Armitage Advertiser November '09

28

November 2009

Issue no.45

The Armitage Advertiser The independent directory of businesses serving the residents of Armitage, Handsacre, Longdon, Upper Longdon, Hill and Hamstall Ridware and Brereton

Contact details - The Armitage Advertiser To advertise or for information call Tel: 0800 990 3072 email: info@letterbox-publications.co.uk

Delivered free, each month, to every home in the area

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BUILDING PLANS Local PREPARED resident FOR ALL TYPES OF PROJECTS INCLUDING HOUSE EXTENSIONS, BARN AND LOFT CONVERSIONS ETC. Planning and/or building regulations applications submitted to the Local Authority on your behalf Full specification/detailed drawings provided

Architectural Services Telephone 01543 491205 David Yarnall, MCIAT., ICIOB., Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists Incorporated Member of the Chartered Institute of Building

Pre-Christmas Sale Many items reduced by up to 50%

Local resident

Stockists of: John Crane Schleich The Puppet Company Learning Resources and many more...........

This winter come and enjoy delicious home-made cakes & coffee in a relaxed countryside location with roaring log fires. Breakfast, coffee & cakes available 10-12 every day

New stock arriving daily.

Come and bag a bargain today.

Open Wed-Sun inc. 10.30-4.30 Unit 8, The Mill, Curborough Craft Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES

Tel: 01543 255529 (formerly Essential Nursery Supplies)

CHARTLEY

GROUNDWORKS LTD (est. 1970) Tarmacadam & Block Pavier Contractors All areas large and small, from complete dig out to finished surface, including decorative gravel and drop kerbs to Highways Agency specification.

Local Authority Registered

Freephone: 0800 970 9493 Telephone: 01889 881196 Mobile: 07860 827246 LITTLE TIXALL LANE, GREAT HAYWOOD, STAFFS. ST18 0SE Director: James Bagnall

To advertise call 0800 990 3072

Visit The Shop at The Shovel, a village shop stocking locally sourced meat, dairy products, fruit and veg. They also have fresh baked bread & cakes and much much more.. Open 10am - 3pm and 5pm-7pm

Chorley nr. Lichfield WS13 8DD

Tel: 01543 685277

Barry Coleman BA(Hons) Counselling Hypnotherapist Can help you with…

♦ Smoking ♦ Anxiety ♦ Depression ♦ Phobias

♦ Stress ♦ Panic Attacks ♦ Pain Control ♦ Weight Management And many other Life Issues

For all readers : a FREE initial 30 minute confidential consultation

01543 472678 (Yoxall) barry@bcoleman.co.uk www.bcoleman.co.uk Cert: Counselling & Integrated Therapies Member No.5387 of the NHS Directory of Complementary & Alternative Practitioners

LICHFIELD

TILE & STONE

Huge Selection available from stock and A to order S

K EE ia W nn a Way, rit rk 13 Titan Britannia Y B a Enterprise Park, P Lichfield, Staffs.

DA n 7 us o ess WS14 9TT N d in E s n OP F i B u Tel: 01543 264795 Mob: 07918 623192 Email: lichfieldtile@btconnect.com

Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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Index of advertisers

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MORTIMER BECK & BROOKES ACCOUNTANTS 8 Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LL

Your local Accountancy Firm for SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURNS SETTING UP LIMITED COMPANIES LIMITED COMPANY ACCOUNTS SOLE TRADER ACCOUNTS PARTNERSHIP ACCOUNTS PAYROLL BOOK BOOK--KEEPING VAT CIS CLAIMING TAX REFUNDS We can travel to you or you can visit us at our offices in Lichfield

Tel: 01543 252128 or 01543 257654 Email: info@beckandbrookes.co.uk

Christmas Day Dinner We at Rajbari invite you to experience our famous Christmas Day Lunch, with a choice of Traditional English and Indian dinners and 12.00pm and 3.00pm seating.

