Villager February 2025

Villager

Established over 25 years

February 2025

The magazine for village people, businesses and communities. Delivered FREE to select homes in Penkridge, Brewood, Codsall, Tettenhall & Perton Email: arnoldsart@mac.com Call: 07540 257743

F I N A N C I A L

S E R V I C E S

L L P

Chartered Financial Planners

Sarum, Market Street, Penkridge, Staffordshire. ST19 5DH

Tel: 01785 715567

e-mail: mail@evansash.co.uk

www.evansash.co.uk

ALL ASPECTS OF ELECTRICAL WORK FROM A COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST

Completely Independent advice .... for you!

Retirement Planning & Pensions Investments Life & Medical Insurances Mortgages Equity Release

A PERSONAL SERVICE

BY PROFESSIONALS Call now and ask for Martyn or Ceri

• Alarm Systems • Electrical • CCTV

Call: 07891 754505 www.brettlec.co.uk

Whiteoaks Drive, Bishops Wood

COMPUTER PROBLEMS - NEED HELP? INSTALLATION✓ TROUBLESHOOTING✓ REPAIRS✓ SUPPORT✓

· Troublesome/slow PC driving you mad? · Internet connection lost or unstable? · Unable to send or receive emails? · PC/tablet/smartphone has virus/malware? · Wireless network needs fixing or boosting? · Problems with new hardware/software? · Maybe you just need some friendly IT support?

For help with the above (and more besides) in your home or small business; daytime, evenings and weekends, call or email Richard Harmer, your local IT Professional.

Perton PC 07989 989449

help@perton-pc.co.uk Serving the community since 2006

Call JAMIE

07931 752038

01902 758073

www.jbheatinginwolverhampton.co.uk 8 Cunningham Road, Perton, WV6 7XJ

Leather Upholstery Technician Repairs to leather furniture on site.

Colour loss, scuffs, stitching, re-padding, frame work, new panels cleaning etc.

Over 25 years’ experience. Friendly service

FREE estimates and quotes

Call Steve Hewitt Mobile: 07875 024 524

MARSHALL Driveways Ltd DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS SPECIALISTS

Our experts at Marshall Driveways Ltd provide a range of expert solutions for domestic and commercial work in Wolverhampton, Cannock and the surrounding areas.

YOUR LOCAL TEAM FOR Tarmac Driveways Imprinted Concrete Resin Driveways

Landscaping

Patio Services

Paving

5

YEAR

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DAY PRICE PROMISE ON ALL NEW DRIVEWAYS

ESTABLISHED OVER

20 YEARS

Free Quotations No Deposit Required Fully Insured

01902 912 735 07500 062 097 www.marshalldrivewaysltd.co.uk

DEADLINE for March edition 6th February

Whilst all reasonable effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors within Villager. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher and no guarantee is given as to the competence of any person or business. Readers must check all facts themselves before entering into any commitment or incurring any expense.

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To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

Don’t Let Your Bills Raise the Roof!

According to the Energy Saving Trust, as much as 25% of the heat in your home is lost through your loft or roof space. It could even be as high as on third or more in some properties – that’s heating and energy you’re paying for literally flying straight out of the space in your loft. Not only does that mean you are getting bigger bills than you should be, you are also contributing much more than you need to towards greenhouse gasses and your carbon footprint.

It’s a major problem for a lot of homes around the UK, but fortunately it is also one with an easy solution - having the right insulation installed.

While Access4Lofts specialises in supplying and installing loft ladders, hatches and boarding, we also offer loft insulation that could reduce this heat loss by as much as 20%.

That’s going to mean not just a significant saving on your energy bills, but also a big step in the right direction when it comes to your household’s impact on climate change.

Access4Lofts is fully committed to providing you with loft insulation that is not only practical and affordable, but also meets the very highest environmental standards. All insulation installs comply with the National Insulation Association (NIA) recommended standard depths of insulation. And there’s no need to worry about how this might affect your loft access either. For example, you will still be able to use your loft for storage once it has been insulated, because our expert techniques can ensure any storage solution is fitted above your loft insulation.

So, no need to always be watching that thermostat and

battling with your eco-conscience as temperatures drop.

With the right loft insulation, you can go green without going mean. You and your family can be sure to keep cosy and warm this winter, and for many winters to come, without worrying about it costing the Earth – in every sense of the phrase!

