County Lifestyle and Leisure Magazine Issue 52

Bespoke secondary glazing solutions Ideal for heritage and grade II listed buildings

A L S O I N T H I S I S S U E : C O U N T D O W N T O C H R I S T M A S , S TAY C AT I O N S F O R A L L S E A S O N S & M O R E

theAgentic.com Experienced Personal Local Estate Agents in Worcestershire and West Midlands at a Much Lower Cost.

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Decorative Aggregates

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Bulk bags delivered

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Building Sands & Gravels

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Collections in bags or bulk

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Timber Landscaping Supplies

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Loose tipped deliveries up to 11t

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Fast friendly local service

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Full lorry loads direct to site

Based on our farm in the heart of Worcestershire we pride ourselves on being able to offer a fast, friendly and flexible local service from our yard out to Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

Call 01905 381195 or email info@cjcaggregates.co.uk visit our website www.cjcaggregates.co.uk Collin J Collins Ltd, Cowsden Bank Farm, Naunton Road, Upton Snodsbury, Worcestershire, WR7 4NU

Stunning collection of top quality Mother of the Bride or Groom outfits at a fraction of the original cost • A whole showroom dedicated to Weddings and special occasions.

• Fabulous collection of preloved quality outfits in a range of sizes.

• Got an outfit to sell? We can help with that too.

Call our friendly team on 01386 554620 13 High St, Pershore, WR10 1AA www.thesmartexchangeshop.co.uk

Bespoke secondary glazing solutions Ideal for heritage and grade II listed buildings The design of the windows in a heritage building is an important part of the character of the property and must be retained, but single glazed timber frames are a major source of heat loss, provide little protection against noise and offer minimal resistance to burglary. The installation of bespoke secondary glazing from Lansec will improve the properties environment and make it much more comfortable by reducing air leakage and heat loss, dramatically improving noise insulation and providing an additional security barrier.

Planning consent is not normally needed for secondary glazing in Grade 2 listed buildings and properties in conservation areas but Lansec liaise with the Planning Department in the relevant Local Authority and supply technical drawings, and installation procedures if required.

EDITOR

Jodie Collinson sales@countylifestyleandleisure.com 01455 698686 ACCOUNTS

Laura Smith accounts@countylifestyleandleisure.com 01455 698570 JOURNALIST

Shirley Elsby shirley.elsby@ntlworld.com 01455 446360 SALES

Their aim is to achieve all the benefits while maintaining the appearance of the original windows by matching any window style and colour so the secondary glazing is barely noticeable at all from inside or outside.

Also, the possibility of condensation is virtually eliminated making water streaming down the inside of the windows and puddles on the windowsill a thing of the past.

Theresa Deacy theresa@countylifestyleandleisure.com 01455 446360 Sally Hassel sally@countylifestyleandleisure.com 01455 698570 DESIGN

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

Lansec is a Worcestershire based, family run company specialising in the installation of bespoke secondary glazing in older properties for over seven years.

CONTENTS

Secondary glazing from Lansec is a fully independent window system installed on the room side of existing windows. The original window remains in position in its original, unaltered form. The most popular form of secondary glazing is opening units which can slide either horizontally or vertically depending on the style of the original window. They will allow access to the external window for cleaning purposes and the opening of both secondary glazing and the external window for ventilation.

Other styles available include fixed, lift out or hinged units.

In Conversation with Family & Wellbeing Health & Care Style Your Home Countdown to Christmas Christmas Gift Guide Christmas Food & Drink Staycations for all Seasons Tried & Tested Discover Wales Discover Kent Editor’s Choice

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Let the festivities begin at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern See Page 38

01299 544013 info@lansecglz.co.uk lansecglz.co.uk

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In conversation with Mike Foley Your alarm goes off…

Usually with 2 espressos from the machine. If it’s Summer and I’m not filming I try to get up at 6 and go for a walk. We’re lucky that we live in Bewdley and there is a circular walk that takes you round by the church where we got married and down to the river.

It’s about 40 minutes which is perfect. I then go out to my office in the garden which is called The Hyde as it overlooks the garden.

I always try to read a couple of poems before I start the day and a chapter of a factual book. At the moment the poems come from Heaven on Earth:101 Happy Poems edited by Wendy Cope and the book is 31 Songs by Nick Hornby. I find that this reading puts me in good spirits to start the day.

Your typical day…

If we’re filming the car has to be loaded with camera equipment and this is usually prepped the day before the shoot. Batteries have to be charged for cameras.

If we’re recording sound, we put new batteries in the radio mics before each shoot as there is nothing worse than a battery going down when recording an interview. Each shoot will be different so the kit will be different.

Sometimes it’s just a camera and tripod but increasingly we are using two cameras for each shoot.

If we’re using the drone, again batteries have to be charged and this can take a whole day.

We also have to do a site survey before flying to make sure there are no special restrictions in the area or special notices from the CAA to prevent us flying and a risk assessment also has to be carried out.

Editing takes place in the Hyde and can go on until late in the evening or be started at the crack of dawn. That’s one of

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the advantages of working from home you can move time around to suit yourself.

You’re responsible for …

Making sure the videos we produce are the best they can be and that they help our clients sell or promote whatever message they are trying to get across What worries you?

Sometimes it is difficult as our customers don’t understand the logistics of film making and how long it can sometimes take to film and edit a video. Editing is the hardest thing to make customers understand - the film is made in the edit and it’s organising the footage into a comprehensible narrative that takes the time.

What are your notable highlights to date?

Fourteen years ago my brother and best friend died unexpectedly and he left some money behind for me. I had written a short film script called ‘The Portwine Stain’. I decided to put some of the money he left me into making the film and dedicate it to him. It was accepted at loads of film festivals and won several awards.

Another highlight happened in my TV career. We made a series of documentaries for ITV called TALES OF THE UNACCEPTED. The six-part series was about people living apart from the communities surrounding them – reformed prostitutes who ran their own hotel, the notorious Mick Philpott who later went to prison for life after the house with his children burnt down and an alcoholic couple looking for somewhere to live. The series went on to win a Royal Television Society Award.

What’s the key to your success?

A bit of a cliché I know but don’t give up and work hard. Eventually you will get there.

Who or what has been your biggest influence?

I started my TV career as a clerk at the BBC in the Science Features Department in London.

This was at the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland. Our department had a new series commissioned called Indelible Evidence that was ground breaking at the time. It was a drama/documentary about forensic science and used actors to play the parts of the main perpetrators and policemen. I was also captain of the five a side football team and in the team was a very talented director. As there were bombs going off and guns being fired in Northern Ireland, the location for one of the stories in the series, none of the normal runners were keen to go. The director asked me if I’d like to come along and join the crew. My job was to ferry cans of film to the airport and drive actors around (a runner) but it also gave me a great opportunity to see what happens on location when filming and watch this very talented director at close hand.

He was from Northern Ireland himself but one of the things I particularly liked about him was that he wasn’t pretentious, he was normal. I went home and thought I’d really like to do this and so I transferred from the administrative side of things to production and worked my way up the ladder from runner to researcher to assistant producer to director and finally Producer/ Director.

What’s on your to do list?

thank you emails, edit my son’s wedding video and prep the cameras for a shoot on Friday.

What you wanted to be when you grew/grow up?

When I was growing up, I never wanted to work behind a desk, and I was also very keen on Natural History – my childhood was spent in Yorkshire and we always had an injured bird or animal in a cardboard box in the kitchen. I went to study Ecology at Aberystwyth University and wanted to be a conservation officer.

Where can you mostly be found after work?

Usually at my mum’s, she lives about three minutes away and is 97. I go down every night to make sure she is okay, get her something to eat and draw the blinds. After that it’s back home to eat with Cathy, my wife. On Friday night it’s usually a pint in our local The Pack Horse.

Best piece of advice you’ve received?

No matter what happens, there is always something good around the corner.

What’s next?

We have just won a big commission to film Worcestershire from the air which we are really excited about so that’s what we are about to start prepping.

How do people find out about you?

The best way is to have a look at our website www.oneminutewonders.co.uk or look at our LinkedIn page.

Today I have to get two edits finished, send a couple of

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.

You Do Better | Pay as you go PR.

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Fabric Shop Haberdashery Yarn Sewing Workshops

Nellies started at the kitchen table making book day costumes and clothes for the kids. Fuelled by a love of craft Nellies is now filled with an ever growing range of quality fabrics, yarn and haberdashery from Moda, Riley Blake, Rose & Hubble, Simplicity, King Cole, Guterman, Prym and many more, that we hope will inspire you to create something special and unique.

www.nellies.store 01386 244554  nelliesfabricshop@gmail.com 78 High st WR10 1DU Pershore

Tweedies

www.tweedies.biz

patricia@tweedies.biz Mobile: 07917 264237 (text or voicemail me)

Beris

This month is the turn of the little people to shine. Teddies might be smaller than Huggies but they still have the same large personality and are very cheeky.

Teddies are normally made to order and I can do this up to the end of November, however I do have several in stock at the moment.

My bears and paperweight mice come with a rich pedigree with several awards including one for British Heritage Craft.

They are fantastic, original, quirky and colourful characters, handcrafted in Shetland and Welsh tweeds and yarns with a whole lot of love.

We are proud at Tweedies that all fabric produced at Jamieson’s of Shetland and at Trefriw Woollen Mill in North Wales is 100% British from pure native flocks. The hypoallergenic stuffing and yarns we use for all our creatures are also British made.

