The Park

Welcome to our March editions.

The British weather never fails to disappoint, every day is a surprise. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that snow on my drive. Mum tells me when she bought my sister out of hospital decades ago (sorry sis), there was snow and daffodils so not unusual. She also went on to tell me in the hot summer of 1976 we had snow in the June, not believing such stories from “the olden days” I decided to use the oracle that is “Google” only to find that not even google can make its mind up, some say 75 some say 76. Regardless, Snow in June has happened. This moves us on to a reminder that if your mobile phone or tablet starts beeping at you on the 23rd April, evening sometime it is the Gov testing the new emergency alert system, designed to alert us to wildfires, flood and other looming dangers. But weather and warnings are not going to stop us enjoying ourselves, we have plenty of ideas inside this months magazine for all and various days out over the Easter holidays. I am off to Borth for a week, no doubt wellies and waterproof’s will make an appearance, the kids love that never ending beach and get the opportunity to feel that free space, happy in the rain. There is nothing quite like the sound of rain on the caravan or canvass to bring back happy memories of childhood.

Congratulations to our Grand Theatre winner, Mrs Callaghan on Henwood Road won tickets to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, we hope you had a lovely evening.

Until next month, enjoy the onset of Spring. Lucy

rehearsing for its latest comedy

In May, Pattingham Drama will be performing ‘Nigel Slater’s Toast’, a play written by Henry FillouxBennett and based on the British Book Awards Biography of the Year. ‘Toast’ is the story of Nigel Slater’s childhood in Wolverhampton, told through the tastes and smells he shares with his mother, culminating in the young Nigel’s escape to London. From making the perfect sherry trifle, through the playground politics of sweets, the rigid rules of restaurant dining, and a domestic war over cakes, this is a moving and evocative tale of love, loss and ……food, mainly toast!

Unashamedly intimate and occasionally unsettling, it has been translated into six languages and is a GCSE O level set text. Winner of six literary awards, including the National Book Awards British Biography of the Year, it is by turns funny and desperately sad. ‘Toast’ has been made into a BBC film starring Helena Bonham Carter and Freddie Highmore and has been part of the Berlin, Warsaw and Taipai Film Festivals.

The amateur production takes place in Pattingham Village Hall starting on Wednesday 17th through to Saturday 20th May 2023, beginning each evening at 7.30pm. Drinks will be available from the bar.

The tickets cost just £10 each and are available by calling 01902 700748 or from the box office at boxoffice@pattinghamdramagroup.co.uk.

[This amateur production of ‘Nigel Slater’s Toast’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. –www.concordtheatricals.co.uk]

To advertise call: 07540 087840 or email lucy.finchmagazines@gmail.com

Pattingham Drama is busy

play, ‘Nigel Slater’s Toast’.

Tettenhall WV6 8QZ

Unisex Hair, Beauty, Wellness & Aesthetics

HAIR: Gents, Ladies & Children Welcome

BEAUTY: Lashes - Extensions, Lifts & Tints

Manicures - Pedicures - Beauty Lab Facials

Waxing - Hopi Ear Candling and more MASSAGES: Thai - Lymphatic Drainage - Swedish Indian Head - Hot Stones - Aromatherapy - Sports

Aesthetics & Scalp Micropigmentation

Healthcare & Physiotherapy Foot Health Practitioner

Phone: 01902 560729

Message: 07522 622733

www.cabelo-tettenhall.com

Hair Salon open 7 days

PHYSIOTHERAPY & SPORTS MASSAGE BY ALISON

This month’s focus: Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

When you were younger did people say you were “double jointed”? Did you make your friends laugh by contorting your body into weird shapes?

Now that you are older do you suffer with a growing number of aches, pains and joint problems which have not been diagnosed by your GP?

If the answer is yes, you may be suffering from a Hypermobility Disorder.

Contact Alison on 07960 927266 to find out how she can help

MONDAY FOOT HEALTHCARE CLINIC AT CABELO Contact Jacqueline on 07817 750960

Nail Trim & File • Reduction of Thickened Nails • Hard Skin Removal • Callus Reduction • Corn Removal • Fungal Nail Treatment

Verruca Treatment • Ingrowing Toenail Treatment

Athletes Foot Treatment • Diabetic Foot Care

“...was brilliant, I didn’t squirm once, in fact I nearly fell s asleep on the treatment couch having my corn treated!”

