. But is it really big enough to lead to murder? A wry, witty portrayal of modern life.

Bird Box – Josh Malerman Malorie is taking the children on a journey down the river. They will all need blindfolds, because even a glimpse at what waits outside could kill them. ‘Boy’ and ‘girl’ have never seen a tree or the sky, but at four years old they’re trained to listen very, very carefully, because it’s not just monsters that can kill you. This atmospheric thriller was a hit on Netflix and the book is even better. Expect a tense, rollercoaster of a ride.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman Eleanor has an ordinary job, in an ordinary town. But to her colleagues, Eleanor herself is decidedly odd. When she inadvertently helps an acquaintance to rescue an elderly man, Eleanor discovers there may be more to life than just existing. A beautiful book about the importance of human connections. The film is currently in development, starring Reese Witherspoon as Eleanor.

The Knife of Never Letting Go – Patrick Ness In Prentisstown it’s never quiet. The thoughts of men and animals crowd you wherever you walk. But then Todd finds a patch of silence, where the thoughts of others can’t penetrate, and discovers that everything he believes to be true may be a lie. The Knife of Never Letting Go is the first book in a series. The film adaptation, Chaos Walking, hit cinemas last month.

The Woman in the Window – A. J. Finn Dr Anna Fox is agoraphobic and lives alone. She spends her days watching films, talking to people online and spying on the neighbours. She also drinks a lot of wine and is rather slapdash with her medications. So when she thinks she’s witnessed a serious crime, how can she make people believe her? And can she really trust her own judgement? A slow-burning thriller. Read it before the film comes out this autumn.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette – Maria Semple Renowned architect and eccentric Bernadette has disappeared and it seems it’s up to her 14 year old daughter, Bee, to figure out what happened. Bee’s journey will take her all the way to Antarctica. An amusing read told through emails, letters, phone transcriptions and official reports. The film stars Cate Blanchett and Kristen Wiig.

Morris Building Solutions LTD All aspects of Building work undertaken

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Grass Cutting Hedge Maintenance Garden Borders Turf Laying Fence Painting Paths Cleaned

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General Garden & Household Maintenance • All Types of Fencing • NPTC Qualified - All Types of Tree Work Undertaken • House Clearances • All Work to a Very High Standard For a Free Quote call Andy on..

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plumbing bathrooms repairs painting / decorating garden work CALL OUTS Lettings approved

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call Karl on: 07914 492367 E: cknhomeservices@gmail.com

Installation of Fires & Stoves ALPINE

DDFlue Linings DDLog Burners DDStoves DDChimney Work DDRoof Work

OW CALL N UR O Y TO GET NER R U B LOG ! FITTED

Hetas approved installer of Solid Fuel Chimney Systems

Call Lee on 01952 276417 or 07813 921907

No job too small!

Switches, Sockets & Lighting Replacement Consumer Unit Outdoor Lighting Full and Part House Rewires Emergency Call Outs

Contact: David Copeland M: 07866 455 993 T: 01952 404 635

E: copelandelectricals@gmail.com

Are you interested in delivering this magazine? Contact us to join our waiting list for delivery people? Call Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 or email: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

For all your domestic cleaning needs

Call Tracey on 07411 610 401 or Samantha on 07812 438 574

Quality Domestic Cleaners Weekly or Fortnightly Cleans End of Tenancy Cleans Very Reliable Fully Insured References can be supplied

TELFORD Triathlon CLUB

I P D M E N You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 13 4 letters: 8 5 letters: 3 6 letters: 1

Have you ever wanted to take part in a triathlon or a multi sport activity?

If you’re interested in joining our club or would like to come along to try one of our coached training sessions either at Oakengates Leisure Centre or Much Wenlock Swimming pool then we’d love to see you. We aim to encourage our members to achieve their best, whether it is improving on race times, entering their first triathlon, or simply trying something new.

swim. bike. run

f facebook.com/telfordtri e E: info@telfordtri.co.uk w www.telfordtri.co.uk

Contact Katy on: 07523 853 939 So Katy

sokaty__

• Relaxed and fun sewing classes and workshops for all ages (from 8-80!) • On trend projects / dressmaking • All abilities welcome and classes are tailored to your needs...