Bespoke Huggies/Poshies can also be made from scratch up until end of November, although

there are plenty in stock on our website. I am also able to change hats and scarves on stock bears if wished; these designs can be ordered as seen right up to 15 December.

For out of stock items contact me because if it’s in my spares box partly made, then I could possibly complete it for you if there is time. Always worth texting or emailing me to find out. There are lots of excited bears and mice in my workshop together with knitted tinsel owls, hedgehogs and snowmen.

Gradually life is opening up again and is a little less uncertain than this time last year. Will you give one of our beautiful creatures a loving forever home this Christmas?

You won’t find them on the High Street, but you CAN find them from the comfort of your armchair.

Happy Shopping!

Afryl

Paddy

Efa

Lily

Mia countylifestyleandleisure.com

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Now taking registrations

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Direct trains from Evesham to Kingham (under 30 mins)

Please contact our Registrar on 01608 731884 or email registrar@kinghamhill.org

Fixed fee consultations available remotely to help fit around your busy life out of hours consultations are also available by appointment With over 30 years experience in Family Law, Worcester Family Law Practice offers professional legal advice covering a number of areas including Divorce, Collaborative Practice and Resolution, Private Children Act proceedings, Financial Remedy proceedings, Prenuptials and Postnuptials and Living Together agreements. Based in Worcester, we are happy to receive enquires from Worcester and the surrounding areas including Droitwich, Kidderminster, Malvern and Stourport.

To discuss your particular situation and our legal services in more detail we can be contacted by email family@worcfamilylaw.co.uk or by telephone on 01905 730900

www.worcfamilylaw.co.uk The Worcester Family Law Practice, 34a Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1EE

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Family & Wellbeing

WELCOMING NEW DANCERS TO THE ACADEMY!

Dog Boarding and Training Kennels

Irish dance classes taught by world champion Donna Griffin

Dog Training and Boarding kennels fully licensed, set in 13.5 acres of Worcestershire countryside open 365 days.

Classes available for children aged 2+

Individual heated/air conditioned rooms. Close to M5, M40, M42 and M6 motorways. Fully Insured Dog training for all breeds; basicobedience security and problem dogs. Collection and delivery service. Dog behaviourist consultations with owners. Fully trained German Shepherds and Rottweilers always available. Pedigree working dogs (German Shepherds, Labradors, Springer Spaniels, Weimaraners, and Pointers etc) required for re-training, whereas contact can be maintained with the original owner. Established 30 years. Veterinary recommended.

FIRST LESSON IS FREE Classes available across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Worcestershire

Contact Donna on 07554880720 to reserve your space! facebook.com/ donnagriffinacademyofirishdance

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@donnagriffinacademy

Please telephone to check availability, make appointments for booking or viewings 08443 - 876 - 978 www.dogtrainers.co.uk

The modern world throws up many challenges and sometimes we can find ourselves living in a state of constant anxiety, team that with the symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause and life can feel like an uphill struggle.

‘I like to explain that we have a ‘stress bucket’ which gradually fills up through the day’ says Donna Jones. ‘Anything from a bad experience at work to being cut-up on the drive home adds to the stress, and if the bucket is too full, we find ourselves in a constant state of fight or flight.’ As a Registered Nurse and someone with my own Menopause experience to relate to, I have now dedicated my practice to working with ladies suffering Menopausal symptoms.

Hypnotherapy trance replicates the process of R.E.M. that we undergo as part of our natural sleep cycle. This is when we naturally process all of the emotional responses that have dropped into our stress bucket throughout the day, but, if we have

too much going in, R.E.M. just cannot tackle the whole job. Applying Hypnotherapy Trance to the one to one sessions works to process that excess and enables the client to be more in control and move away from the ‘fight, flight cycle they are possibly finding themselves in.

In addition I apply a Solution-Focused Psychotherapy approach, which skilfully encourages the client to recognise their own goals and how to move towards them in a positive way rather than unpicking the past.

‘I’ve seen profound changes for some of my clients’ continues Donna, ‘from finding it hard to get off the sofa, to being back at work and bringing about big changes in their lives, in just a matter of weeks.

I offer everybody a FREE Initial Consultation to see how we can work together and move on so that individuals can be living their best life.

Donna Jones

Put your mental health on the first place

Access your wellbeing

with Laura Wellness Centre

Services include

Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health.

The stigma ‘I’m not going to a psychologist because I’m not crazy’, is limiting you access to your physical, mental and emotional wellness.

There is a huge connection between body, mind and spirit, therefore we are the result of our actions, thoughts and emotions.

Reiki

Couple Psychotherapy

Counselling / Adult Individual Psychotherapy

Children Psychotherapy

A ‘broken’ mind gives you as much pain as a broken bone in your body.

The most common issues affecting wellbeing are worry about the future, stress and anxiety.

Here at Laura Wellness Centre, we provide the tools and information you need to access your wellbeing.

Laura Wellness Centre is based in the centre of Worcester, very close to Foregate train station and offers complementary health care to the Worcester community and surrounding areas of West Midlands.

The therapies here include Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling, Mindfulness, Reiki Healing, Aromatherapy, Crystal Therapy, Holistic Body Massage and Nutrition.

For more information visit www.laurawellnesscentre.com or email us at contact@laurawellnesscentre.com Instagram: @laura_wellness_centre Facebook: Laura Wellness Centre

Health & Care It’s never been more important to look after ourselves than since the onset of the COVID pandemic.

The extraordinary experiences of lockdowns, isolation, stretched health and care services, illness and bereavement has focussed everybody’s minds on the measures we can and should take to keep ourselves well and protect those we love. Our advertisers can help!

effect. Some have turned to animals for comfort – and exercise.

An extra 3.2 million UK residents have become pet owners since the pandemic started.

These testing times have seen an increased emphasis on the need to our mental health as well as physical needs. It’s never been more important to encourage the young into hobbies such as dance to get them active and engaged once again, as well as making new friends.

Our advertisers offer practical help in the fields of exemplary education with strong focus on the needs of individual students; sensitive and nonconfrontational family law for help with those broken relationships; professional and personalised counselling, psychotherapy and healing therapies for all and lifeempowering hypnotherapy geared to women in or nearing menopause.

For other people, especially families and couple, all that extra time together alongside furloughs, home schooling, business losses and many other factors can have brought critical strain to bear on key relationships.

For some people living alone, vulnerable people and those working from home the loss of regular meeting groups and social venues have had a devastating

Read on to change your life for the better.

Albion Lodge

Retirement Home We are a family run establishment and the care we provide is very much based on the ethos that we look after people as if they are part of our own family. Offering individualised care, we aim

to maintain independence whilst providing support.

The home itself is a period residence set in two acres of lawns and gardens close to the centre of the small village of Hanley

Swan in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. We are well supported by our local surgery, district nurses, foot care, physiotherapists and a visiting hairdresser.

Our CQC rating is GOOD.

What we offer • • • • •

Period property Village setting Two acres of lawns Specialist baths Disabled access vehicle available for families to use • Short stays can be prebooked • Three lifts

www.albionlodge.co.uk | T: 01684 310626 | E: info@albionlodge.co.uk | Hanley Swan, Worcs. WR8 0DN

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New Rooms Now Available

LIVE-IN CARE SERVICES

Helping Helping you you to to remain remain living living independently independently in in your your home home Home Home is is where where the the heart heart is, is, this this is is specifically specifically true true to to those those needing needing care, care, as as staying staying at at home home is is beneficial to our mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Our Care Assistants will give beneficial to our mental, emotional and physical well-being. Our Care Assistants will give you you all all the the support support you you need need enabling enabling you you to to stay stay in in the the comfort comfort of of your your home home with with 24 24 hour hour care. care.

LIVE-IN CARE SERVICES

Helping you to remain living independently in your home Home is where the heart is, this is specifically true to those needing care, as staying at home is beneficial to our mental, emotional and physical well-being. Our Care Assistants will give you all the support you need enabling you to stay in the comfort of your home with 24 hour care.

We offer support with:

Home Home Help Help -- general general house house work work Personal Personal Care Care -- washing, washing, showering, showering, dressing, dressing, We offer support with: shopping and meal preparation shopping and meal preparation Help - general work Prompting administration of medication Prompting and and Home administration of house medication Personal Care washing, showering, dressing, Encourage Encourage interests interests and and activities activities -- visiting visiting friends friends and and shopping and meal preparation family and going on trips to the Cinema and Theatre family and going on trips to the Cinema and Theatre

Wonderful Wonderful caring caring staff staff who who in in our our experience experience goes goes above above and and beyond beyond to to support the needs of their clients. support the needs of their clients.

Whenever Whenever we we have have made made contact contact on on the the phone phone with with Bright Bright Dawn Dawn they they have have been polite and caring plus they all been polite andcaring caring plus Wonderful staff whothey in ourall seem to who II am and more experience goes above and beyond to seem to know know who am and more importantly aunty is. support thewho needsmy of their clients. importantly who my aunty is.

Prompting and administration of medication Encourage interests and activities - visiting friends and family and going on trips to the Cinema and Theatre

Arrange a consultation

Worcester 953 a consultation Worcester 01905 01905Arrange 953 800 800 Malvern 01684 218 000 Malvern 01684 218 000 01905 953 800 Worcester Solihull 01564 784 598 Malvern Solihull 01564 784 598 01684 218 000 Solihull 01564 784 598

Covering the Covering areas areas across across the Midlands Midlands Covering areas across the Midlands W A W E A U TD MO E C.. A WW WW W .. B BR R II G GH HT TWD DW AW W. BN NRH HI GO OHM M E AC CW ANR RHE EO.. C C O URK KE . C O . U K

Whenever we have made contact on the phone with Brightof Dawn they have R RS S (Great-Niece (Great-Niece of Client) Client) been polite and caring plus they all seem to know who I am and more importantly who my aunty is.