Just phone Pauline Keates (01902 850536) or Gordon Essex (01902 421145) or email: paulinejkeates@hotmail.co.uk

Our club is for those with an interest in Nature and the open air. From September to March we have monthly talks from Naturalists and Wild-Life photographers who’ve travelled the world, but also cover our local area. The talks take place at Wolverhampton Cricket Club, Danescourt Road, Tettenhall. We also have guided walks through the year discovering the natural beauty of our region with members on hand to help with the names of wild flowers, insects and birds. Additionally we have privileged entry to Nature Reserves and hides.

Just ask for our programme which can be emailed or posted to you.

South Staffordshire Naturalists Society. is open to new members.

KITCHENS - BATHROOMS - BEDROOMS

Desology offers bespoke Kitchen, bathroom and bedroom design where they create a customised product tailored to the clients needs and preferences. The process starts with a consultation, followed by a unique design incorporating the latest trends and technology, built and installed to your specification by skilled craftsmen to ensure functionality and quality.

From German kitchens which are our speciality - to traditional British kitchens - we offer a huge range. We also guarantee to beat any like for like quote

GREAT DAYS OUT FOR EVERYONE - Without breaking the bank!

23rd April. 10am – 4pm Dog Show at Stafford Castle. This is a free event. Car parking is £3.

Why not visit the castle while you are there?

Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 set in 26 acres including woodlands for you to explore, herb gardens, hands on activities and a gift shop. Admission is free.

Open Wed to Sunday 11am – 4pm. Bank holiday Mondays 11am – 4pm. Address Castle Bank, Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 1DJ.

What wonders do Cannock Chase hold?

Orienteering courses/routes for all abilities starting with routes for families age 6 to ten. The maps are colourful and downloadable, different courses are available in difficulty for absolute beginners to experts. Routes increase in difficulty with use of a compass and using the topography of the land. The majority of the walks are flat and some off-track woodland.

The Gruffalo and Zog Activity trails are a wonderful introduction to the Forest. Download the Gruffalo Spotter 2 App or Zog A forest adventure app for free before you visit Cannock Chase. Then use it to bring the characters from the story to life, via Augmented Reality, when you follow the Spotters Trail. Why not add to the fun with a specially designed activity pack? Packs cost £4 each and can be bought from the cafe, welcome point and Go Ape! When you follow the Spotters trail at Cannock Chase, you’ll get to interact with all your favourite characters as you go in search of the characters in the dark wood. Point the app at special markers along the trail and watch the characters from the story come to life. Inside you'll find: Mask, Activity leaflet, Crayon and pencil, Nature spotters game instructions and Stickers. slightly. Trail is Free

Times Open from 7.30 am to 8pm in April increasing to 9pm until August. Open daily. Address: Birches Valley, Rugeley Sat Nav Postcode: WS15 2UQ

To advertise call: 07540 087840 or email lucy.finchmagazines@gmail.com

This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Wightwick Manor and Gardens on the Easter trail. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between Saturday 1 to Monday 10 April, from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm, so come along and explore the beautiful gardens of Wightwick.

Normal admission costs apply, no booking required. £3 per participant for trail including egg and activity book. Enjoy the beautiful Victorian house and gardens and Natural woodland play area for the children on your visit. Check the website National trust.org for details of entrance fees.

Please note that from Good Friday to Easter Monday the site will be very busy, and parking may be very limited. Please arrive on foot, by public transport or car share if possible. If it has been raining the trail may be muddy so wellies may be a good call.

Wightwick Manor, Wightwick Bank. Wolverhampton. WV6

Tip: The National Trust subscription is excellent value.

8EE sat Nav WV68BN

THE WINTERINGHAM MYSTERY

by Anthony Berkeley

Apparently republished for the first time 2021 after 95 years this is a whodunit set in the Golden age of country house mysteries.

