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ISSUE 143 - DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017

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HEALTH & FITNESS 8

Realistic Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier New Year

10 Rise to the Challenge for

Severn Hospice 12 New Year, New Tech, New You

HOME INTERIORS 14 Open Plan Living 18 Declutter for the New Year 20 A Rustic Christmas

MOTORS & LEISURE 24 We Try Nissan's Bonkers Bladeglider 26 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale 28 Golf GTI Clubsport S

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT 34 Six Tips for Surviving Christmas 40 Mulled Pears

PROPERTY 42 How to Choose the Ideal

Buy-to-let Property 46 Are we Tired of Shabby Chic?

Not by a Long Chalk

Welcome to the latest edition of ‘In and Around’. Your LOCAL magazine, helping you to find businesses and services in and around your area.

DIRECTOR Fleur Abel

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I would like wish all my advertisers and readers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!!

Thank you for your continued support!

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Kate Dalgliesh

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The Flair for Care!

Clarriots Care, one of the UK’s leading homecare providers, have recently opened a new branch in Shropshire, ready to assist those who need care and support across the region.

Back in 2008, aspiring entrepreneur James Carratt started a home care business in a converted barn on a farm in Lincolnshire. His motivation? Seeing his own James & Paula grandparents struggle to access the good Carratt quality care they deserved. Recognising that not all elderly people want to end up in a care home, James wanted to deliver a high quality care service to individuals in the comfort of their own home.

Clarriots Care was formed with five members of staff who all shared a passion to deliver the very best care services to their local community. Over the next couple of years Clarriots Care went from strength to strength and by the end of 2010 they were employing over 25 staff with a customer satisfaction score of 97%.

As the hard work continued and investments were made into new technologies and improved systems, the momentum continued to gather pace.

Your Home, Your Care!

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Clarriots Care provides care and companionship for those who need support but wish to stay in the comfort of their own home rather than move into a residential or nursing home.

Sourcing care can be difficult and stressful, di whether you're looking for yourself or for a loved one. With free advice and guidance, we'll work hand in hand with you to ensure you have someone you trust delivering your care needs.

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Another two years later, James’ company, Clarriots Care, was now employing over 65 staff, offering 18 different types of care services and delivering over 10,000 home visits per month with a 98% customer satisfaction rating.

As of 2016, Clarriots Care is one of the market leading UK home care providers running it’s national operations from a head office in Lincolnshire. James is still in the office everyday continuing to play a key role in the company and maintains his values and priorities remain the same as they always have, “to provide local communities with a high quality care service, promoting independence and giving people a choice to live how they choose from the comfort of their own homes.”

Remember a residential care home isn’t your only option – wouldn’t you rather be at home, surrounded by a lifetime of memories and possessions? So if you or a loved one are looking for a home care provider with a reputation for excellence, give their friendly team a call on 0333 200 5820 or visit their website www. clarriotshomecare.co.uk/shropshiretelford/ and book a free care assessment today.

HEALTH & FITNESS

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7

Realistic Resolutions

FOR A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER NEW YEAR

New Year resolutions sound like a great idea; a fresh year and a fresh start seem to fit together, and even if we’re determined not to make any, other people can sometimes inspire us – or shame us – into making our own.

But if resolutions are such a good idea, why do they fail so often?

Setting Yourself Up for Failure At New Year, festive goodwill and New Year enthusiasm can give us a rosier view of life, tricking us into making a multitude of overly ambitious resolutions. They reverse the positive effect of goal setting by setting us up to fail - making us more likely to give up completely.

Here are some tips for turning three popular, doomed-tofailure aspirations into realistic resolutions.

More Exercise Your Unrealistic Resolution: I’ll go to Pilates every week, walk at least two miles every weekend and do my dance DVD every Tuesday!

You haven’t managed to do any of these things every week this year - so it’s unlikely you’ll achieve all of them, every week this year. Be honest about why you don’t do them. The activities you’ll find the motivation or time for are those you can fit in most easily and enjoy the most.

A Better Resolution: I’ll do an hour’s exercise every week.

Perhaps you most enjoy a walk, but bad weather puts you off? Plan to walk every weekend, but commit to doing your exercise DVD instead if the weather’s awful. Or plan to fit in the exercise DVD weekly; anything else is a bonus. While it’s not the NHS recommended amount of exercise, it’s some, and it’s consistent. You can increase it later.

Less Alcohol Your Unrealistic Resolution: “I’ll give it up entirely!” “I won’t drink at home/when I’m out/on weekdays/until Easter!” If you rarely drink, you’ll find sticking to such drastic resolutions easy.

But if you rarely drink, you’re probably not making alcoholbased resolutions...

Recent research shows that even low alcohol intake (well under the recommended limits of 2-3 units daily and 14 units per week) increases your risk of many serious conditions, including dementia and some cancers, so cutting back is well worth doing. But going teetotal or drastically reducing your intake may be hard if you’re a regular drinker.

A Better Resolution: Think about when and where you drink alcohol, and plan to reduce your intake gradually. Here are a few strategies to try: • If you usually have 4 drinks on a night out, replace drink 3 with a large soft drink; it may last you the rest of the evening, halving your alcohol intake.

• Match every alcoholic drink with a soft drink.

• Find other ways to relax if you always have a drink on your return from work, and try to make it a Friday-only treat (or reduce your measure). Feeling you ‘need’ a drink is a warning sign – a first step on a potentially dangerous path. Consider if

8

you need to make changes in your work life.

• If you drink wine with dinner every night, change to alternate nights (or alternate it with non-alcoholic wine).

• Swap some alcoholic drinks for low alcohol or non-alcoholic alternatives. They’ve come a long way and there’s now a large range.

No Smoking Your Unrealistic Resolution: “I smoke 30 a day, but I’m giving up forever at midnight, December 31st!”

It’s probably quicker to list conditions not aggravated or caused by smoking than to list those that are - and it can be hard to accept you’re addicted to nicotine. But in reality, when you crave a cigarette to ‘calm your nerves’ that twitchiness you feel is a symptom of withdrawal, which can come on very quickly with nicotine.

This can make smoking a hard habit to kick, particularly if you’re a moderate or heavy smoker – and while a few people do succeed in going ‘cold turkey’, the most reliable and angstfree way is to reduce your nicotine intake gradually (and/or tackle your toxin intake).

A Better Resolution: Pick or combine the cut-back strategies below to suit you, and if one doesn’t work, try another.

• Visit your GP, who can prescribe some nicotine replacement products and refer you to counselling. You can also buy nicotine replacement products - experiment and see what works best for you. Some are particularly suitable for heavy smokers.

• If you don’t already, make yourself smoke outside. It takes more effort and prevents toxins from your cigarette lingering in the air (second-hand smoke) and settling on surfaces, where they are re-released (third-hand smoke), so you’ll be improving the health of housemates and visitors too.

• Swap to e-cigarettes or vaporisers; you’ll be inhaling nicotine, but not cigarette toxins such as cyanide and arsenic.

• Smoke to a timed schedule and gradually increase the time between cigarettes. Even if you smoke 25 a day and only drop one daily cigarette per fortnight, you’ll still be a nonsmoker in under a year.

‘Resolution’ has an array of scientific and historical meanings, one of which is ‘reduction to a simpler form’. So keep your resolutions simple – and realistic!

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

HEALTH & FITNESS

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Rise to the Challenge

FOR SEVERN HOSPICE

Severn Hospice is launching exciting new events for its supporters with a selection of adventure fundraising challenges for those that want to embark on an incredible journey whilst raising money for a vital cause.

There is an opportunity for fundraisers to take on the adventure of a lifetime with Severn Hospice by choosing from a selection of new challenges including trekking the Inca Trail in Peru, white water rafting the Zambezi, cycling from London to Paris and summiting 24 peaks in just 24 hours in the Lake District.

Mike Perry, Community Fundraising and Events Officer at Severn Hospice, said: “We want to inspire our fundraisers to take on the challenge of a lifetime and raise funds for our hospice. The money raised by these trips makes a big difference to our patients and their families whilst also giving our supporters the opportunity to take part in something spectacular.”

Steph Hardman and her sister, Lesley Wright, took on the Great Wall of China to raise money for the hospice in 2015 and caught the adventure fundraising bug along the way.

Steph said: “My husband Jim was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in January 2013 and the care the hospice provided, not just for my husband but for our whole family, was incredible. My sister and I are taking on the Inca trail next year because of the care they gave my husband and the support they have continued to give us.

“We made lifelong friends trekking the Great Wall of China and raised £5,500 for the hospice. We know taking on one of these challenges makes such a difference to the hospice and we hope lots of people will get involved. It’s a truly incredible experience.”

To support Severn Hospice and take on an adventure of a lifetime challenge visit www.severnhospice.org.uk or email fundraising@severnhospice.org.uk. Alternatively call 01952 221351.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

The Foot Doctor

TREATMENTS FOR ALL KINDS OF FOOT PAINS AND PROBLEMS

After moving to Telford in 2010, in order to establish our Custom Orthotics Laboratory in Hortonwood, it did not take long for the phone to start ringing, with patients also asking if I still offered a clinical service. At the time, I was split in between working Harley Street/London Bridge and Telford.

Scanners and some of the best custom orthotics available (anywhere) today.

When combined with well over a decade of specific experience, regular continued study and surgical colleagues on hand for advice – the approach is typically very effective. Each patient that is seen, I hold no other motive than to assist in achieving pain free movement and mobility. This empathetic and determined notion has led to a lot of goodwill in my office!

In what has felt like no time at all, I have increased the clinical service through “The Foot Doctor” name here in Telford.

An average week will see referrals and patient visits from around the county and even further afield!

As of December 2016, I have refitted the clinic rooms with the latest patients treatment chairs and cabinetry for comfort and efficiency.

I am often asked what I will treat. The simple answer is, if it is below the knee then I will be glad to help!

As an extended scope MSK Podiatrist, I specialize in injuries to the tendons, joints and ligaments of the lower limb. This includes the knee, achilles tendons and of course, dreaded heel pain.

From runners needing physical rehabilitation or ingrowing toenail surgically removed to hard working patients plagued with heel pain and children with flat feet. It is my expert area and helping you is something that I take seriously…… but in a very friendly and relaxed manner.

The main reason for successful treatment, is the combination of state of the art clinical equipment, such as Shockwave Therapy, Diagnostic Ultrasound, 3D Laser

Experts in Treating Foot and Heel Pain!

You have most likely sought assistance for your condition, but have struggled to find an enthusiastic expert to help!

Passionate and eager to reduce and cure your lower limb, foot and ankle pain. I have the latest equipment to assist your problem, what is more, I specialize in all Foot, Ankle, Leg and Achilles problems.

The latest Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for non surgical treatment of Heel pain, Achilles Tendons and many other soft tissue injuries- 5 years experience!

achilles pain Policemans Heel

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HEEL PAIN

Arch Pain Bunion/Arthriis

ORTHOTICS

PODIATRY 11

New Year, New Tech, New You THE GADGETS THAT CAN HELP YOU REACH YOUR NEW YEAR GOALS It’s that time of year again: gym owners rub their hands together in glee as the entire world makes New Year resolutions to sort out their health, their fitness or their looks. But while many of those gym memberships will turn out to be expensive mistakes as the initial fervour fades, a few well-chosen gadgets could keep you on the right track all year round.

Health and fitness tracking is huge in technology right now, largely because it’s still a relatively untapped market: even the best-known fitness-tracking smartwatch, the Apple Watch, has only sold a few million units. That means there are plenty of firms hoping to win over everyone from casual dieters to mountain explorers.

For the latter category, outdoor watches such as the Casio Smart Outdoor Watch are built to military specifications for toughness and deliver accurate GPS, as well as recording your hikes and climbs. If that sounds like overkill, and for most of us it probably is, the £170 Garmin Vivosmart HR+ is one of the best all-round fitness trackers for monitoring your heart rate, recording your activity and tracking GPS. It’s pretty, too - and the Misfit Ray is prettier still, resembling a bracelet rather than a watch. It’s half the price of the Garmin and offers good all-round fitness-tracking features. Over 2017 we’ll see a lot more wearable trackers, many of them odd: fancy a Welt, a sensor-enabled belt that tracks your steps for as long as you keep your trousers on?

If you’re more concerned about what you’re putting into your body than what you’re sweating out, smartphone apps offer all kinds of diet and lifestyle tracking - and increasingly those apps tie in with platforms such as Apple Health, WiThings’ HealthMate, Microsoft Health, Jawbone UP and many more. Platforms are designed to enable data sharing from multiple trackers, so for example Apple’s Health app can get data not just from the iPhone it’s on but also from the Apple Watch, from wireless scales and from a wide range of wired and wireless health-monitoring devices. If you haven’t already committed to a particular health-tracking platform, it’s a very good idea to check out sites such as Wareable.com to find out the latest news and rumours about the different manufacturers.

For example, at the time of writing Microsoft has announced the end of its Microsoft Band tracking device, so if you buy one now you might not be able to get a repair for it or a replacement one if it breaks. It also means that if you want to upgrade from a Band 2, there won’t be a Band 3 to fulfil your wishes.

Gadgets don’t just help you when you’re exercising or watching what you eat. They can help you when you’re asleep too. Many wearable devices such as the Fitbit Blaze and Surge, Fossil Marshal, Pebble Time and Apple Watch (via third-party apps) can monitor your sleep, gathering data to help you identify the triggers of a poor night’s sleep and the best times to set the alarm for, and the best times to head up the wooden hill to Bedfordshire.

The data recorded does vary from device to device and some are more practical than others - wearing a smartwatch in bed all night means you’ll have to charge it in the morning - but the insights can be useful.

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Images top to bottom: Casio Smart Outdoor Watch; Garmin VivoSmart HR+; Misfit Ray fitness tracker; Fossil Marshal smartwatch

HEALTH & FITNESS • Back Pain • Neck Pain • Whiplash • Arthritis • Sports Injuries • Tennis/Golfer Elbow

Anna Simons MCSP PHYSIOTHERAPY Friendly Professional Advice with Time to Listen Purpose Built Clinic Room Hands on Treatments

• Shoulder Pain • Foot/Ankle Problems • Plantar Fasciitis • Achilles Tendonopothy • Sciatica

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Anna Simons MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist T: 01952 811 525 M:07887 930 642 Deer Park, Newport, Shropshire •

E: anna.simons2016@hotmail.com

NEWPORT CHIROPRACTIC www.newportchiropractic.co.uk Iain G. Smith, D.C., C.C., B.C.A.O. Doctor of Chiropractic Board Certified Craniopath Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal

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Mobile Foot Health Practitioner Foot Health Assessment Corn & Callus Removal Verruca Treatments Ingrowing Nails

Nail Trimming Athletes Foot Treatment Cracked Heals Summer Feet Preparation

Tel: 606229 Tel: 01952 01952 606229 Mobile: 07977 548957 Mobile: 07977 548957 Email: celia@telfordfootcare.co.uk www.telfordfootcare.co.uk



Special interest in the conservative management of Cranio-Cervical Syndromes and Whiplash Associated Disorders

Telford Foot Care

01952 272760 43D Audley Road, NEWPORT Shropshire TF10 7DL 13

Home & Interiors

OPEN PLAN LIVING

kitchen accessories – for a smart and interesting look.

–

i t

You may find that conventional furniture doesn’t work as well as expected in an open-plan space in which case search for larger-than-average pieces, bearing in mind that they have to look good from all angles, not just the front. What you need to avoid, especially in a larger room, is placing the seating around the edges, or spacing too far apart. Steer clear of the hospital-waitingroom or furniture-showroom look at all costs.

Instead, group your seating so that sofas and chairs are sociable, either facing each other or creating a corner (modular units are good for this).

I f

Who doesn’t love the idea of living in a light, bright and airy open-plan space? Katherine Sorrell explains how to get the most out of it.

We’ve all hankered for a large, openplan living space – where family and friends can be relaxed and sociable together, yet do their own thing at the same time. And the key to ensuring that an open-plan room looks good and functions brilliantly is careful planning.

Start by thinking about how you’ll use the space – for cooking, informal eating, entertaining, working, relaxing and so on – and divide it into appropriate areas.

Just as if they were separate rooms, but without conventional dividing walls. In some cases these separate zones can be created with changes of level, but generally they’re achieved through the considered use of flooring, colour and pattern, lighting and the positioning of furniture.

Choosing flooring for a multi-purpose space can be problematic, as kitchens/halls need something splash-proof that can be mopped, while sitting areas ought to feel inviting and comfortable. There are two solutions. Either use different (but complementary) floorings, thus automatically creating visually distinct zones, or lay one practical flooring throughout, giving a sleek and flowing look. Stone or ceramic tiles, engineered or laminate floorboards, rubber and good quality vinyl are all suitable – simply soften with woven or fluffy rugs around your sofas and chairs to create the framework for a separate ‘living’ area.

Pale colours will emphasise open, airy spaces, while darker shades are dramatic and can help make large areas feel cosy.

One option in an open-plan room is to zone the scheme by using tones of one colour, going from light at one end to darker at the other. If your space is very long and thin, painting the end walls in a deeper shade makes them appear closer, thus improving the proportions, while a neutral scheme throughout can be given matching accents of a brighter colour – say, a rug in the living area, glasses on the dining table and a couple of

14

you’re starting from scratch with an open-plan design, try to include an island or peninsular unit between the kitchen and the rest of the room.

That way, you get a visual break between the two zones and the cook can comfortably chat with family or guests while preparing food. Kitchen manufacturers now produce plenty of products that blend kitchen, dining and living functions, from cabinets that co-ordinate with freestanding storage to media units that incorporate a TV, so it’s no longer hard to design a space that blends easily from one zone to another.

One final point: bear in mind that sound carries, and you won’t be able to shut a door to block it out. If you’re eating dinner, watching TV or catching up on emails, you won’t want to be disturbed by the extractor fan howling or the dishwasher gurgling so, if possible, put your washing machine somewhere separate and buy superquiet appliances.

Images: (top left) Dorset Purbeck reclaimed wood extendable trestle table, £499, Modish Living: 01273 499057; www.modishliving.co.uk. (centre) Moments floor and wall tiles, £15.02 per square metre, Tile Mountain: 01782 223822; www.tilemountain.co.uk.

GET THE LIGHT RIGHT

Good lighting makes a big difference in any room, and is especially important for open-plan living, helping to zone the space and provide either strong illumination or soft ambience. Food preparation areas need bright lights, which can usually be built into the bottoms of wallmounted cabinets or, if you have an island unit, can take the form of a ceiling-mounted track or a row of pendants.

In dining and living areas, meanwhile, you’ll want flexible lighting that can be turned up or down easily. Experts advise installing a range of circuits that can be controlled by separate switches or dimmers but, unless you’re at the building-work stage, this will involve a fair bit of disruption (not to mention the extra expense). Instead, simply introduce flexibility by replacing main light switches with dimmers and plugging in a selection of table or floor lamps at strategic points.

by Katherine Sorrell

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HOME INTERIORS

Local Art Gallery

DESIGNED TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS AND STYLES

Artworx is an independent fine art gallery set in an elegant Grade ll listed building in the historic market town of Newport in Shropshire. The town has a growing number of high quality independent shops, plenty of places for a quiet drink and snack and free parking, all of which guarantee relaxed and enjoyable shopping.

They specialise in limited edition and original pieces of beautiful art and also carry a range of quality prints and canvases. Their range is fully supported by all the major publishing houses with access to well known artists such as Doug Hyde, Kerry Darlington, Bob Barker, Jeff Rowland, Caroline Shotton, Rozanne Bell and Nigel Cooke to name but a few.

showcase more contemporary and abstract art - there’s nothing like a splash of colour to liven up modern neutral interiors.

They stock ceramic art by Edge Sculpture, a range of stunning animals and figures from a exceptional local designer and sculptor. His work is reaching an increasingly international audience and is widely and enthusiastically collected.

They pride themselves on being a local gallery with a community feel and over the next few months they will be growing their pool of talented local artists and photographers to exhibit within the gallery. You might even occasionally find an artist demonstrating at one of their easels, giving you a chance to see a bit of creativity in action.

Whatever your budget and whatever your style there’s bound to be something here for you. There’s always a very warm welcome and their soon-to-arrive comfy sofa will give you a chance to have a break and browse their catalogues - they’ll be open on Sundays during December (11am - 3pm) so pop in and enjoy a browse.

As an independent gallery they also have the freedom to work with individual artists and designers to

67 High Street Newport, Shropshire TF10 7AU Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm 01952 56 6000 www.artworx.co.uk

We stock a wide range of originals, prints and sculptures from renowned artists including: Doug Hyde Jeff Rowland Caroline Shotton Rozanne Bell Edge Sculpture

Nigel Cooke

as well as talented local artists

Edge Sculpture

17

Declutter

FOR THE NEW YEAR

What could be a better New Year’s resolution for your home than to eliminate mess, create space and generally have a good sort out?

When the festive fun comes to an end, the presents are all opened and the Christmas pudding finally finished, it’s time to take a breath and assess just how much mess and clobber has built up in your home over the past year. If the answer is too much, then it’s time to declutter your stuff and sort your storage, so that your home will be mess-free and super-stylish in time for 2017.

First, grab some rubbish bags and a few boxes or baskets. Work methodically through each room (it’s boring, but necessary – try doing just half an hour a day for a couple of weeks) and sort out obvious rubbish, things that can go to a local charity shop, items that could be sold second-hand, anything that needs mending, little-used things that can be put away in the garage or loft, and genuinely great stuff that you want to keep.

Try to get rid of as much as possible (let’s face it: we all have too much stuff), only holding onto things that you really need and/or love.

With what’s left, it’s now time to work out where it will go. Often, our most persistent clutter arises from the fact that we haven’t designated spaces where things can easily be put, so stuff just ends up lying around. Label your storage if necessary, and make sure the whole family knows what’s meant to go where.

You’ll already have created extra storage space by having such a good clear-out; if you still need more, look for all the areas where you could fit additional storage, whether built-in or free-standing: from backs of doors to under the stairs, tops of wardrobes to under the bed. Think racks, hooks and shelves as well as conventional cabinets and chests of drawers and, where possible, ensure they co-ordinate with existing furniture, enhancing your home’s style and even adding a soupcon of ontrend glamour. You may also wish to have a rethink about the location of some conventional storage spaces. If, for example, toys are always in the living room rather than in the children’s

Mazeballs bed, £625, Loaf: 0845 468 0698; www.loaf.com bedrooms, how about adding a toy storage unit somewhere handy, rather than having to tidy them away upstairs every day?

There are a few rules of storage that might be helpful. Obvious, perhaps, but worth bearing in mind all the same. First, store like with like (it may take a while to go through the house and organise this, but it really is worth the effort for the ease of finding things later on). Never say: ‘I’ve got this box, what shall I put in it?’ Instead, match the size and shape of the container to what’s being kept inside (in other words, find small, lidded boxes for things like Lego and big squishy baskets for teddy bears). Store as much as possible near to where it’s most needed, but don’t store frequently used items below knee level or above shoulder height, especially if they’re heavy. Avoid storing things on surfaces such as tables or desks – they’re where you want to put things while you’re organising them, not keep them there afterwards. And allow yourself room to expand – but only within reason. If you have allowed extra space, and then filled it… it’s time to start all over again.

Easy ways to banish clutter • Write a list of where you want to declutter. Start with the hardest or the easiest – the important thing is that you now know what you need to do.

• Have an intensive declutter workout and spend just five minutes clearing as much as you can in one area. You’ll be amazed at the difference you can make. Repeat as often as you can.

• Not sure which clothes to get rid of? Hang them all with the hooks facing one way. Every time you wear something, rehang it with the hook facing the opposite way. After, say, six months, you can easily assess which items you never wear.

You could try the same idea in the kitchen (turn the handles of your mugs in one direction, put glasses upside down, and so on), the playroom, the living room…

• Make it a family competition. Who will be the fastest to find three things to throw away, three things to give away and three things to tidy away? Offer prizes as necessary.

• If what you need is some emergency decluttering, there’s no shame in popping everything into a big box and hiding it somewhere until you have time to go through it properly.

Cooper hall tidy, £399, Atkin and Thyme: 0844 409 9834; www.atkinandthyme.co.uk

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by Katherine Sorrell

HOME INTERIORS

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19

A Rustic Christmas

strings of angels or snowflakes, or even gingerbread stars, all look adorable, and can be used everywhere in the home.

Instead of shiny baubles, how about cutting simple shapes from felt and blanket-stitching them around the outside? Or making a wreath using clippings from the garden? Similarly, you can create wonderful decorations using sprigs of evergreens, ivy, pine cones (you could spray them with artificial snow), rose hips, dried seed heads and twigs (try lashing them together into a star shape). Or dry slices of apple and orange and tie them together with gardener’s string, adding cinnamon sticks and star anise. It will look and smell gorgeous. Of course, if you’re short of time, all these and more can be found in the shops, along with all sorts of irresistible decorations such as birch bark candle holders, driftwood Christmas trees and needlefelted and knitted owls, reindeer and robins.

When it comes to wrapping presents, choose brown paper and string, or lengths of fabric and cotton ribbon, rather than foil that can’t be recycled. Use cardboard luggage labels and bear in mind that children might enjoy potato printing the plain paper for a little embellishment – white paint looks fantastic against the brown. As for receiving presents, there’s nothing nicer than a row of knitted stockings hanging by the fire, perhaps with some printed hessian sacks – widely available these days – for larger gifts.

The simplest of festive decorations can sometimes be the most appealing, says interiors expert Katherine Sorrell Who doesn’t love a natural look at home? And especially at Christmas, when present-buying, hosting guests, shopping, cooking and generally rushing around can all get a bit too much. Keeping your decorations simple and rustic is not only attractive and on-trend, but it also makes life easier and can be extremely cost-effective. Unpretentious and understated, natural decorations suit every home, large or small, modern or traditional, and make a fabulous, timeless alternative to commercialised glitz and glitter.

The centrepiece of this look, ideally, is a real tree, which is best bought from a good local stockist. Choose one that’s as fresh as possible, make a new cut at the bottom, and display in a stand (a wicker basket is perfect) that holds a reservoir of water – it could need one or two litres every day. (Tip: the Nordmann Fir holds its needles really well.) Decorate generously, but don’t overload your tree, and keep to a limited colour scheme (white, red, green and brown are all great), using natural materials (see box). And, if you wish to add a touch of sparkle, twine the tree with small, plain white fairy lights.

Feeling inspired? Spend a weekend making decorations with the family.

Garlands of popcorn, nuts and paper

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Fresh flowers are fabulous at Christmas – a gorgeous reminder of springtime soon to come. Hyacinths are classic (and their scent will fill your home), as are amaryllis and poinsettias. They all look particularly special in white, of course.

Wrap pots in hessian tied with string or pop groups of them into a wicker basket; you can decorate the tops of the pots with silver moss.

Because this is a look where less is more, laying the festive table is easy. A linen runner or place mats, plain white china, clear glass (recycled and robust or cut crystal for a twinkle, whichever you prefer) and simple decorations such as bowls of pine cones or oranges studded with cloves, and perhaps a vase full of evergreens, twigs and boughs.

Cosy, welcoming and unpretentious.

INGREDIENTS FOR A NATURAL CHRISTMAS • Hessian • Twigs, branches and boughs • Linen and cotton ribbon • Brown paper and string

• Greenery and berries from the garden • Moss • Dried, sliced apples and oranges • Cinnamon sticks and star anise • Gingerbread • Felt • Hyacinths, amaryllis and white poinsettias • Candles • Pine cones

Finally, add candles, small and tall, in rows along mantelpieces, in the centre of the dining table, on simple iron candelabra, in advent displays – anywhere their flickering glow will make you feel happy. Alternatively, tea lights look pretty inside old jam jars, which is safer if you have young children around. Pop a mince pie in the oven and heat some mulled wine on the hob, and here it is – a very merry Christmas.