Traditional English

Sherry or Fruit Juice, Soup and Roll, Roast Turkey with Roast Potatoes, Baby Carrots, Brussels Sprouts and stuffing Christmas Pudding with Custard Mince Pie Coffee with Cream

£19.95 per adult

Traditional Indian Juice or Lassi Tandoori Stir Fry Peri Peri Chicken Shabji Platter Basmati Rice Tandoori Nan Toffee Cheesecake with toppings Coffee with Cream

£21.95 per adult

£10.95 per child (U12)

Reservations should be confirmed before 18th December, indicating number of diners, time and meal choice.

A £5 deposit confirms your reservation

JOHN’S

School of Motoring

• Friendly, patient, local Instructor • High quality tuition with a fully

Local qualified ADI Instructor resident • Excellent pass rate • Full 1 hour lessons in a dual controlled car • Free use of Theory & Hazard Perception CD-ROM • Nervous pupils welcome • Intensive courses a speciality (learn to drive in a week)

Community notices on pages 4, 12, 18, 23 and 26.

Useful numbers on p. 24

SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW BEGINNERS

FIRST 4 LESSONS ONLY £60 Discounts for Block Bookings

BRERETON WHEELERS CYCLING CLUB WE MEET EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAYS FOR CLUB RUNS ALSO ON SUNDAY FOR STEADY RIDE OR COME AND TEST YOUR SELF AGAINST THE CLOCK ON ONE OF OUR MANY CLUB TIME TRIALS RING PAUL ON 07780802011 FOR MORE INFO

Tel. JOHN on Armitage 01543 492 385 or Text 07908 188 625 & I will ring you ASAP Also available Pass Plus/ Motorway Tuition/ Refresher Lessons GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Ideal Christmas present

Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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Community Notices EVENTS AT HANDSACRE METHODIST ROOM Mondays 9:30am- 11:30 : Family Focus for parents and toddlers Tuesdays 10am- 12: Meeting Point (drop-in for friendship/chat/tea or coffee / information) Thursdays 10:30am - 11:30: Yoga Contact : Thursdays once a fortnight 1pm - 3 pm: Knit 'n’ Natter Fridays 10am- 12: Art class (fully booked) Gifford Foote 01543 491704

Samaritans

What can Samaritans offer to people suffering with depression?

A non-judgmental telephone or email contact point, available 24hrs every day, without the need for appointments. A confidential service where anonymity is assured and the caller is in control all the time. Samaritans offer somebody to talk to that will allow them the space and time to explore feelings and options whenever, no matter what time day or night, they need to.

Samaritans will not run away if suicidal thoughts are expressed.

SAMARITANS - nobody else will know that you have spoken to them.

(01889) 567878 or (01785) 243333 jo@samaritans.org The U & I Club is run by and for pensioners from Armitage Shanks.

We meet on the last Tuesday of each month at The British Legion.

Please call Mr Rogers, Chairman, on 01785 603753 for more information.

The Home Comforts Furniture Reuse Service is a project of Chase Council for Voluntary Service which covers Cannock Chase District together with the wards of Burntwood, Chasetown, Chase Terrace and Armitage with Handsacre in the District of Lichfield, thanks to grants from The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, HomeZone Community Development Fund and Lichfield Housing Solutions Group. Home Comforts collects items of furniture and household goods suitable for reuse and donated by the local community and makes them available at their unit in Hawks Green, Cannock to families and individuals suffering disadvantage due to difficult circumstances such as Homelessness, Domestic Violence, Leaving care etc (at low cost).

The project also offers a Volunteering Programme that supports participants to gain new skills and accreditation through South Staffordshire College to priority wards in Cannock. We are now looking to extend our volunteering programme to the areas of Western Springs, Handsacre and Armitage; this is funded through the Rugeley Community and Learning Partnership. We are looking to recruit either Parents/Carers or those of 16-19 years of age, from this area.