R S (Great-Niece of Client)

Dementia Dementia & & Alzheimers Alzheimers Care Care Multiple Sclerosis Care Multiple Sclerosis Care Care Dementia & Alzheimers Parkinsons DiseaseCare Care Multiple Sclerosis Parkinsons Disease Care Parkinsons Stroke Care Stroke Care Disease Care Stroke Care Learning Learning Disabilities Disabilities Care Care Learning Disabilities Care

Follow us Follow on Follow ususon on

l

Becoming part of the Doddington Lodge family is really something special. Our team is built on a shared purpose, to provide outstanding care for our residents and support loved ones. We invest in our team members, helping them to progress and develop within their roles and career path. More than ever we are looking for the right individuals who can really make a difference. If you believe you would be an asset to our team we would love to hear from you. If you believe you have the right skills please email your CV to: cassie@doddingtonlodge. com or visit www.doddingtonlodge.com/careers.

A beautiful care home set in 4 acres of Evesham's idyllic countryside. Briarlea specialises in residential care for elderly individuals over 65. Warm, welcoming, your home from home.

To arrange your visit call our friendly team today on 01386 293 200, email briarleacare@btconnect.com or visit www.briarleacarehome.co.uk

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Health & Care

CEDAR LODGE CARE HOME

Small and Family Run Come visit our charming, 19-bed Georgian villa, located in the beautiful village of Offenham. We offer the very finest personalised care given by experienced, local staff. Newly refurbished, Cedar Lodge is your home from home. Specialists in long term, respite and day care opportunities.

VISIT CEDARLODGECAREHOME.COM

CALL TODAY ON 01386 293 033

EMAIL INFO@CEDARLODGECAREHOME.COM

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Health & Care

Trusted

| Reliable | Caring

Katherine Harriet is a fresh style of home care in Herefordshire, where the wellbeing and life enrichment of a person is considered just as important as daily care.

Our bespoke service enables our Clients to choose exactly what they want in their lives, with support available at any time of the day or night. We provide day-to-day calls, 24-hour care and night time care also.

Our staff are highly trained in all areas of care, including dementia, mental, physical or learning disabilities, frailty, palliative, stroke support, post-hospital, reablement and much more. They are trained in other areas including stoma support, catheter support, PEG feeding and oxygen support.

Katherine Harriet is a fresh style of home care in Herefordshire, where the wellbeing and life enrichment of a person is considered just as important as daily care.

Regency Retirement Home

Our bespoke service enables our Clients to choose exactly what they want in their lives, with support available at any time of the day or night. We Conveniently situated between the Severn VOTED Care Employer of Year 2020 if you would like to work for a progressive, professional and Trusted Reliable Caring Vale and the valleys of The Cotswolds, we provide day-to-day calls, 24-hour care and night care also. friendly company then please contact us today about time joining our team.

|

|

If you would like more information about our care and support services for yourself or a loved one Katherine Harriet is a fresh style of home care in Herefordshire, where the wellbeing and life we are here to help. enrichment of a person is considered just as important as daily care.

Our bespoke service enables our Clients to choose exactly what they want in their lives, with support available at any time of the day or night. We provide day-to-day calls, 24-hour care and night time care also.

Our staff are highly trained in all areas of care, including dementia, mental, physical or learning disabilities, frailty, palliative, stroke support, post-hospital, reablement and much more. They are trained in other areas including stoma support, catheter support, PEG feeding and oxygen support.

Our staff are highly trained in all areas of care, including dementia, mental, physical or learning disabilities, frailty, palliative, stroke support, post-hospital, reablement and much more. They are trained in other areas including stoma support, catheter support, PEG feeding and oxygen support.

strive to create a happy, friendly and caring environment for all of our residents.

As a family-run home and with extensive experience in caring for the elderly, we aim to meet the needs of our residents - Be it VOTED Care Employer of Year 2020 if you would like to work for a progressive, professional and engaging activities or just someone to talk to.

VOTED Care Employer of Year 2020 if you would like to work for a friendly company then please contact us today about joining our team.

If you would like more information our care and support services for yourself or a loved one progressive, professional and friendly company then about please contact • Accommodation for full time residents we are here to help. us today about joining our team. If you • Professionally trained carers would like more information about our care and support services for yourself • Meaningful activities or a loved one - we are here to help.

Katherine HarrietKatherine Ltd Harriet Ltd, 9 Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9AP t: (01432) 483083 e: info@katherineharriet.care 9 Broad Street www.katherineharriet.care Hereford, HR4 9AP t: (01432) 483083 e: info@katherineharriet.care

Regent Street, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 2AD Katherine Harriet Ltd, 9 Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9AP t: (01432) 483083 e: info@katherineharriet.care www.katherineharriet.care

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www.regencyretirementhome.co.uk Tel: 01453 823139 Email: regencyst52@live.com

www.katherineharriet.care

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If you would like to find out more about us or to book a visit, please get in touch.

KITCHENS / BATHROOMS / OUTDOORS SWIMMING POOLS / SHOP FITTING

Reliable and professional tiling in Worcester and the surrounding areas For top quality tiling with impeccable customer service, turn to the professionals at First Cut Solutions. This Worcester-based business carries out wall and floor tiling for both domestic and commercial customers, producing exquisite results for kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools, shop floors, outdoor areas and many more situations.

Customers always receive painstaking service from First Cut Solutions, whether they are builders completing prestigious new developments or private householders enjoying a kitchen make-over, a bathroom revamp or a durable new surface for another space. Tiled surfaces are not only waterproof and available in numerous colours and patterns, they also add value to a property.

First Cut Solutions use the latest techniques and equipment, such as water jet cutting, and their work comes fully guaranteed. Tried and trusted, much of their business comes through recommendations from delighted customers.

Call 07880 745208 www.firstcutsolutions.com infofirstcut@gmail.com countylifestyleandleisure.com

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our top picks to

STYLE YOUR HOME There are great things to be enjoyed about restyling your home, whether in part or in total.

One is the beauty that comes from complete rooms being totally co-ordinated in style and colour. Another is in making the most of the available space so everything can be neat, organised and easily accessed.

A fully fitted kitchen designed bespoke for your particular space

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can be a masterpiece of practicality. With an immense choice of worktops and finishes to complement smart new appliances, it can offer an abundance of cupboard and drawer storage to hide all those pots, pans and awkwardly shaped gadgets such as air fryers and food processors. It can also bring social space spend quality time with family or friends.

A new bathroom can be utterly transforming, especially with modern wetrooms and power showers, while fitted bedrooms can bring luxury to where you need it most. Sometimes a modest space can be transformed to a highly useful home office or a playroom.

The trick to these lifechanging improvements is to find a reliable specialist, first to draw up

designs in line with your personal preferences and budget, then to carry out the fitting. Most sole traders carry out the main carpentry and joinery work themselves, bringing wide experience to the role. Many have trusted trade friends to complete the electrics, plumbing, plastering, tiling or decorating, so they take care of everything and the customer doesn’t have to worry about a thing.

Elegance & beauty at a reasonable cost •

100% solid wood kitchens – no MDF, chipboard or ply

•

Dovetail jointed drawers – mortise and tenon joints for carcasses

•

Free design service, individual hand drawn plans

•

Non-standard sizes, at no extra cost, to suit your kitchen dimensions

•

Fully assembled units; no annoying flat-pack assembly

•

Straightforward, easy to understand costing – prices include VAT & delivery

•

Primed, or primed and painted units can now be provided

www.pineland.co.uk enquiries@pineland.co.uk

Cleobury Mortimer – Shropshire 01299 271143 countylifestyleandleisure.com Northwich – Cheshire 01606 41292

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Strictly Flooring Ltd

Commercial and Domestic flooring

For over 16 years, Strictly Flooring Ltd has been providing top-class flooring services to customers throughout Redditch, Birmingham, Worcester and the Cotswolds.

We are happy to make home visits with samples for a free no obligation quote in the comfort of your home.

If you’re looking for a new floor this year please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and let us help you with your decision.

Carpet fitting

LVT flooring

Laminate

Vinyl flooring

Revamp your home’s interiors with new carpets fitted perfectly by our experts.

Achieve a realistic wooden finish for your floors with luxury vinyl tile flooring solutions.

Choose from our extensive collection of laminate and hardwood flooring.

Get customised vinyl flooring installations for your home and office at affordable prices.

Redecorate your home or office with quality carpeting and flooring solutions

Contact us with your requirements on 07834 288 541

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www.strictlyflooringltd.com

info@strictlyflooringltd.com

Style your home this winter

BESPOKE SHUTTERS EXPERTLY CRAFTED JUST FOR YOU Beautiful shutters to enhance your home From concept through construction, to the finishing touches of each of your projects, you can rely on our team to deliver a personal environment tailored specifically for you.

ۖ Free initial consultation ۖ No national call centres, dedicated personal service ۖ The highest quality, responsibly sourced materials

Call us to find out more 0800 320 2330 | showcaseshutters.co.uk | info@showcaseshutters.co.uk |

Please mention the County Lifestyle and Leisure magazine when responding to adverts

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TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING CONSERVATORY INTO A LIVING SPACE YOU CAN USE ALL YEAR ROUND CONSERVATORY ROOF REPLACEMENT Every Ensign conservatory roof is bespoke. Accurately surveyed and precision built in our own factory.

