County LIfestyle and Leisure Magazine Issue 36

ISSUE 36

EDITOR’S CHOICE | EXECUTIVE BRIDE | IN CONVERSATION WITH | ON THE WATER | EXPLORE NEW FOREST

Contents

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In Conversation With Editor’s Choice Tried and Tested - Salford Hall Home & Garden Meet The Chef Food and Drink Portuguese Wines Vale Golf Club Rat Pack Family Lifestyle Family UK Breaks Ready, Pack and Go Executive Bride On The Water Explore New Forest Expert Services

Editor Jodie Collinson

sales@countylifestyleandleisure.com

01455 698686 Design | Online | Social Media Vaughan Cartwright

Accounts Laura Smith accounts@countylifestyleandleisure.com

01455 698570 Journalist Shirley Elsby

design@countylifestyleandleisure.com

shirley.elsby2@ntlworld.com

01455 698761

01455 446360

Sales Theresa Deacy

Sales Sally Hassel

theresa@countylifestyleandleisure.com

sally@countylifestyleandleisure.com

01455 698370

01455 698570

Suite 10, The Lawns Business Centre The Lawns, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1DY www.countylifestyleandleisure.com Company Number 10125538 VAT Number 239853468

In conversation with Sebastian Bamford from Bamford Mortgages.

Sebastian heads up Bamford Mortgages based in Malvern. Priding themselves in delivering something for everyone, the Bamford family provide a wide-range of financial services, from financial planning to wealth management. With an open and honest attitude and a real family approach to business, Sebastian tells Ruby more about how a change in career led him to work with his family, how it’s brought him closer to home and why he believes that it’s the key to their success: My alarm goes off and…

It’s set for 6.30am but my son comes into my room around 5.30am these days… followed by Paw Patrol. I’ve not needed an alarm since he’s been born.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

I left school and tried college but didn’t take to it, so I left education with no qualifications at all. However, I was always a keen tennis player (I even played at Wimbledon) so got a job at my local tennis club (Manor Park) at the age of 16. I then gained my coaching qualifications and enjoyed a career as a coach with Herefordshire and Worcestershire LTA until I was 24 years old. I moved to Edgbaston Priory and then to David Lloyd, Westbridgeford in Nottinghamshire. From there I gained a coaching position at La Residencia in Majorca – thanks to my Dad – and took to it like a duck to water. I was 27 at the time, is was a great job and I met some really interesting people including Jamie Oliver, Catherine Zeta Jones and Bob Geldof.

When I came back from Majorca, I was offered a role at David Lloyd, Worcester as Head of Junior tennis and the development programme. Within the 2 years I was there, I increased the portfolio to an all-time high, I moved on and started with the family business. Not only to have a better work – life balance now, have I also had a family of my own.

My Dad, Brian, has 37 years’ experience in Financial Planning and my brother Barnaby joined the family business in 2004. Bamford Wealth Management began in February 2013 and I joined 5 and a half years ago and am responsible for the mortgage side of the business. My sister joined us earlier this year, after a career in teaching (History and Politics at Cheltenham ladies College, having studied at Oxford) She heads up the Practice, managing the business on a day-to-day basis and is also studying to become a financial advisor.

I am a whole of market mortgage advisor – which means, as a company, we can work with most lenders in the market. There are some companies that don’t use brokers, but we can compare with all of them. We have an initial consultation with each client, so we can see what suits them best.

We work with everyone, from first time buyers to experienced portfolio landlords and anything in between.

We work locally, supporting people in Malvern and across Worcestershire, although have clients nationwide and service a number of large customers in London. We pride ourselves on our relationships with local solicitors and estate agents, as well as support and donate to local causes like the Malvern Buzzards Running group and hope to provide help to other local organisations soon.

What are your notable highlights to date?

Working with my family, I’m very proud of it, and we’re lucky to get on so well… it’s not without its trials, but we always come back to supporting each other in the end. Our last year has been fantastic and it’s great to see the business grown year on year – so we must be doing something right.