Call Alex now to book a free survey and quotation on 01902 271 635, or visit www.Access4Lofts.co.uk/Wolverhampton Or find us on Facebook as: Access4Lofts Wolverhampton

To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

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Brewood’s Award-Winning Travel Agency Launches New Project to Help Women Travel Solo Gilly Bachelor Travel Expert, along with her team, are based in Brewood and offer a wide range of package and tailormade holidays for couples, families, and groups worldwide. However, Gilly is determined to give extra support to solo women travellers as she feels they often miss out.

Gilly explains: “For a lot of women, the idea of travelling solo seems scary. Many of my clients have paused their travel dreams, waiting for friends or family to join them, but often, these plans fall through. That’s exactly why No Stopping Her is here. We’re on a mission to give the support and encouragement needed to turn those travel dreams into a reality. Since we hosted our first solo travel event in 2019, I’ve seen the courage it takes for many women to go on their first solo trip, and I’m committed to helping more women take that leap.

That’s why I’m thrilled to launch, No Stopping Her, an initiative designed to help women start their solo travel adventures with confidence and joy. We’re teaming up with seasoned solo traveller, Katrina Lowes. Together, we’re aiming to provide support, education, and motivation for women wanting to see the world on their own.”

Award winning travel agency delivering exceptional service

nc Lau

hing...

Providing support, education, and inspiration for women travelling solo...

Call us on 01902 288104 female travellers. Together, we’ve created No Stopping Her to fill the gap in support for women travelling on their own.”

Katrina brings in over three decades of solo travel experience, which has been key in shaping our mission. Through her career in global marketing, she’s encouraged lots of women to experience solo travel for the first time and is truly passionate about helping others find their travel mojo.

No Stopping Her includes a Facebook Community where women can share tips, support, and motivation, as well as online and face-to-face events, and tailored advice, all designed to tackle the challenges that stop women from travelling alone. If you decide to book a trip, all the travel arrangements are handled through Gilly Bachelor Travel Expert and come with the peace of mind of ABTA and/or ATOL protection, so you know you’re in good hands.

“Katrina and I have been friends for over 25 years; we first met when we worked at BT together. Inspired by my approach when I set up my travel business, Katrina saw a unique opportunity to offer a service specifically for solo

We are hosting a launch event in Brewood on the evening of Thursday 27th February 2025, if you would like to join us to find out more about No Stopping Her this is the perfect opportunity!

MOBILE BARBER Chris Dolman

Over 30 years’ experience E: chris@christhebarber.co.uk Codsall • Tettenhall • Brewood Coven • Perton • Bishops Wood

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Please email goingsolo@nostoppingher.com to secure your place on the guest list.

For more information, please visit our new website www.nostoppingher.com or call Gilly Bachelor on 01902 288 104

“We can’t wait to help women in our local community to see the world with confidence and joy!”

To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

Showroom at Reaymer Close, Bloxwich, Walsall WS2 7QZ

01922 473737 www.leamorewindows.com To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

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Wolverhampton Chamber Choir Members of Wolverhampton Chamber Choir are looking forward to their next concert featuring Bob Chilcott‘s Requiem and selected movements from John Rutter’s Psalmfest.

The Choir will be joined by professional soloists and accompanied by players from the fabulous Salomon Ensemble for what promises to be a lovely concert.

Saturday 8th March at 7:30pm in St Michael’s Church, Tettenhall, WV6 9AJ Tickets £15 on the door or via our website…just Google Wolverhampton Chamber Choir, email wolverhamptonchamberchoir@gmail.com for more details, or use the QR code.

Coven Landscapes www.covenlandscapes.co.uk The Wolverhampton Chamber Choir is a medium-sized chamber choir drawn from the city and nearby.

Formed in 1974 by Robin Bowman, the Choir has created a loyal following and occupies a unique place in the musical life of the city.

The Choir rehearses at 8 pm on Sundays during term time at St Michael’s Church, Tettenhall, WV6 9AJ and gives three main concerts a year as well as performing at other musical events and at a number of other venues.

Under our director Geoffrey Weaver we perform a wide variety of musical styles from around the world, ranging from the Renaissance period to the present day.

Whilst we enjoy European sacred and secular music, we are equally at home with music in an altogether lighter vein!

