Cornfield Magazine issue 76 Sutton Edition

Issue No. 76 Complimentary

e v Lo

Sutton ColdďŹ eld Edition

A feast of honour and tradition at

Love is in the air

With Professional Make-up Artist Naomi Halliday

Alan Carr Not Again, Alan!

Brand New UK Tour Comes To Birmingham Hippodrome

The Romance

Issue

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Mind Stretchers

Welcome

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AN award-winning restaurateur is breathing new life into one of Warwick’s oldest buildings with the success of Flamenco Spanish restaurant and cocktail bar. WIN a meal for four plus wine at Flamenco.

Love is in the hair! Jay Birmingham runs through of some of his top looks to create date night hair.

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Queen + Adam Lambert have added a third UK city to their hugely anticipated Rhapsody Tour.

Welcome to the Romance Issue.

This month’s cover features the fabulous Flamenco restaurant in Warwick. The awardwinning restaurateur is breathing new life into one of Warwick’s oldest buildings. An extensive refurbishment marks the latest chapter in the rich history of The Grade II Tudor House and former coaching inn in West Street. Plus there is a chance to win a meal for four and wine with your meal. Check out page 28 for more info.

In a world where mixed messages in the media create confusion and uncertainty around nutrition, we though we’d set the record straight on the 10 most common nutrition myths we come across. Read more about nutrition myths on page 14.

Alan Carr brings his brand new UK tour to the Birmingham Hippodrome, Queen and Adam Lambert add a third UK City to their Rhapsody Tour with two shows at Arena Birmingham on 14 & 15 June. UK Number 1 TINA TURNER tribute ‘TOTALLY TINA’ rocks into its 11th Year coming to Worcester on Sunday 1st March, we also talk, Tyson Fury, and Deontay Wilder.

All of the above plus more can be found in this month’s issue.

Happy reading,

From The Cornfield Team x www.cornfieldpublishing.co.uk

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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this magazine is accurate, the Cornfield Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine. The Cornfield Magazine cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from any material supplied.

Published monthly by Cornfield Publishing Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission from the publisher.

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BEAUTY

Monthly Hair Care Column

With Celebrity Hair Stylist

Jay Birmingham Love is in the hair! With Valentines and romance all around us it is one of my favourite times of the year, especially when it comes to date night hair looks.

Here is a run through of some of my top looks to create date night hair for the ultimate flirty experience!

One of my favourite romantic hairstyles that is easy to create at home is the ponytail.

This hairstyle shouts playful, flirty and youthful – making it excellent for any date nights! If you are thinking of going for a high ponytail, give it a sleek look and add a shine spray to add extra gloss and use flat irons on the hair prior to creating your ponytail and with the hair going into the hair tie, use some gel or serum to get rid of any flyaways and to make the hair look more polished. Hair accessories are a great way to complement your ponytail. Use a ribbon or leather band to secure your ponytail together and give it an extra bit of edge or go for an embellished headband or bejewelled clip or brooch for some sparkle.

Tousled waves with a deep side parting works for any date night and is one of my favourites for Valentine’s. Start with some volumising spray and spritz evenly on damp hair focusing on the roots to give your hair body and lift. Continue to blow dry your hair and try to add lots of volume – tip your head upside down for seriously big hair. Use a large barrel curling tong to style your hair into loose ‘undone’ waves - making sure to style your hair in alternate directions to create a relaxed vibe. Once you have created tousled waves that you are happy with, part your hair low at one side and tuck the other side behind your ear. Finally mist some texturising spray throughout your hair to add some volume and texture but still maintain your hairs natural shine!

The topknot is great for any formal date nights where you are looking for a more sophisticated updo. This style is super easy to create and can look as effortless and textured or as sleek as you desire. Slick back the hair into a very high ponytail (about 5 or 6cm from the hairline is perfect) and secure with a band. Backcomb the ponytail and twist until the hair forms a bun, then secure with kirby grips. If your hair is shorter, you can always use a bun donut and pull the ponytail through the middle then secure with grips. Spritz with an extra hold hairspray so your style last well into the night. The top knot is also the perfect look for morning after hair, so pack a few extra hairgrips if you are staying anywhere over night and leave a little messier, for a relaxed take on the trend.

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BEAUTY

Mothers Day Ideas Make it extra special for mum this year with a truly unique Mother’s Day gift.

Mothers Day Strawberries & Cream Gift Basket Mothers Day food and drink gift basket with greeting card. £35.50 Smart Gift Solutions www.smartgiftsolutions.co.uk

Super sleek, straight hair is another great hairstyle for Valentine’s Day and is super on trend for 2020. Men love hair that looks healthy and glossy, so the key to this look is blow-drying the hair straight and using straighteners over it to make it extra sleek. Finish the look off with some shine spray, oil or serum for even more mirror like shine!

I am so excited for 2020, I just got the keys to my second salon which I am really looking forward to and I have a few exciting projects in the pipeline – so watch this space!

Love, Jay x

Marilyn Monroe Bubble Gum Mothers Day Stunning Marilyn Monroe photo frame certainly won’t burst your bubble.

Handmade in England and finished in white, silver or mirror shine, the Liquid Glass comes complete with genuine swarovski crystals.

Jay Birmingham Hair

These prints make beautiful gifts and will definitely result in your mom having a wonderful day. £150.00

Highfield Wellness & Beauty, 23A Highfield Rd, Birmingham B15 3DP

Smithers of Stamford www.smithersofstamford.com

@JayBirminghamHair www.jaybirmingham.co.uk

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Love |

BEAUTY

is in the air

Professional Makeup Artist, Naomi Halliday, shares her favourite products to leave you looking (and feeling) scrumptious.

Love is in the air this month, so why not spice up your makeup collection with some of Naomi Halliday’s romantic beauty buys?

Featuring beautiful flirty shades and formulas, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with them!

Korres Natural Wild Rose Vitamin C Cleansing Oil, £29.00 (feelunique.com) is a gentle, weightless face cleansing oil with real Rose Petals to effectively melt away makeup and impurities.

Enriched with Wild Rose Oil, a precious ingredient long-used in the Korres Herbal Apothecary, and combined with stabilised Super Vitamin C and Almond Oil, it rinses off easily and leaves a silky soft and dewy complexion.

Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze in shade ‘Naughty N’ Spice, £28.00 (cultbeauty.co.uk) is a gorgeous multi-tasking soft matte balm that can be applied to the cheeks, eyes and lips to create a romantic flush of colour. With the colour stick at one end and a blending brush at the other, this product is particularly good for using on the go, or to quickly transform your daytime look into a flirty date look!

Housed in a beautiful romantic pink case, Natasha Denona’s limited edition Love Palette, £40.00 (cultbeauty.co.uk), is inspired by the warm and fuzzy feeling of love and unites sumptuous hues of rich and deep crimsons, duo-chrome lilacs and baby pinks, all made to melt together in perfect harmony.

Made from Natasha Denona’s iconic formulas jam-packed with the highest quality ingredients to create incredibly soft shades that blend easily and seamlessly for a vivid, ultra-pigmented and longlasting eye shadow look that you’ll absolutely adore.

Inspired by the ‘bloom’ of rose petals, Lime Crime’s Matte Velvetines liquid lipstick, £18.00 (cultbeauty.co.uk), comes in a wide spectrum of arresting shades. Magnificently matte and totally smooch-proof, I’m obsessed with the shade ‘True Love’ – a beautiful vibrant pinky red. Intensely pigmented and packed with skin-nourishing extracts, the French vanillainfused formula feels comfortable and won’t leave your lips feeling dry. Perfect for a kissable pout!

If you’re looking for a romantic pop of colour, look no further than best-selling Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Rose Gold, £22.00 (charlottetilbury.com/uk).

This one step, fool proof formula is the secret to shimmering, bright and youthful looking eyes! Simply sweep the cooling formula across your eyelids for a glowy soft pink starlit effect!

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Words by Naomi Halliday For makeup booking enquiries info@naomihallidaymakeup.co.uk / 07912 646363 www.naomihallidaymakeup.co.uk @naomihallidaymakeup.co.uk

BEAUTY

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Johnsons

Jewellers

Established in 1897, this year Johnsons Jewellers will be celebrating 123 years of selling watches and fine jewellery. Originally set up in the Abbey Green area of Nuneaton before moving to its present location shortly after the war, Johnsons has grown over the years.

The business was officially set up by Harold Johnson in 1897, although records suggest that there were watchmakers in the family prior to this time. Today the business is a far cry from the small shop set up in the front room of the Johnson household and has been expanded over time to include 17 watch brands from some of the finest watch houses around the globe, plus a wealth of diamond jewellery.

Johnsons Jewellers still remains firmly in the hands of the Johnson family. Robert and Pam are still actively involved in the business, with Libby and Catherine their daughters, very much part of the business.

With 2 goldsmiths and 3 watchmakers on site, Johnsons are able to carry out all manner of repairs on site without the need to send items away. The workshops are fitted with state of the art equipment, including a laser repair machine which ensures repairs can be taken out swiftly at reasonable costs.

Our senior goldsmith also designs and creates bespoke pieces of jewellery for many clients. If you are set on a certain design which you are just unable to find, then our goldsmith can create that special one off piece.

Johnsons Jewellers sells a wide range of jewellery and watches suitable for all age groups and tastes. Silver branded jewellery includes the popular Swarovski, Carat*, Hot Diamonds. With a large selection of diamond rings sourced from all over the world, from classic certificated single stone diamond rings to beautiful fancy shape cluster rings, the choice is vast.

With a dedicated Rolex boutique to showcase the beautiful Swiss watch collection, the Johnsons Jewellers staff are fully trained to provide exceptional service in a relaxed environment. The selection of watch brands available range from fashion brands such a Tissot, Citizen and Hugo Boss, through to fine Swiss watch brands Omega, Tudor, Breitling, Longines and TAG Heuer.

H Johnson & Son Ltd. 50/51 Queens Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5JX www.johnsonsjewellers.co.uk 02476 347 038

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Naths Netters Local Grassroots Football Training for Kids Nath’s Netters offers weekly football sessions for kids in a safe environment with an FA qualified coach. The mission of the weekly club is to provide children with high quality football training using the latest equipment, in order to improve kids’ fitness levels, encourage exercise, and most of all allow little ones to have fun!

Nathan believes football coaching is a brilliant way to help kids to stay on the right path and build confidence. The club teaches kids to work together as a team, stay active, and make lots of friends. Whether your child hopes to train for a professional club in the future, or just simply wants to have fun playing sport with their mates, Nath’s Netters is the place to be.

Sign up for an introductory lesson for your child today for just £3 per session, with no contract required.

Nath’s Netters makes football fun for boys and girls - perfect for ages 4+

www.facebook.com/nathsnetters/ Call Nathan for more info on: 07805 305129 King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy, Sheldon Heath Rd, Birmingham B26 2RZ

Nathan is a fully qualified FA football coach.

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“

Nath’s Netters is highlight of my children’s Saturday. They absolutely love it. Nathan is great and makes sure all players get a good amount of time with the ball.