What’s the key to your success?

Looking after our clients, for sure. We deliver a fantastic service and our clients provide fantastic referrals. As clichéd as it sounds, it’s true. We don’t just complete our work, we stay in touch and look after our customers, like an extended family, and like our strapline says, ‘we do the hard work so you don’t have to’. We pride ourselves with an ongoing service, which we all enjoy. Indeed, a lot of our clients then go on to enjoy all aspects of the business so we support families with their whole financial needs. We’ve been established for a long period of time, which allows people to trust in us. We’re probably the longest running financial business in the area.

Who or what has been your biggest influence?

My Dad and brother… seeing my family work hard and now having a small family of my own, I can see how important it is.

What’s on your bucket list?

I’d like to do an iron man competition – I almost did a half iron-man before my son was born, but I got chicken pox and couldn’t do it. I’m a keen musician and still hoping my band will take off soon – I play in a rock band called Uprising. In between tennis and working at Bamford Wealth Management, I also studied at Guildford Academy of Contemporary Music, majoring in guitar.

What’s your biggest bugbear?

Road rage – not sure why?

What can you do 3 of? Party piece?

Swim – cycle – run.

Where can you mostly be found after work?

On the hills, running. And then at home, with my family.

Best piece of advice you’ve received?

Don’t think about it too much, just get on with it.

Best piece you’d like to give?

Don’t count the days, make the days count!

To find out how Sebastian can help you gain a mortgage, call him on 01684 562842 or head to: www.bamfordwm. co.uk/mortgages/

What I wanted to be when I grew up A rock star!

For more about Ruby and the Pay as you go PR firm head to www.youdobetter. co.uk or contact Ruby direct at: ruby@youdobetter.co.uk or 07891 777464.

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Editor’s Choice

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The site sits in 7½ acres of land on the Geldeston Dyke and offers 12 pitches all year round for tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes, electric hook-up available. It’s even had hammocks slung between trees!

There’s a boat shed housing modern shower rooms, flushing toilets and a kitchen with a microwave and fridge/ freezer. Guests can take their own barbeques or fire pits as long as they stand off the ground and dogs are welcome.

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All 9 rooms have very comfortable pocket-spring mattress beds, modern multi-channel TVs, hospitality trays and Wi-Fi. There is a fully licensed Lounge Bar with a 55″ curved smart TV and on-site parking. Some rooms have sea views including the very popular FourPoster Bedroom with minibar.

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ive your home the kerb appeal it deserves by replacing your shabby, noisy garage door with a smart new Garolla garage door. Garolla electric roller shutter doors come made to measure in the customer’s choice of 18 different colours. Remote controls take the strain – and noise - out of opening and closing.

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Pack It In, Units 7 – 9 The Gallery (Old Market Hall), The Shambles, Worcester WR1 2RD T: 07850 641533 E: info@packitin-zerowasteliving.co.uk www.packitin-zerowasteliving.co.uk

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Salford Hall Tried and Tested

On entering the driveway my first impression of Salford Hall was one of an imposing manor house in a tranquil rural setting. From stepping into the porch and foyer I could feel the history in this Grade 1 listed building.

The reception was warm and welcoming with a large open fireplace and numerous artefacts. The staff were friendly and helpful and we were shown to our room, Queen Anne, which was very spacious and comfortable. It, too, had an open fireplace, plus a large bathroom overlooking the walled garden.

Both the taster menu and the breakfast are available with vegetarian and vegan options.

The staff seemed proud of the hotel’ history and were happy to show us some interesting features, such as in Room 3 a beautifully preserved 15th century mural, behind a locked protective panel. There was a secret priest hole where, in years gone by, Catholic priests hid from Protestant persecutors.

Overall our stay was enjoyable, interesting and relaxing. We would most certainly return at a later date.

