County Lifestyle and Leisure Magazine Issue 30

ISSUE 30

SPRING HOME | CARE & WELLBEING | EXPERT SERVICES | EXECUTIVE BRIDE | FAMILY LIFESTYLE | EATING OUT

24 NORWICH HOURS IN

SPECTACULAR

EDITOR’S CHOICE Perfection lies within these pages!

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Ruby Edwards from You Do Better PR speaks to Worcestershire Ambassadors

Awesome Statement Chairs

Hand woven and crocheted silver jewellery by

WOVEN ART JEWELLERY ...beautifully unique

wovenartjewellery.co.uk

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Care & Wellbeing

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RN “excellent service�

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Care & Wellbeing

DO YOU KNOW AN OLDER PERSON WHO IS LONELY AND ISOLATED?

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Care & Wellbeing

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Care & Wellbeing

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Care & Wellbeing

Care & Wellbeing

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Woven Art Jewellery is a highly innovative Worcestershire jewellery business with owner, Jayne Robb, specialising in hand crafting stunning, individually designed pieces. She weaves or crochets them from strands of sterling and fine silver, often adding precious or semi-precious gemstones or 9 carat gold accents.

extending that gift to grandparents too. While flowers and chocolates While Jayne has an ever-increasing often suffice, an individually made piece of jewellery offers a ‘wow range of wearable art to sell, she factor’ and can be treasured longis particularly happy working on commissions, making one-off pieces term. to customers’ own specifications.

Whether necklaces, earrings, bracelets, cufflinks, rings or brooches, they are valued for their uniqueness and the care which goes into making them. Customers frequently pay great compliments.

The many reviews on Jayne’s website include:

Customer service TOP OF THE CLASS! Nothing is too much trouble.

Bracelet is fab – my wife loves it, especially as it was a bespoke design and built to match the necklace Jayne made for her a couple of years back.

Mother’s Day is when many people like to show appreciation for their mother’s love and support, often

Many people also like to give jewellery for a significant birthday like an 18th, 21st, 40th or 50th.

What better gift than a piece incorporating the person’s birthstone, such as February’s amethyst (signifying peace and fairness) or March’s aquamarine (signifying hope and eternal life).

Jayne, who has her own workshop and showroom at her Evesham home, says: “I love working with clients to create something really special and unique and I can personalise certain pieces further, with hand stamping or engraving.”

Woven Art Jewellery, Evesham, Worcestershire T: 07714 141438 E: jayne@wovenartjewellery.co.uk

www.wovenartjewellery.co.uk

Contents

If you’d like to give an extra special keepsake to your mum this Mother’s Day – March 31 – then Woven Art Jewellery may be able to weave a little metallic magic just for her.

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Care and Wellbeing Editor’s Choice Executive Bride Health & Beauty Community & Business News Spring Home & Garden In Conversation With Holiday Homes For Sale Family Lifestyle Eating Out & Food and Drink 24 Hours in Norwich Explore Norfolk UK Breaks on Your Doorstep Holiday Lodges For Sale Cornwall UK Breaks 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

Editor’s CHOICE 10

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Editor’s Choice A welcoming home from home with Bagshaw Bed and Breakfast.

Exquisite jewellery by Georgina Franklin Jewellery

Holidaymakers find a welcoming home from home at Bagshaw Bed & Breakfast, only a short walk from the beach, theatre, shops and other amenities in the character-packed harbour town of Bridlington.

Exquisite jewellery is handcrafted to customers’ own specifications by Georgina Franklin Jewellery, but the multi-award winning owner can also transform antique or vintage pieces into something vibrantly modern.

Bagshaw owner Alex George and her partner, Brian, do everything they can to ensure everyone has a great time. The beds are double, well sprung and dressed in crisp linen. All rooms have towels, toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities. Free parking is available.

Breakfasts are packed with locally sourced taste and goodness. There may even be home baked cakes!

Armed with a first class degree in silversmithing and post-graduate expertise in stone setting, Georgina has developed her own distinctive style utilising beautiful, curving designs with a sculptural quality.

The location on the north side of town could hardly be better for enjoying Bridlington’s traditional seaside charms, including Alexandra Promenade, the quirky shops of the old town and convenient public transport links. It has everything from fish & chip shops to rockpools and is convenient for many other fabulous places including Scarborough, Filey and the birdwatchers’ paradise of Bempton Cliffs.

Alex, a hairdresser and ‘people person’, had an unusual introduction to Bagshaw’s.

Staying nearby one night, she was shocked when her little dog, Ivy, inexplicably

She loves working on commissions to design and produce her own unique pieces, often to mark milestone moments in people’s lives. They can be anything from a wedding ring to a superb necklace, brooch or pair of earrings. slipped her lead and ran straight into the building. The owner handed her back and, in the ensuing conversation, revealed the premises were for sale. A few months later Alex bought the property.

“It was fate,” she said, “I love it here.”

Bagshaw Bed and Breakfast Trinity Road, Bridlington, YO15 2HF T: 01262 403630 M: 07973 763375 E: bagshawbandb@googlemail.com www.bagshawbandb.com

Equally, Georgina relishes the challenge of remodelling older jewellery, often resetting stones and reworking the metal into something imaginatively different.