H ME C MF RTS To advertise call 0800 990 3072

BLOCK PAVING Local resident

DRIVEWAYS PATIOS GARDEN WALLS DECKING PERGOLAS FENCING PONDS WATER FEATURES ALL WORK GUARANTEED FULLY INSURED - FREE QUOTES

TEL: 01889 803878 MOBILE: 07970 219327 E-MAIL: kclandscapes@hotmail.com WEB: www.caseylandscapes.co.uk

a.k roofing services

Local resident

Strip and re-cover Specialists.

Telephone : Roof tiling, slating, Alan lead work 07772 232241 and all general Maintenance.

Simon No job too big 07779 or small.

304156

Free Quotations.

Great British Finance WORRIED ABOUT YOUR FINANCES? Are you receiving the best value for money in these uncertain financial times?

Are you worried about your current investments?

Are you concerned about your rising mortgage payments?

Great British Finance is your locally-based Independent Mortgage and Financial Adviser. I provide my clients with the most suitable products for their personal situation and am pleased to offer the following services: Mortgages Buildings/Contents Insurance Pensions Inheritance Tax Planning Local Investments Secured Loans resident Life Assurance For further information or to arrange a free initial financial review please call David O’Carroll

Office: 01543 493983 or 0845 3700020 Mobile: 07837 143171 THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount paid will depend on your circumstances but we estimate that it will be £125.00

Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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Rookery Lodge

Boarding Kennels & Cattery Rugeley Road, Kings Bromley

We can now offer a full grooming service during your pets stay or by appointment • Heated Kennels & Chalets • Individual Runs • Dogs Exercised Daily • Special Diets Catered For Tel: 01543 472666

Useful Numbers…

MPC

CARPENTRY Craftsmanship in Interior and Exterior Carpentry Including Traditional & Restoration Woodwork

Telephone: 07989 688158 Email: mail@mpccarpentry.co.uk Website: www.mpccarpentry.co.uk

Gas emergency: 0800 111 999

Environment Agency: 0800 807060

Electricity Power Loss: 08457 331 331

Trains Hotline: 08457 48 49 50

NHS Direct: 0845 46 47

BT Faultline: 0800 800 151 PoliceStation: 0300 123 44 55 Lichfield Library: 510700

will take care of it • No mess, no stress, no smell • Totally food, pet and child friendly.

• Back to Near New in about 2 hours • Any make, built-in or free standing.

• Gas, Electric, Oil, Solid Fuel.

• Microwaves, extractors, barbecues too!

Call us today for a FREE quote

OVENGEM 07816 344173 or 01889 582005

Emergency numbers…

Lichfield Tourist information: 412121

Local Pharmacy: 491650

OVENGEM

www.oven-cleaning-staffordshire.co.uk

Lichfield District Council: 3080000

Citizens Advice: 252730

HATE OVEN CLEANING?

SKIP HIRE FOR HOMES AND BUSINESS

South Staffs Water: 0800 389 1011

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Samuel Johnson Hospital, Lichfield: 412 900

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Network Rail helpline: 08457 114 141 Queen’s Hospital, Burton 01283 566 333 (Current expansion project) Consumer Direct: 08454 040506

Locksmith: 07866 672 083

Crimestoppers charity 0800 555 111

Doctor’s Surgery: 490444

Disclaimer While all reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included in The Armitage Advertiser, we take no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers, or for the loss arising from non-publication of any advertisement. All artwork designed & published in The Armitage Advertiser remains the property of The Armitage Advertiser and cannot be copied or reproduced in any format without prior consent from the publisher, Letterbox Publications, 17 Millcroft Way, Handsacre, Staffordshire, WS15 4TE Tel: 0800 9903072 Email: info@letterbox-publications.co.uk

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All Areas Covered All Sizes Available Registered Waste Carrier Licenced Transfer Tipping Reliable Friendly Service

Tel: 01543 878 966 Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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HAWKSYARD PRIORY NURSING HOME

New Single en-suite rooms now available

(Landscaping) Ltd

ARMITAGE NR RUGELEY WS15 1PT

1 Old Chancel Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire. WS15 2QN

Hawksyard Priory Nursing Home was opened in 1989 and has enjoyed a reputation for high quality care for some twenty years.