Main Image: Log battery candles with star design, £12 each, The Contemporary Home, 02392 469400; www.tch.net Image above: Intricate star, £8, Jenny Walsh Design, 0868 773293; www. jennywalshdesign.com

by Katherine Sorrell

HOME INTERIORS

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Possibly the Most Exciting Present

MONEY CAN BUY

If you ever wanted to learn to fly but thought it too expensive then think again.

Learning to fly an air-craft is an ambition of many people but sadly the cost of owning and maintaining a powered aircraft, let alone the price of training, is often enough to stop you even starting. Flying gliders is the least costly way to learn to fly fixed wing aircraft and all experience counts towards a national private pilot license.

It is also the greenest and one of the most fun ways of learning to fly, and is suitable for all ages from 14 upwards, male or female. Midland Gliding Club welcomes members from 12 years with no upper age limit, male and female. Junior members can fly solo from the age of 14 and get almost everything half price, so it is also a fantastic start to a career in aviation.

At Midland Gliding Club on the Longmynd you also have the advantage of flying over some of the most beautiful landscape in the UK. Midland Gliding Club has been training pilots since 1934 and is affiliated to the British Gliding Association.

It is a competitive sport as well as a recreational pastime, with pilots from the club competing at junior, local, regional, national and international levels around courses not unlike sailing.

The Midland Gliding Club also has a great café open to the public, from which you can enjoy fantastic views far into Wales. We also encourage walkers, mountain-bikers and other recreational hill users passing by to come in for a bite to eat or drink, a chat with the friendly folk around the club, and we are always more than happy to show you round the gliders and the facilities to show you what it has to offer.

You do not have to own a glider to enjoy the sport as Midland Gliding Club runs a fleet of modern aircraft for use by club members.

If you really fancy learning to fly – beware, it’s easy to become

22

hooked, we’re even offering all new members a range of free launches.

For just £30 a month (plus annual subscription) you can fly as much as you want (subject to weather and demand) and all instruction is free.

Juniors under 21 years get almost everything half price and can start learning from the age of 12, potentially going solo at 14.

Given the right weather it is even possible to go ‘solo’ in a week or two, so if you want to learn the basics really quickly, then why not enquire about our latest deals on mid-week.

Imagine harnessing the power of nature to soar miles across the open countryside, at heights of up to 30,000 feet and speeds of over 100mph in an engine-less aircraft.

Try your hand at gliding and you will discover the possibilities of this truly amazing adventure sport.

Using the same naturally occurring currents of air that birds use to fly you can take to the skies and enjoy this exhilarating experience, no matter what your age, physical ability or background.

Make 2017 the year you break free and learn to fly.

A flight in a glider also makes an exciting and unusual Christmas present.

There are a range of gift ideas which include a ‘First Flight’ voucher (£95), a ‘Premium First Flight’ voucher (£145), ‘A Day to Remember at the Mynd’ voucher (155) or a ‘One Day Course’ voucher (£165) – see website for more information.

For full details visit the website at www.midlandgliding.club or call reception on 01588 650206. We very much look forward to meeting you soon, and hope to have the honour of showing you how fabulous the Strettons look from above!

MOTORS & LEISURE

FLYING GIFT EXPERIENCE at the Midland Gliding Club from

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WE FLY ALL YEAR ROUND First Flight Vouchers make a fantastically unusual gift for any of your friends or family!

At Midland Gliding Club we offer the least expensive way to learn to fly a fixed wing aircraft.

Start with a First Flight for just £95 and we throw in three month’s club membership. A further £30 a month gets you as much flying in club aircraft during that three months as you can manage (weather permitting), with free instruction from our professional instructors.

We start pilot training from 12 years old and youngsters can go solo at 14. Juniors under 21 years get almost everything half price!

THE MOST AFFORDABLE WAY TO FLY FIXED WING AIRCRAFT

Midland Gilding Club Longmynd, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6TA Tel: 01588 650206 • www.midlandgliding.club • Email: office@midlandgliding.club 23

Motoring

As we hit the back straight of the twisting kart track in the middle of a shanty town in Brazil, the wail of the concept car’s electric motors reaches a crescendo.

It’s banshee-like in pitch and would rival a hover bike from Star Wars in tone – this is noise like no electric car that’s gone before it, and it’s pointing to the future of electric vehicles (EVs) for Nissan.

WE TRY NISSAN'S BONKERS BLADEGLIDER

wide-track rear make for a planted and agile ride. On the tiny test track it whipped between corners with a whiff of tyresmoking oversteer when our exuberant test driver got playful.

For us mere mortals the BladeGlider offers a drift mode, similar to that found on the Focus RS, for sideways fun – yet more technology debuting here that is likely to filter down to other Nissans.

We’ve come to Rio de Janeiro to experience this mad Batmobile-like sports car concept, dubbed the BladeGlider.

The BladeGlider did feet softly sprung, though, more hot hatch than sports car over the kerbs. But most importantly it was great fun – and, with the instant torque available from those electric motors, it felt swift too.

With a narrow front track and aerodynamically designed body that widens like an arrow to the rear, the concept car takes design cues from the Delta Wing Le Mans racer of 2012.

It’s not supercar fast, but will push you back into the sports seats and throw you around enough to induce a whiff of travel sickness.

There’s currently no word on range, though – which we’d guess means it’s currently pretty poor.

Although that car’s track time was short lived, the lessons Nissan learned are brought back to life in this mad sports car concept that’s part Robin Reliant, part McLaren F1, part Caterham.

Unfortunately, the chances of being able to order a BladeGlider from your local dealer any time soon is highly unlikely. This is just one of two produced and they’re likely to be the last. Well, in this form at least.

With two 174bhp electric motors, independently powering each rear wheel, the BladeGlider is good for nearly 120mph and 60mph in under five seconds.

So you might be wondering what the point is? Well, Nissan says that’s simple, really: they want to make people realise electrification doesn’t mean dull, and a sports car concept as bonkers as this proves otherwise.

It’s been built in conjunction with F1 experts Williams Advanced Engineering and features an unusual three-seater layout where both passengers sit behind and either side of the driver.

Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed a drive of the multimillion pound concept car; however, we did get to experience it from the passenger seat.

Nissan is long overdue a sister car to the Leaf, the world’s bestselling EV, and many will be hoping the lessons Nissan has learned here will lead to a thrilling follow-up. Fortunately, after a very short passenger ride, all the signs are pointing in the right direction for a smash hit.

Even from here it’s clear the BladeGlider offers a completely unique driving experience. Those two front wheels and the

by James Baggott

24

MOTORS & LEISURE

The GLA.

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Ferrari

CALIFORNIA T HANDLING SPECIALE

Meet the California T HS – the tweaked version of the manufacturer’s folding hard-top family Ferrari.

With two seats in the back for small children and a V8 turbo-charged lump up front, this is the convertible Italian supercar for those that need to carry more than one significant other. New for the Handling Speciale model are some stiffer springs, louder exhaust and some ever-so-subtle design tweaks – for which you’ll be charged £5,568 to add to an ever-expanding list of options.

Looks and image

The California is aimed at a certain type of buyer and as such it has the ability to disappoint behind the wheel, unless you drive it in context. This is a GT car designed for comfort, looks and kerb appeal above driving entertainment, unlike its thoroughbred 488 stablemate. That means it’s more comfortable than exciting to drive. Even with the louder exhaust system on this HS model, on the road we found it just a little too quiet.

In fact, we found the California lacked a lot of the excitement you’d expect to find in a Ferrari – despite its impressive performance credentials it just didn’t feel as involving as we’d hoped. That said, it was certainly a comfortable companion over distance and never failed to draw a crowd whenever we parked it up. The quality of its build is without question too – perfectly demonstrated with a wonderfully dramatic roof mechanism.

Space and practicality

OK, so a Ferrari isn’t going to win any accessibility awards like a Citroen Berlingo might, however this is a sports car and comes with sports car compromises. Put the front seats back to anything less than a knee crushing position and you lose all rear legroom – which means even carrying a five-year-old requires the front seat passengers to perform some gymnastics for the journey. The boot is pretty cramped too. If you don’t want to use the roof, you get a little more space, but if you do then you’ll be restricted to two small bags at best. Weekly shopper, this isn’t.

Behind the wheel

For long distance motorway journeys, the California T HS is a comfortable companion. The 552bhp turbo-charged V8 has impressive breadth to its power delivery and although the feeling of acceleration is somewhat numbed in the cabin, it can hit 60mph in just 3.6 seconds. Sadly, the turbo engine loses some of the charms of a normally aspirated unit – it may offer

26

improved performance, but lacks some of the aural pleasure you expect from a Ferrari.

Those stiffer springs and louder exhaust come into play when you select the ‘Sport’ setting on the Manettino switch on the steering wheel. Hit the bumpy road button on the steering wheel too, and you’ll be rewarded with a compliant ride that’s just about perfect for our rutted roads. A parking camera makes backing the Ferrari into spaces a pretty simple affair and despite its sports car credentials the visibility isn’t too bad either.

Value for money

The California T Handling Speciale costs £155,244 – pitching it against the Audi R8 Spyder and Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

But that base price soon increases once you start ticking some options boxes. Two tone exterior (£4,320), carbon fibre dash inserts (£3,744), Scuderia Ferrari side shields (£1,056) and front and rear parking cameras (£4,032) are just a few of the options that can soon add up. In fact, our test car had no less than 29 options added – including titanium wheel bolts at £1,810 – which pushed the purchase price up to a staggering £215,011.

That’s a whopping £59,767 on extras.

One well worth adding, though, is Apple CarPlay (£2,400) which makes the infotainment system far more usable. Ferrari’s standard system isn’t a match for the likes of Audi or Porsche, so the addition of Apple’s integrated software is well worth selecting.

Who would buy one?

California buyers are family men or women who need the occasional flexibility of carrying more than one passenger. OK, so that might mean compromising on space for everyone, but at least the option is there should they need it.

Verdict

It’s hard not to be a little disappointed by the driving thrills the California fails to serve up, though what that’s down to is difficult to pinpoint. The turbo-charged engine isn’t as evocative as it could be: the sound certainly lacks the excitement of a Ferrari, that’s for sure. It’s not as emotive to drive either – more functional long-distance GT than out and out sports car.

However, for families that need flexible space, want the style of a convertible but with the added refinement of a folding hard top, and for whom anything less than a Ferrari badge simply won’t do, the California will hit the spot. Throw in the fact the Handling Speciale pack looks like a bargain when compared to the other options on the list and buyers would be simply foolish not to opt for the HS option when signing the order form.

by James Baggott

MOTORS & LEISURE

What are we Paying for Exactly?

Unfortunately I had to have some glass replaced on one of my cars this week. I won’t go into detail but suffice to say I have a crime number from the local constabulary and they rang me the next day to say they have an “interesting” lead. Here’s hoping.

I got chatting to the glass technician about the cars he’s worked on and how well each was put together. Based on a completely unscientific survey of a man working on an average of 50 cars a week, I’ve a very rough countdown of the best and worst built cars. The top two were no surprise. It was those further down that raised an eyebrow.

Bentley was number one in his experience, with Mercedes at two. It got interesting from then on as his number three bestbuilt car was Ford. They have really upped their game in the last few years and it shows, with well put together vehicles

and quality materials. Snapping at their heels was Vauxhall, again for the same reason.

Now for the lower ranked ones: Sorry, but unlike the four above, who I’m sure will gladly take the praise, I don’t want a letter from the lawyers, so they will remain nameless. But the big surprises were a super-car brand and two German marques that have done the opposite to Ford: penny-pinching leading to a drop in quality.

It goes to show that, just because a car has a good (or bad) name, built on past reputation, it doesn’t follow that this will continue. The product will sometimes improve whilst at other times quality can deteriorate, regardless of the price charged.

So what are we paying for exactly? The badge on the bonnet, or the quality of the build?

By Iain Betson

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Motoring

WHAT IS IT? It’s the fastest front-wheel-drive car around the Nürburgring, a stripped-out hardcore celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Golf GTI and a limited edition collector’s piece all in one.

The Golf GTI Clubsport S is the result of asking engineers to do what they can to cement the GTI’s name in the hot hatch pantheon.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Lifting the Golf’s bonnet will reveal the same twolitre, turbocharged petrol you’ll find elsewhere in the Golf range – notably the Golf GTI and Golf R. In this application it’s been tuned up slightly, producing 306hp – broadly similar to the Golf R’s output but with a different exhaust system freeing up a couple of horsepower.

GOLF GTI CLUBSPORT S

The Knowledge

Model: Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S Price: £33,155 Engine: Two-litre, fourcylinder petrol Power: 306hp, 380Nm Max speed: 165mph 0-60mph: 5.7s MPG (combined): 40.4mpg Emissions: 172g/km

That’s paired with the six-speed manual gearbox for weight purposes, as the extra few kilos of the dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) would work against the weight-saving nature of the Clubsport S.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The GTI Clubsport S is a top-specification Golf and it comes with the appropriate bells and whistles.

The infotainment system is Volkswagen’s Discover Navigation with a 6.5-inch colour screen - but you can upgrade to the Discover Pro for £1,325, which adds a larger screen and DAB radio. You’re missing one or two things – not least of which are the rear seats, replaced with a faux strut brace and cargo net.

Cruise control is absent, unusually, leading to an oddly sparse suede steering wheel.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? It drives exactly as you’d expect the car that set the fastest

front-wheel-drive lap of the Nürburgring ever to drive. It’s really very savage in a straight line, barking through the exhausts with every upshift, and scrubs off speed no less impressively.

The sticky Michelin Pilot Cup tyres offer huge amounts of grip, too.

On the mixed and drying roads we used, the Clubsport S exhibited a little torque steer if you gave the car some stick,

28

but far less than you might expect.

Otherwise, it’s a very neutral car to drive on the road.

WHAT DOES THE PRESS THINK? AutoExpress reckons that the Clubsport S has ‘even more involvement and surprising refinement’, while Autocar thinks that it’s ‘by a nose, the very best fast Golf you can buy’.

WHAT DO WE THINK? It seems odd to turn a car with such broad credentials into a two-seater sports car, especially as the rear compartment trim is still present, but you can’t really ignore the way it drives.

The Golf R might be a safer bet for all-weather performance, but the Clubsport S makes a great case for itself on dry roads and doesn’t feel as wrung out as other frontwheel-drive offerings of similar power outputs.

Losing the rear seats makes the Clubsport S a bit of a tough sell when silhouette rivals retain the family usability and twoseat competitors are commonly less expensive, but as all of the UK’s allocation of 150 have already been sold, it’s almost a moot point.

Target Buyers The performance car enthusiast who loves the Golf but wants a sports car.

The Rivals Honda Civic Type R, Porsche Cayman, Ford Focus RS

Key Selling Points 1. Limited edition cachet 2. Unflappable cornering manners 3. Usable real-world performance

Deal Clincher It’s no harder to live with than any other Volkswagen Golf

by James Baggott

MOTORS & LEISURE

NEW MOKKA X IT’S YOUR LIFE. GO DRIVE IT.

Your devices. Connected via 4G Wi-Fi. Your music. Streamed with Apple CarPlay™ support.

Your adventure. Supported by OnStar personal assistant.

£229 per month

+ ADVANCE RENTAL

VAUXHALL

WITH 4G WI-FIˆ

Greenhous Shrewsbury

Greenhous Telford

Old Potts Way Shrewsbury SY3 7ET

Trench Lock Telford TF1 5SU

01743 231321

01952 265400

www.greenhousvauxhall.co.uk

www.greenhousvauxhall.co.uk

Official overnment Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km). Mokka X Active 1.4i Turbo (140PS) Start/Stop FWD: Urban: 37.2 (7.6), Extra Urban: 55.4 (5.1), Combined: 47.1 (6.0). CO 2 emissions: 140g/km.#

Personal contract hire offer on Mokka X Active 1.4i Turbo (140PS) Start/Stop FWD in free of charge metallic or brilliant paint with OnStar and 4G Wi-Fi, on orders received before 31 December 2016, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £2,977, then 47 monthly payments of £229. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 32,000 over 48 months charged at 11.08 pence per mile. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/ mileage when it is returned to Vauxhall Leasing. Package includes Road Fund Licence and Vauxhall Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice.

For full specification and Ts&Cs contact your local Retailer. You will not own the car. ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Vauxhall Leasing, BS16 3JA. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ˆOnStar and 4G Wi-Fi hotspot services require activation and are subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Wi-Fi hotspot service requires account with nominated mobile network operator. 4G subject to mobile network coverage availability. Charges apply after free trial period. The OnStar subscription packages could be different from the services included in the free trial period. Check www.vauxhall.co.uk/onstar for details of availability, coverage and charges or ask your Vauxhall Retailer. Terms and conditions apply. Vehicles purchased without OnStar cannot have the required technology retro fitted. Apple CarPlay and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. #Fuel consumption information is official government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Official EU-regulated test data is provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Correct at time of going to press.

29

Restaurant Review

FINDING THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN AND AROUND SHROPSHIRE

The Fox

Pave Lane, Chetwynd Aston, Newport TF10 9LQ

T: 01952 815940

The Fox is located in the quiet hamlet of Chetwynd Aston in Newport. It is a grand Edwardian-style pub set in beautiful rural surroundings.

The Fox is full of character features and has many different dining areas of different sizes and shapes that surround the large central bar. Having recently undergone a refurbishment inside and out the pub is looking extremely vibrant and fresh. Inside the subtle changes to colours and textures run throughout and include a New England style wooden pitched roof. The vaulted ceiling in the large dining room really stands out with the new colour scheme, this room is stunning and leads straight out onto the outdoor dining area with amazing views, which is particularly popular in the summer months for al-fresco dining. The interior still has that country house feel that has always made The Fox feel inviting and relaxed.

the pub where there is always a welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of bar stools its a great place to relax if you just want to pop in for a drink, you can even order a few nibbles to enjoy with your drink or while you wait for a table.

For starters Nik chose the Pheasant, Rabbit and Prune Faggot and I ordered the Baked Goat's Cheese in Walnut Crust.

Nik's handmade game faggot was very substantial, the game meats had a rich deep flavour that worked well with a hint of sweetness from the prunes and the smooth celeriac purée complimented the big flavours from the faggot and the light wild mushroom gravy perfectly.

My goats cheese was soft and warm with a lovely fine crunch from the crushed walnuts, it was served with pickled cranberries which added a slight tartness to the dish and a crunchy apple salad, overall a great dish which I would definitely order again.

The exterior has also undergone a change of colour with a coat of cool grey and surrounding woodwork highlighted in slate blue.

Our main courses took a little longer to decide on as there were so many dishes we were tempted by, Nik finally opted for the Venison, Rabbit and Pheasant Suet Pudding and I selected the Warm Crispy Beef Salad.

Back inside the always well stocked bar has even more to offer with an extended gin selection, now offering around 80 different bottles to choose from! If gin isn’t your thing there’s also a huge selection of about 100 whiskeys and 40 rums to work your way through, as well as a mixed selection of ales and a vast array of wines. The bar is located in the centre of

Nik's suet pudding was a good hearty dish, he said it was wonderfully rich and the moist suet pie case was packed full of delicious game meats and tasty gravy. It was served with a generous helping of buttered greens, sweet carrots and parsnips. Nik said it was outstanding and probably one of his favourite dishes he’d eaten.

30

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT My salad looked amazing when it arrived, it was so colourful and a generous portion. I have to say it did taste as good as it looked, there were so many different textures and flavours so every bite was different, there were warm strips of crispy fried beef in a very light batter, slices of peppers, thin curls of carrot, red onions, spicy toasted cashew nuts, oriental leaves, crispy thin slices of crunchy fried lotus root and much more - all topped with a delicious sweet chilli sauce.

We were both rather full after our mains but thought we could manage to squeeze in a dessert, there were a good range of tempting dishes to choose from. Crème Brûlée was Nik's choice and I had the Mulled Cranberry Frangipane Tart.

Nik's Crème Brûlée had a thin caramelised sugar topping that cracked satisfyingly to reveal the cool creamy custard beneath. It was served with homemade shortbread and fresh Strawberries.

My tart was served with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream and a heap of mulled cranberries, this was a fantastic end to my meal, the warm tart was deliciously moist with a slightly crispy pastry base and topped with crunchy almonds, the juicy cranberries added lots of flavour.

The staff were friendly, polite and attentive and nothing was too much trouble.

The daily menu changes regularly with new

dishes added alongside regular favourites.

There is also a Sunday lunch menu with a selection of roasts. At lunchtimes as well as the main menu you can also chose from a tempting range of sandwiches or some light bites dishes.

Children are welcome and there are a selection of children's meals on the menu. There is even a selection of classic games available to keep your little ones entertained.

Dogs are allowed in the front bar and you will even find a jar of dog biscuits to reward your loyal companion.

On the table of magazines and newspapers you will find a basket of reading glasses which you are welcome to lend if you have forgotten yours. It seems they really have thought of everything, great attention to detail.

Once every couple of months the staff at The Fox head off on a walk into the country, you are welcome to join them, this usually happens on a Saturday around 9am but before you head off on your 5 mile walk relax with a coffee and bacon butty, on the house! Check facebook for the next date.

The Fox has always been consistent with the high quality of food that they serve and there is always a welcoming and lively atmosphere here - pop in and see for yourself!

Reviewed by Fleur & Nik Abel

Join us on 6th & 20th Dec

Friday Night is Fizz Night!

Christmas Carols by Cadence Singers from 8pm with Mince Pies & Mulled Wine

Bottle of house Prosecco for the price of 4 glasses

The Fox

Pave Lane • Chetwynd Aston • Newport • Shropshire • TF10 9LQ T: 01952 815940 • E: fox@brunningandprice.co.uk • www.fox-newport.co.uk BOOK YOUR TABLE ONLINE ON OUR WEBSITE

Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 11am - 11pm Food served: 12 - 10pm Sun: 11am - 10:30pm Food Served: 12 - 9:30pm

New Year's Eve NO tickets • NO Entry Fees • NO Dress Code Join us for an enjoyable evening, book a table or simply turn up on the night! A few extra special dishes will be on the menu and Papa Funk will be on hand to entertain you.

(Last entry 10pm, last orders will be 1am.)

To keep up to date with our events find us on Facebook or join our mailing list.

Christmas Menu: Available 1st to 24th December Two courses £21.95 or Three courses £26.95

31

THE

WHITE HOUSE HOTEL MUXTON

Wellington Road, Muxton, Telford TF2 8NG Food Served: 12pm - 9:30pm 7 days a week

T: 01952 603603 Lunchtime SAVER

15% off

Main Courses in the Bar or Restaurant (12-4pm Mon-Sat)

2 Steaks & Wine for ONLY £25

Visit our website to view our latest menu

(available everyday) 2 Succulent Prime Rump Steaks with a Bottle of House Wine

www.whhotel.co.uk

MASALA

INDIAN RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS English Set Menu Soft Drink Starter Soup of the Day Main Traditional Roast Turkey with all the trimmings

Dessert Christmas Pudding

Entertainment, 4 Course Dinner, Photographer & Dancing until 1am - £25pp Saturday 7th January - Masquerade Ball Saturday 13th January - Motown Tribute Act Saturday 21st January - Olly Murs & Bruno Mars Tribute Act Call our events team to book: The Park House Hotel, Park Street, Shifnal TF11 9BA

01952 460128

Served with Custard

Tea of Coffee

Indian Set Menu

Soft Drink Starter Tandoori Mix Kebab Main Murghi Masala or Tandoori Chicken Masala Dessert Indian Kulfi Ice Cream Tea of Coffee

ADULTS £24.95 • Children £14.95 (children under 12) 50% DEPOSIT FOR ADVANCED BOOKINGS

20% OFF

Dining in - off main course Only for bookings. Please present advert.

Not to be used with any other offers.

Maximum 6 people. Valid until 16-12-16

T: 01952 820085 FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

Adams House, 7 High Street, Newport TF10 7AR

32

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Events

JANUARY 2017 14TH - Post Christmas Party Bash Perfect if you can’t do a ‘do’ in December! £25pp including 3 course dinner, disco and novelties!

Festive Afternoon Tea

FEBRUARY 2017 11TH - Charity Valentine’s Masquerade

Served 2-4pm @ £14.95pp or with Fizz £19.95pp

Festive Lunches

Ball in aid of British Heart Foundation - £35pp Includes glass of bubbly on arrival, 3 course dinner and disco.

2 Courses £15.95pp or 3 Courses £19.95pp

14TH - Candlelit Valentine’s Dinner

Festive Party Nights

Glass of bubbly on arrival, 3 course dinner with coffee - £39.95pp Stay overnight £100 for a double room - including breakfast.

Includes 3 Course Meal and Disco £25.95pp Sun - Wed or £29.50pp Thursdays

Cabaret Nights in December Thu 8th - Grease v Dirty Dancing £35.00pp Sun 11th - Michael Bublé £29.50pp Thu 15th - Abba Express £35.00pp Sun 18th - Gary Barlow £29.50pp Hadley Park House Telford TF1 6JQ

01952 677269

Norwood House Pave Lane, Newport, Shropshire TF10 9LQ

The * Piece de Resistance... *

our acclaimed Champagne Menu is back... 'a la carte' dining

Available Fri & Sat (6-9pm)

2 courses £20 or 3 courses £24.95 A *glass of bubbly is included

info@hadleypark.co.uk

In and Around

Steak Offer Available Wed, Thu & Fri (6-9pm)

2 x Sirloin Steaks

prepared to your liking with handcut chips

AND a bottle of house wine (Malbec, Shiraz, Sauv, Pinot)

for £30

(Please mention In and Around View all Steak Offer when booking) our Menus online including our Christmas Menu

www.hadleypark.co.uk

Sunday Lunches

Available 12 noon till 4pm

4 courses £17.95

(optional 2 Courses £14.50 Starter/Main)

Mid-week Roasts

Available Wed & Thu (6-9pm)

2 courses £10.95 or 3 courses £13.95

Norwood House

To book call 01952 825896 or text 07760 780554 • www.norwoodhouse.co 33

Six Tips

FOR SURVIVING CHRISTMAS who rushes around to prepare everything while everyone else relaxes, is one perpetuated by many Christmas adverts, which portray it as comical and the norm. Don’t let it be. Ensure everyone helps, whether it’s by laying the table, topping up drinks or preparing vegetables.

4. Be Shrewd with Food

Keep a few quick-to-prepare items in stock to feed unexpected visitors, but don’t buy huge quantities of food. You can always top up, if necessary, after Christmas Day; the shops will be open.

Christmas is just around the corner, and for many of us, it’s a special time to get together with our loved ones that brightens up the darkest time of the year. Unfortunately, ‘the season to be jolly’ is often fraught with pressure to produce the perfect celebration, family tensions and the temptation of too much food and alcohol.

So how can you survive Christmas?

1. Be Prepared

Start adding a few Christmas items to each shopping list now, saving you the stress of that massive shopping expedition when shops are busiest. Only the freshest of items need to be purchased just before the big day. Bake, prepare and freeze as much as possible in advance and get others to help you, so that everyone has more time to relax together on the day.

2. Go Easy on the Alcohol

Alcohol is a calorie-heavy appetite stimulant increasingly linked to serious health conditions. It also lowers our inhibitions and affects our judgment, so beware: Christmas Day isn’t the best time to voice long-standing gripes. If you can’t resist a tipple, consider the festive occasions coming up and decide on your limits for each one, ensuring you don’t exceed the recommended weekly maximum of 14 units (now applicable to men and women).

