County Lifestyle and Leisure Magazine Issue 37

ISSUE 37

EDITOR’S CHOICE | IN CONVERSATION WITH | COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS | WINTER WALKING & RAMBLING

Valentines Beauty

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WOOD

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Contents

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Which Wood Experience Worcester’s Heritage Coping with Bereavement Cyberbullying Dangers Editor’s Choice Thinking About Extending Your Home Style Your Home & Garden Herefordshire’s Family Festival In Conversation With Food & Drink Meet The Chef Family Lifestyle John Lewis Predicts Top 10 Toys Countdown to Christmas New Seasons Trends Executive Bride Winter Walking and Rambling Winter Walking and Rambling UK Breaks Expert Services

Editor Jodie Collinson

sales@countylifestyleandleisure.com

Accounts Laura Smith accounts@countylifestyleandleisure.com

01455 698686

01455 698768

Design | Online | Social Media Vaughan Cartwright

Journalist Shirley Elsby

design@countylifestyleandleisure.com

shirley.elsby2@ntlworld.com

07751 845552

01455 446360

Sales Theresa Deacy

Sales Sally Hassel

theresa@countylifestyleandleisure.com

sally@countylifestyleandleisure.com

01455 698370

01455 698570 Sales Amanda Brightman

amanda@countylifestyleandleisure.com

01455 698761

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

An impressive story of extraordinary people and products. orcester has been a powerhouse of ceramic creativity since the 1750s, when the city’s innovators produced the first porcelain tea sets that could withstand boiling water. Now the impressive story of its extraordinary people, products and global impact is told in inspirational style at the Museum of Royal Worcester.

The Museum was extensively refurbished and reopened last year after a three-year, £1.7 million project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It showcases the world’s largest and finest collection of Royal Worcester re-presented in stunning galleries with interactive displays.

Throughout, it is designed to engage children and adults alike, from those with little or no knowledge to those with an academic or collector’s interest.

The Museum also looks after the massive factory archive including pattern books, order books and employee records, examples are featured in a projection slideshow for visitors.

An introductory film helps visitors to enjoy what they go on to see and hear in the free audio guide (subject to availability). Families can borrow a free explorer backpack from reception with a ‘Safari’ or ‘Kings and Queens’ theme to enjoy the Museum with children and under-16s come in free.

The Museum is a great place for group visits, which benefit from discounted entry fees. Pre-booked groups can choose a ‘Behind the Scenes’ talk, and the chance to enjoy refreshments served on Royal Worcester china.

Special packages can be arranged, such as afternoon tea or hot lunches.

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The wealth of objects on display range from dinner services which graced the tables of the well-connected, including the monarchy, to delicately crafted figurines, racehorses and birds. There are exquisite vases, divine dishes, likenesses of historic characters and much, much more. Former employees regularly demonstrate their skills to visitors.

The Royal Worcester brand was sold to Portmeirion Pottery in 2009, so new lines continue to be made, although not in Worcester. The Museum shop offers an ever-changing range of present day, vintage and antique Royal Worcester at favourable prices.

Museum Director Sophie Heath says: “From the beginning, Royal Worcester was inspired by art and design from all over the world. By the Victorian period they were sending china all over the world.

“The Museum is housed next to where porcelain was made for over 200 years in a Victorian school building where many of the factory workers would have been educated. The refurbished displays tell the story not only of this world-class collection of Worcester porcelain but also the social history of the people responsible for producing these incredible objects.”

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Experience Worcester’s porcelain heritage at the Museum of Royal Worcester ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Local Heritage

Museum Reception and Shop

18th century Worcester porcelain decorated by James Giles

Museum of Royal Worcester, Severn Street, Worcester WR1 2NE T: 01905 21247 E: info@museumofroyalworcester.org www.museumofroyalworcester.co.uk

Interactive exhibits

Victorian Gallery

Interactive exhibit

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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

Little Himalaya Salt Rooms If you're at your wits' end with Asthma, COPD or Sinus issues, we offer a natural therapy that for many is hugely effective.

Patients sit in our salt cave, fully clothed and simply relax for 45 minutes and let a very fine salt mist do the work on calming down their airways.