If you would like the Choir to sing at your special occasion (wedding, birthday, anniversary etc) please contact us at wolverhamptonchamberchoir@gmail.com

Landscaping and Garden Maintenance Paving • Patios • Fencing • Driveways • Brickwork • Turfing • Garden Makeovers & Maintenance • Quality, Reliable Service - Fully Insured

FENCE REPAIR SERVICE

For a FREE Quotation call Henry

Tel: 01902 851 984 Mob: 07525 660 156

STEVE PANNELL Painter & Decorator • City & Guilds Qualified • Clean,Friendly and Professional • Local References Available • All Aspects of Decoration • Free Quotes!

Tel: 01902 565064 Mob: 07872 040 147 Page 6

To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

SIMON HUGHES

• Full Gas Central Heating • Boiler Changes • Boiler Service & Repairs • Landlord Certificates • Full Bathroom Installations Plumbing & Heating Services • Showers • Taps Your Local Plumbing & Heating Engineer • Gas Fires & Cookers • All General Plumbing A Professional & Reliable Service

Slimming World

No Job Too Big or Too Small

Tel: (01902) 752 638 Mob: 07973 163 776

Codsall Forget Me Not Club Wednesday 5pm or 7pm &Thursday 9.15am Call Tessa 0773 838 8868

THE SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST When You Choose VMS for a Service or MOT You Can Be Assured of: • Fast Same Day Service Always Our Aim. • Accurate Honest Advice.

• Fully Trained Vehicle Technician.

• Modern Up-to-Date Workshop.

• Price Guarantee - We’ll Beat Any Dealer Quote.

• Manufacturers Warranty Protected.

• Free Collection and Delivery Service.

• All Makes and Models Catered For.

Perton Civic Centre

Thursday 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm Friday 9am and 10.30am Contact Sheena 0796 207 5980

slimmingworld.co.uk

SERVICES AVAILABLE • Servicing & MOT’s • Timing Belts • Diagnostics • Clutches & Gearboxes • Tyres & Puncture Repair • Air Con Re-Gas Call James Abbott @ Village Motor Services Brewood Kiddermore Green Road, Brewood ST19 9BQ Telephone: 07811 181270 www.vmsbrewood.co.uk

Steve The Mole Pest Control

PHIL SHEPHERD PLUMBING AND HEATING

Control of Moles, Rats, Wasps and other pests.

FOR ALL TYPES OF GAS REPAIR, SERVICING AND INSTALLATION INCLUDING LPG, BOILERS, COOKERS & FIRES

• Fast, discreet, professional service • Plain unmarked vehicles • Very competitive prices • Free quotes • One-offs and contract work undertaken

ALL TYPES OF GENERAL PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN

For qualified help and advice

Steve Billingham Tel: 01952 850381 Mobile: 07502 113 789

CALL YOUR LOCAL GAS ENGINEER PHIL SHEPHERD ON

07860 291 110 3 Easthall Close, Brewood ST19 9EX GAS SAFE REGISTERED Reg. No. 532250

To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

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Gas appliance servicing Heating maintenance and repairs Landlord inspections • Radiator and boiler installations LPG qualified Contact Ben Hatton Phone: 07764 440 185 Email: hattonsgasandheating@outlook.com Over 10 years’ experience, based in Brewood

What’s On in Brewood Brewood Dementia Support Group Meets every Wednesday morning at The Community Hub, Brewood.

Coffee Mornings, ‘Singing for the Mind’ and CST classes.

A friendly welcome for Carers and Dementia sufferers.

Contact Ann Richards on 07921 283927 Table Tennis for Adults in Brewood Meet Tuesday 2-4, Tuesday 7-9, Thursday 2-4. Venue, The Hub’s Scout Building, Deansfield Rd, Brewood. ST19 9HT. Contact thehubtt@ hotmail.com for further info.

Crown Green Bowling in Brewood Engleton Lane. For information on learning to bowl, green opening times, membership, functions and fundraising campaigns contact Helen on 07864 370477 or helenpskidmore@gmail.com Brewood Cricket Club Deansfield Road Brewood, ST19 9HX. New social members and players welcome. Senior, Junior, Women & Girls’ and Ability teams available.

A fully licensed bar and function room for hire.

For enquires, please contact brewoodccjuniors@outlook.com Brewood Voluntary Car Scheme Provides transport to medical appointments for people in Brewood, Coven, Bishops Wood, Wheaton Aston or surrounds. If you need a lift or could volunteer to help please call 01902 851786 – Monday to Friday 9.30 – 12.00. Answer phone outside of these hours.