W spent some time in the walled garden, which was very pretty and much in keeping with the house. It was a very charming place to sit with a beverage on a warm day.

We enjoyed Prosecco and delicious canapes, but the highlight of the day was the six course taster menu with delightful wines to complement each course. This was absolutely sumptuous, special and beautifully presented.

The whole experience was lovely and relaxed and took place in the comfortable dining room which retains many of its original features.

Our breakfast the next day was of a very high standard and provided a peaceful start to the day.

Goats Cheese and Beetroot

Best Western Salford Hall Hotel, Abbots Salford, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8UT www.salfordhall.co.uk Telephone 01386 871300

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S W ET NO CK E TI SAL

ON

CURATED BY STEVEN KNIGHT, CREATOR AND WRITER OF PEAKY BLINDERS

2 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF LIVE MUSIC, IMMERSIVE SITE-WIDE THEATRE AND EXPERIENCES, A BESPOKE BALLET RAMBERT PERFORMANCE, POETRY, FASHION, STREET FOOD, POP UPS AND BARS. EXPECT 1919 TO COME CRASHING INTO 2019 AND, BE ASSURED, EVERYTHING IS OFFICIALLY BY ORDER OF THE PEAKY BLINDERS

SAT 14TH SEPTEMBER

12–11PM

SUN 15TH SEPTEMBER

PRIMAL SCREAM HEADLINER TO BE ANNOUNCED VERY SPECIAL SECRET SET SLAVES NADINE SHAH ANNA CALVI MIKE SKINNER DJ SET JAYKAE • HOTEL LUX • MARTHAGUNN • THE CORRESPONDENTS

BILL JEFFERSON • ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS• SWING DANCE WITH BIRMINGHAM SWING MISS KIDD AND THE CAT • SWING ZAZOU • PUNCH THE SKY • BAGHDADDIES • THRILL COLLINS SWINGROWERS • JIM WYNN SWING BAND • JIVE ACES • HEAVYBEAT BRASS BAND (NEW ORLEANS SET) PLUS MANY MORE ARTISTS, GUESTS AND SURPRISES TO BE ANNOUNCED

DIGBETH BIRMINGHAM AEGPRESENTS.CO.UK/PEAKYBLINDERS • AXS.COM PEAKY BLINDERS ™ © 2013 CARYN MANDABACH PRODUCTIONS LTD. LICENSED BY ENDEMOL SHINE GROUP.

Style Your Home

Pineland Furniture, Unit 5, Cleobury Trading Estate, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire DY14 8DP T: 01299 271143 E: enquiries@pineland.co.uk www.pineland.co.uk

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Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

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Meet The Chef

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Fine Dining

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Eating Out

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Portugueses Wines

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Family Lifestyle

Holistic Massage Holistic massage is a nurturing process of touch and response, that benefits the body, mind and spirit 'Massage is a holistic therapy, which utilises techniques of manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body' to 'Holistic massage is a nurturing process of touch and response, that benefits the body, mind and spirit'

Body Relax and nourish

Mind

Spirit

Quiet and focus

Renew and awaken

Benefits of Holistic Massage

Massage can: give you a sense of spaciousness, bring relief from tension, pain, stress and anxiety, promote relaxaaon, replenish your energy levels and restore a sense of vitality.

Introductory Offer 1 Hour for £25 NEW CLIENTS ONLY Offer ends 30th September 2019

For more informaaon call 07875 261096 www.flowholissctherapy.co.uk

5 Tay Avenue, Worcester, WR5 3UB enquiries@flowholissctherapy.co.uk

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Family Lifestyle

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Family Lifestyle

Now taking registrations For children aged 6 weeks to 5 years

Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as the staff who provide them.