DISCOUNT! Reduced first session with this voucher

£12 to £10

Expires Dec19. CountyLifestyle&Leisure0919

Tel: 01926 257364 Web: www.littlehimalaya.co.uk Station Road, Kenilworth. CV8 1JJ

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Swinsons Masonry Where Craftsmanship is Second to None Swinsons Masonry has been crafting quality worktops, hearths and hand carved memorials for more than 40 years. Each piece is individually and painstakingly made with pride by master craftsman and this genuine family company has built a reputation not only for flawless quality, but also for helpfulness, honesty and integrity.

Customers have the choice of literally thousands of stone samples, in every kind of natural colour, texture and specification, but they also receive a premium service.

One of the directors, Luke Swinson, says: “Our mantra today is still ‘quality’, as it has always been. Our craftsmanship is second to none. We make each job look more aesthetic, more professional. We also like to educate our customers and to advise them on the best choices for their needs, perhaps to be more durable or more cost effective.

“We are also there to help long after their products have been fitted, to refurbish, repair and help keep them looking pristine. All our work is guaranteed for 10 years.”

Swinsons craftsmen work with three families of stone, granite, quartz,

marble, plus ceramics. Each of these come in an immense range of textures, pigments and finishes. Luke says: “There is a lot of variation but we can source whatever the customer is looking for, even if they don’t know what they want!” ........................................................................

Swinsons Masonry Ltd, 6b Althorpe Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 2AU T: 01926 336208 E: judith.swinson@btinternet.com www.swinsonsmasonry.co.uk | countylifestyleandleisure.com |

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THINKING ABOUT EXTENDING YOUR HOME? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

It’ll be pricey, stressful and may take over your life - but being prepared is your best bet to get the job done smoothly.

From the grandest penthouse to the humblest converted garden shed, extensions have become an increasingly popular option among homeowners looking to upgrade.

Inflated property prices have made moving more difficult than ever, and enhancing an existing property with a conservatory, loft conversion or basement build can be a more affordable, if not necessarily less stressful, alternative to a full-on relocation.

Naturally, projects can vary wildly - but whatever your extension of choice, there are a few issues every would-be renovator will face. From paintwork to paperwork, here’s what you need to consider...

A few home truths

Let’s start with the bad news.

Extensions are expensive, timeconsuming, and often headacheinducingly complicated, so it’s essential to go with the right mindset.

Every extension is, to a greater or lesser degree, specific to home and homeowner, so you’ll need to be closely involved in the project, right up until the last brick is laid.

During longer projects, it’s tempting to slip into a handsoff approach, but constant communication is a must to ensure that you and your tradespeople are working towards the same goal.

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Secondly, you’re in it for the long-haul, and must be ready for the stress and disruption that will inevitably ensue. Unless it’s a very small project, you can expect about 20 weeks’ worth of paperwork from the moment you submit your designs, followed by three or four months of building work at least.

Most of all, you need to be very clear on what you want. Are you trying to add value to your home?

Are you creating a self-sufficient space for a lodger or relative?

Are you trying to fulfil your own domestic ambitions? All of this should influence the decisions you make and how much you’re prepared to spend.

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Style Your Home

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Eclectic style is characterized by a whimsical mixture of styles, materials, time periods. It’s a unique aesthetic - in that it’s entirely unique to the individual. However, despite this, there are still ground rules to follow to keep the look in vogue.

It may seem random, however, it’s anything but “anything goes”. A well designed eclectic interior maintains consistency and should be viewed as collected rather than busy. An eclectic room must look, and be, well thought out and styled with purpose.

Explore Cult Furniture’s diverse selection of furniture and homeware in their new eclectic range.

Effie Armchair, Velvet Upholstered, Leopard Print £419 Abel 3 Globe Floor Lamp, Black and Brass £129 Heather Dining Chair, Velvet Upholstered, Charcoal Grey £109 Marquee Turbo 19” Letter Lights Rustic - A-Z £50 Asiatic Taj 100% Polypropylene Zebra Print Floor Rug, Grey £69 Hepburn 2 Seater Sofa, Velvet Upholstered, Royal Blue £659 Marie Low Small Stool, Fabric Upholstered, Green Palm Leaf £79

www.cultfurniture.com

Valentines Beauty

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Lioncourt Homes at The Races

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e, CEO of Lioncourt Homes

To find out more about how the team at Lioncourt Homes can help you find your new home, head to: www.lioncourthomes.com/ or call 01905 755167

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Food and Drink

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Family Lifestyle

Effective Hair-Loss Solution A non-surgical hair-loss treatment with instant results and virtually no downtime is now available in Alvechurch. Jackie Nash, a trained cosmetic tattooist, uses scalp micropigmentation to create the appearance of a full head of shaven hair, which can help restore confidence and a more youthful look.