• Large range of lightweight tile colours • U-value 0.18 is better than current building regulations • Keylite Roof Windows • Electrics & Plaster Finish

BUILD CONSERVATORY & ORANGERY EXTENSIONS • Cost effective extensions • Large range of designs • LABC Approval Undertaken • Average build time 4 weeks

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AND DOORS USING PROFILE 22 SYSTEMS • Aluminium bi-fold doors • Composite Doors • Profile 22 Optima Systems • Planitherm Technology • Sealed Units for maximum efficiency • High security locking systems

CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION SITE SURVEY

01527 69296

www.ensignroof.co.uk 24

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Editor’s Choice for Winter Home & Garden Seasoned Hardwood Logs Robinsons Tree Surgery is able to deliver barn dried, seasoned hardwood in Redditch and to surrounding areas in the West Midlands. Our logs are ideal for log burners, open fires, barbeques, fire pits and chimineas.

Local & Reliable Tree Surgery Est. 2011 As tree surgery experts, we are able to provide a range of tree work to both commercial and domestic clients. Whether you require our expertise to maintain a single tree or an entire orchard, we have the experience and knowledge to complete any project.

Tree Surgery • Stump Grinding • Hedge Maintenance • Logs

24 Hour Emergency Call Out & Enquiries 01527 396 800

Professional

Qualified

Fully Insured

www.robinsontreesurgery.co.uk info@robinsontreesurgery.co.uk info@robinsonhardwoodlogs.co.uk

4-6 Rufford Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 7NE

Manufacturer of High Quality Garden Buildings

All of our buildings are handmade at our Stourbridge premises to the highest standards, using our own profiles of materials that are machined specifically to Garden Pleasure's specificaaon.

QUALITY LONG LASTING DRIVEWAYS Pro Driveways

We specialise in creating great looking and long lasting driveways.

Our reputation is very important to us and we get a lot of our work from recommendations so you can trust us to provide only the best customer service and aftercare. Whether you need your driveway sprucing up, a complete new build, or even other more specific jobs like turfing or fencing and electric fences erection, we service it all at Pro Driveways.

Before

We offer a comprehensive range of quality garden buildings in any size and style.

We are a naaonwide mber buildings supplier to both trade and public.

We supply to local authoriies for schools and recreaaon departments and to other organisaaons such as West Midlands Safari Park etc...

We want all of our customers to enjoy the "experience" so from enquiry, to order, delivery, to future recommendaaon, your dealings with us will be a "PLEASURE"

After

Call for a quote 01905 887 867 or 07903 774 171 driveways.pro@yahoo.com www.prodriveways.uk

2 The Paddocks, Broughton Hackett, Worcester, WR7 4BG

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Take part in the great radiator cover up with GPD Bespoke!

Editor’s Choice Recommendation

When it comes to adding class to a home, GPD Bespoke Radiator Covers is the smart choice. Craftsman-made casings are made to order for each customer’s own radiators, giving a co-ordinated finish in their chosen material, style and colour.

The niche business was founded by experienced builder/woodworker Grant Dixon after he was made redundant last year. He had experience as a general builder in Cyprus, where he grew up, then in the UK shopfitting and making high end furniture for an interior design company before deciding to go it alone.

Now he finds customers are delighted with their individual and carefully designed covers which can match whatever colour scheme is in the particular room being adorned.

Grant says: “Radiator covers are things that people don’t realise they want or need until they see them in situ. Then, they’re blown away by them!

“White is the most popular choice but we’ve done them in pink, black and all sorts. People often send a photo of a piece of furniture and ask: ‘Can you match that?’ We always do our best. Some people have one radiator done – usually in the hall – but then come back each month and have another one.”

Based in the West Midlands, Grant works in oak, pine and other solid woods as well as MDF painted in any colour. Sizes and styles are all individual.

Contact now for a free quotation.

GPD Bespoke Radiator Covers T 07854 550938 E gpdbespoke@gmail.com Facebook @ GPD Bespoke Instagram @ gpdbespoke

FLOORS NEED SANDING? CALL IN THE SPECIALISTS

DUST FREE FLOOR SANDING IN WORCESTERSHIRE OUR SERVICES

• Floor sanding • Staining / choose from a large range of colours • Hardwax oil coloured or clear • Lacquer • 2 toned Scandinavian finishes • Bespoke lacquer colours • Floor repairs • Resin or pine slither filling • Light sand and Re lacquer existing flooring • Solid wood and parquet supply and fitting service

AC CONTRACTORS (STADT) LIMITED 24 Elm Green Close, Worcester WR5 3HD

MOBILE 07971 819101 WWW.DUSTFREE-SANDING.CO.UK

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Editor’s Choice – Craycombe Carpets

Your new carpet.

In the shop today, in your home tomorrow Craycombe Carpets is an independent flooring specialist able to supply everything from Luxury Vinyl Tiles to laminates, but for customers wanting carpets it offers enormous choice and super-quick service.

Because Craycombe holds around 100 rolls of carpet in stock at any time, suitable for both home and commercial premises, and fitting can usually be arranged very rapidly. Business owner Ali says: “Often, you pick today and we’ll fit tomorrow.

You don’t have to trawl through sample books and wait weeks for it to arrive. You can have your carpet straight away.

“We are the only independent stockist in the area who can do that, as opposed to a franchise store. All our customers get personal service and, of course, our customers can see, feel and

compare carpets when they are in our store.”

The carpets in question come with free grippers and door bars suit and include brands such as Penthouse, Associated Weavers, Abingdon, Mastercraft Rugs, Cormar and Brockway.

There are also budget buy offcuts and remnants available.

If customers are unable or prefer to shop from home, staff can take samples along to their homes at a convenient time.

Ali and his team are also able to supply and fit all kinds of flooring, including vinyls, rubber matting, engineered wood and laminates, along with the preparations needed to ensure a faultless finish, such as screeding, latex and damp-proof courses. All these are favoured for their easy cleaning properties – especially by people with children and pets – and the

laminates are a cost-effective alternative to solid wood.

All the fitters are fully qualified and self-employed, but they only work for Craycombe Carpets and are fully insured in case of any mishaps.

Craycombe Carpets is based in Evesham and covers all of Worcestershire and surrounding areas. Finance is available to help people spread the cost of their purchases.

Craycombe Carpets, 54 Cheltenham Road, Evesham WR11 2LQ T 01386 861 444 or 07512 786 110 E sales@craycombecarpets.co.uk www.craycombecarpets.co.uk

Malvern’s Premier Building Plastics Centre.

Open to Trade and Public. We are suppliers of: • UPVC and Aluminium Windows • Bi-Fold Doors and Sky Lanterns • Composite and UPVC Doors • Textured cladding systems • Guttering and Fascias • We provide Free Local Delivery Contact Beaver HQ for a quote today

Tel 01684 49 12 12 Email: sales@beaverplasticsolutions.co.uk www.beaverplasticsolutions.co.uk Beaver Plastic Solutions Ltd Unit 16 Link Business Centre, Link Way, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1UQ

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• Block Paving • Patios • Driveways • Tarmacadam • Brickwork • Turfing • Gravelling • Resin Bond • Paths • Forecourts • Slabbing • Fencing 10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT

All work guaranteed for 5 years • No reposit requested

Tel: 01905 886 549 / Tel: 0121 3921 660

www.landmarklandscapinganddriveways.co.uk 28 Honey Orchard, Doverdale, Droitwich WR9 0QB countylifestyleandleisure.com

RESERVE IN SEPTEMBER AND RECEIVE EITHER A FREE UPGRADE TO GRANITE WORKTOPS OR FLOOR THROUGHOUT

IS RURAL WORCESTERSHIRE YOUR NEXT MOVE? The Orchards is a charming, contemporary collection of nine family homes.

3 and 4 bedroom homes Prices range from £370,000 - £650,000.

Nestled in the heart of rural Worcestershire,

Call 07970 301616

yet just seven miles from Worcester city centre, you’ll nd life in Upton Snodsbury offers the best of town and country.

Worcester Road, Upton Snodsbury, Worcestershire, WR7 4NW Sales office open Thursday - Monday 10am - 5pm

owlhomes.co.uk countylifestyleandleisure.com

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Countdown to

Christmas Who says Christmas is just for kids? Our advertisers show there’s a plethora of pleasures for adults to enjoy right through the run-up to the big day and beyond. So, let the season begin! Read the adverts, check out the websites and start planning your spectacular events, experiences and moreishly memorable meals right here on these pages.

Whether you wish for a romantic tryst, afternoon tea with friends or colleagues, the coming together of a spread-out family, a full-on party or an away-stay with

the people you love, you’ll find ideas to galore to make you merry in the nicest possible ways. And if you have children to please, there’s lots of scope here for them to have a fantabulous time as well!

Worcestershire is blessed with an abundance of quality food and drink, amazing countryside such as the Malvern Hills, Cotswolds and Severn Valley and a long history of creativity, craft and entrepreneurial spirit. Bring all that together with the great venues featured here and teamed with impeccable

customer service and you have a failsafe recipe for success.

Why not try something new this Christmas? You could learn something new in a fun atmosphere, sing along with traditional Christmassy songs, stay somewhere welcoming – even if you live locally –or join in with a big crowd pleaser for spectacular entertainment and celebration.

Book now and get your Christmas started!

BICKNELL’S JEWELLERS

C HRISTMAS IS HERE .