DESIGN • SEW • & MAKE

GLEA

Domestic and Commercial

07534 45 77 11 07399 37 63 45

CLEANING

Miss Gleam Cleaning and Pet Sitting Services

TEL: 01952 604285

d o o w h c Wy

Dave Sylva Guitar Teacher

Telford based Guitar Teacher with 23 years playing experience Offering 30 minutes or 1 hour lessons Mobile teaching available within a 20 mile radius Teaching students from Ages 7+ DBS certified

www.wychwoodkennels.co.uk

BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY

Kynnersley Drive, The Hincks, Lilleshall, Newport TF10 9HS Shropshire’s Premier Dog Care & Cardio Specialists

07891 853 746 davesylvamusic@outlook.com davesylvamusic

NEWPORT (SALOP) RUGBY CLUB invites you to JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL

Ladies Lunch Sat 23rd March from 12pm

Dog Adventure Walks Dog Running

Complimentary drink upon arrival, 2 course meal with tea/coffee, games & raffle

Pet Drop-Ins

To book your table contact Alison at: ajhodson@blueyonder.co.uk or 07814 691 473 07904 717898 info@dog-jogs.co.uk www.dog-jogs.co.uk

Evenett and Bishop Opticians

Secure your table before the 28th Feb for the reduced cost of £25pp (£27.50pp if booked after 28th Feb) We will be collecting for Womens Refuge on the day (items include toiletries, mother and/or baby items, sanitary items, etc...)

PJ's Re-upholstery Services

All types of

Grandfather, Father & Son - 3rd Generation Upholsterer

contact lenses

If your spring goes ping give us a ring!

fitted

3D Eye Scans NOW Available Our new OCT Scanner captures both a photograph and a cross-sectional scan of the eye at the same time

Large range of Frames including Childrens

Registered with the General Optical Council.

35 High Street, Newport. TF10 7AT • T: 01952 810 808

www.evenettandbishopopticians.co.uk

LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION Delivered monthly within this magazine

Reaching a total of *30,000 select homes across Telford, Newport & Shifnal areas You can choose the areas you want - call for a list of areas to choose from WE CAN ALSO DESIGN AND PRINT THEM FOR YOU TOO!

£40

+VAT

per 1000

*Delivery rotated between 2 areas reaching 15,000 homes each month.

For further details please contact Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 E: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk • www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

Antique or Modern Sofas & Chairs Dining Chairs Springs & Repairs

07802 491651 01952 610828

NO JOB TOO SMALL Card payments now accepted

www.pjsreupholsteryservices.co.uk

Est. 1976

MASALA

INDIAN RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

T: 01952 820085

15% OFF Collection - only on orders over £15 after 9pm *

20% OFF MAIN COURSE WHEN DINING IN AFTER 9PM - PRE BOOKING ONLY

FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS *Please present this voucher. Valid until 31-3-19 Maxiumum 6 people. Not to be used with any other offers.

Adams House, 7 High St, Newport TF10 7AR

Index of Advertisers

YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE...

Bathrooms A. Watson Home Improvements..............81 MKM..................................................................... 3 Regent House.................................................77 Telford Maintenance Ltd.............................87

Lioncourt Homes............................................15 Nock Deighton.............................................6-9

Mobility Products Ableworld........................................................ 49

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture SB Sports Clinic............................................ 50

Beauty Beauty by Jude............................................. 45 Elite Beauty.................................................... 45 Heaven...............................................................41 Park Street Clinic.......................................... 43

Farm Shop/Markets/Food Fayre Green Fields Farm Shop.............................27

Oak Structures Louka Fine Finish............................................ 5 Select Joinery.................................................78

Bedrooms Dream Bedrooms..........................................73 Reece Anthony (R&R).................................75 Bricks & Building Materials Emerys..............................................................37 Jewsons............................................................35 MKM..................................................................... 3 Builder Louka Fine Finish............................................ 5 Morris Building Solutions Ltd.................. 96 CCTV Telford CCTV...................................................87 Car Sales (New/Used) Mercedes Benz of Shrewsbury................29 Carpet, Rugs & Floor Coverings Oakengates Carpets.....................................71 Children’s Parties/Family Activities Ironbridge Museums................................... 69 Chimneys Alpine............................................................... 96 Cleaning Active Cleaning..............................................87 Mrs Gleam........................................................97 Shaw Clean - Tim Shaw..............................82 Sutherlands Clean Carpets........................85 Tracey & Samantha Domestic Cleaning.....96 Councillors Local Councillors.......................................... 94 Decorating Neil Rogers.......................................................81 Simon’s Décor ................................................81 WE Dunne.........................................................81