“It may be heirloom jewellery which the customer has inherited,” says Georgina.

“This way they keep the link with the person who left it to them, but in a form which is contemporary and also unique.”

Working from the heart of Tenbury Wells, Georgina does all of the processes herself, from initial sketches to finished product,

recycling metal whenever possible in line with her ‘green’ aspirations.

She is a member of the National Association of Jewellers and as well as selling from her own shop attends UK craft fairs and exhibits at a number of selected galleries.

Georgina Franklin Jewellery, The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR15 8EA T: 01584 810085 E: georgie@georginafranklin.co.uk www.georginafranklin.co.uk

Five Generations of Handmade Bespoke Tailors - Handcrafted in the Midlands.

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enerations of experience and expertise go into hand crafting suits and shirts at Robinson Tailors, Alcester.

The men who purchase these bespoke garments exude class and confidence, knowing they are quite simply wearing the finest quality anywhere on the globe.

Robinson Tailors is a family run business of artisan clothes makers with skills handed down from generation to generation. Until recently it was thought that five generations of Robinsons had perfected the skills and passed on the benefits to their customers, the first of them having founded the business in Redditch in 1885. However, recent research into the family history revealed that the founder’s father was wielding needle, thread and chalk for a living even before that, from approximately 1860.

Right now Lawrence Robinson is at the helm and his daughter, Jessica, is the latest family recruit following her successful tuition at London’s famous Savile Row Academy. Lawrence’s parents, Peter and Joan, met while training in Redditch.

Loyal staff member Sue Bant has been tailoring at Robinson’s for 50 years this year, having been taught by Lawrence’s late granddad and auntie Jean.

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Lawrence says: “We are a bit of a rarity outside London, in that we make everything here on the premises. We do everything traditionally and 80% of the materials we use are woven in the best mills in the UK, usually in Yorkshire. The others are Italian. They are literally the best in the world.

“Our buttons are made of horn or mother of pearl, we use silk thread. It takes us about 70 hours to make a suit. Our customers know the quality by the way it makes them feel.”

Handmade suits from Robinson Tailors start from £2,500. As a less expensive option, the company can arrange for suits and custom shirts to be made to measure to its specifications in a factory.

Robinson Tailors 37 High Street, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5AF T: 01789 765519 E: lawrence@robinsontailors.co.uk www.robinsontailors.com

Editor’s Choice

Interiors with Impact

If you’re fat and floppy you need to read this!

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f you’re fat, floppy and don’t move much, you need DPPT Total Body Fitness in your life. If you’re fit, sporty and need a competitive edge, you also need DPPT Total body Fitness in your life.

DPPT – Dean Phillips Personal Training – is your route to total body fitness.

With the attached voucher you can start following it at a discount, right NOW. Super-fit Dean Phillips has worked out all his life. After working as a builder from school he decided to acquire the specialised knowledge and expertise to launch a new career based around his passion. He has been a qualified personal trainer for seven years and uses his skills to change people’s lives, quickly and for the better.

Home to everything Country

Jennifer Suzanne Interiors brings elegance and sophistication to people’s homes, making them amazing places to live, work and play. It is also a business about supporting clients, both private home owners and property owners, in getting a move on with their sales!

Home staging by Jennifer Suzanne Interiors – by adding furniture and props - is the answer to the ‘sold’ poster going up sooner rather than later, perhaps never.

Home staging is the game changer for clients who have had a property on the market for some time, who want to maximise their re-sale value and make their property stand out in a cluttered market place. Equally, it can help property developers to sell their homes quicker, providing money to reinvest in their next project.

“I recently did home staging on two of a group of four properties,” says the business owner, Jennifer Alekna. “I transformed the properties into vibrant, warm, stylish, attractive places to live, on a budget and on time, giving each room stand-out personality and driving a faster sale.

“The budget needn’t be large. Buying astutely, I acquired the props at modest prices, but they made a real difference to the viewers’ perception of the property and the price point.”

Jennifer is an established professional in interior designs, always thinking creatively and ‘outside the box’ for all her clients.

Jennifer Suzanne Interiors Jennifer Suzanne Alekna M: 07977330011 E: jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk www.jennifersuzanne.co.uk

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ountrystore (Whitestone) stepped in after the unfortunate collapse of Countrywide Farmers to provide Hereford’s ‘Home to Everything Country’, a place where the rural community could buy their everyday products at competitive prices and gather any advice they may need from knowledgeable staff.

Countrystore (Whitestone) have made it their mission to provide a great range of premium and good value products across the rural range, including animal feeds and bedding, pet products, agri and clothing.

Now – to customers’ relief - it is providing that service at an exemplary level from premises conveniently located on a business park the outskirts of Hereford and open seven days a week.

At the heart of the business is a reliable delivery service which fits in neatly with customers’ busy lives and enables them to get on with what they need to do without taking time out to collect their supplies.

Many of the team are former Countrywide employees and so have a great understanding of the product lines needed to cater for the equine, pet and smallholder world.

A spokesman said: “We have sourced the best feed lines and bedding for all needs and we have a wide selection of workwear, wellies, fencing, animal health, hardware and country clothing to suite everyone.

“We greatly value our customers’ opinions and will always listen to their needs.”