”

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HEALTH

Nutrition Myths

that are so last decade...

In a world where mixed messages in the media create confusion and uncertainty around nutrition, we though we’d set the record straight on the 10 most common nutrition myths we come across in our clinics...

1. “CARBS ARE BAD FOR YOU” As long as you don’t over indulge, carbs are not bad for you. In fact they’re very useful!

Carbohydrates provide an energy source that our bodies can access quickly, making them perfect to eat around exercise and activity.

Some carbohydrates have more nutrients and fibre than others, so keep an eye on how much white starch you have in your diet and aim to choose colours over ‘beige’.

Top Tip: Swapping white potato for sweet potato will increase your fibre, iron, calcium, selenium, vitamin and C and B Vitamins.

2. “FATS ARE BAD FOR YOU” Unfortunately, due to slimming club culture this myth is very much alive and kicking.

But the truth is, fats do not make you fat.

Fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, oily fish and eggs actually support weight loss by keeping you fuller for longer and reducing cravings of sugary foods and snacks.

Fats that should be avoided are hydrogenated fats found in processed and fried foods.

Whereas the healthy fats listed above, support brain health, heart health, hormones, and help keep cholesterols balanced.

Top Tip: Include at least 2 portions of oily fish in your diet each week, if you don’t eat fish, make sure you take an omega 3 fish oil or vegan oil instead.

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3. “EGG YOLKS CAUSE HEART ATTACKS” Despite what the media told us in the 1980’s about eggs and their impact on cholesterol - not a single study exists that proves this theory.

There is no association between eggs and cardiovascular disease. In fact, eggs are a super food packed with protein, omega fats, zinc, iron and B Vitamins.

Top Tip: Switch your cereals and toast in the morning for an egg based breakfast such as omelette or poached eggs on seeded sourdough. This will keep you satisfied and alert until lunchtime.

4. “RED MEAT IS BAD FOR YOU” Fears around meat consumption have been vastly exaggerated and absolute statements such as this are why we have so many nutrition myths. Almost everything we eat has the potential to be involved in cancer development, usually due to quality, how it is cooked and prepared, and the health status and lifestyle of the consumer.

1-2 servings of quality grass fed organic red meat per week will provide you with iron, B vitamins and protein. In addition to this, making healthy lifestyle choices such as weight management, increasing plants in your diet, increasing exercise, reducing stress and not smoking are much more effective strategies to protect you from disease.

Top Tip: If you are conscious about your red meat intake, we suggest you start with removing or reducing cured, smoked or highly processed meats first.

HEALTH

Gluten can be dangerous for some and sensitive for others, so removing gluten for a period of time to see if symptoms (usually IBS related) subside is one approach to take if you think gluten is an issue for you. However, it is also possible that wheat is actually the culprit or other compounds such as FODMAPs that cause intestinal distress by fermenting and producing gas.

Top Tip: Limit your bread intake to 2-3 times a week, and upgrade your bread choices from supermarket sliced loaves to gut friendly fermented sourdough and freshly baked fibre rich rye bread. If IBS symptoms persist you should seek health from a registered nutritionist.

5. “SALT IS BAD FOR YOU” Salt (sodium) is an important mineral that our body needs alongside potassium and is critical for good health. The problems occur when we consume too much sodium and too little potassium.

People who consume a lot of salt are generally eating a lot of unhealthy processed foods. Most people will benefit from removing processed foods from their diet, but not salt in its entirety.

As it stands, both very high and very low salt intakes are associated with heart health issues.

Top Tip: If you are concerned about hypertension, start with removing processed foods first and increase potassium rich foods such as avocados, bananas and mushrooms.

6. “BREAD IS BAD FOR YOU” There are 2 arguments for the ‘stop eating bread’ campaign, which are: 1. Bread will make you fat 2. Bread contains a lot of gluten which is bad for you Neither of the above arguments are incorrect, but as with all foods, quality and moderation is the key.

Bread will not make you fat, but it is high in calories, low in nutrients, and very easy to over eat. It’s the excess calorie intake in our diet that promotes weight gain, not one specific food.

7. “FRESH IS MORE NUTRITIOUS” ‘Fresh’ sounds much better than ‘canned’ or ‘frozen’ and has a natural appeal to many people. However, fresh produce tends to be picked and packed prematurely meaning they finish their ripening stage during transportation.

Locally grown produce found at farmers markets are better options as these tend to be vine ripened before they are picked, but as our climate doesn’t support the more exotic foods, our choices are limited.

Frozen produce is a great option as foods are left to ripen before they are picked from the vine and are frozen before they are transported to our supermarkets.

Canned foods are usually vine ripened too, but have the added challenge of nitrites and preservatives that are added during the processing stage, which can breakdown nutrients. However, do remember that cooking is a form of processing that also loses nutrients.

The focus should always be on eating more whole food fruits and vegetables rather than how they were processed.

Top Tip: Frozen fruits and vegetables retain their nutrients and are often cheaper meaning you can have a varied diet regardless of the season.

8. YOU SHOULD DETOX REGULARLY ‘Detoxing’ usually means signing up to a strict 7 day plant based juice cleanse sometimes accompanied by a supplement.

However the investigation of ten companies promoting ‘detox diets’ uncovered that not a single toxin could be named by these companies that they claim to detox, and they also couldn’t prove their products worked.

Unfortunately, even if you do genuinely need detoxification support, detox diets won’t help.

And they’re just not safe....

There have been several cases of kidney damage and liver failure reported from the use of certain detox diets that promote green smoothies and ‘detox’ teas.

If it’s a desire to weight loss that has brought you to detox diets, please know that there are many other ways to achieve sustainable weight loss safely!

Top tip: Do not waste your money on ‘detox diets’. Instead, support your kidneys and liver (your detoxification organs) by hydrating with water, including antioxidants such as green veggies and berries in your diet, and limit the amount of toxins you are putting in your body.

9. EATING ‘LITTLE AND OFTEN’ BOOSTS YOUR METABOLISM We absolutely understand how and why this myth has come about, because eating does slightly raise your metabolism. To burn the calories you consume, your body needs to trigger the process of metabolism. But the theory of eating smaller meals more frequently makes it harder to feel full, which leads to eating more than you need, which ironically will lead to weight gain.

Top Tip: Working out your ideal daily calorie intake is key for maintaining a healthy weight.

If you eat more calories than your body needs, regardless of how many meals you eat – weight gain will be the end result.

10. YOU SHOULDN’T SKIP BREAKFAST “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is a marketing strapline created by a well known cereal company!

Claims that skipping breakfast will ‘crash your metabolism’ have been debunked many times with various studies. You don’t need to eat breakfast to be healthy or lose weight.

Top Tip: Eat breakfast if you want to... or skip Breakfast if that suits you better!

‘What’ you eat is way more important than ‘when’ you eat.

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HEALTH

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Quinton House Engage and re-lift the senses

At Quinton House we understand the needs of every individual. It’s not just about the first class care, it’s about every facet of someone’s life.

It’s about what newspaper they read, knowing their favourite breakfast, where they went on holiday as a child - the list is exhaustive.

By understanding each individual we are able to help them settle quickly, and enjoy the benefits that community living in such a special place can offer. You’ll notice from our reviews that our staff’s attention to each resident is exemplary and it’s this genuine interest coupled to compassionate care which keeps our residents so content.

Visit our community and you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special. This is a family-owned home and has been for over twenty years. This continuity coupled to our team’s dedication enables us to deliver ever more impressive levels of compassionate care; the best Warwickshire has to offer.

New sensory room Our new sensory room is a specially designed environment that provides a sensory experience to our residents, with a wide variety of different abilities. A sensory room is designed to help people engage with the world around them.

We have sand, sea, seagulls and seaside background music. Chips in a cone or ice cream. We aim to engage and re-lift the senses of all our residents.

At Quinton House, we are passionate about what we do and how we care for the older people we work with. Our insight and reputation is built on 20 years of experience in care. We are committed to providing all of our residents, with exactly the right level of care and support, where and when it is required.

We understand the value of maintaining our residence independence and that privacy and choice are important. Our dedicated and highly trained care staff know that no two people are the same, which is why we make sure we listen to our residence needs and always create bespoke support packages that are tailored to the residence personal circumstances and lifestyle preferences.

Top 20 Small Care Home Groups 2019 Quinton House and Gardens Nursing Home are pleased to announce that we have won this Award and we couldn’t be any happier. Our staff has worked hard over the years to not only make a difference to our residents but, to also assure families that their loved ones are in safe hands.

The carehome.co.uk Group Awards 2019 highlight the most recommended Care Home Groups in the UK. The awards are based on over 120,000 reviews from care home residents as well as their friends and family.

Quinton House Nursing Home, Main Road, Lower Quinton, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8RY Tel: 01789 720247 Email: info@quintonhouse.net

“ ”

Our residents do not live in our workplace, we work in their home.

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HEALTH

Band of

Builders

When you think about builders or other people who work in construction, you probably think of fit, healthy people capable of pretty much anything.

But what happens when something goes wrong?

For tradesmen and women, illness or injury can be life-changing. It means they can’t go to work anymore and since many of them are self-employed, that means they can’t earn. On top of that, going from being physically active and capable to being unable to do sometimes the simplest of tasks takes its toll mentally - on them and on their families.

Until now, there have been few charities or organisations out there to specifically help this sector.

But that’s all changed. Now, in their time of need, tradespeople and their families can turn to Band of Builders, a national charity whose sole aim is to help them in their hour of need.

Band of Builders, affectionately known as BoB, began its life in 2016 when landscaper Addam Smith asked for help to renovate the garden of his friend and employee Keith Ellick, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Addam’s call saw tradespeople from across the country travel to Lincoln to completely revamp Keith’s home for his family. Keith lost his battle with cancer in 2017 but Band of Builders continued with the aim of helping other members of the UK construction industry battling illness or injury.

Since then, the organisation has helped countless families across the country - including the Midlands - by carrying out practical projects and adaptations and officially became a registered charity in 2019.

Previous projects have included: • Installing a specialised bathroom for Pippa Atkinson, an electrician’s daughter suffering from a rare skin condition, in Wales.

• Landscaping a garden for builder Jamie Thompson, who is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease, so he can safely watch his children play, as well as installing a new kitchen, in Herefordshire.

• Finishing renovations at the home of Elaine Dunphy, whose husband Steve died of cancer before he could finish the work he had started, in Scotland.

• Creating a bedroom for plasterer’s daughter Sadie Jenkins, who had spent the first half of her life in hospital and needed machines to breathe, as well as installing a downstairs bathroom for her carers in Essex.

• Building a cabin for Kyle Sisson, 15, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, where he can be homeschooled and spend time safely with his friends at his home in Hereford.

Band of Builders is keen to help as many people as possible and already has its next project lined up to help Chris Joy, 41, who suffers from Cerebellar Ataxia - a rare degenerative neurological condition that only affects 10,000 people in the UK. The condition means that Chris, who works as a plasterer, suffers from symptoms including loss of coordination, double vision, balance issues, speech issues and tinnitus and has to spend 50% of the time in a wheelchair.