The Brewood Singers Every Thursday 7.30-9.30pm, The Peakman Theatre, St. Dominic’s School, Brewood. Mixed-voice, 4-part choir who aspire to a high standard and enjoy singing as a hobby. All welcome. For further information contact Jen Beardsmore on 07900 693 754 Scout Group Beavers (6-8 years) – Wednesday 6.00 ’til 7.00 Cubs (8-10.5 years) – Thursday 6.30 ’til 8.00 Scouts (10.5-14 years) – Monday 7.00 ’til 9.00 Explorers (14-18 years) – Monday 7.00 ’til 9.00 For more information please contact Sarah Northfield (GSL) on 07734 343520 or email 2ndbrewood@wolverhamptonnorthscouts. org.uk AWAY DAYS : with Somerford Travel Organising outings and holidays from the pickup points of Brewood and Coven. Outings second Wed each month. New members welcome. For further information ring: 01902 790479 or 01902 850963 Jubilee Hall Site Supervisor Kim Sisson - 07702 022 370 www.brewoodjubileehall.btck.co.uk 2nd Brewood Brownies & 1st Brewood Guides.

Meet term time only on Tuesday evenings 6-9pm at Brewood Community Hub, Deansfield Rd,Brewood. For girls aged 7-15 years. Contact Kelly Simpson 07587 363531.

Brewood Afternoon WI Come along and make new friends, we meet 2nd Monday each month, Jubilee Hall 2pm till 4pm. Visitors always welcome.

Contact brewoodafternoonwi@gmail.com or 01902 248178

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Brewood Acoustic Music Club Every Thursday at Brewood Cricket Club ST19 9HZ at 8pm Singers’ nights and monthly guest nights.

Contacts - Frank: 07914 155852, Will: 01902 850422, Karen: 07875 480685, David: 01902 844394.

Find us on Facebook: Brewood Acoustic Music Club.

Need Your Oven, AGA or Range Gleaming?

Need An Oven, AGA or Range Gleaming?

To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

Brewood Voluntary Car Scheme We pick up customers from their homes, to take them to medical appointments and deliver them safely back.

The way it works – ring the office, giving as much notice as possible, of the appointment you have to attend. We need the date, time and location. You will be asked for your name address and contact details. Then we can try and source you a Volunteer that is free to make the journey.

We will call you in plenty of time, to let you know if we can’t help (which can happen on occasion) or more likely, advise you of who is picking you up, at what time and the fare charge.

We make modest charges for the trips (e.g. Brewood to and from New Cross is currently £10.90) to help to cover running costs. The Volunteers are reimbursed for their mileage but give freely of their time.

The advantages of using the scheme are affordability, door to door service and the company of kind and caring drivers.

We have no working Volunteers from Coven and only one from Wheaton Aston, so if you feel you can help, please call, and ask for more information.

Telephone 01902 851 786 Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12pm

A Request for Volunteers We provide lifts for villagers, who need to get to doctors surgeries, clinics or hospital appointments. We have wonderful volunteer drivers who take the clients to their destination and return them home. Drivers are reimbursed their expenses at a set mileage rate.

If you volunteer as a driver we promise: • To only ask if you are available at times that you have stated you might be available • Not to pester you for support at any other times • To receive your decision to decline a trip, for whatever reason, without question or pressure to accept If all of this sounds reasonable and you feel you might give it a try, please ring 01902 851786 to have a chat.

To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

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Professionally Trained for: Felling Trees, Hedgecutting, Removal, Conifer Topping, Planting and General Tree Pruning Fully Insured Free Quotations Contact:

Robert Keay Mobile:

01785 712803 07968 956745

What’s On in Penkridge Peace Memorial Hall Available for hire, currently refurbished hall with drinks’ licence to any organisation or individuals. Hall complete with stage, kitchen and bar area.

For bookings contact Lynn Lawrence 07412 089 546 South Staffs Recorder Group Penkridge Methodist Hall, every second Sat in the month 2.30-5.00. All ages catered for (sorry, no absolute beginners). Full orchestra but no expectation to play more than one instrument. Interested? Contact 07759 432844 or email heathssrecorders@btinternet.com or turn up on the day Penkridge Junior Football Club Sat morning Soccer School – on 3G pitch Penkridge Leisure - Boys & Girls of all abilities welcome ages 4-6 to enjoy playing football with our FA - qualified coaches. Penkridge Girls Wildcats also train on Sat mornings. Girls of all abilities age 6-11 wishing to play football welcomed. – Please contact Paul Mallaband 07887 625971, paulmallaband@yahoo.co.uk or Facebook @Penkridgejuniorfc

What’s On in Codsall and Codsall Wood Wolverhampton Phoenix Club for the Widowed We meet every second Sunday of the month at Codsall Village Hall at 2.30pm-4.30pm. Contact: Barbara Mead Telephone: 01902 336907 or 07805 556 510

Perton Library Astronomy Club Pop along to our next meeting for informal chat, presentations and observing if the skies are clear. Bring your own telescope or binoculars if you have them and get help in making the most of them.

