Town & Village Life Magazine - July/August 2021

TOWN & VILLAGE LIFE MAGAZINE

■ Homes and Gardens ■ Fashion, Hair,

Health & Beauty

■ Amazing Aesthetic

‘Tweakments’ at Heaven Medi Spa

■ Royston Blythe

Back with a Bang!

■ Golf

JULY/AUGUST 2021

DELIVERED TO AREAS OF: BELBROUGHTON, CHURCHILL, BLAKEDOWN, HAGLEY, WEST HAGLEY, STOURBRIDGE, LAWNSWOOD, PEDMORE, WALL HEATH, NORTON, OLDSWINFORD, WOLLASTON, AMBLECOTE, WORDSLEY, KINVER, KINGSWINFORD, BOBBINGTON, HEATHTON, STOURTON, ENVILLE, SWINDON, HIMLEY AND SEDGLEY JULY/AUGUST 2021

LOCAL MAGAZINE DELIVERED TO 16,000 SELECTED HOMES AND BUSINESSES

01902 324230 02

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Willows

Willows Dental WOMBOURNE

Dental As you probably know, here at Willows we always aim to be thinking one step ahead. We’re always trying to think of better ways of doing things, to make our patient experiences with us as comfortable and efficient as they can possibly be.

In-house Laboratory Over lockdown it became increasingly difficult to get the great standards

New Innovations

of work that we and our clients are used to. We decided to take matters into our own hands and build our own laboratory.

This means that dentures, removable braces and retainers can be repaired onsite while you wait and new dentures can be made quicker, to an even higher standard than in external laboratories.

Neel with his tiny television and 3D scanner

3D Scanners Our surgeries are now equipped with top of the range 3D scanners. So, if you have had those horrible moulds taken in your mouth, these are now a thing of the past at Willows Dental and Implant. We do a 3D scan free of charge with every new patient health check. Should you require emergency treatment, we can have your new teeth ready for you now before you even turn up.

always looking for ways to make you more comfortable. Alpha stim is a new and safe technique, by gently attaching two small soft pads to your earlobes Alpha stim has been clinically proven to reduce anxiety before dental treatment.

PRGF At Willows Dental we are always looking for ways to improve your experience. Having a tooth out is never the most pleasant experience however, using protein rich growth factors we can speed up the healing times by up to 50%.

Alpha Stim Gemma in her new home from home

As a practice that deals primarily with nervous patients we are

If you are interested in any of the above please don’t hesitate to contact us.

01902 324230 www.willowsdental.co.uk

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk 5 Ounsdale Road, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, West

Midlands, WV5 9JE

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From the editor

Even if summer isn’t your favourite season, you have to admit our front cover of the Dorset coast looks as gorgeous as any from abroad. After the massive disappointment of 2020, the coming months at home offer us all so much. From staycations at the seaside to socialising in the sunshine, your ticket to a fun-tastic summer begins right here with this bright and breezy edition of Town & Village Life.

So much in the UK is looking good right now: a great vaccine rollout, warm weather and the promise of a strong economic recovery.

Understandably after so many lockdowns, ‘outside’ is the new ‘inside’ so check out what our advertisers have in store: from fancy flooring to fragrant flowers, lighting to loungers, we can help turn your garden into a glorious getaway. But don’t forget your home, we’ve got improvement advice, as well as the home security tips you need to keep it “as safe as houses”.

Try to forget overseas travel and the ever-elusive Freedom Day for now and “go local” in a big way. Imagine vineyards and you think of France, but we think: newly-refurbished, Halfpenny Green. You picture fish and chips by the sea, we say: Blue Submarine delivers to your door.

As we all know, eating out was made a big fuss of last year, well, this year’s no different – also important is ‘shopping local’ – so be sure to look after the local businesses that looked after you. And, to borrow from Jerry Springer, make sure you look after yourself, and each other. It’s easy with the plethora of hairdressers, beauty salons and health tips inside and with many good causes too, from Paycare’s charities to Compton Care’s Memory Walk.

Since we’re all so used to this season coming and going in the blink of an eye, do be sure to get out there as often as possible and live it to the max.

Geoff

July/August Edition

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70-71

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110-111

CONTENTS

78/79 Amazing aesthetic ‘tweakments’ at Heaven 88/89 Women’s fashion - This season’s must haves 92/93 Royston Blythe – Back with a bang 104 Camping with kids 110/111 History of the Land Rover Discovery 112 Compton Care annual golf day 113 Answers to crosswords and puzzles 113 Index of advertisers

14/15 Planning an outdoor kitchen 22 Create storage in your bathroom 26 Bring the indoors out 32 Banking – make the switch 34 Crosswords & Puzzles 40/41 Why is securing your home more important than ever 48 Stourbridge Rugby Club 60 Gardening with Ann Winwood GET PAID TO EXERCISE 62 Smart gardening Distributors required to deliver Town & Village Life Magazine.

66/67 Staycation – visit the UK’s National Forests If you are interested please email: paul@letterboxmarketingsolutions.org 74 Recipe – Quinoa and Feta Burgers

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Winner of the Halfpenny Green Wine Estate Competition Mrs Sue Fellows, Dudley Winner of the Pashley and Me Poncho Competition, Diana Cooper, Hagley We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Town & Village Life magazine and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert or editorial. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Town & Village Life magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior consent of Town & Village Life magazine Ltd.

Front Cover Image: Dorset Coast between Poole and Dorset

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Town & Village Life Magazine Ltd Tel: 01902 744217 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk Magazine Distribution Letterbox Marketing Solutions Advertising Enquiries Gisella Wiley, Sales Director (gisella@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk) Editorial/What’s On Information Geoff Hall, Editor (info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk) Magazine Design Studio 28 Design & Print (studio@s28.co.uk) town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Create your own amazing outdoor space with our 20mm porcelain tiles

W

e appreciate that your outdoor space is just as important to you as your home interior - that’s why at Tile Choice we offer a wide and impressive variety of exterior tiles, all with amazing traits and stunning surface designs. Spanning from cool, contemporary stone effect tiles to more warm and

classical designs, there is bound to be something for everyone in our range. Give your garden the ultimate WOW factor, be the envy of your neighbours, and feel right at home with top quality outdoor floor tiles from Tile Choice.

Crafted from hardwearing porcelain, our outdoor tiles are 20mm in thickness, able

to withstand all weathers and perfect for creating your dream patio. Some tiles in our range have a rugged finish, making them slip-proof, even when wet. Attractive surface designs include freckled egg shell, mottled granite, sparkling quartz and a mesmerising terrazzo effect, in varying shades and hues. These eye-catching aesthetics combined with skilled craftsmanship is ultimately what gives our tile ranges their unique appeal.

Choosing tiles for any project, large or small, may seem like a stressful process, but rest assured, our friendly and dedicated team at Tile Choice are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need help with choosing the right tone and colour, require expert advice on how best to lay your tiles, or want practical know-how when it comes to adhesives and grouts, we are but a phone call away. It needn’t be daunting - far from it - let’s make recreating your home exterior an exciting, enjoyable experience.

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

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For updates on our projects please follow us on Facebook & Twitter

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The local

by Nick Berriman

property market What a manic market!

Just when we think things are about to slow down we have another record-breaking month!

Across the nation estate agents are experiencing huge levels of demand across all price ranges and the number of applicants registering on the mailing list is increasing on a daily basis!

But will it continue? The main part of the stamp duty holiday finishes at the end of this month, with the tapered relief finishing at the end of September. Whilst it is impossible to accurately predict what will happen in an increasingly unpredictable market, my belief is that we will see the frantic pace quieten. I see no reason why prices should soften, but I think that the time taken to find a buyer will lengthen slightly, as purchasers are no longer in such a mad panic to find somewhere before the stamp duty holiday ends.

What will happen to the many sales that are in the pipeline but which are unlikely to go through before the stamp duty deadline? There was a fear that many sales would fall through but interesting research by

Rightmove – the leading property website – suggests otherwise. Of those who are expecting to make use of the stamp duty holiday, only 4% of the people questioned in a Rightmove survey said they would abandon their plans completely and stay put if they missed either the June or September deadline. Encouragingly, over half (53%) said they would go ahead as planned and only 13% said they would not go ahead with the current purchase and would try to find a cheaper property.

Certainly, I am sure that conveyancing solicitors everywhere will be hoping that the market returns to a more normal pace as they are hugely pressurised with a staggeringly high workload at the moment. I have every sympathy with them and it is a credit to them that their professionalism remains superb, certainly with all of the solicitors that we have dealt with, and that they are coping admirably well under huge pressure. Our collective thanks go out from Berriman Eaton to every conveyancer that we have dealt with in recent months.

I am delighted to see that our new Worcestershire office is going from strength to strength with some notable instructions and some good sales being agreed. I am, however, still envious of their office at Churchill and Blakedown Golf

Club – it is in a truly beautiful setting and a lovely place to meet clients!

Last month I wrote that I was disappointed to discover that estate agents were one of the least trusted professionals in the UK. This month I have been surprised to discover that UK estate agency fees are amongst the lowest in the world. According to research by Get Agent we share the bottom of the league with Ireland, the Netherlands and South Korea. At the other end of the scale Australia heads the fee table with a typical fee of 5.7% of the sale price.

Similar levels are charged in America whilst French and Spanish agents typically charge up to 5%! I am not suggesting that all UK estate agents should necessarily increase their commission levels, as I think we are paid well for what we do, but I do think it demonstrates that a good estate agent offers good value for money when compared to the global norm.

Finally, I would like, once again, to thank all of the team at Berriman Eaton for working so incredibly hard in a frenetic market. We are still running at about twice the normal levels of instructions and sales agreed and it has not been easy.

All of our team have risen to the challenge in an unusual environment and they all deserve praise for everything that they have done.

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

ER

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THE PIGGERY KINVER These two properties have both been successfully marketed by ourselves with offers having been received within days of launching to the market.

We have more buyers than sellers so if you’re thinking of moving and would like a Marketing Consultation to discuss your next move then give us a call or drop us an email:

01562 546969

worcestershire@berrimaneaton.co.uk

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BUTLERS PANTRY WHITBOURNE Churchill & Blakedown GC, Churchill Lane, Blakedown, Kidderminster DY10 3NB

www.berrimaneaton.co.uk

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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The Woodlands RetiRement Residence

The Woodlands Retirement Residence

66 Bridle Road, Wollaston, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 4QE

01384 394851

woodlandsres@virginmedia.com

www.thewoodlandsretirementresidence.co.uk 12

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

maintaining privacy and dignity.

Individualised care is delivered within a secure, relaxed, homely and conducive environment, where a resident’s physical and psychological care, wellbeing and comfort are of prime importance to both staff and management.

The Woodlands offers a warm welcoming and family atmosphere.

We have a team of trained and dedicated staff that bring compassion and experience to every aspect of their work, providing high quality, professional, person centred care. We put our residents at the heart of everything we do.

The Woodlands Experience You can relax in either of the two generous lounges or private gardens, enjoying the home cooked food or spending time with family and friends. Diets and daily living choices are tailored for you.

The Woodlands is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and provides excellent Palliative care.

Stimulate your Mind Everything from armchair exercises to vocalists and piano recitals. Parties to celebrate special events and birthdays are also hosted. You have the option to be as involved in our fun and engaging activities as little or as much as you like.

The Woodlands Philosophy The Woodlands philosophy of care is to offer the highest standards of holistic care to each resident based on an initial assessment and a regularly updated plan of person centered care; to encourage independence and individuality whilst

We liaise closely with family and friends, encouraging open, two-way communication at all times so as to ensure good relationships.

Training and Development We are committed to the training and development of our staff, which enhances the quality of life of our residents. All staff have an enhanced CRB check and receive a comprehensive induction. All have complete mandatory training and either hold or are working towards their NVQ level 2 and/or 3 in Health and Social Care. Each member of staff is fully supervised and has an individual learning and development plan, which ensures they are fully competent to deliver the highest standard of care in a professional manner.