Reading it now almost 100 years after it was written the protagonists actions and attitude seems on occasion naive or plain foolish.

The basic synopsis of the story is: Our hero Stephen Munro, a once well to do man about town, who no longer has an income applies and gets a job working as a footman, at Winteringham Hall, with his loyal batman/valet joining him in this endeavour as an under gardener (shades of Jeeves and Wooster here,).

The Winteringham estate is owned by Lady Susan, described as an old lady (she’s 67 so not so old in my book). She requires a new footman as she intends to do more entertaining and has a party of young things about to join her. In the way of these stories one of the young things, Pauline, is the love of Stephen’s life, though as he has no money he can’t aspire to court and marry her, Pauline arrives engaged to a brute of a very wealthy man and initially snubs Stephen.

As people arrive at the Hall we’re introduced to them, some to be mere caricatures. it’s decided that the after dinner entertainment on the first evening will consist of a séance and this is when one of the young ladies, Cicely disappears. This is the start of the mystery and we are taken down numerous red

herring roads to discover just what happened and who did it.

The day after the séance Stephen is elevated, owing to his upper class personality no doubt, from humble footman to welcome house guest. At the same time as the mystery is unfolding the love story between Stephen and Pauline takes place. This ,even more than the mystery shows the difference in morals and expectations in the 1930’s as opposed to today in the 2020’s.

I like many before me, including Agatha Christie didn’t guess all the answers to who did it. I can’t say it was a riveting read, and I had to push myself to finish it in the end, saying all that, I could see the story as a comic mystery serialisation on the TV.

In summary I couldn’t quite make my mind up whether Mr Berkeley wanted to write a mystery or a P.G Woodhouse style comic romance and that’s what lets the story down.

Review by Jan Reading

SCRUMMY EASTER BISCUITS

Who doesn't like chocolate or biscuits or even better, combinations of the two?. These Mary Berry fork biscuits are a perfect simple recipe, great for getting the kids involved. A creative way to spend the day over the holidays. They love the rolling of the dough, the squashing with a fork and my addition to the recipe… dipping them in chocolate! It is also a great way for them to develop useful life skills of measuring, weighing and counting.

Ingredients

100g (4oz) butter, softened 50g (2oz) caster sugar 150g (5oz) self-raising flour + 150g of your favourite chocolate!

Method

· Preheat the oven to 180°C /fan 160°C/ gas 4. Lightly butter two baking trays.

· Measure the butter into a bowl and beat to soften.

Gradually beat in the sugar and then the flour. Bring the mixture together with your hands to form a dough.

· Form the dough into 16 balls about the size of a walnut and place spaced well apart on the prepared baking trays.

· Dip a fork in a little water and use this to flatten the biscuits.

· Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until a very pale golden.

· Lift off the baking tray and leave to cool completely on a wire rack.

These biscuits are lovely as they are—buttery crumbly and not too sweet but if you have a sweet tooth and like a bit of chocolate then melt 150g of your favourite chocolate and dip your biscuit or drizzle and leave to set. We have tried all sorts of combinations like sprinkling roasted hazelnuts on the chocolate and drizzling white chocolate and sprinkling freeze dried raspberries on top . Place your biscuits in a kilner jar and enjoy!

These also make a lovely gift with an extra special dose of love.

Let us know what you think of this Recipe Tag us on Facebook & Instagram.

Show us your creations!

ASHMORE GLASS - A BESPOKE SERVICE FOR YOU

Ashmore Glass and Mirrors was formed in 1996 by two friends Michael and Craig, who had both spent many years working in the industry, Ashmore Glass and Mirrors Ltd started supplying double glazing for windows, doors and conservatories. Soon after this they began to supply replacement doors and windows. This allowed them to work more closely with members of the public, something that they both enjoy.

After six years they had grown sufficiently to expand further and relocate the business to the industrial estate where they now occupy five units. This gives them the space to house their own manufacturing line, and to produce high quality PVUc windows & doors.

Customer Service

In terms of Customer Service, over the years they have identified exactly what their customers want and expect, and that is, that every customer should have the time and space to consider their purchase especially an investment like doors and windows.