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HEALTH

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Castle Fine Art announced as national partner for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity Castle Fine Art has today announced that its community giving focus for 2020 will be Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Chris’s condition means he can’t get in and out of his home in Norwich, without help, as the driveway and pathway are too uneven for his wheelchair so BoB will be overhauling the driveway to give him easier access in a project that takes place in March.

The charity is constantly looking for new projects as well as more volunteers and wants to spread the message to Cornfield readers about its work.

Trustee Shane McCormick said: “Some people compare us to DIY SOS because of the kind of projects that we do, but I guess the difference is that often our volunteers do it without any TV cameras or any recognition. What they do come away with are friendships for life, amazing memories, and the feeling that they’ve helped someone who really needs it.

“We’d love to help more people so are keen for people to contact us with potential projects.

We’re also always up for more volunteers so we can have an army of tradesmen and women to call on for projects, so if you’re in the construction sector then visit our website, take a look, and register to become a member. The more of us there are, the more people we can help.”

The gallery group first formed a relationship with the charity during 2018 when it launched its ‘Out To Play’ appeal to raise funds for the children’s playground, which was in desperate need of a refurbishment. Contributions from the sale of limited editions from Castle Fine Art artist Jon Jones, alongside other public and corporate fundraising, saw the new interactive playground opened with a special ribbon-cutting event late last year.

This partnership is set to continue during the coming year, as part of Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s soon-to-be announced ‘Art Strategy’, which is intended to leverage the very real benefit of art therapy in its many guises. Castle Fine Art will support a number of initiatives designed to raise funds, promote awareness and improve the experience of children receiving treatment at the hospital.

Daniela Quinlan, Head of Marketing for Castle Fine Art, said: “As a company, we recognise and champion the myriad benefits of engaging children with the arts.

We established our Young Fine Artist campaign for that very reason, and - being a Birmingham-based company - having the Children’s Hospital as our charity partner for 2020 is a source of immense pride for all concerned.”

Saranne Moreno, Corporate Strategic Partnerships Manager for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as Castle Fine Art’s charity partner for the year. Our hope is to use art throughout our whole hospital to transform the environment for the hundreds of children and young people who visit here every day, impacting on their healing and overall sense of well-being.

We look forward to working with Castle Fine Art to achieve this.”

For more information on how to become a member or how to apply for help from Band of Builders, visit www.bandofbuilders.org

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HEALTH

Warwickshire Reminiscence

Action Project

It’s estimated that around 850,000 people in the UK are living with dementia - with 650,000 people caring for a loved one living with dementia of some form. It can be lonely, isolating, and scary. At Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project (WRAP), we understand that and we’re here to help.

Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, WRAP was set up 20 years ago to support and train people caring for older people in our community and began its life under the control of Warwickshire’s Community Education Service. Since then, WRAP’s support services have grown and adapted to people’s needs. We create a safe space for people to come for support, advice, help accessing the support you need or even just a cup of tea.

WRAP offers a range of services - many of which people don’t realise even exist - so we want to spread the word so if you are, or know of, someone who is looking after a loved one with dementia, they know they have somewhere to turn.

Reminiscence One of the things WRAP specialises in is ‘reminiscence’. This is what we all do from time to time, chatting about past times, recalling memories and reliving experiences, and is particularly helpful for people living with dementia, creating a greater sense of wellbeing, improving self-esteem and confidence, and also leading to more supportive and engaged carers, volunteers and staff.

WRAP offers a range of activities relating to reminiscence, from a memory box loan scheme to Reminiscence Therapy & Reminiscence Awareness training days and programmes.

Cafes WRAP runs several cafes where anyone worried about their memory, people who live with dementia and their carers can meet up over a free cup of

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coffee, tea and biscuits and get support, enjoy interactive activities and advice. We run two dementiafriendly Café WRAPs running – one in Bishopton’s Community Centre and the other in Wellesbourne Village Hall.

We endeavour to have a varied activity programme, whether through arts and crafts or guest speakers addressing topics of interest where people can relax in a comfortable and safe environment. All are free and more information and timings are on our website www reminiscence.org

Day Care Each Thursday morning at Briar Croft in Stratfordupon-Avon we provide daycare for your loved one living with dementia. This includes toast and jam as well as a range of activities that aren’t just enjoyable but will also support your loved one’s hand-eye coordination. Activities include model making, knitting and creative art as well as discussing reminiscence artifacts’ and singing and exercise. First we need to meet you and your loved one then once that has taken place and the relevant paperwork completed, you loved one can join the sessions on Thursday mornings.

Training WRAP runs a range of training to support those looking after a loved one with dementia.

The ‘Looking After a Loved One Living With Dementia’ (LAALO) programme is a free, informal, people-friendly information and support programme for people looking after a loved one who is in the early stages of the dementia journey, regardless of the type diagnosed.

The programme runs for two hours, one day a week, for six weeks at Briar Croft in Stratford upon Avon – all we ask is that you make a commitment to attend as many sessions as you can. During the programme you will: • learn about the different types of dementia • receive help with finance and legal issues • find out how reminiscence promotes wellbeing for your loved one • discover techniques for coping with stress • meet with social services representatives and others WRAP also provides ‘Reminiscence Therapy Training’ which makes it possible for people to acquire the skills to begin or improve reminiscence work with individuals or groups. Usually held in the trainee’s workplace or community base, the training is provided by skilled and trained tutors who have years of experience and also covers focused listening skills and dementia awareness.

WRAP also offers a Reminiscence Awareness Course for people caring for someone living with dementia or with other disabilities and of older age. This day’s programme is activity-based through group work and is Level One accredited with the Open College Network, West Midlands.

As well as all of these, WRAP offers bespoke group training workshops for organisations.

This inter-generational training helps bridge cultures of today and yesterday and the staff team has experience of working in schools and community groups catering for those of older age.

Mike Strophair, secretary at WRAP, said: “WRAP offers a whole range of support and training for people living with dementia or those looking after a loved one with dementia, yet people just don’t know we’re here. It can be a scary time, from knowing how to access funding and support to the day-to-day parts of life that become a lot harder and we’re here to help. We’d encourage anyone affected by dementia to visit our website to find out more, or pop in to see us. We understand what you’re going through and we’re here for you.”

For more information, find WRAP’s website at www.reminiscence.org

HEALTH

|

The Floating Spa So the Floating Spa is a pretty exciting and innovative place to go for a treatment or a massage. See, it’s not like other locations - at least not in the conventional sense. You’ve got to know what you’re getting into because otherwise it can be quite strange.

So what you have to try and understand is that this is all about floating in a tank of water for an hour or so. That might sound weird but it’s very relaxing if you take the time to enjoy it.

But let’s talk about what we liked at first. It was a really nice place and the owner was a lovely guy, he made us feel like we were relaxed and at ease. He explained all of the procedure to us when we sat down, which is good because something like this can be quite confusing and possibly even anxiety inducing for people who aren’t used to it.

But obviously the main attraction was sitting in the water. Specifically, lying in the water. It is quite difficult to describe what it feels like to be sat in the water. You sort of become quite weightless and quite devoid of external stimuli. Because of how the tank is constructed, and the way that you interact with it, you don’t hear any of the outside world. It’s very very relaxing. . Because the water is body temperature, after a while you stop even knowing that you’re suspended in the tank, and it’s very relaxing to just lean back and switch off for another one.

It’s completely safe, there is no danger of drowning or anything like that, so you can just space out and enjoy the pleasant sensation of absolute nothingness.

I really cannot recommend this enough. In the modern world, when we are constantly bombarded with obligations and responsibilities and pressures, it can be difficult to relax. It becomes something of an afterthought to look after the body, which is not good. It was so nice to be able to step back and decompress. I had a chance to try and relax, to think about things that made me feel happy, and to just enjoy myself without any obligation or pressure at all.

That’s so incredible in the busy world today.

So to perhaps round off all of my experiences, I really enjoyed my time here. It’s definitely something I can recommend to pretty much anybody who is looking for a way to recharge and regenerate. It’s very invigorating to just relax and allow the pressure of the world to just fall way. I really didn’t joy my experience, and it’s one that I would recommend to anyone who wants to get away from it all, or perhaps someone who wants to gift a loved one with a unique way of relaxing. Whatever you choose to do, there’s no doubt that this is worth it.

The Floating Spa, 23-24 Hall Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B18 6BS info@thefloatingspa.com 0121 448 7977

Cornfield Magazine | 23

Compton Verney

Wedding Fair Sat 22 February, 11am – 4pm This picturesque venue in the heart of Warwickshire is the perfect place for a wedding. View the venue, discuss your ideas with the dedicated events team and on-site caterers, and meet local suppliers, from photographers and videographers, to musicians and bridal wear.

Admission: Free, pre-register online Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ www.comptonverney.org.uk 01926 645500

Henley Lash House Eyelash Extension Specialists Anna Cornfield, owner of Henley Lash House, has been in the beauty industry for 15 years and has perfected her lash treatment technique over the last five years. Specialising in Russian Volume eyelash extensions, Anna is an expert technician in semi-permanent lashes, achieving fantastic results for all clients.

What are Russian Volume lashes?

Designed to give the ‘wow-factor’, Russian Volume lashes are applied to match the natural curvature of the eyelid. Their ultra-fine, lightweight design allows technicians to apply multiple synthetic extensions to each natural lash, creating more volume than classic lashes and often lasting longer.

How are they applied?

Anna carefully applies individual extension fibres to a single natural eyelash, building up both volume and length in the process. Depending upon her clients’ desired outcome, Anna can apply two to eight extensions on a single natural lash. The Russian Volume lashes are applied in a ‘fan-like’ shape, giving an eyecatching, impactful look.

Are Russian Volume lashes safe?

It’s important to book a specialist technician for all eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions can only damage your natural lashes if applied incorrectly. Untrained, amateur technicians may not have the skills and equipment to correctly isolate individual natural lashes and safely apply extensions. When it comes to your beauty and health, always go professional. Anna guarantees all clients are given aftercare advice and receive patch tests before any appointments take place.

FASHION & BEAUTY

|

Wedding Season

with Albie & Lonnie’s

Ask anyone when wedding season is and they’ll say the summer.

But that’s not quite true if you’re part of the team helping people prepare for their big day. Summer might be the time of year that people actually tie the knot, but that means lots of the preparation has to be done long before that - including what they wear.

For brides, choosing a dress is one of the big moments and happens months and months in advance. Grooms might not be quite so organised, but if you’re getting married this summer, now is the time to choose your suits to make sure everything’s in place for your perfect wedding look.

At Albie & Lonnie’s we don’t want your experience to be a rushed mad dash at the last minute, but a day to remember for you and your groomsmen. Already we’re filling up with appointments for grooms from across the country to come and choose their suits and get measured up, so it’s important to get in there and book yours now. After all, why should brides have all the fun? Don’t make choosing your suits a rushed, last-minute experience. Set aside a day, get your groomsmen together and come and enjoy a fun few hours picking the perfect look and making sure everything’s in place ready for the big day.