At the Heart of our Care Planning Our trained and dedicated team is on hand 24 hours a day to help you. When you first arrive at The Woodlands an individual care plan will be prepared, tailored to your individual needs. We work closely with our local GP surgeries and their District Nurses to ensure the highest level of medical care and attention. We also have regular visits from other practitioners such as chiropodists, dentists, opticians and the hairdresser. www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Planning W

an outdoor kitchen

e know the Australians have outdoor cooking down to a ‘T’, and in many parts of the USA garden kitchens are a popular feature, too. In the last few years, however, demand for al fresco kitchens in the UK has increased markedly.

Despite our somewhat dodgy weather, it seems we’d all love to spend a little more time cooking, eating and socialising in the fresh air. So what are the key points to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen?

Before you start You shouldn’t need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen, as it’s not considered a permanent structure, but if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, it is worth checking with your local

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By Katherine Sorrell

authority. Another point to bear in mind is that your neighbours may be affected – by smoke, for example, or additional lighting – and it’s never a bad idea to talk your plans through with them and avoid any potential future problems.

Location, location, location Where do you want to site your outdoor kitchen? You may already have a favourite spot in which to barbecue and eat, but if you’re starting from scratch there are a few major considerations. In a very large outdoor space, for example, you probably won’t want to stray too far from the house but, if you do, there will be a greater need for more facilities, such as a sink and tap, waste bin, storage

and cooling. If you are linking your outdoor kitchen to water and power, exactly how will they connect? Bear in mind that the further you go from the source the more expensive it will be to install them. Your kitchen needs to sit on level ground, safely far from flammable materials, and preferably in a spot that’s away from wind and not fully exposed to the sun. Avoid frequently used walkways, steps, trip hazards and slippery ground, too. Finally, allow enough floor area for all the different elements you wish to include, as well as space to walk around them and comfortably open any doors and drawers, plus seating/eating space nearby for the maximum number of guests you plan to entertain.

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

A choice of features The simplest outdoor kitchen could just be a barbecue with a fold-out table or wheeled trolley next to it for food preparation – maybe with a rubbish bin beneath, some sturdy lidded boxes and a few hooks on the side for implements. You might add a rotisserie or a pizza oven, and perhaps a storage shelf or cupboard. At the other end of the spectrum the fanciest outdoor kitchens are carefully planned, built-in extravaganzas – not dissimilar from an indoor kitchen – and will include a plumbed-in sink and a fridge, as well as a spacious, durable and easily cleaned countertop – perhaps made of stone for a natural look, or stainless steel for a modern, streamlined effect.

Go top-of-the-range and you could even include a dishwasher!

cooking will provide an element of warmth in itself, consider adding another form of heating near the dining area, such as a fire pit or an electric heater.

It makes a nice focal point for gatherings, too. Lighting is an absolutely essential element, enabling you to safely continue cooking after dusk and adding ambience to the entertaining area. Design bright lighting near the barbecue, grill or oven, and decorative lighting near the dining table – perhaps rows of low-level lights or strings of pretty fairy lights.

Finishing touches An outdoor kitchen can be a plain and simple, functional affair, but to make it more fun and personal, add some carefully designed, individual elements. How about patterned tiles on the wall behind the cooking area? A variety of cushions and throws on the seating? Colourful storage containers or textural floor tiles?

Incorporate beautiful planting nearby – a herb garden would be handy – and you have the best of both worlds: a garden in which to relax and your own delightful outdoor eatery.

Comfort and weather-proofing You may want to build your garden kitchen with some form of protection from rain showers – but do bear in mind that a grill needs to be properly ventilated if it’s sited under a permanent, solid cover. Roll-away awnings are a good solution for changeable British weather. Although the www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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SUMMER Make this summer one to celebrate ...

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

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A MODERN EN SUITE When working with en suites it is sometimes a challenge to fit everything into the space, especially when the rooms are not a regular shape, as was the case for Mrs Main in Moseley.

The long narrow room has sloping ceilings and limited wall height, making it a challenge to create a modern en suite and also have room for storage, a basin, a WC and a bidet.

We made the most of this former box room with some practical solutions to create a room that has a full size shower and is a pleasure to use. A pale grey colour scheme coordinates the floor, walls and furniture, creating a calm and relaxing air.

Mrs Main says, “I had seen a similar design in the Roman Bathroom

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showroom and was delighted that this could be recreated in my home.

“The new en suite feels luxurious and is much more spacious than the old one. The Roman Bathrooms team dealt with all the technical issues really well, with attention to detail and superb workmanship.

I am delighted with the results.”

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

BATHROOMS • KITCHENS • TILES

Design • supply • install To arrange a personal consultation

please call 0121 561 4374

110 - 111 High Street, Blackheath B65 0EG Telephone 0121 561 4374 • email info@romanbathrooms.co.uk

www.romanbathrooms.co.uk

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Create Great Storage

in your Bathroom

By Katherine Sorrell

F

ind a place for everything and make your bathroom both tidy and beautiful.

The terrazzo look is all the rage, and small pieces such as this concrete tumbler can really add character.

Speckled concrete tumbler, £10, House of Flora.

Match pretty storage pots to toothbrush holders and soap dispensers for a co-ordinated look. Dorma porcelain lotion dispenser, £12; tumbler, £10; small storage trinket, £10; and soap dish, £8, all Dunelm.

A Place for everything

Tall and slim, a bathroom caddy is essential when you need to fit a lot of storage into a small space.

Maxine mango wood bathroom caddy, £85, Made.

A mirror can also function as a useful small shelf.

Metal mirror with shelf, £99, Salt and Steel.

Clear jars are useful for identifying what’s inside.

These are made from glass, with bamboo lids.

Audley storage jars, £8 and £10, Garden Trading.

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• Bathrooms look their best – and function most efficiently – when clutter is kept out of sight.

If you don’t already have a vanity cupboard below your basin, you’ll have to think creatively. Can you mount a slim cupboard on the wall somewhere? If it has mirrored doors, then above the basin works perfectly. Inside, adjustable shelving is useful, and it may even be handy to add a hook or two on one or both sides. If you have young children and plan to keep medicines inside, it is best to add a lock.

• Other options for walls – ideal for items you’re happy to have out on display – include shelves, racks, hooks and peg rails – all useful options depending on what you need to store. You could also add a rack to the back of the door, where its contents will be a little more hidden away.

• When space is tight, think tall and slender.

Ladder shelves, caddies (perhaps on wheels) and tallboy cupboards can be squeezed into small spaces and will hold a surprisingly large amount of bathroom kit. For very small items, use baskets or small acrylic boxes to subdivide the storage conveniently.

• Bathrooms tend to be full of glossy white sanitaryware, so variations of colour and texture can be very welcome. It’s easy to add these in the form of small storage items – woven baskets, terrazzo pots, glass tumblers, wooden boxes and so on – which can be replaced quite cheaply when you feel like a change. town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Now stocking Everhot range cookers

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OUR SHOWROOMS ARE NOW OPEN, CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR OPENING TIMES.

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

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BrInG THe InDOOrS OuT

By Katherine Sorrell

G

et truly comfortable in the garden by turning it into a fully functioning outdoor living room, warm and well-lit, with relaxing seating and lovely finishing touches.

Hand-made in the uK using high-quality British steel, this fire pit comes with a detachable barbecue swing arm and in seven sizes. Plain Jane fire pit, from £233, FirepitsuK.

Woven around a strong metal frame in a smooth egg shape, this hanging chair is made from durable materials that look just like rattan. It’s big enough to snuggle up in with a book and a glass of wine. Indoor outdoor hanging chair, £425, Cox & Cox.

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ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR AL FRESCO LIVING • If you’re planning on spending lots of time outdoors this summer, and keeping those sunny days going well into the evenings, think first of providing shady spots, and then of some form of warmth. Pile up blankets and throws, for sure, but consider a gas or electric heater or – more romantically – a fire pit.

• To extend day into night you’ll need outdoor lighting: some functional, simply to see what you’re barbecuing or pouring into a glass, and some decorative, just to make the space look and feel gorgeous. It may be relatively easy to add a protected outdoor plug socket (ask a qualified electrician), and add a dramatic floor lamp or set of fairy lights.

Alternatively, there’s a vast range of good-quality solar lights to choose from these days and, of course, candles and night lights look incredibly pretty, and can be protected from breezes with lanterns and jars.

This decorative textured rope light has a warm white solar bulb with an amber filament.

After charging during daylight hours, it works for up to eight hours at a time. LeD solar garden light, £65, ella James.

Made from recycled plastic bottles, this rug can withstand moisture, mildew, mould and uv light. Its design is reversible: simply flip over for a new look. Fab Hab Tokyo outdoor rug in burnt orange, £59.95, Cuckooland.

This tiled table contains its own fire pit (or ice bowl) and is surrounded by four low-level dining chairs with weather-resistant cushions.

Ava four-seater tile firepit outdoor living set, £899, Dobbies.

• Seating is all-important, whether it’s upright seats and a table for dining, bar sets for informal drinks with friends or sofas and squashy chairs for lounging. These days, outdoor furniture – using modern fabric technology – can look just like your upholstered living room furniture, but of course there are always the classics of outdoor rattan, wood and metal. Look for versatile furnishings such as rise-and-fall tables that take you from coffee to dining, or pieces that are grouped around their own fire table. And if space and budget allow, have fun by adding cocoons, hammocks and swing seats as occasional spots for complete relaxation.

• Finishing touches pull the whole indoor/outdoor look together, from patterned outdoor rugs to piles of cushions, plus quirky outdoor eating sets and colourful glassware. With imagination and flair you can have great fun setting up a welcoming garden ‘room’, a truly special place to spend the days – and nights… town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Over 100 Fires, Fireplaces and Stoves on display across our 2 storey showroom in 5 themed rooms

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10% off all mattresses and Divans by

Dreamland

CoMfoRt SupplieRS SinCe 1976

 23 Mill St, Brierley Hill DY5 2RG  

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01384 74166 dreamlandbedding.co.uk

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Dreamland

CoMfoRt SupplieRS SinCe 1976

SUMMER SALE ON NOW

Pictured above: Owner Mike Brown

Mike Explains: “We have had such an amazing response since we reopened, being able to deliver products within a matter of days, and the level of knowledge of all our staff has enabled them to give customers impartial advice to find the perfect bed for them. Plus having over 125 options on display, has stood us apart from other bed retailers.

We have bought a large amount of stock allowing us to gain discounts we are passing on direct to customers “

“We like to believe that a bed is only a good buy when you purchase the right bed for your needs at a great price.

Which is why every brand instore has large reductions in the summer sale so price won’t Stifle your choice. I am so pleased we have been awarded retail champion by the national bed federation. We are still able to deliver your bed, assemble divan bed and take you old mattresses and divans away.

We have covid secure measures in place for both instore and the delivery team. Plus, we operate 7 days a week.”

We ACCept

pRouD to SuppoRt

Dreamland

CoMfoRt SupplieRS SinCe 1976

 23 Mill St, Brierley Hill DY5 2RG  01384

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74166  dreamlandbedding.co.uk29

DESIGN YOUR DREAM HOME AT DAYROOMS

Having spent so much time in our homes over the past 18 months, many of us are probably feeling the frustration of staring at the same decor we’ve been meaning to change. This summer is the perfect opportunity to really reconnect with our homes; to look forward to going back to it, rather than dread its monotony.

Whether it’s your kitchen or bedroom that needs a new lease of life, or even an office to complement your workfrom-home routine, Dayrooms is here to help. With a long and impressive reputation for supplying luxury, bespoke kitchens, Dayrooms has since expanded to supply bedrooms and home offices.

The company’s expansion doesn’t stop there. Always looking to realise each client’s dream home, Dayrooms’ computer aided design system has taken home design to a whole new level. The system allows customers to design their own home and see a visual representation of what their ideas will really look like, allowing complete control and certainty before any work has been done.

As current owner, James Lloyd, explains: “Our bespoke designs allow for total individuality and control when it comes to style and planning. Our clients can dictate all aspects of the design and we’ll make it work - in short, they tell us what they want and we make it.”

Once clients are completely happy with their design, they can look 30

forward to an efficient and quality installation. Dayrooms only deal with industry-leading brands such as Neff and Siemens, which are all ordered in advance to ensure no customer is left waiting any longer than necessary.