Never drink on an empty stomach and aim to have a soft drink (preferably water) for each alcoholic drink to help your body cope with alcohol’s toxins and its dehydrating effects, which cause hangover symptoms.

Alcohol absorption depends on speed of intake and your size, age, weight, metabolism and what else you’ve consumed, so no set amount guarantees you’re under the legal drink-drive limit (and Scotland’s limit is considerably lower than the rest of the UK’s). Any amount of alcohol affects your judgement and reactions.

3. Remember: Christmas Is About Everyone

If possible, try to resolve family conflicts before the big day (or persuade people to agree a temporary truce).

If you’re chief organiser, consider what everyone (including yourself) wants most from their Christmas, but remind them that everyone’s vision will be different. Compromises will be required. Try to find one or two things everyone can enjoy together, but let people have their own space too.

Unfortunately, the sexist stereotype of the exhausted woman

34

Food poisoning isn’t festive, so ensure all cooks wash and dry their hands. Germs love damp. Frozen foods should be properly defrosted and either cooked thoroughly, or refrigerated, immediately (particularly large poultry or joints of meat). Keep raw foods separate from cooked, and chilled items in the fridge right up until they’re required.

Remember to leave enough room in the fridge for cold air to circulate. Chill leftovers rapidly and eat them within two days (reheating thoroughly when necessary).

Don’t leave buffet foods out for more than 4 hours.

Healthy festive food swaps: • Remove the skin and avoid butter basting your turkey (removing around a third of its calories and half its fat). Skim off fat from meat juices before adding them to the gravy.

• Choose low-salt gravy mixes and keep the saltshaker off the table.

•Swap: ¾¾ ¾¾ ¾¾ ¾¾ ¾¾

sausage meat for vegetarian sausage mix. goose fat for healthy oils traditional mince pies for lattice, filo or open-top versions brandy butter or cream for low-fat custard or crème fraiche breaded or battered snacks for homemade, marinated savouries ¾¾ high-fat dips for homemade ones with yogurt or crème fraiche ¾¾ crisps, salted nuts and chocolate for plain popcorn, rice cakes, pretzels, unsalted nuts and homemade chocolatecovered fruit (preferably using dark chocolate)

5. Stay Festive Fit

Include some normal meals, at normal times, to avoid stomach problems (and weight gain) caused by too much rich food, sugar and salt. An alarming amount of people are admitted to hospital over the festive season because of the sheer quantity or unhealthy nature of what they’ve eaten. Keep portion size sensible and stop eating just as you start to feel full. It takes time for your stomach to tell your brain it’s full.

Ensure you get a good night’s sleep whenever possible, and keep moving; a walk will burn calories and provide the daylight and fresh air necessary to keep you feeling good, physically and mentally.

6. Finally... Keep It in Proportion

Christmas Day is only one day; most festivities are centred on just one week out of 52. If the turkey’s burnt, try to laugh about it; it’s not what matters most. Keep celebrations simple, focusing on what makes you and your nearest and dearest happy, and ignoring traditions that none of you enjoy. It’s your Christmas. Relax and enjoy it!

by Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

THE NEW INN

OPENING HOURS

Mon to Thu: Noon - 11pm Fri to Sun: Noon - Close

FOOD SERVED:

Mon to Fri: Noon - 9pm Sat: Noon - 9:30pm (last food orders 9:15pm) Sun: Noon - 5pm (Sunday Roast)

Stafford Road, Newport TF10 7LX

www.thenewinnnewport.co.uk

BOOKINGS ADVISABLE

T: 01952 812295

10% Discount

on takeaway orders over £18.95 (Collection Only)

60 SEAT RESTAURANT (Fully Air Conditioned)

BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS (Soft drinks available in the restaurant & Off License next door)

TAKEAWAY AVAILABLE FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE (On orders over £13 within 4 Mile Radius)

GOOD FOOD AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE

109a Trench Road, Telford TF2 7DP

01952 606 555 or 01952 606 444

OPENING HOURS Sun - Thu: 5.30pm - 11:30pm Fri - Sat: 5.30pm - 12 Midnight

35

LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION Quality Balti Restaurant & Take Away

REFURBISHED & FULLY AIR CONDITIONED Book NOW for

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH

5 Course Meal

Choice of 3 Set Menus

£21.95

(children under 10 £14.95)

ONLINE ORDERS NOW AVAILABLE AT: www.thetasteofparadise.co.uk

Do you have leaflets or flyers that you would like delivered with this magazine?

Prices from £40 per 1000 WE CAN ALSO DESIGN AND PRINT THEM FOR YOU TOO! For further details please contact

Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 E: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

TAKEAWAY - FREE Home Delivery within a 6 mile radius (minimum order of £10)

15% Discount on Collections or 10% Discount on Delivery Open: Sun-Thu: 5pm - 11.30pm • Fri & Sat: 5pm - Midnight

rear of 2-4 High Street, Newport TF10 7A

01952 825505

We are not licensed bring your own alcohol

20%OFF with this Advert EAT IN ONLY - Valid anytime Sun-Thu and after 9pm Fri-Sat until 26-12-16 (excludes Christmas Day)

Christmas Angel Bells Boots Bows Candle Cards Carols Celebrate Chestnuts Chimney Decorate Elf

Family Friends Frost Gift Gold Goose Happy Holly Icy

Kings Lights Mistletoe Party Ribbon Santa Snowman

Find the words associated with Christmas in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

36

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

ORDER YOUR TURKEY Pre-orders for Staffordshire Turkeys Call: 01785 284 737

Here at Heartwood Farm Shop & Deli we provide some amazing products produced by some great local growers and producers.

Fresh fruit & veg, tantalising sauces, amazing local cheeses, pickles, English wines, savouries, locally brewed bottled beers & cider, cooked meats, charcuterie, homemade pies, sausage rolls, fresh bread, eggs and so much more..

Open 7 days 9am - 6pm & 10am - 4pm Sundays

Heartwood Farm Shop & Deli Loynton Trout Fisheries Nr Norbury, Staffordshire ST20 0QA

E: heartwoodfarmshop@gmail.com www.heartwoodfarmshop.co.uk

Join us on Facebook for special events and more details

Heartwoodfarmshop

Christmas Party Nights Tuesdays 6th, 13th, 20th December Fridays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd December Saturdays 3th, 10th, 17th December

3 course meal & disco from £21.95 per person

Christmas Carvery Lunch 3 course Christmas carvery lunch £12.95 Served daily until 23rd December

Christmas Day lunch

•

3 course carvery £47.50 per person Children under 12 £25. under 5’s free.

LIMITED PLACES LEFT - BOOK SOON!

www.redhouseinn.co.uk

Boxing day lunch 3 courses £19.99

New Years Eve 3 course dinner, disco & fireworks £25 PP

LIMITED PLACES LEFT - BOOK SOON!

Specials Nights MON: GRILL NIGHT Buy one get one half price TUE: PIE NIGHT WED: CURRY NIGHT (selected drinks just £1.50 on specials nights)

SPECIAL OFFER TUESDAY IS PIE NIGHT Come and try our Delicious Homemade Pies and receive

Opening hours Sunday to Thursday noon till 11pm Friday and Saturday noon till midnight

Food served

15% OFF

Monday to Saturday noon till 8.30pm

Please present this advert to receive offer

Sunday noon till 7pm (Carvery only)

YOUR FOOD BILL ON PIE NIGHT (Valid until 27-12-16 - excludes drinks, not availble with any other offers)

(Carvery till 2pm)

THE REDHOUSE INN • T: 01952 603768 • E: theredhouseinn@hotmail.com • Wellington Road, Lilleshall, Newport TF10 9EW 37

Books

THE GIFT OF A GOOD BOOK Struggling to find the perfect book to give as a gift?

Or wondering what to add to your own wish list?

Maybe we can help…

The Hidden People – Alison Littlewood

The Girl Who Saved Christmas – Matt Haig

Crime, fantasy and historical fiction are melded together in The Hidden People. Albie Mirralls is every bit the sensible, upstanding gentleman that Victorian society wants him to be. When his cousin, Lizzie, is burnt as a changeling, Albie travels from London to her village to see justice done. But when Albie’s own wife seems so completely changed, he finds himself questioning whether there could be some truth to the rumours about his cousin. The perfect book for curling up with on a winter’s night.

Magic is starting to fade in Victorian England, and Amelia might be the only one who can save the day. (Father Christmas being a bit tied up with reindeers falling from the sky, angry trolls and other mishaps.) While it’s the sequel to the 2015 children’s bestseller A Boy Called Christmas, it stands up perfectly well on its own. An ideal gift for children aged 7 and up, this is a really enjoyable read. So much so that you may well find yourself borrowing it back.

The British Table – Colman Andrews and Christopher Hirsheimer For the foodie in your life, you might want to consider this recently released tome. Featuring around 125 recipes, from the traditional to the modern, there’s plenty to tempt most taste-buds. Recipes range from long-forgotten traditional fare, to regional specialities and contemporary classics. The focus is on warming comfort food. Think Braised Brisket followed by Whisky-Soaked-Raisin and Orange Marmalade.

Little Warrior – Giuseppe Catozzella Inspired by a tragic true story, Little Warrior tells the story of Samia Omar. Growing up in war-torn Somalia, life is hard, and dangerous. But Samia has big dreams – she wants to follow in Mo Farah’s footsteps and compete in the Olympics.

As life grows increasingly hard for women, Samia refuses to be cowed into submission. There are few options for Samia but to put her life into the hands of traffickers, in the hope of escaping to a better place. A heartbreaking read that will stay with you long past you’ve finished the last page.

38

Buzz Books 2016: Fall/Winter Still no idea what book to go for? Download Buzz Books for free from Amazon, and you can read excerpts from 40 of this season’s new releases. Well-known and debut writers are included, across both fiction and non-fiction. With a wide range of genres, there should be something to suit most tastes. Think of it as browsing in a bookshop, only with more time to read and the chance to sample books at home.

A Christmas Kiss – Vicky Pattison 24 year old Amber dreams of designing her own fashion line. But after a year of working as a general dogsbody for the Queen of Fashion, Diana Grant, that dream is looking increasingly unachievable. So when an opening comes up working with a leading fashion house, Amber jumps at the opportunity. With a new job and a new love, Amber’s life is looking up, but is she in danger of getting a bit too caught up in the glitzy world of fashion? Warm and funny, this is a great romantic comedy to enjoy over a glass of prosecco.

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

for a truly hospitable welcome

Open For Dinner - Wed to SAT 6-11pm & Sunday Lunches 12-3pm

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR'S EVE with an 8 Course Gala Dinner

to the inspirational sounds of 'Heritage Opera' - singing songs from the musicals

128 High Street, Newport, Shropshire TF10 7BH

Book online: www.orchard-dining.co.uk or call 01952 872700

62 High Street Newport TF10 7AQ

T: 01952 820 810

Breakfasts Available All day!

Now Taking Bookings for Christmas

CHRISTMAS LUNCHTIME FAYRE starts at £5.99 Christmas Lunch available from 1-12-16 Food Served

Mon-Thurs 10am-3pm, Fri & Sat 10am-4pm

(Bookings required for Parties)

Open late nights till 2am Fri & Sat Tuesdays & Thursdays over 60’s (with this advert only)

BOOK YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION AT THE BARLEY Ideal venue for Birthdays parties, Christenings, etc..

www.thebarleynewport.co.uk 39

Recipe

MULLED PEARS

This is a lovely winter pudding that tastes just as delicious served warm or cold. Choose firm but ripe small pears, and use a vegetable peeler to scoop out the core from the base of each one.

Ready in 1 hour plus cooling time Serves 4 INGREDIENTS:

1.

• 450ml red wine (see Tip) • 150g caster sugar • 1 pared strip of lemon rind • 1 cinnamon stick • 2 whole cloves • 8 small Conference pears • 2tsp arrowroot • Softly whipped double cream or crème fraiche, to serve

Pour the wine into a large pan and add the sugar, lemon rind, cinnamon stick and cloves. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.

2. Meanwhile, peel the pears, leaving the stalks on. Gently lower the pears into the hot liquid. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes until the pears are tender.

3. Remove the pears with a slotted spoon and set aside in a heatproof serving dish.

Blend the arrowroot to a paste with 1tbsp cold water and stir into the poaching liquid.

Simmer gently for a further 5 minutes, stirring, until syrupy. Remove the lemon rind and cloves from the syrup.

4. Pour the hot syrup over the pears and leave for 30 minutes. Serve the pears and syrup, warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped double cream or crème fraiche.

TIP Choose a full-bodied red wine such as Merlot or Burgundy. If you prefer, replace half of the red wine with clear apple juice or cranberry juice.

40

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

birds Full range of local Christmas ys, and meats. Kelly Bronze Turke Crowns and Geese. ite For more info visit our webs

Christmas Ham pers Available to Order Now!

DONNINGTON T 01952 677 345 PRIORSLEE T 01952 200 696 Station Road, Donnington TF2 8JY

Woodhouse Lane, off Salisbury Avenue, Priorslee TF2 9UR

E info@greenfieldsonline.co.uk www.greenfieldsonline.co.uk 41

36 Collett Way, Priorslee

The property is conveniently placed for access to the amenities of the Priorslee area including school facilities, nursery, doctors and convenience store, together with the Priorslee public house and The Flash Lake. One of the main benefits of Priorslee is the direct access to the A5 and the nearest M54 motorway junction. The Telford town centre shopping complex is positioned less than 2 miles away. This well presented detached family home briefly comprises entrance hall, living room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, study, utility room and guest cloakroom. Five bedrooms with 2 en-suites and family bathroom. Outside to the front is a tarmac driveway leading to a detached double garage and front lawn. To the rear is a patio area leading onto the lawn, enclosed by wooden fencing and mature hedges. Energy rating - C.

ÂŁ435,000

42

For more information on this property please contact James Carlon on: 01952 292 300

Looking to sell your home?

Call us to see how we can help you today...

@ Lettings

PROPERTY

with Dawn Clarke

How to Choose the Ideal Buy-to-let Property It’s the million-dollar question - how do you choose the perfect buy-to-let property in Shropshire?

Dawn Clarke, director of property management and lettings at Nock Deighton, has more than 20 years’ experience in the lettings industry, and has some useful tips for would-be landlords.

“It may be something of a cliche, but it’s still very much a case of ‘location location location’ when considering a property to let,” Dawn says.

“Ideally the property needs to be local to you, so it’s easy to visit and keep an eye on, and it needs to be in an area which will appeal to the kind of tenants you want.

“For instance, if you are looking for a professional couple, buy a property close to a railway station and with good transport links, and if you would prefer a

family as tenants, choose a house in the catchment area of a good school.

way of starting out, because the chances are you will then attract the kind of tenants you want too.

“Speak to a local letting agent about the demand in different areas - they will know which parts of Shropshire are more suitable than others.

“Make sure you look at the numbers. Think about the annual rental income compared with your mortgage repayments, and don’t forget to factor in service and maintenance charges.

“The amenities in your property’s immediate area are a big selling point for potential tenants - so being in walking distance of shops, pubs and restaurants will be a big plus point.

“It’s important to think longterm and consider the resale value of the property. Remember it’s an investment, not your own home, so buying a property which will be desirable to future buyers should you decide to sell is definitely worth doing.

“Having said that, buying the sort of home that you would like to live in yourself is not a bad

“At the end of the day, the finances have to add up to it being a sensible investment, otherwise it won’t be worth your while.

“There are plenty of great properties out there which will be ideal buy-to-let investments, and with the right research and advice, there is no reason why you shouldn’t become a happy and successful landlord for years to come.”

For FREE ‘Buy to Let’ advice Contact Dawn Clarke and see how we can help you today:

01952 290 163

For more information and advice about property management, call Dawn and her team on 01952 290163.

Buckatree Farm Cottage, Wrekin

£595,000 Orslow

A family home with outbuildings and fields, pleasantly situated with beautiful far reaching open views. Energy rating – G.

A delightful four bedroom country home with wrap around gardens and wonderful views.

Energy rating – F.

A beautiful character five bedroom family home in an idyllic village setting. Energy rating – E.

A well presented 11 bedroom detached house, currently being used as a b&b. Would be ideal to convert to a HMO (subject to planning).

Ox Hay Barn, Great Chatwell

£449,950 Priorslee

25 Ainsdale Drive,

2 Newborough Court,

26 Jarman Drive,

Keepers Cottage,

An immaculate spacious three bedroom barn conversion in an idyllic semi-rural location.

Grade II Listed.

Telford 01952 292 300

The Long House,

£565,000 High Offley

£239,950 Newport

A well presented four bedroom detached family home in a sought after residential location. Energy rating – D.

Newport 01952 570 222

www.nockdeighton.co.uk

Willow House,

£499,950 Wellington

£229,950 Horsehay

A delightful three bedroom detached property in a cul-de-sac position close to Newport High Street. Energy rating – C.

£450,000

£164,950

A well presented three bedroom semi detached family home situated within a popular residential development. Energy rating – C.

Ironbridge 01952 432 533 PROPERTY AGENTS | VALUERS | SURVEYORS | AUCTIONEERS

TELFORD | IRONBRIDGE | NEWPORT | BRIDGNORTH | SHREWSBURY | LUDLOW | CLEOBURY MORTIMER | KIDDERMINSTER

43

SALES

RENTAL

• Experience of over 30 years • Professional Photography • Energy performance certificates and floor plans prepared • Expert sales software • Good feedback after viewings • Plenty of client contact • Advice on Solicitors • Financial advisors available

Properties

WANTED For RENT or For SALE

“Service with a smile and a cup of tea”

• ARLA Agreements • Attended Move ins with pictures taken • Rent guarantee • Repairs programme in 40 different languages • Three monthly reports from our Happy Inspector • Monthly statements • No hidden charges or add ons • Client money protection • Accredited by Telford and Wrekin Council • Experience in Court Procedures • Pet Friendly Agent

Come and relax in our friendly office or call us and chat about your requirements

Tel: 01952 246622 or 01952 246633 • Fax: 01952 616677 Email: julia@juliaweston.co.uk • www.juliaweston.co.uk Julia Weston Estate Agents, The Stables, 43 Market Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1DT

JAYS REMOVALS & STORAGE LTD

OPEN 50 WEEKS OF THE YEAR!

We are a family run business and deliver a professsional removal to the highest standard. We ensure our customers are 100% happy with the work we do and offer excellent value for money.

YOUR HOME, SAFE IN OUR HANDS

Are you looking for an idyllic, peaceful holiday retreat?

Visit Ithon Valley Lodge Park, an exclusive development of 15 luxury lodges situated close to the historic town of Llandrindod Wells.

Members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen and Move Assured • Nationwide Service • Home Packing Service • Fully Trained, Uniformed Staff • Storage

• Piano Moves • Packing Materials • Commercial Moves • 7 Days a Week Service

Call us today for your free quotation 01952 289118 Unit 26 Horton Court, Hortonwood 50, Telford TF1 7GY

www.JaysRemovalsAndStorage.com

44

Prestige Rochester 40’x20’ 2 Bed, Ensuite, Walk in Wardrobes, Bathroom Open Plan Kitchen, Lounge, Dining Area, Large Decking

Carnaby Willow Lodge 41’x13’ 2 Bed, Ensuite, Bathroom Open Plan Kitchen, Lounge, Extra ‘Fold-Out’ Bed, Dining Area, Complete with Decking

£99,995

£69,995

For a FREE Brochure call: 01244 752 647 www.ithonvalley.co.uk ithon_85x126.indd 1

22/08/2016 09:28

PROPERTY

Housebuilder of the Year

Move up the easy way!

It’s never been easier to move up to Heritage View in Hadley!

With Part Exchange you could move straight in to one of our fabulous four bedroom homes at Heritage View and join the growing group of purchasers who have given us a 5 star award for customer satisfaction two years running.

Lioncourt Homes have just been voted Housebuilder of the Year, so now is the perfect time to visit Hertitage View and find out why.

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes available priced from £130,000 - £290,000

Heritage View, Sommerfeld Road, Hadley, Telford, TF1 5RY

Help to Buy

Showhome open 10am - 5.30pm daily.

Tel: 0845 873 2893†

www.lioncourthomes.com †Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details. *All offers are subject to terms and conditions, please ask our Sales Executive for full details. Photographs show a typical Lioncourt home.

45

Are we Tired of Shabby Chic?

NOT BY A LONG CHALK

It’s a trend that has been going strong for over twenty years and there’s no sign of it disappearing just yet. ‘Shabby chic’ has been around since the 1990s, when holidaymakers returning from destinations such as Provence, Tuscany and Greece tried to recreate the weathered, sun-baked surfaces found in traditional Mediterranean buildings in their own homes, using specialist paint techniques.

The shabby chic look is all about creating a sense of age and wear. Distressed textures, rubbed edges and sun-bleached surfaces all help to build the illusion that an object has been used and well loved for generations. One of the finishes most commonly employed to achieve this effect is chalk-based paint.

This flexible medium requires no stripping, sanding or priming and you’ll only need to master a few basic techniques before you can start to use it with confidence. Nowadays there are several different types of chalk-based paint to choose from, but the original brand was created by Annie Sloan, a leading name in interior design and author of a number of global bestsellers on paint techniques. She is famous not only for creating many of the techniques used in shabby chic, but for developing and patenting the paints and waxes used to complete the look.

During the 1990s Annie found she was unable to buy the paints she needed to create an authentic feel of rusticity and age, so she returned to the roots of domestic paint-making, using chalk to create a paint similar to distemper, that produced an attractive finish when sealed with a layer of soft wax.

The recent interest in upcycling household objects has created a healthy market for furniture painted in the ‘shabby chic’ style.

Dark brown wooden furniture has been unpopular for decades and upcyclers have been able to take advantage of this trend, buying pieces at knockdown prices, giving them a new lease of life and selling them on for a profit on Gumtree, Ebay or Shpock.

There are many ways in which you can learn how to turn ‘tired’ pieces of furniture into shabby chic classics. Either ask your local chalk-based paint retailer if they offer beginners’ courses or watch one of the excellent “how to” videos on YouTube. Go to www.anniesloan.com to pick up some tips and techniques from Annie Sloan herself or follow simple, step-by-step instructions at www.dummies.com.

There are just six easy stages to painting a piece of furniture with chalk-based paints: 1. Wash the furniture with clean, soapy water to remove any surface dirt, and allow to dry. Don’t be tempted to clean the surface with wax, as this won’t provide a secure base for applying the paint.

2. There’s no need to be nervous about uneven brushstrokes.

When you’re aiming for a rustic style, the strokes can go in any direction. For a ‘layered’ look you should apply coats

46

of paint in different colours, using a lighter shade under or over a darker shade for contrast.

3. Allow at least an hour for the surface to dry then sand with very fine sandpaper. At this point you will be trying to create the look of furniture that has been painted many times and used so much that the paint has begun to rub off at the contact points, revealing different layers of colour. Sand only where you think the item would have been repeatedly touched (around handles or on the top and bottom corners of your piece). Don’t rush this part of the project: apply light pressure and start sanding in a place where the effect will be less visible.

4. Dampen a cloth and pass it over your item to remove all the sanding dust, then wait until it is completely dry.

5. Chalk based paint is porous, so it is liable to pick up marks and stains if it is not sealed with a layer of soft wax. Use a different brush to apply the wax and don’t use that brush for any other purpose (this also applies with coloured waxes – if you’ve used a dark wax on the brush, don’t use it to apply a lighter shade). Apply the wax generously, using a clean cloth to remove any excess.

6. If you are painting furniture for the garden, you should not apply wax at all as it will not set (just be aware that the piece will age and fade more rapidly if it is left outside). If your indoor item is likely to get a lot of use, let the wax dry for two to three weeks before bringing it into service.

You’ll find lots of ideas for designing and colouring your shabby chic pieces if you follow Annie Sloan’s online blogs.

Alternatively, visit your local library for books on painting techniques or grab a selection of interior design magazines from your local newsagent to get some inspiration.

Whether you want to revive pieces that you currently own or you fancy trying your hand at upcycling and selling on, you’ll find that turning yesterday’s scrap items into today’s interior design treasures is rewarding … and highly addictive.

by Kate McLelland

PROPERTY

Moooooving...?

Choose Barker Healey Property to sell your home and make sure your property stands out from the crowd!

WA N T E D PROPERTIES TO SELL

10 High Street, Newport TF10 7AN

1% ISSION

01952 813625

COMM

www.barkerhealey.co.uk It is impossible to comprehend the sheer scale and potential of this detached family home until you step inside and begin to explore. Being originally designed as a dormer bungalow, it has been extended in all directions and the versatility of what is on offer is quite amazing.

Most notable is the possibility of creating separate living accommodation in the form of an Annexe and the existing rooms could easily be converted without losing any vital space in the main house.

In addition to the extremely spacious interior, there is a simply breathtaking, wrap-around, landscaped garden which has been carefully created by the current owners over the last 30 years. Occupying 1.2 acres, the gardens provide a wide variety of different areas including an orchard, vegetable plots, a rose garden and ornamental ponds. All of this comes with ample driveway parking and stunning views over adjoining open countryside. Viewing highly recommended.

‘The Paddock’, Shebdon

£465,000

Guide Price £465,000

47

Beauty

PARTY PICK-ME-UPS

Feeling a bit partied out and ready to just curl up with Netflix and a mug of hot chocolate? Our beauty picks this month will soon have you back on your feet and ready to hit the town.

First up,

Urban Veda’s Radiance Body Ritual collection.

Just opening the drawstring bag is a treat. The products all smell

amazing – they’re packed with nourishing, fragrant ingredients, including orange oil, turmeric and papaya, so it’s like breathing in the scent of holidays. With a body scrub, body wash and body lotion, you just need to light a candle to create a home spa experience. And they really do leave your skin and spirits feeling rejuvenated. £34.99, www.urbanveda.co.uk.

Green People’s Self-Tan, £21, is one of the best fake tans on the market. It’s easy Looking to get some of that summer glow back?

to apply, and develops into a natural looking tan within three hours.

As an added bonus, it doesn’t have that typical fake tan smell, and it contains rosehip oil to moisturise as it tans. As with any fake tan, you’ll want to leave at least 24 hours between hair removal and application. It’s also a good idea to exfoliate with a good body scrub beforehand. Massage in a light body lotion, and give it time to sink in.

Then work some extra moisturiser into your knees, elbows and other ‘knobbly’ bits, to help avoid darker patches. See www.greenpeople. co.uk.

If your hair is looking a bit frazzled and fed up with all that styling, try treating it to an

Ouai Treatment Masque. It takes just 10

minutes for the treatment to soothe and restore your weary locks, leaving them smoother and shinier after just one use. A pack of eight sachets will set you back £25, so it’s not cheap, but worth having in your beauty arsenal for big nights out. See www.spacenk.com.

I don’t know whether the eyes truly are the windows to the soul, but they’re certainly a tattle tale when it comes to late nights. Try

Anatomicals Puffy the Eye Bag Slayer Wake Up Under Eye Patches. Three pairs cost around £6 from Amazon or www. glossybox.co.uk. They feel incredibly soothing, and do seem to

reduce swelling in just half an hour. Cover up any remaining dark circles with

Dry Eye Concealer, £11.95, from www.skinshop.co.uk.

While the coverage isn’t quite as flawless as some concealers, it makes up for it by helping to moisturise and repair skin. It also goes on smoothly and doesn’t draw attention to fine lines, puffy eyes or dry skin. You can also use the Dry Eye Concealer to calm and cover small patches of eczema and other areas of irritation.

Sometimes a spritz of perfume is all you need to perk yourself up before pulling on your heels.