Countrystore (Whitestone), Unit 4 Whitestone Business Park, Whitestone, near Bartestree, Hereford HR1 3SE T: 01432 345321 M: 07538 241647 www.mycountrystore.co.uk

Dean’s knowledge of biomechanics enables him to swiftly isolate the cause of clients’ physical limitations and construct targeted training to correct movement.

He also creates sport specific programmes for his clients, helping them improve rapidly in their chosen discipline, such as swimming, football or triathlons.

Dean works with people either one-to-one or, at his Evesham gym, in groups, always focussing on individuals and the results they want. He stresses they don’t need to be fit to start!

“If you’re overweight and have a bad attitude to life, come to me,” he says.

“I’ll get you off the couch and get you moving!”

DPPT (Dean Phillips Personal Training), 86 High Street, Evesham WR11 4EU T: 07450 102631 E: dppt@hotmail.co.uk dppttotalbodyfitness

Keep your ornamental Koi and other species in tip-top contion.

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ishkeepers benefit from top quality tanks to keep their ornamental koi and other species in tip-top condition when they buy from EZ-Pond Ltd. The company provides tanks in many different sizes and specifications but also custom builds them for individual clients.

EZ-Pond is a family business created by Allan Gavin, who came to it from a boat building background with more than 30 years’ experience of working with fibreglass. Learning from fishkeeping experts he has built the company into one of the UK’s leading tank suppliers for everyone from home-based koi enthusiasts to commercial fish breeders.

Although these fibreglass moulded tanks are predominantly built for Koi they can be adapted for many other species including stingrays and turtles. They can be used in or above ground and can include filtration packages to suit your requirements. Many models have viewing windows giving the ultimate experience viewing your koi.

Allan, who now works with his brother, Chris and son, Kieran, says: “We do lots of different designs but those with the

viewing windows are the most popular.

We have built some for Chester Zoo to house river turtles after the fire there in December.”

EZ-Pond Ltd, Unit 10, Mitton Mill industrial estate, Mill road, Stourport on Severn, Worcestershire DY13 9BL T: 07730 007200 E: info@koitanks.co.uk www.ez-pond.co.uk EZ-Pond Ltd | countylifestyleandleisure.com |

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Editor’s Choice

A Masterpiece by Herbert Fowler, one of Golf’s Great Course Designers Panoramic views across the moorland make it a great place to visit

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he Bradford Golf Club is a fine example of Herbert Fowler’s design principles – come and see how he used the land to make a stunning golf course with views across the Romblads Moor, a great place for visitors to play a round and experience the county’s famously welcoming ways, perhaps as part of a business trip or short break in Bradford or Leeds The Bradford Golf Club is one of the oldest in the region, established in 1891 and relocated to its present site in 1899. In 1923 it was completely redesigned by one of the great geniuses of golf course design, Herbert Fowler. Since then the club has invested significant resources into maintaining its high quality through drainage improvements, greenkeeping equipment, new bunkers and – especially since 2013 - tree thinning, so players can better see the lie of the land.

“We set about rediscovering our Fowler heritage,” says Marketing Director Steve Bennett. “We got rid of some 1000 trees so the course is much more open. You can really see the rises and falls.”

The club has limited full membership to 250 people so they can always get a game when they want one, especially on Saturdays, but many who have time in the week enjoy a lower priced membership Sunday to Friday. There is a thriving women’s section thanks to an annual Get Fit for Golf course designed as a beginners’ introduction to the game and there is a healthy juniors’ section too.

The Clubhouse has also had a serious upgrade. With a bar, dance floor and function room able to accommodate up to 120 people for a sit-down meal, it was refurbished in 2012 for £350,000. It is now a first class venue for numerous events from wakes to weddings. The manager discusses what clients want to achieve, then arranges bespoke, affordable packages to meet their wishes. The club prides itself on hospitality, from the warm welcomes to the excellent catering by chefs who prepare their food from superb ingredients and staff who serve it to the highest standards.

Steve says: “Smaller rooms were taken out to give us the bigger space and that has meant we can attract the larger golfing society events and social gatherings like weddings and parties. The social side is very important to any modern golf club and we are very friendly and flexible.

We want everyone to get great enjoyment and satisfaction out of their ‘Bradford Experience’.

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The Bradford Golf Club, Hawksworth Lane, Guiseley, Leeds LS20 8NP T: 01943 875570 E: secretary@bradfordgolfclub.co.uk www.bradfordgolfclub.co.uk

Executive Bride

Weddin AT WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK

Personal Wedding Planner - Exclusive Wedding Packages - Safari Extras

Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF Telephone: 01299 406460

www.safarivenues.co.uk

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Executive Bride

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Executive Bride

Passion for all things Fiat 500 Fiat 500 Hire was started from a passion for all things Fiat 500 in 2014 and when it was driven by BBC presenter James May the decision was made to properly hire the car out.

From 3 weddings in 2015, in 2016 the fleet was expanded as Fiat 500 owners joined to the network across the UK. That year there were 13 weddings and a big Christmas advertising campaign for makeup brand Kiko Milano, which saw the car on in-store posters and videos all over the world.

