Town & Village Life Magazine - March / April 2019

TOWN & VILLAGE LIFE Magazine Local Magazine delivered to 16,000 Selected Homes and Businesses*

Great Prizes to win!

■■ Tickets to see

Club Tropicana The Musical at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

■■ Premier Enclosure Tickets

at Wolverhampton Racecourse

■■ Family pass for

West Midland Safari & Leisure Park

■■ A Mother’s Day

March/April 2019

pamper package with Wollaston Beauty Clinic

March/ April 2019

Delivered to areas of: Belbroughton, Hagley, West Hagley, Stourbridge, Lawnswood, Pedmore, Wall Heath, Norton, Oldswinford, Wollaston, Amblecote, Wordsley, Kinver, Kingswinford, Bobbington, Heathton, Stourton, Enville, Swindon, Himley and Sedgley

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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From the EDITOR Spring is head and shoulders above summer and I’ll tell you why. It’s all about promise and anticipation. Days grow longer, temperatures rise.

Then the magic happens: seeds germinate, leaves sprout and then someone starts a lawnmower.

Another reason to be joyful is that it’s TVL’s 7th birthday – so we’re in celebratory mood and giving you the chance to win four competitions.

If that’s not enough to put a smile on your face then our feature on Stourbridge’s number one aesthetics clinic, Symétrie will. Let’s face it, there’s a lot that can be done these days when it comes to faces: we’ve even got you covered if it’s a full-on face-lift you’re after – surgical or non surgical.

Deborah Mitchell’s Heaven at Harvey Nichols in Birmingham’s Mailbox and what to wear this season from Aristocats and Classy Rags. And if staying put and doing up your home is for you then there’s plenty here too – inside and outside the home.

But don’t let the droning from your neighbour’s Black & Decker distract you from an important diary date: British Summer Time begins on 31st March (and it’s Mother’s Day too).

The coming months may not be as unseasonably warm as February was but here’s a forecast about Health, Beauty and Fashion you can count on. We’ve got the scoop on

See you in May...

CONTENTS MARCH / APRIL Edition 12/13 Home Interiors: A new hue for your home 22 The importance of a good night’s sleep 28 Wombourne Choir 30 Recipe of the month 36 Crosswords & Puzzles 40 Stourbridge RFC 46 Grand Theatre competition 58 Gardening with Ann Winwood 70 West Midland Safari & Leisure Park competition 76/77 The Sweet Taste of Success for Halfpenny Green Wine Estate 78 Wolverhampton Racecourse competition 84/85 Bridal Fashion Show 92/93 Beautiful hair for your big day – Royston Blythe 104/105 Women’s Fashion: A stylish spring 108 Wollaston Beauty Clinic competition 122-125 Social Scene 126/127 I-Pace explodes all EV myths at Lancaster Jaguar Wolverhampton 129 Index to advertisers 129 Answers to crosswords & puzzles Town & Village Life Magazine Ltd 1 Lytham Rd, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY Tel: 01902 744217 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk 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.

Total distribution 16,000 copies bi-monthly

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And, as ever, please remember to keep in touch. If you have any local charity events/social events/ stories you’d like to share with our readers please email us at info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Geoff

12-13 70

84-85

122-125 Congratulations to:

Winner of the Grand Theatre competition to see Girl On The Train

Colleen Jones, Amblecote

GET PAID TO EXERCISE

Distributors required for Wall Heath, Kingswinford and Wordsley areas.

Please call Mike or Irene on 01952 261267 (if we are unavailable please leave a message)

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 | march/april 2019

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Three Pines are delighted to announce that this project at Bishop Percy’s House was entered into the Shropshire Design and Conservation Awards and has been awarded a commendation for the category Restoration and Repair of a Listed Building.

www.three-pines.co.uk

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Three Pines Building Co. Limited, Cullwick Court, Cullwick Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV1 2UR

Phone: 01902 499 919 Email: info@three-pines.co.uk

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

domestic contracts commercial contracts Public contracts

There's no subsTiTuTe for qualiTy Whether you require refurbishment, extensions or new build, Three Pines are building contractors in Wolverhampton, who have the skills and expertise to handle your project from planning through to completion.

new build

The building company has over 50 years of experience in construction, covering commercial and domestic development, with many of the carpenters and bricklayers having been employed by the company for over 20 years.

The company is well established as being outstanding in its refurbishment and maintenance contracts and is considerate of the care and understanding needed when working on projects in both domestic and commercial sectors.

offering services To a diverse range of clienTs ThroughouT The uK

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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ORtON HOUSE, SHOWEll lANE, lOWER PENN, WOlVERHAmPtON An elegant Grade II listed Georgian residence standing in grounds of just over 4 acres in a delightful semi-rural location.

Fully modernised and improved to a high standard over recent years. Hall, 22ft 3 drawing room, dining room, 20ft 6 dining kitchen, fabulous 28ft 9 family room with mezzanine sitting room / study above, cloakroom, utility, cellars, five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a shower room. Large driveway, double garage and paddock.

OFFERS AROUND ÂŁ845,000 VIEWING: Please contact the Tettenhall Office.

13-15 High Street, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8QS Telephone: (01902) 747744

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www.berrimaneaton.co.uk town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

LongviLLe, Pattingham Road, PeRton Ridge, WoLveRhamPton An outstanding Perton Ridge residence which benefits from superbly proportioned accommodation, an impressive carriage driveway frontage, an elegant facade, an overall plot size of approximately 1.5 acres and glorious and far-reaching views to the rear.

Porch, reception hall, cloakroom, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, conservatory, breakfast kitchen and laundry to the ground floor. To the first floor there are five double bedrooms, bedroom 6 / study, ensuite bathroom and two house bathrooms. Impressive frontage and 3 garages. (EPC: E).

oFFeRS aRoUnd ÂŁ1,450,000 vieWing: Please contact the Tettenhall Office.

13-15 High Street, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8QS Telephone: (01902) 747744

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

www.berrimaneaton.co.uk 09

Feel at Home at

Oriel House

Finding the right residential care home for your loved one isn’t easy.

Although there are plenty of homes offering seemingly everything an elderly relative could need, sometimes it appears that there’s just one thing missing: a homely atmosphere.

And, that’s where Oriel House is different because thanks to a friendly and dedicated team of staff – as well as a welcoming group of residents – everyone who steps through the doors at

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87 Hagley Road, Oldswinford, Stourbridge DY8 1QY 01384 375867 oriel.care@btconnect.com town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

hours a day meaning that residents maintain their independence, dignity and freedom of choice.

The Home has recently opened a brand new four bedroom living space, situated in an adjacent property, Beech House, to cater for those residents that prefer to live in a smaller setting with a distinctive ‘home from home’ feel.

“Beech House has four en-suite rooms, a communal lounge and kitchen as well as wet

the Stourbridge-based care home feels immediately ‘at home’.

Each resident at Oriel enjoys constant care and attention, support and companionship and their every need – as well as their personal tastes – are taken care of.

In fact, many residents enjoy a whole new lease of life when they become part of the Oriel family as they enjoy companionship and a wealth of engaging activities – both in the home and out in the local community.

“We motivate individuals to be as independent and active as possible,” explains owner Pete Saini, who owns two award-winning homes – in Wolverhampton and Tamworth – and took over the running of Oriel in January.

“Our home is run by an experienced team who each share our

values and are passionate about delivering the best care and we all endeavour to provide a happy and homely atmosphere.”

room facilities. The first floor is accessible by passenger lift and the property has an unmistakably homely feel,” adds Pete.

Offering tailored care, Oriel meets the needs of every individual, whether they are visiting for respite care or staying on a long term basis. Whatever the requirements, the appropriate care and support is delivered 24

Beech House is linked to the main home and residents enjoy the same 24 hour care.

At Oriel it’s clear that everything has been designed with the resident in mind and even the menu boasts a varied selection of mouth-watering meals that are sure to appeal to all tastes.

So it’s no wonder that the home has achieved impressive 5 star ratings from local councils and is proud to be rated 9.6 out of 10 on independent website carehome.co.uk.

Whatever your loved one’s needs, let them enjoy the best care in a fine setting and begin a brand new chapter at Oriel House Care Home. Get in touch with the friendly team today.

Oriel House www.orielcare.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Residential Care Home

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A new hue

For your home

It’s so easy to become bored with your home interior style, especially if you haven’t updated it in a while.

So, if you’re looking for an excuse to call in the decorators, then you’ve probably just found it.

Thanks to Spring 2019’s gorgeous new colour palette, there are so many beautiful shades that are ready and waiting to adorn your walls.

Here are the most on-trend hues for your home:

Gorgeous greens Green, in all its variations, is a massive interior trend at the moment and, it’s the perfect choice for any living space.

A serene green shade can create just the right calming mood in your bedroom, whilst a splash of a hunter green hue adds depth and sets a sophisticated tone in your living room.

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Beautiful blues Shades of blue are so versatile that they can be the perfect choice for any room in your home.

Misty blues, moody blues, icy blues? Whatever takes your fancy, you just can’t go wrong when it comes to blue. And, a blue hue is also a great choice for your kitchen island and cabinets.

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Terrific terracotta Want to warm things up a bit? Then an earthy terracotta shade is the right hue for the job. A rich, warm shade of terracotta offers a nature-inspired look and adds a contemporary twist in any home.

It’s a vibrant choice and it’s sure to brightenup even the gloomiest space.

Whatever colour you choose you can rest assured that your home will look amazing this year. Check out our advertisers and see what they have to offer.

Beautiful blush Muted blush shades and rosy neutrals offer a glamorous look and are the perfect alternative to the cooler neutral tones we’ve been used to seeing.

Blush pink hues are a particularly beautiful choice for a bedroom, especially when combined with luxurious furnishings and accessories.

Vibrant coral ‘Living Coral’ was Pantone’s 2019 colour of the year, so it’s not surprising that coral is making an appearance when it comes to home interior trends.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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The Choir

that lights up lives!

It will be eight years this September since the contemporary Got 2 Sing Choir opened its doors and it has been lighting up the lives of hundreds of people across the Midlands, from its members to the public at large, ever since.

Now with 11 choirs (including a Youth Choir for 9-16 year olds in Stourbridge), and a membership that exceeds 800 singers, spanning several counties, Got 2 Sing Choir are set to start rehearsals for their fourth Symphony Hall concert, themed ‘This is Us’ which is scheduled for August 18th 2019.

Beth Dunn, Founder and Director of Got 2 Sing has been overwhelmed by the growth of the choirs, “More and more people are discovering the benefits associated with singing. Faced with the growing pressures of modern day living, the choir offers many health and social benefits, including that much needed escapism sought by so many. Choir offers that ‘feel good’ factor that everyone needs plus it is a wonderful way of making new friends.”

Beth is eager to introduce even more people to the joy of singing and would welcome anyone who wishes to try a free taster, adding, “We teach you by ear so you don’t need to read music and we don’t do scary auditions! We sing wonderful, uplifting songs covering different genres, plus we offer fabulous performance opportunities, choir tours and social events too - there’s never a dull moment!

Anyone joining us over the next month will also have the wonderful opportunity of singing at the Symphony Hall this August, however it is not compulsory!” So if you wish to try your hand, or should we say voice, then why not pop along for a Free Taster – men and women welcomed. The local Wolverhampton choir meets every Tuesday at Blakeley Heath Primary School, Sytch Lane, Wombourne, WV5 0JR, from 7.30 – 9.00pm. Details of other local choirs in Bewdley/Kidderminster and Stourbridge can be found at www.got2sing.co.uk.

If you wish to register your interest in purchasing tickets for Got 2 Sing Choir’s Symphony Hall Concert, August 18th, please e-mail info@got2sing.co.uk. Tickets cost £25 and will be on sale at the end of March.

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

www.ndwalterscarpets.co.uk A FAMILY OWNED AND RUN BUSINESS FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND COUNTING

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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WHAT’S THE SECRET TO THE BEST NIGHTS SLEEP?…

SLEEPING ON AN AWARD WINNING, HANDMADE BED FROM

Currently in store all Millbrook beds and mattresses have 20% off

Exclusively at

Dreamland 16

23 Mill St, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RG 01384 74166 dreamlandbedding.co.uk

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Dreamland Comfort suppliers since 1976

Dreamland has been the home of luxury beds, bed frames and headboards for more than 40 years and over the decades has earned an enviable reputation in the trade.

To walk into the lavish showroom on Mill Street, minutes from the Merry Hill centre is to know that you have arrived at one of the midlands leading bed specialists, who are passionate in matching your unique requirements with your perfect sleep solution. The independent, family run business prides itself on the service and choice of products, it offers to its customers, as owner Mike Brown (Right) explains “We stock an extensive range of beds, mattresses, bedsteads and electric adjustable beds from our Brierley Hill based showroom with everything from single to king and even super king”

6 BENEFITS OF CHANGING YOUR BED

• Reduced Allergy Symptoms • Boosted Immune System • Improved Memory • Better Attention skills • Healthier Weight

How much a bed really costs Every £1000 spent on a new bed costs less than 40p per night over its life www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Pictured above: owner – Mike Brown

The knowledgeable team at Dreamland understand the importance of a good night’s sleep, that is why they’re always keen to help their customers find the right bed for them. A great emphasis is placed upon training at Dreamland and the entire team are able to offer impartial advice to every one of their customers. Many of the staff attend manufacture lead courses, factory visits and trade shows culminating in a deeper understanding of the bed industry.

“Product training is really important so that we can deliver the best possible service. Amalgamating the staff trained to the highest level, largest selection of beds in the area and at the most affordable price possible. This reinforces Dreamlands USP which is – everything right from advice to price.”

Dreamland 23 Mill St, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RG 01384 74166 dreamlandbedding.co.uk 17

High Quality

Bathroom Transformation in Shropshire

“I am very fussy and knew that the company selected would have to be just as particular about every as detail as me,” said Jackie.