Installation is completely stressfree, with everything taken care of by the highly qualified team of fitters and tradesmen. Each project is allocated a skilled manager to help manage everything and ensure customer satisfaction. This expert, complete service means you’ll be involved every step of the way, without actually having to lift a finger.

This means that several new staff members have been taken on to ensure speedy progress for every client, whilst still upholding the same level of excellent customer service.

So, if your home is in need of an update this summer, get in touch with Dayrooms to start planning your dream designs today! Having been certified COVID-19 Compliant by City of Wolverhampton Council, you can rest assured that your safety always remains top priority.

Once the work is done, you can rest at ease with extensive aftercare and quality products.

Dayrooms guarantee extremely competitive prices which are all price-matched with large high street retailers like-for-like.

No matter what your budget may look like, Dayrooms will be able to work with it to ensure complete ease in any situation.

Even through the pandemic, the company has only grown in demand and reputation. town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

B E A U T I F U L LY B E S P O K E KITCHENS . BEDROOMS . HOME STUDIES

Opening Times Monday - Friday: 9am-5:30pm Saturday: 9am-5pm – 23 School Road, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton, WV6 8EN – 01902 742185 sales@dayroomskitchens.co.uk www.dayroomskitchens.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Make the Switch We’re increasingly comfortable with switching insurers or energy suppliers to get the best deal, yet many of us stick with the same bank for decades.

Switching isn’t as tricky as it used to be and it can be well worth your time.

Nearly all major banks are part of a programme called Current Account Switch Service, launched in 2013, that guarantees a simple switch. It works in a similar way to switching energy suppliers but is much smoother and quicker.

To use it you simply open a new account, tell your new bank that you want to use the service, sign a couple of forms, and choose the date you want to switch. This must be at least seven days after you open the new account and can’t be a weekend or bank holiday.

The new bank will switch over your regular payments, standing orders and direct debits automatically from that date. Any manual payments made to your old account are automatically ‘redirected’ to the new one for at least three years, and your new bank will tell the sender you’ve moved.

The only thing you need to change manually is any continuous payment authorities for

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subscriptions where you’ve given a seller your card number, rather than your account number and sort codes. Credit cards aren’t affected by a bank account switch and any direct debit you have to pay the minimum or full amount each month will transfer over.

Glitches with the transfer are rare, but the Current Account Switch Guarantee means that your new bank will refund any charges or interest caused by problems with the switch.

So why bother switching anyway? You could get higher interest rates on your balance, lower overdraft fees and interest, or better offers such as discounts on some purchases. Check whether it’s a ‘permanent’ rate or a time-limited introductory offer.

Often the main reason to switch is a cash bonus, with some banks offering £100 or more. Check for any conditions though: you may have to pay in a certain amount to qualify. Amounts vary, but usually the idea is to make sure you’re using it as your main bank account.

Remember that when you apply for an account, the bank will usually run a credit check. This is only likely to be a problem if you have a very poor credit history, and even then some banks will offer an account with a low overdraft or no overdraft at all. The credit check itself will appear on your record but this is only likely to raise eyebrows if you have a lot of checks in a short period. It may be safer to hold off switching accounts just before a big loan or mortgage application.

One big myth is that you can’t switch accounts if you are in your overdraft. This isn’t the case, as the new bank can transfer over a negative balance when you switch, though it’ll need to be inside any limit on the new account. town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

KITCHEN ISLAND LIGHTING IDEAS Kitchen island lights are one of the best lighting fixtures you can use in a kitchen. They also look fantastic if you have a large kitchen island or bar area. Island lighting creates a statement piece and provides additional brightness to your space.

How to Choose Kitchen Island Lighting You have a lot of options when it comes to kitchen island lighting fixtures. Whether you are looking for pendants, cluster pendants or bar pendant ceiling lights there are tons of options.

We provide helpful tips below for choosing the best kitchen island light for your home.

Pendant Lights Depending on the size of your kitchen island or bar, you can choose to have 2 large pendants positioned equally

Dar Lighting – Soho Pendant

over the island creating a dramatic effect or you can opt for 3 smaller pendants and position them equally as well. These 2 options are a very popular choice when it comes to choosing kitchen island lighting.

Cluster Pendants Lights Now if you don’t have a large kitchen island or simply want to have a nice feature over your dining table then cluster pendant lights are a perfect choice. The cluster of lights can hang above your table about 28-32 inches or slightly higher or lower depending on the ceiling height.

Bar Pendant Lights If your space appears to be in rectangular designs, you might consider a bar pendant light, this choice is a combination that features 3 or 4 lights in one fixture that provides sufficient brightness and a statement piece to your room.

Dar Lighting – Academy Copper 3 Light

TO VIEW OUR STUNNING COLLECTION OF KITCHEN LIGHTING VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW. LIGHTINGRUS.CO.UK OR VISIT OUR WONDERFUL SHOWROOM AT UNIT 1A, WALTON WORKS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MACROME RD, ALDERSLEY, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV6 9HD.

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Crossword Across 1 French castle (7) 5 Competed (5) 8 Very alike (9) 9 Poem (3) 10 Consumed (5) 12 Reflects (7) 13 Friendships (13) 15 Immediate (7) 17 In front (5) 19 A pronoun (3) 20 Emergency vehicle (9) 22 Concede (5) 23 Captivate (7)

Puzzle answers on page 113

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Sudoku How to play Sudoku It’s simple!

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

You don’t need to be a genius.

These puzzles use logic alone.

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Word Search Find the words below in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a phrase.

ARCHERY BADMINTON BASKETBALL BOXING CANOEING CURLING CYCLING DARTS DIVING FISHING GOLF HOCKEY 34

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

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You don’t need to move house to get the extra space you need

W

ith the experience of lockdown and more time than ever spent at home, you may be reevaluating your housing needs.

Of course, being at home with your family on a more regular basis may well have made you realise you need more space.

Or you may be having to work from home more and you need additional space to cater for a new daily routine.

With the country, and the UK economy, slowly coming out of lockdown, it’s no surprise that any thoughts of moving house will be off the agenda, particularly with the stamp duty holiday ending.

But the good news is, you don’t have to move to get the extra space you need. A modern conservatory offers the perfect alternative to upping sticks and can serve a variety of purposes, which is why an increasing number of homeowners are deciding to invest in their existing home rather than climb the property ladder.

Conservatory fashion has changed from the traditional white plastic, u-PVC structure with polycarbonate roof to the single-story extension, often specified with higher specification products

such as wide span bi-fold doors, for a more luxurious, contemporary space.

A combination of cuttingedge materials and building techniques also means that, unlike the old models, new conservatories are warm in the winter and cool in the

summer, meaning they can be used as an all-year-round living space for decades to come. It’s no wonder that the conservatory is becoming an integral part of the home again.

Wolverhampton Glass installs bespoke new build conservatories with a state-ofthe-art modular conservatory base and wall system that’s not only efficient and attractive, but it’s also a lot quicker and easier to install too.

A conservatory can be designed to complement both your home’s current floorplan and living requirements, with different materials and roof options to choose from.

Generally, you don’t need planning permission for a conservatory as it is categorised under ‘permitted development rights,’ meaning you don’t have to worry about any possible red tape.

And if you think you will be contemplating a move later down the line, a conservatory is a great way of increasing the value of your home.

So, whether you’re after a designated children’s playroom, a bigger lounge to spend time with family in; a space to work in, or a link to your garden or the outdoors for the summer, a conservatory ticks all the boxes – and can really help you reinvent the way you use your home.

With over 45 years of industry experience, and more than 25,000 completed projects across the Midlands, you can trust that your home is in good hands with Wolverhampton Glass. Wolverhampton Glass is also part of Sustainium Group, a consortium of world-class home improvement companies that believe homeowners deserve innovative, quality products and wonderful customer experience – all provided in an ethical and sustainable way.

For more information call 01902 773831 or email sales@wolverhamptonglass.co.uk 38

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

SUMMER SALE

% OFF

UP TO

**

WINDOWS, DOORS, & CONSERVATORIES

COME AND VISIT OUR BRAND NEW SHOWROOM

Bay 1, Block C, Progress Point, The Pensnett Estate, Kingswinford, DY6 7FT Get your home improvements this summer Getting your home the way you want it is easier than you think.

And there’s no better time to make those home improvements, particularly with our up to 40% off summer sale on windows, doors and conservatories.

Maybe you fancy entertaining friends outside with a seamless transition from your home to your garden with some wide span sliding patio or bi-fold doors?

Or perhaps you are looking for the perfect space for all the family with a new build conservatory or a modern roof replacement for your existing one.

Whatever you’re planning to do at home this summer, make sure it provides you with what you need.

GET YOUR QUOTE TODAY

WolverhamptonGlass Serving the Midlands for over 45 years

01902 773831

www.wolverhamptonglass.co.uk **Terms and conditions apply, ask for more information

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Showroom address:

Portway House, Stream Road, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 9NT

Made to measure blinds and awnings

Telephone: 01384 273769

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Website: www.castleblinds.co.uk Email: sales@castleblinds.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

All our blinds are fully compliant With the Child Safety Law. BS EN 13120

Mon-Friday – 9.00am-5.30pm Saturday – 10.00am-4.00pm Sunday – Closed

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Pargeters Furniture

Ready for summer: New furniture styles for your home brands. We pride ourselves on offering the lowest possible prices combined with the highest standard of customer service.”

And if lockdown had you feeling downcast over the missed sales, Pargeters are ensuring that this is one you certainly won’t be deprived of: “Since reopening, our summer sale is giving customers the opportunity to grab some fantastic deals that they missed out on due to the lockdown.”

Unlike their competitors, the staff at Pargeters aren’t on commission, which means their focus is entirely on helping you make the purchase that’s right for you – if, of course, you decide to buy from the company.

I

s the summer season calling for you to update, improve or redesign your home interior? If so, you’ll be keen to find a selection of quality and contemporary furniture to complete the new look at Pargeters.

With over three floors, packed with modern designs from leading British brands, there will be plenty to suit every home interior style.

The family-run store prides itself in specialist upholstery, which includes their luxury department that specialises in Sherborne lift and rise beds, reclining chairs - which are all exempt from VAT - as well as sofas to match.

“We don’t sell ‘add-ons’ – like finance or insurance, which some companies use to boost their profits,” The company offers free delivery within a 50-mile radius and will also take your old items away free of charge.”

Pargeters have been welcoming customers back to the showroom with clear, vigilant COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of staff and visitors remains at the forefront. So, whatever you have in mind, be sure to pay Pargeters a visit and have your home ready for a fantastic summer ahead!

With all of this and more you’re sure to find outstanding designs and style at affordable prices when you pay a visit. In fact, customers at Pargeters are always surprised by the independent stores’ low prices, as Miles explains: “Sometimes an established business and single store furniture shop can be deemed to be more expensive to buy from than larger group stores.

But I can assure you that it won’t cost you to shop at Pargeters, very often we are cheaper and will price-match the leading

PARGETERS SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES We are offering customers the opportunity to shop safely on their own or with family members.

The showroom will be limiting customers at any one time.

The current social distancing guidelines will be adhered to at all times. Staff will be available to assist you and answer any questions while following the current guidelines.

Personal Protective Equipment will be used in the showroom by all staff.

If you wish to book an appointment please call 01384 394176 to book your preferred time at the showroom between the hours of 9am and 4pm Monday to Saturday.

Free customer car parking available adjacent to the showroom, please ask for directions.

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

• Duresta

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Parker Knoll

30%

All leading quality brands at the most competitive prices in the Midlands

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01384 394176

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FREE customer car park at rear www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Cur tains and Blinds ~ Soft furnishings Haberdashery ~ Alterations ~ Embroidery

Advice, Measure, Make, Fit Homeware and Accessories now in stock Bespoke curtains and blinds, all made to measure, with 100’s of fabrics to choose from Large range of wallcoverings • Huge range of poles and tracks • Haberdashery Wool and knitting patterns • Dressmaking fabrics and patterns Clothing alterations, specialising in bridal and prom wear, with tailoress on site New embroidery service, with logo digitising facility available

O p e n : 9 a m - 5 p m M o n d ay to Friday. 9am-4pm Saturday.