12-13 Vyse Street Jewellery Quarter Birmingham B18 6LE

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Editor’s Choice for gifts

Hummingbird Gift Boxes, delivering eco-gift boxes for all occasions

Christmas Gift Guide With so many choices available in store and online, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to know what to buy for the people you love, Christmas after Christmas. Our advertisers take the strain out of the seasonal spending spree by providing tasteful, thoughtful gifts for all – including the family pets - with many embracing the green and ethical standards we’d all like to see become the norm. Some even pack and present them as if for their own favourite friends and relatives.

An independant knitting shop just a few steps from the Ledbury train station...

We sell a wide range of wool from the UK and abroad, as well as knitting and crocheting equipment and accessories.

We also have a large hireable crafting room.

We host a range of classes in our crafting room. To find out more about these classes or arrange a class yourself please get in touch.

Hummingbird Gift Boxes are the smart way to give beautifully packaged presents that look personal, thoughtful, sophisticated and charming. They’re diverse, ecologically friendly and suitable for all your yearround gift needs, including Christmas, birthdays, baby showers, new homes, Valentines significant anniversaries and special ways to say ‘thank you.’ On top of all that, they’re also time-saving, as they can be selected online with just a few clicks.

Catherine says: “I bought the company from a friend because I used the products myself and loved them.”

See the range at www.hummingbirdgiftboxes.co.uk

The company was created to provide great looking gifts that would be a pleasure to give and a joy to receive.

Now owned by enthusiast Catherine Palmer, it brings together quality products from luxurious toiletries to indulgent chocs, liqueurs and cocktails and teams them with complementary products and charming accessories.

Hummingbird Gift Boxes is also a company with a conscience! Catherine seeks out products which are not only appealing on the eye but which are also sourced from people who are ecologically responsible, who use sustainable methods and are animal and planet friendly. Most come from small-scale businesses, either here or abroad.

As well as making beautiful collections for both men and women – and next year a delightful doggie range, too – Hummingbird takes pride in giving fast and reliable delivery.

www.railwayyarns.co.uk

07854 863312  railwayyarns@hotmail.com Unit 6, Station Industrial Estate, The Homend, Ledbury HR8 1AR

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Hummingbird Gift Boxes T 07454 815371, E info@hummingbirdgiftboxes.co.uk www.hummingbirdgiftboxes.co.uk Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest @ hummingbirdgiftboxes

Your eco-choices just expanded at Winnie & Olive’s When you’re eco-conscious and out to enhance your home, pamper yourself or find the perfect gift for a great friend, you need to call on Winnie & Olive! This is your one stop shop in Holt House, Bromsgrove, for great presents, ideas and inspiration. It’s a beautiful place to be. And, it just got bigger!

Aimed at shoppers with a conscience – about the planet, the ethical practice and the local community – Winnie & Olive recently moved from the rear of the premises to the front, massively expanding its space at the same time.

Now shoppers can enjoy even more choice as they browse and relax in the sweet-smelling atmosphere

of this niche business.

They can also call next door and enjoy a tasty beverage in the Holt House Tearooms.

The business stocks a charming range of goods from ethical producers, including candles, home fragrancing products, exquisite soaps and toiletries, textiles such as cushions and throws, ceramics, clocks, mirrors, dried flower decorations and much else. It is also an official stockist of Frenchic furniture paint, ideal for those satisfying upcycling projects and artisan projects. And, naturally, it will be a magical place to find Christmas gifts.

The shop was opened

by Heather Tombs, spurred on by happy memories of her Nan. She named her business after her two great grandmothers.

As Heather’s mum explains: “Winnie was very creative, a great seamstress who also knitted, played piano and was an artist.

Olive was a feisty businesswoman with a great head on her shoulders.

“Heather is an amalgamation of the two!

She’s an incredible young woman who’s constantly growing her business.

She’s created a business with brand values around sustainability, being eco-friendly and finding

Winnie & Olive, Holt House Bromsgrove, B61 0DR. Tel 07821 578613 Email winnieandolive@gmail.com Facebook @ Winnie & Olive www.winnieandolive.co.uk

beautiful products that use natural materials that are not going to harm the planet. Most of the brands she uses are based here in the UK, although some come from likeminded people elsewhere, such as Solmate Socks from America.”

Christmas Gift Guide 100%

GREETING CARDS, STATIONERY, AND DOG ACCESSORIES

AESTHETICS & BEAUTY TRAINING | BEAUTY | HAIR | NAILS

Austin & Co of Malvern was borne out of love for all things card and stationery in 2011.

Now in its 3rd location in what was the town’s iconic Brays department store, this award winning and incredibly dog friendly shop continues to bring the latest designs in greeting cards, stationery, and dog accessories to the town.

Brands stocked include Chilly’s water bottles, Roka Bags, Doodlebone dog accessories, Castelli planners, and Caroline Gardner greetings cards. Many refer to the collection as quirky; we just like to say it’s current.

Superb town centre salon offering cutting edge CPD accredited aesthetic training and treatments. ABT Beauty training and treatments also available.

Parking available. Finance available, subject to status.

AESTHETICS Facial Aesthetics/Botox PDO Facelifts Micro-pigmentation Hyperboost/Meso Therapy Fat Dissolving Skin Tightening Vitamin/B12 Injections

Thai Massage & Reflexology ACCREDITED CPD & ABT TRAINING PROVIDERS FOR AESTHETICS & BEAUTY

37 Worcester Road, Malvern WR14 4RB Tel: 07956 080473 Email: hello@austinandco.shop

Luxury Hand Crafted Flaked Hot Chocolate With the cold weather drawing in, what better way to spend an evening than cosying up with a delicious cup of our luxury hand crafted drinking chocolate?

We here at The Cosy Chocolate Company craft real chocolate right here in Worcestershire only from responsibly sourced cocoa, which we then grate into delicate flakes, ready for our customers to swirl into hot milk. We tailor our recipes to guarantee our chocolate will melt and blend perfectly, creating a smooth, rich, velvety hot chocolate.

We offer a variety of flavours, such as warming salted caramel with locally sourced Droitwich Salt, a rich 70% cocoa dark chocolate or spiced gingerbread, all of which are vegan friendly. We also offer a range of gift sets perfect for the upcoming festive season.

Visit our website at

www.cosychocolate.co.uk

and use the discount code ‘county21’ to receive 10% off all orders

Wishing you a very Cosy Christmas!

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TREATMENTS Beauty Nail Extensions Henna Brows Waxing Makeup Lash Extensions Facials

Bark Avenue, delighting human & pooch with gifts for all Dogs already delight in Bark Avenue Ltd for all their oneon-one professional grooming requirements. Now it’s time for humans to discover the Bewdley business’s boutique gift shop, offering all natural gifts, accessories and homewares for both people and pets.

This double-fronted town centre salon/shop has an upmarket selection of products very different from the mainstream pet shops, supermarkets and garden centres.

They include its own brand range of dog friendly soy wax therapy candles and diffusers designed to create a calming atmosphere around the home, with aromas

such as patchouli and orange, lavender and peppermint, rose and geranium, lemon and thyme.

They were chosen and created to be milder and safe for your pooch.

Nataszia Thorn, who runs the business with her partner, Simon Pearson, is a City & Guilds qualified dog groomer of more than 16 years’ experience and also a qualified canine psychologist.

“I am used to dealing with nervous dogs,” she says. “I do a one-onone grooming service only, so I am the only person in the room and there is only the one dog, unless the owners choose to bring a second with them. It’s a very relaxed, quiet environment and the aromas from these candles and diffusers really help.”

Other appealing products on sale come from independent suppliers, including chemical-free and refillable dog shampoos, healing balms which soothe dry paws and noses and hebe oil, great for

human hands, faces and hair.

There are also handmade tweed collars and leads, mugs, cards, woolly socks for winter walkies and eco-friendly pet toys.

Bark Avenue’s popular range of gift boxes for pets contain a selection of 100% natural, hypoallergenic, grain and gluten-free treats such as chicken feet, rabbit ears, lamb, fish and more. There is even a small selection for cats.

Please note there are no more grooming appointments available until 2022, although pets can be added to a list in case of cancellations.

Bark Avenue Ltd, Load Street, Bewdley DY12 2AF T 01299 403319 E info@barkavenueltd.co.uk

www.barkavenueltd.co.uk

Facebook @ Bark Avenue Ltd

We first opened Dilly Dally in Broad Street, Pershore nearly 9 years ago, after our family business, we had taken over, had been in Pershore Market for decades.

Our business morphed into a collection of beautiful and interesting giftware, artwork, clothes, crystals, floristry, incense and clothes.

We sell many fair trade and locally sourced items and supply caricatures from photos and other art services, plus floral bouquets, sprays and more recently; seasonal wreaths.

Helping you find the perfect customised gifts so you can get on with the rest of your day. for every order placed

We also have a large selection of second hand books, greeting cards and metalware for the garden.

Our opening hours are Tuesday- Saturday; 10am - 4.30pm.

Contact number is 07732 187153, Email meanocks@gmail.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/dillydallyshop Please mention the County Lifestyle and Leisure magazine when responding to adverts

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Christmas Food & Drink Christmas is without doubt the best excuse in the world to indulge our love of food and here in Worcestershire we’re well placed to enjoy some of the very best!

Often we really don’t know what we’re missing, so why not take your culinary education to the next level and sample something you haven’t yet tried? Some of the county’s choicest eateries are ready to help you get your sense of adventure on via a knife, fork and spoon!