Happily for Roman Bathrooms, we were able to meet her expectations and she is delighted with her two new bathrooms.

When Jackie was looking to re-design a house bathroom and ensuite, she wanted a company that could meet her high standards in terms of quality of product and installation.

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Jackie had not changed the two bathrooms since the house was bought and wanted to bring them in line with the rest of the house, as well as make them look more spacious and modern.

Jackie said, “I felt really comfortable when I visited the Roman Bathrooms showroom

and we worked well together as the designs developed. Roman Bathrooms took care of everything, including some complex alterations that were needed to the ceilings.

“The installation team were also great, they understood what I wanted to achieve and listened to any concerns I had as the project progressed.

“Both rooms are quite small but the new sleek designs make the space look much more spacious and lighter now. I would absolutely recommend Roman Bathrooms, especially to anyone as fussy as I am!”

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

R

ROMAN BAT HR OOM S • KIT C HEN S • T IL ES

AWARD WINNING DESIGNS For almost 30 years we have been creating individually designed luxury bathrooms. Our team of tradesmen will carry out your renovation with great attention to detail delivering peace of mind and the outstanding customer service you receive will ensure your complete satisfaction.

To arrange a personal consultation please visit www.romanbathrooms.co.uk

110 - 111 High Street, Blackheath B65 0EG Telephone 0121 561 4374 www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

21 info@romanbathrooms.co.uk • email

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advertisement feature

Benefits of paying into your employer’s auto-

enrolment pension scheme

for people nearing

retirement

I often get asked the question by clients approaching retirement “is it beneficial for me to pay into a pension at my age?” and they then go on to tell me that they have opted out of their employers pension scheme and are paying the money they would have paid into a cash ISA instead.

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The answer to their question is a definite yes because for every £10 that you invest, HMRC will give you tax relief and from April your employer will also have to give you £6.

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Minimum contributions that must be paid which is 5% employee and 3% employer

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Basic rate tax rates apply (for higher rate tax payers the returns are greater)

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Contributions are made for 3 years

For the purposes of this exercise I will ignore any investment returns and assume the following:

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No investment returns as money is invested in cash fund

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At retirement basic rate tax applies

Let me explain why it is financial suicide to not join your employer’s scheme.

Annual Salary of £24,000 for last 3 years before retirement

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

To simplify this, someone earning £2,000 per month would make a gross contribution of £100 which after tax gives a net cost to you of £80.

In addition to this your employer must contribute £60 per month so for a net outlay of £80, you end up with a total monthly contribution of £160.

In addition to the figures shown, for higher rate tax payers, the uplift is considerably better and if your employer is one of the many who make the pension payments through a salary exchange scheme, then again your final fund will be far greater.

If we then multiply this by 36 (3 years’ contributions) you would have a pension fund of £5,760 that has actually cost you £2,880.

Midland Independent Financial Services is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

At retirement you then decide to withdraw the full amount so the following would apply: •

25% of your fund is treated as tax free cash = £1,440

•

The balance of £4,320 is classed as income so tax is payable at 20% = £864 leaving you with £3,456 which means that, when you add this amount back in, your tax free cash ultimately would end up as £4,896

I have yet to come across a risk free investment that in the space of 3 years can turn £2,880 into £4,896 so joining the pension scheme, I hope you agree, is a ‘no brainer’. www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

If you would like more information or need advice on your specific circumstances please feel free to contact the author John Webb of Midland Independent Financial Services Limited on 01543 468877 or john.webb@ midlandifa.co.uk

John Webb

John Webb is a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, the highest accolade designated by that organisation. The Personal Finance Society is the professional body for the Financial Advisory Profession in the United Kingdom, promoting the highest standards of technical knowledge, client service and ethical practice.

Midland Independent Financial Services Ltd, 153 Avon Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1LF. Telephone 01543 468877.

www.midlandifa.co.uk Throughout the year Midland Independent hold investment seminars with industry experts.

If you would like to attend please email: info@midlandifa.co.uk 21

The importance

of a good night’s sleep

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We spend about a third of our lives in bed so if we live until 75 we’ll have been asleep for 25 years! We all know that a good night’s sleep is important but how much sleep do we really need and why do we do it?

sleep we should get because we’re all different. Providing you’re not regularly trying to get through your life on two or three hours a night (unless you’re a new mother in which case you have our sympathy) it’s important not to get too hung up on the quantity of your sleep but instead focus on the quality.

The question of why we sleep is actually quite mysterious. In simple terms it’s a daily extended bout of rest where we lay down with our eyes closed. But there’s more to sleep than meets the eye.

• Comfortable temperature (16-18C)

During this time, our bodies replenish energy stores and make vital repairs, while our minds organise and store the memories from the day before.

The amount of sleep we need depends on our age, sex, health and other factors, and our sleep cycles change as we grow older.

• A large bed - Buy the largest you can accommodate

Most of us know (or think we do) that we should get ‘8 hours sleep a night’ but in fact there is no magic number for how much

• Quiet - you can buy soft earplugs if noise is a problem though some people sleep better with white noise in the background.

The perfect sleep environment • Fresh air circulating but no draughts.

• Dark - try using blackout blinds or an eye mask.

• A quality mattress - try out lots and buy the best you can afford.

• Ban technology - The blue light emitted by screens is hazardous to good quality sleep.

• Routine - A regular bedtime routine is an important cue to help us fall asleep. Think about the bath, book, and bed routine we often establish for our children.

You can use essential oils, a good book and a warm milky drink.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and screen use too close to bedtime, and never go to bed on an argument!

Dreamland, based in Brierley Hill is an independent family-run business and has been the home of luxury beds, bed frames and headboards for more than 40 years and over the decades has earned an enviable reputation in the trade.

The friendly and knowledgeable team understand the importance of a good night’s sleep, that’s why they’re keen to help their customers find the right bed for them.

Why not pop along to Dreamland, 23 Mill Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RG where Mike Brown and his trained team are able to offer impartial advice to make sure you find the perfect bed. www.dreamlandbedding.co.uk.

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Bespoke sofas & Quality re-Upholstery

Manufacturing all manner of sofas, settees, chairs, chaise lounge, occasional chairs, curtains and soft furnishing from our base in Cannock, we at Ralvern upholstery can create any type of design - from ultra-modern to classically traditional.

Using traditional skills we can also strip down your old suite, sofa, occasional chairs and re-create the original design with our superior re-upholstery service.

Call for a BroChUre tel: 01543 505539 or visit ralvern Upholstery, Unit 19, Martindale, hawks Green, CannoCk, staffs ws11 7Xn sales@ralvernupholstery.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk

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Time on his hands Clocks are not just about keeping time, everyday mechanical devices to count out the hours. From the experience of Andrew Matheson of AM Clock Restorations, they usually mean much more than that.

CRAFt And CARe

A graduate of Birmingham City University’s Institute of Art and Design, where he gained a degree in Horology, and with qualifications from the British Horological Institute, Andrew has gone on to work with horologists of national and international renown.

“It’s given me a real grasp of the craft, as well as versatility in dealing with the variety of pieces that come my way. That includes most modern clocks but I’ve worked on some going back to a bygone age, including an item from the 16th century. Indeed, I’m currently working on one from the 1700s. Coming across pieces

from different eras is all part of the fascination I find in my work.”

Andrew specialises in long-case restoration and domestic clocks, including those that chime or strike, emit a melody, or just modestly tell the time. What is common to all is that Andrew ensures the complete integrity of the clock so that any replacements – mainsprings, balance wheels, pivots, or pendulums – are consistent with the make and style of the clock. This is very much part of the bespoke service he offers.

The patience and precision Andrew shows in his craft is certainly matched by the care he takes with his customers. Situated in Kinver, Andrew is more than happy to serve people around the region and beyond. That includes free quotes, 12-month guarantee, callouts, and home delivery service.

If you have a clock that needs repairing or restoring back to its former glory, then look no further than Andrew Matheson of AM Clock Restorations.

After all, you could say he knows what makes them tick.

“Their clock nearly always has some particular significance for the customer. A treasured ornament, a precious antique that’s been in the family for generations, maybe an object that gives their home a familiar rhythmic comfort. That’s why, when a clock slows, stops, or no longer works; there can be something almost poignant about it.

It’s a reason I take such pleasure in restoring clocks back to life again.”

The sense of respect that Andrew has for the time pieces he repairs and restores reflects not just his specialist skills, including a meticulous attention to detail, but an in-depth knowledge of clocks from both a practical and theoretical perspective. As a result, customers can have complete confidence in the personalised approach Andrew takes in resolving whatever fault their clock may have.

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AndRew CAn be ContACted on: 07773 899862 town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Hayley Windows

Design and Installation Limited Discover a window and door system designed to embody both traditional and modern homes. Combining innovate technology with time honoured aesthetics to bring you the only window that gives planners the dimensions and detailing they demand for conservation areas.

WINDOWS & DOORS THE WAY THEY’RE MEANT TO BE TM

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2

Unit 19 Enterprise Trading Estate, Pedmore Road, Brierley Hill DY5 1TX 01384 89 69 89 | www.hayleywindows.co.uk

34 Enville Road, Wall Heath Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 0JT By appointment only

A family established business since 1992.

Large enough to cope – small enough to care.

Wet rooms and luxury bathrooms for the less abled are our speciality.

Call us for a full design and in house fitting service.

01384 400016 www.wallheathbathrooms.co.uk info@wallheathbathrooms.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Pa r g e t e r s New furniture styles for spring If you’re busy updating, improving or redesigning your home interior this spring, you’ll no doubt be keen to find a selection of quality and contemporary furniture to complete the new look.

And, there’s no better place to start your search than with a visit to Pargeters extensive showroom, that’s located in Stourbridge’s High Street.

Displaying modern designs, from leading British brands, over three floors, there are looks to suit every home interior style. And, what’s more there’s an incredible 25% off most leading brands as part of the company’s amazing spring event.

As Miles explains: “We have got lots of fantastic new displays at the showroom, ready for the new season, and we’re delighted to be able to offer our customers a substantial discount.”

A change in direction has taken place over the last five years at the family-run store, which has

seen the business focusing on being an upholstery specialist that no longer sells bedroom furniture, curtains and carpets.

Now instead, there is a brandnew department that specialises in Sherborne lift and rise beds, reclining chairs - which are all exempt from VAT - as well as sofas to match.

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 brands. We pride ourselves on offering the lowest possible prices combined with the highest standard of customer service.”

Indeed, the store is renowned for its exceptional service and that’s why it has remained a firm favourite with locals, ever since its doors first opened over 90 years ago.

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.

“We don’t sell ‘add-ons’ – like finance or insurance, which some companies use to boost their profits,” adds Miles.

The company offers free delivery within a 50 mile radius and will also take your old items away free of charge.

So, whatever you’ve got in mind for your home interior this spring, make it look amazing with the addition of a quality buy from Pargeters.

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

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27

Local choir celebrates its 90th year by per forming the Verdi Requiem This year is very special for Wombourne & District Choral Society as it is 90 years since the choir was formed back in 1929.

As part of the 90th anniversary celebrations, the choir will be performing Verdi Requiem in conjunction with the City of Wolverhampton Choir. Rehearsals are now underway in preparation for the performance which will be with four professional soloists and a 35-piece orchestra.

he did in his operas - to express the powerful emotions engendered by the text. Requiems come in all shapes and sizes. Some, like Fauré’s, are serene, hardly so much as raising their grief-stricken voices. Others, like Mozart’s, are melancholic and rousing by turn, snapshots of the composer’s music at the time, more than any great comment on the theme of mortality and death. Verdi’s, however, fit into a category that’s almost a one-off, with Berlioz’s Requiem possibly the only other major companion work.

It’s in the ‘blockbuster’ category.

Throughout the work, Verdi uses vigorous rhythms, sublime melodies, and dramatic contrasts - much as

The concert will be held on Saturday 13th April at St John’s Church in the Square, Wolverhampton,

commencing at 7.30pm. The choir will be conducted by the Musical Director, Ian Clarke.

Tickets are £15 each with children under 16 free.

Tickets can be bought online at www.wombournechoralsociety.org, calling 01902 744447 or by buying at the door on the night.

Wombourne & District Choral Society is a well-established, mixed choir of some 80 singers, drawn from the local area and has a varied repertoire, mainly full classical works, often performed with soloists and an orchestra.

New singers are always welcome to the choir. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, 7.30 to 9.30pm during term time at Ounsdale High School, Ounsdale Road, Wombourne.

For more information, contact our Membership Secretary, Eileen Brown at eileenbrown31@talktalk.net.

Wolverhampton Fireplaces & stoves ltd

Over 100 Fires, Fireplaces and stOves On display acrOss Our 2 stOrey shOwrOOm in 5 themed rOOms

Free SurveyS • Free Delivery • expert Fitting Service | Open 7 Days a Week, Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm

15 Merridale road, Chapel ash, WolverhaMpton, Wv3 9rX 01902 422111 www.wolverhamptonfireplaces.com 28

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Wooden Luxury

Quality craftsmanship, excellent service Established in 2002, Wooden Luxury has long been transforming the look of their clients homes with quality wooden products.

Establishing an enviable reputation in the trade, the company has become known for quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service.

“We pride ourselves on our expert work, attention to detail and finishing touches,” explains Managing Director, Chris Holland.

Created and installed by the company’s master craftsman, Wooden Luxury joinery is manufactured to fit every kind of shape and size of opening and complies with all new building regulations.

“We work hard to ensure that our work conforms to the period appearance of your building, helping us guarantee customer satisfaction every time.”

The team undertake both residential and commercial work – including pub refits, shop frontages, solid hardwood doors and oak framed buildings.

The company have an impressive client list and work with organisations like the Black Country Museum, Ironbridge Museum and Avoncroft Museum.

“We have plenty of ongoing projects and work with many building companies specialising in historical building work.”

Clients can choose to transform the appearance of their home with the addition of handcrafted windows and quality doors and beautiful bespoke kitchens.