Your local Landscaping Company for

Telephone 01543 490112

The Home provides residential, nursing and EMI care Our experienced and professionally qualified staff provide the required care.

The Home is opening two new purpose built wings consisting of 30 well appointed single en-suite rooms, The Church Wing rooms are available from April with the Library Wing from June The Home’s facilities include:

* Nurse call system * 24 hour nursing care * * High quality home cooking * Private visiting * * Various lounges * Church * On site laundry * * Three dining rooms * Two passenger lifts * * Organised outings * Visiting entertainers * * Diversional therapy * Hairdressing * * Safe outdoor gardens*

Email: matron@hawksyardpriory.co.uk Website: www.hawksyardpriory.co.uk

Turfing - Paths - Patios - Fencing Ponds - Water Features - Decking Block Paved Driveways & Patios Decorative Garden Walling

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING —————————

Fully Qualified —

Interior / Exterior —

All Aspects

Fully Qualified & Insured For a Free Quotation Telephone: or

01889 570329 Mobile 07811 347104

Roundabouts Garage Celebrating 25 years’service

MOT’s - Servicing — Repairs Air Conditioning Service & Repair Diagnostic Capabilities

01543 263066

On the A515 near Elmhurst, WS13 8HE Registered Member To advertise call 0800 990 3072

Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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Local resident

www.gandjgroup.co.uk

Independent Suppliers and Installers of TV Aerial & Satellite equipment

Dog Walking

Call Neil today on:

Plumbing & Sanitary Ware

JV DIGITAL SYSTEMS

Then I can help with…

For all your DIY needs Materials for Landscaping, Building & Roofing.

Are you ready for the digital turn on?

Do you need help with your dog during the day?

Dog Minding

Extra TV Points Telephone Extensions Satellite Installation (Sky & Foreign) Magic Eye Installation Plasma & LCD Screens Installed (cables hidden) Problem Solving

Dog Transport

Tel: 01889 583490 Mobile: 07791 336157 Or visit my website for more info at

www.heelwithneil.co.uk

Call Today for your FREE Quote 07771 800 007 or 01827 288 929

DOWNGRADE YOUR FUEL BILLS

BY UPGRADING YOUR WINDOWS P W INSTALLATIONS ARE NOW FITTING ENERGY RATED C WINDOWS AS

Tel: 01889 576322 or 579199

STANDARD

AND CAN ALSO FIT UP TO ENERGY RATED A WINDOWS Why not give us a call to see how fitting energy efficient windows could

SAVE YOU MONEY!!!!!!! or visit our website for more information – www.pwinstallations.net

RANGE OF BATHROOMS ON DISPLAY

Complete Bathroom Suites from £159+vat

Trent Valley Trading Estate, Station Rd, Rugeley, Staffs. WS15 3HA To advertise call 0800 990 3072

ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES, FASCIA, SOFFIT, GUTTER & TUDOR CLAD Local FENSA and FAIR TRADES registered company resident For a free, no obligation quotation call

01543 491042 01889 580111

www.pwinstallations.net

Unit 22, Lea Hall Enterprise Park, Wheelhouse Road, Rugeley, Staffs. WS15 4UY

Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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Fine Furnishings, Beautiful Beds…

Few words are needed to introduce local family business Frank James Furnishers in Rugeley to our readers.

They have been based at their Horsefair premises since 1960, but their story starts with Grandfather Frank, who started the business in 1937. He was followed by his son, Alan, who still works there along with his wife Jean and sons, Andrew and Robert.