Beginners welcome!

Thursday 20th February, 20th March 7:00pm-9:00pm (usually every third Thursday of the Month)

Codsall & Bibrook Dementia Support Group Regular Tuesday morning meetings at Trinity Methodist Church, Codsall A friendly welcome for Carers and Dementia Sufferers ‘Singing for the Mind’ & Coffee & Chat sessions For more information & Dates Contact -Ann Richards on 07921 2834927 Codsall Forget-Me-Not Club for the over-60s Wednesdays 2.15 - 3.45pm Station Rd, Codsall. Transport available from Bilbrook, Codsall & Oaken. Enquiries: 01902 844 717 Codsall and Bilbrook Cancer Support Group Meets on the 3rd Friday of the month at Trinity Methodist Church, Histons Hill, Codsall 10am to 12 noon. All welcome. Enquiries to Les and Angela Graham - Tel: 01902 846662 Codsall Dramatic Society Meets every Wednesday from 7.30pm at Codsall Village Hall, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall. New members always welcome. Further information from www.codsalldramaticsociety.co.uk or by email at codsalldramaticsociety@gmail.com or leave a message on the regularly monitored ticket and messaging service at 01902 267 322

What’s On in Perton Perton Jubilee Townswomen’s Guild Meet 1st Wednesday of the month, 7.15-9.15pm, Madeline Moore Room, Civic Centre, Perton.

Visitors/new members very welcome, £3 per first two meetings.Business, interesting speaker and social time. Come and make some new friends.

More information Gillian 07946 861057 or Sylvia 01902 754002.

Church At Perton All welcome on Sundays for worship at 10.30am. Open for all 12.30pm to 3.00pm Mondays and 10am-12.30pm remaining weekdays (Term Time).

Wellbeing Café, 2nd Thursday each month, 1.30pm-3.00pm.

For information about all activities for all age groups: www.churchatperton.net; Facebook: Church At Perton Perton Women’s Institute meet on the third Monday of each month, 7:30pm at The Church at Perton. The WI is an opportunity to meet new friends. Visitors very welcome and first meeting free. There is a speaker or a social activity each month also social activities and outings throughout the year. Contact us: secretary.pertonwi@gmail.com.

Contact us for more information on 01902 506060 or email: perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk Page Page810

To Toadvertise advertisecall call01694 07540245040 257743 email: email:arnoldsart@mac.com arnoldsart@mac.com

Berkley Vittoria – your friendly, local, later life mortgage advisers.

LATER LIFE MORTGAGE SPECIALISTS

Advising since 1991, we have built up a wealth of knowledge of the mortgage market, specialising in mortgages for older people and obtaining them the finance that they require.

Many mortgage lenders won’t be able to assist, due to rigid lending policies.

A recent example of a couple we were able to help illustrates this: Robert and Sue had an interest-only mortgage that was coming to an end and their lender was unable to extend this. They planned to repay the mortgage by selling and downsizing but didn’t feel ready to do so. We were able to arrange an interest only remortgage allowing them to run the mortgage until age 95, which gave them all of the flexibility they were looking for to decide when to downsize.

We deal with the whole of the market, including many smaller building societies that are far more flexible with age, term of the mortgage, repayment method and income sources.

01902 850515 Email: jordan@bvifs.co.uk •

• Mortgages available with lenders who have no upper age limit

•

•

•

• Interest only or capital repayment mortgages • Fixed rates for life • Release equity for any purpose with optional payments of interest

•

• We also arrange all other mortgage types Please contact our Brewood office on 01902 850515 and ask for Jordan for a free, no obligation consultation. www.mortgagesintoretirement.com

Some of the areas that we can assist with are: • Releasing equity from your property for any purpose.

E.g., to gift monies to loved ones, go on a holiday of a lifetime, buy a new car, consolidate unsecured debts etc.

• To buy out an ex-partner’s interest in a marital home.