“Our windows are available in hardwood, softwood and oak. We guarantee quality and durability in all of our products.”

If you want to create a garden room or garage at your home, the team can take care of that too.

Chris Holland (MD)

“We install oak frame buildings on properties throughout the area and we always select quality oak.

We create buildings that stand the test of time,” adds Chris.

So, whatever you’ve got planned contact the friendly team today and begin your own bespoke project. You’ll be amazed by the results.

■ Timber casemenT & sash windows ■ oak Framed buildings ■ bespoke enTrance doors

e. sales@woodenluxury.co.uk t. 01746 322301

www.woodenluxury.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

29

RE C I P E Hoisin Glazed Belly pork

Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 4 Hrs Serves: 4 as a starter Ingredients • 800g belly pork rind on, whole • Half a small onion, sliced • 200ml good quality hoisin sauce • Honey • Sea salt Vegetables for the slaw • Carrot, asparagus, red pepper, spring onion, red cabbage, fresh ginger and coriander leaves Method 1. Firstly to slow braise the belly pork. Place in oven proof dish 30

add onion cover with water and a few spices if desired (for example star anise and fennel seeds), tightly cover with foil. Place into oven at 130c for 4 hours, check if done by pushing a table knife through the rind in to the meat. Drain the liquid off and cover with cling film and set until firm in the fridge (ideality overnight).

2. Peel the rind off and save for another dish or if desired place in the oven until crisp and use with the dish.

5. For the vegetable slaw, finely slice the vegetables into strips, chop ginger finely, add coriander leaves, season and just before serving dress with a little olive oil. Drizzle a little of the hoisin sauce from the tray on the plates for presentation and serve your glazed pork for a starter or double up for a main course.

Recipe by

3. Mix hoisin sauce with a good dash of honey add a pinch of salt to balance.

4. Slice the belly pork in to 4 good size pieces cover in hoisin and honey mixture.

Place in a hot oven until nicely glazed, baste with the sauce a few times for the best finish then allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

07446 403111 mark@mark-hadfield.co.uk

www.mark-hadfield.co.uk markhadfieldprivatechef markhadfieldchef

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Specialists in the design and complete installation of fitted kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and office/study furniture

For further details please call 01902 714557 or email kitbedtech1@gmail.com

80 Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, WV3 0TT www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk www.kitchenandbedroomtechnique.co.uk

Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am until 5pm Saturday 10am until 4pm

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

33

Garden

Spring has officially sprung.

It’s the time of year that people start to chill out in the garden, have barbecues and sit out all night in the warm evening. Does this sound like you? It’s living the dream. We like to sit out all night with a glass of wine and talk the night away, have a laugh with friends and have fun.

This is the definition of a great night.

With that in mind, you need the perfect way to see once the night whiles away and darkness starts to fall upon you. No doubt, you’ll also want some comfortable furniture to sit on too. We’ve got all that and parasols. We can supply you with all the furnishings and comforts for a lovely garden evening or party with pals.

Who wouldn’t want that? We know that if you purchase your garden

lights and furniture from us that you and your friends will be pleased.

With lights that look traditional and industrial, to sleek and modern examples to put on the side of your house you’ll be sure to impress.

We have outdoor and garden lighting from big brands such as Dar, Astro, Searchlight, Saxby and Firstlight.

You can also find some beautiful Pacific Lifestyle furniture sets from 3-8 pieces, with chairs, sofas and tables that wouldn’t look out of place outside an expensive bar or restaurant. Modern, beautiful rattan with comfy cushion seating

that can be left out at all times of year and still look great.

Love them and your friends will too. You can even buy a huge day bed for outside, so you can sleep outside in spring and summer during day and night if you wish.

www.lightingrus.co.uk sales@lightingrus.oc.uk 01902 757825

Unit 1a, Walton Works Industrial Estate, Macrome Rd, Aldersley, Wolverhampton, WV6 9HD

Enjoy your spring evening with us!

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

KARNDEAN AND CARPET SHOWROOM MON - FRI 8.00am - 5:00pm SAT 10:00am - 3:00pm

For a free no obligation site survey and measuring service call 01902 745491 Unit 9 Walton Works industrial Estate, Macrome Road, Claregate, Wolverhampton, WV6 9HD

Shop online @ www.premierflooringltd.com

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

35

Crossword Across 1 Judged the value of (8) 6 Exclusive, only (4) 8 Possible danger (6) 9 Clarify, explain (6) 10 Shock ________, car part (8) 13 Delight, joy (4) 14 Paddle-wheel driven river vessel (9) 17 100th of a Euro (4) 18 Awful, terrible (8) 19 Recreational gambling (6) 21 Deep purple-blue (6) 23 Dowels, pins (4) 24 Hotchpotch (8)

Puzzle answers on page 129 Down 2 Threadbare (6) 3 Period of time (3) 4 Decorative cupboard or bureau (9) 5 Faulty (3) 6 Protect, shelter (9) 7 Joined, connected (6) 11 Surpasses, exceeds (9) 12 Burglaries (9) 15 Anaesthetise (6) 16 Yeast, mushroom, mildew (6) 20 Sticky substance, rosin (3) 22 Dike, barrier (3)

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.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Word Search Can you find 27 Commonwealth countries hidden in the grid? Bonus points if you can name the other 19.

Australia Barbados Botswana Cameroon Canada Dominica Fiji Ghana India Jamaica Kenya Malaysia Malta Mauritius 36

Mozambique New Zealand Nigeria Pakistan Rwanda Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore South Africa Sri Lanka Tonga Uganda Zambia town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Brierley Hill Bathrooms

Large Showroom Helpful Staff Free Survey Special help for the disabled & elderly Bath removed & shower cubicle with Anti-slip tray installed together with decorative waterproof wall panelling (no grout lines), shower valve, seat & grab rails

from ÂŁ1,950 inc. VAT Bathrooms fully fitted from ÂŁ3,950 inc. VAT www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

01384 484088 10/11 Garratt Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 1JU

www.brierleyhillbaths.co.uk 37

Give Your HOME Instant Kerb Appeal

Are you looking to transform the front of your house? If so, a resin drive is wellworth considering.

Having long been associated with commercial spaces such as hotels, company headquarters and Premiership football grounds, they’ve also found their place in the domestic sector with homeowners now recognising the value and ‘wow factor’ that comes with a resin driveway. Resin bound surfacing is a porous paving material made from aggregate stones and resin. It combines the best attributes of other surfaces – the appearance of loose gravel, the strength of concrete and the flexibility of tarmac – whilst being more attractive and practical than all three.

Sarah Beeny’s Driveway Advice Sarah Beeny, Channel 4 presenter and property developer, is a big fan of Resin Drives. “Resin is definitely the perfect drive finish,” she says. “It’s so practical – being totally porous it drains brilliantly and doesn’t create puddles. It’s 38

lovely to walk on, has a long-lasting durable finish and is available in an amazing range of colours.”

“It’s a bit like a little black dress. You can dress it up glitzy glam if you want a real Hollywood look, or it can blend perfectly in a rural setting.”

She recommends Resindrives. co.uk for their professional service and high-quality work on her driveway: “They arrived when they said they would, gave us a clear time schedule for the work and were finished early,” she says. “All the fitters were polite and charming and properly cleaned up after themselves.

They did a beautiful job and were complete perfectionists.”

types of properties and projects including; driveways, patios, paths and terraces - making it the ideal surface for driving on or as an outdoor living space, such as a patio, to enjoy with the family or entertain guests.

The Benefits of a Resin Driveway: •

Slip-resistant surface

•

Adds value to your property

•

No planning permission required

•

Suitable for listed buildings, urban or rural properties

•

Completely porous, so no puddles or flooding

It’s Environmentally Friendly

•

Weed-adverse materials

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Excellent traction for driving

Unlike bonded systems, a resin bound surface allows water to drain through just as Mother Nature intended. With natural, un-toxic stone Resin Drives minimises the impact on the environment whilst avoiding puddles at the same time.

•

Strong and durable so it will outlast other driveway options

Make It Unique Resin bound surfacing comes in a choice of over 40 unique colours and is suitable for all

Resin Drive’s surfaces can also be applied for landscaped pathways and stunning, unique patio areas.

Resindrives.co.uk has over 10 years’ experience and has installed over 20,000 drives.

To find out more or get a free quote, call 0800 007 5733 or visit www.resindrives.co.uk.

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Revive your drive with Resin Drives Combine extra parking space with stunning kerb appeal.

Give your outdoor space the ‘wow’ factor with landscaped pathways.

Why Choose Resin?

Create a unique and stylish patio area.

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*Resindrives.co.uk is a trading name of resindrives.co.uk ltd. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN743675) We are a credit broker and not a lender, we offer credit facilities from a panel of lenders. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

39

Stourbridge Rugby Club It is about this time of year that the focus here at Stourton Park has two priorities.

Clearly all rugby activity is paramount as the end of the season approaches and all teams from the 1st XV through to the Greyhounds strive to end up as high in their respective leagues as their weary limbs will allow. The Junior sides look forward to local regional festivals with the Under13’s Festival here on April 7th and the Under 10’s Festival here at the end of April.

The new AGP has attracted two British Police games on Wednesday nights against The British Army on February 27th and the Royal Navy on March 13th, when Dean Richards, the ex- England Number Eight and current Director of Rugby at Newcastle Falcons is the speaker. The North Midlands Cup Final will be hosted here on March 15th and Leicester Academy take on Bristol Academy on April 19th.

Michael Vaughan OBE

Off the field the annual Comedy Night is on Saturday March 16th and tickets are selling fast. But, of course, it is the May weekend that now starts to take up a lot of the time. On Friday May 10th we hold our Annual Corporate Lunch. This year our speakers are Jason Leonard OBE and Michael Vaughan OBE, with Philip Serrell as our auctioneer and we welcome back John Bentley as our Master of Ceremonies. With 114 caps to his name Jason is the most

capped England International, as well as five caps for the British and Irish Lions. He was President of the RFU in 2015. In this World Cup year, we look forward to his predictions and mature guidance to ensure Eddie Jones returns victorious from Japan. It is also Cricket World Cup year and the Ashes start in Edgbaston on August 1st. Who better to listen to than victorious Ashes Captain and cricket commentator and pundit Michael Vaughan?

For those of you looking for a special night out dressed up in your finery look no further than our May Ball on Saturday May 11th. This year our May Ball will feature the highly popular band “Tru Groove”. “Tru Groove” have regularly been the lead band at the “Jam House” in Birmingham so it will be a real chance for gentlemen to treat their wives or girlfriends to a memorable night out.

As always all our club rooms are available for parties and functions. Your contact here is Donna Tromans, our Hospitality Manager on 01384 395000.

Jason Leonard OBE

Robin Edwards

Chairman, Stourbridge Rugby Club

T: 01384 395000 E: rugby@stourbridgerugby.com www.stourbridgerugby.com 40

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

It’s all about living

Specialists in all types of Blinds Vertical - Fabric, Wood and PVC Venetian - Wood & Aluminium Rollers Including Blackout, Awnings & Canopies, Romans, Woodweave, Velux, Conservatory Blinds

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Come and visit our showroom

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10 Pineways, Wordsley, Stourbridge DY8 5JH

41

Registered Charity Number: 512387

42

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Winterdene

Excellence as standard 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 has over 15 years’ experience in administration services.

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.

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.

We use a number of trusted tradesmen on our jobs where needed such as plasterers and

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

07903 703028

enquiries@winterdene.co.uk

www.winterdene.co.uk www.facebook.com/winterdene

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

43

Spring is in the air at

Stourbridge Galleries on Mother’s Day. Add to these the gorgeous fragrant candles from St Eval of Cornwall, elegant fused glass bowls, vases and coasters from Jo Downs and the imaginative selection of affordable giftware from East of India, and you have an irresistible reason for visiting the store.

Looking further ahead to Easter, the Galleries feature the range of soft toys from Jellycat, whose cute and cuddly lambs, chicks and bunnies are always popular.

Spring is just around the corner and Stourbridge Galleries is welcoming many new product launches from its numerous suppliers.

Neither Mother’s Day or Easter would be complete without a beautiful greetings card, and the Galleries has a fine reputation for stocking cards, gift wrap and bags from many publishers including Woodmansterne, Caroline Gardner, Stop the Clock, Belly Button, Art Angels and many more.

The Galleries is looking forward to the arrival of many new pieces

of artwork during the spring season. Just available is the lovely Scent of Bluebells from artist Paul Evans and Rough Fell Tups by James Bartholomew. All work is framed on site, to complement the artwork, and the same service is available to frame your own artwork, including paintings, prints, photographs, needlework, sport shirts and memorabilia...

This fine 19th century house is the home of a truly 21st century shopping experience. Great design, quality and value for money are paramount when selecting the stylish and unusual collections for the store, giving a choice of products not readily available on the High Street.

Expect a warm welcome and something new and different to see each time you visit.

Many creative talents contribute to the exciting mix of design-led gifts, jewellery, greetings cards, artwork and home accessories that you will find when visiting this fine 19th century house. One of these is Sam Wilson, whose new Hedgerow range featuring nesting birds and based on one of her artworks, encapsulates the mood of this time of year. Sam has created a luxury homeware brand, inspired by the British Countryside, featuring the rich flora and fauna of the Cotswolds, where her studio is based. Delicate flowers, nimble hares and happy blackbirds from her original linoprints are adapted and made into cushions, washbags, shopping bags, mugs, jugs, greetings cards, stationery and beautiful archival prints.

The same fresh palette of colours are also strong in the collections of scarves from Hem & Edge and Peace of Mind who, together with Carrie Elspeth and Kit Heath also offer lovely pieces of stylish jewellery, any of which would make a perfect gift for your special Mum 44

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Gift Shop Gallery Picture Framers

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58 Worcester Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1AS Tel: 01384 390170 www.stourbridgegalleries.co.uk

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

45

Grand Theatre COMPETITION We have a pair of tickets* to give away to the opening night of Club Tropicana The Musical on Monday 29 April!