Frank James Furnishers stock high quality dining and bedroom furniture as well as lounge suites.

The store has two storeys with a new bed centre upstairs displaying famous brands such as Silent Night, Sealy, Dorlux and Rest Assured.

In the downstairs showroom you can choose from timeless classics and contemporary ranges of suites and dining furniture as well as examples of occasional furniture, lamps, vases and pictures.

Frank James Furnishers offer a

friendly and personal service to all their customers. They have a variety of special promotions on prior to their January sale and can guarantee Christmas delivery.

To advertise call 0800 990 3072

weight loss and toning machines.

Flabelos gives you the benefit of a one hour workout in just 10 minutes, with very little effort.

You simply stand on a machine that stimulates your muscles through vibration.

The Flabelos machines are a pain free way of toning and can be used by all ages as they are low impact. The sensation produced when you stand on them, far from being unpleasant, actually raises a laugh as you begin to vibrate. It’s fun, it’s well priced and it’s effective.

The new Ray of Sunshine came about as a result of customer comments. They always had handbags in their salons, but there was a lack of variety of handbags in Rugeley and Brian and his team have stepped in to fill Albion St., Rugeley the gap. The second floor has been let to Purses-Handbags-Wallets Open: 9.30am-5pm Mon-Sat long-standing Rugeley jeweller Rugeley Gold Quarter whose stock complements the (Half day Wednesday) retail ranges on display downstairs.

A trip to Ray of Sunshine will leave you looking and feeling much better. They sell gift vouchers and a wide range of interesting and unusual gift ideas whether it’s to treat yourself or to make an early start on Christmas presents.

See for yourself the difference a visit to Ray of Sunshine can make….

SPECIAL OFFER! Double your money on the Flabelos power plates

£1 for 8 minutes Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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It’s a well known fact that shopping makes us feel better. In studies 8 out of 10 women admit that retail therapy is high on their list of favourite pastimes!

Often though we are restrained by our budget. We can admire new outfits, but can’t always afford to splash out.

The next best thing is to buy some accessories to brighten up our existing wardrobe, and here’s where Ray of Sunshine comes into its own. With a brand new shop on Albion Street in Rugeley, Ray of Sunshine now stocks a large selection of designer handbags including the ever popular LYDC range at very competitive prices. As well as handbags there are gifts for all ages including other bags for ladies, children and sports, costume jewellery, ladies and gents belts, purses, wallets and much more.

Many of our readers will be familiar with Ray of Sunshine Tanning Salon which was started 4 years ago by Rugeley born and bred businessman, Brian Johnson. The business has gone from strength to strength and now has 5 sunbeds which will keep your skin from having the traditional British winter pallor.

Used with common sense and respect (just like the sun) a regular session on a sun bed can help you to look your best all year round.

As well as sun beds, Ray of Sunshine Tanning Salon has two very popular Flabelos machines; new and revolutionary To advertise call 0800 990 3072

Their prices are competitive.

As well as a twelve months guarantee they offer a free delivery service and free disposal of your old furniture and beds.

Frank James Furnishers cannot be beaten on beds and have a promotion offering £200 to trade in your old suite.

Specialists in bedroom, dining and lounge furniture

10% Discount

on all furniture and beds with this voucher.

Offer ends 10th December.

17 Horsefair, Rugeley.

Telephone 01889 582543

Alan and his family offer the best quality and service locally. They are happy for you to come and in and browse without obligation and pride themselves on their commitment to customer service.

Frank James Furnishers have a variety of styles and

colours of suites, dining furniture and beds to suit all tastes and pockets. If you can’t see what you’re looking for please ask!

Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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HURLEY’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Established 2001 Not just Wills, a whole lot more.

Interior/ Exterior Painting, Decorating, Carpentry, Plumbing, Guttering, Fascia Boards.

All General Building Work.