Weddings aren’t the only thing that need planning months in advance. At Albie & Lonnie’s we order our spring/summer collections more than six months in advance, so we’re very much in the hands of our trusted suppliers when it comes to trends and choosing what will work half a year down the line. That means our relationships with our suppliers is absolutely paramount and we spend a lot of time making sure we build solid relationships with our suppliers. It’s not just about buying clothes, but buying looks that will match our shop, our customers and what’s on trend at the time. For us, it’s vital that those suppliers want to grow with us as a business and work alongside us as a partnership.

When it comes to finding the right suppliers, we don’t just look in the UK but across Europe for inspiration and new suppliers. Our buying team has just returned from the CIFF trade show in Copenhagen, Denmark - one of Europe’s biggest shows for men’s and ladies clothing. We’re pleased to announce that our brand new supplier is 2blind2c - a vibrant Danish brand which has proved a massive hit across Europe. We’re honoured that they have asked us to be only the second menswear store in the UK to stock their brand and can’t wait to show our customers what they’re all about. Additionally, before Christmas we trialled a brand called Remus Uomo and due to its huge success we have decided to expand our range with them this year.

At Albie & Lonnie’s we really have started the year with a bang. From a packed wedding preparation season, to developments to our menswear line, as well as a hugely successful charity gig by top band Detroit Soul Collective on January 30, this is just the beginning. Why don’t you call in and see us to find out what Albie & Lonnie’s really is about, or give us a call to book an appointment.

You won’t regret it.

3 Albert Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2RZ www.albieandlonnies.co.uk 01788 574682

Photography: Ani Evans Photography

Cornfield Magazine | 25

Local History Article:

Vesey House Sutton Coldfield developed from a medieval settlement in the twelfth century around the area between High Street and Coleshill Road. High Street was the main route between Lichfield and Birmingham alongside which several houses were erected.

One such property built of brick with stone window frames in 1635-36 by John Burges, the Rector of Holy Trinity Parish Church. It comprised two storeys around a rear courtyard, but its appearance was changed by later renovations. Modern shop fronts facing the High Street were later additions The house was refaced during the nineteenth century and it is now Statutory listed Grade II for its architectural and historic interest. The interior includes a wood panelled room which during the seventeenth century was called the ‘Great Hall’.

This was used to solemnise civil marriages by the resident magistrate Thomas Willoughby who also served Cromwell in the civil war and became a Member of Cromwell’s Parliament in 1656.

A later resident was local historian and painter Agnes Ann Bracken (c.1800-1877) to whom the Sutton Coldfield Civic Society dedicated a blue plaque. Agnes and her Sisters were born in Erdington to Richard and Ann Bracken but following her Fathers death they moved to High Street in what was then called Acorn House. The 1841 Census shows Agnes aged 40 and her Sisters Everilder (35), Caroline (30) and Emily (25) living with their Mother Ann Bracken, aged 70. By 1851 census Agnes (50) was recorded as a “Fund Holder” with Sisters Caroline (47) and Emily (46) plus two servants and a Visitor.

In 1860 Miss Agnes Bracken published “The History of Forest and Chase of Sutton Coldfield” providing readers with the first written story of Sutton Coldfield’s History, a copy of which remains available in Sutton Coldfield Library in addition to her paintings. A review appeared in the Newspaper, Aris’s Birmingham Gazette on Saturday 25 August 1860 which in part stated, “This little history of Sutton and the neighbourhood will be found interesting by those who desire to make themselves acquainted with the antiquities of the neighbourhood”. Agnes died 26 February 1877 and was buried at Holy Trinity Churchyard.

Early in the twentieth century Acorn House was renamed Vesey House after renovations were made to the structure and appearance of the building including new render with decorative panels. During the second half of the twentieth century the ground floor was converted to shop fronts facing the High Street. Finally, the former grand residential house situated in the High Street conservation area and Grade II listed was refurbished for office and retail use.

Rossbret

26 | Cornfield Magazine

Vesey House High Street Sutton Coldfield

Cornfield Magazine | 27

WIN

A MEAL

FOR FOUR

plus wine at Flamenco

AN award-winning restaurateur is breathing new life into one of Warwick’s oldest buildings with the success of Flamenco Spanish restaurant and cocktail bar.

An extensive refurbishment marks the latest chapter in the rich history of The Grade II Tudor House and former coaching inn in West Street.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply go to our website: www.cornfieldpublishing.co.uk/competitions and fill out your details. Winner will be picked on the 27th March 2020.

Terms and conditions apply.

Authentic and traditional Spanish cooking methods are used, specialising in tapas, paella cooked over flame and hot stone cooking (meat is cooked on a hot stone). It’s this cooking style that was the inspiration behind the restaurant’s new name which is a play on Flame’nCo.

an extensive collection of beers and wines plus a cocktail menu – including signature cocktails such as The Warwick - plus live music, showcasing local talent, on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Traditional Sunday roasts, burgers and a children’s menu are also available.

The new offering is complemented with

And on Sundays Flamenco Factor offers a platform for young people to showcase their talents for spot prizes.

On Friday evenings the restaurant hosts a charity music quiz presented by The Miacats where guests are invited Indeed, most of the ingredients including cheeses, hams, chorizos, olive to Name That Tune and even join in oils come from Spain, along with locally with some percussion. Each month sourced meats now including chuletón the event also raises money for a nominated local charity. and fish from Cornwall.

28 | Cornfield Magazine

https://flamencowarwick.com The competition winner will be entitled to a meal and house wine (or equivalent) for four people.

Booking must be made by June 30th 2020. The prize cannot be exchanged for its cash value and no correspondence can be entered into.

Drinks are limited to two bottles of house wine or soft drinks.

In Review:

Flamenco

A Return Trip

So, it is pretty rare that I decide to go back to a place to review again. I quite like to experience new things, and check out new sensations, but there are some places which are just so good that you have to go back and check everything out all over again.

For us, this was Flamenco. It was this wonderful Tudor style house that we went to back to, and so recently we decided to take my business partner and his girlfriend to get a meal there, and it was so good that we had to talk about it again.

What immediately made itself apparent to me was that the sense of history and rich culture which had made the restaurant so popular in the first place was still there. This is good, because sometimes you worry these establishments will lose their magic over time, but I’m glad to see that the same level of care and detail has gone into everything a second time around.

Being a veteran visitor to the establishment now, I was able to take the time to point out some of the different architectural elements and historical features to the newer members of our party, and it felt nice to be able to have that wisdom to share. It really helped me to connect once again to the place, and it was nice to see Alex Clayton again. He still remains just as committed to providing a good time as ever, which was lovely to see.

Because I knew exactly how good everything was from my first trip, we went ahead and ordered the same things that we were eating previously. I am pleased to report the food was delicious again, the atmosphere and ambience was top-notch as per usual, and the waiting staff was as attentive and discreet as I remember. It was a lovely place to have a meal with a business partner, and the whole affair felt quite relaxed and intimate.

It really is important to appreciate the infusion of Spanish culture into a Tudor house. It really does make a big part of the atmosphere, because it’s like breathing new life into an old room. All of the conventional elements which marked the Tudor period are there still, but there is a joy and a passion which comes hand-in-hand with Spanish cooking that you can see in all of the different corners of the place.

To conclude, once again I had a fantastic experience here, and having spoken to every other member of my party, we can confirm that this was a wonderful time. I love finding places that I can revisit, because they really help to open up a sense of familiarity and anticipation. When you know how good something is, and you know that you’re coming back to that, you start to become very excited. The whole evening was like coming back to an old friend, and that is something beyond words, beyond anything I thought possible.

Tel: 07445 223527 www.flamencowarwick.com

Cornfield Magazine | 29

|

COVER STORY

Wasps event

creates a buzz

in Warwick

A NETWORKING event was creating a real buzz in Warwick last week.

Flamenco Spanish Restaurant played host to one of the Wasps Rugby business roadshows currently being held throughout the Midlands.

Star attractions of the two-times European champions on Thursday night were flankers Brad Shields and Ben Morris who chatted to specially invited guests.

New Zealander Brad, now living in Warwick, has made eight international appearances for England and Yorkshireman Ben, from Dunchurch, has made 24 appearances for Wasps since joining from Nottingham in 2018.

The Premiership club have owned Ricoh Arena in Coventry since 2014 and are set to move their training base to the 13-acre WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group) site on Stratford Road in Henley-in-Arden later this year.

Matt Blay, Commercial Manager at Wasps Rugby, said “It’s fantastic to have a link with such an up-and-coming restaurant within Warwickshire.

The work that Alex Clayton and Jason Ashley have put into the restaurant is testament to their character and I would urge any Wasps fans based in the Warwick area to head down and try it out.”

Alex Clayton, Co-owner of Flamenco Spanish Restaurant, said: “It was a pleasure to host Wasps for one of their roadshows. The fact that everyone commented on the quality of the food and the great atmosphere of the venue were very much appreciated.

“We try to work with local teams and businesses and we shall continue to support Wasps as much as we can in the future.”

Flamenco is the second project for Alex Clayton who recently won Best Spanish Restaurant Award for Tasca Dali which opened in High Street, Warwick seven years ago.

Following a refurbishment and with more exciting plans for the year ahead - including the new Friday night live music quiz nights - he now hopes to replicate this success at the new Spanish restaurant, marking the latest chapter in the rich history of The Tudor House Inn in West Street.

Visit Flamenco at: www.flamencowarwick.com

Music events strike right chord in community A SERIES of new live music events are raising the right notes for local charities at a venue in Warwick.

Flamenco Spanish restaurant at Tudor House in West Street is hosting the Friday night music quizzes as part of its new regular weekend live music offering.

The music is provided by, among others, The Miacats, made up of musicians Mia Rose from Stratford and Leamington’s Stephen Boyer and Rob Cooper who play a variety of instruments including guitar, bass and cajon (drum box.)

The quiz takes the format of Name That Tune with prizes and free drinks on offer, followed by a further hour of fifties, sixties and Motown music.

Rob and guests also perform A Bagful of Soul set at Flamenco on Saturday evenings and, on Sunday afternoons, Stephen and guests perform jazz and sixties tunes.

Proceeds from weekly raffles throughout the month will be donated to a number of local charities, the first to benefit was Molly Olly’s Wishes.

The Warwick-based charity was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

It works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing as well as grant wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK. Further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or how to donate can be found at: www. mollyolly.co.uk In another new feature for 2020, The Flamenco Factor, the restaurant hosts a series of talent heats leading to a grand final later in the year.

Alex said: “We are keen to make Flamenco a creative space for music and food. I think music is something children don’t have enough exposure to so the whole idea is that parents can come, have their Sunday lunch and then can showcase the talent of their children.” www.flamencowarwick.com

Brad Shields signs a Wasps flag for eight-year-old fan Maximilian Ashley and his mum Sally.

Flamenco’s Alex Clayton pictured with Brad Shields and Ben Morris.

30 | Cornfield Magazine

Wasps first team players Brad Shields and Ben Morris try their hand at cooking paella for the business roadshow at Flamenco.