Tel: 01384 295960

7 The Cross, Kingswinford, DY6 9JA

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

www.totalsewing.co.uk

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es July So, June 21st becom that 19th which means pone st we will need to po er and our 2021 Club Dinn at the presentations th ing. accompany the even e rugby With no competitiv 022 through the 2021/2 season there would been unfortunately have esent. scant rewards to pr The delay until July 19th does, however, mean that we can proceed with confidence to surge ahead with our plans for our September 24th Corporate Lunch in the large marquee followed on Saturday 25th by the ball.

This year we have the legendary Sir Ian McGeechan as our lead rugby speaker. Ex Scottish International Captain, “Geech”, has been the British and Irish Lions Head Coach on four tours and a player on two tours. He is the Daily Telegraph Rugby Correspondent.

Joining him will be Jonathan Agnew the renowned cricket commentator of Test Match Special renown. “Aggers” is well remembered for his hilarious exchange with the late Brian Johnston in their infamous “leg over” exchange about Ian Botham.

John Bentley will be our Master of Ceremonies on the day ably assisted in the auction by BBC personality Philip Serrell.

Invitations will be sent out shortly.

“Tru Groove “will be entertaining us at the ball on Saturday night to dance the night away… a perfect occasion to dust off your best evening suits and dresses and join us with your friends.

Please contact the Club Office on 01384 395000 if you would like to join us at either function.

We have had some limited rugby in May amongst which our junior sides have been playing Whitchurch, Kidderminster and Sutton Coldfield and all ages are keen to get back to training again in August in readiness for the opening 1st XV game at home on September 4th against Sheffield Tigers. As a taster Dings Crusaders from National Two South will be driving up the M5 from Bristol for a preseason game on Saturday August 14th.

Just a reminder that our car boot sale continues every Wednesday. If you are interested all detail is available from Dave Mason on 07957 399964.

Stay safe everyone.

T: 01384 395000 E: rugby@stourbridgerugby.com www.stourbridgerugby.com 48

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Winterdene

Excellence as standard

has over 15 years’ experience in administration services.

Winterdene Carpentry & Construction Ltd is a local company based in Kingswinford.

We are a small family run business consisting of Lee, the founder and director who’s a qualified carpenter and has over 20 years’ experience in carpentry work. And there’s Lindsey, Lee’s wife and administrative coordinator of the company who

We carry out a comprehensive range of works which includes all aspects of carpentry such as joisting and roofing, 1st fix works which include wall studding, roof struts, door frames and floor joists through to 2nd fix works such as fitting skirting and architraves, various types of flooring, fitting internal and external doors, loft hatches and a range of internal storage solutions. We also carry out full stair renovations and we specialise in kitchen installations.

We also do a range of construction services including conversions and extensions plus work on outdoor spaces such as laying decking, timber cladding, building summerhouses and constructing porches and canopies.

We pride ourselves on giving exceptional customer service from the first contact to the finished product. Every job is completed to the highest standard and we offer a competitive price to our customers. We have a lot of returning customers which we think speaks for itself.

We use a number of trusted tradesmen on our jobs where needed such as plasterers and electricians who we ensure complete any works to the standards we hold for ourselves.

We also enjoy a good working relationship with a number of developers who we carry out subcontract works for.

Please have a look at our website and get in touch if you’d like to discuss any projects.

ConCept to Completion

Built on Reputation

Built foR living

pRojeCt in mind? ContaCt us 07903 703028 enquiries@winterdene.co.uk www.winterdene.co.uk

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

winterdene

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Do’ ‘Good At What We Manufacturers, Suppliers & Installers of all types of domestic and commercial fencing and gates.

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

ARE YOU FED UP WITH CLUTTER? DO YOU NEED MORE STORAGE SPACE? Well the answer could literally be under your own roof!

For many home owners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. Halesowen-based loft ladder installer Access4Lofts (whose slogan is ‘creating space the easy way’) can change all that, often in less than a day!

Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote service so you can find out what is achievable with your loft area.

The majority of properties have an access hatch to the space in the loft. Access4Lofts create space the easy and affordable way. They can supply and install a new loft hatch and a safe, sturdy aluminium loft ladder in your home in just one day! That means that

your dark and dismal roof space suddenly becomes a useful storage area for all that family clutter. “My experience enables fitting the ladder and converting the access hatch. In double-quick time the space is accessible and I leave no mess behind” explains Oliver Williams, Access4Lofts Halesowen.

For extra peace of mind, Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been assessed

by Which? and passed their stringent checks.

For added confidence, they also have full public liability insurance, are DBS checked, and all work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee.

To find out how Access4Lofts can create more space for you and your family or to book a free survey and quote visit www.access4lofts.co.uk/halesowen or call 0121 314 1250. You can also find them on Facebook.

0121 314 1250 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Convenient and Hassle-free Gas Safety Certificates If you’re a landlord, or working on behalf of one, it may be that dreaded time of the year to renew your Gas Safety Certificate.

This is effectively a safety check for the property’s gas system, including pipework, gas meter and all gas appliances - legal paperwork that is imperative to ensure that your property is fit for habitation.

Their hassle-free service caters to your needs to ensure you’re never having to go out of your way.

• Landlord Certificate and two appliances (boiler and hob): £51.

This may include dealing with your agent or even directly with the tenants themselves, so you don’t need to be hopping between the two. We are happy to contact tenants directly and arrange a convenient time with them to undertake the check.

Once this is done, a Landlord Certificate will be emailed to you on the same day, along with your invoice. Or, if you prefer it to be posted, then we’re flexible to do just that!

• Landlord Certificate and three appliances (boiler, hob and fire): £57.

W

Our rates are very competitive, and will depend on the number of appliances at the property.

hile this process can be challenging and time consuming, Gas First are here to take the burden off your shoulders, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.

• Landlord Certificate and one appliance (for example, boiler): £45.

It is particularly important to stress that these safety checks are an equivalent to an MOT for your car - they are just checks! If any appliances do need servicing then we’re very happy to add this on for an additional price.

If you would like to book your easy and convenient Landlords Gas Safety Check, be sure to get in touch!

Give Martin a call on: 07783 461716. Or, you can email your details to: enquiries@gasfirst.net.

£50 Gas First are based in Kingswinford and specialise in boiler servicing. Gas First are registered with Gas Safe (formerly CORGI).

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Grab a moment’s peace and remember those you have lost makes it difficult to take time out and have a moment of peace.

Life suddenly feels a lot busier, six months ago we were desperately trying to fill our days, now we’re visiting friends, spending time with family members, visiting restaurants and falling in love with new parts of the UK. Whilst many of us are enjoying this new, busy lifestyle, it

On Sunday 19th September from 11am, Compton Care is encouraging everyone to join them to take part in their Memory Walk. The fivekilometre walk, in the beautiful grounds of Chilington Hall, allows individuals and families to spend time remembering loved ones that they’ve lost in a stunning and tranquil setting. There will be a selection of light refreshments available on the day, including an ‘Afternoon Tea in a Box’ from Crumbles, Compton’s new coffee shop. Those taking part will be encouraged to decorate special

memory tags with photographs of their loved one, which will be displayed along the route. Attendees can also select a song in memory of the person that they have lost, which will be played during the event.

Prices to take part are £12 for an individual or £40 for a family (two adults and up to four children under 18). You can also ask people to sponsor you taking part in the event, anyone who raises £100 before 31st August will received their very own Memory Walk t-shirt.

To sign up, please visit: www.comptoncare.org.uk call: 0300 323 0250 or email: fundraising@comptoncare.org.uk If you’re unable to join us that day, then there are plenty of other ways you can support us, whether that’s taking part in a challenge event or purchasing one of our beautiful rainbow suncatchers. You can find out so much more on our website www.comptoncare.org.uk

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Love the summer We all want our homes to be clean and welcoming and ready to receive friends and family once more. So, I look around my home and I see floors looking lacklustre and the sun’s rays showing smears on windows and DUST everywhere! Where do I start?

I am so glad to be part of a great team of talented housekeepers who are always willing to pass on their tips and advice – my mucky floors, dusty surfaces and dirty windows will soon be history!

Our experienced teams at Bright & Beautiful are looking forward to hearing from you whether you require regular housekeeping services weekly or fortnightly, or a one-off clean for that special occasion. Our team of professional cleaners at Bright & Beautiful in Stourbridge and surrounding areas

it’s really starting to happen!

provide home cleaning, ironing, and laundry services. We’ll keep your home immaculate and your wardrobe full, saving you time from cleaning, washing and ironing.

Time that you could spend with your friends or family enjoying the beginning of summer in the garden or getting out and about following your interests and hobbies.

We offer our customers great value and the peace of mind that our dedicated team of housekeepers can be trusted to come into your home without you needing to be there, to get on with the cleaning.

You can relax knowing that all Bright & Beautiful housekeepers have been DBS checked, as well as undergoing a thorough training programme in Bright & Beautiful’s trusted methods and procedures to ensure your home is serviced to a consistently high standard.

We’re an eco-friendly cleaning company, using only the best environmentally friendly products that are chemical-free, eliminating risk to children, pets, your furniture and the environment of course!

Let’s have a summer of ‘housework-free’ days with the help and support of Bright & Beautiful Stourbridge. Just call for a no-obligation consultation.

Call Lindy on: 01384 888056 or email: lindy.thompson@brightandbeautifulhome.com

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Has your garden become your haven…

or maybe you would like to make it one?

The uncertainty of the last 12 months has made everyone appreciate their outdoor space a whole lot more, whether it’s tending to pots in a pretty courtyard or the huge task of cultivating a large lawn. Perhaps your garden is a project in hand and on your ‘to do’ list for this summer… a staycation is always an option these days !

Whether you are in need of a complete renovation or simply want to update what you already have, there are plenty of options available down at your local builders merchants.

Creating an outdoor space you look forward to using and most

importantly, a garden that works for you all year round, can be a challenge. With an endless list of possibilities, it can be hard knowing where to start.

Sometimes it can be almost impossible to imagine your ideal space, when you have a blank canvas in front of you.

With this in mind, it’s a great idea to pay a visit to a local landscaping centre, where you can see all the products on display. Carvers Building Supplies have a huge landscaping display, showcasing a large selection of products, so you can get a clear idea of how they would look in your own garden.

From natural stone paving, block paving, garden walling, fencing, edging, decking, decorative stone and accessories, along with many other feature products.

Whether you’re creating a space to wine, dine and entertain in the summer (covid permitting!) or you’re undertaking a landscaping project (big or small), you’ll find everything you need to make your outdoor project a success.

Carvers have landscaping experts on hand to advise right through the decision-making process, offering ideas (and advice) to help you make up your mind.

Carvers are open to trade and retail customers, Monday to Friday 7.00am – 4.30pm and from 7.30am on Saturdays.

They also have extensive retail, bathroom and cooker centre showrooms, along with Café 1896, should you wish to stop for a coffee break!

For more information contact Carvers on: 01902 577000 or log on to: www.carvers.co.uk 58

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Create your perfect space

new range of sheds & garden furniture

now available

Make improvements to your outdoor space with our landscaping range.

Browse our displays and find all the inspiration you need!

pick up a copy of our guide in store!

Open to Trade & Retail customers Littles Lane, Wolverhampton WV1 1JY Tel: 01902 577000 www.carvers.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Summer Gardening

W

ith the sunny days of July and August on their way, there’s nothing better than adding some extra colour to the garden.

There’s still time to plant larger pots of Geraniums, Fuchsias, Cosmos and Dahlias to fill in any gaps in borders.

Water to get established and feed on a weekly basis. Dead head regularly and you’ll have colour through to the first autumn frosts, which hopefully will be late starting.

Hanging baskets are still available and will continue to flower right through to the autumn with some care and attention – water daily, feed weekly and remove finished flowers regularly to encourage plants to produce more flowers.

Keep sowing or planting salad crops such as lettuce, spinach, spring onions and radish in the veg patch to get a continuous harvest. Use very fine netting to cover cabbages, cauliflowers, carrots and other particularly susceptible vegetables against flies, pigeons and butterflies. Harvest peas and runner beans regularly whilst they are young and tender,

Tips are provided

by Ann Winwood, Lealans Garden Centre, Wolverhampton

freeze any spares for home grown vegetables during the winter months. Keep beans and peas moist and spray over the foliage to encourage pods to set.