EAT, DRINK AND STAY AT THE BOOT Customers enjoy gold standard food, drink and service when they call at The Boot Inn, a traditional family-run country pub and restaurant with bed & breakfast accommodation.

Holding 4 AA Gold Stars puts the venue in the country’s top 10% and it is cherished by locals and visitors alike.

Situated in Flyford Flavell. between Worcester and Alcester, The Boot is a family friendly place to enjoy quality pub food any day of the week, but also for treats and celebrations. If you have guests staying, The Boot’s five en-suite twin and double rooms offer great comfort and value, alongside a hearty full English or lighter breakfast.

All ingredients are locally sourced and delivered daily, with menus adapted for seasonal specials. Steaks are a speciality, not only chargrilled by chefs but also those which customers cook themselves using a hot lava stone at the table to instantly seal in moisture and flavour and prepare as rare or well done as they wish.

Landlord Lee Keirman says: “Steak on the Stone cooking means our customers have their steak, their way.”

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Meals are taken in the restaurant, conservatory or, in summer, on the patio. The new ‘Boot Room’ has been designed for diners with dogs.

Real ales, fine wines and numerous gins, whiskeys and rums are available and log fires keep the atmosphere cosy through winter.

The Boot Inn, Radford Road, Flyford Flavell, Worcestershire WR7 4BS T 01386 462658 E enquiries@thebootinn.com www.thebootinn.com

countylifestyleandleisure.com

Christmas Food & Drink

Our Taste of Portugal bringing the best of Portugal to England TA K E AWAY AFTERNOON TEA Celebrating a special occasion? Order our delightful afternoon tea, available for collection.

Available Monday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 4:00pm. £19.50pp

Fresh Coffee, Pastries & Traditional Portugese food

Booking required 24 hours in advance, please mention any dietary requirements.

01684 878 019 www.aldwynsrestaurant.co.uk

07774 695133

Aldwyn’s at Ellerslie Abbey Road, Malvern, WR14 3HL

21 The Hopmarket, Worcestershire, WR1 1DL Find us on Facebook

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Tea Room A Family friendly service and environment with a home from home feel and a children’s play area.

Afternoon tea and cream tea available!

In-between Waterstones & Clark’s in the Worcester city Arcade.

6b City Arcade, Worcester, WR1 2QT 01905 330267 find us facebook

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Let the festivities begin at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern Fabulous food, drink and surroundings are about to erupt in a festive drama of deliciousness at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern, which is actually a hotel set high in the Malvern Hills. With panoramic views, 32 unique bedrooms, an outstanding restaurant and a new head chef, the hotel offers delectable culinary experiences for the Christmas season.

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The chef setting the menus at genius level in the 2 AA Rosette 1919 Restaurant, Lounge & Bar is Rob Mason, who brings wide experience, passion and innovation to the role, having worked in some groundbreaking kitchens.

Rob’s style includes pickling and fermenting, enhancing classic dishes, adding modern twists and

using the abundance of exceptional Worcestershire produce.

Aged 30, he now leads a young team creating knock-out dishes that look as spectacular as they taste. He says: “I want to bring 1919 Restaurant to the next level, a place guests want to return to again and again because the menu inspires them.”

The Cottage in the Wood Malvern exudes relaxed elegance ideal for celebrating, catching up and making new memories. The hotel’s festive programme runs from November 22 to January 4, catering for everyone from starcrossed lovers to business colleagues. It includes: •

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Indulgent afternoon teas infused with Christmas spice, from clementine mince pies to cinnamon frosted carrot cake muffins. What a gift!

Christmas set lunches crammed with moreish goodies. Think confit duck leg, heritage beetroot risotto and pan roasted cod with

smoked caviar, all with multiple refinements – and no turkey!

•

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Two and three day Christmas breaks with magical escapism, feasting, cocktails takeaway hampers and luxurious accommodation.

Christmas and Boxing Day getaway packages with

breakfast, traditional but embellished Christmas dinner, carol singing and much, much more.

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And finally – the showstopper: a New Year’s Eve Cabaret featuring a seven course tasting menu, showcasing incredible local food and entertainment.

For more information or to book, please call the hotel on 01684 588 860 or email reception@cottageinthewood.co.uk.

Find out more on www.cottageinthewood.co.uk

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CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US HERE AT CENTENARY LOUNGE From festive afternoon teas to festive light bites, mulled wine and hot toddies to special three course meals and cocktails and canapes, there’s something here to tickle your taste-buds. Centenary Lounge offers elegantly crafted culinary moments for you to enjoy at any time of the year.

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS The Cross, Worcester 31 The Cross, Worcester, WR1 3PZ 01905 724 242

Bel Events is known for its spectacular Proms events which take place every year around the UK. On Saturday 27th August the Proms returns for its third year at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire.

The venue offers the perfect setting in which to enjoy a picnic concert while appreciating a wonderful evening of entertainment. The event will commence with a breath-taking 8000ft freefall parachute display by the Kent

Tigers followed by a majestic spitfire display accompanied by wellknown British war themes.

This will be followed by a Proms concert with London’s Orion Orchestra, which has some of the finest young musicians in the country. The orchestra will play everyone’s Proms’ favourites including the 1812 Overture, the Sailor’s Hornpipe, Land of Hope & Glory, Rule Britannia and Jerusalem along with a whole host of other fantastic classical pieces.

Two internationally famous opera singers will also be performing some wellknown operatic classics.

The evening will end with a spectacular firework display by Meteor Fireworks which will be

fully synchronised to the orchestral score.

Gates open at 3:30pm and the evening will commence at 5.30pm and food and drink is available to buy on site. Picnics are also allowed. Parking is free. Disabled parking is available and dogs are not allowed at the performance except for assistance dogs.

Tickets are on sale with a special early bird ticket price of £37.50 for adults and £19.50 for children.

Children under 5 go free with a paying adult.

Priority viewing tickets will again be available adults (age 14+) at £47.50 and children (5-13) £24.50.

Tickets are available to purchase from www.belevents.co.uk

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staycations for all seasons More and more people are discovering the merits of holidays and short breaks in the UK since COVID put the brakes on foreign travel.

Each part of the country has many and very varied assets to be enjoyed, from magnificent scenery to top notch entertainment and thrilling activities.

Our accommodation providers and travel facilitators are people with real heart and soul who really care about their customers and have an enormous wealth of local knowledge and experience to share. Whichever you choose, count on having a great time!

Editor’s Choice for travel

Order your travel inspirations now from Johnsons Coaches Travel experts at Johnsons Coaches have been helping people live their travel dreams for 112 years.

Now they’re ready to tempt you in – or back – with a spectacular new holiday brochure for 2022.

Belfast’s Titanic Experience and Caernarfon Castle.

Johnsons Coaches holidays are always fully inclusive, with a ‘no surcharge’ guarantee.

They include door to door transport in modern, comfy coaches with home pick up and return service to your The brochure is packed door, carefully chosen quality with ideas to inspire and enthral through all seasons. hotels, admission prices Destinations include all parts to the featured attractions, knowledgeable drivers of the UK and Ireland, the and friendly, impeccable Channel Islands and even customer service. Bookings choices abroad, such as a are protected by the Bonded four-night extravaganza to Coach Holidays scheme the Chateaux of Versailles so customers’ money is and Monet’s Garden. completely safe.

There’s a hugely diverse For 2022 a third ‘Luxury range of themed trips Traveller’ coach has been designed to delight people introduced to their already of very different tastes and popular programme, perfect temperaments. Greenfor those who enjoy the finer fingered passengers may be things in life! Meanwhile, there drawn to five days exploring are some amazing excursions Great Gardens of Cornwall, to grab between now and New escorted by garden designer Year, from popular Christmas Kitty Bellingham. Culture Markets at Worcester and lovers would relish Celtic Winchester to beautiful historic Connections, an eight-day houses dressed for Christmas. extravaganza with visits to Robert Burns’ Birthplace To request your FREE brochure Museum, Giant’s Causeway, contact Johnsons today!

Johnsons Coach Travel, Liveridge House Liveridge Hill, Henley-in-Arden B95 5QS Tel 01564 797000. E reservations@johnsonscoaches.co.uk www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Travel with Johnsons, travel with friends

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Recharge all your batteries in the heart of the West Country at The Bickford Arms Eco-friendly holidaymakers will be able to charge their electric car batteries while they sleep at the Bickford Arms, a welcoming country inn with 11 comfortable en-suite guest bedrooms near the cusp of Devon and Cornwall.

The green-minded owners have invested in six onsite charging points so their guests can make the most of their time in touring ‘Ruby Country,’ the unspoiled countryside between Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor.

The Bickford Arms is modern and inviting for everyone and their wellbehaved dogs, with the bonus of an acre of forest on the side for those early morning and late evening walks.

The spot is within convenient travelling distance for beautiful beaches, wild moorland and any number of visitor attractions, from the famous fishing village of Clovelly – erstwhile home of ‘The Water Babies’ author Charles Kingsley – to the pirate lair of Jamaica Inn. Guests in all bedrooms enjoy quality beds and

bedding, smart TV, superfast Wi-Fi and beverage making facilities.

They also have use of a function room, popular as a meeting point for group holidays.

Hearty breakfasts, lunches, evening meals and Sunday carveries are all cooked with enthusiasm by the Bickford chef team and regularly attract compliments. Guests also enjoy a built-in social life alongside the locals at this friendly freehouse.

Real ales, craft ciders, jaunty gins and many other choice tipples are available at the bar and the atmosphere is always convivial.