Ashmore Glass and Mirrors Ltd has also expanded in terms of employees, now employing 19 workers. Our staffs are all very experienced at what they do and are also local to the area. This of course gives them, knowledge of local industry that is second to none but also a pride in the work that they produce locally.

Ashmore Glass are now a member of CHAS the UK’s leading Accreditation Scheme with the industry leading standards of health and safety accreditation procurement, we have joined over 32,500 contractors who are already reaping the rewards from their membership.

New windows are an important investment for your home. As well as determining the light that you let into your home they can contribute to security and energy considerations too.

Ashmore Glass and Mirrors Ltd provide only high quality PVCu windows. These are produced at our own factory and are very resilient and low maintenance.

Our window components include the following:

 Rehau PVCu profile extrusions

 Yale locking handles

 Pilkington glass

 Regaled lead designs

CARING HEARTS WV11

Ashmore Glass & mirrors are proud to be supporting & investing in the local community by providing much needed help to Caring Hearts WV11. We are committed to investing back into the very community that has in turn supported us from day one.

To advertise call: 07540 087840 or email lucy.finchmagazines@gmail.com

Ashmore Glass and Mirrors Ltd has a huge range of interior and exterior doors. Our doors are manufactured from PVC, a material which does not rot and needs just a wipe with a damp cloth to maintain its appearance.

Full range of composite doors 19% more thermally efficient than a solid timber door. Durable, secure and low maintenance

Ashmore Glass and Windows

Manufacture to order on their site and fit the following:

 Windows

 UPVC doors and Composite

 Porches

 Lantern roofs

 Fascias Soffitts & Guttering

Bespoke

• French Doors

• Bi Folding Doors

• Range of Composite Doors

• Stable Doors

• All Window Styles

• Flush Fit Frames

• All Window Repairs

Ashmore Glass also provide ancillary services of Window repairs, hinges, locks and leaks.

Ashmore Glass are currently in the process of updating a new and improved website, with all the latest designs, innovations and installations. So keep an eye out!

After trading for 28 years, our customers are our testament to our success with many returning time and time again. If you are considering window or door improvements. Call Ashmore Glass and mirrors, you will be pleasantly surprised at cost and being treated as a valued customer. 01902 488334.

No pressure and no hassle.

www.Ashmoreglass.co.uk Unit 17,18,19 Essington Industrial Estate

Bognop Rd, Essington. W-ton. WV11 2BA 01922 400029

Discovering the past. Local History Boat trip..

Take

Join us on our narrowboat the Trebalisa where guest speaker, ALEX BREW, from Tettenhall Transport Heritage Centre will be taking us on a historical journey.

Alex will cover the 250 years of transport, (canal, rail and air) whilst we journey to Autherley and back. Sit back soak up the sights of the canal and learn about the transport history of the local area. Tea and coffee will be available on board. You are welcome to bring your own packed lunch.

£10 per person. Suitable for adults and children 10 years+.

Please phone to book your place.

Saturday 13th May 10:30 – 12:30

info@wildsideac.co.uk www.wildsideac.co.uk @wildsideactivitycentre wildsideactivitycentre

info@wildsideac.co.uk 01902 754612

EASTER WORDSEARCH

DO YOU NEED VOTER ID TO TAKE PART IN LOCAL ELECTION IN MAY?

Free drop in sessions at The Wolverhampton Civic Centre Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm as well as further sessions across leisure centres and libraries some of which are open until 8pm

TettenhallLibrary Monday3rdApril2pm-7pm

FinchfieldLibrary Tuesday4thApril 2pm-7pm

GREENHOUSE

If you live in a small space and want to grow maybe some herbs or tomatoes but just have so little space this little hack may just work well

A 5 or 10 litre water bottle cut in half pop it over the pot and hey presto. This also works well outside in beds to protect plants that need a little extra care or a bit of a push into spring.

Some of the squares already have numbers in them. Your task is to fill in the blank squares. There's only one rule:

Each row, column and box must end up containing all of the numbers from 1 to 9. This rule has an important side-effect, which is the basis of all solving techniques: Each number can only appear once in a row, column or box.