The Park

Welcome to our October editions.

With the cold weather approaching we have a few events inside which will give you the opportunity to get out of the house and keep warm at the same time.

The Wildside Activity Centre have sent their list of events for half term, we have detailed them briefly so it’s a good idea to check their website for further information.

We have two competitions inside this month to win tickets, one for the fabulous Christmas event at the NEC and the other for the panto at the Grand Theatre. The Festive Gift fair this year looks to be a real cracker, with many new stalls and lots of entertainment to entertain all ages.

Included are upcoming events performed by local amateur dramatic societies, always looking for your support and a nice change from sitting in and watching the tv.

With this cold weather don’t forget to feed the birds and please be aware that hedgehogs are now making their hibernation nests , they will find piles of garden debris, compost heaps and woodpiles. So be cautious if you are thinking of moving them, and check first to see if you have any little slug devourers taking up residence.

Lucy

ISSUES? Need some help?

MARK PILKINGTON COMPUTER SERVICES

Professional Computer Repairs

over 20 years

in

Control

Scarification

Professional, Reliable & Affordable

Pattingham Drama is busy rehearsing for its latest comedy play, ‘Absurd Person Singular’.

In November, Pattingham Drama will be performing ‘Absurd Person Singular’, a play written in 1972 by Alan Ayckbourn which still looks fresh 50 years on, with Ayckbourn’s keen sense of mischief to the fore.

Divided into three acts, it documents the changing fortunes of three married couples. Each act takes place at a Christmas celebration in the kitchen of one of the couple’s homes on successive Christmas Eves.

The amateur production takes place in Pattingham Village Hall starting on Wednesday 16th through to Saturday 19th November 2022, beginning each evening at 7.30pm. The play made its world premiere at the Library Theatre, Scarborough on 26th June 1972 and its London début at the Criterion Theatre on 4th July 1973, transferring to the Vaudeville Theatre in September 1974, completing a run of 973 performances. Its official New York Broadway début was at the Music Box Theatre in October 1974. It ran for 591 performances in its first run on Broadway up to March 1976.

The BBC produced a television drama, adapted from the play, first broadcast on 1st January 1985. It was directed by Michael Simpson and starred John Baddeley, Cheryl Campbell, Michael Gambon, Nicky Henson, Lesley Joseph, Maureen Lipman, Geoffrey Palmer and Prunella Scales.

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

To advertise call 07974 180383 e mail finchmagazines@gmail.com

FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF WHY SO MANY PEOPLE LOVE SHOPPING AT THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR AND RETURN EVERY YEAR…

BRING ON THE CHRISTMAS CHEER! WIN TICKETS!

We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away. What is the name of the Jazz Band?

Pop your answer on an e mail address on all pages

Christmas isn’t just about buying gifts, it’s making sure every corner of your home looks fabulous and your table is set for a festive feast! All of which can be found at this much loved Christmas Shopping Fair returning to the NEC, 17 20 NOVEMBER for its 26th year!

Often the most time consuming part is finding unique presents but there’s no need to be stuck for ideas this year! Get your Christmas off to a cracking start at THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR and you’ll see how fun and easy Christmas shopping can be!

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of the day, exploring 300 stalls (over 100 NEW stalls this year!) overflowing with thousands upon thousands of clever gift ideas and decorations at affordable prices. The variety is HUGE, with something for everyone.

To get you into the Christmas spirit, while you’re shopping at the fair, you can enjoy a whole line up of fantastic musical entertainment to get your toes tapping!

Back by popular demand is David Julien, finalist of The Voice UK, The Grinch, The Stilt Jazz Band, choirs and more! And of course, Santa will be there along with his fabulous

sleigh…plenty of photo opportunities!!

It’s no wonder THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR is the most popular Christmas shopping event in the heart of the country… here’s a little sneak preview of some of the goodies you’ll see …

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY!...

Christmas is the one time of year when everyone can over indulge a little. At THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR you’ll find a whole array of delicious artisan food and drink to sample, before you buy.

NEW! The Panettone Store will be selling mouthwatering panettone in beautiful Dolce & Gabbana designed tins. A perfect dinner party gift.

NEW! Add a little heat to your cooking with Leithal Hot Sauces …hot, tangy and fruity sauces and even a mojo rub!

NEW! Beautiful gift sets from The Cherry Tree pick your own chutneys, jams and curds from a huge selection of flavours ranging from Christmas pickle with mead to Cherry curd, plum and mulled wine jam to bloody mary chutney.

NEW! Not just for your table but great present idea from Drury & Alldis build your own gift of bottle stacked oils and vinegars…

black garlic vinegar, oak smoked oil and mango vinegar are many more!

NEW! Put your feet up at the end of the day and enjoy a glass of Moonshine you’ve earned it! O’Donnell Moonshine, as seen on BBC Dragons’ Den, will tempt your taste buds with roasted apple moonshine, wild berry, tough nut and blood orange …wow!