There’s plenty of choice in the herbaceous sections at the moment as well as the ever popular Lupins – especially the newer West Country Range, there’s the Salvias, with a whole host of new varieties available, Delphiniums and the butterfly loving Verbena bonanariensis and the ever popular perennial Geraniums.

Hosta’s are good for a shady spot with their coloured foliage, watch out for the slugs though, especially if the ground is damp.

Now is a good time to add new plants to your pond. There’s a good selection of marginal and deep-water plants available. Keep marginals on a ledge at the edges of the pool and not too deep – Iris, Caltha, Primulas and Bulrushes are all good examples. For the middle/deeper parts of the pool water lilies are good and can give good protection for any fish you have in the pool. Most plants come ready planted in aquatic pots so just need placing into the pool. Don’t forget marginals need not be planted in the pool – if you have a damp, boggy area plants like Iris, Primulas and Lobelias will all grow happily.

For new potatoes in October, or at Christmas, plant seed potatoes in tubs in July and August.

Growth will finish in October, leave the tubers in their pots until required for cooking. Remember they’ll need frost protection once the winter frosts appear in November and December.

To complete another gardening cycle or start a new one depending on how you look at it, the spring flowering bulbs will be appearing in Garden Centres from the end of August! If you want Hyacinths in flower for Christmas, they must be planted and put into a dark cool place in September. Most varieties require an 8-10-week cool period followed by 2-3 weeks of warmer conditions to bring them into flower. Use a compost specifically for bulbs as it will contain charcoal to keep the soil sweet.

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Bridgnorth Road, Shipley, Pattingham, Wolverhampton WV6 7EZ Tel 01902 700209

OPEN DAILY

Huge range of indoor and outdoor plants always in stock

Wide selection of Herbaceous, Shrubs and Trees ready now Order online - new products being added regularly:

w w w.lealansgardencentre.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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By Pippa Greenwood

Smart Gardening I

f you want more time to enjoy your garden, there’s plenty you can do to reduce the maintenance work.

Soil Condition Get your soil in good condition before planting, by digging in bulky organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure or leaf mould. This improves soil fertility and moisture retention.

Mulch flower beds and borders, and vegetable and fruit areas too.

This hugely reduces the time you need to spend watering, weeding and generally titivating your plants. Make sure the soil is moist before you apply the mulch, to help it retain moisture during dry conditions.

Remove big or deep-rooted weeds such as dandelions before you mulch; once in place the mulch will help prevent smaller and annual weeds from appearing.

Big Containers Containers make for a lot more work than flowerbeds, as plants in a container are totally dependent on you for food and water. Grow as much as you can in the

soil and choose pots and planters that are as big as possible and incorporate controlled-release fertiliser and moisture-retaining granules at planting time.

Grow lots of bulbs; they are great labour-saving plants, as once planted they reappear every year with little need for care. In the current warmer climate even those plants like dahlias, gladioli and tulips – which traditionally were lifted and replanted each year – often seem able to withstand the winter without this effort.

Perennials Grow lots of relatively short herbaceous perennials i.e. plants that reappear every spring and die back late in the season, as they are more low-effort than annuals, which need planting and removing every year.

Varieties that are relatively short and sturdy are less likely to flop and should not require support.

If plants do need staking or supporting, the quickest, easiest way to do this is to drive a few 45-60cm twiggy sticks, taken when you’ve had to cut back shrubs or trees, into the soil around the base of the plant. Twiggy sticks are unobtrusive and attractive enough to be left in place all year round, with no need for you to keep replacing them.

Shrubs Shrubs are great plants, as once established they need little effort and often provide colour and interest for more than one season. If you want to minimise your input even further, go for shrubs such as Chaenomeles, rhododendrons and azaleas, deciduous cotoneasters and Magnolia stellate, which need little, if any, pruning.

Grow ground cover plants – either herbaceous perennials or low-growing shrubby plants. These don’t need a lot of maintenance and will soon cover bare soil, meaning less weeding will be needed. Dense groundcover reduces evaporation from the soil and so also makes for less watering time. Plants such as Cistus x hybridus, lavenders and rosemaries work well on a dry site. Other good choices include hypericum, Euonymus fortune and Cotoneaster dammeri.

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Give your garden some TLC

Michelle’s Garden Care With summer in full swing, now is the time to get your garden ready for outdoor entertaining and relaxation, with the help of Michelle’s Garden Care.

Well experienced in garden transformations and experts in hedge trimming, shrub shaping and plant pruning, the team take care of gardens of all sizes and have earned a loyal client-base across Halesowen, Hagley, Stourbridge, Pedmore and surrounding areas.

As Michelle explains: “We are really proud of the excellent service that we offer our customers and we take great pride in our work.

When you choose us, you’re buying an independent local garden service that you can count on.”

Highly experienced, fully qualified and insured, the team work 12 months of the year to make their client’s gardens look amazing.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Utilising their in-depth knowledge, the gardening experts at Michelle’s Garden Care provide seasonal lawn treatment plans which promote green, healthy lawn growth, alongside regular lawn mowing.

And, the company also tackle overgrown hedges, shrubs and topiary.

Hedges and shrubs are growing fast at this time of year. Although rejuvenation pruning and hard reductions usually take place

over autumn, now is the time to carry out light to medium trims, to tidy up the appearance and stop them encroaching over lawns and pathways.

Whatever the job, the team use the best equipment and work hard to ensure a fantastic result for every client.

“We get great satisfaction in garden renovations – transforming neglected outdoor areas into welcoming spaces”, adds Michelle.

Although it’s all too easy to neglect your garden, with a little help from Michelle’s Garden Care you can give them a new lease of life. So, why not contact the team today?

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

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PARKFIELD GRANGE Now Open and Welcoming New Residents!

Parkfield Grange – Cinnamon Luxury Care is proud to present the latest jewel in their crown – Parkfield Grange, conveniently situated in the delightful town of Stourbridge on the Hagley Road.

Parkfield Grange features 68 beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms together with 6 one-bedroom care suites each with a spacious lounge and compact kitchenette which are perfect for couples or for singles looking for extra space and independence.

The compassionate team is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of everyone in their care giving families and friends complete peace of mind and reassurance that their loved ones are in the very safest

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hands. The care home offers exemplary residential and dementia care as well as the opportunity for short stays.

The residents of Parkfield Grange are certain to find something they love to do as the dedicated activities team is keen to create new and inventive ways to keep everyone engaged in lifeenriching pastimes. There is plenty to keep our residents amused from enjoying a relaxing cup of tea and a good book in one of the comfortable lounges, to taking part in an exercise class adapted for their abilities, watching classic films in the cinema room, painting or crafting in the activities studio or being pampered in the hair and beauty salon.

Many of the shared spaces open directly onto a terraced garden area as the home

has been cleverly designed to take advantage of the sloped landscape. Everyone is looking forward to a warm and sunny summertime so that they can appreciate the grassy lawns and shady terraces but Parkfield Grange also has its own transport, meaning that residents can enjoy getting out and about on regular scheduled outings.

The talented team of chefs at Parkfield Grange is passionate about creating exciting, varied menus using only the best fresh seasonal produce. After consulting with residents to discover their preferences and dietary requirements, they ensure that every meal served is both nutritionally balanced and utterly delicious to tickle the tastebuds of even the most discerning appetite. There is always a delicious home bake to tempt you in the café!

This sensational purpose-built care home is NOW OPEN and so if you would like to find out more about Parkfield Grange call Jenny town & village life magazine | july/august 2021 on 01384 465837 or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/parkfi eld

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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woodland holidays in the uK Whether you’re looking for a secluded escape or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, reconnect with Mother Nature with a visit to one of the UK’s most enchanting forests.

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Photo courtesy of CC BY 2.0, Fallow Deer, Kumweni

Dean’s history stretches back to medieval times, when it was used as a royal hunting forest. Today, a landscape of woodlands, rivers, hills and valleys make it an adventurer’s playground. Recharge your batteries from a remote forest cabin before taking a high ropes course in the treetops or exploring the underground mine workings of Clearwell Caves.

The area is also home to one of the best rivers in the country for canoeing and kayaking – the River Wye. Paddle down the river solo or join a relaxing boat cruise, learning about the landscape as you go.

If there’s one thing the UK has no shortage of, it’s unspoilt woodland. Our forests are brimming with beauty and wildlife, making them perfect for nature watching, walking and mountain biking – or for just finding some peace and quiet.

With so much of our country carpeted in thick woodland, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to go. To get your imagination ticking, here are just three of the UK’s most impressive forests – and what to do while you’re there.

Spend a long weekend in a thatched cottage, gaze up at giant sequoias, cycle through quaint villages, and meet the native ponies. Families flock to the ‘Peppa Pig’ themed Paultons Park, while Longdown Activity Farm and the New Forest Wildlife Park are a popular spot for animal lovers.

The New Forest is also conveniently close to the UK’s glorious south coast. Watch the boats come and go from the harbour town of Lymington, or walk along the beach to Hurst Castle from Milford-on-Sea.

The New Forest, Hampshire

The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

With historical roots reaching as far back as 1079, the New Forest is far from new. Once a royal hunting preserve, it’s now one of the UK’s most visited national parks, spanning 140 miles of woodland, heathland and river valleys.

Step inside JRR Tolkien and JK Rowling’s magical worlds with a trip to Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean. Its mysterious depths supposedly inspired Middle Earth, and key scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows were also filmed here.

Photo courtesy of CC BY 2.0, New Forest Pony, Victor Ochieng,

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire It’s hard to ignore Robin Hood when you’re in Sherwood Forest, with countless pubs, lodges and even a festival named after him. But the forest is much more than an ancient stomping ground for its most famous hero.

Many visit to see the gigantic oak trees, namely The Major Oak, which is believed to be 1,100 years old and the biggest in Britain! Explore the hundreds of acres of ancient woodland here on foot or by bike, ticking off the Robin Hood statues along the way. Its history as a royal hunting forest means it’s also dotted with grand ducal estates, many of which are open to the public.

You could even time your visit around the annual Robin Hood festival, held in the forest every summer. Storytelling, sword fighting, dancing, and food, drink and craft stalls come together to create a fun atmosphere for all ages.

Photo courtesy of CC BY 2.0, Royal Oak, John W. Schulze

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THE PERFECT COUNTRY HAVEN AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE...

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay in the Black Country then you’ll be delighted to find New Wood Farm. Located in Stourton - just outside of Wollaston – New Wood Farm boasts two beautifully renovated self-catering cottages that lie in a tranquil and picturesque countryside setting that’s within easy reach of Stourbridge, Kingswinford and Kinver.

The converted farm buildings have been designed to offer guests a cosy ‘home from home’ and have been lovingly restored by owners Linda and Mick Thornton, who were keen to retain their original character whilst creating a stylish and modern interior.

Welcoming visitors from all over the world, the couple have long been ensuring that their guests enjoy a wonderful stay.

As Linda explains: “We have been hosting the barn for over 20 years and have had guests stay with us from as far away as Australia and America, as well as from all over the UK. We also have a lot of local people stay with us too.” Holiday makers, business people, those visiting relatives and local people needing a place to stay in between a house move, renovation works or even to recuperate after surgery - have all enjoyed what New Wood has to offer.

“There are plenty of different reasons why guests choose to stay with us at New Wood but we hope that the reason they return time and time again is

because of the enjoyable stay they’ve had.”

The Barn sleeps four people and has two bathrooms and The Stable provides accommodation for two. “The Barn and The Stable both benefit from a wood burning stove,comfy leather sofas and a large TV.” There’s also parking available for up to three cars and free WIFI. “Our gates open onto a bridle path that leads down to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal, with no passing traffic which is great for walkers and cyclists.”

Linda and Mick have worked hard to pay attention to those little details that make all the difference; there are flower boxes and planters outside the cottages, as well as a very unique addition in The Barn.

“We’ve got a Wurlitzer juke box containing many vinyl records from the 1960’s and 1970’s in The Barn that many of our guests love,” adds Linda.

With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that guests at New Wood Farm can’t wait to book their next stay.