Join Joe McElderry (X Factor winner), Neil McDermott (EastEnders), Kate Robbins (Spitting Image, ITV’s The Imitation Game, Dinnerladies), Emily Tierney (Wicked, The Wizard of Oz); and former Sugababe star Amelle Berrabah at the Club Tropicana Hotel, where the drinks are free and the whole family is invited to join the ultimate holiday musical, celebrating all that we love about the 80s.

Featuring chart-topping hits from ABC, Cyndi Lauper, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, a-ha, Culture Club, Bucks Fizz, Depeche Mode and many more! Will our young lovers decide to go through with the wedding? Will the hotel inspectors (finally) get their way and close the resort, or will the staff save the day?

This is the feel-good musical of the year at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Mon 29 April – Sat 4 May.

For tickets and more information call 01902 42 92 12 or visit grandtheatre.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and send on a postcard with your name, address and telephone number to Town & Village Life Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton WV6 7YY. Alternatively email your answer to info@townandvillageliefmag.co.uk and include your details by Friday 12th April 2019.

Which TV Talent show did Joe McElderry win in 2009?

A. Pop Idol B. The Voice C. Strictly Come Dancing D. X Factor 46

Competition Terms and Conditions Entries to be received no later than Friday 12th April 2019. Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the evening of the performance.

Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash or alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity. *Tickets are for the specified performance only and cannot be given for any other performance or production. Tickets have no monetary value.

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

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47

Wedding Inspiration with

Country Baskets

With over 30,000 products to browse at your leisure, including an unbeatable range of beautiful artificial flowers and a huge selection of affordable glassware and pottery, we are certain you will find something that matches your wedding theme perfectly.

Royal weddings, Colour of the Year announcements and the environment have all contributed to trends expected to feature throughout next year’s events.

Meaning couples will consider more than just colour when committing to a theme for their big day. Weddings are becoming more personalised and are a great insight to the couple’s personalities and sense of fun.

Perhaps you’re looking for something that whispers, subtle and serene. The clean minimalistic décor pairs wonderfully with lush green and pastel pinks to create a romantic and timeless wedding theme. Flower choices are pretty peonies, hydrangeas and roses in a delicate teardrop shaped bouquet. This is inspired by the Royal Weddings of 2018. Foliage is still being used to create loose and

textured bouquets which helps the soft petals pop. Clean lines, metallic accents and transparent touches are key for decorating your wedding venue. Our extensive range of artificial greenery and ribbons of every shape, size, colour and texture will be the perfect partner for this timeless classic. Opting for a classic, simple and refined aesthetic will always be in style.

Do your mood boards scream fun, flamboyant and floral? Bright and bold colours are what we are seeing for 2019. You can incorporate these colours in all aspects of your wedding décor from table settings, candles, linens and florals. The Pantone colour

of the year - Living Coral - sits perfectly in this trend. Using this colour on smaller details like your seating plans or table numbers is a great way to include the shade, without it becoming overwhelming.

Team the bright and playfulness of the flowers with silver décor and intricately detailed vases. This trend is all about celebrating your love for one another in the most fun way. Think balloons and colourful confetti, these create fabulous photo opportunities and are perfect for an outdoor summer wedding.

With 8 stores dotted around the country there is no excuse not to come and explore this Aladdin’s Cave, which sells a huge range of great value products including artificial flowers and greenery, homeware, wedding, glassware, pottery, baskets, craft and seasonal products.

Did you know that we are also online? Our website has a lovely inspirational area, featuring blog posts, craft and floristry projects, in-store floral demonstration dates and all the latest trend information! Visit us at www.countrybaskets.co.uk Follow Us Facebook: /countrybaskets Instagram: @countrybaskets Twitter: @countrybaskets

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Artificial Flowers & Greenery | Floral Supplies | Wedding Home & Garden | Baskets | Craft Supplies | Seasonal & More... www.countrybaskets.co.uk

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Gibbs Road, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 8SY For more information call us on: 01384 896 888

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49

J ac u z z i

®

Visit Worcestershire this spring Jacuzzi® Worcestershire, based at Webbs Garden Centre in Wychbold, has been the perfect place for prospective hot tub buyers for nearly 10 years.

As a global brand, Jacuzzi® carefully selects the locations of its own stores, and it’s never been easier (or more enjoyable) to sample the delights of a hot tub than with Jacuzzi Worcestershire.

The team is made up of Jennifer, Emma and Natalie and together they are on hand to guide you through the premium range of hot tubs that Jacuzzi® has to offer, helping you to select the perfect model for you and your lifestyle. Whether you’re a large and busy family looking to get some quality time together, or a couple looking for the perfect way to relax after a long day at work, Jacuzzi ® has the right tub for you.

As part of your research, Jacuzzi® Worcestershire offers the ‘try before you buy’ experience, meaning all you need to do is make an appointment, bring along your swimsuit and enjoy a private wet test. Nothing compares to fully experiencing a Jacuzzi® hot tub to give you the confidence in your chosen model, or the chance to familiarise yourself with its fantastic features.

Many people still believe that buying a hot tub is an expensive purchase, but with a variety of finance options available, enjoying a hot tub in

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the comfort of your own home has never been so affordable.

Visit the team at Webbs Garden Centre and they will happily talk you through the range of flexible plans on offer. Whether you opt for 0% interest free credit, want to buy now and pay later or prefer to spread the cost over 10 years with deposits from as little as £100, they’ll make sure you choose the right option for you.

As one of the UK’s leading hot tub suppliers, you’ll enjoy first-class service, impeccable aftercare and benefit from the sound hot tub knowledge that the

team at Jacuzzi® Worcestershire possess. If you’re looking for advice on what chemicals to use, instructions on how to replace a filter or just need some help on day-to-day usage, the team are always happy to help.

With Jacuzzi ® Worcestershire, your hot tub purchase will be a fun, stress-free and exciting experience. So what are you waiting for? Take advantage of this premium service by calling 01527 869 378 or better yet, drop by the showroom and have a look at the range of hot tubs on display.

And for a little online research, visit www.jacuzziworcestershire.co.uk 50

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

51

Spring is in the air

Well, rumour has it… spring is on the way and now is the perfect time to start thinking about dusting down the cobwebs and start preparing your home and garden for the forthcoming months.

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

Creating your perfect outdoor space can be incredibly daunting and with an endless list of possibilities, this may well be a task that keeps getting put on the back-burner year after year.

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

With this in mind, pay a visit to the Landscaping Centre at Carvers Building Supplies. They have a wide range of products on display, offering lots of ideas to help you make up your mind, including natural stone paving, block paving, garden walling, fencing, edging, decking, decorative stone and accessories, along with many other feature products including orangeries and conservatories

by Bespoke Windows, who are based on site at Littles Lane.

The Centre benefits from a huge landscaping display at the store entrance, showcasing a large selection of products all incredibly easy to view and laid in situ, so you can get a clear idea of what the products would look like in your own back garden. They also have all manner of accessories including artificial turf and balustrade fencing, along with top soil and compost.

Carvers has landscaping experts on hand to advise right through the decision-making process.

If the inside of your home is your priority this season, Carvers has a fantastic range of bathroom suites – ranging from takeaway bathrooms at budget prices, right through to bathrooms with a complete design and fit service. The team can work wonders to create a bathroom that

not only lives up to your dreams, but also fits in with your budget too.

Tile Choice is on hand with a huge selection of floor and wall tiles to complement any room in your house and Dixons decorating department offer all manner of decorating materials, specialist paints, wallpapers and a full paint mixing service. They are also on hand to offer advice on any decorating problems you may have.

Carvers are open to trade and retail customers and have a huge kitchen, bathroom and cooker centre showroom, along with a very nice café!

Carvers is open Monday to Friday 7.00am – 4.50pm and Saturdays from 7.30am to 4.20pm.

For more information contact Carvers on: 01902 577000 or log on to: www.carvers.co.uk 52

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Creating your perfect space for 2019?

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53

Is your pet scratching

more than usual?

Our pet dermatology expert, Dr John O’Flynn, guides us through some likely causes. usually an underlying problem that needs to be treated. Here are some common causes of skin irritation:

Parasites

Hello, I’m Dr John O’Flynn and I am a Partner here at Blacks Vets in the heart of the Black Country. In this article, I’ll be sharing some insights about pet skin health together with tips and advice that may help you identify the best course of action for your pet’s problem.

I have been a practicing vet for 19 years and over the course of my career, developed a strong interest in pet dermatology. I have held a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Dermatology) since 2014.

This means I have additional expertise in treating pets with skin and ear complaints and regularly see unusual or difficult cases which have been referred from other practices.

Warmer weather sees an increase in the number of parasites, though it is important to guard against infestation all year round.

A common myth is that fleas, mange and ticks only really present themselves in the Summer, but our case load shows otherwise!

Scratching is the most obvious symptom but it is also possible for a pet to have parasites and not scratch at all. For example, fleas in cats can be very difficult to detect because they groom themselves so well that it often takes a professional eye to diagnose the problem.

Once a particular parasite has been identified as the cause of itching, choosing the best treatment is essential. The range of products available is huge and many are the same drug under different brand names which can be confusing. Your vet can help

you choose the right product for their current infestation and to prevent other parasite issues that may pose a risk. Remember that your home may also need treating with a good anti-parasite spray in order to kill eggs and larvae.

If your pet lives exclusively indoors, they can still get parasites. Fleas can travel on shoes and clothing, so treatment with flea prevention medication is still important. If you already use parasite prevention treatment, it’s worth considering a review of your usual product as some may not be as effective as they once were. If unsure, please always ask your vet for advice.

Infections A skin infection is often a secondary cause of irritation but is frequently the first time an owner will notice a problem. If your pet is repeatedly developing skin infections, it is definitely worth seeing your vet to rule out an underlying cause that may be linked to either allergy or parasite infestation.

As we move towards Spring and milder weather, we tend to see a rise in the number of pets suffering with persistent scratching. Whilst scratching is a normal aspect of pet behaviour that occurs all year round, if an itch isn’t resolved by a short scratch, we know that there is 54

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Allergies Allergies are a really common cause of itchy skin in pets, with symptoms presenting in a broad range of ways. As well as repeated scratching your pet may also lick their paws or other areas of the skin until sore patches appear. They may roll around on the floor in an attempt to relieve the uncomfortable sensations or shake their heads if their ears have become irritated. Saliva staining, which is sometimes a rusty brown in color on the paws, can also be a sign that a pet is over-grooming due to irritation.

Allergens can be found both indoors and outdoors with the Spring and Summer months seeing an increase in pollen related allergies and insect bites. Pets can also become allergic to aspects of their environment such as dust mites.

Allergies cannot be cured, but they can usually be managed very well. As a dermatologist, it is my job to develop treatment protocols for complex allergy related conditions. I find that the key to effectively diagnosing and treating allergies is taking a joined-up approach as changing a pet’s food, medication or shampoo in isolation, rarely helps. Our ultimate aim is to help our clients learn to manage their pet’s symptoms to give them the most comfortable life possible.

Top five tips for dealing with itchy skin

Choose a parasite treatment that specifically deals with your pet’s needs.

Mange, fleas and ear mites are very common and your vet will have the best understanding of which product will deal most effectively with the issue.

Save your money by not buying off- the-shelf ear wax treatments, which are usually ineffective.

Excessive ear wax is often a symptom of an underlying condition which may need veterinary treatment.

Look out for signs of repeated over-grooming and licking. This is unlikely to be simply a habit and is usually a sign that something is wrong.

Keep a note of symptoms.

When and how is your pet experiencing symptoms?

What changes (if any) have

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If you suspect that your pet has a skin problem, please do talk to your vet. Consistent itching is painful and distressing to your pet and there is lots of help available to successfully diagnose and treat their condition.

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Severn Valley Window & Door

The aluminium experts Bridgnorth-based company, Severn Valley Window & Door are experts in the fabrication of quality aluminium windows and doors and the installation and maintenance of commercial aluminium, UPVC and steel windows and doors.

Working from their fully-equipped unit, that’s located off Faraday Drive, Bridgnorth the Severn Valley team deliver outstanding results to clients across central England and Wales.

As Kinzie Hawkings, General Manager, explains: “We pride ourselves on providing first-rate customer care and value-for-money for every one of our clients across the public and commercial sectors.”

And, that’s why the company are the first choice for many local authorities and have carried out work for schools, care homes, nurseries and hospitals. They are

also frequently tasked with carrying out work for many police forces too.

“Every project that we undertake is fully managed by us and we deliver on time, on budget and meet the rigorous demands of ISO9001 quality standards.”

Severn Valley is also approved fabricators for Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems and deliver a bespoke service to meet exact requirements for all window and door manufacture, installation and maintenance projects.

And, the company has developed its ground floor treatment suites to meet the demands of its clients: “After a number of requests, we have transformed our ground floor treatment suites into purposemade self-standing weather-proof secure units, which offer numerous advantages over traditional timber or metal structures.”

Although classed as ‘temporary structures’ under planning

regulations, the units are undoubtedly long-lasting thanks to their high quality construction and, if you move house your secure unit can easily be transported to your new address.

Low-maintenance and secure, the units can be used for all manner of purposes: “They can be used for equipment storage, plant room equipment housing, sit-on lawnmower sheds or even a remote office or store.”

In fact, whatever your requirements, there’s a design to suit you: “We can produce any size or design of unit, within product limitations, and we have a design team that’s ready and waiting to talk to you about your needs,” adds Kinzie.

So, to find out how a unit could be just what you need, contact the team today.

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57

Prepare FOR

Tips are provided by Ann Winwood, Lealans Garden Centre, Wolverhampton

the growing season

The weather has been relatively mild so far, but beware of sharp frosts in March and April that will spoil vulnerable plants and soft shoots – have some fleece handy and check the weather forecasts, if we’re likely to get a frost put the fleece over the tops of plants to protect them.