The beer garden is another popular facility when the weather is mellow and is especially lush this autumn.

Owner Keith Reynolds, who runs the premises with his partner, John, says: “We have a big car-park that can accommodate not only cars but also motorhomes.

People travelling around in those are often glad to stop over for one night and enjoy the amenities, including proper showers, space and well-cooked food.”

The Bickford Arms, Brandis Corner, Holsworthy, Devon T 01409 221318 E info@thebickfordarms.co.uk www.thebickfordarms.co.uk

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COTSWOLD HOUSE Hotel and Spa Tried & Tested Review Cotswold House Hotel & Spa is an award-winning venue in the heart of charming Chipping Campden and my partner and I were thrilled to be treating ourselves to a day of complete indulgence there, along with an overnight stay. We knew it would be good, but wow!

Did it ever exceed our expectations! Honestly, it was amazing.

Spa users enjoy bespoke treatments in private therapy rooms, anything from facials to full body massages using wonderful-smelling essential oils. My friendly therapist, Suzanne, gave me the most amazing back massage, along with lots of tips for reducing stress and a local’s guide to the beautiful market town outside.

Set in a Grade 2 listed Regency town house, the hotel has its own tranquil spa, a relaxed bistro and a beautiful lounge, The Fig, which is highly versatile and used for morning coffee, afternoon tea, evening cocktails or an alternative place to savour meals from the bistro menu.

The hotel is in the heart of Chipping Campden and there are views of picturesque Cotswold scenery from every window, whether rolling hills, verdant fields or the honey-coloured architecture. After our treatments, we went for a walk to explore the independent shops, quirky coffee houses and other delights of Chipping Campden, which had a warm community feel to it.

We booked a two hour spa slot and a 60 minute massage for the morning and greatly looked forward to being pampered in style. We received a lovely greeting and were shown to luxurious changing rooms where we were given gowns, slippers and locker keys. As soon as we sat down in the spa, with its pool, steam room and relaxation area, all our stresses seemed to simply melt away into the serene atmosphere.

Later, we were led through the hotel’s gorgeous gardens and up a gated path to the delightful apartment where we would spend the night. This was really comfy, modern and spacious, with different light settings to create a soothing ambience. The bathroom was spectacular, absolutely huge and with the biggest, most beautiful

bath we had ever seen.

Extra touches included complementary fresh coffee, tea and Borders biscuits. Outside was a private patio, perfect for enjoying the sunshine.

At night, we enjoyed a three course meal in the bistro, ‘The Bistro on the Square,’ selecting a starter of pan fried scallops followed by rosemaryglazed duck breast and pan roasted lamb rump, all exquisite and served with superb vegetables. It was difficult to choose as the whole menu sounded stunning. Everything was perfect, from the staff to the presentation, and I hope to return very soon.

Cotswold House Hotel & Spa is an absolutely ideal retreat for people looking to get away and truly relax.

Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, Upper High Street, The Square, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6AN E reservations@cotswoldhouse.com T 01386 840330 www.cotswoldhouse.com/

Hidden Gem

Book Bellevue for a brilliant Borders away-stay People who like plenty to see and do on their holidays will find the Scottish Borders town of Kelso greatly to their liking and Bellevue Guest House the ideal venue from which to enjoy it. The venue was recently named Best Bed & Breakfast in the Scottish Borders in the 2021 Scottish Enterprise Award. It is only five minutes’ walk from the welcoming town centre with its unique shops, bars and eateries centred on one of Europe’s largest cobbled squares, yet is in a peaceful location great for getting good night’s sleep after a busy day.

Owners Graham and Hilary run their friendly Visit Scotland 3 Star-rated establishment with the aim of having guests return, and so they do, keen to experience more. Graham says: “Edinburgh is just over an hour away and there are many different walks and

cycleways in the area, like Coast and Castles and St Cuthbert’s Way. The Border Union Showground on our doorstep holds big events all the time, from antique fairs to agricultural shows.”

Bellevue is an award-winning Victorian villa which has been upgraded to modern standards of comfort while retaining period features. It provides six en-suite guest bedrooms with twin, double or king-sized beds. TV, DVD, Wi-Fi, complimentary toiletries and hospitality trays are provided in all rooms.

Breakfast is always a feast, showcasing premium local produce, including much acclaimed Stornaway black pudding, Borders smoked salmon and Eyemouth kippers. Guests can expect a great spread including Continental and vegetarian choices.

Bellevue Guest House Bed and Breakfast, Bellevue House, Bowmont Street, Kelso TD5 7DZ T 01573 224 588 or 0750 1924 655 E Enquiries@bellevuehouse.co.uk www.bellevuehouse.co.uk countylifestyleandleisure.com

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Discover Wales Wales really punches above its weight when it comes to providing great holidays. Just 8,015 square miles in area, it nevertheless has outstanding attractions. The big four castles of Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carrying the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee and the industrial landscape of Blaenavon with its mines, ironworks and railway are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Prepare for a truly unique and exhilarating experience: the fastest zip line in the world since 2013! Zip World, Snowdonia, has the fastest zipline in the world, with thrill seekers soaring over Penrhyn Quarry at over 100mph.

Tall Trees B & B is located in an idyllic country setting and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

No matter what room you choose, be assured of breath taking views. To make your stay luxurious, the interiors of the rooms are fully and stylishly furnished. In addition, we also have a wide range of amenities to ensure a relaxing weekend.

www.chimneycornerwales.co.uk 07789 206611 chimneycornerwales@gmail.com Chimney Corner, Castle Street, Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, LL58 8BB

Snowdonia Retreat Retreat to the beautiful hills of Snowdonia

Good for the soul, this place has a spirit of its own that will intoxicate you whether you come for a personal retreat or holiday.

If you’re planning to take a short break from your stressful life then, Tall Trees B & B’s 3-day package is the ideal option. From organic meals and juices throughout the day to massage sessions, the package includes everything you need to revitalise your body and mind.

Get in touch with us and enjoy the beautiful countryside and have a peaceful stay. For more information about our services, contact us today.

Located in the Lledr valley, a quiet beautiful part of Snowdonia National Park, the property is remote, yet only half a mile from the A470 that takes you to Betws y Coed in just 10 minutes and 5 minutes from the small village centre of Dolwyddelan and Dolwyddelan Castle. Set in 44 acres of welsh sheep country with mature oak woodland and views to mountains and the valley, there are plenty of opportunities for walking or simply sitting and contemplating or take time to meet our small herd of Alpacas, who for a carrot or two will be your new friends.

Tel:01824790529 or 07793970074

www.talltreesbedandbreakfast.co.uk Email: suemckay@aol.com

Tall Trees, Llandyrnog, Clwyd, Denbigh, LL16 4LT

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Chimney Corner is superb for large gatherings of family or friends. We comfortably accommodate 16 people in 8 bedrooms, with off street parking for 5 cars, a well-appointed kitchen, a cosy lounge with a log fire on winter evenings with spectacular views of the Menai Straits and Snowdon mountain range, a pool table, games /TV break out room, sauna and the delights of being right on the waters edge in summer, having a BBQ and a dip in the hot tub at the end of the day.

Chimney Corner is a perfect base for the attractions, walking and beaches of Snowdonia as well as having the delights and restaurants of Beaumaris right on your doorstep. A snippet of what our guests have said this year - “an absolute joy…. a truly beautiful house, just absolutely fantastic in every way, the location, wow!”; “ None of us wanted to leave” “Completely magical”

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Should you enjoy outdoor pursuits Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales offers walks for all abilities, from hard mountain treks to leisurely strolls, taking in some of the most breath taking views, with Plas Y Brenin The National Mountain Centre in Capel Curig only round the corner.

www.snowdonia-retreat.co.uk +44(0)1690 750 430 or +44(0)7528 970 753

Snowdonia Retreat, Fron Goch, Dolwyddelan, Conwy, LL25 OPQ

Decoy Farm Holiday Cottages Call: 07946 088646

Our working fruit farm is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With views across the Northward Hill RSPB nature reserve, our cottages offer you the perfect base from which to explore the natural beauty of this area.

Discover Kent Too many people travel to Kent only to go somewhere else, via the Chunnel or multiple ferry crossings. They really are missing out! Kent, the ‘Garden of England,’ is an amazing county of diverse attractions, from its Blue Flag beaches, historic ports and Chatham Dockyards to fantastic castles and gardens like Dover and Hever.

The handsome town of Rochester is famous as the home of Charles Dickens, while Chartwell was the much-loved family home of Winston Churchill. Canterbury Cathedral remains the most visited attraction, with the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket, sainted after his murder in 1170.

The Fleur De Lis is a beautiful Hotel, Bar & Restaurant with excellent Live Music, located in Sandwich, Kent.

The Fleur De Lis is set in Sandwich, Kent. A beautiful and idyllic medieval English town with close links to London, and, home to Royal St George’s Golf Course. As of March 2018, The Fleur De Lis has received a new owner, Richard Harris, who has refurbished the hotel and bar, bringing fantastic live music, home cooked food and the largest gin selection in the local area.

The Fleur De Lis itself was first recorded as a public house in 1642 and has since expanded to the building it is today. The Fleur De Lis offers a welcoming atmosphere for it’s guests and customers with a focus on providing great entertainment as well as a comfortable and relaxing stay for hotel visitors.

01304 611131 www.fleurdelishotel.co.uk 6-8 Delf Street, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9BZ

Please mention the County Lifestyle and Leisure magazine when responding to adverts

The converted barn has been reborn as charming cottages with all the mod cons you could need.