•To be able to borrow funds on a lifetime basis and to either service the interest payments monthly so that the amount owed would never increase or to add the interest to the loan and make no monthly mortgage payments.

Rest assured, at Berkley Vittoria we will look to help, whatever your situation! We fully understand that no one situation is the same, which is why all options and recommendations that we make are tailor made to best suit your personal needs and preferences.

Whilst we do specialise in later life lending, we are also able to assist in obtaining any type of mortgage for an individual of any age.

To discuss your own situation, please call me on 01902 850515 or email me at jordan@bvifs.co.uk Jordan Hill Berkley Vittoria

To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

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M J Home Improvements Coven Heath

Tel 07778 018 682 or 01902 398647

SW R

Heating, Plumbing & Gas Ltd

• General building work/repairs • Flat roof repairs/replacement • Bathroom & Kitchen refurbishment/installation • Internal Doors (supplied & Fitted) • General Gardening/Maintenance

Contact: Scott Russell 07745 634 385

Natural Gas and LPG Engineer Caravans, Park Homes & Domestic Properties Boiler Replacements, Heating Installations, Services, Gas Safety Checks and Boiler Breakdowns Based in Coven

No job too small

What’s On in Coven Coven Forget-Me-Not Club Friendly Social Club for over 55s. Meet every Tuesday 2-4pm.at Coven Memorial Hall. Local transport available. Day Trips / Meals / Entertainment / Bingo / Raffles / Games & Quizzes etc. A cuppa, biscuits and a chat!

Come and join us - all welcome. For details please contact Bill Gouldstone 01902 850171 Kim Shenton 01902 790777 or Marie Merrey 01902 398918

What’s On in Tettenhall and other local areas

Fordhouses Whist Club We meet Mondays 12.15 for 12.30 pm start at Fordhouses Cricket Club, Wobaston Road, Wolverhampton WV9 5HH. Friendly club now welcoming new members, tuition given to Beginners. (Previously known as Codsall Whist Drive. Details from the Secretary 01902-593386 or Treasurer (01902-791998) Newbridge M S Therapy Centre Meadow View Wharf, WV6 0JT seeking voluteers. Call in for a chat and coffee between 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday, tel: 01902 744888.

Tettenhall Garden Club Come and join this friendly club to benefit from Garden Trading Hut discounts, Trips, Socials and Talks from March to October. Meetings held at the United Reformed Church, Wood Road, Tettenhall Wood, WV6 8HT. See website for details https://www.tettenhallgardeningclub.org/ or email info@tettenhallgardeningclub.org for more information.

Wolverhampton Chamber Choir Sundays 8pm-9.30pm (term time) at St Michael & All Angels Church, Tettenhall, WV6 9AJ. WCC is a mediumsized choir, performing repertoire to a high standard from the15th Century to the 21st with 3 or 4 concerts a year. Following our 50th Anniversary we are looking forward to the next 50 years and welcome new members.

Please email: wolverhamptonchamberchoir@gmail.com for details.

The award-winning Tettenhall Operatic Company A very friendly group that puts on concerts and a show each year and meets and rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30pm Sept to July at St Thomas of Canterbury’s RC Church Hall, Tettenhall. New members welcome to ‘try before they buy’. For further information visit our website at www.tettenhalloperatic.weebly.com or find us on Facebook.

Family run business covering the Midlands

• Professional Tree Surgeons • Stump Grinding

TREE SURGERY • Garden & Hedge Maintenance

MOSS REMOVAL from £275

GARDEN & GROUNDS CARE • Landscaping & Fencing

We do not use pressure washers

• Insured to £5 Million Public Liability

01902 846 276 07956 667 075 • All tree work conforms jon@birchestreesurgery.com

www.birchestreesurgery.com

to BS3998

CALL JON JON EDWARDS FOR A FOR A CALL FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE Page 812

FIND & REPAIR LEAKS from only £175 All works Guaranteed Full Liability Insurance

Rapid Response Roofing Ltd.

Parkfield Business Centre, Stafford. ST17 4AL

To advertise call 01694 07540 245040 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

Mark Smith

Brush and Vacuum Chimney Sweeping Service Long established business All solid fuel fires & appliances swept Reliable and competitively priced CERTIFICATES ISSUED

Please call 01902 845128 or 07964 703721

Need advice on Wills and Power of Attorney?

Thornes Solicitors will be offering free pop-up advice sessions.