• Wills • Protective Property Trusts • Inheritance Tax Saving • Lasting Power of Attorney • Living Wills/Advanced Directive

Call Midland Will Writing for an unequalled, professional service.

Freephone: 08000 937 389 Kim: 07710 040 283 Local resident Gill: 07851 577 557 Local Consultants who will visit you in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

No hard sell. No obligation.

The Red Lion

‘On The Green’

Contact Ivor on Mob: 07855 892205 Tel:01543 492657(after 6pm)

We can provide fabric or make up your own

Separate vegetarian menu always available Extensive car park

Hay Lane, Longdon Green, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 4QF.

01543 492 906

www.redliononthegreen.co.uk

*

For a free quote ring Janice 01543 493 575

Handsacre 01543 491891

D

rthur F.C. OPTOM

Tel: 01543 251130

Swags & Tails, all types of Pelmets, Valances, Roman Blinds, Triple Pleat or Goblet Tops.

The Olde Peculiar

TO A THINNER & LIGHTER LENS

9 Market Street, Staffordshire, Lichfield WS13 6JX

Evening opening times 6pm-9pm Traditional Roasts Sunday lunch time.

Two course Special £5.95, Wed to Sat 12-2 and 6-7 every evening

Party Nights Book now with Caroline Saturdays 12th and 19th December 4 courses & dancing with resident DJ Jenny Valentine £19.95 *Upgrade from Orma to Ormix, or Ormix to Stylis only on Single Vision and Varilux lenses purchased with a Crizal with Scotchguard or Crizal Alize coating during September to October 2009.

Terms and conditions apply.

To advertise call 0800 990 3072

Local resident

All curtains fully lined & interlined if required.

FREE UPGRADE

David

Professional look at an affordable price

Custom hand-finished curtains made to your requirements

Local resident

FULLY INSURED

SWAGS & TAILS

Christmas Fayre 4 courses £14.95

Christmas Day 5 courses £45.95

Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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Local Builder

Community Notices ARMITAGE YOUTH CENTRE Club nights and hobbies nights including art club, model making & a singing group.

Weekends away, including canoeing & climbing. We cater for all ages, from 5 to 18+.

Details from Steve Heathcote MBE on

Any Building Work Internal & External Loft Conversions, Patios, Garden Walls Free Quotes Reliable Worker

01543 491153

Rugeley, Brereton and District Business Network is a group of local business people who meet for breakfast from 07.30 till 09.00 every Wednesday at St Thomas’ Priory Golf Club. We are a non-profit making group open to all types and size of business with the aim of mutual support, exchange of ideas, information and business leads. For more information please call

Ian Hollinshead on 07957 804104 or visit www.rbdnetwork.net

Call P. Jackson 07989 018830 01543 492703

Come along and support your local ARMITAGE AND DISTRICT

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CLUB LTD 10 New road, Armitage, Staffordshire. Telephone: 01543 490038 Every Sunday & Monday: Eyes Down - Bingo!

Reg.No. 20178 Visitors Welcome - Children Welcome

The Alzheimer's Society — Lichfield Branch Drop-in session every Friday 10-12noon for anyone affected by dementia, a free service run by volunteers with experience of Alzheimer's.

Information, help and a listening ear. No need to book just turn up.

Greenhill Medical Centre, Lichfield On the last Thursday of every month the Carers' Support Group meets at Wade Street Church (Frog Lane entrance), Lichfield. 10.30-12.30.

A chance to meet others in a similar situation and make friends.

For more information on our services contact 01543 255 955

Longdon Club & Institute

Relax and enjoy a friendly atmosphere for a chat, a drink, and traditional indoor games - whatever you want. Non-members, particularly children, welcome.

Darts - Pool - Bingo every Tuesday - Snooker on a full-sized table (except Weds) - Occasional Quiz Nights - Licensed Bar - Private Car-Park Open every evening: 8 to 11.30 p.m.

Room hire for private functions available. Tel 01543 490521 to book.