Dead head bulbs particularly daffodils, leaving the green foliage on and top dress with fertiliser, they’ll send the food back to the bulb and you’ll get a better display of flowers next year. Remember to dead head spring flowering bedding plants as well to encourage more

flowers. Snowdrops can be split at this time of year into smaller clumps.

keep on a light sunny windowsill or in a heated greenhouse.

Many of the summer flowering bulbs and tubers can be planted outside as the weather warms up – Lilies and Gladioli. Always plant lily bulbs on their side so that water doesn’t lie in the scales and cause them to rot. Lilies, especially Tree Lilies benefit from being started off in pots and planted outside once growing strongly. They don’t reach their full potential in height for a couple of years but are well worth the wait.

Why not try the newer carpet Lilies which as the name suggests are dwarf growing with a spreading habit. Dahlias can be started off in pots inside, then planted out once the danger of frosts has receded. Begonias should be pressed gently into potting compost, curved side down – never completely covered, water and

Remove any old growth from perennials and divide if required.

Put in stakes, canes and plant supports before they get too tall and flop over. Slugs and snails love young herbaceous shoots, especially in damp conditions.

Use pellets to deter them.

With so much damp weather over the last few months there’s going to be plenty of moss in lawns.

We have in stock MO Bacter which is a slow release organic fertiliser for lawns. This feeds the lawn over a 12-week period and contains bacteria which are naturally found in the soil and which when added to fertiliser will consume material like thatch and moss, making it unnecessary to rake or scarify after treatment.

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Huge range of good quality shrubs, herbaceous, trees, conifers always ready for sale.

We have a stunning range of planted arrangements and pot plants.

Full range of plug plants now in stock

www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

A GARDEN FOR ALL SEASONS

By Andi Way, Garden Designer at Boningale Garden Creations Whilst we often discuss the benefits of hard landscaping, it’s also important to remember the value of natural options in your garden.

Personally, I find that there is something quite inviting about a garden that prominently features natural landscaping - you can curate a rewarding space that continually delivers dynamic sensory experiences.

The beauty of natural landscaping lies in its seasonality. By being creative with features such as wildflower meadows and natural hedging, your garden will showcase dramatically different looks in spring, summer and winter. Your garden’s colour and form will change, and there will be plenty of different textures and scents to enjoy.

The natural approach doesn’t have to restrict your styling options, either – natural landscaping can be worked into both traditional and contemporary styles.

Natural materials such as local stone, gravel and recycled wood can be used to sustain the natural feel throughout different areas of the garden.

There is an abundance of options available, and here at Garden Creations we have specialist design and plant knowledge that can help you to make an informed choice. Our clients are also given the opportunity to have an exclusive tour of the Boningale Nurseries site, where there are thousands of varieties that will help to improve the biodiversity of your garden.

Top Tip: If you don’t want to commit fully to natural landscaping, incorporate natural pockets of planting into your garden design to soften edges and boundaries, or create a ‘secret’ haven for outdoor dining and relaxation.

If you need any further information, or want to seek professional advice from our award-winning garden designers, please visit us at www.boningale-garden-creations.co.uk or call 01902 376500.

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Dudley South

Ladies Luncheon Club At the February meeting Chairman Ann Rogers welcomed 39 members for a 3-course lunch, the A.G.M. and to hear speaker Mr. Terry Church talking about Radio and TV in the 50s and 60s. The AGM gave the Chairman the opportunity to thank the committee for their hard work and members who had said grace, donated flowers and gave a Vote of Thanks.

Ann was delighted that June Weaver had kindly responded to the appeal for extra help on the committee.

Speaker Terry Church was perfect to follow the AGM and had everyone smiling and reminiscing about so many radio programmes that were part of our life when there was just the Home and Live Services one for talking and one for music. Forces Favourites was on for one hour each Sunday followed by Billy Cotton. Workers’ Playtime was broadcast from a different factory each week and Wilfred Pickles had Mabel at the table. Dick Barton Special Agent scared the whole nation and Paul Temple ran for over 30 years. TV was only screened at certain times, wrestling was a firm favourite and snooker was in black and white. The big boost to TV was the coronation in 1953 when people gathered at friends’ houses to watch the spectacle on TVs rented from Radio Rentals.

The national anthem was always played at the close of transmission.

The new speaker programme has been completed and would be issued in March starting on the 8th March with a visit by the Royal Navy Presentation Team and in April, Care of the Eyes by the Beacon Centre.

Meetings are held on the second Friday each month, 12pm for 12.30pm, at The Lodge, Wellington Road, Dudley.

Visitors are most welcome and can attend 3 times before deciding to join. For further information ring the Secretary on 01902 372984 or email albertgriffithsme7@g mail.com

Left to right, Janet Darby, Terry Church (speaker), Lorna Trott.

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Enjoy a wonderful stay at

New Wood Farm 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.

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

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.

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.

“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

For bookings or enquiries please call 01384 390520 or email: enquiries@blackcountrystays.com

New Wood Farm, Hyperion Road, Stourton, Nr Stourbridge, DY7 6SJ www.blackcountrystays.com 62

Newwoodfarm

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

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The Berriman Eaton Team

64

Richard Eaton MNAEA Associate

Melanie Sellman MNAEA Associate

Nick Berriman LLB FNAEA MARLA Director

David Berriman left Walker, Barnett & Hill in 1990 and established his own office in Albrighton with one assistant and with twelve properties to sell.

These pages show how far that original business has grown to become, arguably, the major player in the property market in this area.

hard work that the business has grown and prospered over the twenty eight years it has existed. This is an appropriate moment to pay tribute to all of them and thank them for their individual contributions.

Not everyone can be in the limelight but every cog in the wheel contributes to the end product.

This feature has photographs of everyone now involved and it is thanks to their loyalty, professional ability and

The business moved to Tettehall in 1995. David became a Consultant in 2005 and his younger son, Nick, who joined him in 1998 after completing a Law Degree and some years training in London, then took over the business.

Caroline Eaton had joined David at Walker, Barnett & Hill as a trainee when she was 17 and had made such an instant impression that she was made manager of their Perton Office two years later - thought at the time to be the youngest estate agecny office manager in the country.

Katie Berriman MNAEA Sales Negotiator

Beth Blackwell BA ANAEA Sales Negotiator

Linda Davis LLB MNAEA Sales Progression Manager

Ellie Eaton ANAEA Sales Negotiator

Sarah Edwards MNAEA Sales Negotiator

Dianne Hennessy ANAEA Administrator

Oliver Jones BA Lettings Negotiator

Emily Lewis Sales Negotiator

After W, B & H sold to General Accident in 1987 she stayed on for

Jane McGuire ANAEA Administrator

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Caroline Eaton MNAEA MARLA Director some years and then founded Eaton Estates in 1994. In 2006 the two firms amalgamated to create Berriman Eaton.

The amalgamation worked well, which is not always the case, and the firm has grown over the years with offices in Tettenhall, Bridgnorth and Wombourne, now selling properties of all types and price ranges. In addition the Rental Department has seen rapid growth with over three hundred properties in management and an average of twenty five being let each month. Associate Director, Andy Roberts is in charge with three staff and this is now an important part of the business.

Qualifications are important and we have two law degrees, one chartered surveyor, nineteen with National Association of Estate Agents qualifications and four with the Association of Residential Letting Agents qualifications. Thirteen of those pictured here have

Carol Pilsbury ANAEA Sales Negotiator

David Berriman FRICS Consultant

Bruce Attwood BA MNAEA Associate

There is the essential blend of knowledge and experience from the older members and energy and enthusiasm from the younger ones which gives every confidence for the future which looks to be in good hands.

Vicky Blakemore MNAEA MARLA Sales Negotiator

Jacob Craner BSc Property Manager

Lynn Glover MNAEA Sales Negotiator

Patricia Gooding ANAEA Sales Manager

Sophie Guest Lettings Negotiator

Sarah Roberts ANAEA Sales Negotiator

Katie Rumble Sales Negotiator

Caroline Snape ANAEA Sales Manager

Andy Roberts MNAEA MARLA Associate Director completed over ten years service and although the business has grown so much the roots of the two original family businesses are still there with three ‘Berrimans’ and three ‘Eatons’ still included.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Cyclists needed for hospice’s

‘Ride the Reservoir’ Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is calling on generous cyclists to get pedalling for ‘Ride the Reservoir’ – a cycling challenge which takes riders through the West Midlands’ most scenic countryside.

Taking place on Sunday 7 April, the charity sportive starts at Bartley Green, before heading into the quaint villages of Romsley, Belbroughton, Chaddesley Corbett, Dodford, Barnt Green and then back to the reservoir.

A challenging route with plenty of hill climbs, Ride the Reservoir will help raise vital funds for the Hospice which provides care to local people who are living with life-limiting illness.

Laura Nash, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Whether you’re a keen rider or have only been cycling for a little while, Ride the Reservoir is a fantastic way to kick start the cycling season. It will cost £8 million to run our hospice services this year – over 60 per cent of which must come from voluntary donations – so sponsorship money from events like this is vital in making sure that we can continue to care for people, wherever and whenever they need it.”

Birmingham St Mary’s is giving Town & Village Life Magazine readers an opportunity to win one of its branded cycling jerseys! All you have to do is email your name and jersey size (S to XL) to events@birminghamhospice.org. uk with the subject line ‘TOWN & VILLAGE LIFE MAGAZINE COMPETITION’. Best of luck!

To sign up for Ride the Reservoir, please visit: www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/ride-the-res-2019

RIDE THE RESERVOIR 75KM CYCLE SPORTIVE

Pre-booking discount available

Sunday 7th April 2019 Starting point: King Edward VI Five Ways School, Birmingham Registered Charity No. 503456

Register your place today!

0121 752 8779 | events@birminghamhospice.org.uk | www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/ride-the-res-2019 66

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

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Local Lottery

Supports Good Causes and Charities The South Staffordshire Community Lottery has been set up by South Staffordshire Council to strengthen and empower local good causes and charities. It provides an opportunity for community groups and charities to raise additional funds to support the fantastic work they do.

From every £1 lottery ticket you buy, you will be giving 60p to charities and good causes in South Staffordshire. As well as giving a little back, you will also enter a weekly draw (every Saturday, 8pm)

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Communities shine because of the valuable work being done by good causes and charities. They are often the lifeblood of our communities - bringing happiness, health and wellbeing to so many people’s lives. In most cases they are run and managed by volunteers who give up their free time. Funding is often a challenge, so your support can really make a big difference.

Thank you - Together we win!

Please help spread a little sparkle within your community by supporting the lottery today from as little as £1 a

Are you a good cause or charity in South Staffordshire? Why not start benefiting from the Community Lottery? It is free and easy to join. Includes a starter pack and continued support. The more tickets you sell the more funds you raise for your good cause. Register today at www.southstaffslottery.co.uk Players must be aged 16 years or over and live in the UK. Registration No 00-048-100R-326-374-002. Terms and Conditions apply.

Always play responsibly. begambleaware. org. Helpline 0808 8020 133.

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Bereavement Services

in South Staffordshire

South Staffordshire Council’s Bereavement Services now offer grave plots that can be pre-purchased at Sytch Lane Cemetery in Wombourne and Strawberry Lane Cemetery in Great Wyrley. Plots are available for residents of South Staffordshire as well as people from outside the district.

We offer a variety of different plot types, including lawn graves, natural graves and several options for cremated remains interments and scatterings. Plots can be purchased at the time of need or alternatively you can now purchase a plot in advance. Options are available for memorialisation including an ‘adopt-a-tree’ scheme and memorial bench plaques.

which has Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status, enjoying panoramic views of rural Staffordshire.

Both cemeteries have been thoughtfully designed to provide peaceful and dignified places of rest. Sytch Lane Cemetery opened in December 2009 and this attractive, seven acre site is based in the south of the district and overlooks the countryside of South Staffordshire. Strawberry Lane Cemetery is based in the north of the district and opened in July 2013. This cemetery is situated on a larger, 12 acre site adjacent to the Wyrley and Essington Canal,

Our knowledgeable and experienced Bereavement Services staff are passionate about providing a high quality, empathetic service to the bereaved and are fully trained, holding the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Diploma in Cemetery and Crematoria Management.

We understand how difficult and complicated dealing with a death can be so we can also help you with practical advice and guidance on what to do when someone dies including how to register a death and who needs to be informed.

To find out more please call us on 01902 696111 or visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk/ bereavement-services

Providing a peaceful and dignified place of rest Sytch Lane

Strawberry Lane

Cemetery

Cemetery

Plots are now available to pre-purchase

Sytch Lane Cemetery, Wombourne, South Staffordshire, WV5 0JP

Strawberry Lane Cemetery, Great Wyrley, South Staffordshire, WS6 7AU

Information about our two cemeteries can be found on the Council website at:

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/bereavement-services Tel: 01902 696111

2903 Bereavement 106 x 140.indd 1

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Member of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM)

04/02/2019 11:26

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A fun-filled year planned

at Safari Park…

West Midland Safari Park has a funfilled year planned for its visitors, including some exciting new events and the chance to meet the latest arrivals.

The park opened on 16th February 2019 and will be open daily for its main summer season. Guests can enjoy the four-mile safari drive-through, walkthrough areas and the Adventure Theme Park.

Meanwhile Granville, the baby southern white rhino, born in September 2018, can be spotted charging around the African reserves, with Mum Ailsa, brother Ekozu and half-sister Fahari. There is also the chance to spot Gerald, the Rothschild’s giraffe calf. Born in October, the leggy youngster joined the herd of now ten giraffes, including his brother Fennessy and half-sister Emali.

Additionally, throughout the year, the Park will be hosting a whole host of events including: Easter Eggstravaganza, Rhino Week during May half term, Summer Nights late night opening over the school summer holidays and Spooky Spectacular at the end of the season to celebrate Halloween.