Since then there’s been appearances on BBC’s The One Show, ITV’s Goodwood Revival, scooped the Bridebook Wedding Transport Supplier of the Year title, featured in a film for Fiat UK to celebrate the 60th birthday of the iconic car and advertising campaigns for Next, Peacocks, Soru Jewellery and a big event which saw 7 Fiats drive through London for Grom Gelato. www.fiat500hire.com

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Discover the best kept secret for Wedding & Engagement Rings in the the world famous Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.

With hidden gems all around the area you will have a visit to remember. Why not visit a real manufacturing jeweller like G L Bicknell & Sons, established in 1979 and based on Vyse Street.

If you are looking to have a bespoke wedding ring to ďŹ t around your engagement ring then the advisors at G L Bicknells will take their time to discuss this with you and design the ring of your dreams.

The jewellery quarter is well known for its ability to make some of the most exquisite pieces and this can be achieved by hand making or CAD (Computer Aided Design). However you have your jewellery made, you will be in safe hands at G L Bicknells.

Their top craftsmen are trained in both techniques and they are on site to talk you through your design.

If you are getting too dazzled in the shops, you can go to the Jewellery Quarter Museum. You will G L Bicknells holds a vast stock of wedding rings be able to see some traditional tools on site so feel free to try them on. No appointment and machinery and see how things needed and open 7 days a week, you will save up to have changed... or not. Jewellers 50% compared to traditional high street jewellers. still to this day make a lot of their tools by hand to There is ample street and multi storey parking with G L ensure they have the Bicknells located only a few doors away from the perfect tool to work on Jewellery Quarter train station. your jewellery.

Call us today on 0121 523 3417 or visit our website bicknells.com to ďŹ nd out more

Executive Bride

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Executive Bride

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Health & Beauty

You are never too old, too stiff or too inflexible to start yoga.

With our £21 for 21 days Introductory Offer there are no excuses either! thezenshed.com T: 01905 26330 M: 07483 154 511

The Zen Shed, 54 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DL

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Community and Business News

Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir Celebrates 20 Years Of Making Music

Luxury Cotswolds Hotel wins coveted 3 AA Rosette

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orcester Cathedral Chamber Choir continues its year-long celebration of 20 years of musicmaking with a concert in the St Peter’s area of the city this April. It will be one of the highlights of series of events to mark the double decade.

On April 6 the 35-strong choir will be performing the epic Brahms’s German Requiem under the baton of choir founder Stephen Shellard, at St Martin’s Church. The composer’s arrangement includes accompaniment by two pianos, which will be played by Christopher Allsop and Robin Walker.

Solo parts will be taken by Sheila Davies and Edward Seymour. A host of civic dignitaries and leading figures from the county arts and religious communities have been invited to attend.

The evening starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 (£6 for under 16s) and are available from 01386 860389 or on the door.

A gala celebration dinner and further concerts are planned for later this year.

In the past 20 years the adult choir of mixed voices has expanded from singing at traditional services to giving

ords of the Manor hotel has this week been awarded 3 Rosettes by the AA. Located in Upper Slaughter, Cotswolds the restaurant, headed up

by Charles Smith, is now in the top 10% of AA Rosetted restaurants in Britain. This coveted 3rd rosette is a proud moment for Charles and his Kitchen and Restaurant Team.

successful concert performances, recording CDs, touring and even backing rock legend Rick Wakeman. It has recorded several successful albums, the latest being Royal Worcester – Music for Royal Occasions. It has been broadcast on the BBC and performed at special occasions including RHS Malvern Spring Show.

It was back in 1998 that then lay clerk Stephen Shellard told Worcester Cathedral Chapter about his dream to lead and conduct his own choir, including women’s voices in the musical life of the cathedral for the first time in 900 years.

Stephen, now Senior Lay Clerk, said: “Back then I never envisioned that it would be here 20 years later and such a successful and established part of the cathedral and Worcester’s musical life.”

General Manager Michael Obray said: “It is with great pride that we are able to share that we have been awarded Three Rosettes, which is reserved for restaurants that “achieve standards that demand recognition well beyond their local area. Lords of the Manor has always taken great pride in sourcing our ingredients locally, and in the past year, our reputation for fine dining has re-blossomed within Cheltenham thanks to local diners and guests. Those who have dined in our restaurant from both near and far can attest to the restaurant being a truly remarkable culinary destination.”

In addition to the new accolade, Lords of the Manor is currently undergoing a complete redecoration of the ground floor which includes the Restaurant, Bar and Lounge areas; This Includes new materials, wallpapers and furnishings

Head Chef Charles Smith said he was truly delighted to be recognised by the AA and for winning back this coveted accolade. Charles said “It has been a very positive year for us, a year of consolidating the team and focusing on what is important to me which is ensuring our guests have the most enjoyable and memorable dining experience I can give them. Therefore, winning our three Rosettes is a wonderful endorsement by the AA of the collective efforts made by both the kitchen and front of house team”.

Lords of the Manor is a 4 AA Red Star Luxury Hotel that dates back to 1649 and is the perfect base to explore all the Cotswolds has to offer. www.lordsofthemanor.com

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Spring Home & Garden

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Spring Home & Garden

Spectacular Awesome Statement Chairs

THE ITALIAN ARMY BULLET WING Width: 78.0 cm Height: 97.0 cm Depth: 84.0 cm Other: Seat Height 45cm

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unique & eclectic mix of vintage Italian military meets functional furniture art in the form of a traditional mid century beech framed wing chair with original Italian military greatcoat making up the seat facings with contrasting grey melton fabric to sides and back with genuine decomissioned Kalashnikov AK47 bullet shell tufted detail.