HOME DECOR…

Deck you home for Christmas.

Seasonal dried fruit wreaths, swags and garlands from the Natural Cone & Fruit Company are a tradition to adorn any home.

From gonks galore to magical unicorns and Christmas stockings the 1 Stop Christmas Shop has it all!

NEW! Colourful, beautifully crafted handmade mosaic table lamps and ceramic wall décor to brighten any home available from Turan Mosaic Arts & Craft.

GIFTS FOR THE KIDS…

You’ll find loads of clever stocking fillers, toys and games to keep tots, school children and teenagers amused for hours!

For over 15 years now the ever popular Lanke Kade are back with their fair trade wooden toys and gifts. Their distinctive range offers bright, bold colours and natural wood finishes from Noah’s Ark to Nativity sets - a great heirloom for any family.

NEW! Head to the TwirlySkirts stall for a special party dress for your little Princess!

Cuddly and fun plush toys and inflatables for boys and girls available on The Little Shop stand.

NEW! 1000’s of books for kids from fiction to fantasy available from Books 2 Doors.

NEW! Discover the inner artist in you by assembling beautiful crystals on canvas using a new amazing technique called diamond painting available on the Diamond Art Studio stall.

PERSONALISE YOUR GIFT FOR A TRULY UNIQUE PRESENT…

Buying presents is often quite a challenge but at THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR you’ll find decorations and gifts to treasure forever.

NEW! UK Print Studio will personalise your family prints.

Have your choice of name on a huge selection of baubles … Delightful Decorations will again be offering their personalised service at the fair for you.

Using pyrography, Spinney Cottage can personalise a huge range of wooden items from keepsake boxes to bookmarks and stools to keyrings

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! and get ready for a brilliant, fun day Christmas Shopping. The Fair is open daily 9.30am 5pm daily from Thursday 17th Sunday 20th November at National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. Adult tickets from just £6

For much more information, list of exhibitors, video, show highlights and the musical entertainment programme, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

Book tickets online at www.theticketfactory.com

Lost your Clock or Park View us online www.tettenhallclock.co.uk

ASHMORE GLASS - A BESPOKE SERVICE FOR YOU NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN!

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. After six year 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. Therefore with Ashmore Glass and Mirrors Ltd you will never speak to a salesman as we do not employ them. 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.

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

Reaglead lead designs

Visit our factory see how its done. Feel free to come and visit our factory unit where you can actually see your windows being produced. Once fitted by our expert installers we then guarantee your new windows for 10 years.

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:

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.

Essington Trading Est, Bognop Rd, Essington, W ton.WV11 2BA

Ashmore Glass also provide ancillary services of Window repairs, hinges, locks and leaks. After trading for 25 years, our customers are our testament to our success with many returning time and time again.

In this our 40th anniversary year where we celebrate the success of Friends of the Grand as the official membership organisation at our wonderful Grand Theatre, it is with great delight that we announce the cast for this year’s production of Aladdin.

In this our 40th anniversary year where we celebrate the success of Friends of the Grand as the official membership organisation at our wonderful Grand Theatre, it is with great delight that we announce the cast for this year’s fresh from the West End production of Moulin Rouge The Musical, West End leading lady and singing sensation Zoe Birkett will play Spirit Of The Ring alongside EastEnders’ Beppe di Marco, Michael Greco as Abanazar. Joining them is CBeebies favourite Ben Cajee in the title role of Aladdin, returning favourites Tam Ryan as Wishee Washee and Ian Adams as Widow Twankey, Duane Gooden as the Genie, Ian Billings as the Notary and introducing Wolverhampton’s own Sofie Anné as Princess Jasmine.

We will all join Aladdin on a spectacular quest from humble beginnings to riches beyond his wildest dreams! With a magical lamp, the help of a trusty genie and three wishes, only he can take on the evil sorcerer Abanazar! Can he conquer the cave of wonders and who will win the heart of the princess in the most spellbinding battle of good versus evil!?

All will be revealed at our lovely theatre between the 3rd of December and the 7th of January. Tickets are on sale now and full details can be obtained by going onto the Grand Theatre website at www.grandtheatre.co.uk or by calling the theatre on 01902 429212

To win a family ticket of 4 for this year’s show kindly donated by FOG, why not enter our competition by answering the following question and sending your answer to us by Thursday 17th November.

The date will be Wednesday 7th December for the evening performance starting at 7.00pm. What is the name of the Princess that Aladdin dreams of marrying?

Pop your answer and phone number on a postcard or envelope and post to Finch Magazines. 167 Trysull Road, Merry Hill. Wolverhampton. WV3 7JP

To find out more about Friends of the Grand and how to join us why not visit the membership section of the theatre website at https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/memberships/friends of the grand/

Here you will find out more about the different membership types together with all the added virtues of membership including discounted ticket pricing, priority booking plus many other membership features.

We would both love to have you on board with us.