Membership subscription for adults: £5 pa. (Children free ).

at Memorial Hall, 6 Brook End, Longdon.

To advertise call 0800 990 3072

Fine Flowers Albion St, Rugeley, Staffs

• Wedding Flowers • Flowers for all occasions • Wedding Accessories • Gifts for all occasions • Funeral Flowers prepared

Tel: 01889 578593 Mob 07711 235542

Natural Gas, LPG and Oil Central Heating Gas Cookers and Fires 201949 Electrical Part P APHC Plumbing CPS Unvented Cylinders Power Flushing Landlord’s Certificates Bathroom Suites

www.fine-flowers.co.uk Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

C6268

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Community Notices THE 1 ARMITAGE SCOUT GROUP st

HAS MOVED

TO THE VILLAGE HALL, SHROPSHIRE BROOK ROAD COME FOR A FREE TRIAL VISIT BEAVERS TUESDAYS 6pm – 7pm IN THE SMALL REAR ROOM CONTACT; LOUISE ROBINSON 493330 BEAVER LEADER CUBS

FRIDAYS 6.30pm – 7.45pm IN THE MAIN HALL CONTACT; ANDREW HUSON 307570 CUB LEADER

SCOUTS FRIDAYS 7.45pm – 9.00pm IN THE SMALL REAR ROOM CONTACT; RICHARD BUTCHER 490193 SCOUT GROUP LEADER EXCITING NEW AUTUMN PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITES NOW IN WARM AND DRY SURROUNDINGS.

HAVE FUN, MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND LEARN NEW SKILLS.

Wanted

Cool Colours

Local resident

Painting & Decorating C&G Qualified CRB Checked

Mark Jones Tel: 01543 492 452 Mob: 07815 659 502

To advertise call 0800 990 3072

♦ General Repairs and Servicing ♦ All makes of cars and LCV’s ♦ Tyres & Exhausts supplied & fitted ♦ Free collection and delivery

Tel: 01543 472 471 Unit 3.1 Archers, Alrewas Road, Kings Bromley DE13 7HW

PROPERTY TRANSFORMATION

Linzi 07968213594

or if any boys are interested ring Paul on 07812 183897

Local resident

No Job Too Small

Girl footballers for Brereton Town under 12's team (must be in year 6 or 7) to strengthen existing team for next season.

We train twice a week down at Brereton Town.

For more info please contact

Steve 07812 601437

Blythe Garage Motor Services

NEW! Take Away Fish & Chips £5 Open for food every day 12-2pm, 6-9pm and all day Sunday.

Lunchtime special £4.95 Mon to Fri.

~ Real Fires ~

Famous for Fish & Chips and Steaks

Curtains, Blinds, Upholstery, Soft Furnishings, Cushions, Poles, Headboards, Loose Covers, Accessories & Gifts

2 Windsor Business Park

40 Brook End, Longdon

Trent Valley Road, Lichfield. (near T.V. Railway Station)

01543 490251

01543 410077 or 07930 936537

Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

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S. Smith Tony, Ashley and the team welcome you to ‘The Chad’ to enjoy a range of fine beers and wines, and a meal in the Cantonese restaurant Restaurant open 5-10.45, Closed Sunday; Pub open noon to 11pm, 7 days.

School Lane, Hill Ridware Takeaway & Reservations

01543 493 545

To advertise call 0800 990 3072

Motor Engineers

♦ Servicing Air Con ♦ Repairs Re-gas ♦ Recovery £65 inc. ♦ Timing Belts VAT ♦ Diagnostics ♦ MOT Repairs & Arrangement

Mobile & Workshop Collection & Delivery Local resident

Unit 6c, Blyth House Farm Units, Hamstall Ridware WS15 3QQ

01889 504141 / 07970 853139

Please mention The Armitage Advertiser when responding to adverts

We accept

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RESTAURANT REVIEW Finding the best places to eat around Armitage

Supporting local businesses is something we are enthusiastic about, so when we were invited to try out a newly opened pub we jumped at the chance.