Original WW2 ‘Italy Star’ medal and ribbon detail to neck with vintage bullion threaded flash badge and rank stars to epaulettes.

Resting on black chalk painted legs with piper detail.

For more info please visit www.rhubarbchairs.com or call Shaun on 07496 873157

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Spring Home & Garden

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Spring Home & Garden

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Spring Home & Garden

THE GOLD STANDARD FOR LANDSCAPING AND GARDEN DESIGN HAS BEEN SET H

owle Hill Nursery sets the gold standard for landscaping and garden design, having wowed the judges to take top honours multiple times at Britain’s top shows including Chelsea, Malvern and Hampton Court.

This exceptional nursery provides quality plants, landscaping and design services and recently opened an inspirational new retail destination for plant lovers, Leaf Creative.

Based near Ross on Wye, Howle Hill Nursery was founded by the garden visionary Peter Dowle in 1996. It has since built a reputation for creating stand-out gardens which have won numerous accolades and been featured on TV and numerous magazines. Many wedding and event organisers now use its services to decorate their venues with living plant displays.

Peter and his team of specialists will this year be creating a show garden for the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, from May 9 to 12. Last year, Howle Hill won a gold medal and Best Construction Award at Malvern. Peter’s 2019

Howle Hill Nursery, Waters Edge, Howle Hill Crossroads, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 5SP T: 01989 567726 E:enquiries@howlehillnursery.co.uk www.howlehillnursery.co.uk

entry will again utilise the services of celebrated sculptor Simon Gudgeon.

He is also delighted to be linked for the project with Mandarin Stone and Pershore’s Readyhedge nursery.

“We now favour the Malvern spring show over Chelsea,” says Peter. “We have seen it grow year on year. We think it’s fabulous and gets better and better. The floral marquee is oversubscribed by some 30 nurseries now.

That’s the number on the waiting list.”

While Howle Hill is well established, Leaf Creative is new and offers complementary services from its site in Huntley, Gloucestershire. It has a most unusual selection of plants including specimen trees, shrubs and plants specially selected to inspire visitors, whether they are home enthusiasts or gardening professionals.

Peter’s team of specialists will be on hand to help, advise and provide in-house design. In The Fernery restaurant, visitors can even enjoy barrista coffee and meals from a menu of locally sourced products.

Leaf Creative, Ross Road, Huntley, Gloucestershire GL19 3EX T: 01452 830837 E: enquiries@leafcreative.co.uk www.leafcreative.co.uk

Is your garden looking unkempt? Why not give it some kerb appeal this spring.

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irst impressions tend to last so if your garden is looking unkempt, why not give it kerb appeal with a professional make-over and a new fence? Gateway Gardens offers a comprehensive range of services to relaunch that garden with a smart new image.

Modern fencing comes in all sorts of stylish forms, including variations on feather edge boarding, picket fences and low maintenance plastic panels in a range of shapes and colours.

Good fencing can fulfil various needs as well as improving the look of your garden. It can improve security – bringing greater peace of mind – and provide privacy so you can feel more relaxed as you enjoy your outdoor space. It can even add value to the property and encourage neighbours to smarten up their territory too.

Gateway Gardens offers a fully bespoke service to all its customers and can advise on the best products to meet their particular needs, as well as carrying out the installation.

This Droitwich-based company is run by Paul Cranstone, who has long experience of all aspects of garden maintenance. It carries out garden clearances, hard landscaping such as block paving, new patios and decking, shed installation, planting, tree surgery, hedge cutting and lawn care.

“Our service is friendly, professional and good quality,” says Paul. “We go beyond people’s expectations and we’re also competitively priced.”

Gateway Gardens Ltd, 37 Westbury Avenue, Droitwich WR9 0RT. T: 07772 525 674 E: info@gatewaygardensltd.com www.gatewaygardensltd.com | countylifestyleandleisure.com |

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IN CONVERSATION WITH Real World Coaching and FIT3SIXTY

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mma May White and John Clark are a dream team, partners in life and business and both with entrepreneurial visions for the future. If you’d like to turn over a new leaf in the New Year, together, perhaps Emma and John can help? Ruby Edwards has a conversation with them to find out.

Emma runs Real World Coaching* Clarity Coach, Motivators and Behaviour (DISC) practitioner.

Her mission is to help as many business owners as possible to build the best version of their business, whilst being the best version of themselves.

Emma and Real World Coaching are all about people and behaviour, with the logical mind, experience in implementing systems, new ways of working, personal development structures and change management in the

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My alarm goes off and … forefront of their ethos, keeping the people focus, to back a rounded approach to growing your business.

Partner, John Clark, is a twotime winner of Britain’s natural strongest man title and the man behind the local phenomenon FIT3SIXTY Ltd, a gym experience with 3 sites, 2 based in Worcester and the latest in Malvern Link.

John and his team at FIT3SIXTY offer personal training, group training, daily nutritional support and state of the art technology, equipment and scientific, evidence based coaching and understanding.