West Midland Safari Park opens daily from 16 February 2019 for its summer season. The events and animal attractions are included in the standard admission charge of £24.00 for adults, £19.00 for children aged 3-15 and £22.00 for concessions.

Admission includes a Free Return Ticket.

Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra.

As well as the Park’s events, guests can come face-to-face with the newest arrivals at the Park – 2018’s babies! Endangered Grévys zebra foals Grace and Gamba, will be galloping around the reserves, running rings around their mums.

Further information and discounted tickets are available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. Find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari.

This month we have teamed up with West Midland Safari & Leisure Park to give you the chance to win free admission tickets. The tickets entitle a family of four to visit on one occasion up to 8th November 2019. Theme Park rides not included. Not valid on Bank Holidays.

To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, simply answer the following question correctly…

What is the name of the baby southern white rhino, born in September 2018?

Email your answer including your name, address and telephone number to: info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk or on a postcard to: Town & Village Life Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY.

All entries to be received by Friday 12th April 2019.

Competition Terms and Conditions - Winners will be chosen at random from all correct entries received. The ticket includes admission to the four-mile self-drive safari, Discovery Trail exhibits, animal encounters, African Village and live shows. Usual admission is £24.00 for adults, £19.00 for children and £22.00 for concessions. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge.

No cash or alternative prize will be given. Prize valid until Friday 8th November 2019. Not valid on bank Holidays.

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

We are having a start of season shoW Weekend on saturday 6th and sunday 7th april 2019. there Will be refreshments, demonstrations and great offers!

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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PAYCARE IN THE COMMUNITY Office DOnatiOn & its impact in the cOmmunity At Paycare, people are at the heart of everything we do.

With our roots in Wolverhampton dating back to 1874, we’re passionate about giving back to our local communities as we continue to grow and flourish. As a not-for-profit Health Cash Plan provider, our mission is to ensure that our Policyholders — whether families, individuals or employers — are able to access a range of healthcare services that both prevent and support their physical, mental and financial health.

order to communicate effectively with our local communities and, this year, we’ve decided to take a slightly different approach. Within our features, we’re dedicating our editorial and advert space to

showcase some of the fantastic charities that we’re proud to support across the region.

In this edition, we’re looking at the value of donating unused office space to causes and initiatives, which otherwise might not be able to operate effectively due to the financial pressures that come with running an office and paying rent and bills.

For a number of years, we’ve supported Wolverhampton West and TVL Magazine in

the sickle cell & thalassaemia suppOrt prOject During 2017 and 2018, we reorganised our Head Office, Paycare House, on George Street and were able to offer some space to The Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Support Project which promotes awareness of the inherited blood disorders affecting haemoglobin, and provides counselling, support, screening and training activities.

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The charity, which launched in 1990, has benefited from this space by having the valuable opportunity to welcome patients to have these insightful and potentially life-saving health checks.

Below: Kevin Rogers with Sutinder Herian of The Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Support Project at a lunch put on

by Paycare to allow all Paycare House tenants to get to know each other

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

MARCH/APRIL, 2019

prOject GiVe The donation of office space is something we’re very fortunate to be able to do, and provides invaluable help to charities who don’t have access to funding or the financial means to be able to continue doing the fantastic work that they do.

In 2018 we also welcomed Project GIVE, which helps young people from lower income backgrounds who are impacted by ‘period poverty’, which is said to affect 1 in 10 people aged 14 to 21 in Britain.

Kelly Walker-Reed, who runs Project GIVE in addition to Inspiring Healthy Choices, said: “The office space is an incredible gift that we are extremely grateful for. Not only will it allow us to be centrally located within the community, but it also gives us the space to take on more staff and volunteers to continue to drive the project forward and have a greater impact.”

By donating our office space, we have helped the charities save over £30,000 in rent — enabling The Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Support Project to employ an additional case

As a not-for-profit, every penny not spent on enhancing the healthcare services we provide to our Policyholders is shared with causes, initiatives and charities close to our hearts, and to date we´ve donated over £2.2 million.

Above: Kevin Rogers and Kelly WalkerReed of Project GIVE

worker, and Project GIVE to do more to tackle period poverty in the region.

We’d encourage any businesses in the region to have a think about how they use their space, as — like we found — there could be better ways to use it, and there are so many independent causes often run by a small team who would really benefit as a result.

miDlanDs air ambulance charity Our very own Marketing & Partnerships Manager, Emily Glew, is set to unleash her wild side and hone her survival skills in the Amazon rainforest in aid of Midlands

www.twitter.com/MyPaycare/ www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Air Ambulance Charity.

She’s looking to raise £6,000

by May, which will help the charity to continue to save lives. She’ll trek through the rainforest, canoe down the

www.facebook.com/MyPaycare/

Amazon’s winding rivers, meet an indigenous tribe and learn about the area’s history.

To donate to this amazing cause, please visit www.paycare.org/amazon-trek

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Travel in Style with

Signature Luxury Cars “If you’ve got a special occasion to attend, why not take the stress and strain out of travelling there - and make it even more memorable - by letting us drive you in style?”

Whether you’re going on holiday or leaving for a business trip, Signature Luxury Cars will get you to your destination on time.

Whatever you’ve got planned this year, make sure that you travel there in style, with Signature Luxury Cars’ professional chauffeur service.

“We’re a discreet, professional luxury chauffeur service that’s based in the West Midlands and we pride ourselves on the excellent service that we offer our clients,” explains owner, Andrew Hickman.

Covering all UK destinations, including airports and seaports, the company can take you anywhere you want to go.

And, corporate clients are always pleased to know that their personnel will receive only the best service.

“We offer relaxed, discreet and efficient travel for your business personnel.”

The company cover all UK sporting events too, so that you can enjoy door to door service, whatever the event.”

With over 25 years’ experience working as a professional driver, Andrew knows exactly how to provide the very best service for every one of his clients.

Directors and corporate VIPs, in the electricity industry as well as local government.”

In fact, Andrew spent the last 14 years of his career working as chauffer to Wolverhampton’s civic heads and in his role he has chauffeured the most senior civil servants, as well as visiting royalty from overseas.

“My career as a professional driver has taken me the length and breadth of the country, as well as continental Europe.”

With surprisingly competitive prices, it’s affordable for anyone to enjoy a little luxury with Signature.

“Our R-Class Mercedes is complete with air-conditioning, privacy glass, DVD entertainment systems and space for up to seven people.”

So why not contact Andrew today to enjoy the chauffeur driven experience, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that luxury travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

“Over the past two decades I’ve worked for Chairmen, Managing

S I G N AT U R E | L U X U R Y C A R S Luxury Chauffeurs for all Occasions

Airport Transfers • Weddings • Sporting Events • Concerts Anniversaries • Proms • Birthdays • And any other Special Occasion

Contact: Andrew Hickman: 07931 440225 / 01384 458326 email: signatureluxurycars@yahoo.com www.signatureluxurycars.co.uk

“From A to B without a worry” Locally based, covering all UK destinations no matter where you need to go, we can meet and exceed your expectations of what a chauffeured service should be.

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town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

Air conditioned

Cuisine of Bengal

 FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

Fully licensed Restaurant of the year West Midlands region 2016

Bookings now being taken for Mothering Sunday - 31st March 2019 Rafique Miah welcomes you to the longest established Indian Restaurant in Wombourne Village, serving sumptuous Bangladeshi Cuisine for 30 years.

“We pride ourselves on our Quality of Food, Excellent Customer Service and Customer Satisfaction.”

Recently refurbished in contemporary surroundings, air conditioned and fully licensed.

Our popular Take-away Service is still the best in Wombourne offering 10% off our Menu price.

Tel:

01902 324148 01902 324437 Open 7 days including Bank Holidays - 5.30pm until 11.30pm

High Street, Wombourne WV5 9DN www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

facebook.com/wombourne.tandoori

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The Sweet Taste of Success for

Halfpenny Green Wi n e E s t a t e

With the giant strides the English wine industry has been making over recent years, it is no surprise to evidence of this at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate.

per day. They also added a new disgorgement line, a process which removes the sediment from sparkling wine; the same traditional method used to make Champagne, and a method on which the Estate pride themselves.

The Estate’s expansion could not have been better timed, as 2018 saw a record harvest for the thirtyacre vineyard, with a bumper crop of grapes, to eventually become their 2018 vintage. To put this into perspective, nationally, the

In 2018, the family-run vineyard increased its wine storage area by three thousand square feet and invested in a brand-new state-of-the-art bottling line, enabling them to achieve the highest quality bottling on up to eight thousand bottles of wine 76

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

The Vickers family has worked incredibly hard to reach this point but Clive, the son of the founder, Martin Vickers, explains “We are proud to be giving something back to our loyal customers by continuing to invest in the facilities here to improve the great visitor experience.”

2018 harvest more than doubled the 2017 harvest yield! This was mainly due to the unusually warm and sunny conditions throughout the summer, creating the perfect grape-growing climate.

As well as growing their own grapes, Halfpenny Green have another string to their bow; being Contract Wine Makers, their expansion last year and the abundant harvest, led to them taking on even more contracts, with sixty five other vineyards coming to them throughout England and Wales, to have their wine produced! The Vineyard also carries out a Co-operative Wine Making Scheme, which enables people with small amounts of grapes, that perhaps have

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been grown in their gardens, to bring them along where they are combined together to produce a beautiful Rosé wine.

On top of all this, as well as expanding their Winery, during the summer months of 2018, a new Balcony was built above the Estate’s Shop and Deli, extending their Wine Loft area to provide a tranquil, adult-only area, overlooking the stunning South Staffordshire countryside.

It is intended, after a VIP Grand Opening in the early spring, that this beautiful space will be used for Wine and Gin Tastings, as well as private events, where a choice of the Chef’s own Tapas will be on the menu.

For those that would like to know more about English wine and the reasons for its fast-growing popularity, Halfpenny Green Wine Estate runs guided tours throughout the summer months, giving you the opportunity to learn more about English wine, and how vineyards based in the UK are taking the international scene by storm as relatively new competitors. The day wouldn’t be complete without a tasting of the wines, and it even includes a set two course meal at the end.

It’s a great way to enjoy some of the best in English produce and, with gift vouchers available, it makes the perfect gift! Upcoming dates for guided tours include Saturday 11th May, Thursday 23rd May, Thursday 13th June and Saturday 22nd June (booking necessary, head to the website for more information at www. halfpennygreen.co.uk).

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WIN 4 Premier Enclosure

with Entertainment tickets

at Wolverhampton Racecourse!

With Christmas and New Year leaving everybody with little spare change, days out with friends and family become a distant memory and the countdown to payday is all that gets us through the cold, winter nights.

Luckily Wolverhampton Racecourse has the answer! Everyone that booked a Grandstand ticket online for any fixture in January, received their admission ticket absolutely free. Not only were guests able to enjoy a day at the races, but those

who attended on the Saturday evening fixture gained access to the free after-racing disco too.

February was another busy month at the racecourse with a variety of themed race days taking place including Chinese New Year and 60s Night. This year Wolverhampton has introduced eighteen brand new themed fixtures into their racing calendar and they’re already going down a treat! Visitors got their groove on at the 60s Night fixture and those who dressed up in their best 60s outfit were given a free grandstand return ticket to use at another fixture at Wolverhampton.

The fun didn’t stop there as those who had entertainment tickets

enjoyed the evenings afterracing show ‘Cool Britannia’, a performance dedicated to the swinging sixties. Guests did ‘The Twist’ and danced the night away to ‘Ain’t no Mountain High Enough’ and ‘Sherry’, followed by a resident DJ playing into the early hours.

Prosecco Festival with RE-Take That, Gin Festival with Mamma Mia sing-a-long, and Back to School with Rob Lamberti as George Michael, are a couple of themed race days that are new to the racecourse this year, along with returning favourites Ladies Day, Family Funday and Music Live.

We are giving Town & Village Life Magazine readers the opportunity to win 4 Premier Enclosure tickets with entertainment. To be in with a chance to win this fabulous prize, all you have to do is answer the following question correctly:

How many themed nights will Wolverhampton Racecourse host this year?

Email your answer to: info@townandvillagelifemag.co.uk or send on a postcard to Town & Village Life Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY, please include your name, address and telephone number.

Competition closing date Friday 12th April 2019.

Competition Terms and Conditions: To enter readers have to be at least 18 years of age. Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received and notified by telephone. Tickets will be 4 Premier Enclosure with Entertainment to a Saturday fixture of the guest’s choice (excluding Music Live and December fixtures). No cash or alternative prize available.

For details of forthcoming fixtures and events at Wolverhampton Racecourse, please visit:

w w w. w o l v e r h a m p t o n - r a c e c o u r s e . c o . u k 78

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

AFTER RACING AT

WOLVERHAMPTON RACECOURSE

RACEDAY ADMISSION & LIVE PERFORMANCE FROM £40 TICKETS: WOLVERHAMPTON-RACECOURSE.CO.UK www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Halfpenny Green Wi n e E s t a t e

has a Spring in its Step! traditionally, juniper-flavoured spirit, the whole day will be dedicated to this glorious British tipple! You will be able to sample and buy gins from small-scale craft and artisan producers, as well as larger producers, in a variety of unusual flavours.

The perfect opportunity to indulge in everything gin!

With spring on the horizon, Halfpenny Green Wine Estate has much to look forward to in the coming months, with not only the official opening of their newly built Wine Loft Balcony, but also their fourth annual Food & Wine Festival, followed the day after by their first ever Gin Festival!

This year the Estate will play host to their fourth annual Food & Wine Festival! On Saturday 8th June, many independent and local producers, all stocked in the on-site vineyard shop, will hold

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stalls offering samples, produce and special deals! Stalls will include English and European cheeses, local beer, handmade chocolates, jams, chutneys and preserves, and, of course, Halfpenny Green’s own range of wines. The on-site restaurant will also be hosting a barbecue, and there will be live music from a range of acts throughout the day. It’s the perfect excuse for the whole family to escape to the South Staffordshire countryside - and to try some excellent local produce in the process!