The Royal Oak in Hill Ridware is a traditional village pub that’s been around since at least the early 19th century. After a refurbishment it re-opened in September and started serving food in October.

The pub is now owned by local farmers David & Sian Froggatt and family. They run a mixed traditional farm including a 475 strong herd of beef cattle, but like many farmers they have been encouraged to diversify. The Royal Oak is one example, and it has a very local flavour as the chef uses beef, pork and lamb from the farm. Another recent venture that is proving successful is supplying good quality carp to the fishing industry. Carp is a native fresh water fish and although not used much in this country for eating, it is considered a delicacy in other parts of Europe. Keep an eye on the pub’s menu for something special…

We visited The Royal Oak during the week and found it packed with locals, always a good sign. It’s a small, cosy pub with one long rectangular room.

Outside it was dark and damp and the pub was very inviting with a log fire burning, fresh flowers and the glowing intimacy of candles. There is room for thirty diners and the manager, Dave, is friendly and welcoming. The pub is independent, serving their choice of three real ales, including a guest ale.

The double sided A4 menu is supplemented by a specials board.

Food served at The Royal Oak is traditional British fayre, homemade and freshly prepared using good quality ingredients, many of which are locally sourced.

We had problems working out which options to choose from an extensive and very tempting variety.

For Starters we chose the Chef’s Soup of the Day, served with Warm, Crusty Bread. It was a cauliflower soup and a perfect To advertise call 0800 990 3072

winter warmer; thick, creamy, tasty and comforting. The Beer Battered Brie served with a Cranberry and Apple Sauce was two large fritters of rich, sweet cheese perfectly offset by the fruity tang of the sauce.

The wine list contained plenty of choice for all palates. We opted for a bottle of Rioja: medium bodied, smooth and fruity, it was just right for an autumn evening and perfectly complemented our choice of food.

The Mains arrived and we tucked in with enthusiasm. The Royal Oak Beef Burger is a homemade 8oz prime steak burger topped with bacon, lettuce and tomato and served in a bun with homemade chips. This burger in no way resembled its poor relations in a fast food restaurant! The meat had been aged to allow the full flavour to come through. It was packed with meat and had an excellent taste. The chips were good too, chunky and soft inside and crisp on the outside.

The Fresh Lambs Liver and Onions with Bacon in a Rich Red Wine and Honey Gravy is a childhood favourite for many and now regarded as a bit of a treat as few families today cook it at home. We thoroughly enjoyed this classic dish which was full of flavour and substantial. The liver was tender and the gravy rich and meaty. It was served on a bed of mash with a separate dish of vegetables including red cabbage and baby parsnips. We polished off the lot!

The Dessert menu finished us off nicely. The Apple & Cinnamon Crumble with custard melted in the mouth. Another traditional dish for the time of year. The Strawberry and Chocolate Cheesecake was visually stunning, a wedge of creamy cheesecake and two scoops of ice cream topped with strawberries and all latticed with a rich chocolate sauce. It tasted as good as it looked and every last drop of sauce was cleaned off the plate.

Booking is advisable at The Royal Oak. The food is well worthy of recommendation and there are plenty of affordable dishes along with specialities and steaks. At the time of our visit the farms own meat wasn’t quite ready for use in the pub, but by the time of publication it will be and customers are in for a treat.

As the winter creeps in we look forward to the pleasure of returning to The Royal Open Mon-Sat 12-2pm & 6pm-12pm, Oak. It deserves to do well and certainly and all day Sunday (noon-12pm) the locals have already begun to return Food served Mon-Sat 12-2pm & 6-9pm, here in force. It has a good atmosphere Sunday 12-4pm and it will be a pleasure to help support it in the months and years to come. Book now and try it for yourself...

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