Their aim is to find your version of fitness. The one you enjoy, the one that you can stick to.

Do you fancy learning more about how to kick-start your New Year?

We invite you to hear what the couple have to say:

J – My alarm goes off at 4.30am.

Most mornings, I’m out of the house at 5am and over to one of the gyms. I start training around 6am and then get on with the day, which is based around 1 of the 4 gyms. I spend time with the team; checking in with them and contacting new members.

We offer a 30 day trial before full membership, so I make sure the new members are comfortable, happy and know what they’re doing. I tend to come home around 8pm - and fall asleep.

E – Ummm. I would love to say my alarm went off at 4.30am! I set my alarm for 6am. And it keeps going off until around 6.30am... sometimes 7. I have around 15 alarms before I can drag myself out of bed! Once I’m up I’m alright though – if I go to the gym it will be around 7am. Or maybe midday.

My days are so varied so my routine has gone – I work better later into the day anyway.

J – We’re polar opposites of each other! A big ethos that I promote is routine. If it becomes routine it’s not much of a hardship. Like with training, I try and make it part of my day. Some force themselves to do what others do – even if it’s not them and it then doesn’t work.

It’s about finding what works for you.

E – I trained with John years ago and he often reminds me that with training you’re the average of what you do. I now apply that to everything, if you’re not a morning person you can only do it for so long. Consistency works better in the long run.

J – I used to wake up and scan my emails and messages but now I get up and try not to look at my phone until after I train. I was finding that I was being distracted, so now pick up my messages later – I use airplane mode - and deal with the 7am rush when I turn it back on. I had 3800 notifications last

business owner relationship, whilst also leaving time for why you set up the business in the first place.

You can’t grow if you are stuck in day to day noise. Also, for me I have to practice what I preach, no use helping others to re-discover their why and enjoy time away from the business if I am glued to my phone!

How did you meet?

J - We both met through our businesses and a shared interest in work. We then had a chat over a few drinks and a number of dates from there…

E – I work a lot with clients who are overwhelmed with the busyness and expectations technology brings, so we work together to reset routine to regain some boundaries between business and home…

J – That reminds me of a great Denzel Washington quote: “Know the difference between living and making a living”.

E – Yes, I find that SMEs feel the need to respond to emails at all times and therefore creating unrealistic expectations. Create your own boundaries – if you send emails late at night, maybe

use the delay option for 9am to help set realistic expectations.

J – I do that with my team now.

We’ve agreed to a contact blackout on Sundays – unless queries are really urgent – they rarely are. We have a WhatsApp group for my team and we don’t use it on Sunday. You can burnout really quickly in my business – I’ve been reading a book about it and recommend it for those who are interested: try Simon Sinek’s book “Start with why.”

E – How we choose to use mechanisms such as social media, and enforcing boundaries around that are good for business. It is important to reduce the likelihood of burnout, create consistency, and maintain a healthy customer:

E – It’s the hardest thing to do to hand over control to others. It is very difficult, evolving over time.

It needs to be consistent and controlled to get everyone playing on the same pitch.

E - And we now we have a puppy who is gradually eating through the house...

J – Some businesses wear their emotions in front of their team, creating an unstable foundation. I find that people are employed for stability, so I try to give that. I want to be leader, not just a manager.

What are you responsible for?

How do people find out about you?

E – Keeping John sane.

J – Social media, referrals and word of mouth – half of our new members are friends and family, loved ones of current members who want to be a part of the journey. We have offline and online communications – this year, we’re engaging with the Chamber of commerce and were nominated and shortlisted for the best use of social media awards at their annual awards. We share details of our membership options, so everyone’s able to maximise the value of their own membership.

We want people to get out what they want – so we provide a tailored membership. Most gym memberships focus on just access whereas we focus on coaching, daily support, ongoing access to the sites and education so you become self-sufficient of your own training and lifestyle.

J – Professionally, I’m responsible for 4 gyms, 7 employees and over 400 members. Personally, I’m responsible for my relationship with Emma, my daughter Tilly, and the two dogs Winston and Poppy.

week so I now have 2 phones – 1 personal and 1 work – and I limit my time on personal social media.

J – I give my team a rule book and the team just need to stay on the pitch. I give them autonomy and they have the freedom to have their own expression whilst keeping everyone in line with the joint values and structures of the business. It’s an ongoing evolution.

E – Business-wise I’ve been used to managing large teams. In my previous life I was head of the IT portfolio office for Sanctuary housing, so it’s been an interesting adjustment now that I’m managing a client – relationship. I have little responsibility for a team now, but through elements of that understanding of giving a service I can support other business owners and teams. I have far less control, instead shifting the focus to help others take responsibility.

A shift to accountability rather than being in control.

J – That’s been my biggest issue to let go, let the trainers do their thing rather than me jump in and tell them what to do.

E – Quite often business owners don’t hand over control. They are constantly messaging and don’t have processes and structures in place so I work with behaviours, mind-sets and processes, putting structured mechanisms in place so that a team are enabled to do what you want them to do, when you want them to do it, how you want them to do it. People don’t want to be micro managed.

Our membership allows clients to use all of our sites. Some work in Worcester and live in Malvern so use the most convenient site so that they miss rush hour traffic.