For bookings or enquiries please call 01384 390520 or email: enquiries@blackcountrystays.com New Wood Farm, Hyperion Road, Stourton, Nr Stourbridge, DY7 6SJ

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FP NEW Wood Farm Wolves mag May.indd 1

www.blackcountrystays.com

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A family business, established in 1983, Halfpenny Green Wine Estate has 30 acres of vines managed

by Martin, which produce award-winning wines, crafted by his son Clive. The acclaimed shop, restaurant, deli and tea room are run by Clive’s wife, Lisa, and offer a great day out for visitors.

AWARD-WINNING ENGLISH WINES

SHOP, DELI, WINE LOFT & BALCONY

WINE & GIN TASTINGS BALCONY AREA

Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffs, DY7 5EP visit our website www.halfpennygreen.co.uk call 01384 22 11 22

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Quinoa & Feta Burgers With Tomato Relish

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Makes: 6 burgers A vegetarian burger packed with flavour and topped with a simple tomato relish.

Ingredients 80g / scant ½ cup quinoa 2 tsp bouillon vegetable stock powder or a vegetable stock 2 tbsp olive oil ½ red onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tsp ground cumin 1 x 400g can kidney beans drained 115g / 4oz feta cheese, crumbled 1 tbsp parsley, chopped 1 tbsp mint, chopped 2 tbsp cornflour Salt and pepper

Tomato Relish 4 tomatoes, quartered 1 red onion, quartered 1 tbsp olive oil ½ small chipotle chilli, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes 1 tbsp fresh coriander 2 tsp xylitol 2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Method Add the quinoa to 250ml water with the bouillon powder or stock cube and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes until cooked. Keep the lid on and let the quinoa sit in the pan for another 10 minutes. Place in a bowl.

For the relish, preheat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/ gas mark 4 and place the tomatoes and onion on a baking tray. Drizzle over the oil and cook in the oven for 15 minutes until soft. Place in a food processor with the remaining ingredients and pulse to form a thick and chunky puree. Allow to cool.

Heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil in frying pan. Add the onion, garlic and cumin. Cook, stirring for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the beans, feta and cooked quinoa. Stir in the herbs and cornflour and mash with potato masher to break up the beans. When cool enough to handle, divide into 6 portions and shape into burgers.

Heat the remaining olive oil in large frying pan on a medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook until browned or each side, about 5-6 minutes.

To serve, place the burgers into burger buns and arrange over the toppings of your choice.

Calories per burger with relish (no bun): 215kcal, protein 8.5g, carbohydrates 24g (of which sugars 6.2g), fat 9.7g (of which saturates 3.4g) 74

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Join our Compton Lottery community! patients. Our lottery raises over £900,000 every year, funding the equivalent of over 3500 homecare visits in the local community. But we can’t do it without you.

If you won £1500, what would you spend it on? Would it be a holiday, a wardrobe refresh or home improvements? If you became a member of our Compton Lottery community then you might just find yourself £1500 richer! For just £1 a week, you could be in with the chance of winning the top prize of £1500, and with an additional 150 cash prizes to be won every week, there’s never been a better time to sign up!

By becoming a member, you are contributing to the exceptional services and support that we provide for people living with complex and incurable conditions across Wolverhampton, the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire. Our patients benefit, and you could too!

Your small change makes such a big difference to the lives of our

You’ll be given a unique number which you’ll keep for as long

as you’re a member – what will your lucky number be?

Don’t forget that weekly lottery tickets are now available too.

These are available from all Compton Care shops and up to ten tickets can be purchased at any one time, providing plenty of chances to win big.

Draws take place every Friday. To sign up via direct debit to play every week, simply visit www.comptoncare.org.uk/support-us/our-lottery/ or call 0300 323 0250.

You must be 18 or over to play. Please gamble responsibly.

IN

UP TO

VE

Registered Charity Number: 512387

K

E

RY WE

E

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£1500

WE LOTTE EKLY RY TIC KETS are no w avail able in all Com pton retail sh Care ops

Join our Compton Lottery community!

For just £1 per play, you could be in with the chance of winning one of 150 guaranteed prizes every week. Your small change will make a big difference!

To sign up, please visit:

comptoncare.org.uk/ support-us/our-lottery

or call:

0300 323 0250

18+ YOU MUST BE OVER 18 TO PLAY

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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The Willows

s m a e r D e s i m o r P g n i t r o Supp

Promise Dreams is a national registered children’s charity. They are dedicated to making dreams come true for seriously and terminally ill children and their families, across the UK.

Willows Dental WOMBOURNE

Whether the child would like some time away from hospital appointments and treatment for a family holiday, specialist equipment to ensure the best possible levels of care are maintained at home, or even the chance to meet their favourite celebrity while they still can, Promise Dreams is committed to helping. That is why here at Willows Dental and implant centre, we love supporting local charities such as Promise Dreams and helping any way we can.

Promise Dreams receive applications on a weekly basis, a couple of dreams made possible last month were: Noah aged 10 who has cerebral palsy and global development delay, he is Wheelchair dependant, Hoisted, can’t sit unaided, stand or feed himself, communicate verbally, needs 24/7 care. His dream is to have a specially adapted wet room downstairs, Promise Dreams are delighted to be able to fund towards this.

Bradley who is 6 has PMLD, Cerebral Palsy, Autistic, impaired Vision, he is unable to live independently, needs 24/7 care, and wheelchair-bound, his dream was to have sensory garden equipment and we are pleased to say, his dream will now be a reality for the summer.

Elsie who is 7, has SMA type 1. She is Wheelchair dependant, Hoisted, can’t sit unaided, and again needs 24/7 care. Her dream is to have a Wheelchair Accessible ramp and doors, not a dream perhaps to you and I but will make a massive difference to the family. Promise Dreams were delighted to provide funding towards this.

If you wish to support Promise Dreams please contact them on 01902 212451 or take a look at their website for more information: www.promisedreams.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Wollaston Beauty Clinic BRINGING YOU THE NEXT GENERATION IN LIGHT THERAPY TREATMENTS

The Wollaston villagebased salon has launched a groundbreaking treatment.

Celluma is unique and quite unlike any other low-level light therapy device available today. Based on NASA research, Celluma delivers blue, red and near-infrared light energy simultaneously to safely treat a wide variety of conditions.

Each wavelength is absorbed by different molecules that act as a signalling mechanism for different cellular processes. For example, some reduce inflammation and some kill bacteria, while others enhance localised circulation.

This powerful device delivers light therapy which will increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, decrease wrinkles, decrease inflammation, improve skin tone, texture and clarity, ease muscle and joint pain, stiffness, spasm and arthritis and kill acne bacteria.

What’s more, unlike other similar devices available, Celluma is flexible and curves to the shape of your body allowing the light to be as close as possible to the area being treated. In turn this delivers the best possible results and deepest light penetration every time.

Book your “Celluma Light Journey” now for £320 (worth £410) And you will get a course of ten, thirty minute Celluma light treatments, a FREE Espa Mini Glow Facial at the end of your course and a gorgeous “Espa Positivity” white Vegan Leather Bag to take home when you pay and book for your Light Journey containing:

THE VERSATILITY OF CELLUMA IS ENDLESS Experience pain relief from penetrating LED light, deep into the affected area. Celluma can treat almost any part of the body and improve your health not just your skin.

#shoplocal

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#shopsmall

· Positivity Bath & Shower Gel · Positivity Bath & Body oil · Optimal Skin Pro Cleanser · Optimal Skin Pro Moisturiser

POSITIVITY GIFT BAG Choose any area you want to be treated whether it’s simply 10 facials or 10 back or shoulder treatments, it’s up to you. Best results are delivered when 2 to 3 thirty minute treatments per week are performed.

#supportyourvillage

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Cell Light uma Journ ey

Save £90

d e r i p s n I s l a i Fac Light By

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Wollaston Beauty Clinic where relaxing & pampering is essential

153 Bridgnorth Road Wollaston DY8 3NU 01384 393305

www.wollastonbeautyclinic.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. Offer not available to purchase with voucher payment or beauty point redemption

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk and must be paid in full at time of booking. Light Journey available until 31st August 2021 or while stocks last.

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Extended eye examinations Latest cutting edge eye scanning technology Latest covid-19 safe guidelines followed New designer collections and special offers

39 Bridgnorth Road, Compton WV6 8AF: T 01902 750325 34 Windmill Bank, Wombourne WV5 9JD: T 01902 895909 w taylorbiddleopticians.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Rudells T&D Ad 245x168 Diamonds.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2020 12:21 Page 1

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97 Darlington Street, Wolverhampton WV1 4HB. Tel: (01902) 423308 / 427199 89 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NR. Tel: (0121) 427 1904 www.rudells.com

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CLINIC EXPANSION BUILT ON ESTABLISHED HEARING CARE SUCCESS Established hearing care business, Hear in Hagley was set up in 2019 with a clear mission to provide lifestyle based hearing care for people who wanted to take back control of their hearing. This flagship clinic has proven more successful than ever imagined with five star client reviews and lots of word of mouth referrals.

Our team has expanded to allow new clinics with our existing service offering and we continue to offer a completely safe and friendly environment for our clients for hearing tests and ear wax removal in all locations. The success of the Hagley clinic and the exceptional client care implemented every day will be replicated across all of new clinics in the area. This will ensure that the success of Hear in Hagley spreads throughout the region and improves more lives through better hearing care, than ever before.

Hear in Hagley continues to go from strength to strength but we now showcase our new clinics - Hear in Wombourne and our Rubery day centre.

“FAMILY RUN, INDEPENDENT HEARING EXPERTISE BUILT ON CLIENT FEEDBACK AND EXCEPTIONAL CARE” As a family run and completely independent business, we are delighted that the highly qualified daughter of Jo, our Director, has decided to join the team. Sophie comes from a long standing background in both audiology

Our clinic address in Hagley is: ‘Hear in Hagley’, 125 Worcester Road, Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 ONW Hagley Clinic: 01562 884400 Email: hagley@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk

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and audiological training and is the perfect fit for the Hagley, Wombourne and Rubery clients. Sophie will manage the brand new Wombourne branch and ensure that the care and service levels established in our Hagley clinic are continued and upheld throughout all service offerings.

You can read more about our clinics and our team on our website here www.lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk or please feel free to book your FREE hearing test online.

We also offer ear wax removal and hearing protection so take a look around and see how we can help you hear better for your lifestyle.

We have everything you need and more!

For all of our ear wax removal and hearing tests we use the latest, state of the art equipment in light and airy clinics where your safety is of paramount importance.

To find out if your hearing loss is just wax or to get your FREE hearing test, contact Cath or Diane at our Hagley branch on 01562 884400 or contact Sophie or Wendy at our Wombourne branch, details of which can be found at our website.

Book in to see us by phoning, emailing or booking online at: www.lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk Our clinic address in Wombourne is: ‘Hear in Wombourne’ The Corner House, High St, Wombourne, WV5 9DN Wombourne Clinic: 01562 884400 Email: wombourne@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

BETTER HEARING MADE SIMPLE

BETTER HEARING MADE SIMPLE

OPEN FOR YOU WITH FULL SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE

HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL TEAM FULLY COVID SAFE FAMILY RUN CLINICS LIGHT AND AIRY CLINIC WITH PRIVATE PARKING EAR WAX REMOVAL WITH LATEST CLINICAL EQUIPMENT FREE HEARING TESTS LATEST HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY 60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE UP TO 5 YEAR WARRANTY FREE SERVICING AND AFTERCARE 5* PATIENT REVIEWS

START OR CONTINUE YOUR HEARING JOURNEY WITH US CALL OUR CLINICS TODAY HEAR IN HAGLEY Call us: 01562 884400 hagley@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk 125 Worcester Road, Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 ONW

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

HEAR IN WOMBOURNE Call us: 01902 302266 wombourne@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk The Corner House, High St, Wombourne, West Midlands. WV5 9DN

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Clubs of Kinver and Bewdley A Cookley woman who has worked tirelessly for many years for a village charity in Uganda has won one of the most prestigious awards presented nationally by the Rotary organisation in Great Britain and Ireland.

Kate on a recent visit to Uganda with one of the school children who has benefitted from her works.