LUNCH SET MENU 2 COURSES

£11.95

*

(ADD A GLASS OF WINE £2.50)

MONDAY - SATURDAY 12-6PM

T: 01564 732750 The Bank House, High Street, Knowle B93 0JU *TERMS APPLY, ASKINSIDE FOR MORE DETAILS

Do you want us

to review

your bar, café,

or restaurant?

Drop an email to sam@cornfieldpublishing.co.uk to be featured in an upcoming issue!

Cornfield Magazine | 31

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FOOD & DRINK

Loxleys in Stratford-upon-Avon If you’re not the most confident cook, it’s often easier to take the pressure off and get someone else to do it for you. At Loxleys in Stratford-upon-Avon we love seeing our guests chill out and enjoy us feeding them their favourite dishes while they kick back and relax in the restaurant.

Of course, the reason we can turn out food that keeps our guests coming back time and time again is down to the experience we have in our kitchen. Our head chef Paul McCoombes has been a chef for 21 years and leads a team of experienced sous chefs and kitchen staff who are constantly working to make Loxleys the best restaurant in the area.

But even though we’re open 365 days a year for lunch and dinner, we get that you can’t come and join us every single day, so we asked Paul (very nicely) if he could help solve a few of the problems that cause issues in the kitchen for you guys at home and offer a few tips that just might help you up your culinary game. Or if you’re after an easier solution, you could just book in to join us and try his cooking for yourself…

Read the recipe A common mistake for home cooks, according to Paul. It means they either miss steps, don’t know how to prepare some ingredients, or aren’t ready to tackle certain parts of the recipe. It’s quite easy to solve, says Paul. Just read the recipe through properly before you start - maybe even twice - and do a bit of research if there are any ingredients you’ve never used before or skills you haven’t tried. That way you’ll be ready for anything.

Don’t guess when it comes to measuring Chefs sometimes guess, but that’s because they’ve got years of experience, says Paul. If you’re not experienced or confident, you’re probably better off being safe rather than sorry and measuring properly - especially when it comes to baking - according to the recipe.

Taste everything - and season it too Professional chefs are constantly tasting their dishes to make sure the flavour is just right, says Paul. That way they can adjust the seasoning,

32 | Cornfield Magazine

add anything that’s missing and get it perfect. It’s a step people often miss at home, he says, and yet is so simple. So keep your tasting spoon at the ready and don’t be scared to use seasoning generously.

Let meat rest properly One of Loxleys’ big hits is its steak and meats, from locally-sourced Chateaubriand to fillet, ribeye and rump steaks. Yet so many people often struggle to cook meat at home, says Paul. That’s because they don’t let it rest, he says, and it can make all the difference.

Of course, if you can’t bear to cook and rest your own steak, you could always join Loxleys for steak night on Tuesdays when you’ll get a free bottle of red when two people order a minimum of two courses from our steak menu.

Loxleys is a family-run, two-floor restaurant and bar on Sheep Street in Stratfordupon-Avon. Serving creative British cuisine seven days a week, it has become recognised as one of the top restaurants in Stratford and was a finalist in the Best Restaurant category in the Muddy Stilettos Warwickshire Awards 2019.

Loxleys is the main sponsor of the Stratford Town Centre Food Festival each September and in 2019 raised more than £6,000 for local children’s charity Molly Olly’s Wishes by donating a brand new car for a raffle for the charity.

For more information or to reserve your table, call 01789 292128 or visit Loxleys’ website on www.loxleysrestaurant.co.uk

Photography: Monica Martini

Birmingham’s Oldest Pub

Undergoes Extensive Renovation

Traditional pub features with modern touches make up the new Old Crown in Deritend, Digbeth.

With January sweeping everyone up into the “new year, new me” spirit, even Birmingham’s pubs had a good go. Birmingham’s oldest pub, The Old Crown, had a facelift in January of this year, the first renovation for the traditional pub in 20 years.

Based right in the creative hub that is Digbeth, The Old Crown is known for its eccentricity. A recently renovated garden includes shipping containers for seating, along with a giant outdoor screen with picnic benches and artificial grass for the summer sports. Now, the pub itself has been brought into the modern age, with a new open plan dining area, more seating, vibrant artwork and that all important lick of paint. The Old Crown, which was established in 1368, has also had some of its original features restored.

A 400 year old fireplace being one of the main features in the cosy and relaxed seating area as well 14th century doors being restored to their former glory.

The renovation was made possible thanks to NOVO DESIGN, who made sure they kept the “character and heritage of the grade II listed building at the centre of the concept. We’ve included great lighting and some playful

artwork to connect with the local area, as well as opening up the ground floor and improving the flow which we hope will allow customers to enjoy and experience more of this fabulous building.”

The Old Crown is rich in history, being one of the only buildings to survive the battle of Camp Hill as well as having Queen Elizabeth I stay overnight after a ball. Now, the pub is home to St. Patrick’s festivities, live music and DJ takeovers, pub quizzes and more. So, if you’re ever in Digbeth and fancy a pint somewhere with a bit of character, you know where to go.

The Old Crown is open Monday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am, Friday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 1:00am and Sunday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm with food served throughout the day.

Visit www.theoldcrown.com to find out more and book a table.

Cornfield Magazine | 33

34 | Cornfield Magazine

HOME & GARDEN

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Cornfield Magazine | 35

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Cornfield Magazine | 37

Hoods Flooring A trusted name in carpet fitting services and supplies As a long-established, family-run business, Hoods Flooring can offer you an exceptional wealth of experience and high-quality service.

Breathe life into your home this winter with a professional floor renovation Creating a fresh new look for your home is the perfect way to start summer. Why settle for out-dated carpets and worn down floorboards, when you can have more?

Together with Hoods Flooring, you can create a bespoke, practical living space by installing high quality flooring to suit your personal style, budget and taste.

Founded in 1939 by Hilda Hood, Hoods Flooring was established with the aim to provide a first class flooring supply and fitting service to customers throughout Birmingham and Solihull. Now in its third generation, Hoods Flooring continues to fulfil this ambition.

Over the years, we have established long and happy relationships with hundreds of valued customers, both

38 | Cornfield Magazine

commercial and private. Our large two-storey showroom stocks a huge range of flooring product options, allowing customers to select the perfect floor covering to suit their needs. We supply a wide range of carpets and hard flooring, including Karndean designer flooring, Marmoleum tiles and rubber flooring.

Transform your interiors – trust in Hoods Flooring Award-winning and certified team members Hoods Flooring’s award-winning team are all NICF (National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers) certified. We receive on going, inhouse training and attend regular manufacturer training courses to ensure we stay up-to-date with industry standards and maintain our high standards of service.

Our team are fully trained and qualified to handle flooring projects, specialising in providing excellent carpet fitting services and expert advice for our clients.

Kavanagh’s Kitchens and Bathrooms is an established supplier of leading manufacturers of bathroom and kitchen products, providing a full design and installation service.

The family-run business has been delivering exceptional workmanship to clients for over 28 years. Specialising in complete bathroom and kitchen refurbishments, Kavanagh’s will create bespoke expert designs to bring clients’ dreams to life, managing the whole project from start to finish.

With excellent workmanship, Kavanagh’s are able to mange the entire installation of a project including plastering, electrics, worktops, doors, wet rooms, shower panelling, tiling, and under floor heating. The company’s up-front quotations mean there are no hidden costs, and customers can rest assured their homes or businesses are in safe, expert hands.

For enquiries, please call 0121 604 6464 or email mark@kavsbathrooms.co.uk or beckykavanaghs@gmail.com www.kavsbathrooms.co.uk 32 East Meadway, Tile Cross, Birmingham, B33 0AP

Cornfield Magazine | 39

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OUTDOORS

Top lawn tips for spring!

Spring is approaching and our gardens are starting to awaken, now is the time to prepare your green space for the year ahead. As the ‘Great British lawn’ is the centre-piece of most UK gardens, many of us aspire to the perfect lawn. Here, local lawn care service GreenThumb Solihull share tips on how to achieve a lush, green lawn you can be proud of.

Clear up If you’ve not already done so, rake away those dead leaves and twigs that tend to accumulate on the lawn over winter - the less debris on the lawn, the healthier it will be.

Let in the light!

Over-hanging border plants, shrubs and trees encroach on the lawn’s space and weaken it by denying it light, so make sure to trim these back.

Thin out the moss Moss loves cold, damp conditions so often thrives over winter. To thin out the moss in your lawn use a wire hand rake or scarifier machine.

To limit moss growth in your lawn, addressing the underlying problems by regular aeration and scarification is key.

Roll out the mower!

Check your mower blade is sharp so you get a good finish and avoid stressing the grass. Raise the height of your first cut to just ‘top’ the grass, then reduce this down

to the best cutting height (around 1 inch) over the next few mows.

Regular mowing at leas¬t once a week is one of the most important tasks for a healthy lawn.

Give it a feed An application of a fertiliser specifically designed for spring will give the lawn the nutrients it needs to flourish during this important period. Most garden stores sell lawn fertilisers but be sure to read the label thoroughly and take care not to over-apply or you could scorch the lawn.

Tackle the weeds Some fertilisers include weed control which can help if used carefully. If not, then weeds like dandelions and buttercups can be dug out and the resulting bare spots repaired using seed and top soil.

Look out for yellow, sickly looking patches These could be caused by lawn diseases such as ‘Red Thread’ or ‘Fusarium’, or they could be signs of an infestation of lawn pests which can devastate a lawn by eating the grass roots. If you suspect a problem, get professional advice.

GreenThumb Solihull provide a bespoke service which includes tailored programmes of lawn feed and weed control treatments, professionally applied for the best results. They also offer services such as aeration and scarification ¬to keep on top of moss and maintain the lawn in a healthy condition. Treatment prices start from as little as £15 including vat.

Interested in a free lawn analysis?

Contact us today to arrange yours.

0121 705 6395 solihull@greenthumb.co.uk

40 | Cornfield Magazine

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HOME & GARDEN

The new colour of interior design Soft greens are set to take over interior design in 2020. Tones such as sage green maintain a fresh young vibe while looking forward to a new decade ahead. These tones complement recent colour trends such as millennial pink and work amazingly well in trending styles such as Art Deco influenced interiors.

Sage green is set to be amongst the most popular colours of the decade ahead.

Associated with balance and harmony, green tends to be popular with all ages and genders - making the colour easy to use in any home. It also connects with plant life and their increasing usage in modern interior design.

Finish off the look with green glass, Art Deco style lighting. The trending Art Deco style is a great way to bring these green tones into a living space.

To browse a full selection of sage green furniture and accessories, alongside Art Deco picks, visit Cult Furniture. www.cultfurniture.com

Conway Plastic Bar Stool, Sage Green 75cm £69 Retro Palm Leaf Glass Pendant Light, Green £85 Heather Dining Chair, Velvet Upholstered, Sage Green £109 Plain Large Cushion, Velvet Fabric, Sage Green £25 Marie Low Small Stool, Velvet Upholstered, Sage Green £69 Bonnie 2 Seater Loveseat Sofa, Velvet Upholstered, Sage Green £599 Palmer Round Metal Side Table, Jade Green £69

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OUTDOORS

R & A Garden Landscapes At R & A Garden Landscapes, we offer a wide range of design and build landscaping services across The West Midlands including Solihull, Stratford, Bromsgrove, Redditch and many other surroundings areas.