Jo Malone are known for their Basil and

quirky fragrance combinations, and their latest cologne,

Neroli, is no different. It’s got that lovely freshness of neroli, with a herby twist. Playful and warm, the fragrance just seems to improve as the night goes on. Expect plenty of compliments. £43 for 30ml, www.jomalone.co.uk.

48

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

BEAUTY & FASHION

Beauty by Jude

ALL IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

JANUARY OFFER

Happy Christmas to all our clients new and existing thank you for your continued support!

£5.00 VOUCHER

CND Shellac for your Hands & Feet - £30.00

ALSO to include either a hand or foot massage using the luxurious CND SPA products

OFF any hair or beauty service over £25.00

CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

T&Cs apply - please present voucher on arrival

Gift vouchers available for that special Christmas gift

call for details

Christmas Party Package Blow Dry Spray Tan

(patch test required)

& Shellac Manicure

Only £40

(offer valid only for bookings during January 2017)

ALSO AVAILABLE...

• Lash Lift & Tint • Lash & Brow Tinting • Full Leg, Half Leg, Bikini, Underarm & Facial Waxing • Back & Shoulder Massage • Indian Head Massage • Manicure & Pedicure • Facial Treatments

Ladies

(T&C’s apply)

Pamper Evenings Available from £10 Per Person

Spray tan.. from £10

Call for details

T: 01952 606 232

14a Humber Lane, The Humbers, Telford

CALL JUDE INGRAM ON 07814 671 848 See Facebook for the latest offers: beautybyjudeathome

2 Market Mews Newport, Shropshire TF10 7EY

HIDATO Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go.

Some numbers are already given.

01952 812136 Lucy Mae's Hair Salon

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA

Don't miss out on Moroccan Oil Gift Packs (limited stocks)

OPEN: Mon: closed Tue:10am-8pm Wed: closed Thu: 10am-8pm Fri: 10am-6pm Sat: 9am-3pm

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us"

VOUCHERS available for that Special Christmas Gift!

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

49

Top Gadget Gifts

FOR CHRISTMAS

There’s a very good chance that this year, Santa’s sack will be stuffed with gadgets: from kid-friendly tablets to expensive iPhones, many people’s presents will be of the digital variety. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get some great gifts.

One of the highlights of the shopping calendar is Black Friday, which is a recent American import: the last Friday in November this year, that’s the 25th of November - is when shops offer massive discounts to kick-start the Christmas shopping season. It’s grown to encompass Cyber Monday, the Monday immediately afterwards, and some retailers run an entire week of deals in the run-up to Black Friday weekend.

In the last few years UK retailers have got in on the act, and Black Friday is a great source of bargains, especially on electronics from online retailers. Just make sure you use a price checking service to ensure that the bargains you see are genuinely good deals.

Some retailers mimic supermarket wine deals, with gadgets priced artificially high in October so they can appear to be terrific bargains in November.

Buying for technology fans can be tricky because they often go out and buy the gadgets they want as soon as they become available. Thank goodness for accessories, then: a leather case for a smartphone or a messenger bag for a laptop makes a great gift, although watch out for “bonded leather”, which is artificially produced and doesn’t wear like real leather. If your intended recipient has young children, a military-specification protective case will save many trips to the smartphone or tablet repairer.

Headphones are always a good gift, especially now that Apple has dumped the familiar 3.5mm headphone adapter from its latest iPhones, so wireless Bluetooth headphones or headphones that use the Lightning connector will be a big upgrade over the fairly rubbish Apple versions. But this doesn’t only apply to Apple users: most of the headphones that come with phones are dreadful, and in addition to those designed to make music better you can choose from a wide selection of specialist headphones, such as Bose’s QuietComfort noise-cancelling range. We know from experience that noise-cancelling headphones make train, bus and air travel much more relaxing, and while high-end models can cost over £200 it’s quite possible to get noise-cancelling phones from the likes of Sony for less than £20. And don’t forget wireless Bluetooth speakers too: they’re a great add-on for phones, tablets and laptops, none of which tend to have very good sound systems.

It’s usually a good idea to stay away from novelty items - anything hilarious that’s designed to plug into a USB port is surely destined for landfill by Boxing Day - and if you can’t think of anything appropriate, vouchers make an excellent present. Amazon vouchers are great for everyone, iTunes vouchers are fantastic presents for anyone with an iPod, iPad or iPhone, Netflix vouchers are good for TV and film buffs, and there are stacks of vouchers for specific retailers. Keep an eye on the newspaper adverts and voucher websites, though: some shops, especially supermarkets, run multibuy deals on vouchers such as iTunes vouchers, enabling you to save around 20%. Be careful, though, as if a retailer goes out of business it’s very unlikely that the vouchers will be redeemable, so it’s important to stick with well-known firms. A voucher for Dodgy Dave’s Digital Depot might not be the wisest investment.

50

Images top to bottom: Leather laptop sleeve from Etsy.com; Sony noise cancelling headphones; USB coffee warmer, generic; Apple iTunes gift cards

BEAUTY & FASHION

Valentine's Wedding Showcase Sunday 19th February 2017 (11am – 3pm)

A wide selection of around 30 wedding professionals to provide inspiration for the big day including cars, cakes, photographers and favours.

Free admission • Free car parking

Claim your FREE goody bag by registering online

Hadley Park House Hotel, Wedding Venue Telford, remains a favourite venue for couples looking to celebrate weddings, Civil Ceremonies, Civil Partnerships, Receptions and Naming Day Ceremonies.

Best Wedding Venue in the Wedding Service Awards 2015 and 2016

Our experienced and professional team are dedicated to making your special day a memorable day for you and your guests.

The hotel is set within 2 acres of landscaped grounds which provide the perfect backdrop for those all important photographs.

Food is a focal point for any celebration and our award-winning chef creates exciting and delicious menus using locally sourced ingredients, for you and your guests to enjoy.

Whirlwind Wedding Package from £2499

This package includes 50 day guests and up to 100 evening guests Available Sunday to Thursday (supplements on Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays) Please quote 'In and Around' when enquiring about this special package

Hadley Park House Telford TF1 6JQ

01952 677269

info@hadleypark.co.uk

www.hadleypark.co.uk

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture C

L

I

N

I

C

The treatment offers: • Rejuvenation and revitalisation designed to help the whole body • Involves the insertion of fine needles into the face hands ears and legs • Stimulates the production of collagen • Erase as many as 5-15 years off your face • Fine lines eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished • Bags under the eyes reduced Jowls firmed • Lifting of droopy eye lids or double chins minimised • Acne and hormonal balance

ERASE YEARS OFF YOUR FACE WITHOUT SURGERY

For more information please go to www.shropshirephysio.co.uk and click on the Facial rejuvenation acupuncture or email enquiries@shropshirephysio.co.uk You can speak with Steve Briggs on 01952 462330

51

Dress and Scarf, both New Look. See in-store or online for prices

Dress £90.

Matthew Williamson at Debenhams

Dress £149. Biba at House of Fraser

Dress £55.

Miss Selfridge

Dress £149.

Biba at House of Fraser

Dress £55.

Petite at M&Co

Glitz and Glamour Christmas Party Style

By Helen Taylor

Sparkle this party season with an ultra-glamorous look that’ll ensure you’ll be the belle of every ball.

Forget trousers, leggings and jeans, choose a fabulous frock for real festive style.

Whether it’s a classic little black dress, a statement design or a sequin-emblazoned number, nothing says Christmas party style better.

And don’t forget that a clutch bag, a pair of heels and plenty of sparkly jewellery are essential for completing the look.

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Dress, New Look.

See in-store or online for prices

Dress £75. So Fabulous at Littlewoods

Dress £149.

Biba at House of Fraser

Dress £60.

Next Necklace £25.

White Stuff

Clutch £35.

Miss Selfridge

Sandals £49.

Faith at Debenhams Bag £35. Accessorize Shoes £39. Miss Selfridge

53

A Present As we approach the end of 2016 and the busy time of family celebrations, present buying and thoughts move to the future and what 2017 will bring.

FOR ALL THE FAMILY confusion and emotional upset at a time when distress and grief is at its highest. By making a Will you choose your own executors and the money saved in professional fees charged when not making a Will would be far more than making a Will.

Lasting Powers of Attorney covers Health and Welfare and Property and Financial Affairs. These two separate documents cover all that your family need to do to look after your needs if you should be severely injured, or lose mental capacity such as dementia (Alzheimer’s). These must be completed before mental capacity is lost if not family must go to the Courts. This is not only expensive but can take several months.

All year I have consistently advocated that making a Will and completing Lasting Powers of Attorney are the most important documents that you need in your life.

Did you know only 1 in 5 people make a Will. The consequences of not making a Will can cause many difficulties. If you are not married your partner would not be recognised under current legislation. Step children are not covered. You cannot appoint guardians for surviving children.

Any gifts you may wish to give will not happen.

Make plans for the best present you can ever give your family. For friendly guidance and advice in plain English contact Alistair at ACW Wills and Estates Limited on 07768 643225 or 01952 670534.

Dying without a Will leaves a tangled web of delays, difficulties,

Best Wishes to you all.

Need an idea for a family Christmas present or have you thought of a New Year's resolution that is easy to keep?….

•• An easy simple one for EITHER is to make a Will.

•• Don’t believe me? Look at the advantages.

•• You can plan who will inherit your estate.

•• You can protect your property and potentially reduce Inheritance tax liability.

•• If you are not married or in a civil partnership your partner will not inherit unless you have a will.

That’s food for thought!!

Don’t leave your affairs to chance, start 2017 in a positive way.

Contact Alistair at ACW Wills and Estates Limited on

07768 643225 or 01952 670534 email: alistair@acwwillsandestates.co.uk We will offer you friendly guidance and advice in plain English.

Here to help you and your family.

54

Compliant with the IPW Code of Practice

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Kalidescope Ltd

T: 01952 608760

- Domain Name Registration Based in - E-commerce websites Muxton, - Design Services Telford - Maintenance of existing sites - Unlimited pages - Amendments made to your site in minutes - Registered with the world's top search engines - Unlimited E-mail addresses - Database connectivity - Guest Books - Plus many, many more features

Tel: 01952 608760 Fax: 01952 676992 Email: enquiries@kalidescope.co.uk

established 2005

design print marketing

making your thoughts visual Kate Dalgliesh

websites

BA(hons)

email me

design@etakcreative.co.uk call me

01952 246959 / 07854 470 343 visit me

Studio 35 @ 35 Whitchurch Rd, Wellington TF1 3DX

www.etakcreative.co.uk 55

Different Types of Debt

AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

The temptation to borrow money is all around us. Despite the credit crunch, we still live in a consumerist society where credit card companies extend your limit unprompted, and payday lenders target those least able to pay extortionate interest rates.

The fact that many people need to borrow simply to pay their bills and meet the ever-increasing cost of living means it can become draining and stressful just to stay afloat. When you owe money to numerous companies, it can be difficult to know how best to deal with your debts - the pressure becomes overwhelming when you’re simply trying to pay them off.

To help you get more control and understand the ramifications of failing to repay, here’s a little more detail about the various forms of secured and unsecured borrowing.

Secured loans This type of loan is secured on an asset, such as the mortgage on your home. If you fall behind on these repayments your home could be repossessed, so this is the number one priority debt above all others.

Repossession is a worst case scenario, however, and most lenders will initially be open to negotiation. They won’t want to lose you as a customer, but you do need to be proactive about communicating with them, and demonstrate that you take the situation seriously.

There are many debt charities in the UK that will help you work out a budget if you need guidance in this area, and some may even contact the lender on your behalf. It’s important to let your lender know an amount you can afford to repay, and provide them with a copy of your budget to back it up.

Unsecured loans Unsecured lending includes credit card borrowing, payday loans, store cards, personal loans and catalogue debt, and this is not secured on an asset.

Credit cards and store cards The UK’s total credit card debt has risen to £65.5 billion in 2016, according to the Money Charity, equating to £2,426 per household. Taking this figure as an example, and assuming your credit card has an average interest rate applied, it would take 25 years and 6 months to repay it in full if you only paid the minimum amount each month.

Making the minimum repayment for too long causes a rapid decline into unmanageable debt, particularly if you also have other borrowing to contend with.

Personal loans

Payday loans Payday loans are targeted at those who need small amounts to carry them to the end of the month, and are often used to pay bills and meet other liabilities. The danger of these types of loan lies in the extremely high rates of interest applied.

If you know that you’ll be able to pay the loan off when it’s due, they may be a good last resort, but missing a payment will very quickly send you into a debt spiral that is difficult to escape.

Mail order catalogues Catalogue companies tend to attract new customers with introductory low interest rates or no interest initially.

Repayments are made over a specified period – usually 20 or 40 weeks, and if you don’t fall behind, using a mail order catalogue can be a flexible way to spend.

The problem is that if you miss even one payment, a higher interest rate will come into effect which can be as much as 40% APR. Other charges will also be applied by the company, including late payment fees and a charge for chasing the debt.

As with some credit card companies, your spending limit may be increased regularly to tempt you into purchasing more. On the face of it, buying from a catalogue company seems like a good idea, but these other factors need to be taken into account. Further problems can also arise if you are an agent for the catalogue.

Acting as a catalogue agent Being a catalogue agent involves collecting money from your customers and remitting it to the company. But what happens if one of your customers doesn’t pay – are you ultimately liable for the money they owe?

You should keep separate accounting records for all your customers, and if they miss a payment, send off the details to the catalogue company. When you first became an agent, you may have signed a separate credit agreement with the company, but should also make sure there’s a credit agreement between yourself and each customer.

Personal loans from the bank will have a fixed rate of interest so you know how much you’ll need to pay each month, and the exact duration of the loan. In many respects these loans are easier to manage than credit cards, which come with a temptation to build up more debt over time.

The catalogue are likely to take steps to recover any missed payments, whether they are your own or your customers’, but it’s possible that if a signed agreement between yourself and the catalogue company doesn’t exist, they may not have the authority to collect the debt.

Personal loans are generally offered for larger purchases, however, such as a car or refurbishing a kitchen for example.

http://themoneycharity.org.uk/money-statistics/

56

by Ann Haldon

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Shropshire Businesses have a New Solution

FOR THEIR HR REQUIREMENTS

A new Shropshire based Human Resources business has launched with a HR expert with 15 years’ experience at the helm.

Ishbel Lapper, from Telford, can offer her services to local business who may require any help with their HR requirements and has launched her new business HR Solutions Shropshire.

Ishbel has been working in HR for over 15 years and has decided to use her knowledge and expertise to advise small to medium sized businesses in Shropshire on all matters relating to HR. HR Solutions Shropshire will offer independent HR Support to businesses, with cost effective, commercial advice in all employment issues.

She has experience in a range of industries having worked in a variety of industries including Manufacturing, Transport, Warehousing, Automotive, Retail and Social Housing and feels this vast sector knowledge is an asset.

Her business understands the importance of HR not being a one size fits all approach though and works hand in hand with local Shropshire companies to reach satisfactory conclusions.

Any local business who is interested in finding out more or would like discuss how HR Solutions Shropshire could help their business can call Ishbel on 07728 606222 or email: Ishbel.wright@gmail.com.

HR SOLUTIONS SHROPSHIRE

BESPOKE • COST EFFECTIVE

HR is Only Human HR Solutions Shropshire offers independent HR support to small/medium sized businesses.

Offering cost effective, commercial advice on all employment issues.

Services include but not limited to: • Advice on all employment issues • Provide tailored policies and procedures • Employment contracts and staff handbooks • Chairing investigations, disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, TUPE, performance meetings • Absence Management • Recruitment • Employee Engagement

Why Us?

Chartered Member of the CIPD HR Solutions Shropshire is flexible and offer services in a way to meet your requirements. Tailored packages which can include retainer or ad hoc service.

Professional Indemnity held

Ishbel Lapper

07728 606222 Ishbel.wright@gmail.com

People are the most important asset to any business, though they are the most complex. There is an ever increasing amount of employment legislation that businesses must adhere to, HR Solutions Shropshire aim to give advice and support whilst understanding the commercial business needs.

STOP!

Advertising does NOT have to break the bank Prices starting from just £45 ~ advertise in your LOCAL magazine

So leave piggy alone!

Contact: Fleur Abel T:01952 603457

E: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk No piggy banks were harmed in the production of this advertisement

57

Exciting News!

Pritchard’s Dry Cleaners have been established for over 16 years at their store in Wellington and have recently decided to rebrand, changing their name to Chelsea’s of Shropshire Ltd. Owner Graham Petty said, “Our first class quality on drycleaning and laundry still remains the same, its only the name that has changed.”

Graham originally trained as a tailor for the famous Burberry designer company and moved into the dry-cleaning industry 35 years ago. Graham has a vast amount of experience, having worked for two of the large chains of dry-cleaners as an area manager before setting up his own business 16 years ago.

As a family run business Graham feels they offer a more personal and attentive service to their clients which seems to be, along with their great dedication to the job and wealth of experience, the reason why they have been so successful.

FOR LOCAL DRY-CLEANING COMPANY

clothing treatments, they also specialise in other areas such as serving the local hotel trade, and fire and flood rectification services for insurance companies.

Graham is very proud that they were created in Wellington and enjoys serving the local community and through commitment to quality and service it’s hardly surprising they are one of the fastest growing dry-cleaners in Shropshire.

To celebration their name change Chelsea's of Shropshire would like to give ‘In and Around’ readers a 15% discount on your first order (please mention this feature to receive your discount - valid until 29th April 2017).

The new opening hours are 8am until 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am until 4:30pm on Saturdays. Pop in for advice on all your cleaning needs!

For more information please contact Graham on 01952 641754.

Chelsea’s of Shropshire do not just run a basic dry-cleaning and laundry service, they also cater for the more expensive wardrobe including bridal and evening wear. They also offer a quality 2 hour dry-cleaning service, specialist suede and leather cleaning, oriental rug treatment, tailoring service with repairs and alterations and an ironing service.

The wide range of services does not end with dry-cleaning and

2 Hour Dry Cleaning Available on most main line items

Masters of Professional Dry-Cleaning & Laundry

; Curtain Cleaning

; Bridal & Evening Wear

; Laundry Service

; Repairs & Alterations

; Ironing Service

; Clean & Reproof Horse Blankets & Rugs

; Oriental Rugs

; Reproof & Waterproof Ski Wear

We also clean: Duvets, Pillows, Mattress Toppers & Mattress Protectors

SPECIAL OFFERS *5 Shirts Cleaned & Pressed for only £8 50% off Curtains & Loose Cover Cleaning

LIMITED TIME OFFER *T&C's apply - please ask in store for full details

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Tel: 01952 641754

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8am till 6pm Saturday: 9am till 4:30pm

22-24 Haygate Road, Wellington, Telford TF1 1QA

E: info@chelseasofshropshire.co.uk www.chelseasofshropshire.co.uk

ALSO drop off and collection available at Green Fields in Donnington & Priorslee

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Why Voluntary Registration Since April 1986 it has been compulsory to register land ownership in Telford & Wrekin with the Land Registry however the trigger to do so only occurs if something significant happens to that property, for example; a sale, remortgage, inheritance or transfer of equity.

If therefore you have been in your house for a number of years (prior to April 1986) and there has been no change in ownership since, your property is likely to be unregistered land.

It is worth considering whether to make a voluntary first registration application and there are a number of reasons why you should do so: CONVENIENCE & SECURITY – all records of registered land are kept electronically at Land Registry and unlike unregistered deeds cannot, therefore, be lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen.

EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP – A registered title provides an upto-date record of who owns the land or property and includes details of rights which benefit the property and obligations or rights the property is subject to.

FRAUD PREVENTION – registered land is less susceptible to

IS WORTH CONSIDERING…

property fraud. If your land is registered then Land Registry are able to notify you should any third party make a claim on your land.

GUARANTEE – a registered title is guaranteed by the state giving greater security of title.

NO STORAGE FEES – electronic storage of registered titles negates the need to keep the title deeds lodged with a bank or solicitors office for safe keeping.

PLAN – a registered title is accompanied by a title plan which is based on the latest Ordnance Survey Map. The plan will show the general extent of the land in the title and therefore reduces the potential for boundary disputes between neighbours.

Unregistered title plans are often inaccurate.

PROTECTION - registration provides greater protection against the possibility of losing title by adverse possession or ‘squatters rights’ and it can assist in avoiding arguments over boundary issues.

Sarah Clinton is a specialist property lawyer at Parry Carver Solicitors in Wellington. If you would like to discuss the possibility of voluntary first registration, please call Sarah on 01952 641291 or email SarahClinton@parrycarver.co.uk

Free Will Writing Service Parry Carver Solicitors are supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Free Will Writing Service, which is available for those aged 55 and over.

Whether you are looking to make your first Will or update an existing one, it’s important that you properly plan your financial affairs to ensure your loved ones are looked after.

Talk to us at Parry Carver today about having your Will written for free, for that extra peace of mind.

7 Church Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BX

The Forum, Victoria Road, Shifnal TF11 8FE

Tel: 01952 641 291

Tel: 01952 460 777

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm Sat 9am - 12pm

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm Sat by appointment

Authorised & regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - Parry Carver SRA 71413

59

Interest Rates are Low With interest rates set to remain low for a while, it’s worth considering what you could do with the spare cash you might now have. It’s always a good idea to pay off your debts first, but there is also some benefit to starting a small nest-egg.

From April 2016 everyone has a Personal Savings Allowance, which means that many people won’t need to pay tax on their savings (subject to a maximum limit). This makes the Individual Savings Account (ISA), although still a good choice, perhaps no longer the automatic first choice for savers.

This broadening of your options means you could switch your current account to benefit from the credit interest offered by a different bank, or perhaps opt for a fixed-term ISA that removes the temptation to spend.

SO WHAT ARE YOUR BEST OPTIONS FOR SAVING?

Again, some high interest rates are only available for a year as the banks use them as ‘loss leaders,’ assuming their new customer won’t be inclined to move once the rate falls.

• First Direct offers 5% AER for one year, to customers holding a First Direct 1st Account. You’re allowed to save between £25 and £300 per month, but if you miss one deposit your savings account will close and the balance will be placed into a low-interest account.

• The HSBC Regular Saver is available to current account customers (Advance Account or Premier Account). It offers a credit interest rate of 5% AER on savings up to £3,000 per year, but if you miss a payment your money is put into an account with low interest.

Cash ISA

With each bank applying their own rules for eligibility, here are a few of the different accounts available at the time of writing.

Once the obvious choice to maximise your savings, a cash ISA can be a good place to start your nest-egg if you don’t want to switch bank accounts or save a regular amount each month.

Bank current accounts

In the 2016/17 tax year the ISA limit is £15,240, and you have a choice between a variable and fixed rate account.

It’s not something that we are used to, but currently some banks are offering high credit interest rates on their current accounts. Most of these deals only last for a year, however, and are used to attract new customers, but many also offer cash back or a monetary incentive.

• Nationwide offers 5% AER fixed on their FlexDirect account for balances up to £2,500. This rate lasts for one year only and then drops to 1%, so you’ll need to be prepared to swap again if you want to get a higher rate after this. To be eligible for the account you have to pay in at least £1,000 per month.

• Tesco Bank pay 3% variable AER on balances up to £3,000.

There is no minimum pay-in amount with this account, and you get Clubcard points when you spend using your debit card. Bear in mind that this rate is variable, however.

Regular savings accounts As the name suggests, these accounts require a regular payment in order to benefit from the higher interest rates. They are often linked to a current account with the same bank, in which a minimum balance needs to be held, so this could affect your eligibility if you’re not able to maintain this balance.

• The Coventry Building Society Easy Access ISA offers a rate of 1.1% AER. There is no limit on the number of withdrawals, and you can replace money that you’ve taken out in a tax year without it becoming part of the ISA limit.

• Paragon Bank’s three-year fixed term ISA pays 1.5% AER at the time of writing, with a minimum of £500 being required.

Although you can access your money in a fixed term ISA if you need to, the banks make hefty charges for doing so.

Fixed-rate accounts If you want to guarantee your rate of interest and are sure you won’t need the money for some time, a fixed-rate account could be a good option. You need to factor in the likelihood of rates rising again in the future, however, and try to determine the best length of time to lock your money away, otherwise you might lose out if the interest rate goes above that of your account.

• Atom Bank offers 1.4% AER for a one-year term, but you must open the account with their Android or iOS app, which won’t appeal to everybody. You can deposit between £50 and £100,000, and the interest is applied either monthly or annually.

• Tesco Bank has a fixed-rate account over three years, offering 1.2% AER. You can open it online with a minimum deposit of £2,000.

Savings accounts offer a guaranteed return on your money, which can grow surprisingly quickly, especially if the interest is applied monthly. Having some cash to one side gives you a degree of control to deal with unexpected life events such as redundancy, or simply the reassurance that you have a ‘cushion’ to fall back on. www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts#interest www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/best-regular-savings-accounts#bb www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/best-cash-isa#manipulate www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/fixed-rate-savings

by Ann Haldon

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BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Time to Take Control of your Finances?

Are you; Wanting to understand your retirement positon?

Confused by pension options at retirement?

Wanting to make your savings work harder?

Looking for a new mortgage?

Pensions

If yes, why not contact us on 01952 455775

Mortgages

Or visit our office at: 4 Church Street, Shifnal TF11 9AA

investMents

For Professional, Friendly Face to Face Advice you can trust

Protection

Free initial consultation with no obligation CD Financial Limited is an appointed representative of Openwork Limited which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Your home maybe repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Our fee for arranging a mortgage is £195.

insurance

SUDOKU’S Easy A Fifth Generation Independent Family Business providing an unrivalled, meaningful and personal service throughout Telford, Newport & Shropshire

Hard

• A Professional Caring Service In Your Time Of Need • 24 Hour Personal Service • Horse Drawn & Green Funerals Available • Pre Paid Funeral Plan Specialists • A Full Range Of Headstones Available At Our Dedicated Memorial Showroom

St Georges, Telford: 01952 613932 Donnington, Telford: 01952 677044 Newport, Shropshire : 01952 820292

www.tranterfunerals.co.uk 61

Gardening Gifts

FOR CHRISTMAS

It is not that long until Christmas now, and although I am the first to admit that I haven’t done a great deal of Christmas shopping, this year I’m making a plea for useful presents - and maybe a bit less soap and slippers! If you’ve any gardening friends, whether they’ve been fullon gardening for years or have just been bitten by the gardening bug, it is so easy to get them a present they’ll really enjoy and find useful. A trip to any good local garden centre will reveal plenty of potential gifts in a wide range of prices, sizes and shapes that will suit anybody from the complete novice to the most experienced gardener. Another option is to take a look on the internet and get some gorgeous gardening gifts delivered right to your door.

Houseplants can make brilliant presents, so why not choose a couple of really good-looking ones? At this time of year there are plenty, such as the indoor cyclamens and azaleas or a flamboyant poinsettia or a gorgeous Christmas cactus, which look fantastic whilst in flower - but don’t forget that lots of the foliage houseplants look great, too. Make sure that you keep the plants at their best by placing them in a suitable position before you give them away, as they could otherwise suffer quite quickly.

Outdoor plants are also an ideal choice, but before you purchase a gift for someone’s garden make sure that you know that the plant you are choosing will go to a suitable home. There is no use buying a lime-hating plant such as a Pieris, rhododendron, Camellia or azalea for somebody if they garden on chalk, unless you know that they have a supply of ericaceous compost and a good sized pot to hand too! Of course, that could also be a present from someone else if you plan carefully.

If you’ve time to create a pot of winter flowering bedding plants, perhaps under-planted with a few small bulbs such as crocus or miniature daffodils, this will make a lovely instant garden impact present for anyone, whatever the size of their garden. Despite the huge quantities of Christmas paraphernalia in garden centres at the moment, any half decent centre will still have a good range of winter bedding plants and winter interest plants available.