Codsall Library - Every Third Thursday of the month at 10am - 11:30am Perton Library - Every First Wednesday of the month at 10am - 1130am Contact Perton Library on 01902 506050 or Codsall Library on 01902 506060 for more information.

PARTON BROTHERS BUILDING & CARPENTRY

Local Company Established for 30 Years

All aspects of Building & Joinery Undertaken • Extensions/Garages/Kitchens etc.

• Bathrooms • General Landscaping/Block Paving etc.

• All Joinery projects • No job too small • Fully insured Public Liability • Considerate workmanship • Experienced local tradesmen

Call Trevor 07956 447567 or Stuart on 07898 774008 Grendon Gardens, Penn. WV3 7NQ

Craig’s Carpentry Services

Penkridge Community Library

All aspects of Carpentry covered

Bellbrook, Penkridge, ST19 5DL Tel: 0300 111 8000

Internal and External Kitchens and Bedrooms

Reading Group

Wednesdays 2:30 pm until 3:30 pm, 2nd Wednesday of the month

Family History Group

Mondays 4 pm until 5:30 pm

Baby Bounce and Rhyme Time Friday mornings 10 am until 10:30 am

Opening Times Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10am - 1pm / 2pm- 6pm Wednesday:10am - 1pm Thursday:10am - 1pm / 2pm- 5:30pm Friday:10am - 1pm Saturday:10am - 1pm Sunday:Closed

Tel:01902 790802 Mobile:07977 416 065 E: craig.trueman@hotmail.co.uk

BREWOOD TREE SERVICES

Tree Felling Pruning Reshaping Crown Reduction Tree Work Hedge Trimming Stump Grinding Fencing and Woodchip

Fully Insured Special Rates for Senior Citizens

We also Repair & Service Chainsaws & Strimmers Replacement chains and sharpening service

FREE QUOTATIONS

Wayne Sisson, 41 Kiddemore Green Road, Brewood Email: brewoodtreeservices@btinternet.com Tel: 01902 850 714 Mobile:07977 273 981

To advertise call 07540 257743 email: arnoldsart@mac.com

Page 13

Valentine Gifts

St Valentine’s Day, February 14th, has been a customary day for choosing sweethearts and exchanging love-tokens from time immemorial. Countless generations of young people have acknowledged St Valentine as a friend and patron of lovers and, according to a country tradition which was known at least as early as the fourteenth century, so have the birds. In Portriat of Foules, Chaucer refers to a once common belief that all birds choose their mates on February 14th, a pleasant, if slightly inaccurate notion which still survives in some districts as a tale told to children. It is true that nothing whatever is known about St Valentine that would suggest such a patronage. He is, indeed, rather a misty figure altogether. In the Roman Martyrology there are two martyrs of that name, one a Roman priest who perished in A.D. 269, the other an Umbrian bishop who was executed in A.D. 273. It is not clear which of the two is really the lovers’ saint and so far as we know, there is no historical reason why either of them should be so regarded.

It is their death dates, rather than any incident of their lives, which probably accounts for the tradition. Both are said to have died for their religion on February 14th, the Eve of the Roman Lupercalia. This was partly a fertility festival, on which, after goats and a dog had been sacrificed for the protection of flocks and herds, two young men of high rank ran about with thongs of goat-skin striking all the women they met to make them fruitful. Other fertility rituals seem to have been performed also, including the choice of partners by lot. In due course, this pagan Spring festival was superseded by the Christian Feast of Candlemas, but some of its ancient traditions lingered on, attaching themselves quite naturally to the rather nebulous saint whose martyrdom was honoured on the day that had once been Lupercalia Eve. The method of choosing sweethearts on St Valentine’s Day varied in different times and places. It could be a serious matter, leading to matromony, or it could be a kind of game. When Margery Brews’ marriage to John Paston was being arranged in 1477, she wrote to him as her ‘right well-beloved Valentine’.

In another letter she said, “If ye could be content with that good and my poor person, I would be the merriest maiden on ground; a good true and loving Valentine ... as I may be your true lover and bedewoman during my life.” This was the serious Valentine, the sweetheart deliberately chosen for love, who was later to be wife or husband. But quite as often, the selection was made in a much more haphazard manner. “It is a ceremony, never omitted among the Vulgar,” wrote Bourne in 1725, “to draw lots which they term Valentines. The names of a select number of one sex are

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by an equal number of the other put into some vessel; and after that, everyone draws a name, which for the present is called their Valentine, and is also look’d upon as a good omen of their being man and wife afterwards.”