We thrive on growth – genuine and authentic.

You can read the full article online www.countylifestyleandleisure. com/inconversationwith

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Holiday Homes For Sale Stratford-upon-Avon

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Famliy Lifestyle

ANNUAL PASS ENJOY A YEAR OF ANIMAL

ADVENTURES!

WMSP.CO.UK/ANNUALPASS Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 1LF

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Famliy Lifestyle

Now taking registrations For children aged 6 weeks to 5 years

Fun is an essential ingredient

at Crescent Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as the staff who provide them.

ÂŁ100 off first months fees when registering and starting before March 2019 Offer valid on bookings of 3 days or more.

Crescent Day Nursery is a beautiful 2 storey property. Much of the character of the building has been retained to provide spacious and interesting rooms with first class facilities. The nursery provides a happy, social environment where every child is treated as an individual.

Please call 0121 752 9750 or email crescent@childbase.com Crescent Day Nursery and Preschool, 21-22 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1RP

Open 7.30am to 6.30pm www.childbasepartnership.com

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Ref: VMH19

Famliy Lifestyle

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Eating Out | Food & Drink

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Eating Out | Food & Drink

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Eating Out | Food & Drink

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Eating Out | Food & Drink

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Eating Out | Food & Drink

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24 T he heritage city of Norwich was Britain’s most prosperous city outside of London in the Middle Ages, thanks to profits from the lucrative wool trade with continental Europe. The Industrial Revolution of the 1700s and 1800s made little impact on Norwich – hence the city retained much of its medieval centre, and today has the best-preserved medieval city wall in Britain. Its cobble streets and historic quarters are full of independent retailers and are a pleasure to explore. Norwich is also gateway to the county of Norfolk, whose tourism assets range from the waterways of the Norfolk Broads to the idyllic beaches of the north Norfolk coast. Picturesque coastal communities include Blakeney, Burnham Market, Cley and Wells-nextthe-Sea. Several of Norfolk’s fine country estates including Holkham and Blickling Hall host open-air concerts and events in their grounds during the summer, ranging from classical Proms Nights to Ibizainspired dance parties. It also has Royal connections – Her Majesty The Queen has a much-loved country retreat here, which is open to the public when the Royal family are not in residence. What better recommendation do you need?

Housed in a stately 16th century manor on the outskirts of Norwich, Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club combines historic elegance with contemporary comfort. Extensive amenities include indoor pool, spa, and championship golf course.

Close to the town of Holt and the north Norfolk coast, four-star The Pheasant Hotel has 30 smart bedrooms. Enjoy fresh local produce such as Cromer crabs and Kelling Estate pigeon in its restaurant or take afternoon tea in the light and airy new Orangery.

An affordable choice set on the cliffs in the seaside town of Cromer, The Red Lion is a Victorian pub with 15 en suite rooms, many of which have sea views. With open log fires and many original features, it provides good oldfashioned hospitality.

DAY ONE: 10:30 Tour an awe-inspiring Cathedral and see its unusual guests The most complete Norman Cathedral in England, Norwich Cathedral is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Discover the Cathedral’s 900-year-old history on a free tour lead by a volunteer guide, and then explore the largest Cathedral Close and monastic Cloisters in

hours in

Norwich

the land. This awe-inspiring Cathedral welcomes visitors from around the world, the most unusual being a breeding pair of peregrine falcons who’ve made the Cathedral spire their summer home since 2009 – an observation point allows birdwatchers a close-up view of the nest, or watch live webcam footage.

11:30 Explore the historic cobble streets around the Cathedral With more that 80 listed buildings including quaint Georgian properties overlooking a large green, the cobble streets surrounding Norwich Cathedral are known as The Close, and have provided a backdrop for television period dramas.

With several independent shops, galleries and pavement cafés, the wider Cathedral Quarter is a delightful place for a leisurely stroll.

12:00 Peruse a wide selection of independent retailers An area of great historical interest, The Norwich Lanes have an even bigger selection of independent retailers – so these pedestrianised lanes and alleyways are both fascinating and rewarding to explore. Dedicated shoppers will also want to visit the city’s five department stores, including the independent and historic Jarrold, plus the largest Marks & Spencer store outside of London’s Oxford Street.

13:30 Enjoy lunch in a glamorous Georgian gem There are many independent cafés, restaurants and pubs in the Norwich Lanes, but one recommendation is The Assembly House. Dating from 1754, this Georgian gem in the city centre is owned by a registered arts charity. As well as being a venue for weddings and exhibitions, its glamorous dining room is perfect for lunch or afternoon tea.

Conqueror. The outer façade of its keep has seen many repairs over the centuries, and was refaced back to its original ornamentation by the Victorians. In 1894 the contents of Norwich Museum were moved here, and today it’s known as Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery with a collection of fine art, archaeology and natural history. Its 2017 exhibition program focuses on the life of Admiral Lord Nelson, the art of Rembrandt, and the history of the doll’s house.