Anyone with an interest in growing vegetables would enjoy one of the many gardening books on the subject, or perhaps a ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher Card – this will allow them to select the vegetables they’d like to grow from the range I offer at www.pippagreenwood. com. Then, in the spring, we send them garden-ready plants accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails from me.

Pretty well every gardener I know loves to encourage birds into the garden, so how about a bird box or feeder or maybe even some bird food? Bird feeding equipment and supplies

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now take up plenty of space in garden centres, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Gardeners love practical things so a good hoe like my favourite, the SpeedHoe, will always be welcome, or how about some Micromesh-covered or polythene-covered EasyTunnels, perfect for protecting crops throughout the growing season next year? A raised bed kit is a great gift idea, too, allowing people to grow gorgeous vegetables even if their own soil isn’t ideal. Some kits even come with the option to add crop covers made from fine mesh (to keep pests out) or polythene (to protect from the worst of the weather and provide offseason warmth).

So rather than rushing out and buying something that ‘will do’ as a gift, take a moment and see what you can find which will really bring a smile to someone’s face!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and book Pippa for a gardening talk or peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items, including Nemaslug to control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, pull-out EasyTunnels, ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher cards, signed books and lots more besides.

by Pippa Greenwood

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

CLOSED DURING JANUARY

Fresh Holly Wreaths & Crosses

Re-opening 1st Februray 2017

made on-site daily

IF YOU LOVE PLANTS - YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE

Premium Quality Christmas Trees Large Selection of Potted Plants Flower Baskets & Gifts available in our Heated Christmas House

BLOOMSBURY GIFT VOUCHERS MAKE A GREAT GIFT!

OPEN Mon to Sat 9-5 Sun 10-4 Closing 3pm on 23rd December

WE GROW QUALITY PLANTS FOR YOU!

Come and view our quality products and be amazed at our fantastic prices...

Bloomsbury Nursery Ltd, Weston Heath, Bloomsbury TF11 8RT

01952 691203 • www.bloomsburynursery.co.uk

ALPINE

d

B

loc kleys pprove A

• Landscaping • Decking • Fencing • Patios • Block Paving • Brick Work • Tiling • Floor Laying

• Roof Works • Chimney Works • Flue Linings • Stoves Installation • Log Burners Installation

Call Lee on 01952 276417 or 07813 921907 • Email: lee.alpine@yahoo.co.uk 63

PETS:

THE BEST DIET FOR YOUR RABBIT

If you consider how rabbits eat in the wild, it’s clear that natural foods best support their delicate system, and help them to live longer. Here are some of the most nutritious foods to give your rabbit, as recommended by the RSPCA and PDSA.

Safe leafy greens

Hay

Root vegetables and fruit

Fresh hay that is dust-free should constitute the major part of your rabbit’s diet. It’s best to keep it away from their bedding though - perhaps in a hay rack attached to the side of the cage.

It takes a long time to chew hay, and it’s this chewing action that also helps to keep their teeth down.

It’s a myth that carrots should make up a large part of your rabbit’s diet, as like fruit, carrots are high in sugar.

They should be given as an occasional treat, and only in small quantities.

Suitable vegetables and herbs should be washed to remove any pesticides, and provided daily. Your rabbit will appreciate variety, but bear in mind that some plants are poisonous to rabbits, so take care and get advice from the vet if you’re unsure.

Pellets The PDSA suggests one tablespoon of pellets or nuggets per day for your rabbit, or twice a day for larger rabbits weighing over 3.5kg.

Water Fresh drinking water should be available at all times, from a clean container. Rabbit drinking bottles that attach to the side of the cage are a good idea. They’re easy to clean and can be topped up quickly. www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/diet www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/rabbits/diet

By Ann Haldon

Word Ladder

Over 25 years experience On site Service/Inspection and repair of · Contractors Plant · Paving Machinery · Construction and Building Equipment

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

S O U P

Bitelli Paver Specialist Machine Service Filter Kits Supplied

Reliable, Prompt & Friendly Service

KJones Plant Repair M: 07703 773 313 F: 01952 405 257 E: info@kjones-plant-repair.co.uk

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©Puzzlepress.co.uk

For all Enquiries call Kevin.

N U T S

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

THE PERFECT FINISH

Driveway & Landscaping • Block Paving • Tarmac • Slab Laying • Brickwalls • Decking and Fencing • Garden Make Overs • Jet Washing & Sealing

FREE QUOTES - No payment until 7 days after completion

Approved Supplier

Contact Roy T: 01952 407838 M: 07976 458123 E: centralpaving@hotmail.co.uk • www.centralpavingtelford.co.uk “The Rocklands” Church Road, Trench TF2 7HG

65

Do You Let Your Age The invitation arrived via social media: “A group of us are going to Glastonbury Festival for the day.

Do you fancy coming along, too?”

I had been to the festival twice in the early 1980s, watching sets by artists like Elvis Costello and the Style Council. I’d loved it all - the mud, the dodgy burgers from a van, the opportunity to bond with thousands of other young music fans, but now, at the age of 56, I just couldn’t see myself fitting in (even though I still have the same pair of wellies).

DO THE TALKING?

Don’t be an age-conscious shopper

Worries about not dressing appropriately for our age can hold us back when choosing what to wear. We opt for ‘safe’ styles that often have the effect of making us feel even older than we are.

It may have been different in the Seventies and Eighties, but these days you’ll find a real cross-section of ages browsing through the clothing rails: what’s more shop assistants don’t seem to care that the person entering the fitting rooms isn’t a size 10, aged twenty-something.

Almost without thinking, I replied, saying that I would be busy on the day my friend had suggested. It was an instinctive reaction, but as I pressed ‘send’ and watched my reply appear online, I immediately regretted my decision.

Short skirts, revealing tops, body-hugging clothing and huge heels will still be out for me, but I’m giving myself permission to drop into some of the more youthful stores I used to shun, just in case there’s something that catches my eye.

My husband and I have watched Glasto on TV many times in recent years and we’ve often remarked on the number of older people we see in the crowd.

You’re never too old for adventure

This reaction made me think about other times when I have refused to do something, or hesitated to take part in an event, because of my age. I realised that since turning 40 I have begun to censor everything I do, looking at life through an ‘age appropriate’ lens rather than thinking about what I really wanted. It was a sobering thought, but within ten minutes I had come up with a list of things I could do differently in future:

Mum and Dad Dancing

The jokes about “Dad dancing” have no doubt been responsible for millions of older men making an excuse to visit the loo as soon as the music starts playing at a family wedding.

We’re all probably a little self-conscious when it comes to dancing, particularly if our kids are watching, but provided you’re not planning to moonwalk or point at the ceiling, Saturday Night Fever style, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t strut your stuff on the dance floor.

From now on, although I may not be the first on the dance floor, I certainly won’t be the last.

We may be less physically able than we once were, but this doesn’t rule us out from ever enjoying another adventure, whether that’s climbing Machu Picchu or pony trekking in Bridlington.

Nowadays we may be more inclined to stay in a hotel than camp out at a music festival, but at least we are still taking part. It’s important that we keep our minds and bodies active, staying open to experiences and interests that enrich us.

Next time I receive an invitation from friends to go somewhere unusual, I won’t come up with the knee-jerk response of saying (or thinking) “I’m too old for that.”

Don’t disappear into the crowd

A lot of my older friends complain about feeling invisible, and that’s because they’ve lost confidence. Their body language says “don’t look at me, I’m not worth your attention”, so it’s hardly surprising that people no longer notice them.

A long, hard look in the mirror at home showed me that I was beginning to slouch - shoulders rounded, tummy sagging, head down – but when I lifted up my head and straightened my shoulders, I seemed more alert, more engaged with the world and – dare I say it – more youthful.

I’ve decided to join a local yoga class that will not only help me with my posture, but keep my body flexible.

As older people we have surely earned our place in society? That means we have every right to enjoy life and express ourselves without fear of an adverse reaction. The truth is that we are often the harshest judges of our own behaviour, setting limits and curtailing our ambitions to avoid the slightest risk of criticism.

Teenagers are blissfully unconcerned about the views of their elders, and recently I’ve come to the conclusion that older people should take a leaf out of their book. I’ve decided that even if I live to be 100, nothing can stop me from living my life to the full.

by Kate McLelland

66

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

Top Quality Fencing, Turf & Topsoil Supplied 7 Days a Week We offer a professional fitting and storm damage repair service

Landscape Gardening Fencing Decking Turf Laying Patios Block Paving Garden Clearance

Free Estimates & Quotes | T: 01952 677266 | M: 07507 797058 www.phillipsandsonfencing.com

www.holtstreecare.com 10m

Hard wood LOGS supplied Nets, half or full loads

FREE DELIVERY

3 Woolpack Close Shifnal Shropshire TF11 8HP

T: 01952 463419 or M: 07800 986690 67

68

CHILDREN & ENTERTAINMENT

BLISTS HILL VICTORIAN TOWN

Victorian CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS

3 & 4 and 10 & 11 December 10am - 4pm

IRONBRIDGE.ORG.UK

Buy tickets online or on arrival

Annual Passport Tickets not valid. Annual Passport Ticket holders get 25% discount off entry (t&c’s apply)

69

A Family Run Business

WITH FAMILY VALUES

3 years old… and what a great 3 years it has been.

Here at Summer House Bathrooms & Kitchens the time has flown and what fun we have had with our customers along the way.

We have worked closely with our customers and together we have produced some truly stunning bathrooms and kitchens which have been both practical and beautiful. We have now helped well over 200 customers, from changing a leaky tap, installing a new downstairs loo, complete bathroom refurbishment or helped project manage an extension to your home and install a brand new kitchen. No job is too small for us at Summer House.

At Summer House Bathrooms & Kitchens we have found a unique niche in the market which we have found all people who visit us in store are very pleased with. Not only do we help you to pick the very best quality of product for your budget, we also offer an extensive home visit service as well as project manage our team throughout the installation process.

This enables us to keep the closest of control over the install process and so eliminates the majority of stress from the customer during the process.

Since opening the doors we have gone from strength to strength and have established ourselves as a loyal and trustworthy company who offer the highest quality products for the people of Shropshire. During our time of trading we have also broadened our product range and can now boast what we believe to be the very best quality products in the area.

We are very excited about the future and we want to create bathrooms and kitchens which will stand the test of time both aesthetically as well as being of a high quality.

We offer a complete turnkey solution, meaning we take care of all your install needs all under one roof. We have trained tradesman in plumbing, tiling, plastering and electrics, meaning your install is being undertaken by a skilled tradesman who specialises in his own area of expertise. This is twinned with our project manager who is on hand to answer and questions and queries before the install begins, as well as being on site during your installation to ensure the job runs smoothly.

But don’t just take our word for it… here is what a couple of our most recent customers had to say about the bathrooms that were designed supplied and installed by ourselves...

‘Just to say thank you in helping us design our bathroom by suggesting several ideas, for example, removing a wide windowsill which has given us more space.

70

Also, no hard sell, in fact the opposite, as with your guidance you saved us several hundred pounds by pointing out an almost identical product which was 15% cheaper.

Please pass on our thanks to your installation team who were thoroughly professional and did an excellent job in gutting, then refitting our bathroom and downstairs cloakroom.

It surpassed our expectations and we would have no hesitation in recommending The Summer House’ Best regards, Mr & Mrs Lloyd – Stirchley – Telford ‘Summer House Baths & Taps recently carried out a complete refurbishment of our main bathroom. The showroom staff led by Joe were extremely helpful during the initial selection process of the bathroom suite and tiles for both the walls and floor areas. The installation team also did a great job and were efficient, tidy and courteous at all times.

We were so delighted with our newly transformed bathroom that we immediately commissioned the same company to refurbish our En-suite bathroom and downstairs toilet.

We are very pleased with all of the work carried out and would not hesitate to recommend Summer House Bathrooms & Kitchens.’

Mr & Mrs Lauren – Apley - Telford.

At Summer House Bathrooms & Kitchens, we are a family run business with family values.

We will discuss all your needs and will complete your own personal wish list. We can offer solutions to any problems which you think may stand in the way of you and your dream kitchen or bathroom.

After ensuring you are happy at every stage of the process our team will still be on hand to ensure that you’re pleased with your installation.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

DESIGN / SUPPLY / INSTALLATION

FREE

'Aqualisa Dual Shower' with every bathroom order

LUXURY ALL THE WAY

placed before 30-1-17

• Bathrooms • En-suites • Wet Rooms • Cloakrooms

FREE

'Dishwasher' with every kitchen order over £6499 placed before 30-1-17

Visit our showroom OPEN: Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-5:30

Let our own installation team project manage your new bathroom or kitchen from start to finish!

Family Values Complete Turnkey Solution Free Home Visits & Design Service Free Quotation

Summer House Bathrooms & Kitchens Haybridge Road, Telford TF1 6JE • Charlie's Retail Park, Shrewsbury SY1 3GB

01952 261 317

• 01743 461 816 E: stuart.thorner@summerhousebathrooms.co.uk • www.summerhousebathrooms.co.uk 71

A.P.H Windows 01952 680441 • www.aphwindows.co.uk Manufacturers & Installers of High Quality • Fully Welded uPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories • Internally Glazed with high Security Locks • Composite Doors • Garage Doors • Fascias, Soffits & Guttering • Building Extensions

Family Run Business Est 1981

Why Choose A.P.H Windows?

All uPVC products are made in our own factory Deal direct with the owner/ No pressure Salesmen Directly employed craftsmen / Full after sales service No deposit required Registered Company 16299

Our showroom is full of ideas to help you decide on the style & design of your windows, doors and dream conservatory

Open 9-5.30pm Mon-Fri & 10-3pm Sat Unit H1, Halesfield 19, Telford TF7 4QT

Darlington’s of Shropshire

Safely Access Your Loft!

Traditional Carpentry & Building Specialists All aspects of Carpentry and Joinery

• Full Renovation • Extensions • New Build Projects Shropshire Building Control Partners

Unlock the Potential in Your Home

Hand built Oak Garden Rooms

If you are happy with the location of your home but wish the building itself was different, a renovation is a great way to really make your home your own.

We can help bring your designs and visions into reality.

Highly skilled local trades people with exceptional standards and attention to detail 2016 LABC Award Nominees

E: chippydizzy@aol.com / 07941 004 782

www.pdcarpentry.com

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aphwindowsltd

for only

£399

Fully Fitted

This price is for a standard height ceiling with an 8ft drop, width 22-30” Manufactured to ISO 9002 Standard

♦♦We provide a

convenient and safe way to access your loft.

♦♦Each ladder has a 10

year parts guarantee and can be installed in approx. 2-3 hours.

♦♦We offer a loft boarding

service if required at an additional cost.

The Local Distributor & Installer for For more information visit: www.stira.co.uk

CALL TO ARRANGE A FREE QUOTE

T: 01952 282152 or 07817 431505

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Bespoke Joinery

BUILT TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

Select Joinery is a long established privately owned and family run company that provides beautiful, bespoke joinery and woodwork projects.

Quality Bespoke Joinery, Wood Machining and Specialist Moulding Service

The reputation of the company has been built on providing beautiful bespoke joinery and woodwork solutions, built to the very highest standards that meet or exceed customer expectations.

They offer comprehensive services that include exclusive bespoke design and construction projects to the cutting and supply of wood for your own or trade use.

They provide individually tailored internal and external joinery which are all hand made on site, including conservatories, orangeries, entrance porches, patio doors, internal and external doors and frames, sash and traditional windows, staircases, kitchen unit doors, wooden floors and much more.

A cutting and machining service is available over the counter.

They also offer a moulding service where most architectural mouldings, cornice, skirting boards, panel mouldings and architrave can be reproduced.

For a FREE Quotation call: 01952 249773

Unit 23, Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Ketley, Telford TF1 5JD

www.selectjoinery.co.uk • Email: sales@selectjoinery.com

Conservatories • Entrance Porches Patio Doors • Internal & External Doors & Frames Sash & Traditional Windows • Staircases and much more...

ALL HANDMADE ON SITE

They are committed to providing quality customer service and their craftsmanship, in constructing beautiful bespoke wooden creations that will add both beauty and value to your property. With over 50 years in the industry, there isn’t much that Graham and Rob, the business founders haven’t dealt with to the satisfaction of their customers.

Call in and see them at their workshop, where you can see for yourself the quality of the timber used. Friendly advice is given and quotations are given free of charge and with no obligation. If required they will visit you onsite to measure and offer advice on your project.

As seen on C4’s tion Restora Man

Installation of Fires & Stoves W CALL NO UR YO TO GET NER R LOG BU !

FITTED

ALPINE

Hetas approved installer of Solid Fuel Chimney Systems

Call Lee on 01952 276417 or 07813 921907 E: lee.alpine@yahoo.co.uk

DDFlue Linings DDLog Burners DDStoves DDChimney Work DDRoof Work

The installation of all Wood Burning Stoves or other Solid Fuel Burning Appliances MUST comply with building regulations, HETAS installers are qualified fitters who can self-certify their own work, ensuring the installation is safe and legal.

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Tech Trends for 2017

VIRTUAL WORLDS, SUPER SMARTPHONES AND HOME HUB HYPE

In 2016 we saw all kinds of bright ideas in technology: dual-lens cameras in smartphones, virtual reality headsets, new versions of Windows and the end of the headphone socket in iPhones. Here are the key trends we think will be driving the technology you buy, use or crave in 2017.

Online TV Getting TV over the internet isn’t new, of course, but it’s changing.

In October, it emerged that Netflix is now offering half the amount of titles it offered in 2012. That’s because it - and its rival Amazon - is more interested in making its own programmes than in buying other people’s. From Amazon’s Jeremy Clarkson vehicle The Grand Tour to Netflix’s The Crown, some of the most exciting TV isn’t being broadcast anywhere but online. That trend’s going to accelerate in 2017. The days when online TV services resembled a particularly bad video shop’s bargain bin are disappearing fast.

4K HDR TV

Television manufacturers persuaded us to upgrade from CRT TVs to flat screens, and then from standard definition TVs to high definition TVs. They tried again with 3D, without much success, and the next big home entertainment hype is over 4K and HDR televisions. 4K, also known as Ultra HD or UHD for short, has four times the number of pixels than full HD, so it delivers really sharp images - provided you have a 4K source. There aren’t many of those around just now: Netflix has a little bit of 4K content, but most broadcasters are still on HD rather than 4K. The most recent PlayStation and Xbox One offer 4K gaming, although once again that depends on having games optimised for the resolution. It might be worth waiting to see whether 4K succeeds or if it’s another 3DTV. While 4K offers more detailed images, HDR offers more drama. It’s short for High Dynamic Range, and you might have encountered it in your smartphone’s camera: HDR delivers deeper shadows and brighter highlights than normal photography, and it’s the same with HDR TV.

Virtual Reality

2017 will decide whether virtual reality is the next big thing. VR headsets from Facebook-owned Oculus, Google and Sony hit the virtual shelves in late 2016, but it’s what happens this year that will seal the format’s fate: without compelling games to play or experiences to experience, those headsets could turn out to be very expensive paperweights. The technology is really impressive, but so was 3D TV.

Super smartphones

After a minor revamp in 2016, the 2017 iPhone is rumoured to be a dramatic upgrade with new screen technology and the same great cameras currently limited to the big and expensive iPhone 7 Plus. We might even see wireless charging too, something Apple’s rivals have offered for some time.

Apple isn’t the only phone firm out there, of course. Samsung’s Galaxy S8 should be impressive too, and hopefully less prone to battery explosions than this year’s Galaxy Note 7.

Home Automation

Whether it’s Microsoft’s Cortana, Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa, this may be the year when we spend more time talking to our tech than tapping on its screens. Virtual digital assistants in our phones and in home hubs have the potential to automate everything - assuming they can finally understand non-US accents, that is.

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Images top to bottom: Netflix online video; Sony HDR TV; iPhone 7 Plus; Amazon Echo Dot home hub

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Stoves, Fires, Surrounds & Accessories

Full fitting service for wood burners and gas/electric fires Authorised dealers for: Stovax, Woodwarm, Dean Forge, Hunter, Dimplex, Legend & Gazco

NEW 'Woodwarm Stoves'

Admaston Firecraft Centre Visit our showroom: 6a The Merrythought Village, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7NJ FREE PARKING T: 01952

We are now distributors of Woodwarm Stoves, which we consider to be the best on the market!

Come and view them at our showroom

Est: 21 Years

433355

Email: admastonfirecraft@mail.com

www.admastonfirecraftcentre.co.uk

Don't move... improve!

Create that extra space for you and your family with a new conservatory or garage conversion

THE COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY At R & R Services we manufacture our conservatories and windows in-house so they really are bespoke.

At R & R Services we have everyone under one roof so we can convert your garage into that extra space you've always wanted - playroom, bedroom, living room, study or den - with our own reliable plumbers, electrciains, brick layers etc...

Call Rob T: 01952 610999 M: 07703 270177

www.randrserv.co.uk

• Bespoke Conservatories • Orangeries • High Quality Secure Windows • Doors & Distinctive Porches • Extensions & Garage Conversions • Facias Soffits & Guttering 75

Celebrating 34 Years in Business

Est 1982

Shropshire’s first choice for ‘A’ Rated Replacement Windows, Conservatories and Doors Approved Profiles

Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 4:30pm

01952 301062 Sunday & Evenings 01952 510595

E: sales@trotfieldwindows.co.uk www.trotfieldwindows.co.uk

PVCu Brilliant White, Woodgrain Replacement Windows • Doors • Conservatories Leaded, Stained or Georgian Glass Night Ventilation • Internally Glazed for Security 15 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee Manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO 9002

(Certificate No FM 30164 - Quality Assurance Scheme, severe Weather Rated to British Standards)

Impressive Showroom at: 1 Madeley Road, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7PP

CODEWORD

Plumbing & Electrical Services

Bathroom Installations by AquaSpark

Aquaspark can supply and install your bathroom Visit our photo gallery at www.aquasparkservices.co.uk

Domestic Electrical and Plumbing Work Undertaken Offering a reliable, friendly and professional service by a fully insured Part P registered Installer AquaSpark are proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader

For a Free estimate call Neil on 07976 097598 or 01952 605996 Email:neil@aquasparkservices.com www.aquasparkservices.co.uk

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Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a different number between 1 and 26.

The codes for three letters are shown. Once you have filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the grid to the right.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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Travel

In November 1855, a Scottish missionary sailing down the Zambezi was the first European to set eyes on the awesome falls, long known to the natives as ‘the smoke that thunders’. “Scenes like this,” he mused, “must have been gazed upon by angels on their flight.” His name was David Livingstone and he called the falls ‘Victoria’ to honour his Queen.

Stretching 1.7 km across Zambia and Zimbabwe, reaching a height of 108 metres, twice that of Niagara, and pouring an average of 550 million litres of water a minute, the Victoria Falls defy imagination and, with all statistics combined, they are the largest in the world. Mist and spray are visible for 20 km around.

Surprisingly this mighty phenomenon does not occur on mountainous terrain but on flat land. It all started millions of years ago when earthquakes created faults in the old lava sheet and as soft material filled up the cracks, the river forced its way through, carving out over time the eight zigzagging gorges we see today. But nature is not set in stone and the great Zambezi continues its work, protected by UNESCO and national parks on both sides of the border.

Most visitors view the falls from the Zambian side, where the Eastern Cataract brings the first heart-stopping moment as roaring waters plunge over the edge and the placid upper river continues to flow unaware towards the precipice. But just feet away, the great mass of water tumbles into the ‘boiling pot’, trapped in a massive swirl as it struggles to escape through the tightest of bends. A long flight of slippery steps leads down to

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THE VICTORIA FALLS

the cauldron’s edge, a spine-chilling place where baboons bare their teeth and you might shudder at the sight of a crocodile swept over the edge.

Up on the top, those who dare bathe in the death-defying Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island, where the explorer measured the drop with a bullet attached to a piece of string. Meanwhile, along the Knife’s Edge Bridge suspended in mid-air, strange poncho-clad creatures crawl like aliens across the face of the fall, soaked to the skin but gazing, exhilarated, at the force of the water and the giant rainbow over the Victoria Bridge which spans the deep river chasm. Opened in 1905, the bridge was built in England, shipped to Mozambique and assembled at the site in 14 months. Trucks and trains cross it at a snail’s pace and it marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe claims over two-thirds of the falls with 16 breathtaking viewpoints along sign-posted trails which meander through pristine rainforest to reveal the entirety of the falls: Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe, Rainbow (the highest), then looking right across the bridge into Zambia.

There are fewer visitors on this side and along with birds and butterflies, you might spot antelopes, bushbucks and other game. A statue of Livingstone looks down on it all, perhaps pleased that here, the water never dries.

It’s different in Zambia when around October-November, the falls can dry up, breaking up the magnificent curtain of water into narrow streams and exposing the rock face, but on the other hand, Zambia claims the best viewing spots to enjoy the full moon. On a clear night, a magical lunar rainbow, or ‘moonbow’, appears over the water, ghostly and pale to the naked eye, but a good camera might capture the colours and one of the most enduring memories of the Victoria Falls.

by Solange Hando

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Traditional Oak Structures Handcrafting Each Build to Your Design Orangeries & Extensions

Porches & Balconies

Garages & Out-buildings

Garden Rooms & Offices

Contact Richard Jeavons on: T: 07800 561 362 or E: info@richoak.com www.richoak.com • View more of our work on Facebook: Richoak

Create 30% More Space

IN YOUR HOME

2016 is flying by and the suitcases have just been prised back through that small hatch into the dark, dingy loft. It will soon be time for that conversation again. Whose turn is it to get up there and retrieve the Christmas decorations?

And Make It Work For You

FREE

The tradition of risking your neck: hoisting yourself like a gymnast on parallel bars, tightrope walking across the beams and the voice below encouraging you not to put your foot through the ceiling! Whatever you’re looking for will be at the back or buried beneath a dirty dusty pile. Then, once you’ve found it, you’ve got to get back down and there’s that awful feeling as your legs dangle through the hatch, past the point of no return, adrenaline pumping and sweaty palms as you try to find the ladder with your toes.

It doesn’t have to be this way!

At RevealaSpace they get lots of calls from customers because they’ve decided their gymnast days are over or worse, they’re bruised from tumbling off a poorly balanced step ladder.

They specialise in the lowest cost way of giving you up to 30% more space in your home by fitting a loft ladder and transforming your loft into a well-lit, easily accessible and boarded storage space.

Give them a call today on 01952 426099 or email on sales@ revealaspace.co.uk

SPACE CREATION TIPS

BEFORE

You already have the space we make it usable!

PACKAGES

£299

FROM

We will fit you a loft ladder and hatch, flooring and lighting in less than a day Quick, clean efficient, Fully insured and guaranteed AFTER

Call for a free quote 01952 426099

www.revealaspace.co.uk

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The Smart Way to Control Your Home With one touch, dim the lights, play music, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm the security system. Check in on your home from your smartphone, no matter where you are.

CCTV

PACKAGE FROM

£495 Inclusive of Fitting

Your Home at Your Fingertips - Control

Is security a worry?

• Security • Home • Home Audio Theatre • Temperature every aspect of your house from • Lighting

We supply only high quality professional equipment ensuring that you have clear images to help protect your property.

wherever you are, using your smartphone, tablet, PC, touch screen, remote or keypad.

Sleep better at night with the installation of a CCTV system.