Gifts were exchanged after the lot-drawing and for some days afterwards the pair went about together, each wearing a billet or paper with the other’s name on it on their dress.

In Derbyshire, if a girl already had a sweetheart, and he failed to visit or kiss her on St Valentine’s Day she was said to be ‘dusty’, and had to submit to being swept by her companions with a broom or a wisp of straw. She then had to cast lots with the other girls in the usual way.

Sometimes pure chance was the deciding factor. There was a common belief that the first man seen by any woman on February 14th must be her Valentine, whether she liked it or not. Great care was therefore needed to ensure that the first man encountered was the right one.

In Samuel Pepys’ time it was apparently usual for married as well as unmarried women to have and to be Valentines, either by direct choice or by the drawing of name-papers, and for handsome presents varying from gloves, silk stockings, and garters to valuable jewellery to be given to the women. In Samuel Pepys’ Diary there are several entries concerning his expenditure of Valentine’s gifts.

Present-giving on this day was not confined to sweethearts.

Children used to sing: Good morrow, Valentine First ’tis yours, then ’tis mine Please to give me a Valentine.

They were given money, fruit, or in some districts, specially-made cakes known as Valentine Buns or Plum Shittles.

The Valentine card came into being during the eighteenth century when the expensive gifts of earlier years had gone out of fashion. At first it was hand-made, with little paintings of hearts and flowers, and a short verse composed by the sender.

The commercial card appeared in the nineteenth century complete with ready-made sentiments and decorations, embossed, brightly coloured and gilded, and later on, laceedged, perfumed and packed in a neat box. Its popularity was immediate and lasting. Thousands of these cards were sent through the post every year and in the UK, just under half of the population spend money on their Valentines, and around £1.9 billion was spent in 2015 on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts.

The rise of Internet popularity at the turn of the millennium is creating new traditions. Millions of people use, every year, digital means of creating and sending Valentine’s Day greeting messages such as e-cards, love coupons or printable greeting cards.

Ref: British Folk Customs - Christina Holt

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The BIrmingham, Wolverhampton and Cosford Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society We hold lectures at 19:00 every third Thursday of the month (second in December) at the RAF Museum Cosford.

Although Cosford isn’t strictly your area, the committee mainly live in Codsall/Bilbrook/Tettenhall/Pendeford and our members are predominantly from this area. Details and a programme can be obtained from either our secretary Chris Hughes on chris@cihughes.co.uk, or from me on 07795 601999.

We are part of the Royal Aeronautical Society , so are a “not for profit”, and we are all volunteers. We pay our speakers mileage and accommodate them, so we ask visitors for a £2 voluntary donation. Parking is free.

LECTURE PROGRAMME 2024/2025 Thursday 20th February 2025 Changing an Aircraft by J A Benn CEng MIMechE MRAeS Resident Technical Officer at BAe Systems, Brough, prior to retirement.

An aircraft or weapons system never remains in the “as delivered” condition for very long. Changes are introduced for a variety of reasons throughout the life of the aircraft. The management of these changes has a critical effect on airworthiness, operational capability and life. How were they managed and how has this changed with time.

Thursday 20th March 2025 – The J D North Lecture At Moog Aircraft Group, Valiant Way, Wolverhampton WV9 5GB (i54). Pre-registration with BWC required.

Thursday 17th April 2025 The Impact of the RAF on a Highland Glen by Cameron Paterson, RAF Museum Volunteer This lecture centres on 3 tragic events between 1942 & 1963, in which RAF aircraft crashed in Glen Esk with the loss of 11 lives. It focuses on the events leading up to and after these accidents and tells the stories of all the young men involved, including some of those who undertook the rescue and recovery efforts.

It also focuses on the impact that all these events had on several of the local inhabitants.

Thursday 15th May 2025 AGM at 6:15 pm followed by: Space Travel Part 2 by John Thatcher This second talk in the series looks at travel into our solar system.

Thursday 19th June 2025 Avro Heritage – the story so far by Ian Lomax An overview of the Avro company, some of the historic aircraft it produced, plus the preservation, by former employees, of the history of the company and the value of its long heritage which led to the creation of the Avro Heritage Museum. Finally, a look at the growth of the collection and the future of the Museum Except for March, all lectures will be in the National Cold War Exhibition, RAF Museum Cosford, TF11 8UP. Lectures start at 7:00 pm. Registered Charity No 313708

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