Kate Oakley, founder of the charity Planting for Hope Uganda, has been supported by the Rotary clubs in Kinver and Bewdley who were so impressed over a number of years by her dedication to her work in Kititi village that they nominated her for the RGBI Community Champions Award.

The award, given for outstanding work in the community at home and abroad recognises Kate’s tireless drive to empower the community of Kititi by giving them hope through a self-supporting and sustainable future. The Club has supported her work in projects such as providing clean water for this bush village; the current project is a dormitory for 50 orphaned and vulnerable girls at the Cornerstone School in Kititi, providing safe accommodation and free education and health care.

Kate was presented with her award at the 2021 Virtual Awards evening on Wednesday 30th June 2021.

To find out more about Planting For Hope Uganda see their Facebook page: Planting for Hope Uganda Group | Facebook

Love your legs VARICOSE VEINS are a source of discomfort and can also significantly affect your selfesteem. Having these assessed and treated could be easier than you think.

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• High quality varicose and thread vein treatments • Minimally invasive local anaesthetic techniques • Walk-in, walk out procedures • Quick recovery • Insured and self paying patients

Please call: 01902 793216 info@simonhobbsveins.co.uk www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road | Tettenhall | Wolverhampton | WV6 8LE

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Revolutionary Spinal Programme Solves Chronic Back and Neck Pain

Optispine’s specialised programme offers effective non-surgical treatment to patients suffering from a wide Patient - Talash Chopra range of conditions, including herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, degenerative discs, spinal stenosis and more.

to find relief through a long-term solution that really works.

A Wombourne-based physiotherapy clinic has reported some remarkable results from patients who have completed its revolutionary Spinal Decompression Programme, with some even cancelling planned operations.

Mother and School Business Manager, Talash Chopra, had her world turned upside down when she sustained a major disc prolapse. She went from a normal life – working, enjoying family life and exercising in her spare time – to being unable to stand or sit for more than a minute or two.

Physiotherapist Davinder Chatha, who heads up the clinic, said: “The main culprit of back and neck pain is compression of the spine and, until now, this has been near enough impossible to treat.”

Talash could only find relief by lying down and needed to take strong painkillers, which weren’t particularly effective. Eventually, there was only one option left; her doctor recommended spinal surgery, but it was a step she was reluctant to take.

O

ptispine’s 7-step approach, which combines the latest in technology and therapy, has changed the lives of many of its patients suffering with chronic back and neck pain, helping them

“I’m now seeing these patients in my clinic a lot less frequently as they’ve found a solution to their health issues and, best of all, improved their quality of life.”

Talash confirmed: “I couldn’t walk or stand up straight and was in constant pain but, after my course of decompression therapy, I am now back at work, able to drive and can continue with day-today activities. I’m also off the painkillers and, more importantly, I no longer need an operation.”

Decompression Therapy Machine

“After specialising in spinal therapy for over 15 years, this is by far the most effective treatment for a range of painful and debilitating spinal conditions, and it has even exceeded my expectations.”

To book a consultation, please call 01902 898256.

Spinal Decompression Programme A revolutionary spinal programme combining the latest in technology and therapy for effective non-surgical treatment of: ● Herniated discs ● Pinched nerves ● Sciatica ● Degenerative discs ● Spinal stenosis ● Post-surgical pain ● And more

“

1

Steps to a Healthy Spine

LASER THERAPY

1

2 SPINAL MOBILISER

2

3 REHABILITATION EXERCISES

3

4 DECOMPRESSION THERAPY

4

5

“After 8 sessions, I feel fantastic – barely any pain, can walk again, feel really good.” Mohammed

MAGNET THERAPY

“I thought I wasn’t going to get any better due to my age and my arthritis but, after treatment, I’m feeling a great deal better, younger and happier.” John

”

Optispine Limited, Foley House, Heath Mill Road, Wombourne, Wolverhampton WV5 8AP T: 01902 898256 E: info@optispine.co.uk www.optispine.co.uk

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6 CRYOTHERAPY

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7 SPINAL HEALTH DIET

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Chronic Back and Neck Pain Solved

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PAYCARE IN THE COMMUNITY

July/August 2021

PartnershiP With a Worthy goal School children in Ghana are set to benefit from a partnership between two UK organisations.

Paycare, a not-forprofit Health Cash Plan and Wellbeing training provider, has teamed up with the netball Development trust to fund a programme of netball and sexual health education to benefit hundreds of pupils. the trust already has established projects in Kenya and Uganda, and a team first visited ghana in 2019 – they are now looking to introduce netball to children there who would otherwise have no access to sports facilities, opportunities, kit and equipment. training will also be provided to leaders and teachers to enable ongoing work once the programme has finished, with support from Akwaaba Volunteers – an organisation which helps deliver projects aimed at improving prospects for children and families. sally Bromley, Paycare’s Partnerships engagement Officer, explained sponsorship from Paycare would be used to enable a specialist sexual health nurse and a community nurse to deliver

a 12-week programme to 20 schools based in and around ghana’s capital city accra.

Focusing on pupils aged 11 to 16, the programme will cover netball practice once a week and lessons on puberty, safe sex, gender-based violence, and the use of social media around sexual health. the nurses and akwaaba will also support the schools’ teachers to be able to continue this vital work after the programme finishes to ensure a lasting legacy. as well as the programme, the netball Development trust and akwaaba will provide a year’s health insurance for almost 500 of the most deprived youngsters who have not previously had any insurance – meaning they cannot access any healthcare. sally said: “We are absolutely thrilled and proud that Paycare is involved in and helping to fund this amazing work in Ghana. I was privileged to travel with Julie and Monica from the Trust, along with another eight incredible women, to Ghana in 2019 and work alongside them to start developing netball in the local schools.

“I know first-hand how vital this programme will be for the children, teachers and schools involved.”

Julie smith, the trust’s head of Development, added: “We’re so excited to see this new project starting up in Ghana, to help our children learn about their sexual health alongside having fun playing netball.

“Paycare’s support means the world to us, and we’re delighted that their values truly align with ours.”

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SHARING RESOURCES TO SUPPORT health anD haPPiness infographics which managers can download to support them with promoting their Health Cash Plan to their employees. We take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing so the topics are wide-ranging from optical and dental care to mental health support.

“MyPeople is updated regularly in liaison with our companies with information they can share with their team to improve wellbeing, as well as reflecting what’s topical in health and wellbeing news at that time. Our marketing team love creating the resources, and I love sharing them!

Paycare is committed to sharing valuable resources with their Policyholders and the wider community.

One of their fantastic Corporate Account Managers, Stephen Burton-Pye, marked Mental Health Awareness Week this year by posting daily wellbeing resources on his linkedin page to support his connections. he also sent copies of the resources and helpline links to those engaging with the initiative. stephen, who looks after more than 300 companies signed up to their Health Cash Plans as part of his role, said: “Like everyone at Paycare, I am incredibly passionate about supporting organisations and employees – as well as individuals – with mental health.

“Paycare provides an exclusive login area called MyPeople which is full of posters, guides and

“Our companies sharing these resources in prominent locations around their workplace is really beneficial because it normalises conversations around mental health in the workplace, and can prompt someone who is perhaps struggling with their wellbeing to access support.

“Some people don’t know where to turn if they need that support, and that’s why at Paycare we make sure to create and share blogs, infographics, posters and other types of resources alongside the mental health training we offer and our Employee Assistance Programme.

“We are here solely to make others healthier and happier, so what better way to demonstrate this than by sharing these resources online too, to give even more people the chance to benefit from the tips and support they provide. There are so many people talking about Mental Health Awareness Week on LinkedIn, and it’s been great to be able to share the resources with some of them.”

MONTHLY E-CLINICS sUPPort WellBeing a new resource which has been available throughout the pandemic – and has been so successful it will be continuing long-term – is the Paycare Wellbeing monthly e-clinic. the free webinars, which each last just an hour, are based on different themes every time and are led

by Paycare’s Wellbeing Manager Kerry B Mitchell. as well as sharing her expert knowledge on all things mental health, Kerry is often joined by a guest speaker with an in-depth insight into the topic at hand. so far, themes have included workplace wellbeing, aligning body and mind, nutrition and hydration, suicide, taking time out from technology, and coping with grief.

Kerry said: “The e-clinics have been incredibly well attended and it’s been great to see people coming together to learn more about wellbeing, and find out about the latest research into a specific topic.

“I’m very grateful to the guest speakers who have joined us so far, as they’ve really added value to the e-clinics and been a fantastic support to the attendees.” attendees don’t have to be signed up to a Paycare Health Cash Plan or part of an organisation which has a Policy to join – they can simply go online to www.paycare.org/mhfa. and use their email address to register their free place.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PAYCARE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.PAYCARE.ORG OR CALL 01902 371 000 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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By Kate Duggan

CAMPING WITH KIDS T op tips to making sleeping under the stars a whole lot more enjoyable…

A DECENT NIGHT’S SLEEP

If, like me, you have the navigation skills of Nemo’s best friend Dory, you may find yourself getting lost occasionally. A telescopic flag pole and windsock is a useful marker, particularly if you’re planning to give the kids a bit more freedom.

If you’re only planning to camp occasionally, air beds are usually fine. However, they do tend to deflate somewhat overnight and don’t exactly have the longest lifespan. While camping beds are more expensive, they can work out far better value in the long run. And you’re likely to get a much better night’s sleep.

TO WEE OR NOT TO WEE

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

FLY THE FLAG

No one enjoys a 3am trek to the loo, so a portable toilet is your friend. A potty is fine for younger children, but you’ll need something a bit more substantial for older kids (and adults). If you have room, a bucket style loo is ideal.

Otherwise, try a collapsible toilet.

We recently bought the Bivvy Loo, which folds down small, supports up to 23 stone and comes with biodegradable bags and powder to transform liquid to gel.

Even the hottest British summer’s day can turn cool at night. Closefitting PJs (or leggings and a T-shirt) will help to keep the warmth in.

Make sure you pack plenty of layers.

You’ll appreciate a fleecy jumper when you’re huddled up sheltering from the rain. Speaking of rain, it can be difficult to get dry in a tent, so waterproofs are a good idea.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

A camping stove is essential for anything longer than a weekend break, even if you’re planning to mainly barbecue or eat out.

Stick to easy-to-cook meals, from breakfast fry-ups to fajitas. Don’t have an electric hook up? A cool box with ice blocks makes a useful fridge. You’ll need to refreeze the blocks each day, which you can usually do in the site shop.

My kids love ‘camping cereal’ (aka mini variety packs). Pour the milk directly into the cereal bag.

No bowl = less washing up.

Ideally, start collecting condiment sachets a few weeks before your holiday, so you have plenty of ketchup, mayonnaise, vinegar etc. to see you through.

And what camping trip would be complete without toasting marshmallows?

LET THERE BE LIGHT You’ll need headtorches to find your way around after dark.

A rechargeable camping lantern is also useful for evenings (and those 3am toilet breaks).

And a string of solar fairy lights around your door will help you to identify your tent at night. (They also look rather pretty.)

Other essentials worth packing include: • • • • • • • •

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Washing line – string it between your tent and a tree to dry swimming costumes on Baby wipes – handy no matter how old the kids are Dustpan and brush Doormat First aid kit Extra-thick thermal socks (Heat Holders are ideal) Gaffer tape for tackling leaks Travel games, a ball and a frisbee

town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 7-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18

A community like no other

Award winning caterers

Book a

School tour with us Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 1pm

Securing places at the most prestigious universities including Oxford and Cambridge

Every child gets the opportunity to represent the School in drama, sport and music

Pass rate at A Level

High quality teaching

To book your school tour with our Admissions team, please complete our online form: www.wgs.org.uk/schooltour Alternatively, for more information about joining our School, please contact Julie Roberts, Admissions Assistant telephone: 01902 422939 or email: admissions@wgs-sch.net www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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A LEADING DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, AGED 2 - 18

Girls of Tettenhall College Up Their Game Internationally

The sportswomen of Tettenhall College have taken lockdown’s sporting challenges head on and shown that true determination can transpire into great things by becoming international champions.

For most, sporting activities have been on pause over the past 12 months, from barren football pitches to vacant gymnasiums, resulting in many of us being confined to our homes, with the only green space being a garden.