Lost your Clock or Park View us online www.tettenhallclock.co.uk

Jeffrey President Richard Chair

THE SUMMER BOOK BY TOVE JANNSENN

I found this a very enjoyable book to read: a calming escape, that brings us to what, in acknowledging our natural surroundings, we should appreciate the calming ethos of the countryside.

A criticism of this book may possibly be that while reading it , you could be waiting for something major to happen, which never actually does!

The book presents us with interesting little stories all of them complete in themselves, which often portray simple little adventures of all sorts , and all in different settings, which reflect aspects of the Grandmother and Sophia’s personality , and the relationship between them.

This book reflects the halcyon days of years gone by (yes I am that old !!) where children (including myself) were left to roam all day to their heart’s desire, content to amuse themselves, in their own imaginative play and adventures, where there was little tv, no computers, computer games or internet. The granddaughter Sophia is sometimes really annoying , verging on brattishness; I disliked the way she treated her Grandmother and the way the Granny had to accommodate Sophia’s bad moods and tantrums, particularly when the Granny suffered so much through ill health herself.

Sophia’s friendship with Berenice , who comes to stay during the holidays, proves to be a relief for the Grandmother, as it takes the pressure off of her, and the interaction between the two girls provides numerous amusing incidents , particularly with the swapping of their cats and the walking on the grass story. And then there is the intensity of the description of trespassing during the dark stormy night, into the house that was built on the seashore edge.

There are very vivid scenes, describing storms, the horribleness of struggling against nature and struggles to keep dry and warm, that are very evocative. But there are equally some charming and beautiful passages which describe the island’s varied habitats, reflecting its delightful and unspoilt surroundings. Much is made of this island being Nordic, but I feel it could be a reflection of any isolated beautiful island .In my mind, while reading this novel, I was transported to my childhood days in Ireland , where I spent all my school holidays .Long summer days spent happily roaming round the unspoilt countryside, with my cousins, only returning home for the evening meal , with no supervision, and yet feeling safe, unlike modern days , where you often feel that young people seem to be constantly at risk. This book is one of a pair the other one being titled “ A winter Book “, which is again a series of individual stories, but this time it is from the perspective of the author’s childhood. I fully intend to read this book next and hope I enjoy it as much as The Summer Book. Not all of us in the reading group read the book, and there were mixed reviews.

Review by Margaret Clark

OCTOBER HALF TERM ACTIVITIES AT THE WILDSIDE

Saturday 22nd October

Learn to Ride 10:30am 12:30pm. Aimed primarily at adults, this is a session for people who would like to learn to ride a bike. This is a free session as it is funded by Cycling UK, but booking is essential as places are limited.

Monday 24th October

Wild in the Woods. 10:30am – 12noon. Suitable for under 4s. Forest school play for little people. £4.75 per child.

Den Building & Fire Lighting. 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Suitable for ages 4+. £4.75 per child

Tuesday 25th October

Trick or Treat Trail. 10:00am 12noon. Spooky clues to follow around the woods, and make a Halloween mask to take home. £4.75 per child. Boat Trip. 10:00am 2:00pm. See the splendour of autumn on the canal. A relaxed trip to Wightwick and back, with two locks en route. Our boat is accessible for wheelchairs. Bring your own picnic. £8.40 per adult and £6.30 per child.

Creature Comforts. 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Mini den building for nature’s creatures and we’ll make bird feeders for winter to take home (or leave for the Wildside birds). £4.75 per child.

Thursday 27th October

Canoeing for Beginners. 10:00am – 11:30am or 12noon – 1:30pm. Paddling in an open canoe with an experienced instructor. Numbers will be subject to safety guidance at the time. A minimum age of 10 will apply, 8 years if accompanied by an adult. Bring a towel and complete change of clothing. £6.80 per adult and £5.75 per child.

Nature Trail – Autumn Fruits and Finds. 10:00am – 12noon A nature treasure hunt along the canal and Smestow Valley. Suitable for 4 years + £4.75 per child. Broomsticks and Potions 1:00pm 3:00pm. Use your senses to explore the smelly spooky world of Halloween. Suitable for 4 years + £4.75 per child.

Friday 28th October

Ghost Boat. 10:00am 12:30pm.Join us for Halloween fun and games followed by a Spooky Sail on our Ghost boat (with a story on board). Goody bag included. Come dressed up in your favourite Halloween costume. £20 for 1 adult and 1 child and £7.50 per extra person.

Saturday 29th October

Led Bike Ride. 10:30am – 2:30pm . Join our two experienced instructors on a gentle cycle ride through the Smestow Valley. This is primarily aimed at adults who would like to build their confidence. You must be able to ride a bike to attend this session. This is a free event, but booking is essential as places are limited.

Wildside Activity Centre. Hordern Rd, Whitmore Reans. WV6 OHA 01902 754612

For further details www.wildsideac.co.uk

07974

e mail finchmagazines@gmail.com