Financial Services CD Financial....................................................55 Fireplaces, Fires & Stoves Alpine............................................................... 96 Grate Ideas..................................................... 99 Footcare The Foot Doctor............................................53 Telford Footcare............................................53 Garage Doors Garolla Garage Doors..................................75 Garden, Plants & Building Supplies Bloomsbury Nursery....................................35 Emerys..............................................................37 Jewsons............................................................35 MKM..................................................................... 3 Gardening/Landscaping A J Landscapes..............................................37 Gardenhand.................................................... 96 NPB Garden & Ground Maintenance.... 96 Glass & Glazing Darwin Glass & Glazing...............................82 Golf Club Shifnal Golf Club............................................33 Telford Hotel & Golf Resort........................31 Guitar Lessons Dave Sylva Guitar Teacher.........................97 Gutter Cleaning Gutter PRO......................................................83 Health & Fitness Body Barn........................................................53 Patshull Park Hotel........................................21 Telford Hotel & Golf Resort........................31 Telford Tri-Club............................................. 96

Optician Evenett & Bishop Opticians......................97 Tim Vanes Opticians.....................................51 Oven Cleaning Active Cleaning..............................................87 Pet Care (Dog Care, Kennels & Cattery) Dog Jogs..........................................................97 Wychwood.......................................................97 Physiotherapy SB Sports Injury & Physio. Clinics.......... 50 Plumbing & Heating A. Watson Home Improvements..............81 Printing I and A Print...................................................... 2 Property Maintenance CKN................................................................... 96 Louka Home Care........................................... 5 Morris Building Solutions Ltd.................. 96 Telford Maintenance Ltd.............................87 Removals Jays Removals.................................................12 Restaurants/Pubs/Cafes Hadley Park House.......................................23 Masala................................................................97 Patshull Park Hotel........................................21 Seven Stars................................................. 18-19 Telford Hotel & Golf Resort........................31 The Barley........................................................25 The Bridge Inn................................................27 White House Hotel........................................21 Wolverhampton Racecourse................... 20 Sewing Classes SoKaty...............................................................97 Skips/Waste Disposal Cartwrights Waste Disposal Services ......86

Holiday Homes Sarnfaen Holiday Park..................................13

Sports Massage SB Sports Injury & Physio. Clinics.......... 50

Driveways & Patios Central Paving................................................39

Kitchens (Supply & Fit) Dream Kitchens.............................................73 Kitchen Depot............................................. 100 R & R Kitchens................................................79 Regent House.................................................77

Solicitor Clarkes Solicitors............................................61 Parry Carver Solicitors................................55 Terry Jones Solicitors..................................57

Dry Cleaning Chelsea's of Shropshire...............................61

Laundry Telford Laundry..............................................56

Education Bears Den Pre-school................................. 69 Birchfield School...........................................67 Tettenhall College.........................................65 Wolverhampton Grammar School..........63

Legal Services / Will Writing Clarkes Solicitors............................................61 EKM Legal Services......................................59 Parry Carver Solicitors................................55 Terry Jones Solicitors..................................57

Electricians Buzz Electrical................................................85 Copelands Electrical................................... 96 Del Corley Electrical Services...................85

Loft Ladders/Boarding Jakes n Ladders.............................................75 Reveal a Space...............................................78

Design & Print I and A Print...................................................... 2 Doors The Door Store...............................................76

Entertainment / Events Hadley Park House.......................................23 Wolverhampton Racecourse................... 20 Estate Agents & Property Barker Healey..................................................17 Bovis.....................................................................11

Log Burner Installation Alpine............................................................... 96 Logs Holts...................................................................37 Meals on Wheels ICare...................................................................25

Tool Hire Jewsons............................................................35 Tree Care Holts Tree Care...............................................37 Upholstery PJ’s Re-Upholstery Services......................97 Websites Kalidescope.....................................................59 Weddings Hadley Park House Hotel...........................23 Patshull Park Hotel........................................21 Telford Hotel & Golf Resort........................31 Windows/Doors/Conservatories APH Windows................................................79 Daylite Windows...........................................77 R & R Services................................................75 Trotfield Windows.........................................76

A range of Solid Fuel Stoves are NOW available

Choose from a wide range of Fires and Surrounds Authorised Dealer for: • Paragon Fires • Montpellier Marble • Gazco and Stovax • Worcester Marble • Esse and many more... • Wonderfire Premier

www.grateideas.co.uk

One of the finest Showrooms in Shropshire

FULL FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

Castle Trading Estate, Holyhead Road, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9NP

T: 01952 620189

Email: enquiries@grateideas.co.uk 99

Family owned with family values

A friendly, professional service to offer you a wide range of high quality bespoke kitchens, manufactured locally, at great prices.

Contemporary

Modern Classic

Traditional

Call into your local showroom: Global House, Off Trench Road, Telford TF2 6PD. We also have showrooms in: Hemel Hempstead Shrewsbury Wolverhampton

Visit us online at:

thekitchendepot.co.uk 100

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