T: 0121 752 9750 E: crescent@childbase.com Crescent Day Nursery and Preschool, 21-22 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1RP

T: 0121 454 1170 E: highfield.nursery@childbase.com Highfield Day Nursery and Preschool, 3-4 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3ED

We would be delighted to show you around www.childbasepartnership.com

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FamilyEssentials Lifestyle Travel

Approved Cabin Luggage To celebrate Pride 2019, you’ll want to snag some of these vibrant pride products to show your support. With more LGBTQ+ representation in media than ever before, businesses have followed suit by releasing products to reflect the social climate of inclusion.

SAMSONITE COSMOLITE SPINNER (4 WHEELS) 55CM

COSMOLITE Spinner (4 wheels) 55cm 36 L | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 1.7 kg | £375 Search Freedom at www.samsonite.co.uk

To celebrate Pride month, Samsonite will be donating a portion of all sales of the Limited Edition Cosmolite Freedom to support the LGBT community. From 21st June – 20th September, £20 from every purchase of the Cosmolite Freedom, across the website and in Samsonite stores will be donated to the LGBT charity, London Friend.

Freedom to come and go, freedom to love and be loved, and most importantly freedom to be yourself. With the aim to inspire everyone to travel with pride and to feel free to be who they are, Samsonite is proudly releasing a Limited ‘Freedom’ Edition of its bestselling Cosmolite suitcase.

SOUNDBOX Spinner (4 wheels) 55cm Cabin size Perfect for a 2 day trip Inspired by the beat of the world, the Red Dot award-winning Soundbox collection features an impactful concentric circle design that takes inspiration from retro vinyl records. This is our first zipped polypropylene suitcase with expandability, giving you the flexibility and increased packing space you need. Feel the sound and travel light with our bright Soundbox cases. Available in a range of bright and playful colours and colour matching components.

This cabin case is 55x40x20cm available from www.americantourister.co.uk £125.00 Search Soundbox | countylifestyleandleisure.com | | countylifestyleandleisure.com |

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UK Family Breaks

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Executive Bride

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Executive Bride

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On The Water

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On The Water

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On The Water

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Explore New Forest

FOREST National Park The UK’s 15 National Parks are some of our most breath-taking and treasured landscapes and New Forest is no exception.

Marvel at the endless woodlands, wild heathlands and roaming ponies, cattle and sheep of this truly unique landscape.

Once a royal hunting ground, the New Forest National Park covers ancient woodlands, wild open heathlands and stretches of beautiful coastline in southern England.

Go walking amongst the roaming animals and get a true sense of escape.

Breathing space For the afternoon’s adventure, head to the opposite end of town to Bolton’s Bench. A major ‘picture postcard’ landmark in the New Forest, sit back and relax under the large yew tree, meander around the grassy lawns where New Forest ponies and donkeys graze or if visiting in the summer months, watch a game of cricket from here.

Morning Setting the scene for the day Leave the car at home and hop on the National Express to reach the forest, which stops in Lyndhurst (as well as other stops in the New Forest). An excellent place to spend the first hour of your day and set the scene for your visit is the New Forest Centre. There’s something here for all ages where you can learn about life in the forest, past and present. You can also find out more about how to make the most of your day here.

The bench actually commemorates the 18th century New Forest Master Keeper, the Duke of Bolton but boasts magnificent views in any direction that attracts many a visitor. Look west and you’ll see the centre of Lyndhurst village. Look east and you will see a great view of open heathland stretching over White Moor, Matley Heath and further towards the waterside village of Hythe.

Evening

Lyndhurst may be steeped in history but it’s very much a living, vibrant community with its boutiques, gift shops and cafés. Take a bit of time to wander around the shops before stopping at The Lyndhurst Tea House for elevenses.

Landmarks, literature and Lyndhurst From the top end of the high street, the spire of St. Michael’s & All Angels church is clearly visible. Here lie the ashes of Alice Liddell, a local girl who inspired Lewis Carroll’s classic book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The church sits opposite the quintessentially English, Tudor-beamed Crown Hotel, another famous Lyndhurst landmark and the perfect resting place for a spot of lunch.

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Explore New Forest

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Expert Services

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Expert Services

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Expert Services

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