International Gymnast, Gabriella W (Year 10), National Cricketer, Davina P (Year 9) and National Cheerleading Champion, Scarlett W (Year 9), have maintained strict training regimes and faced challenging practise environments, emerging as even more esteemed and celebrated Sportswomen.

With gymnasiums having to close their doors through the pandemic, fervent gymnasts have faced true

motivational challenges, with no apparatus or gym space to practise.

Gabriella, from Wednesfield, made it her mission to use this unique period to hone her core skills and form through daily zoom sessions, resulting in her fitness and sporting condition being at a record high. Gabriella is now en-route to being selected for the Commonwealth Games, 2022.

Time away from the pitch did not stop Davina, who maintained her striking and fielding skills, alongside her teammates, through weekly online competitions in addition to completing strength and conditioning programmes. Davina who is also from Wednesfield, has been selected by Central Sparks Academy, an elite pathway programme that is part of the England pathway and Davina has hopes to be selected by the England cricket team. Aside her sporting endeavours, Davina has been somewhat of a media figure through the African-Caribbean Engagement programme (A.C.E),

which is a strategic programme designed to support diverse talent from the grassroots to the elite in cricket and encourage a better talent identification within Black communities.

Having been selected for Team England prior to Lockdown 1.0, Scarlett, who lives in Bridgnorth, has continued to attend seven virtual classes a week alongside numerous strength and conditioning sessions. Competitions have recently concentrated on individual skills and Scarlett won a national ‘turning’ competition via her submission entry online. She continues to upload weekly videos of her choreography to team England and is looking forward to travelling internationally with the squad once restrictions lift.

“Witnessing the girls’ success (amidst a pandemic) has been incredibly heartening to see. Their passion and drive for each of their sporting passions is astounding and I could not be prouder,” concluded Mrs Causebrook, Head of Girls’ Sport.

To find out more about Tettenhall College, visit their website:

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A leading day & boarding school for boys and girls, aged 2 - 18

A school with real

Award Winning

33 Acre Site

Top Class Boarding

A level Pass Rate

Global Connections

BOOK YOUR PERSONAL TOUR TODAY Pre-Prep Preparatory Senior Sixth Form Contact admissions@tettcoll.co.uk to book your visit 01902 751 119 www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk

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Award-winning education is closer than you think the school with excellent exam results and the confidence to embrace whatever opportunities come their way in their young adult lives.

Your child will never feel alone at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Assistant Head in charge of Pastoral Care, Claudine Jones, leads a team of staff to support and work with families. Support includes a dedicated, expert pastoral team, school counsellor and annual adolescent mental health tracking using the latest digital tools.

W

olverhampton Grammar School is an extraordinary school. Founded in 1512, it’s one of the oldest schools in the country, within easy access of the wider West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire thanks to flexible school bus links.

The independent day school has expanded its provision to incorporate Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 from September 2021. This wonderful news means that Wolverhampton Grammar School will now become a fully all-through school, providing the opportunity for children of all school ages (4-18) to join a truly unique community and experience its award-winning approach to education. Meanstested bursaries and scholarships are available for exceptional and deserving applicants.

If you’ve never visited the stunning 25-acre campus, you can register at any time for an open event or personal tour. Simply visit www. wgs.org.uk/openday to register for events that are taking place across the Summer term.

First priority is the happiness of your child

Children at Wolverhampton Grammar School receive pastoral care like nowhere else – that’s because happy children do well, thrive, and leave

Academic excellence

The staff are totally committed to providing the best teaching and learning experience for your child – something that has continued unabated in lockdown, thanks to high expertise in online delivery. Wolverhampton Grammar School offers a very wide range of subjects, from sciences to humanities, creative arts to languages.

The timetable is built around the academic choices that the students make. They grow up to be confident, curious and independentminded, and their academic achievements speak for themselves. Despite the pressures of the pandemic, 2020 was no exception with stellar results at GCSE and A Level. Including a 100% pass rate at A Level and a full house of Cambridge Technical Distinction grades. Sixth Form students achieved the highest number of A*- A grades for over 10 years, with 56% of entries receiving nothing but the top two grades.

The School offers a tailored and individual approach to UCAS and Careers support and students can expect the very best preparation possible when it comes to life after school. The Class of 2020 have gone on to study at Cambridge, Oxford and a wide range of prestigious universities.

Interested to learn more?

Simply visit the website to register for an open event or to book an individual school tour, www.wgs.org.uk/openday, alternatively please contact the Admissions team at Wolverhampton Grammar School telephone 01902 422939 email admissions@wgs-sch.net.

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Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 7-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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This is the history of the

Land Rover Discovery

The Discovery has been a core part of Land Rover’s line-up for decades.

Incorporating premium touches and a comfortable interior while retaining the off-road prowess expected from a Land Rover model, it’s little wonder why it has proved so popular over the years.

To address this, Land Rover introduced the Discovery. First revealed at the 1989 Paris Motor Show, the Discovery initially arrived as a three-door model but was quickly offered with a five-door option too. It was facelifted in 1994 while at the same time a strippedback Commercial version was launched.

The most recent Discovery model represents the greatest evolution of the nameplate yet, but to see how it got there it’s worth looking at how things have changed over time. Let’s take a look at the history of the Land Rover Discovery.

1998: The three-door version gets dropped

1989: The Discovery arrives The late ‘80s proved to be a time when SUVs started gaining in popularity.

Though Land Rover already had some offerings in this segment with both the Defender and Range Rover, the firm didn’t have an option between them.

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Though the Discovery had been on sale for close to a decade, the second-generation arrived looking more like a mid-life refresh.

However, with a comprehensively new chassis and a five-door-only layout, it represented quite the change from the earlier version.

This new model had a greater focus on practicality, which was why the interior was made more spacious than before. Again, Land Rover introduced a facelifted version later on in 2002. town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

2004: A whole new look

2014: Discovery becomes a sub-brand

The arrival of the Discovery 3 really got the motoring industry talking. Though it was still square and boxy, the look of it represented a radical departure from earlier models, while every single component was new.

The start of the 2010s represented a turning point for SUVs. Gaining in popularity, off-roaders and four-wheel-drive were being snapped up thick and fast, while all manner of manufacturers were producing their own high-riding options.

Incorporating a wheelbase that ran close to three metres long, it offered plenty of space for seven people yet was packed with high-end features. Land Rover also fitted it with its most advanced terrain response system to date, which meant that despite the increase in quality the Discovery was no less capable off-road.

2009: Slicker than ever The fourth Discovery hit the road in 2009 but, in truth, was more of a facelifted ‘3’.

The looks remained largely unchanged, though the headlights were more modern in their design while the grille was more complex. Yet these subtle updates ensured the Discovery continued to look fresh.

Land Rover made some big changes to the powertrains available with the Discovery, while a range of special editions was launched. One highlight was the XXV, which was released to celebrate the car’s 25th anniversary in 2014.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

During this time Land Rover decided to scrap its Freelander, replacing it with the Discovery Sport – a more compact 4x4 that used the Discovery name to capture some of the premium appeal of the larger model.

2016: The fifth generation arrives Land Rover revealed its striking fifthgeneration Discovery at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, unveiling a car that was substantially different to the car it replaced.

Sales kicked off from the start of 2017.

The interior made another shift upmarket, while a range of Jaguar Land Rover’s latest Ingenium engines provided more than enough performance. The level of technology on offer was considerably improved, yet the Discovery’s off-road abilities were retained, thanks to even more complex terrain assistance systems.

Today, the 2021 Discovery update has brought electrified powertrains to the seven-seater, in the form of mild-hybrid petrols and diesels.

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Charity Golf Day Ready to Tee Off Again attendance, with a shotgun start at 1pm. Standard team entry is £325, with corporate team entry including hole sponsorship priced at £425.

Alternatively, companies can choose to sponsor a specific element of the event, with prices starting at £100.

Compton Care is once again holding their annual Golf Day on Wednesday 15th September, after being forced to cancel last year’s event due to the pandemic.

Taking place at South Staffordshire Golf Club, the fundraiser is aimed at local businesses and includes an 18-hole course together with a two-course meal and entertainment. The day is being sponsored by European Mezzanine Systems Ltd who have supported the event since 2016.

the ideal opportunity for colleagues to get together and have some fun as a team, while also helping a fantastic local cause.”

As players make their way around the course, they will be faced with multiple competition holes including ‘Beat the Pro’. It is hoped that over 80 people will be in

Mathew Oliver, Managing Director at European Mezzanine Systems Ltd, said: “As a business born in Wolverhampton we are immensely proud and humbled by the fantastic work of Compton Care.

Their support for patients, families and their loved ones is nothing less than incredible, and we are very pleased to be able to support this event yet again.”

Natalie Wood, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, said: “The Golf Day always proves to be a lively event which raises significant funds for Compton, so we’re delighted that it is making a return for 2021. After a year of virtual meetings, it’s For more information and to register, please visit: www.comptoncare.org.uk/support-us/fundraiseforus/events/golf-day/ Or alternatively call 0300 323 0250. Compton Care is also holding multiple community fundraising events this summer. Please visit the website for further details.

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town & village life magazine | july/august 2021

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Landscaping Supplies Carvers

59

52

Lighting Lighting R Us

33

23 27

Loft Ladders / loft Boarding Access 4 Lofts

53

Community Lottery Compton Care

75

Opticians Taylor Biddle

85

Painters & Decorators Dave Russon Patrick Bellew

32 27

Physiotherapy / Hydrotherapy Optispine

99

Restaurants Halfpenny Green Wine Estate

71

Airport, Transfers & Executive Travel Image Luxury Travel 69

Events Compton Memory Walk

55

Awnings Castle Blinds

Fencing & Gates Profence Fireplaces & Stoves Flaming Fires Wolverhampton Fireplaces

43

Bathrooms Roman Bathrooms

18/19

Beauty Salons & Wellbeing D-Vine Heaven Skin Care Wollaston Beauty

91 86/87 82/83

Fish & Chip Shops The Blue Submarine

Beds & Bedroom Furniture Dreamland Woodrobes

28/29 20/21

Funeral Directors Hickton Family Funeral Directors

43 46/47

Furniture & Furnishings Cousins Pargeters

Blinds – Curtains – Shutters Castle Blinds Total Sewing Boiler Service & Installations Gas First

54

Fitness & Leisure Centres South Staffs Leisure

Galleries & Gift Shops Stourbridge Galleries

Building & Maintenance Contractors 8/9 Three Pines

Garden Buildings The Green Room

Care Homes Parkfield Grange The Woodlands

Gardening & Landscaping Lealans Garden Centre Mr Garden Michelle’s Gardening Services

65 12/13

Carpentry & Construction Winterdene Carpentry & Construction

49

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Zero Dry time

Haberdashery / Alterations Total Sewing

52

Hairdressers Royston Blythe

Carpets/Flooring – Supply & Fit ND Walters

37

Cleaning Services – Domestic Bright & Beautiful

56

Dentistry Willows Education Tettenhall College Wolverhampton Grammar Estate Agents Berriman Eaton

2/3 107 105/109 10/11

Health Care Cover Paycare

96/97 57 16/17 45 5 115 61 62 63

Self-Catering Cottages New Wood Farm

46/47 80/81

Tiles & Interiors Tile Choice

102/103 95

Jewellers Rudells The Jewellers

90/116

Kitchens - Supply, Design & Fit 24/25 Aristocraft 31 Dayrooms 18/19 Roman Bathrooms

Word Search:

Security Systems Inspire Protection Solutions

Solicitors MFG Solicitors

Hearing & Ear Care Hear In Hagley

Puzzle Answers Quick Crossword:

72/73

50/51 68 101 7

Vein Clinics Simon Hobbs

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Vineyard & Craft Centre Halfpenny Green Wine Estate

71

Windows, Doors & Conservatories 35 De Rosa Installations 23 Hayley Windows 39 Wolverhampton Glass

Sudoku: Hidden phrase: Sports is human life in microcosm.

Howard Cosell

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Quality Bespoke Garden Rooms We work with our clients to design and build their perfect bespoke garden room - tailored to their requirements and desired uses.

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