The pigment is implanted into the balding areas of the scalp, replicating the look of natural hair follicles. The treatment can be used at any stage of hair loss and is an instantly effective and long lasting solution.

The three-part treatment is carried out over a few weeks, with each session taking approximately three to four hours depending on the individual requirements.

Only the highest-quality equipment and pigments are used and Jackie is fully licensed, insured and follows rigorous hygiene procedures.

Jackie’s background as a trained artist, allows her to to create bespoke hairlines with great attention to detail and a natural-looking result.

As part of her training, she worked with one of the leading scalp micropigmentation practitioners in the country.

Contact Jackie to book a FREE no-obligation consultation: T: 07917 866648 jackie@jackienashaesthetics.co.uk www.jackienashaesthetics.co.uk

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

Ref: VMH19

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Countdown to Christmas

Pamper your pet with professional grooming Pet owners show the love for their animals by keeping their coats in good condition. Jimhilly Professional Dog Grooming provides the gold standard of grooming for dogs and cats, whether they are heading for a show ring or just looking their best around the neighbourhood.

Providing this premium service is Clare Roberts, who trained to the highest standards with the London Academy of Professional Dog and Cat Grooming.

This was an alternative career following serious illness and he learned detailed techniques for more than 100 breeds, from the daintiest chihuahua to the beefiest St Bernard.

Good grooming is not just about good looks, however. It is also essential to health and comfort and the animals love it. The groomers’ art covers not only trimming, brushing and scissoring but also bathing, eye care and clipping of nails and tails. It reduces the risk of skin problems and enables monitoring for swellings, lameness, parasites and disease.

Put simply, your pet will be happier and healthier with regular grooming.

Jimhilly’s is a premium service, including home visits and collections as required. Customers return again and again.

Clare, who owns a well presented Schnauzer, says: “I groom show dogs and family pets, I groom for everybody and I treat for everyone alike. They all deserve that.”

Jimhilly Professional Dog Grooming, 2 Cotswold View, Mill Street, Evesham WR11 4PS T: 01386 421463 or 07917605545 E: jimhilly@hotmail.co.uk

www.jimhillyprofessionaldoggrooming.com

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Barnhart & Huxley Hot Five Jazz & Jokes Keith Slater’s Sinatra Celebra�on (2pm) The Beach Boyz Tribute Band Memories are Made of This 4 shows

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Hound of The Baskervilles - The Hit Farce!

And Finally... Phil Collins Tribute Band The Legends of American Country Show The Wizard of Oz by Ballet Theatre UK

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Diwali: The Fes�val of Light fun ac�vi�es The Scarecrows’ Wedding 3 shows Wi�y Di�es with Green & Ma�hews Box of Frogs - Comedy Improv show Shackleton’s Carpenter one man drama The Pitmen Poets Billy Mitchell & friends One Night in Dublin 7 piece band Twist and Shout 40 hits from 60s era Geoff Norco�: Taking Liber�es Comedy Malcolm Stent’s Christmas Songs of Praise Blake Classical, pop & rock harmony The Lock in Christmas Carol Music & dance MYJO Christmas Concert Lucy Worsley Presents Queen Victoria

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now booking!

thurs 2 jan at 5.30pm

www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk 0121 704 6962

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Countdown To Christmas

BU O N NATALE C E LE BR ATE C H RISTMA S AT CARLU CC I O’S 2 Courses from £23.50 3 Courses from £28.00

Upgrade with arrival Christmas Bellini’s, homemade focaccia and olives from £3.50 per person. Book your Christmas party of 8 or more with us and we’ll give you a £25 gift voucher to use in January.

Carluccio’s, 1-3 Satchwell Court, Royal Priors Shopping Centre, Leamington Spa, CV32 4QE +44 1926 889 587

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Countdown To Christmas

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Business Worcestershire

No fee networking for local businesses Start your working day the Cotswold Way with Cotswold Business Connections – no fees, membership or hidden costs, just networking with local people.