E: info@telford-cctv.co.uk • www.telford-cctv.co.uk 9 Colliford Close | Priorslee | Telford TF2 9RZ

T: 01952 201180 | M: 07837 055101

Quality Internal & External Timber Doors

SPECIAL OFFER

6 x Quality Oak Engineered Doors (Standard Imperial Sizes Only)

Supplied and Professionally Fitted Including a Choice of Selected Handles & Hinges

ALL FOR ONLY £1099 (inc. of VAT)

Glazed versions available at extra cost Written Quotations available on request

T: 01952 610795 or 01952 620003 E: thedoor.store@hotmail.co.uk

OPEN:

Mon to Fri: 8am - 5pm & Sat: 10am – 3pm

The Door Store @ Classic Fasteners (Est. 1991) Units 6&7, Redland Industrial Estate, Off Station Hill, Oakengates, Telford TF2 9JX 80

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

A LUXURY KITCHEN YOU CAN AFFORD

DD DD DD DD DD

High Quality Product

18mm RIgid Colour Match Cabinets

Professionally Fitted By our own qualified fitters

Very Low Overheads

You won't pay a High St Showrrom Price

Building Alterations We will complete any and all building work ourselves

No Pressure Sales - 3D Design

I will personally quote your job with pictures

Bring your new kitchen ideas to life - it's easy with R&R Whether it's a modern, classic ot traditional kitchen, we specialise in making the process as simple as possible for you.

Call Sal T: 01952 610999 M: 07976 467 830 www.kitchensbyrandr.co.uk

Local Company with Over 21 Years Experience R&R Services Ltd, Unit B4, Stafford Park 15, Telford TF3 3BB

Sunflow Invincible

TM

ELECTRIC HEATING

If the cold winter mornings are making it hard to drag yourself out of bed, you might well be thinking it’s about time you replaced your heating system. After all, why struggle with unreliable heaters or uncontrollable night storage heating in our changeable weather?

Sunflow are proud engineers and manufacturers of energy efficient Electric heaters. Unique in their field, Sunflow is the only home grown British manufacturer, using the latest kiln clay core technology.

The Invincible™ range is based on 21st century technology to bring a wonderful heating experience. Gentle natural convection, combined with radiant heat, produces a unique feeling of comfort which has been engineered specifically for the British climate. Economy and efficiency come as standard and means that Invincible Heaters™ are suitable for use in conjunction with Solar PV. Built to last with no servicing or maintenance, Sunflow heaters come with a genuine UK manufacturer backed guarantee and are engineered to have a life expectancy in excess of 30 years, making them a great investment which will perform well for years to come.

And with the latest announcement that Britain is preparing to cut fossil fuel use within the next 10 years and home heating costs forever on the increase, it is prime time to consider upgrading to a modern and well-built heating system.

To request an Information Pack or to book a FREE no obligation survey call 01244 555040 or visit www.sunflownorth.co.uk

81

10% Discount with this advert

Simons Decor PAINTING DECORATING PAPER HANGING COVING WORK

Over 25 Years Experience

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 64 or more words Good: 52 words Fair: 47 words

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

T

Local, Reliable & Friendly Service Call Simon on: Tel: 01952 413337 Mobile: 07969 690149 20 Pool Road, Trench, Telford TF2 6RL 82

M FREE

ESTIMATES

D O

N I

E

C N

HOME SERVICES

ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS, FASCIAS & CONSERVATORIES REPAIRED, REPLACED & CLEANED

NO JOINTS MEANS NO LEAKS

25 YEAR GUARANTEE NO VISABLE PLUS A 10 YEAR COLOUR-FAST GUARANTEE BRACKETS

ALUMINIUM JOINT FREE GUTTERING SYSTEM

OR JOINTS

UPVC - FASCIAS - SOFFITS - BARGE BOARDS

Before

After

No Job too big or small we do it all!

A GREAT WAY TO IMPROVE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME! For more details and a no obligation estimate then call Clint on:

01952 406171 / 07973 333323

View our gallery of work on our Website and Facebook

e: info@telfordseamlessgutters.com www.tsgroofing.co.uk

Painting & Decorating

TSG Roofing

Neil D. Rogers Painting & Decorating

Interior & Exterior

W. E. Dunne

32 Years Experience

Interior & Exterior Work No Job Too Big or Small Over 30 Years Experience City & Guilds Qualified FREE Estimates

City of Guilds Qualified

Contact: Will

12 Gresham Drive, Newdale Lawley, Telford TF3 5ES

Dunne

Contact Neil on: 01952 933 702 07800 665 596

E:neilrogers711@yahoo.com

01952 610443 / 07774 766484 Email: wedunnedec@btinternet.com 4 Kingston Road, Trench, Telford TF2 7HT 83

The Changing Face

OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Imagine you had been lost on a desert island for forty years, and returned just in time to celebrate Christmas and New Year. While at first glance the celebrations might look much the same, dig a little deeper and you’ll find that much has changed since you were away.

Our old festive traditions are constantly evolving and have done so ever since Christmas was first celebrated in the 4th century AD, but recently the pace of change has quickened: traditions that seemed set in stone almost half a century ago are now rarely celebrated in many parts of the UK.

Christmas pudding

Christmas puddings are still popular, but this heavy, fruit-laden treat is beginning to fall out of favour.

Many of us now prefer ice cream-based desserts, trifles, or frankly, anything made with chocolate.

You may remember finding a sixpence, or perhaps a silver charm, inside your slice of Christmas pudding. Also known as ‘tokens’ or ‘favours’, these small silver objects were used to predict the finder’s fortune during the coming year. Discovering a ‘bachelor’s button’ or a ‘spinster’s thimble’ meant you were likely to stay single during the next 12 months, while a ring hinted at marriage.

A silver wishbone meant a wish would be granted, and a sixpence promised wealth.

Records show this tradition dates back to the early 13th century, when a Twelfth Night Cake was eaten on the final night of the Christmas celebrations. A dried pea, a silver ring or small crown was included in the cake mixture and whoever found it became ‘king’ or ‘queen’ for the night.

Mistletoe

It’s becoming harder and harder to find mistletoe in the shops nowadays, and this could suggest that the tradition of hanging a mistletoe bough inside the house - as an encouragement for couples to steal a kiss beneath it - is now dying out.

Historians have suggested that the custom originally began in Scandinavia, where the tip of a tree would be hung up to greet guests. The master and mistress of the house would embrace their guests underneath the bough as a gesture of goodwill and friendship. Strangely, it was the straightlaced Victorians who turned the tradition into something a little more risqué.

Carol Singers

Gone is the time when you would answer the door to a group of well-practised carol singers belting out “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” in three-part harmony. These days it’s more likely that you’ll open the door to a group of teenagers singing half a verse of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas” before thrusting a donation box in your face.

Carols were originally songs sung during community events such as harvest celebrations, and were originally associated with drunkenness and merriment rather than worship. It was only later that they began to be sung in church, and were specifically associated with Christmas.

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Christmas stockings

As present-giving has become more generous, so the size of the container holding the presents has grown: these days not even a pillowcase will fit the bill. What began as a sock hung on the mantlepiece, filled with sweets, nuts and fruits, is now the size of an industrial sack and has to be specially purchased from a newsagent or greetings card retailer.

This tradition began in the 12th Century when French nuns, inspired by St Nicholas – who gave gold to the poor – left stockings filled with fruit, including tangerines and nuts, at the houses of poor people.

First footing

This odd tradition called for a dark, male stranger to enter the house on or after the stroke of midnight, carrying several items, some of which might include a piece of coal, bread, salt, a coin or a drink (usually whisky). The “First Footer” was the first person to step over the threshold after midnight, and it was believed that his actions would bring good fortune to the household in the year to come.

The origin of first footing can be traced to Greece, where a tradition known as pothariko includes giving first footers food or money to keep evil at bay.

Christmas cards

While many of us still spend hours writing cards, licking envelopes and sticking stamps, the younger generation sends Christmas card mail-outs with a single click. With the rising cost of cards and postage, it’s no wonder that the use of ‘virtual’ cards is on the increase.

The first Christmas cards were created in Victorian times, when fast developing railway networks made it easier and cheaper to send messages. It’s interesting to note that email is now popular for broadly the same reasons!

Some of our festive traditions may have changed but our love of Christmas and New Year lives on. The emphasis on renewing old friendships and bringing families together makes it likely that these celebrations will remain popular for many thousands of years to come.

by Kate McLelland

HOME SERVICES

Clean up with

SUTHERLANDS CLEAN CARPETS NOW incorporating A1 Carpet Cleaning

CHRISTMAS

SPECIAL OFFER A fabric 3 piece suite PLUS a standard lounge carpet deluxe clean only

£100

SPECIAL OFFERS...

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½ Price STAIN PROTECTION on all Carpets whilst being cleaned

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Minimum Invoice £30

DELUXE CLEANING ALSO AVAILABLE

For Product Information or for a FREE Estimate Call

STEWART or KEVAN SUTHERLAND on: 07454 017249 or 01952 403179 We offer a price promise to beat any ‘like for like’ quote on upholstery or carpets (economy or deluxe clean).

Electrical Contractors A friendly family business offering a reliable and competitive service by fully insured NICEIC Registered Electricians • • • • • • • •

All Electrical Work Undertaken Fuse board upgrades House Rewires Security Alarms (Wired & Wireless) CCTV TV Aerial Upgrades Electrical Safety Reports (Landlords Certificate) Flat Screen TVs, Wall Mounted Installations “No Wires to be Seen”

LIGHTS SOCKETS

FREE QUOTES & ADVICE For special offers and services visit:

www.buzzsparks.co.uk Call your LOCAL friendly Electrician ‘Buzz’ on: 01952 272382 or 07714 216244 Email: buzzsparks@icloud.com 85

DARWIN

SHAW CLEAN Superb Cleaning

GLASS & GLAZING

Clea ning of Soft Furnishings a nd Hard Surfaces

Complete Glass and Glazing Service ;; 24hr Boarding Up Service ;; Broken Glass Replaced ;; Same Day Repair ;; Replacement Double Glazed Units ;; Secondary Glazing ;; uPVC Windows & Locks ;; Window and Door Maintenance ;; Glass & Mirrors Cut to Size ;; Mirror Etching ;; Safety Filming for Glass

Broken

Glass?

19 Years Experience

1 Hour Response Time to Most Areas Misted Do uble Glaz Can be contacted at anytime ing? day or night - 24hr Response Will Beat any Genuine Like for Like Quote

Call Dave on 07974 499507 or 01952 780200 Email: darwinglassandglazing@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.darwinglassandglazing.co.uk

A Sure Clean of Quality & Excellence • CARPETS • STONE • UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT • LEATHER • WOOD • RUGS • DRIVEWAYS • CURTAINS • PATIOS • MATTRESSES • DECKING • STAIN REMOVAL & PROTECTION

“ Tim Shaw recommended & used by leading home furnishing retailers since 1997.”

T: 0800 612 8817 M: 07976 559 072 E: timshaw@shawclean.co.uk FREE advice, quotes and fully insured.

www.shawclean.co.uk

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD Across

Down

1. Saying: “He who pays the ___ calls the tune” (5)

1. Sign posted in a public place as an advertisement (7)

4. Small nipple-like protuberance (7) 8. Everything (3) 9. Chronic drinker (9)

2. Officer of the law (9) 3. Powerful herbivore with a horned snout (abbr) (5)

10. Mechanical devices used to prevent vessels from moving (7)

4. Small area on the skin where an artery can be pushed against a bone to inhibit bleeding (8,5)

11. Abstract form of painting that produces dramatic visual effects (2,3)

5. Excuses a mistake or offence (7)

13. Light brown sweetening agent originally from Guyana (8,5)

6. Field suitable for grazing by livestock (3) 7. Broker (5)

16. Country formerly called Dahomey (5)

12. Sum total of many miscellaneous things (9)

17. Deal with in a routine way (7)

14. Position on a scale in relation to others (7)

19. Person in charge of collecting and cataloguing records (9)

15. Italian rice dish (7)

21. Section of a play (3)

16. Component parts of a necklace, usually round in shape (5)

22. Manual dexterity (7)

18. Relating to sight (5)

23. Statement of beliefs (5)

20. Billiards stick (3)

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©Puzzlepress.co.uk

HOME SERVICES

There’s no job too small so just call 01952 201180

We undertake any work around the House & Home We provide a reliable & friendly service at a competitive price All our work is fully insured and guaranteed Established for over 30 Years

Visit our website to view photos of some of our latest work

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Property Maintenance Fitted Bathrooms & Kitchens Electrical Work Slabbing & Paving Plumbing Carpentry Decking Painting Ground Works Roofing Brick & Block Work Plastering & Insurance Work Home Audio Visual Solutions CCTV & Security

www.telfordmaintenance.co.uk

9 Colliford Close Priorslee Telford TF2 9RZ

T: 01952 201180

M: 07973 612 222

richard@telfordmaintenance.co.uk

PLUMBER A Watson (ACIPHE) Registered Plumber DOMESTIC / COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE SBS Torch on Felts Fibreglass Roofing with 15-20 Year Guarantee Repairs - All Work Fully Guaranteed Free Estimates All Guttering Work Undertaken uPVC Fascias & Soffits

T: 01952 677267 M: 07970 112261 E: mr.roofing@hotmail.co.uk

Home Improvements & Maintenance

Full Installation of Kitchens & Bathrooms - Including all Plumbing, Tiling (floor & wall), Electrics & Gas as required For a no obligation quotation

Andy on

01952 529765 68 Barn Road, Shifnal Email: mwats@blueyonder.co.uk

22 St Matthews Road, Donnington Wood, Telford TF2 7NT 87

10-11. See website for details or contact us by email: Telford.seacadets@yahoo.com

Admaston

at Admaston House Comm. Centre: Mon: Yoga; 6.30-8pm Tue: Pushchair people 9.30am-12pm, Guitar lessons 4.30-7pm, Brownies 5.306.45pm, Guides 7-8.30pm, Rangers 7-8.30pm Wed: WI 2-4pm (1st Wed of mth), Weight Watchers 5:30&7pm, Bollywood Dancing 6.45-8.30pm Thu: Scouts 7-9pm, Explorers (age14-18) 7.30-9.30pm, Ladies alpha 7.30-9.30pm.

Fri: Youth club 7.30-9pm.

If you would like further info. on above visit www.admastonhouse.org.uk or contact Moira Hoath on 07722 213264.

Church Aston

Church Aston Gardening Club meets the 3rd Mon monthly 8pm, Church Aston Church Hall. New Members welcome.

Sylvia 01952 812092 Crafty Sew and Sews - we meet for sewing, knitting and other crafts at the Church Hall, Church Aston on Tuesdays from 2-4pm. New members welcome.

Church Aston Thursday Club meet fortnightly Thu afternoon 2pm till 4pm, speakers, outings. Contact Sylvia 01952 402744 or 812092 at Church Aston Village Hall: Mon: 10-11am Zumba, 11.30-12.30 Beg. Pilates, 2-4pm U3A Sewing/Craft Grp (alt. wks), 7-10pm Whist Tue: 10-12 Tai Chi, 6.30-9.30pm Line Dancing Wed: 9.30-10.25 Easy Tone, 10.30-11.15 Kettle Bell Class, 4.30-4.30 Kids Dance Classes, 7-10pm Whist Thu: 2-4pm Whist, 6-8pm Cubs Fri: 2-4pm Tea dance, 4.15-6 Twinkle toe dance, 6-7 Beavers, 7-8 Scouts Sun: From 7pm Ballroom Dance Lessons

Dawley

Telford Hot Trax Radio Controlled Car Club - Meets every Wednesday at Dawley Social Club, King St, Telford TF4 2AG @ 7.30pm to 10pm. Contact: 07834 808943 Dawley Traditional Market - Every Friday, Meadow Rd car park. Contact 01952 380934 Telford Christian Fellowship, Christian Worship & Prayer for Healing, Sun 10:30am-12pm at the Dawley Hse, 2 Burton St, Dawley TF4 2ES. Contact Giles Higgins 01952 272961 www.tcfonline.org. uk Dawley Christian Centre: Mon: 5-8pm Brownies & Rainbows, Tue: 9.30-11.30 - Stay & play groups for under 5’s Fri: 2-4pm - Computer Club (3rd Fri each mth) 9-12 Table Top Sale

Donnington

Players wanted - Tickled Pink Ukulele Band Practice nights Wednesdays Asda Donnington. Uke players needed Contact us at: tpinkukes@gmail.com or call 07939 021162 Oakengates Rangers Colts U11’s Football Club - are looking to recruit male and female players for the 2014/2015 season - if you are currently aged 10-11 please feel free to come along.Training every Thursday, 6pm to 7:30pm at Donnington football pitches (near Little Theatre).

Contact Nik: 07506 722488 or Saul: 07411 467341.

Telford Sea Cadets – Tue & Thu nights 6.45-9pm, Cadets is for ages 12-18, Juniors

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Thu - The Creation Station ‘Little Explorer’ pre-schooler arts & crafts sessions.

Cordingley Hall, Wellington Road. 10.15 to 11.05 (term-time) Call to book your place 0844 854 9128. at Donnington Methodist Church: 2nd Sunday of every month - Messy Church (3-4.30pm). Everyone invited. If you are a child you will need to bring an adult with you! An hour of fun, games & craft activities, don’t wear your best clothes. Donations welcomed. We don’t expect you to belong to a church.

Edgmond

3rd Dec (Sat) Table Top Sale at Edgmond Village Hall 9:30am-12:30pm, Vintage style tea cakes /coffee. £5 table, free entry contact Janis 07739 634703

Hadley

Hadley Traditional Market - Wed every week, Hadley Local Centre. Contact 01952 380934 Telford Wine Making & Home Brewing Club - at Hadley Rest Rooms, (by the Sikh Temple) on the 1st Thu of month 7.45 to 8pm. For info contact Chris Hall on 01384 345408 or Sharon on sharon_collins75@ yahoo.com

Horsehay

Horsehay and District Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 3rd Mon of each month at Horsehay Village Hall at 7.30pm. Call 01952 503535 for more info.

Horsehay Methodist Church - coffee morning on Wed 10.30-noon. Parents & toddlers on Fri mornings 10-11.30am.

Youth group Fri 7-8.30pm (10 to 14 yr olds) National Organisation of the Widowed - meet every 4th Wednesday of the month at Horsehay Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Anyone interested call Keith on 01952 598924 or Doreen on 01952 502551.

Ketley

Telford Stamp and Card Club meets on the second Monday of each month (except July and August) at 7.30pm at Ketley Community Centre, Telford, TF1 5AN. Visitors welcome.

Muxton

£3. 07772 611540

Muxton Movers walking group - meet on a Tue & Thu evening, 7.15pm at Muxton School for an hour of fairly flat walking.

Sundays, at 6.30pm, cover approx. 7 miles, in 1.5hrs. New members are welcome! at St John’s Church Muxton: Mon: 1:00-2:45pm NCT Bumps and Babes group - for parents and carers with children under 2, £1.50 donation Painting Club 2-4pm (term time), 4.15om onwards Blue Branches Drama Academy.

Tue: Tiny Tots (10am, 1pm term time), Rainbows - followed by Brownies & Guides Wed: In Stitches 2pm (1st & 3rd Wed) Embroiderers Guild 8pm (every 4th Wed) Muxton Ladies 7.45pm (1st Wed each mth) Thu: Afternoon Fellowship monthly & Beacon 7.45pm

2.30-4pm

Fri: Lunch Club Over 50’s (1st Fri of mth) Sub:Zero – Youth Cafe, yrs7+ 4-6pm Sat: Young Embroiderers (Mthly), Prayer Breakfast (bi-monthly) Available for hire for parties etc..

Sun: Church Services 11am Available for hire for parties etc..

If you would like further info. on the above activities - contact the church on 01952 670033

Newport

20th Dec (Tue) - U3A Newport - meet 2pm at The Royal British Legion Club, Audley Avenue, Newport. A talk about "Safety in our area" to be given by the local police.

Visitors are welcome. Admission £1.

Newport (SALOP) and District Male Voice Choir - seeking new members for well established friendly choir, meet 7.30pm on Mondays at Trinity Church Wellington Rd Newport. Novices are welcome, come along for a taster session. You do not to be a Tom Jones, just someone who can hold a note and fit in to the choir. For more infor visit our website, or call 01952 813267.

Newport Afternoon Guild meet on the 1st Wed 2-4pm at the Cosy Hall in Newport.

Call 01952 825 287 for further infomation.

Shropshire WIldlife Trust (Newport) meet 7.30-9pm on 2nd Tue of month (exc.

Dec), Church Aston Church Hall, Newport TF10 9JG. £2 members, £3 non-members, inc. refreshments.

Lawley

Newport Bridge Club meet Tue & Thu 7pm at The Hub St Mary Street Newport.

We welcome duplicate bridge players of all standards. Interested? Come and join us. Call 01952 814474 for more details or e-mail info@newport-bridge-club.co.uk

Lawley WI meet on the 1st Tue of every month at 7.15pm StJohn’s Church Hall at Lawley. For more info. call Jill Gould on 01952 597994.

The Dalen Singers is a small, friendly, mixed voice choir founded 30 years ago in Newport. Rehearsals on Tue evenings, 7pm at Trinity Church, Wellington Road, Newport. If you would like to meet us just come to rehearsals, you will be very welcome, or ring secretary 01952 811741 for more information.

Learn to Play Bridge - at Lawley Community Centre.

For further information contact Peter Seager on 01952 419999

Lilleshall

Lilleshall Women’s Institute - Open to all age groups - speakers, demonstrations, refreshments and raffle. At Lilleshall Memorial Hall 3rd Tue of month 7.30pm.

Guests £2 per session. Contact Francis Taylor 01952 604718

Used Toner Cartridges - Shrewsbury Music Therapy Trust are collecting and recycling used printer ink-jet cartridges in order to raise funds to support children with learning difficulties. Drop off at Card n Play (High Street, Newport), box towards back of the shop.

Madeley

Dressmaking Classes at Cosy Hall, Newport on Thu’s - 10am-12.30pm and 7.30-9.30pm ‘Saturday Sewing Bee’ 2-5pm, monthly. Details and booking contact Catherine on 01952 276061. catherine@lovedressmaking.co.uk www. facebook.com/lovedressmaking

Madeley Art Club - meets every Mon (exc.

Bank Hols), 9:30am-12 noon @ Jubilee Hall, Madeley - all over 55’s welcome. For more info call Aneita on 01952 590304.

Madeley Traditional Market - Tue & Sat – every week, Russell Square. Contact 01952 380934 Life Drawing - every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm at Jubilee House, Madeley. Excellent tutor.

For more info. call the WEA 01952 614451 or email telfordcentre@wea.org.uk.

1st Wed each month - Madeley Townswomen Guild meets 7.30pm at the Common Room, Bridle Court, Bridle Rd. Madeley, TF7 5SG Contact 01952 878069.

Toy Library in Cottage Care Centre, Newport, every Friday 9.45-11.30, preschool age. Contact Steve Ravenscroft 01952 811935 or just call in.

Newport RNA Club - Excellent venue with warm friendly atmosphere. Function room for hire. Mon - bridge club, Tue - open mic, Wed - pool, Thu - bingo, Fri - dominoes/ quiz nights/live entertainment, Sat - live entertainment. Pay on door. Non-Members

Newport French Evening Classes For Adults - At Adams` Grammar School - Conversational Classes Thursdays. For further info call Lynn on 01952 812944 or email lynnjones2@freeuk.com Serendipity Singles, 45+, established in Shropshire, now meeting in Newport. Full details from 07704 792610 Newport Scouts, Longford Road HQ. Beavers, Thu’s at 6pm; Cubs, Wed’s at 6pm; Scouts, Wed’s 7.30 pm. Contact: Liz on 07780 611260 Newport Flower Arranging Class - held every Thursday (starting 25th Sep14) 1:303pm at Newport Cricket Club. Qualified teacher, all welcome, inc. beginners.

Contact Catherine Bentley on 01952 811989.

The Guild of Silk Painters - meetings are held from 7-9.30pm on the third Monday of each month atCosy Hall, Water Lane Newport.

Contact - Margaret 01785 254803, Diana 01785 223339 or Anethia 01952 813101.

Female 77 - Meetings held every Wednesday during term time at Newport Cottage Hospital 8pm.

Speakers,demonstrations and outings.

New members welcome. Contact Chris 01952 811533 Newport Wine Appreciation Group meet from 7pm-9pm on Tue’s at Cosy Hall, Newport.

Beginners and more experienced enthusiasts welcome.

Contact Geoff on 01743 884658 Newport Life Drawing and Figure Sculpting Workshops – Saturday mornings at Adams’ Grammar School.

For further information please call Michael on 07528489320 or email michaeljamespotter@hotmail.co.uk Newport Farmers’ Market – 3rd Thu of every month, The Square and The Buttercross, Newport – Contact Tel 01952 380934 Newport Trefoil Guild meets monthly on a Thursday at Cosy Hall, Water Lane.

All members/ex members of Girl Guiding welcome. Contact Cris 01952 253960 for further details.

Newport Photographic Club - meet 7.45pm on Tues (Sep-Jun) in the Baptist Church Hall in Water Lane, Newport. See www.newportphotoclub.com for details.

Pitchcroft & Church Aston WI - Meetings held 3rd Wed of month in Church Hall, Church Aston at 7.30 pm. Variety of speakers & demonstrations. Guests admission is £3.50. Contact Sheila Johnstone 01952 820294 for further details.

Oakengates

Table top sale - first Saturday of each month, 10am -12pm at the Holy Trinity Church in Wrockwardine wood and Oakengates. Contact Tanya May 07990 767855 (visit our facebook page for events: Holy Trinity Church Wrockwardine Wood) Oakengates Traditional Market - Saturday – every week, Limes Walk. Contact 01952 380934.

The Telford & District branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society hold a Monthly Social on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Oakengates. There is a short chair based exercise session followed by refreshments & a chance to chat - open to anyone affected by MS. Branch Helpline number: 07866 628593.

Boys’ Brigade - Tue at Oakengates United Church - 6pm Anchor Boys’, 7pm Junior Boys’ Brigade (Contact: 01952 608007).

Fri 7pm Company Section open to boys and girls year 7+. (Alan Talbot on 01952 612075) Oakengates Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 4th Thu of each month at the United Reform Church at 7pm. Call 01952 261 207 for more info.

COMMUNITY & WHATS ON

Priorslee

Sewing For Pleasure - Sewing Machine Classes every Tuesday 7pm -9pm, University Campus Telford, Conference Centre, Priorslee. TF2 9NN All abilities welcome. Call Nicky on 01952 201502 for more details.

Tea & Natter at St. Peter’s Church, Church Rd, Priorslee, 2pm-3pm, bring & buy with a draw. Every 4th Thu of the month.

Come and join us for a chat with drinks & refreshments 50p – all are welcome.

AgeUk over 60’s Pub Lunch Club at the Flaming Grill, Priorslee, meet 2nd Monday of each month. Please contact Pauline Comley for further details 01952 200359 Family Praise at St Peters Church, Church Rd, Priorslee: All-Age Worship, 2nd Sunday of each month, 1/2hour service, 10-10:30am, ideal for children! Contact Chris Harris 07941 961461 or email stpeterspriorslee@ btinternet.com Priorslee Lions Chess Club Monday nights from 7:30pm The Lion, Shifnal Road, Priorslee www.priorsleelionschessclub.co.uk Whist Drive - Every Sat, at Priorslee Scout Hut, 7.15pm prompt - everyone welcome, Call 01952 242009 for details.

Carers` Group meets every last Tue of month, 2.30-4.30pm at the Old Fire Station, Shifnal. Contact Ivy 01952 750228 (day only) for more details.

(daytimes only) for more details.