And, if that’s not enough, the following day, Sunday 9th June, the Estate will be launching their very first Gin Festival! Due to the increasing popularity of this,

If you simply can’t wait to see what all the fuss is about, Halfpenny Green’s shop is open seven days a week, 9am – 5pm, where you will find their present range of twelve award-winning wines, together with their huge collection of British Gins – last count, one hundred and seven! On your visit, you can take a well-earned break in the Tea Room or Restaurant, where they will be serving a full lunch menu, daily specials, home-baked cakes, afternoon teas and drinks.

The Wine Estate also offers Wine Tasting and Gin Tasting experiences in their Wine Loft yearround. Perfect for an afternoon of indulgence, or great as a gift - just make sure you book a taxi!

There’s never been a better time to learn about all that English wine has to offer, so head down to Halfpenny Green Wine Estate this spring to indulge those taste buds!

Take a look at our website www.halfpennygreen.co.uk for more information on all that the Wine Estate has to offer.

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL - SAT 8TH JUNE FROM 10:30AM • FOOD & DRINK STALLS • BARBECUE & LIVE MUSIC

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

NEW TRANQUIL BALCONY AREA, FOR WINE AND GIN TASTINGS.

U P COM I NG E V E N TS Wine & Gin Tastings

Guided Tours

Private Dining, Functions & Tours

Available in the Wine Loft throughout the year. Call to book. Gift vouchers available.

Public tours available for booking in 2019. Upcoming dates: 1st June and 22nd June.

Available to book throughout the year, with a variety of catering options available.

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

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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An enchanting country house

for your magical wedding day

At the heart of a vast private estate lies Davenport House.

This idyllic Georgian house was extensively refurbished in 2017 and can now be exclusively yours, offering a setting full of history, warmth and elegance for your wedding day.

Come and explore this intimate and inviting venue by attending the Davenport House Open Day on 7th April. Meet the team, discover each breathtaking feature of the house and start picturing your special day in wonderful surroundings.

The Great Hall lies at the centre of the house and is the perfect

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place in which to say your vows.

Alternatively, marry in another of the great rooms, or between the pillars on the front steps of Davenport House. This enchanting venue is yours to enjoy how you wish, so you can hold a personalised and perfect wedding day.

Share drinks and canapés with your loved ones in the elegant Saloon, wander through the grounds and magical secret garden and celebrate with a delectable feast in the Drawing Room. With its original panelling, stunning tea-green décor and walls adorned with impressive artwork, it’s the perfect place for an unforgettable reception.

Four luxurious en-suite bedrooms await in the house and four charming cottages in the grounds provide more space for your guests to spend the night, meaning Davenport House can cater for every aspect of your wedding.

Intimate yet grand, traditional yet contemporary, this spectacular country house is like nowhere else and can be entirely yours.

Davenport House is also available for corporate events, conferences, business seminars, weddings, christenings, Christmas gatherings and much more.

To find out more or to arrange a personal viewing of Davenport House, call 01746 716021.

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

Open House | Sunday 7th April | 11 am - 4 pm I ma ge s by Dav id Jen k i n s , Pau l W i l let t s , A nd rew Ga le , L au ra May Phot og raphy & Ja rek L epa k Phot og raphy

davenporthouse.co.uk | 01746 716021 |

davenporthouseweddings

Davenport House, Worfield, Shropshire, WV15 5LE www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Celebrating

years 10

Halesowen-based award-winning boutique, TDR Bridal - formerly know as The Dressing Rooms – celebrated 10 years of successful trading in October 2018 and, to mark the milestone anniversary, owner Rebecca Baddeley, organised a fabulous bridal fashion show.

As Rebecca explains:

“The day was a huge success with over 200 brides-to-be in attendance - it was just what we envisaged.”

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Veni Infantino – the head designer for Ronald Joyce International – along with award-winning hairdressers – and Real Housewives of Cheshire regulars – Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko were among the special guests.

“Royston and Nick created amazing hair looks for our catwalk models and their flair and creativity is infectious. They are incredibly talented and it was a pleasure to collaborate with them.”

The catwalk showcased the very best in design from Ronald Joyce with brand new, never seen before collections.

“The show was highly professional and really spectacular.”

“The brides loved every minute of their time at the show. “ And, for TDR that’s the most important thing.

“We’ve won many awards and achieved plenty of accolades but, we’ve never got ahead of ourselves.

We always stay true to who we are.”

The team are committed to delivering good, old-fashioned service, with a little TDR magic thrown in for good measure.

“We just love what we do and this is reflected in what our brides say about us. My amazing team of staff just keep on delivering and raising the bar in this wonderful industry – they just love what they do,” adds Rebecca.

Following each catwalk show, brides in the audience were invited to try on dresses from the stunning new collection.

And, there was also the chance to chat with the designer, Veni, make small design changes and place their own pre-orders of the exclusive range.

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Himley Hall

Always the bridesmaid never the bride While it has hosted a number of wedding fairs over the years, Himley Hall has never placed itself at the centre of attention.

This year, to coincide with ten years of weddings in the west wing of this historic venue, the hall will be the star of the show.

Saturday 4 May will see a showcase of this 18 century, grade II* stately home, with rooms dressed for the occasion as part of a complete redecoration and restyle of the famous west wing. Managed by Dudley Council, each wedding has exclusive hire of the hall and couples can have total peace of mind about their booking.

Glamour and old-school romance have always been associated with Himley Hall, former home of the Earls of Dudley. In 1934, The Duke and Duchess of Kent honeymooned here, and in 1936, The Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) spent his last weekend here with Wallis Simpson before his abdication, while in 1961, actress Maureen Swanson married Viscount

Photograph courtesy of Bravo Photo

Ednam, becoming Countess of Dudley on 26 December 1969, following her husband’s succession to the earldom.

This elegance and sophistication continues today with a sympathetic but striking update to the hall’s west wing. Visitors will be able to experience the venue set up for a wedding breakfast, formal dinner and evening celebration.

The striking stairwell, complete with crystal chandelier will be opened up to the public to allow

additional photo opportunities for the happy couple and the foyer will be transformed into a welcoming space for guests to mingle and take refreshments ahead of the ceremony.

The ticketed event, which runs from 11am to 4pm, is an opportunity to look around the venue, talk to the wedding team, tour the historic hall and sample the hall’s gourmet food. Couples attending on the day can enter a free prize draw to win a free wedding ceremony room hire at the historic venue.

The hall can cater for all wedding types and sizes and this summer will be able to offer outdoor weddings in the hall’s beautiful Capability Brown landscaped gardens. The much loved tennis pavilion is set to be transformed into a premium outdoor venue, with marquees available to bring the outdoors inside. Festival and glamping weddings will be available from the summer allowing couples to choose a more natural, relaxed and open-air setting,

Photograph courtesy of Ben Mortimer photography

This year the hall has a range of packages to choose from, all of which can be personalised to make the day extra special.

For more information, or to provisionally book onto the event, call 01384 817817 or email himley.hall@dudley.gov.uk 86

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Himley Hall

WEDDING SHOWCASE Saturday 4 May 11am to 4pm

Mike Browne - Picture This (Imaging) Ltd

Come along to our wedding showcase and be amongst the first to see our newly restyled wedding suites and tailored packages in our Grade II* stately home

To register your interest please email himley.hall@dudley.gov.uk by 15 April 2019

For more information telephone 01384 817817 or email himley.hall@dudley.gov.uk Guests will be entered into a free prize draw and one lucky couple will receive a free wedding ceremony room hire when booking their wedding at Himley Hall (terms and conditions apply)

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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C o n g r at u l at i o n s

o n yo u r e n g a g e m e n t !

Planning a wedding or special event can seem daunting at first and finding the right venue is top of the list.

Holding up to 50 guests, the Ceremonial Suite in Codsall is perfect for smaller weddings and events. Delivering an affordable and professional service, the ceremony room is an approved venue for civil marriages and civil partnerships and its ivory décor provides a classic backdrop that couples can choose to customise with additional room dressing options.

We understand that every wedding is unique and we want to make the planning process as stressfree as possible. Our wedding co-ordinator is here to guide you through all of your wedding preparations as well as on the special day itself so you can enjoy

• BOSE sound system to play your chosen ceremonial music.

• A glass of celebratory fizz for the happy couple and guests.

• Use of garden area for wedding photographs.

• Free parking and concierge service for the bridal party and wedding guests. creating a wedding tailored to suit your individual requirements and planned down to the smallest detail.

Our newly launched Elegance Collection package includes: • Hire of the Ceremonial Suite for two hours.

• Optional extra to include a traditional afternoon tea following your ceremony from £12.99 per person.

Ceremony bookings are available Monday to Saturday, subject to availability, and prices start from as little as £799 (including VAT).

• Wedding Registrar.

Our new wedding venue brochure will be published shortly and you can reserve your copy now.

• White chair covers and sashes personalised to your colour theme.

Tel: 01902 696299 Email: weddings@sstaffs.gov.uk www.sstaffs.gov.uk/weddings

• Dedicated wedding co-ordinator.

Make Your Special Day Perfect Located in the heart of Codsall, The Ceremonial Suite offers an elegant and relaxed setting for civil weddings.

Call to discuss your requirements and to arrange a personal viewing with our wedding co-ordinator.

Tel: 01902 696299 Email: weddings@sstaffs.gov.uk

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/weddings

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2910 Wedding Advert 106 x 140.indd 1

Prices start from as little as

£799

11/02/2019 14:37

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Find your dream dress with a little help

from The Dressing Rooms team Brides-to-be visiting Halesowenbased bridal boutique, The Dressing Rooms are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome thanks to owner Rebecca and her team of bridal consultants.

As Rebecca explains: “We work really hard to ensure that every client feels completely comfortable from the moment they step through the door.”

Rebecca and her team have dedicated a large part of their website to bridal guides and staff profiles, so that every bride-to-be knows what to expect before they pay a visit.

“There is always a fun and relaxed atmosphere here and we’ve tried to allay the fears that many bridesto-be have when they begin dress shopping by introducing ourselves through our individual profiles, so that they can get a feel of the business.”

With so many standoffish and unapproachable bridal consultants in the industry, it’s refreshing to find a team that are truly passionate about making every bride-to-be’s dreams come true.

“I love helping women to look and feel the very best they can and help them to feel safe and secure whilst encouraging them to step outside of their comfort-zone.”

In fact, it’s Rebecca’s quest to make every woman, no matter what their size or shape, feel truly amazing.

And, this is a goal that’s shared by Rebecca’s team of 14 bridal consultants too.

“My amazing team of ladies have each been chosen not because of some fabulous sales technique but because they are all kind, honest, caring ladies who love what they do.”

Stocking a range of dresses from bridal brands like, Enzoani, Eddy K, Ronald Joyce, Mori Lee, Sottero & Midgley, Justin Alexander, Wendy Makin, House of Mooshski and Aire Barcelona, the boutique is bursting with beautiful designs.

“There’s everything for every bride and her bridesmaids here at The Dressing Rooms.

Our bridesmaid dresses are from brands like Dessy, Veromia, D’zage and Mori Lee and our bridal accessory ranges include veils from Polished Pearl, a company that creates jobs for women who are victims of trafficking.”

Rebecca Baddeley

Rebecca takes personal responsibility for every aspect of the business.

“I am responsible for every single dress we stock, every single order placed and for every single bride. I couldn’t do any of it without the hard work and full support of my incredible team.”

As a fully Qualified Florist (C & G III) and a HND in Business & Finance, Rebecca is well-placed to ensure the smooth running of The Dressing Rooms.

“Not only am I the leader of this amazing business but I’m also the creative director of it too,” adds Rebecca.

And, it’s a role that she relishes.

Unsurprisingly the team have delighted hundreds of brides-to-be over the 12 years that The Dressing Rooms has been in business and, the company has achieved industry success too with two prestigious awards: Best Bridal Retailer TWIA England 2018 and Bridal Buyers Awards Best Bridal Retailer England 2017.

So, to find your dream dress, pay a visit to The Dressing Rooms today.

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TDRBridal tdrbridal tdrbridal

0121 423 2777 Option 1

24 Manor Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8QB

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Open: Monday: 9:30am - 8pm Tuesday: 9:30am - 8pm Wednesday: 9:30am - 3pm Thursday: 9:30am - 8pm Friday: 9:30 - 5pm Saturday: 9:00am - 5pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm

hello@tdr-bridal.co.uk

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Beautiful hair for your big day If you’re planning your summer wedding then you’ll be busy making those all-important preparations that’ll make your big day amazing.

And, there’s definitely one thing that you won’t want to overlook: your hair.

Hair up? Hair down? Classic or contemporary? Bohemian, romantic or sexy? There are so many things to consider when planning your bridal hairstyle and, whether you’re a lowkey bride or self-confessed Bridezilla, finding your wedding hair look should be one thing that you tick off your ‘to do’ list as early as possible.

So, to make sure that your hair looks amazing, we caught up with the experts at Royston Blythe to bring you the ultimate guide to planning the perfect ‘do for your big day.

Nick says: “Fall in love with your wedding look and style months in advance and prepare for the most fabulous version of yourself.

Make sure that you put the same planning into your hair that you would any other aspect of your big 92

day. Forward planning will have your hair colour, length, condition and style looking absolutely perfect.”

your hair colour and length are ready and it’s your last chance to make sure you love your look.

Here’s what to do and when:

One week to go…

Six months to go…

A final trim and a nourishing treatment should be the only considerations at this stage.

Kerastase FUSIO Dose treatments are a fabulous way to enhance condition and shine. If you’re wearing your hair up follow the advice your bridal hairdresser gives on the best treatment option – remember not to over soften.

Research! Your normal hairdresser may be amazing at cutting and colouring your locks but that doesn’t make them a bridal hair specialist.