Whether you require a complete garden redesign and build project, or wish to improve an area of your garden, we can come up with a cost-effective solution for making your visions a reality.

Our family-owned business is founded on over 20 years of combined experience in the building and construction trade combined with reputable qualifications in horticulture.

The services we offer include, paving and patios, brickwork, decking, traditional & artificial turf, driveway surfaces, Water features & ponds and design studio.

From an initial onsite visit, to job completion, we work with our customers on a one-to-one basis to ensure complete satisfaction.

R & A Garden Landscaping is proud to deliver: friendly and professional service, award-winning work, highly skilled staff, clear and competitive rates, and free no obligation quotations.

Get in touch with our expert team today! info@ra-gardenlandscapes.co.uk 07411 619 228 - 0121 537 7273 www.ra-gardenlandscapes.co.uk R & A Garden Landscapes Limited, 57 Rednal Mill Drive, Rednal, Birmingham, B45 8XZ

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HOME & GARDEN

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Stevens Roofing Stevens roofing has been a local, south midlands, based company for four generations. The company was originally founded in 1956 by William C. Stevens, William was joined by his son Dennis Stevens.

Dennis became well know in the local area for efficient high quality roofing. In the 1980’s the company was joined by both sons, who have maintained the family tradition. The business has now been joined a further generation, continuing the family tradition. Dennis is still actively involved passing on vital skills and craftsmanship.

The name Stevens is synonymous with the highest standards of craftsmanship and professionalism, these qualities are maintained on every project, large or small. All work carried out is backed by a materials and workmanship guarantee. An insurance guarantee is also available for complete peace of mind.

Customer satisfaction is paramount to us, we are recognised for our personal and professional service. The success of the company is built on experience and expertise. Much of our work is carried out on recommendation which, in such a highly competitive environment, is a testament or our ability to meet our customers’ requirements.

Brief Time Line of Roofing...

100 BC Romans introduce slating and tiling to Britain AD 735 First recorded writing of thatched roofs 1077- 82 The Bayeux tapestry depicts roofs covered with timber shingles 12th century Tiling and slating rediscovered 1212 King John issued building by-laws for London to eliminate combustible roof-coverings such as Reed and Thatch and replace them with clay tiles as a result of major fires in the city 1477 King Edward IV enforced by statute that plain clay tiles be 10.5”x6.25”x.373” in size which is still the size adopted by the current British standard 1672-1717 Sir Christopher Wren specified copper cladding for the dome of St Pauls Cathedral at a cost of £3000. The Government refused this and insisted on a lead covering at a cost of £2000 1740 Keymer hand made clay tiles started production 1897 San Gioacchino church in Rome roofed with aluminium 1913 Turner Bros started producing asbestos cement sheeting in Manchester 1919 Redlands opened their first concrete tile factory 1924 Marley opened their first concrete tile factory 1956 Stevens Roofing established 1960-70 Fibre reinforced bituminous flat roofing membranes became popular 1970 Coated steel and aluminium first appear 1980 Dangers of asbestos roofing published 1980 The Institute of Roofing was formed 1985 Stevens Roofing joined by Sons

2017 Stevens Roofing Joined by Grandson

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British Motor Museum

announces STEAM fortnight for

Schools in March 2020

The British Motor Museum is pleased to announce a fortnight of STEAM based educational activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Maths) for Key Stages 2 & 3 from March 2 – 13 2020. Designed to coincide with National Science Week, the Museum will be offering a new range of interactive activities to enhance students’ learning and tackle some of the transport issues facing future generations.

The STEAM fortnight is an addition to the Museum’s normal schools programme and offers students an immersive and active learning experience, surrounded by the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. During the day of their visit each group will rotate between four or five different activities each lasting around 20 minutes, keeping enthusiasm and engagement levels high.

engaging, giving pupils the chance to learn outside the classroom and explore the five core elements of STEAM in more depth. We are also delighted to be partnering with the STEM ambassadors from MoD Kineton who will be joining us on certain dates to give pupils the opportunity to collaborate and put their RVR Robots through their paces”.

The students will meet the Museum’s resident mad scientists, Professor Pickle and Dr Pumpkin, and help them solve the problem of how to be green and power the cars of the future - delivered in a high octane interactive science show. Students can also become car designers for a day expressing their creative sides as they design a Land Rover cut-out car for the 21st century.

Schools can also benefit from the Museums Travel Support Fund (made possible by support from Arts Council England). This fund will cover the full cost of coach travel for schools booking a place during the STEAM fortnight and offers up to £300 towards travel costs at other times.

Collaborating as ‘engineering’ teams students will road test remote controlled Jaguar D-Types around a special racetrack. Whilst the maths & technology elements of STEAM will involve getting hands-on in a LEGO® workshop investigating the effects of gears and ratios.

Emma Rawlinson, Life Long Learning Officer at the British Motor Museum said “Our STEAM fortnight is designed to be fun and

The STEAM programme cost is £12.50 per pupil for a full day at the Museum (10am – 2pm). Maximum number of pupils per day is 150 (5 groups of 30).

For more information about the Schools Programme or to request a brochure please visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/schools or email education@britishmotormuseum.co.uk or call 01926 649649

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ENTERTAINMENT

QUEEN

+ ADAM LAMBERT

Add Third UK City To Rhapsody Tour With Two Shows At Arena Birmingham On 14 & 15 June Following phenomenal demand for tickets, Queen + Adam Lambert have added a third UK city to their hugely anticipated summer run of their Rhapsody Tour shows, announcing two extra dates at Arena Birmingham on 14 & 15 June. Tickets go on sale on 29 January at 10am. The Birmingham dates are the final shows to be added and the last opportunity to see the band perform in the UK in 2020.

In what will be their first European dates since the worldwide box office sensation that was the “Bohemian Rhapsody” film, Queen + Adam Lambert’s announcement today comes having well and truly rocked North America with 25 giant shows last summer which drew universally ecstatic reviews – “it’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s unforgettable” - and played to sold out audiences totalling close on 400,000 spectators.

The all-new “Rhapsody” show, already hailed as “a marvel of technical advances” is presently on a run of 17 stadium shows across South Asia and Australasia which includes a special appearance at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium Sunday 16 February for the Fire Fight Australia concert for national bushfire relief.

The touring spectacular will then arrive in the UK and Europe in late spring. Full tour schedule below.

Tickets for the added Birmingham dates on the “Rhapsody” tour go on sale to the general public on 29 January at 10am local time. There are no pre-sales. Tickets (maximum of six tickets per booking) are priced from £45.00 and available from ticketmaster. co.uk and queenonline.com At the time of announcing these 2020 European dates Queen’s Roger Taylor said: “We’re back and we’re hot.”

An enthused Brian May added: “This is a fearsome new production taking the Queen legacy to a new place. I’m well proud.”

Adam Lambert commented: “I can’t wait to get back to the UK and Europe, we had a blast on our last tour, and I am so excited to bring this new show over there!”

Since Adam Lambert first shared the stage with Queen for the 2009 American Idol final, his dynamic performances have reinvigorated the band and delighted fans worldwide. Starting as they meant to go on, their first full show together in June 2012 thrilled a crowd of half a million strong in the Ukraine capital city of Kiev. Since then, May and Taylor’s musical fireworks matched by Lambert’s vocal prowess and stage presence have made for an explosive combination. Over 200 gigs later, the partnership has remained a commercial and critical triumph, playing to enraptured full houses in every corner of the world.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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FISH

plays Wolverhampton

QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT “Rhapsody Tour” UK & EUROPE 2020

DATE Sun 24 May Tue 26 May Wed 27 May Fri 29 May Sat 30 May Tue 2 June Wed 3 June Fri 5 June Sat 6 June Mon 8 June Tue 9 June Thu 11 June Fri 12 June Sun 14 June Mon 15 June Wed 17 June Thu 18 June Sat 20 June Sun 21 June Wed 24 June Fri 26 June Sun 28 June Mon 29 June Wed 1 July Thu 2 July Tue 7 July Wed 8 July

CITY/COUNTRY Bologna, Italy Paris, France Antwerp Belgium Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam, Netherlands London, UK London, UK London, UK London, UK London, UK London, UK Manchester, UK Manchester, UK Birmingham, UK Birmingham, UK London, UK London, UK London, UK London, UK Berlin, German Cologne, Germany Zurich, Switzerland Munich, Germany Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen, Denmark Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain

For information go to: Queenonline.com

VENUE Unipol Arena AccorHotels Arena Sportspalais Ziggo Dome Ziggo Dome The O2 The O2 The O2 The O2 The O2 The O2 Manchester Arena Manchester Arena Arena Birmingham Arena Birmingham The O2 The O2 The O2 The O2 Mercedes-Benz Arena Lanxess Arena Hallenstadion Olympiahalle Royal Arena Royal Arena Wiznik Centre Wiznik Centre

KK’s Steel Mill on Wednesday 25th March 2020!

Fish returns to UK stages in March 2020 with his final album ‘Weltschmerz’ which is scheduled for release exactly 30 years after his first solo album, ‘Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors’ was released in January 1990.

Fish will be performing songs from his new album including ‘Man with a Stick’, which was voted best single of 2018 on ‘Planet Rock Radio’, as well as other tracks from his much awaited ‘Weltschmerz’ project that has been over 2 years in the making.

As well as the new material the 2020 UK shows will feature a full performance of the ‘Vigil’ album in what will be the start of the closing of the circle on Fish’s long solo career.

FISH – MARCH 2020 – UK TOUR DATES INCLUDE: 13 March 15 March 16 & 17 March 19 March 20 March 21 March 23 March 24 March 25 March 27 March 28 March

ABERDEEN – The Lemon Tree HOLMFIRTH – Picturedrome LONDON – Islington Assembly CARDIFF – Y Plas FROME – Cheese & Grain NORTHAMPTON – The Roadmender BRIGHTON – Concorde 2 BURY ST EDMUNDS – Apex Arts Centre WOLVERHAMPTON – KK’s Steel Mill MANCHESTER – Academy EDINBURGH – The Queens Hall

Tickets for all the March 2020 shows above are available from: Box Office No: 08444 780 898 Website - https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Fish.htm

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ENTERTAINMENT

Snow White

and the Seven Dwarfs

Takes Its Final Bow At Birmingham Hippodrome On Sunday 2 February the curtain came down on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Birmingham Hippodrome having played 76 performances. The production ran for just over six weeks featuring a cast including Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, Joe McElderry and Faye Brookes plus dazzling sets and costumes direct from the London Palladium.

Over the course of the run the technical team oversaw 102,672 lighting cues, fired 2,016 pyrotechnic effects and sprinkled over 144kg of snow across thrilled audiences.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Visitor Services team oversaw the sale of 30,315 ice creams, 1,688 tubs of popcorn, 2,886 packets of crisps, 7,256 bags of sweets and 7,438 programmes. All profits from these sales support Birmingham Hippodrome’s work as a charity, enabling various youth and community projects and a wide range of free, accessible festivals and performances for the region.