Shifnal Men’s Link - Meet 3 times a year (Feb, Jun & Oct) at Haughton Hall for a meal with a guest speaker. Contact Chris Blake on 01952 463171 or email: info@ shifnal-mens-link.co.uk Shifnal Ladies Link - Meet 3 times a year (Feb, Jun & Oct) at Haughton Hall for a meal with a guest speaker. Contact Sue Blake on 01952 463171 or email: info@ shifnal-ladies-link.co.uk Stagekids of Shifnal - for 6–16s meet every Thu during term time at The Youth Club, Bridgnorth Rd, Shifnal, 6–11 yr olds meet at 6.45pm-8pm, 12–16 yr olds meet 8pm9.45pm. Contact Sandra on 01952 462759 Shifnal Millennium Sensory Garden - The working party meets each month from March through to end of Nov on the 1st & 3rd Sat’s 9.30am-noon and the 2nd & 4th Thu’s 9.30am-noon. Enthusiastic helpers welcome as supervision given. Contact Pauline - 01952 460914 or Angela - 01952 462627 for more details or just turn up on the day.

Shifnal Flower Club meet 4th Tue of every month at Shifnal Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Professional Floral Art Demonstrations, Garden Visits & Outings, if you love flowers, come & join us. Call Sue Munslow on 01952 461076

Shawbirch

Shifnal Flower Club Workshop is 3rd Tue of every month at Curriers Lane Room, Shifnal - 7.30pm. Learn how to produce your own floral arrangement. Members £2, non members £4. Call Chris Finlan on 01952 750312.

Shawbirch Community Centre:

Shifnal & District Male Voice Choir meet on Thu at 7.30pm at Idsall School (6th form common room). New recruits welcome.

Contact Ged Heyes on 01952 586968, for further details.

11th Dec (Sun) Medivet Shawbirch - OPEN DAY from 11am-2pm, variety of stalls, a Santa's grotto and different games and competitions.

Mon-Fri: Little Chicks Pre-School 9am 3pm Mon: Youth Club 10-15 yrs (6–8pm) Wed: Bridge Club (7pm – 10pm) Fri: Telford Stage School - 5.45pm The community centre is available to hire evenings & weekends.

For further info. call 01952 248538.

Shifnal

Shifnal in Stitches - Knitting and crochet group every third Tuesday evening 7-9pm at Odfellows. Learners welcome! Facebook. com/shifnalinstitches Shifnal Senior Citizens meet every Friday afternoon in the Social Club in Curriers Lane, Shifnal at 2-4pm Membership £6 per year. All Senior Citizens are welcome.

St Andrews Church, Shifnal - Every Tue 10am – 12 noon Coffee and a listening ear in the Brooke Room.

Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal - Every Wednesday 10am - 12 noon all welcome to drop in for a drink & a chat.

Ladybirds tots and toddlers meet every Friday from 10-11.30am at Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal. All children under 5 and their carers are welcome.

St Mary’s Church Presbytery, Victoria Road, Shifnal - Coffee Morning every Thu. All welcome for a drink and a chat.

St Georges

2nd Dec (Fri) St Georges Christmas Lights Switch On from 3pm, lights on at 6.30pm.

Abraham Darby band, stalls & fair rides.

Shifnal Tots and Toddlers meet every Thursday 9:15am til 11am in term time at the Youth Club, Bridgnorth Road. Children 4 years and under with their carers welcome.

17th Dec (Sat) St Georges Partnership presents - Homeless Awareness Night of Entertainment at The Bell & Bails, St Georges from 7pm.

Shifnal Tennis Club - Social play every Mon & Wed 6.30 onwards. New members always welcome including beginners or ‘back to tennis’ , junior coaching available throughout the week. Contact Merill Holt 07762 15270 or Head Coach Ian Gillespie 07761 970759 for juniors.

Telford & Wrekin Arthritis Support Group, meet on 2nd Tue each month at St. George’s Sports & Social Club, Church St. 7.30–9.30pm. Also organize trips with side lift coaches and a 5 days holiday once a year with disabled access. Hydrotherapy sessions Thu 5–7pm, by appt only. For further details contact Mrs. Pat Watkins on 01952 618381.

LIVE AT HOME - Support for older people offering friendship and company, activities and entertainment, outings and visits, theatre trips and exercise. Contact Rachel on 01952 879873 Shifnal ART Group - Fri’s 10am-12. £5.

Senior Citizens Hall, Curriers Ln. T&C. contact Jim 01952 463211.

Get Shifnal On Line - Free computer lessons are on offer from local volunteers in Shifnal library. If you have no knowledge of computers, but would like to learn at your own pace, call 07805 632225.

Shifnal Crime Prevention Panel meets on the 4th Wednesday each month at 8pm at the Park House. Anyone interested in keeping Shifnal’s crime figures low is welcome to attend. Contact 01952 462988 for details.

Carers` Group meets every last Tue of month, 2.30-4.30pm at the Old Fire Station, Shifnal. Contact Ivy 01952 750228

at St Georges Methodist Church: Mon - 4pm Rainbows / 5.45pm Brownies (Contact: 01952 293944) Wed - Snedshill & District Over 60’s Club meet 1pm (T: 618221 - Lois Bull) 1st Wed of every month - St Georges WI meet in the Church Hall at 7pm - contact A. Chetwood 01952 618353 for further details.

Thu - 6pm Guides / 7.45pm Morningside Ladies Choir (Contact 01952 619347) Thu - 9:30-11:30am - Little Fishes under 5’s group. For all pre-school children and their carers. Meets in the St Georges Methodist Church Hall. £1.50 per family to include snacks and drinks. Contact Kate on 07976 460777.

Telford - Town Centre

Tuesday Group lively discussions in a good

humoured atmosphere. Women meeting 10:30 to 12:30 on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Venue subject to change.

Contact Brenda on 01952 610939.

Trench

ATC meet at TA Centre, Territorial House, Trench, Telford between 18.45 - 21.30 every Tue & Thu night. Contact number for Sqn 01952 670720

Wellington

10th Dec (Sat) - Christmas Tree Festival, at Christ Church, Wellington, 10am-2pm. Over 30 Christmas Trees expected, refreshments available and Christmas stalls.

18th Jan - Wellington History Group, meet 7:30pm at at Wellington Library. A talk by Peter Brown 'Wappenshall Wharf'.

Entrance free, but donations appreciated.

Evening Art Classes - at Wellington Methodist Church - Tuesdays 6-8pm.

Contact Liz Doody the course tutor for more information or to book your place on 07970 709116.

SUNNYCROFT - 200 Holyhead Road, Wellington. WINTER opening Sat / Sun 10.30am-3pm, last entry to house 2pm.

CHRISTMAS opening, Fri to Tue 9th-13th and 16th-20th December. 10.30am-4pm, last entry 3pm. Period decorations and carols. Standard N.T. admission charges apply.

Telford Lions Club - Meet on 2nd & 4th Monday each month at 8pm, at the Whitehouse Hotel, Watling Street, Wellington. To find out more about us, our activities and how to join us, t: 0845 833 9585 or email telford.lions@yahoo.com Car boot sale – Every Sunday, Victoria Road and Nailors Row car parks – Contact Tel 01952 380934 U3A Wellington - 2nd Thu of each Month meeting at Belmont Community Hall, Wellington - 2pm. Just come along and see what’s on offer, or visit our website.

S.T.A.G.s (Strategic Tactical Adventure Gaming Society) one of the biggest wargaming clubs in the country. Historical as well as Sci/Fanasty wargaming. Open every other Sun from 11am to 15.30pm, first visit is free, we meet at Belmont Hall in Wellington. www.freewebs.com/telford_ stags/ T 01952 417417 Questing Knight Games Severn Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus meets every Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at Wellington Methodist Church,New Street,TF1 1LU for singing and fun.For more info.contact Debbie Skeates 01952 201582 or Jean Larkin 01952 276470.

Craft Fair - First Sat of month, at Belmont Hall (top of New Street), 10am - 3pm. Good quality handmade items, refreshments and free entry.

Wellington Jade Singers ladies choir, meet weekly on Thu evenings 7.30-9.30pm Union Free Church Hall, Constitution Hill, Wellington, TF1 3BA, contact Chris Harris 07941 961461 or email jadesingers@ btinternet.com Wrekin Arts Photographic Club meets every Friday at 8pm at the Belfrey Arts Centre Wellington (Sep to Jun). Details from Sheila Thomas on 01952 617170 or www.wrekinartspc.com Eyton & Wellington WI meet 2nd Wed of every month, 7.30pm at Wellington Civic Centre.

Belmont Community Hall in Wellington meet every Fri 11.45am-4pm - Over 50’s, tea, raffle, speakers, bingo etc.. £1.50 entry, also lunch available at £3.50 at 12pm cooked on the premises. All welcome. For further details contact Margaret Atkinson on 01952 877409.

The Wellington Girls’ Brigade meet every Tue in term time from 6-8pm at Wellington Methodist Church. All girls welcome from 5yrs+. For more info. call Tracey on 01952 405178.

Wellington Evening Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 1st Tue of each month

at 7.30pm at Belmont Community Hall, Wellington. Visitors welcome. Call 413686 for more info.

Wellington Central Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 2nd Tue of each month at 2.15pm at the Belmont Community Hall, Wellington. For more info call 01952 251 364.

Other Areas

4th & 11th Dec - Temponilla we will be singing at Blist Hill Museum 10am-2pm.

17th Dec - Temponilla are singing at the Christmas Tree Festival St Chad's Shrewsbury 4pm-5pm 18th Dec - Temponilla will be taking part in the Carol Service at Sutton Hill Church 10-30am 23rd Dec - Temponilla will be singing at P.R.H. at 6pm.

Parkinson’s Telford & Wrekin Support Group - We offer support and friendship to people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. Come along to our friendly group, meet other people affected

by Parkinson’s and get involved in a range of events and activities. Ketley Community Centre, 1-3pm on the last Tue of every month. T: 01952 253877 Telford Sign Cafe - want to practice your signing or are you a Deaf Sign Language user who would enjoy helping us!

Enjoy a coffee and a chat.

All abilities welcome. Meet 3rd Fri of month from 7pm, at The Home Organisation Coffee Shop, Lightmoor. Contact Nikki: nikkibackhouse@googlemail.com, 07791 724827 Learn to Sing - Various FREE workshops available to the MALE voice. Whether you can or can’t sing, don’t know if you can or just like to try it out. Contact - Geoff Avis (PRO – Telfordaires) on 0845 463 1618 Wrockwardine and District Garden Club - Meet on 1st Thu of each month at Wrockwardine Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Little Wenlock WI - meet 1st Wed of every month - in the Village Hall at 2pm, new members welcome - contact Diana on 01952 244136 for further details.

Severn Sisters WI - Meet every 3rd Wednesday, 7pm at Longdon On Tern Village Hall. For further info contact Paula Pierce 07841 528543 Volunteer and Make a Difference - if you could help Guide Dogs locally with fundraising, sighted guiding or other volunteer roles, please contact Valerie Jobes on 01189 838 756 or valerie.jobes@ guidedogs.org.uk. Further info can be found at www.guidedogs.org.uk.

Temponilla a small S.A.T.B. vocal ensemble meet weekly on Thursday evenings 8-9.30pm at Sutton Hill Church, please see web www.temponilla.co.uk for calender of this years events, and contact details.

The Wrekin Decorative and Fine Arts Society meets at the Cold War exhibition hall at RAF Cosford Air Museum on the 3rd Mon of the mth at 2pm. Visitors £5.

Contact: Louise Nixon 01746 783517 www.nadfas-wm.org.uk/wrekin.html Telford and Wrekin Ladies Circle is all about fun and friendship – trying something new, relaxing with friends, fundraising & great days out.

If you are between 18-45 and want to know more contact us at: tandwladiescircle@ hotmail.com - 07961 961475 or find us on Facebook.

Wrekin Writers meet 3rd Sat of month 9 till noon. Large friendly group that’ll help to motivate you with your writing. Visit www.wrekinwriters.co.uk or call Darren on 01952 405178.

To submit an entry to this feature please email your details to: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk please put subject as WHATS ON on the email.

(Space is VERY limited, so brief details ONLY)

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Local Health, Sport beginners - advanced gymnasts. Contact: 07905 956644 or email shootingstarsonline07@yahoo. com Piloxing (Boxing, Pilates & Dance) - Mon 6.307.30pm. Zumba - Thu 6.30-7.30pm. Hadley Methodist Church, £3.50. All abilities welcome! Debbie 07891 686812

Horsehay

Admaston

at Admaston House Community Centre (for further info. contact Moira Hoath on 07722 213264): Mon: Yoga (evenings) Contact Janet Evans on 01952 245983 Wed: Weight Watchers 5.30pm & 7pm Thu: Gentle seated and standing exercises for older people. 10.30-11.30am. Qualified tutor £2.50, call Diane on 01952 201803 for details.

Church Aston

at Church Aston Village Hall: Mon 10am-11am Zumba Wed 9.30-10.25am Easy tone - over 50s & beginners Wed 10.30am-11.15 - Kettlebells Class - all over body workout using kettle shaped weight.

Contact Kim on 07795 225017 Mon 10-11am Zumba (easy) @ Village Hall with Nikki 07967 343728

Dawley

Touch Rugby - Telford RFC, Hinkshay Road, Telford TF3 3BZ. Wed 7pm ages 14 to adult Men and Women no previous experience required. £free.

Just fun and fitness to be had!

Ballroom Social Dance Class - Dawley Town Hall, Sun 7.30-10.30pm. Call Donna on 01952 567920 Dawley Phoenix Badminton Club meets on Tues 7-9pm at the Hadley Learning Community, Crescent Rd, Telford, TF1 5JU. We support a good club standard of play using feather shuttles. New members and visitors are welcome. Please come along on Club Night or contact Clive Roscoe on 07552 761896.

Pilates Mon 7-8pm at the Pheonix Sports Centre, Telford Langley School. £33 block of 6 classes or £6.50 pay-as-you-go. Contact Beryl on 01952 462896 or 07971 875372, email: beryl.feely@gmail. com.

Mons’ - 8-10pm - The Ironmen & Severn Gilders Morris dance team – great fun, all welcome, men and ladies, at The Telford Langley School, Duce Drive, Dawley, TF4 3JS. Contact us through our website www.imsg.org.uk or e-mail secretary@ imsg.org.uk Dawley Christian Centre: Mon - GKR Karate 6.30-8pm Tue - Keep Fit 10-11am, Badminton Grp 7-9pm Wed - Zumba 8-9pm Thu 9am-12pm Help 2 Quit Smoking

Slimming World (Wed 9:30am and Thu 5pm & 7pm) at Horsehay Golf Club, Wellington Rd, Horsehay, Telford TF4 3BT Call Paula on 07791 743509

Jackfield

‘Tap into Health’ - EFT tapping workshops. Relief from stress, pain and more. Wednesdays 10.30 11.30 at The Gorge Therapy & Training Centre. £5 or whatever you can manage on the day. Caroline 01952 881151 www.carolinerolling.com Mindful Meditation - Sooth mind, body and spirit. £5. At The GorgeTherapy & Training Centre. For more info contact: Diane 01952 881151 www.you-inmind.co.uk Women’s Circle for Spiritual Development – Are you a woman who wants to develop your spiritual knowledge & be connected to other likeminded ladies; then this is for you. 1st Wed of month, cost £7 book Romella 07894812440 The Gorge Therapy Centre , Maws TF8 7LS Cygnus Book Cafe – Come and join a friendly group as we discuss a “spiritual” book of the month - 2nd Tue of month 10-11.30 @ The Gorge Therapy Centre, Maws Craft Centre TF8 7LS Contact Romella for details 07894 812440 Healing Share – For all Reiki and other hands-on energy practitioners – come and share your healing energy and have some healing yourself – 1st Wed of month & 4th Fri of month. @ The Gorge Therapy Centre, Maws Craft Centre TF8 7LS Contact Romella for details 07894 812440

Ketley

Stretch & Tone Class - Sunday 9-10am at Ketley Community Centre on Holyhead Road. Class is aimed at increasing and maintaining flexibility and can help with joint discomfort too. Classes are £4 and MUST be booked in advance due to demand for spaces. Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982 Over 50’s Class @ Ketley Methodist church, Waterloo Road, Ketley. Thursday 10-11am. Suits all fitness levels and is a great place to meet new people. £3 per session. Contact Cheryl on 01952 371325 or email cheryljauncey@yahoo.co.uk Slimming World - Ketley Methodist Church on Tue at 5.30 & 7.30pm.

Lawley

Bums n Tums fitness class - at Silver Threads Hall, Donnington 6.30-7.30pm. It would suit all fitness levels and is great fun! Contact Cheryl on 07714 610591 or cheryljauncey2@gmail.com

Baby Yoga at St. Johns Church Hall, Lawley – Mon 1-2pm, Adult Yoga Mon 8.15 to 9.15pm. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch. co.uk. www.mitchytitch.co.uk Mummy Movers - St Johns Church Hall, Wed: 7.308.30pm & Thu: 10.15-11.00am. Call: Laura 07929 154 536 / laura@mummymovers.com Website: www.mummymovers.com Stretch & Tone Class - Tue - Lawley Village Primary Academy - 6:30-7:30pm Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982, or email vikkiburnell@ymail.com.

Zumba - Mon & Wed - Lawley Community Centre - 6pm Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982, or email vikkiburnell@ymail.com.

Hadley

Lightmoor Village

Donnington

Daisy Birthing classes: Active Antenatal classes on Sat 10-11:30am at HLC. Suitable for all pregnant mums. Email: janette-davey@thedaisyfoundation. com or phone 07808 066786.

Thu mornings at Telford Thai Boxing, Hadley 10-11am Yoga and 11:15-12:15pm Pilates. All ages and fitness levels welcome, including complete beginners. Contact - 07852 144119 or email iandglittleford@btinternet.com.

Indoor Bowls - Mon & Tue 2-4pm, at Hadley Restrooms. New members VERY welcome, free trial available. For more details contact Peter on 01952 242873.

Gymnastics Classes - Monday to Saturday, for

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at Oak Tree Centre, Lightmoor Village: Mon: Hatha Yoga 7-8.30pm, drop-in £4 per session.

Call/text Emma on 07590 437712 or emabyoga@ yahoo.co.uk Wed: Help to Quit Smoking 5.30-6.30pm - for app’s call Rachel 07979 540496 Sat: Dance Classes 9-10.15am (7yrs+), 10.15-11am (3-6yrs)

Leegomery

Slimming World - Wed 5.30pm & 7.30pm at Leegomery Community Centre. Call Pam on 07854-896515 for more details.

Lilleshall

Friendly Flat Green Bowling at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, April to Sept – club afternoons on Thursdays at 2:30. Website www.lhbc.fsnet.co.uk or call 01952 463137 or 01952 814671 for further details Adult Yoga class, Mon 10-11am at the Memorial Hall in Lilleshall. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch.co.uk. www.mitchytitch. co.uk Lilleshall Village Tennis Club - Welcomes new members, Tues, Thurs evenings & Sunday mornings.

Junior & Adult Coaching – Saturday afternoons.

Complete beginners course for Adults - Tues pm.

For further details contact Pauline Coffey on 01952 604757 Lilleshall National Sports Centre - Sutherland Badminton Club - Tue evenings 8.30 - 10.30pm New members welcome. Contact: Amanda Haselock - 01952 677590 Premier Badminton Club are seeking new members.

Tue evenings from 7:30pm at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. Contact Anthony 01952 526520 or Rob 01952 840453 www.premier badminton.co.uk Lilleshall Hall Table Tennis Club - meets Mon 7.1510.15pm in the Ford Hall, Lilleshall National Sports Centre, 12 tables - coaches for juniors & beginners.

Sessions £5 adults, juniors. Call Vicky 810355 or Don 416048.

Madeley

Bootcamp/Interval training classes at Bridal Road, Bridal Court, Madeley. Every Tue & Thu 7-8pm. Suits all fitness levels and great fun. Contact Cheryl on 01952 371325 Abraham Darby Badminton Club - Social Play every Wed 7:15 to 9:15 at Abraham Darby Academy Sports Hall £4 per night. All welcome.

Slimming World- Jubilee House, Madeley High St, Wed at 3.30,5.30 & 7.30 and Sat 8.30 & 10.30am.

Muxton

at St John’s Church Muxton: Bumps n Babes (NCT) 1-2:45pm (fortnightly), sessions £1.50 Slimming World - Mon (9.30, 5.30pm & 7.30pm) contact Celia Powell 07575 123666 Wed: Over 50’s Aerobics (10am) Newport Little Dragons Karate 5.30-6.30pm Thu: Movement Matters (exercise class) Fri: Sequence Dancing 8pm If you would like further info. on the above activities - contact the church on 01952 670033

Newport

Martial Arts Club (Aikido) - Aikido at Burton Borough Sch, Newport. Mondays 7-9pm - Adult classes. Contact sensei@meijyukan.co.uk website www.meijyukan.co.uk T: 0845 678 0091 Body Blitz 6.15-7.15pm @ Burton Borough School Hall with Nikki 07967 343728 Clubbercise 7.30-8.30pm @ Burton Borough School Hall with Nikki 07967 343728 Junior Badminton Club - we have places available for U11’s who want to learn how to play badminton.

It’s £4 per week and includes coaching by a Badminton England accredited Level 2 coach.

Saturday (10-11am under 11’s and 11-12 under 15’s) in term time at Burton Borough School, Newport. Contact Des Machin on 07949 192038, E: desmachin@hotmail.co.uk Zumba Gold (easy) Fri 9.30-10.30am @ Cosy Hall Contact Nikki 07967 343728 Farmhouse Shotokan Karate Club, Moreton Millennium Community Centre and Burton Borough School, Newport - Tues, Fri & Sun. For all ages and abilities. Fully qualified and insured Instructors.

First Lesson Free. Contact 07890 349451, email shropshirekarate@gmail.com or visit www. shropshirekarate.com Yoga Classes at Trinity Church, Wellington Rd, Newport: Mummy & Baby Yoga - Thu 1.30 – 2.30pm . Dru Yoga classes - Fridays 7 - 8.30pm. Contact Kate on 07989 514317, yogamebaby@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/yogame4families Zumba @ Cosy Hall, Newport. Tue 6.30-7.30 Contact Nikki: 07967 343728.

& Fitness Classes Salopian Skimmers Frisbee Club are looking for new Male & Female players of all abilities. Wed night at Adams Grammar Sports Hall. 18.30 to 20.00. First 3 sessions Free. For more info email drew.barlow@live.co.uk or join us on Facebook.

Fit 4 the Future exercise classes (at the studio near Focus). Mon: Jump ‘n Pump 7-8, Tue: Energize 6-7, Bootcamp 7-8, Wed: Box ‘a’ Blast 7-8, Thu: Energize 6-7, Box ‘a’ Blast 7-8. £4.50 per session.

Please call Craig for details 07796 426299.

Oakengates

Telford & Wrekin Lawn Green Bowling Club Est 1982 at Hartshill Park - Oakengates. Club nights Thurs - starting 6pm. Competitive and social bowling against other Midlands clubs. New members welcome. Contact Roger Rowley on 01952 612574.

Slimming World (Sat - 9.30am) at Oakengates Rest Rooms, Charlton Street, Oakengates, Telford TF2 6BD - Call Paula on 07791 743509 Martial Arts Club ( Aikido ) at Oakengates Leisure Centre. Mon & Fri 7.45 / 8.45pm Juniors ( 7yrs+ ).

Mon & Fri 7.45 / 10.00pm Adults. New members always welcome. First lesson is free. If you would like more info contact us on: 07929761302. Email us on suekeithhayward@sky.com

Priorslee

Wellington Badminton Club - Sports Hall at Holy Trinity Academy, Priorslee. Club nights Tuesday 8 - 10pm. All welcome. Contact: Pete Green (Chairman) on 07952 679821 or Jerry Seymour (Treasurer) on 01952 261008 (email: jandmeseymour@talktalk.net). Website: www. wellingtonbadminton.co.uk

Village Hall. £33 block of 6 classes or £6.50 pay-as-you-go. Contact Beryl on 01952 462896 or 07971 875372, email: beryl. feely@gmail.com Shifnal Cricket Club - Junior cricket coaching Mon 6.30 to 7.30 for boys aged 8-11, 7.30 to 8.30 for boys aged 12 and 13. Girls coaching and boys aged 14 and 15 Fri 6.30 to 7.30. For details please call Kevin Humphreys 07983 120061.

Idsall Badminton Club meet at Idsall Sports Centre, Shifnal - Tue 7-9pm. All we ask is that you play to a reasonable standard.

Ceroc Modern Jive and Salsa class nights at Shifnal Village Hall. Every Monday (exc Bank Hols) 7.45pm - 11pm. New members always welcomed and no need to bring a partner. Contact Mike on 07990 554459, email cerocmidlands@aol.com or visit www.cerocmidlands.co.uk

St Georges

"Koshi Wind-Chime Relaxation and Healing" Come for Healing and Relax to beautiful sounds. £5 each. St Georges & Priorslee Parish Centre.

London Rd, TF2 9LJ. Every 4 wks Thu 7.30pm.

Booking essential 07974 196 421 Nikki Slimming World - St Georges Sports & Social Club.

Thu 9.30am, 11.30pm, 5pm and 7pm. Contact Celia Powell on 07575 123666 at St Georges Methodist Church: Tue 5-7pm Synergy Dance Troop (Contact: 01952 612776) Wed - 10.30am Pilates (Tel: 412924) / 1.30pm

Interval Training class that suits any fitness levels 6:30 to 7:30pm. At The Labour Club, Gibbons Rd, Trench. Proven to burn more fat than any other form of exercise. Also great fun too! Class costs £3.50. Contact Cheryl 07714 610591.

friendly scuba diving club, we cater for beginners through to professional level divers, and charge no membership fees or surcharges on your club diving.

Slimming World - Wed at TCAT Haybridge Road, Wellington, 5.30 & 7.30. Thu at Wellington Pool, Tan Bank, 5.30 & 7.30. Call Heather on 01952 289386 or just pop along! All welcome.

Piloxing - techniques of boxing and vertical pilates with some dance moves. Fridays 6-7pm at Charlton School - £4. For more info contact Annette on 07866 021030.

Wrekin Tennis Club - Social play every Tuesday & Thursday evening starting at 7-9pm & Sunday 11am-1pm. Based at Oakengates Leisure Centre New players welcome, Contact Alan Pritchard at: alanp52@yahoo.co.uk or 07596 984442 or visit our website, www.wrekintennisclub.co.uk Telford Community Tennis Club, Junior tennis coaching lessons at Bowring Park, Wellington on Sun - 10-11am (4-7yrs), 11-12am (8-10yrs), 12-1pm (11-16yrs). We also have sessions for adult members of all abilities. www.telfordcommunitytennisclub.co.uk E: bob.kerr@telfordcommunitytennisclub.co.uk Friendly Badminton group playing 7-9pm every Thu at TCAT Sports Hall are seeking new players to join them. Come along and try a few taster sessions at £5 per night. Contact Jenny Varley (evenings 6-7pm) on 01952 249277.

Wellington Badminton Club - Sports Hall at Holy Trinity Academy, Priorslee. Club nights Tuesday 8 - 10pm. All welcome. Contact: Pete Green (Chairman) on 07952 679821 or Jerry Seymour (Treasurer) on 01952 261008 (email: jandmeseymour@talktalk.net). Website: www. wellingtonbadminton.co.uk

Wellington

Other Areas

Stirchley

Shawbirch Community Centre: Tue - Antenatal Yoga (5:30-6:30pm), Yoga (79pm) For further info. contact us on 01952 248538.

Have fun – keep fit. Short Tennis Prime Time Club (over 60’s).