Or… Escape to man-made waterways that date to medieval times Head 20 minutes north-east of Norwich by car or public bus to the famous Norfolk Broads. Historians in the 1950s made an unexpected discovery about this network of over 200km of navigable waterways – namely, that it’s a man-made phenomenon dating back to medieval times. The extraction of peat for use as fuel from the 12th century onwards left behind massive holes. Water filled these holes over the centuries as sea levels rose, forming the rivers and lakes of the Norfolk Broads. Tourists now come here to enjoy leisurely boat trips or to hire a motor cruiser for a self-catering boating holiday. With numerous shops and facilities for embarking holidaymakers, the village of Wroxham is considered the gateway to the Norfolk Broads. Broads Tours run popular river trips from here, typically lasting 1-2 hours. If you’d rather take to the helm, hire one of their day boats and enjoy the freedom of the waterways.

19:30 Drop anchor at a waterside pub While navigating the Norfolk Broads, enjoy a hearty dinner in a waterside pub, many of which have mooring for boats as well as a car park. Set next to the beautiful Ranworth Broad, The Maltsters is a family-run pub in a lovely setting. Or try the King’s Head or Rising Sun, both overlooking Coltishall Common.

14:30 Visit a landmark castle and museum One of Norwich’s most famous landmarks, the Normans built Norwich Castle over 900 years ago as a fortified royal palace for William the | countylifestyleandleisure.com |

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Explore Norfolk STUART

S THUOAURSTE HOUSE

HOTEL • BAR • RESTAURANT

Eat,• Drink & Sleep • HOTELMeet, BAR RESTAURANT

Meet, Eat, Drink & Sleep

Cosy Accommodation Real Ale Beer Garden Bar meals, : Restaurant

Ideal for business or pleasure SHORT BREAKS OR GROUP TRIPS FAMILY HOLIDAYS SPECIAL EVENTS

We are ideally situated for the King’s Lynn LISTED IN THE CAMRA Golf Clubs and can offer GOOD BEER GUIDE FOR OVER 20 YEARS !!

D

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ISCOUNT RATES FORPE30 5QX Kings’ Lynn.

Road, 35 Goodwins Tel 01553 772169

GOLF PARTIES www.stuarthousehotel.co.uk SHORT STAY PACKAGES

Book direct and mention this advert for best prices reception@stuarthousehotel.co.uk www.stuarthousehotel.co.uk 01553 772169

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35 Goodwins Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. PE30 5QX

Explore Norfolk

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Explore Norfolk

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Short Breaks On Your Door Step

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Holiday Lodges For Sale Cornwall

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Giltar Hotel

UK Breaks

Pembrokeshire

Offers luxurious but great value accommodation Tenby is terrific for spring breaks and holidays and the elegant Giltar Hotel offers luxurious but great value accommodation within a short walk of spectacular South Beach, vibrant town centre and all the coastal activities which keep people returning. If you’re planning to marry, The Giltar can offer outstanding packages, delivering a special day like no other with professional wedding organisers taking care of all arrangements.

The multi-award winning Giltar offers Victorian splendour updated for visitors to enjoy, thanks to a tasteful £1.5 million refurbishment of its facilities, including the 50 en suite guest bedrooms, the beautiful restaurant and the cosy bar. The work has been enhanced by interior designer Linda Hunt, of Meigan Design to maximise comfort, convenience and pleasant surroundings. There are deluxe and premier rooms as well as standard rooms catering for all tastes and budgets.

The Giltar’s location on Tenby’s Esplanade means that the restaurant and many of the bedrooms have sea views across to the iconic Caldey Island.

The staff are friendly and welcoming to everyone,

whether families, couple, walkers, cyclists or groups and their devotion to customer service is second to none and always commented upon.

Guests can choose formal or informal dining with meals cooked to delicious perfection using locally sourced produce, often including locally landed fish. Owners Malcolm Brace and Patrick Jenkins are this year celebrating 10 years of ownership: “The time has flown,” says Malcolm. “We are very much looking forward to toasting our first decade with our friends who are our customers, suppliers and staff, whom we thank for their support as well as welcoming lots of new visitors to the hotel.”

Tenby is at the heart of the glorious Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and there could be no more romantic wedding venue, with the most glorious of coastal backdrops including wonderful sandy beaches, the harbour and Victorian splendour.

That is why the Giltar has a team of experienced professionals to help couples plan their big day to perfection, from the civil wedding or partnership ceremonies themselves to the deluxe honeymoon suite and everything inbetween.

Packages start from £47.50 per person including drinks, canapes, the wedding breakfast and floral decorations.

“We have three mantras,” says Malcolm. “We’ll deliver what you want, we’ll provide exactly what you want for your wedding and we’ll build memories which last a lifetime.”

Giltar Hotel, The Esplanade, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7DU T: 01834 842507 E: enquiries@giltar-hotel.co.uk www.giltar-hotel.co.uk

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UK Breaks

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Expert Services

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Finance Options Available

Why not spread the cost of your installation with a wide range of finance options available to suit your needs.

01527 69296

www.ensignroof.co.uk

Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions Limited - Unit 19, Walkers Road, North Moons Moat Ind Estate, Redditch, B98 9HE | enquiries@ensignroof.co.uk Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative and provides a pure client Introduction through Improveasy Ltd., a company registered in England and Wales (Co. Reg. number 7807352). Registered Office: Manchester Business Park, 3000 Aviator Way, Manchester M22 5TG. The firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 708623) as a Broker, not a Lender and offers credit facilities from a panel of lenders. The credit is subject to application and status.

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