Chris Sudworth, Director of Artistic Programme at Birmingham Hippodrome said; “Pantomime is a very special event in Birmingham Hippodrome’s calendar, especially because we welcome so many families and young people to enjoy a theatrical experience for the very first time. We are thrilled to have welcomed over thousands upon thousands of audience members from across the region over the past six weeks, this highly successful run is a testament to the team at Qdos Entertainment and our theatre staff for bringing the fairest show in all the land to Birmingham audiences.”

Qdos Entertainment Managing Director, Michael Harrison said; “Without a doubt the cast for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was one of the biggest pantomime line-ups in Hippodrome history.

The hugely talented cast and crew truly gave Birmingham audiences a hilarious and spectacular show at each and every performance. We are already working on bringing our next big blockbuster production to life with Goldilocks and the Three Bears this upcoming festive season, look out for exciting new announcements very soon.”

Birmingham Hippodrome favourite, Matt Slack will return amongst an all-star cast soon to be announced in Goldilocks and the Three Bears from Saturday 19 December 2020 – Sunday 31 Jan 2021. To book visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

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The Music of ABBA THE SHOW - THE MUSIC OF ABBA SIX LIVE DATES MAY 2020 ABBA, are the most successful Swedish act of all time and transformed popular music around the world.

ABBA, have not toured for decades - however, their musical legacy lives on - in a two hour extravaganza concert: ‘The Show – The Music Of ABBA’ - directed by musical director Matthew Freeman, goes out on tour with six shows in May 2020 – taking in the London Palladium on May 5th. Presented by Kennedy Street Enterprises by arr with CSB.dk.

‘The Show – The Music Of ABBA’, lets the audience follow ABBA from before they won the Eurovision to their massive international success. The music in the show is performed by the Swedish Band Waterloo and accompanied by the London Symphonic Rock Orchestra (LSRO), who has rocked arenas around the world since forming in 2018. They have performed and recorded with many high profile artists, and are touring the UK with Il Divo. To further add that original touch to the show, one of the original ABBA musicians, the legendary saxophone player Ulf Andersson will be performing.

‘The Show – The Music Of ABBA’ presents a wide variety of ABBA’s greatest hits: Waterloo, SOS, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Money Money Money, Knowing Me Knowing You, sprinkled with several surprises from ABBA’s vast catalogue.

Tour Dates are: MAY 2020 4 – Southend Cliffs Pavilion 5 – London Palladium 7 – Bournemouth – International Centre 8 – Birmingham Symphony Hall 10 – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall11 – Manchester Bridgwater Hall Tickets prices: London: £55, £47.50, £40 & £35 Regionally: £50, £45 & £36 Tickets available from the venue direct or the 24 hour ticket hotline – www.ticketline.co.uk0844 888 9991

ENTERTAINMENT

|

Alan Carr

Not again, Alan!

Brand New UK Tour Comes To Birmingham Hippodrome It’s been four years since Alan last went on tour, and in that time he’s managed to find himself in all sorts of dramas. Between his star-studded wedding day and becoming an accidental anarchist, from fearing for his life at border control to becoming a reluctant farmer, three words spring to mind…Not again, Alan!

Join Alan at Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday 5 & Friday 6 November 2020 as he muses upon the things that make his life weird and wonderful. Tickets go on sale to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Patron scheme members from 10am on Tuesday 28 January and go on general sale at 10am on Wednesday 29 January.

From September 2020, multi-award winning Alan will be performing at 57 of the UK’s finest theatres, tickets are expected to sell out fast so don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with one of the country’s most funniest, cherished and unique comedians at the very top of his game.

Not Again, Alan! is Alan’s fourth UK solo tour. Previous sold-out tours include Tooth Fairy (2007), Spexy Beast (2011) and Yap, Yap, Yap! in 2015 – all of which went on to become top selling DVD releases.

It’s been a busy few years for Alan since he finished hosting 16 series of his BAFTA award-winning Channel 4 chat-show Alan Carr Chatty Man. His recent TV shows include; Host of two series of There’s Something About Movie’s (Sky One), host of Kylie’s Secret Night (Channel 4), Alan Carr’s Celebrity Replay (ITV), host of I Don’t Like Mondays (Channel 4), The Price Is Right (Channel 4) and Alan Carr’s Happy Hour (Channel 4). Alan has also co-hosted four Stand Up To Cancer live fundraising events for Channel 4.

for a brand new audience. The five legendary formats getting the big scale treatment are: Play Your Cards Right, Take Your Pick, Strike It Lucky, Bullseye, and The Price is Right.

Also in 2020, Alan will be returning as a judge on the highly anticipated second series of the BBC’s RuPaul’s DragRace UK. Alan Carr – Not Again, Alan! comes to Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday 5 & Friday 6 November 2020. Tickets go on sale to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Patron scheme members from 10am on Tuesday 28 January and go on general sale at 10am on Wednesday 29 January.

To book visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

His other recent TV appearances include; Judge on RuPaul’s DragRace UK (BBC !!!/BBC One), A League Of Their Own European Roadtrip (Sky One), Celebrity Bake Off Stand Up To Cancer Special (Channel 4), and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4).

As well as a star of stage and screen, Alan has also written two highly commended autobiographies – Look Who It Is! (released in 2008 by HarperCollins) and Alanatomy (released in 2016 by Penguin).

Alan can also regularly be heard on BBC Radio 2 where he presents numerous shows thoughout the year with co-host Mel Sykes.

Later this year, Alan will be back on our television screens as host of ITV’s Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow. The series will see five of the country’s all-time favourite game shows supersized and reinvigorated

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ENTERTAINMENT

Bigfoot

Festival

NEW FESTIVAL: ANNOUNCING BIGFOOT, A THREE-DAY SUMMER FESTIVAL FEATURING FAT WHITE FAMILY, LITTLE DRAGON AND FOOD FROM DOUGLAS MCMASTER AND MATT ORLANDO From 19th – 21st June 2020, a brand-new festival hits the UK scene. Bigfoot will make its debut with a threeday celebration of unrivalled entertainment, food and independent drinks. Throughout the weekend, the idyllic grounds of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, including abundant woodland and a tranquil lake, will be transformed into a festival wonderland of creativity, inspiration and hedonism.

Bigfoot will welcome over 60 music acts across five stages, a stellar roster of 15 restaurants and 8 chefs, and a hand-picked line-up of over 50 craft breweries, natural winemakers and artisanal spirit producers.

Bigfoot will showcase pioneering chefs, top restaurants and street food cult favourites from the UK and beyond. The banqueting tent will be headlined by zero-waste innovator Douglas McMaster of Silo and Matt Orlando of Copenhagen’s Amass. Along with Two Lights’ Chase Lovecky, they will host Blackout Dining, a sustainable vegetarian feast cooked using no electricity whatsoever. 200 guests will dine elbowto- elbow under the stars, at candlelit tables stretching along the banks of the lake.

London’s leading chefs and restaurants, including 10 Greek Street and Club Mexicana, will also pack up their knives and decamp to the countryside to serve their signature dishes to hungry festival-goers. Those looking to snack between stage slots can also take their pick of small plates from a line-up of much-loved street food vendors, including Patty & Bun, Dough & Brew and Birmingham-based craft beer & burger restaurant, Original Patty Men. Situated eight miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, Ragley Hall will play host to an eclectic mix of musicians and performers throughout the weekend. The Bigfoot Main Stage will see performances from headline acts Fat White Family, Little Dragon and Hot Chip Megamix, while the Sasquatch Bandstand will be the home of experimental, innovative performance. The Treehouse Dance Stage will keep the beats going late into the night for revelers who aren’t quite ready for bed, with a line-up of DJs including George Fitzgerald, Erol Alkan and a DJ set from Maribou State, while Signature Brew Live will feature emerging talent.

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Daniel Sylvester and Greg Wells, co-founders of We Are Beer, will follow the success of London, Bristol and Edinburgh Craft Beer Festivals with their most-exciting event yet.

Greg and Dan have brought together 50 of Europe’s top craft brewers, including Verdant Brewery, Church Farm and Northern Monk, and Danish microbrewery To Øl available at four dedicated bars. Wines have been selected by Ancestral Wines, who will be pouring carafes of some the finest and most exciting natural wines from across Europe and the UK, along with craft spirits including Starward Whiskey.

Greg says “Bigfoot is our ideal version of a modern lifestyle festival. We’ve designed this from the ground up to showcase the incredibly dynamic culture around craft beer, cutting-edge food and great music. Ragley Hall is an incredible backdrop for this, the perfect venue for us to launch this celebration.” Daniel adds, “The time is right for something new in the festival world, there’s been a revolution in Britain’s appreciation and love of food and drink and Bigfoot will be somewhere that festival- goers can discover fantastic beer and wine, eat incredible, world-class food, and really let their hair down to the sound of some of the most exciting acts of the moment.”

Down by the peaceful lake, there will be a boutique camping area for those looking for a bespoke experience, as well as a Lakeside Cinema showing classic movies and cult favourites throughout the evenings. Festival-goers will be able to boat and swim across the lake, or simply take a relaxing dip in the open-air, timber-clad hot tubs. Bigfoot will also be the perfect escape for families with a curated line-up of sessions for little ones including kids’ raves, forest foraging and mini yoga, and even a dedicated family camping area.

Bigfoot tickets will go on sale on 30th January and are priced at £120, with early bird tickets starting at £80. Boutique camping will start at £280. Children 13 and under go free.

Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5NJ. bigfootfestival.co.uk | @bigfootfest

Max & Harvey Fresh off their success on ITV’s X Factor Celebrity, 16-year old twins Max and Harvey are coming to Birmingham as they head off on their biggest ever headline UK tour.

Having already made it as delightful double act on social media, it was only a matter of time before the careers of loveable duo Max & Harvey began to take off. Boasting almost six million followers on TikTok and another million on Instagram, thanks to a personal invitation to audition from Simon Cowell, the YouTube singing sensations won over the nation in last year’s X Factor Celebrity competition, making it all the way to the final and only to narrowly missing out on first place. With eyes now set on a starstudded popstar career, the boys are set to perform at Birmingham’s O2 Academy 2 in what will surely be unmissable show for any Midlands-based fan.

single, ‘Trade Hearts’ with their debut EP ‘Coming Soon’, the duo released their latest track, ‘Stranger’ in September 2019. The duo are expected to release new music in 2020.

Max & Harvey will play Birmingham’s O2 Academy 2 on February 17th 2020. Tickets are available to buy online now.

Also on their lap of the UK, Max & Harvey will play dates in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle and Bristol. As well as performing songs from their X Factor appearances, their shows will also feature new original music. Having followed up their 2018

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ENTERTAINMENT

Totally

Tina

UK Number 1 TINA TURNER tribute ‘TOTALLY TINA’ rocks into its 11th Year coming to Worcester – Swan Theatre on Sunday 1st March 2020!

Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s original, award-winning Tina Turner tribute… aka Justine Riddoch and her talented cast.

When Tina burst onto the scene, she won the hearts of music fans from the outset, creating a fearsome reputation for her live performances – and those never-ending legs!

Early hits River Deep – Mountain High, Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits were just a taste of what was to come. We Don’t Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, I Don’t Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled her to stadium concert stardom.

Supported by her super-talented band and dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine is the SUPREME Tina (a National Tribute Awards winner since 2013). She’s got the looks, she’s got the moves, she’s got the legs, but most of all, she’s got THE voice. Join an army of loyal fans for a truly authentic, fun-packed musical spectacular!

Eleven years have passed since the number one Tina Turner tribute first sprang to life in the vibrant city of Liverpool, but a Lifetime Achievement Award and many other prestigious accolades along the way have earned Justine Riddoch’s ‘Totally Tina’ a deserved top spot in the musical tribute world.

Justine admits she has been observing her beloved muse from the start; constantly honing her impersonation with passion and an unrivalled attention to detail, to deliver the most authentic recreation of the rock and roll Queen’s live performances.

She’s determined the Show will always be known as ‘Simply The Best’, which is particularly fitting as 2019 was the 30th Anniversary of the much-loved song of the same name, released in 1989.

The cast and crew of Totally Tina are pulling out all the stops this year with the promise of a brand new, custom-made performance featuring a whole host of fresh ideas, coupled with the band’s now famous humour.

The Show is designed to make the audience feel that the legendary performer is right back in front of them, strutting her stuff on the most famous legs in show business!

This year’s production is a heady mix of nostalgia and surprise with all the favourite Tina Turner hits, her best duets, much-loved covers and the odd twist in the tale.

Jumping Jack Flash, Honky Tonky Woman, Get Back, It’s Only Rock and Roll and The Bitch is Back have been added to a set which includes Simply The Best, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits and Private Dancer to name a few.

All the songs are enhanced by the customary flourish of sparkling stiletto heels, flamboyant tail feathers, high energy dance routines and musical genius. There’s plenty of audience engagement and post-show ‘meet and greets’ too, making the Show more personal.

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“ ”

This really is a fantastic evening and you’d swear that you were watching the real Tina in action.

In fact, it’s probably the closest thing to a live Tina Turner concert!

Justine, a past winner of cult talent show, Stars In Their Eyes, is known in the business for her enthusiasm and drive, and has been singing professionally for 27 years. She is justifiably proud of her cast and crew who’ve played a huge part in helping her to create the longest running Tina Turner tribute.

She said: “I am thrilled by the success of this production – we have come so far! Having been told on many occasions that I sounded like Tina, I decided to take the plunge and then spent hours familiarising myself with her life story and scrutinising video footage to watch mannerisms and body movements.

We always add our own personality to the Show each year; the element of surprise keeps things fresh, but my ultimate aim is to remain faithful to a Tina Turner live concert, and bring the best version of this amazing woman; her voice, her passion and even her legs, to her many fans.

That’s why we love it when people tell us that they go away feeling as though they have seen the real thing.”

Totally Tina has been the UK’s official number one Tina Turner Tribute for the past six years, winning Best Female Artist, Best Choreography, Best Sound & Lighting, Best Website, Best Theatre Production Show and Best Video during that time.

The band plays to audiences all over the country and in Europe, and has performed at the Cover Festival in Davos, Switzerland (Tina Turner’s new home country) for the last 2 years.

Justine added: “We love what we do, and we’re lucky enough to have an incredibly loyal army of fans here and overseas. We hope to be meeting many more new fans this year.”

Tickets for the WORCESTER – Swan Theatre show taking place on Sunday 1st March are available from: Totally TINA WORCESTER – Swan Theatre Doors open 7.00pm / Show Start Time – 7.30pm Box Office No: 01905 611427 Website - www.worcesterlive.co.uk/events

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Vauxhall Astra

Hatchback

By motoring journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay - Twitter @carwriteups Instagram @tbarnesclay

Some cars are so gorgeous it’s difficult not to get precious about them. Others are workhorses that just do the job. The Astra is the latter.

That’s not to say I don’t like the looks of the Vauxhall – I do. It’s not a “wow” car, but it’s not aesthetically offensive, either. It just merges in with the rest of the motors on the school run.

Even in vaguely athletic SRi guise, you’d hope the car might have something special about it. But, no, it doesn’t. Not standing out from the crowd isn’t all that bad, though. It keeps you from looking too “bling” and possibly makes your ride less of a target for thieves.

The Astra, as tested here in hatchback guise, is a decent tool for ferrying the kids around without drama. It fits a family of five in it, although, at 370-litres, the boot isn’t the largest. Still, it copes okay, and the five-door car is easy to get in and out of. There are ISOFIX child seat mounting points on the outer rear seats, too.

recommend it as a worthy family car. Go for the SRi VX-Line NAV and you get a well-equipped vehicle. Goodies include a seven-inch colour touchscreen, navigation, sports-style front seats and cruise control.

My parting comment is to opt for a manual variant. I was given a “stepless auto” to try. Yes, no clutch means driving is less of a hassle, but in 1.4 turbo petrol guise, going automatic can make the Astra a bit thirsty.

Fast Facts: Vauxhall Astra Hatchback • Max speed: 130mph • 0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds • Combined mpg: 47.9 • 1342cc, 3-cylinder turbo petrol • Max. power (PS): 145 • CO2: 112 g/km • Price: £25,635

The drive is on the verge of clinical – the Griffin-badged car does the job well enough, but there’s no real feel. I felt oddly detached when behind the wheel. I think it’s because the steering is very light. Sure, this makes parking and manoeuvring around town effortless, but a weightier feel at speed would be welcome.

It all just feels a little bland. But, hey, Vauxhalls are good value, and as there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the Astra, I can’t help but

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vs Tyson Fury:

SPORT

Deontay Wilder

The Rematch

By Alex Dudley

The biggest night in the world of boxing takes place on the 22nd February as Tyson Fury, and Deontay Wilder meet in Las Vegas for the eagerly anticipated rematch. The first fight ended in contentious fashion, as it was deemed a draw.

That fightback in 2018 was one of the most-watched events of the year, but the decision to award the draw was something that has been disputed by all fight fans. Many experts believed that Fury had won the fight after outclassing his American opponent throughout the bout. However, the judges decided to award the draw, after Fury was stunningly knocked down in the final round.

The Brit was able to pull himself back to his feet within the ten count; much to the amazement of everybody watching. It was the classiest performance that Fury has put in since his return to the ring, and he was greeted back in the UK like a hero. He spoke at length in the build-up to that bout about his battle with mental health issues and his ability to fight someone like Wilder, who has dominated the ring, within months of returning to the ring highlights how good Fury really is.

Since that fight, Fury has fought on two occasions. He beat Tom Schwarz in the second round, before edging out Otto Wallin via a points decision. He has enjoyed his time away from the ring by appearing in the WWE and recording a song with Robbie Williams, but make no mistake, the former heavyweight champion will have his sights firmly set on winning the titles from Wilder.

The American has also fought on two occasions. He viciously knocked out Dominic Breazeale, before knocking out Luis Ortiz in the seventh round back in November. The draw from the previous bout is the only blemish on either fighters record, and both of them will be hoping to remove that with a dominant success in Las Vegas.

Fury has vowed to knockout Wilder in the rematch, but his best route for success could be out-boxing Wilder in the same way that he did in their first meeting. The fight is going to be must-watch, as the undefeated record from one of these heavyweights will be gone.

Viewers can catch all the action on BT Sport Box Office on the 22nd February with the main event between Fury and Wilder likely to get underway around 5:00 am.

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EVENTSG uide WE NEED MORE LOCAL EVENTS. It’s completely FREE to place your event in this section. From classes, groups, shows and bootsales you can place your event here.

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Saturday Night social Dance Graham & Denise Darby present a Saturday Night social Dance, supporting the Midlands Air Ambulance & Guide Dogs for the Blind at Lickey End Social Club, Bromsgrove on Saturday 7th March. Ballroom, Latin & Social Sequence Dancing to live music by Graham Darby - Doors open at 7.30pm Dancing from 8pm - 11pm - pay on the door £5 per person. For further details please call 01543 502722 or visit www. grahamdarbysmusic.com

Personal Training

Personal Training, nutrition and lifestyle coaching in a lovely private gym on the outskirts of Henley in Arden. All ages and abilities catered for including over 50’s and pre and post-natal specialist programmes. Contact jan@ salveocoaching.co.uk for details of our summer special offer.

Art/Adult day Classes at the Core Gallery, The Core

Thurs 10am-12pm and 12.30-2.30 pm starting in September Fri 10-12.00.

Join a friendly group of artists and watch Artist Vicki Gorman demonstrate drawing and painting techniques then try them out yourself, and develop your own style. Beginners to advanced, all abilities are welcome. To book a place and to get more details you can contact the box office on 0121 704-6962 or contact Vicki on 07940483320 or email vicki_kilgour@yahoo.co.uk. Art classes are also on Tuesdays 1pm-3pm at Central England Arts, Hampton in Arden and Mondays South Yardley Libray call Vicki for more details.

Parlez-vous francais or Hablan espanol?

Small group meet in Henley.

More info about, feel free to contact me at 07891390947

Henley Art Group

A mixed group of artisans meeting every Thursday 1.30-4.00. At Henley Baptist Church Hall. Paint/sketch/ whatever takes your fancy, or just sit and have a convivial chat. £3.00 per session paid 4 weeks in advance with coffee/tea/biscuits included. With occasional relaxed mini tutorials and group sketching exercises inc. Still Life, Portraiture, Landscapes and Life Drawing (clothed) adding to the mix.

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Contact Colin Fisher 01564 794339.

Or just simply stroll on up and have a chat and a cuppa.

WYTHALL COMMUNITY CHOIR

We are a community choir, with 60 regular attendees. We have a professional musical director and accompanist though the rest of us have varying abilities in singing. We meet Monday nights, during term time, 7.15pm - 9.30pm at the scout hut in Wythall Park. Generally, we are rehearsing for a concert or performance.

Come and join us. No audition necessary. Just turn up from Monday 10 September onwards or contact wythallcommunitychoir@gmail.com

Solihull Embroiderers

We meet 1st Tuesday monthly 7.30pm at Solihull Methodist Church Hall for talks on creative textiles and hold Saturday workshops. Open to everyone interested in stitch - regardless of ability.

For info: www.solihullembroiderersguild. blogspot.co.uk or email: solihullsec@ embroiderersguild.co.uk

If you would like to add your info for FREE on this page, then please email the details to: sam@cornfieldpublishing.co.uk If you would like your event in a black box, it’s a minimal charge of £20 per month. Then please call our sales team on 0121 796 6800 for more info.

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Modern Luxury, Classic Feel

www.buildland.co.uk

•

01527 519 444

Buildland Ltd, Oxleasow Road, Redditch B98 0RE

www.buildland.co.uk

•

01527 519 444

Buildland Ltd, Oxleasow Road, Redditch B98 0RE