Tues 4.45-5.30pm and Sat 2-3pm at Stirchley Recreation Centre. Also Wed 7-8pm at Oakengates Leisure Centre and Fri 5-6pm at Phoenix Academy, Dawley. Novices very welcome. Call Kevin on 01952 825239, Tony on 07837 986059 or Vicki on 01952 618256 for further details.

Shifnal

Telford - Town Centre

Shawbirch

Slimming World - Shifnal Village Hall - Wed (9.30, 5.30pm & 7.30pm) contact Celia Powell 07575 123666 Meditation followed by group activity every Thu 7.30-9.30pm at Citizen’s Hall, Curriers Lane, Shifnal. £8pp. Contact Norma on 01952 463876 or email Jehandra@yahoo.com or Facebook -Jehandra Holistic Healing for more details.

Zumba at Shifnal Scout Hut, Thu 7-8pm with Nikki 07967 343728 Tue mornings at St Andrews Youth Club, - Yoga 9:30 - 10:30am and Pilates 10:45 - 11:45am. £5 per class or £8 for both classes. All ages and fitness levels welcome, including complete beginners. Contact Gill on 07852 144119 or email iandglittleford@btinternet.com.

YOGA every Thu at Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal Adults - 7.10-8.10pm, Pregnancy 6-7pm, Baby Yoga at St. Andrews Church, Shifnal every Wed 1-2pm. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch.co.uk. www.mitchytitch. co.uk Laughter Yoga - The fun way to good health. Mon 7-8 pm. Tues 10.30 - 11.30 at Shifnal Seniors Club, Curriers Lane. All ages, all abilities. All welcome. £6 on the day or £24 for 6 weeks. Contact Caroline: 07868240605 info@gorgetherapycentre. co.uk Adult Fitness Classes at Idsall Sports Centre – METAFIT - Mon 6:30-7.15pm, YOGA - Tue 5.306.30pm, CIRCUITS - Wed 7.30-8.15pm, METAFIT - Thu 6.30-7.15pm. Everyone welcome! 1st Class FREE !!! 01952 460499 Shifnal Bowling Club - Social Bowling every Thu morning 10.30am-12.30pm. Junior Coaching Sat morning 11-12. All are welcome to our club young & old. Contact Graham McCarthy 01902 372 955 for details.

DANCE class 10.30 Wed at St Andrews Youth Club Hall. Exercises & routines for fitness & fun, over 50s, £5. More info www.shifnaldance.moonfruit. com Spaces limited so please contact Sally 01952 461760.

Pilates Mon 10-11am (starting 5th Sep) at the Trinity Methodist Church Hall. Tue 7-8pm at Kemberton

AQUABABIES - Swimming lessons for children aged 12 weeks to 3 years. Lessons held at The Park Inn hotel on Mon, Tue, Thu and Sat from 10am. To book your FREE trial lesson contact Lisa on 07598 617442 or Stuart on 01543 572855

Trench

Wrekin Shotokan Karate Club, at Wrekin College Sports Hall, Wellington: Wed 6:30pm; Sat 10:30am; and at Sport TCAT Mondays 7:30 pm. Learn authentic Japanese Shotokan karate from team of black belts lead by 6th Dan, Shotokan Karate International Federation, Japan. Contact: Tony on 07841 839372.

Severn Spokes Cycling Group - We are a small, friendly and welcoming group of cyclists who run regular, easy paced rides from Wellington through the quiet lanes of Shropshire and beyond. Contact severnspokes@gmail.com or visit www.facebook. com/severnspokes and/or our website www. severnspokes.com Telford STAGS Walking Football - Normal Football rules except NO RUNNING! We play on a Monday morning 9.45 at the 4g pitches to the rear of AFC Telford Utd. All over 55's welcome. Also summer sessions Thu at 18.45. Contact Roy Vincent 01952 245407 for further details.

KAPAP - Martial Arts Club held at TCAT, Haybridge Rd, Telford, TF1 2NP on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm. First session free trail. Contact Paul - paul@ kapaptelford.co.uk or 07737 825263.

Immerse School of Diving - we have a training and club diving session on a Friday evening at 8:30pm at Wrekin College pool. Call 0777 377 1619 or email: info@immersediving.com; visit www. immersediving.com find us on Facebook www. facebook.com/immersediving. An active and

Sutton Heights - Music4health singing for all ages and stages every Sat. Fee £10. 11am-12 and sound healing at 2pm-3pm please book before day. Contact Linda 01952 680232 or visit www. lindaangelis.com Telford Green Gym - Want to get and have Fun? Don’t like the Gym try the Green Gym.Improve your fitness and general well being by getting involved in practical conservation.The Telford Green Gym offers activities all over Telford On Tue, Wed and Thu. Contact The healthy Lifestyles Hub 01952 382582 Arriba Wellness Club - Community Weight Loss Challenge at Fitness First, Telford. Call Lisa Harris on 07580 434325.

Yoga for Pregnancy in Albrighton - Weekly classes every Mon 8-9.15pm. Gentle exercise from weeks 15-40 of your pregnancy. Methodist Church Hall, High St, Albrighton WV7 3JA. Classes from £7. Call Rebecca Jenks on 07890 543 508.

To submit an entry to this feature please email your details to: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk - please put subject as CLASSES on the email.

(Space is limited so brief details please)

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MOANA

MOVIES

Millennia ago, the greatest mariners in the world sailed the Pacific and charted its islands. But then, their voyages stopped. Now, Polynesian princess ‘Moana’ is undertaking her own adventure.

She’s a young, spirited, headstrong girl who yearns for adventure, descended from a long line of legendary navigators. Along with Maui, the (self-proclaimed) greatest demigod in all the Pacific islands, she sets out on an epic quest to discover the mysteries of her ancestors.

Release Date: 2nd December 2016 Genre: Adventure, Animated, Comedy Cast Members: Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Auli’i Cravalho

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

Set shortly before the events of ‘A New Hope’, ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ reveals how the Rebellion got their hands on the designs for the Death Star.

The Galactic Empire is at the height of its power, and their ultimate weapon is nearly complete. Along with a team of rebel soldiers, former criminal Jyn Erso sets out on a desperate mission to steal the plans so they can figure out how to destroy it.

Release Date: 16th December 2016 Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction Cast Members: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Forest Whitaker

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COMING SOON...

PASSENGERS

Aurora and Jim are ‘Passengers’ aboard the Avalon, a spaceship making a 120-year voyage to another planet. They were stored in hibernation – but they’ve woken up 90 years too soon.

They’re alone, and with no one else awake, a tentative romance begins to blossom. But they soon realise that something is seriously wrong with the Avalon, and they’re the only ones in a position to help. Why did they wake up so early?

Release Date: 23rd December 2016 Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction Cast Members: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen

ASSASSIN'S CREED

Officially, Callum no longer exists. He’s been “executed”, and now, kept in a secret facility, he has the chance to experience his assassin ancestor’s memories and learn the ‘Assassin’s Creed’.

A revolutionary technology called the Animus allows him to relive the life of Aguilar, an elite member of the Assassins during the Spanish Inquisition. Gaining knowledge and skills from the past, he’ll use them to fight against the oppressive Templars, the ancient enemies of the Assassins.

Release Date: 1st January 2017 Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Cast Members: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons

Please note that release dates are subject to change and some previews may be shown earlier.

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Severn Hospice Forget Me Not flowers are now available at its shops and have been packaged to make a perfect present this Christmas.

The flowers have been crafted by Oswestry based British Ironworks Centre and packaged in a new presentation box. These lovely gifts can be purchased online and are available for delivery or collection, as well as being available in all Severn Hospice shops to take away on the day.

Elodie Home, Legacy and In Memoriam Advisor at Severn Hospice, said: “Our Forget Me Not flowers will make a perfect gift this Christmas and are a fantastic way to support our hospice at this special time of year.

“Our Forget Me Not flowers have already raised an incredible £80,000 for our hospice and the sale of just one flower funds two hours of nursing care for one of our patients. We need to raise £7million each year to fund our care and by giving a Forget Me Not flower this Christmas you will be helping us to support the families that need us in Shropshire and Mid Wales.”

Severn Hospice Forget Me Not flowers, priced £25 each, are available to purchase in all Severn Hospice shops and at both hospice sites in Telford and Shrewsbury. Alternatively, flowers can be purchased via the charity’s website at www. severnhospice.org.uk/forgetmenot

Notes from your local Muxton Councillor Telford and Wrekin Council proposes that from 2018 Muxton School will be moved into the catchment area for the Telford Priory School, next to Oakengates Leisure Centre. As this school is less than 3 miles away the Council does not have to provide transport for the children. How the children are expected to get to school has not been considered or the increase in traffic this will generate. I urge all concerned residents to take part in the consultation exercise on Telford and Wrekins’ website and make your views known. The closing date is 28th January and I suggest only answering the sections relevant to your location. The Council officers involved will be at the next Parish Council Meeting at Turreff Hall on Cllr. Nigel Dugmore (Muxton Ward) T: 01952 380237 M: 07528 979395 E: nigel.dugmore@telford.gov.uk

12th December at 7pm, this may be the only opportunity for concerned parents to speak to them direct.

Yet more planning applications are proposed for the area. The large development near Wyevale is likely to be considered in the next few weeks.

The Planning Inspector who was appointed to consider the Local Plan has fallen ill and so the whole process has been delayed by several weeks.

I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Cllr Nigel Dugmore

Give a Forget Me THIS Not Flower CHRISTMAS

PUZZLE - ANSWERS SUDUKO (EASY)

SUDUKO (HARD)

CROSSWORD

WORD LADDER

Across: 1 Piper, 4 Papilla, 8 All, 9 Inebriate,

Here is one possible solution

10 Anchors, 11 Op art, 13 Demerara sugar, 16 Benin, 17 Process, 19 Archivist, 21 Act, 22 Sleight, 23 Credo.

Down: :1 Placard, 2 Policeman, 3 Rhino, 4 Pressure point, 5 Pardons, 6 Lea, 7 Agent, 12 Aggregate, 14 Ranking, 15 Risotto, 16 Beads, 18 Optic, 20 Cue.

CODEWORD

WORDWHEEL

TRIAL 3 Letters ARE EAR ERA ERR HAD HER RED 4 Letters DARE DEAR HARD HARE HEAD HEAR

94

HERD RARE READ REAR RHEA 5 Letters HARED HEARD 6 Letters HARDER

CONDIMENT

HIDATO KIDS PAGE The fish that are the same are ‘A’ & ‘E’.

There are six ‘Igloos’ in the grid.

(others may exist)

SOUP coup coop coos cots cuts NUTS

Why Collectors

LOVE THE VINYL VIBE

In recent years there has been a revolution in the way we buy and listen to music. Thanks to new technologies we are now able to play the music we love wherever, and whenever, we want to hear it.

With so much emphasis on the streaming of music from services such as Spotify, iTunes and Tidal, the use of minidisks, cassettes and CDs now seems strangely old-fashioned. After all, when you can stream everything you could ever wish to hear direct to your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, who needs a physical format?

In spite of all this ingenious and accessible technology, it seems many of us actually prefer to do it the “old school” way. One of the most surprising trends of the 21st century has emerged from music fans who appear keen to turn back the clock. Collecting vinyl records has become something of a cult interest and collectors cite the “authenticity” of analogue sound, the tactile quality of vinyl and the availability of album cover art and liner notes as reasons why they prefer vinyl recordings to digital music files or CDs.

Starting your collection

Many vinyl enthusiasts start out by taking on someone else’s collection, often in the form of a gift or inheritance from a family member. Chances are that these records will not be rare items, but they will at least provide the basis for a larger collection.

Darren Yeats, a founder of the Edinburgh-based record store Voxbox Music, says that car boot sales, charity shops, record fairs and specialist vinyl stores are the best places to start digging around for additional records. You might even come across a rare release as you browse.

current market trends in order to sell at a profit. Branded as ‘controversial’ following its release in 1970, UK sales of Bowie’s album were initially poor, although the record was re-released and re-mastered during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Due to the rarity of those original pressings, the market price shot up to over £1,000 when the artist’s death was announced earlier this year.

How do I build up my collection?

Online sites recommended by collectors include Classic UK 45s – which specialises in 45 rpm releases from the ’50s and ‘60s; Planet Earth Records (an online record store with thousands of rare vinyl records) and discogs.com – where you can buy records at relatively low cost and exchange information with other vinyl fans. Record Fairs are also great places to browse and chat with other enthusiasts. Go to www.recordfairsuk. co.uk to find dates of fairs taking place in your area.

Yeats says the aim should be to buy items that are in good or excellent condition, pointing out that “If [records] are not immaculate, you will usually have to play them at least once to properly assess the condition.” He advises buying albums by artists that you like, regardless of their potential resale value.

That way, if the record’s condition turns out to be less than perfect, you will still have a piece of music you enjoy.

Don’t forget contemporary vinyl

Once you’ve acquired a few records, you’ll need to decide how to play them. Vintage equipment can be hard to repair if there’s a problem, so most collectors opt for a modern, portable player (£50 - £100) or a modern turntable that can be linked to a computer (from £80 - £120).

Although many contemporary vinyl releases are less than ten years old, it’s still possible to find albums that are highly collectable. Bands such as Radiohead, the Arctic Monkeys and Keane released very limited numbers of vinyl pressings and many of these discs are now selling for between £50 and £100 each.

How will I know if a record is valuable?

As with any collectable item, rarity is the main driver for pushing up value. Certain packaging characteristics, such as foil-stamp numbering on the jacket (001/500), different coloured pressings, misprints or famous or controversial images/text can add to the value. Records that have been withdrawn or censored should also be on the collector’s radar, as this indicates that a smaller number will have been sold.

David Bowie’s third album, “The Man Who Sold the World”, is a good example of the way a collector can combine knowledge of an artist’s back-catalogue with an understanding of

When talking about vinyl records, it’s easy to focus on vintage collections and forget that many of today’s artists are releasing tracks (or re-releasing past work) on vinyl. These records cost more to buy, but music fans attest that vinyl produces a clearer, more accurate sound (that’s apparently because the grooves are able to capture the music’s waveforms more precisely).

Vinyl is a gateway to a whole world of music enjoyment.

As a collector you’ll have the opportunity to find out about interesting but little known artists, as well as learning more about the artists you already admire.

Best of all, you’ll be able to connect with the large and diverse community of vinyl fans who are eager to share their knowledge: so get out there and start collecting today.

by Kate McLelland

95

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•• Lawn mowing & care •• Weeding & pruning •• Tree surgery •• Path & driveway clearance •• Hanging baskets •• Soft garden design •• Border development •• Plant selection & Call Jack Wells on placing •• Grass cutting 07792 556479 •• Weeding of flowerbeds 01952 402647 •• Strimming E: enquiries@wellsgardenservices.com •• Garden Clearance www.wellsgardenservices.com •• Garden tidy up •• Ground care

plumbing bathrooms repairs painting / decorating garden work CALL OUTS Lettings approved

No job too small

CKN Property Maintenance Call today for your free quote.

call Karl on: 07914 492367 E: cknhomeservices@gmail.com

Call for a free quote and survey:

Vincent 0778 555 1747

ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED URGENTLY

Quality uPVC IN WHITE/WOODGRAIN/OAK

Full security features on all products

10 YEAR INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEE Optional full installation service Family business with over 75 years experience.

Fully fitted windows from

£195

Fully fitted Doors from

£440

Professional, Friendly & Reliable

www.windowright.co.uk Unit 35 • Hortonwood 33 • Telford

Tel: (01952) 677 232

To play an active and fun leading role within a fast paced all girl environment

If interested please visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk/get_involved.aspx

YOUR business could be advertising in this space from just *£45 per month.

30,000

Reach homes across select areas of Telford, Newport & Shifnal.

The ONLY magazine in the area to deliver ALL magazines directly door to door!

Call Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 or email: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk * Based on a booking for 12 months. 15,000 copies delivered each month, delivery rotated between 2 areas to reach a total of 30,000 homes over a 2 month period,

R A D R E H You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 7 4 letters: 11 5 letters: 2 6 letters: 1

Big or small... we take it all!

Wrekin Shotokan Karate Club

LEARN Authentic Japanese Shotokan KARATE

KINGS

Kihon - Basics Kata - Forms Kumite - Sparring Bunkai & Oyo - For self defence Taiso - Stretching & conditioning

OF THE ROAD REMOVERS

;; House

Moves ;; Courier Service ;; Office Equipment ;; OAP Discount

T: Andy 07512 395370 or Keith 07545 618231

info@kingsoftheroadremovers.com

www.kingsoftheroadremovers.com

At Wrekin College Sports Hall Wed 6:30pm & Sat 10:30 am At Sport TCAT Mon 7:30 pm Affiliated: SKIF Japan (Shotokan Karate-do International Federation, soke Hirokazu Kanazawa, 10th dan)

Contact: Tony 07841 839372

FIX-UR-DENT SAME DAY DENTURE REPAIRS

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Service

(usually about an hour)

Reliable, honest & friendly staff Let us do the jobs you hate Hours to suit you Daily, weekly or monthly cleans

Express Denture Repairs ‘Good as New’ Renovations, Copy Dentures

NEW Home Tooth Whitening System!!

Ironing Service also available

Competitive Hourly Rates References Available Fully Insured

8-10 Haygate Rd, Wellington TF1 1QA T: 01952 253522 NOW Open in Bridgnorth - 27 Castle St, WV16 4AD T: 01746 764334

All Floors ‘n’ Rugs

Grandfather, Father & Son - 3rd Generation Upholsterer

Suppliers of Carpets, Laminates, Wood and Vinyl's all expertly fitted WITH thousands of samples to choose from

If your spring goes ping give us a ring!

00

Residential & Commercial

Sq Ft

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Free Home Visits and Quotes 'TELFORDS LARGEST RUG SUPPLIER'

Card payments now accepted

www.pjsreupholsteryservices.co.uk

35

07802 491651 01952 610828

General Cleaning Internal Windows Landlord Cleans

T: 07985 772256

PJ's Re-upholstery Services

Antique or Modern Sofas & Chairs Dining Chairs Springs & Repairs

*

600 + Rugs On Display

Est. 1976

View our range of products online or look out for us at local events!

Home Inspirations

NOW AT: 27 Market St, Oakengates, Telford, TF2 6EN

RECYCLE YOUR WORN LOVED FURNITURE

WE CAN GIVE IT A NEW LOOK!

STRETTONS REUPHOLSTERY SERVICE ××Antique or Modern Furniture ××Occasional Chairs ××Dining Room Chairs & Seat Pads ××Winged Armed Chairs ××Stools & Headboards

Call Michelle on 01952 670067 or 07961 848467 E: michelle@homeinspirations.biz

www.homeinspirations.biz

Are you interested in delivering this magazine?

Contact us to join our waiting list for delivery people?

Call Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 or email: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

T: 01952 618191

www.allfloorsnrugs.com

STRETTONS

Over 40 years experience

Unit A4, Dawley Bank Industrial Estate, Cemetery Road, Dawley, Telford TF4 2BA

T: 01952 248 321 • M: 07966 378 182

TEL: 01952 604285

d o o w h c Wy

www.wychwoodkennels.co.uk

BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY

Kynnersley Drive, The Hincks, Lilleshall, Newport TF10 9HS

Index of Advertisers Audio / Visual Goods & Services JBO Services.................................................. 96

YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE...

Estate Agents & Property Barker Healey.................................................47 Ithon Valley Lodges..................................... 44 Julia Weston................................................... 44 Lioncourt Homes.......................................... 45 Nock Deighton........................................42-43

Loft Ladders/Boarding Jakes n Ladders.............................................72 Reveal a Space...............................................79

Fascias & Guttering Telford Seamless Gutters...........................83

Logs Holts...................................................................67

Farm Shop/Markets/Food Fayre Green Fields Farm Shop..............................41 Heartwood Farm Shop................................37

Oak Structures RichOak............................................................79 Select Joinery.................................................73

Bedrooms Easy Living.......................................................19

Fencing Phillips and Son.............................................67

Optician Tim Vanes Opticians...................................... 7

Bicycles Nova Cycles.....................................................27

Financial Services CD Financial.....................................................61

Oven Cleaning Active Cleaning..............................................82

Blinds Amore Blinds...................................................21

Fireplaces, Fires & Stoves Admaston Firecraft Centre........................75 ALC.....................................................................73 Grate Ideas..................................................... 99

Physiotherapy Anna Simons Physiotherapy......................13 SB Sports Injury & Physio. Clinics............51

Bathrooms A. Watson Home Improvements.............87 AquaSpark.......................................................76 Summer House Bathrooms & Kitchens.....71 Telford Maintenance Ltd.............................87 Beauty Beauty by Jude............................................. 49 Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture............51 Identity Hair & Beauty................................ 49

Builder Darlington's of Shropshire.........................72 CCTV Telford CCTV & Automation.................... 80 Carpentry Darlington's of Shropshire.........................72 Select Joinery.................................................73 Carpet, Rugs & Floor Coverings All Floors n Rugs...........................................97 Carpet and Flooring......................................15 Oakengates Carpets.....................................21 Car Hire / Executive Travel Image Luxury Car Hire ...............................27 Car Sales (New/Used) Greenhous Vauxhall.....................................29 Mercedes Benz of Shrewsbury................25 Care Home St Georges Park Nursing Home................. 7 Children’s Parties/Family Activities Gaming 2 U..................................................... 69 Ironbridge Museums................................... 69 Chimneys ALC.....................................................................73 M & R Roofing & Son...................................87 TSG - Roofing.................................................83 Chiropractic Newport Chiropractic...................................13 Cleaning Active Cleaning..............................................82 Shaw Clean - Tim Shaw............................. 86 Sparkles............................................................97 Sutherlands Clean Carpets........................85 TSG - uPVC Cleaning...................................83 Councillors Local Councillors.......................................... 94 Decorating Neil Rogers......................................................83 Simon’s Décor ...............................................82 WE Dunne........................................................83 Dentist Fix-ur-dent.......................................................97 Design & Print TEAL Design & Print...................................... 2 Doors The Door Store.............................................. 80 Driveways & Patios Central Paving................................................65 Dry Cleaners Chelsea's of Shropshire..............................58 Electricians AquaSpark.......................................................76 Buzz Electrical Contractor........................85 Del Corley Electrical Services...................85

98

Flying Lessons Midlands Gliding Club.................................23 Footcare The Foot Doctor..............................................11 Telford Footcare.............................................13 Funerals Tranters Funerals............................................61 Gallery Artworx..............................................................17 Gallery 6a..........................................................21 Garden, Plants & Building Supplies Bloomsbury Nursery....................................63 Jewsons.............................................................. 3 Huws Gray........................................................77 Gardening/Landscaping A J Landscapes..............................................67 ALC.....................................................................63 Gardenhand.................................................... 96 Jack Wells....................................................... 96 Gas Engineer Gas Call............................................................ 96 Glass & Glazing Darwin Glass & Glazing.............................. 86 Golf Club Telford Hotel & Golf Resort......................... 9 Granite Worktops Granite Transformations............................... 5 Hairdressers Identity Hair & Beauty................................ 49 Lucy Mae's Hair Salon................................ 49 Health & Fitness Body Barn.......................................................... 9 Supple Fitness.................................................. 9 Telford Hotel & Golf Resort......................... 9 Heating Gas Call............................................................ 96 Sunflow..............................................................81 Home Accessories & Gifts Home Inspirations.........................................97 Home Care Clarriots.............................................................. 6 Household Goods Supersavers......................................................16 Human Resources Support HR Solutions Shropshire............................... 2 Karate Wrekin Shotokan Karate Club..................97 Kennels & Cattery Wychwood.......................................................97 Kitchens (Supply & Fit) Kitchen Depot............................................. 100 R & R Kitchens.................................................81

Log Burner Installation ALC.....................................................................73

Plant Machinery Service/Repairs K Jones Plant................................................. 64 Plumbing & Heating A. Watson Home Improvements.............87 Printing TEAL Design, & Print..................................... 2 Property Maintenance CKN................................................................... 96 Telford Maintenance Ltd.............................87 Removals Kings of the Road Removers....................97 Jays Removals............................................... 44 Restaurants/Pubs/Cafes Hadley Park House.......................................33 Masala................................................................32 Norwood House.............................................33 Park House Hotel...........................................32 Peppers.............................................................35 Taste of Paradise...........................................36 Telford Hotel & Golf Resort......................... 9 The Barley........................................................39 The Fox.......................................................30-31 The Orchard....................................................39 The New Inn....................................................35 The Redhouse Inn.........................................37 White House Hotel.......................................32 Roofing M & R Roofing & Son...................................87 TSG - Roofing.................................................83 Vincent Wegner............................................ 96 Sofas Sofa Success....................................................19 Solicitor Parry Carver Solicitors................................59 Terry Jones Solicitors..................................57 Taxis / Executive Travel Image Luxury Car Hire ...............................27 Tool Hire Jewsons.............................................................. 3 Tree Care Holts Tree Care...............................................67 Upholstery PJ’s Re-Upholstery Services......................97 Strettons...........................................................97 Websites ETAK Creative................................................55 Kalidescope.....................................................55 Weddings Hadley Park House Hotel............................51 Image Luxury Cars.......................................27 Will Writing ACW Wills....................................................... 54 Windows/Doors/Conservatories APH Windows................................................72 R & R Services................................................75 Trotfield Windows.........................................76

A range of Solid Fuel Stoves are NOW available

Choose from a wide range of Fires and Surrounds Authorised Dealer for: • Paragon Fires • Montpellier Marble • Gazco and Stovax • Worcester Marble • Esse and many more...

• Wonderfire Premier

www.grateideas.co.uk

One of the finest Showrooms in Shropshire

FULL FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

Castle Trading Estate, Holyhead Road, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9NP

T: 01952 620189

Email: enquiries@grateideas.co.uk 99

Kitchen Recipe

Take some...

Traditional values and service Established in 2003, The Kitchen Depot is a family-owned and run business that remains true to our founding values of honesty, integrity and sheer professionalism.

We take immense pride in our reputation for service and commitment to our customers, with more than half of our business coming from customer recommendations to their family and friends.

...add a dash of…

Quality and Value

All of our kitchens are manufactured to an exceptionally high German specification, on site, in our own factory and by our own people.

That way, we have total control over the product quality, the production timescales AND the manufacturing costs. With no middle-man – you buy direct and we are able to pass these time and cost savings directly onto our customers.

…then a big chunk of…

Ownership and Responsibility

Unusual in this insincere world, admittedly.

But we mean it. We are totally committed to providing you with the best kitchen, at the best price, installed with the highest level of service and professionalism. And on the exceptionally rare occasion that something could have been done better – we hold our hands up – and put it right.

Fast. No fuss. No hassle. No argument. Just sorted.

...a soupçon of…Harmony At The Kitchen Depot, we know that we are only as good as our people. They ARE The Kitchen Depot brand. That’s why we look after our staff every bit as well as we look after our customers. Because we know that happy workers, pulling together in harmony, make for happy customers.

THE KITCHEN DEPOT Global House, Horton Road off Trench Road, Telford TF2 6PD

BRANCHES ALSO AT Ennerdale Road, Shrewsbury SY1 3NP & Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Glasgow

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS

LOW, LOW PRICES ALL YEAR ROUND! Fictional Sales, factory clearances, scoop purchases and all that gimmicky nonsense has no place at The Kitchen Depot. We’ll leave that to our envious competitors. All you get from us is good, honest advice, a top-quality product that we manufacture ourselves, responsibly and professionally installed, guaranteed for a full twenty five years, and at the lowest , most competitive price on like-for-like quality that you’ll find anywhere. In other words – sheer value.

www.thekitchendepot.co.uk

WHY NOT COME IN TO O UR SHOWROOM AND TASTE THE E XPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF? 100

THE KITCHEN DEPOT  FOR THE PERFEC T KITCHEN RECIPE