The cottages come with 120 acres of farmland adjacent to the Heronry, the largest in the UK. You may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the local barn owls, buzzards, egrets and the other abundant wildlife.

In a quiet rural location yet only 8 miles from Rochester you can use the cottages as a base to explore the historic Medway towns or jump on a train into London.

We offer services for any traveller, whether you’re on business or your journey is for pleasure. When you plan your visit, consider us for your stay.

www.decoy-farm-holiday-cottages.co.uk email: decoyfarmcottages@jkm-international.co.uk

Decoy Farm, Decoy Hill Rd, High Halstow, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8SR

Spencer Court Hotel Situated In A Quiet Square

Spencer Court Hotel is a licensed family run hotel comprising of a Regency period building situated in a magnificent quiet square where the famous Dutch Painter Van Gogh once lived and painted some of his masterpieces.

This grade II listed building overlooks gardens, tennis courts and sea and is directly above the Ramsgate ferry terminal. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness possible. For well over a quarter of a century the hotel has provided warm welcome, together with a friendly and efficient service.

www.spencercourthotel.co.uk 01843 594582 info@spencercourthotel.co.uk 37 Spencer Square, Ramsgate, CT11 9LD

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Editor’s Choice

Staycations Explore County Durham from a country home from home Guests enjoy luxurious accommodation, fabulous food and the welcoming vibes of a popular country pub when they stay at The County Restaurant with Rooms in Aycliffe Village, County Durham. It’s a food and drink destination which has been discovered by presidents. It’s also a superb base for exploring amazing places such as the city of Durham and the world famous Beamish Living Museum of the North.

Finding the perfect holiday or short stay accommodation for your stay in Durham and the wider region of North East England is as easy as contacting Toast Lettings. This highly professional agency hires out around 70 quality properties for every need from a couple’s weekend break to an extended family celebration.

The properties themselves range from idyllic country cottages to smart contemporary apartments, some of them pet friendly. All are furnished and equipped to high standards to ensure the comfort of their guests, whether wanted for a short city break, a longer holiday or perhaps corporate purposes, educational trips or temporary working assignments in the vicinity.

Set in a tranquil location facing Aycliffe Village Green and near the River Skerne, The County has built its hospitable reputation over more than 200 years.

Owner Michael Parkin and his team serve top quality local fare, including real ales and herbal gins produced nearby. The restaurant uses carefully chosen wines to complement the menu of tasty, fresh breakfasts, lunches and evening meals, all cooked to order and making the most of seasonal choices.

The seven guest bedrooms are all en-suite and individually designed.

They come with home comforts including cosy duvets, fluffy towels, complimentary toiletries, drink making facilities, fast Wi-Fi and flat screen smart TV’s.

Being just off the A1, holidaymakers find it easy to make their way to the popular destinations such as the Pennines, Durham Dales and seaside

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Find the perfect holiday accommodation with Toast Lettings

towns of Saltburn by the Sea and Redcar. Locally, the Aviator Gin Bar has taken off. Customers sit on vintage aircraft seats to enjoy their nightlife.

The County Restaurant with Rooms, The Green, Aycliffe Village, County Durham, DL5 6LX T 01325 312273 E info@thecountyaycliffevillage.com www.thecountyaycliffevillage.com

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The range is very extensive, with featured properties currently including Fairleas Farm, a four bedroomed country cottage in the heart of the Durham Dales, through to 1 The Grove, a fashionable two bedroomed apartment down a leafy lane close to the city centre.

Toast Lettings ensures that everything runs smoothly from check-in to the end of the stay and provides a 24 hour phone service to give support in case of emergencies.

All year round, there’s so much to enjoy in this part of the UK,

not only the vibrant university city of Durham itself – where Toast Lettings is based – and other cities within driving distance, such as Newcastle and Gateshead - but also the rural Durham Dales and Heritage coast.

Toast Lettings, ST 8 Dragonville Industrial Park, Durham DH1 2XJ; T 0191 384 0596 E enquiries@toastlettings.com www.toastlettings.com

Editor’s Choice – Staycations for all seasons

The gateway to Duddon Valley This award winning, family run 17th century Free House, The Manor Arms is open daily from 12 noon, closing at 11.30pm (12 midnight on Friday and Saturday). Furness CAMRA’s pub of the year 2019. In the bar we have a pool table and a pool team in addition to a selection of other activities including dominoes, cards, chess and books to keep the children happy.

We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy The Manor Arms and this uniquely attractive area and remind you that, for the weary tourist not wanting to return home just yet, there are comfortable en-suite rooms accompanied the following morning by another splendid experience in the form of a Manor Arms breakfast served in the comfort of your room.

• • • • • • • •

A mini beer festival, daily!

Up to 8 real ales available 150 guest ales annually En-suite rooms available CAMRA B&B start rating Pool table and games Car parking nearby A long established, family owned free house

The Square Broughton-in-Furness Cumbria LA20 6HY

www.manorarmsthesquare.co.uk

Editor’s Choice – Staycations for all seasons

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Editor’s Choice for travel

Travelling?

Let Destina be your guide Travelling abroad has probably never been so tricky in the wake of the COVID pandemic, but the highly experienced team at Destina Travel takes care of everything so customers can relax, enjoy the ride and get on with taking their dream holidays and making fantastic memories.

With more than 50 years’ personal travel experience to their name, covering destinations from the tropics to the ski slopes, the Destina team can bring hands-on expertise to the task of helping people choose, book and actually make their journeys anywhere in the world.

Regular blogs, newsletters and social media posts inspire people on to their next great adventures.

They also have a strong customer service ethos which smooths the way, gives reassurance and ensures a good trip, every trip. Customer reviews rate them 5 out of 5.

For many travellers, the COVID testing protocols, quarantine requirements and ever-changing risk status of different countries has proved a nightmare of costs and cancellations, not to mention delays and bureaucracy, but independently owned Destina has taken steps to ensure

customers get the best deals and happy outcomes.

• They have arranged discounted prices for lateral flow COVID tests.

• While they can deal with any and all travel companies, they only recommend trusted partners which offer equitable refund policies in case of cancellation.

• They spend time, without charge, ensuring customers have the correct documentation to travel unhindered.

This includes filling in paperwork and checking validity of passports and driving licences following rule changes since Brexit.

• They always have great special offers and lots of choice, from package holidays to cruises, self-drive and multi-centred, last minute or planned well in advance, restful and adventurous.

Manager Sam Tyers says: “We want our customers to travel with everything they need and they can’t get our kind of help online. We pride ourselves on customer service. We’re happy to be a bit old school like that!”

Destina Travel, 109 Worcester Rd, Hagley, Stourbridge DY9 0NG Tel 01562 883795, Email enquiry@destinatravel.co.uk www.destinatravel.co.uk Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ DestinaTravelUK

ENTERPRISE RETIREMENT LIVING

MOUNT BATTENHALL

MOUNT BATTENHALL

Reimagine your retirement

BECOME PART OF A VIBRANT COMMUNITY THIS CHRISTMAS

Mount Battenhall offers luxurious, independent retirement living within a vibrant, friendly community, surrounded by 6.5 acres of beautiful grounds including a tranquil woodland walk. All this, just minutes from the centre of Worcester.

• Restaurant • Bar • Gym • Salon • Lounge • Library • Guest suite • Gated setting • Landscaped gardens • 24-hour on-site staff

Call 01905 630274 or visit mountbattenhall.co.uk The Marketing Suite, Mount Battenhall, Battenhall Avenue, Worcester WR5 2JD countylifestyleandleisure.com

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Idyllic holidays with private pools, hot tubs and saunas in the Herefordshire countryside.

Luxurious holiday lets provided by Lakes Edge come with their own hot tubs, saunas and private gardens, while three even have their own exclusive swimming pools. They are set on the delightful Pudleston Court estate near Leominster and are all unique, characterful and dog friendly, while the grounds offer tranquil walks through lush countryside with lakes and woodland.

Pudleston is a small and peaceful village, while impressive Pudleston Court was the country pile of Victorian coal baron Elias Chadwick, built in 1846. It’s a beautiful locality well placed for exploring not only historic Hereford, the foodie town of Ludlow but also the Cotswolds and Welsh Marches.

Nearby attractions such as Oaker Wood adventure centre and the National Trust’s Berrington Hall with its grounds designed by Capability Brown.

Lakes Edge has six holiday properties – soon to be seven – dotted around the estate, all furnished, fitted and equipped to the highest

contemporary standards. Operations Manager Liz Saunders says: “They are all luxurious properties in the ‘country modern’ style. Guests have full access to the estate, which is about 50 acres and protected by electric gates at each end.”

Near the impressive front entrance are two Grade Two listed gatehouse lodges, Adam Lodge and Eve Lodge.

Both with lake views, they have one double bedroom, but can sleep another two people in a downstairs fold-away bed if wished.

The Butlers is a four bedroomed holiday cottage with a hot tub and sauna in the private rear garden. The other three properties have exclusive use of their own private indoor pools, each 8m x 4m x 1.4m deep pool with their own changing rooms and w/ cs. One of these is The Gaggles, an older, four bedroomed cottage while the others, The Barn and Poachers Barn, are newly built, completed last year. The Barn is the largest of all, with six bedrooms, six bathrooms and a large garden with a gas barbecue and outdoor seating for 12. All properties have a barbecue.

T 01568 760537 E enquiries@lakesedge.co.uk www.lakesedge.co.uk Lakes Edge, Pudleston Court, Pudleston, Leominster HR6 0QY