If you’d like to be part of a local group who like to network but don’t want to pay a membership fee or other hidden costs, Cotswold Business Connections could be the group for you.

Aiming to encourage and support trade in the region, local business owners Ruby Edwards and Peter Heming have joined together to help boost trade in the area.

Launched in February 2019 and hosted at The Swan every 2nd Friday of the month, the breakfast meeting aims to introduce local professional contacts to each other throughout the Cotswolds in an informal and friendly way – no joining fee, no membership, simply a group of local people chatting about business over breakfast.

Group, the networking group is proving itself as a great way to start the working day.

Peter said: For those of us who want to grow our companies and network locally with business people from around the Cotswolds, this is a great opportunity.

We don’t charge any fees for membership and there are no hidden costs. It’s just £12 for your breakfast and that’s that!

Any local businesses looking to join Cotswold Business Connections at their next meeting on Friday 11th October 2019 from 7-9am at The Swan, Broadway should go to: https://www.youdobetter.co.uk/ cotswold-business-connections/ for more information and to book.

Cotswold Business Connections outside The Swan, Broadway

Co-hosted by Ruby Edwards, Owner of You Do Better PR Agency and Peter Heming, MD of The Heming

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Executive Bride

Will’s Tree House

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Valentines Beauty

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Five of the best: wintery National Trust walks The National Trust is a charity that looks after some of the most beautiful countryside in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It cares for more than 2,400 square kilometres of land and more than 500 historic houses, castles, parks and nature reserves. One of the joys of the British countryside is that you can enjoy it at any time of year.

Don’t let lower temperatures put you off - grab a warm coat and your National Trust touring pass, and head out on a fresh wintery walk at one of these scenic spots, which display a whole new beauty in frosty or snowy conditions.

Dinefwr Park, Carmarthenshire, South-West Wales

Box Hill, Surrey, South-East Approximately 30km south-west of London is Box Hill, a summit of the Surrey’s North Downs. It takes its name from the ancient box woodland found on the steepest slopes overlooking the River Mole. There are lots of different walks to explore, from a gentle stroll over the top of the famous hill, to a long walk down and up again, taking a well-earnt stop at a pub along the way.

If it’s a white winter with a decent layer of snow, Box Hill becomes a sledging playground, with kids and adults alike hurtling down its famous slopes, and lots of enthusiastic snow fights!

Discover ancient oaks and wildlife during this scenic one-and-a-half mile route, which was designed by landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown when he visited Dinefwr in 1775. It takes you through Dinefwr deer park, which surrounds 12th-century Dinefwr Castle. Fallow deer roam the park and are often joined by a neighbouring second herd in winter. Keep a look out for majestic Newton House, and some of the park’s 150 ancient trees that you’ll pass; there are nearly 300 ancient trees at Dinefwr, half of them in the deer park.

Bath Skyline, Somerset, South-West Once you’ve explored the beautiful city of Bath, a short stroll from its centre is the six-mile Skyline trail, taking you up onto the hills overlooking Bath and beyond. The route boasts magnificent views and you’ll wander through history, passing an Iron Age hill fort and 18th-century follies. The path continues through meadows, ancient woodlands and secluded valleys, which look even more beautiful covered in wintery frost or a dusting of snow.

The Vale of Edale, the Penny Pot Cafe, and the Pennine Way

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands Clumber Park is a beautiful expanse of parkland, heath and woods covering more than 3,800 acres. Although the house was demolished in 1938, there are many glimpses of its grand past to explore, including the Gothicstyle chapel, often referred to as a ‘Cathedral in miniature’. This gentle two-mile walking trail explores the park’s picturesque parkland, heathland, gardens and peaceful woodlands. The views of Clumber Lake – particularly from Clumber Bridge – are stunning.

This low level walk leads you through meadows and along parts of the Pennine Way, following streams and stone flagged paths through the Vale of Edale. Experience brilliant views of the hills from down in the valley. Starting from the Penny Pot Cafe near the village of Edale, see Edale church and visit the Moorland Centre to find out about the important moorlands nearby.

For information on the National Trust and other locations for exploring on foot visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Winter Walking & Rambling Yorkshire

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Winter Walking & Rambling Yorkshire

Winter Walking & Rambling Northamptonshire

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Winter Walking & Rambling Derbyshire

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UK Breaks

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Expert Services

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