So, do your research and find a bridal hair expert for the best results.

Schedule your first visit to the salon and attend armed with plenty of inspiration to help your hairdresser understand your bridal style and vision. Haven’t got a clue? Don’t worry, your bridal hair expert will provide plenty of ideas.

Three months to go…

Decide your colour goals at the earliest opportunity and plan any changes accordingly. Remember, the best colour is the one that makes you feel like you.

Considering hair extensions?

Now is the time to book in at the salon. Rapture hair extensions are a favourite at Royston Blythe because the hair is so natural and healthy and they can be applied in only one hour. Plus, they’re really easy to look after when you’re away from the salon too.

On the day…

Allow plenty of time for styling, wear something that can be easily removed without messing up your hair then sit back, relax and enjoy every moment of your special day!

To find your perfect bridal look, book a complimentary wedding hair consultation at the salon today and discuss your ideas with one of Royston Blythe’s bridal hair specialists.

One month to go…

Invest in a Keratin treatment. If your hair is naturally frizzy and rebellious, now is the time to tame it. Leaving this treatment any closer to your wedding day could risk flat, limp hair rather than ubershiny locks you’re lusting after.

Two weeks to go…

Now it’s time to fine tune your colour. Whether you book in for a root touch up or a few light ribbons to brighten the complexion, you need to get the timing right because hair dye needs a little time to settle.

Plan your final dress rehearsal.

This is such an important appointment for you because

Royston Blythe 36 Bridgnorth Road, Compton, Wolverhampton WV6 8AE Tel: 01902 751720 email: info@roystonblythe.co.uk www.roystonblythe.co.uk Royston Blythe @RoystonBlythe RoystonBlytheOfficial

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Classy Rags Casual & Designer Wear

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Classy Rags for celebrity inspired clothes or just the wardrobe essentials, catering for teens right through to the mature woman, sizes 8 to 22.

0121 434 3727 www.classyragsbirmingham.co.uk 96

627 Bearwood Road, Smethwick, Birmingham B66 4BL town & village life magazine

| march/april 2019

10% OFF* Clothing and Accessories purchased when you present this advert during March and April 2019 *Not valid against sale items, no photocopies and not in conjunction with any other offer

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Look and feel amazing at Symétrie We’ve all got those nagging insecurities that some days make looking in the mirror no easy task.

Whether it’s ageing skin, acne scarring or a less-than-plump-pout that’s affecting your confidence, you’ll be pleased to hear that with a little help from Symétrie you can transform the way you look - and feel - in no time.

The professional aesthetic clinic, that’s based in Stourbridge, offers a full range of treatments that address the concerns we all have.

And, with an emphasis on making only natural-looking changes, you can rest assured that when you leave the clinic you’ll still look like you, only an improved and more confident version of yourself. on her knowledge and experience and continues to train and mentor medical professionals from the clinic who are undergoing a post graduate qualification in injectable treatments, whilst furthering her own knowledge at every opportunity.

Passionate about helping women – and men – restore their confidence and making those subtle aesthetic changes that have dramatic impact, clinic owner, Tracy Butler has trained to the highest standards to provide her clients with the very best results.

She is joined by her friend and colleague, Vaughn Fitzpatrick, who manages the day to day running of the clinic, and who is trained to provide Dermalux Light Therapy treatment courses.

Tracy works from her well-appointed clinic, which has two fully-equipped rooms, one with dedicated space for injectables and the other reserved for micro needling and skin treatments.

Each room is complete with the most up-to-date and professional equipment and there’s the addition of the multi awardwinning Dermalux device, which allows Tracy to treat issues like acne scarring, rosacea and pigmentation.

“We pride ourselves on the quality and professional service that we offer. We are not pushy, we don’t adopt a ‘sales’ approach, we’re simply passionate about what we do,” explains Tracy.

Utilising her teaching experience, Tracy is able to offer her clients an in-depth and informative insight into every treatment that’s on offer to attain natural, beautiful results.

With extensive medical experience, Tracy started her career as a nurse before moving into the aesthetics industry and working for Skin Clinics. Taking on the role of National Injectables Trainer for the organisation, Tracy is tasked with training doctors and nurses, a role she performed for seven years before moving on to establish Symétrie.

Despite running her own successful business for over two years, Tracy is still passionate about passing 98

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

“There is a full one hour consultation available for our clients and I work hard to thoroughly explain each procedure that I carry out at every stage.”

Everything at Symétrie is designed around the client and Tracy listens intently to their requests.

“Everything we do is carefully considered, it’s a process and it isn’t rushed. For example, if a client is having lip fillers, I’ll talk them through every step as I carry out the procedure. I will encourage the client to look in the mirror midway through treatment to reassure them, and this makes them feel in control of their results.”

of the difference between treating men and women. It really is essential to understand the differences between male and female faces for the best results.”

Of course, it’s not just skin that suffers, many women experience hair loss too.

“We’ve got Viviscal on sale at the clinic too, which offers amazing results,” adds Tracy.

One thing you’ll never see at Symétrie is the ‘clone look’.

“We only do treatments that give natural results. The ‘clone look’ that’s popular at the moment isn’t part of what we do here. We want to enhance our clients features and preserve their individuality.”

collagen and elastin but there’s also the fact that women who’ve always felt attractive can suddenly lose their confidence. But, there is plenty we can do to help here.”

Tracy is also an expert in the effects of the menopause : “It’s really sad how the menopause can affect a women’s confidence.

Obviously there’s the physical effects, like the drop in the skin’s

Whatever your concerns, you can rest assured that with the help of Symétrie you too can look and feel transformed.

So, why not book your appointment today?

Call 01384 886646 to arrange a free consultation.

It’s not just women that benefit, plenty of men visit the clinic for treatments too.

“Thanks to my many years of experience and extensive training I’ve got an excellent understanding

WHEN YOU STEP INTO SYMÉTRIE YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN SAFE HANDS 144 Hagley Road, Oldswinford, Stourbridge DY8 2JD www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

www.symetrie.co.uk 99

Aristocats

New Spring/Summer 2019 Collections, Arriving Daily

Aristocats fashion show will be held at Patshull Park Hotel on Monday 13th May 2019.

Limited availability. Please call Aristocats for further details or tickets.

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• Aldo Martins • Betty Barclay • Eugen Klein • Faber • Frank Walder • Joseph Ribkoff • Just White • Olsen • Oui • Rabe

Open Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm Ample parking behind the premises in New Street or on the road opposite the Esso petrol station.

Co-ordinated Day Wear • Coats • Cocktail & Evening Wear Lingerie • Accessories • Belts • Bags • Jewellery • Hosiery www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk 234 Coalway Road, Penn,Wolverhampton WV3 7NN

Tel: 01902 344003

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Wollaston Beauty Clinic

SKIN rejuvenation AND VPL HAIR REMOVAL Tips for staying young and youthful • Always use an SPF 15 or above over your skin every day.

• Always cleanse tone and moisturise your skin before bed.

• Avoid alcohol and smoking • Eat fresh fruit & vegetables • Drink plenty of water • Aim to get 7-8 hours sleep each day • Add good supplements to your diet

spider veins, stretch marks, and other conditions as well.

Would you like to be rid of those little red veins on your cheeks or that pigmentation patch which gets darker every summer?

Are you fed up with unwanted facial hair or shaving your under arms? Wollaston Beauty Clinic has the solution.

Our “Energist Ulta Plus” VPL or Variable Pulsed Light, works wonders for removing skin imperfections such as brown spots, and scarring, as well as reducing pore size, eliminating and reducing wrinkles, and improving overall skin texture, smoothness and quality. It can be used to treat rosacea, hyper pigmentation, melasma, age and sunspots, broken capillaries,

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Variable (intense) pulsed Light focuses on uneven skin tone, increasing the production of collagen, which will help to fill in lines and wrinkles or shallow scarring, while also reducing redness, discolouration, and spots. The targeted tissue becomes damaged at first before naturally being removed by the body resulting in a clearer complexion after a few treatments.

The pictures below show results after only two treatments, where light was used to treat veins on a clients chin with outstanding results. Further treatments will continue to improve the skins texture and will address any new issues that may occur.

Results from 2 VPL treatments

You may be more familiar with IPL treatments offering permanently reduced hair in areas like under arms and bikini lines or ADVANCED addressing NUTRITION PROGRAMME unsightly Skin Vitality 1 facial hair. £24.00 (60 caps) These treatments are fantastically effective and because our Energist Ultra Plus VPL treatments are variable and not just intense they can be tailored to each client’s skin tone, hair colour and thickness delivering far better results than IPL treatments offered in other salons and aesthetic centres. Each treatment is totally bespoke and treats hundreds of follicles at one time for effective and fast hair removal.

We suggest approximately 6 treatments for best results and offer great discounts on courses of VPL (consultation required at £35).

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

VPL treatments with truly unbelievable results

2 / 1 * ce penryiou buys3

wh

nt e m t trea

way to Permanently reduce unwanted hair, skin blemishes & skin disorders Offer only available when you buy 3 treatments from now until 30th April 2019

153 Bridgnorth Road Wollaston Wollaston Beauty Clinic DY8 3NU where relaxing & pampering is essential 01384 393305

www.wollastonbeautyclinic.co.uk *Terms & conditions apply. Offer not available in conjunction with any other offer. Course of 3 to be paid in full.

Not valid with voucher payment or beauty point redemption or other course of treatments. www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Available until 30th April 2019. No refunds on cancelLations or unused bookings. Limited to one offer per person.

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A st ylish

By Helen Taylor

spring Model wears Next See in store or online for prices.

After a long, cold winter we’re all eager to pack away those woolly jumpers, thermal tights and boots, ready to embrace the new season’s fashion looks.

And, there are plenty of perfect spring styles on offer that’ll look amazing when the sun shines.

Whether you’re dressing for work or play, you’ll feel fabulous in lightweight layers, beautiful prints and vibrant hues.

Model wears Next See in store or online for prices.

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Top £32.

River Island

Floral Dress £19.99.

New Look

Chunky Hoop Earrings £5.

Accessorize

Denim Dress see in store or online for prices.

Oasis

‘Saskia’ Trench £199.

Hobbs

‘Ditsy Print’ Leather Bag £95.

Cath Kidston

‘Vic’ Shorts £69.

Hobbs

Cats Eye Sunglasses £14.

Oasis

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‘Hourglass’ Sandals £62.

Office

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Wollaston Beauty Clinic All you need to say thank you to your mum Here at Wollaston Beauty Clinic we’ve got it all covered for you to pamper and treat your mum this Mother’s Day with pamper packages, exquisite luxury gifts and vouchers.

If you looking for a great value gift the salon has created a gorgeous pamper package which includes a limited edition ESPA Skin Radiance facial together with a mini manicure or pedicure and a lovely ESPA gift for your mum to take home to complete her experience.

The ESPA skin care range is aromatherapy based and 99.9% natural so there will definitely be products suitable for all skin conditions and types. The ESPA brand is world renowned and boasts Tri-Active™ formulations which contain unique combinations of plant actives, marine actives and essential oils to create the most effective, natural products.

Each pamper package costs £45 but is worth £100 and valid until 31st May 2019.

Win a Mother’s Day Package Courtesy of Wollaston Beauty Clinic Wollaston Beauty Clinic are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Mother’s Day package. To be in with a chance of winning this unique prize simply answer the following question correctly.

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You can purchase this exclusive Mother’s Day package over the counter in the salon or by phone.

What skin care brand does Wollaston Beauty Clinic use in their pamper package?

Email your answer including your name, address and telephone number to: Email: info@wollastonbeautyclinic.co.uk

All entries to be received by Friday 29th March.

Competition Terms and Conditions: By entering this competition you are agreeing to our salon terms & conditions including subscription to our mailing list which you can unsubscribe at any time. The Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received and informed by telephone. To enter you must be aged 18 years or older. No cash or alternative prize will be given.

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

C E M AT C

H

UNL IM

RI

RE CA

P

D AFTE R ITE

West Midlands Hospital Events Talk to our specialists about treatment options at one of our complimentary, no obligation events.

Women’s Health 16th March 10.00am-12.00pm, Physiotherapy led

Cosmetic Surgery 1st April 3.00pm-8.00pm, Consultant: Mr Mehboob Ali

Cosmetic Surgery 18th April 5.00pm-6.00pm, Consultant: Mr Humzah

0% CHOICE OF CONSULTANT**

NO CANCELLATIONS*

APPOINTMENTS TO SUIT YOU

0% FINANCE

NO WAITING LISTS

TOTAL CARE

To book your place visit: Ramsayhealth.co.uk/events or call 0808 239 8461. *Cancellations or delays in your treatment can occur for clinical reasons; these will be discussed with you as part of your ongoing care pathway. **Choice of consultant subject to availability. For more information please visit ramsayhealth.co.uk/termsandconditions

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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The gourmet eye

e x a min a t i o n Eyesight, without a doubt, is our most treasured sense.

It is thought that we can lose up to 40% of our vision without even noticing, so regular eye tests are vital to make sure we’re looking after our eyes.

progress technology has made in the past few decades.”

But here’s food for thought – not all eye tests are equal. Did you know that you can chose to have a ‘gourmet’ in-depth examination, or a basic ‘fast food option” for your eye test? When you have your eyes tested just once every one or two years, surely they deserve the best?

Tracey Taylor, one of the directors at Taylor Biddle Opticians, says: “When I qualified as an optometrist 30 years ago, all we used to look at the back of the eye was ophthalmoscope - a type of torch. This enabled me to see maybe 10% of what we are able to see now due to the huge

“In recent years eye testing equipment has evolved beyond belief and we at Taylor Biddle have fully embraced the newest cutting edge technology.

This helps us to deliver a ‘gourmet’ service to all of our customers.”

Our OCT (Optical Coherence Tomographer) scans deep into the central retinal layers at the back of your eye. This allows us to identify and monitor the most common age-related problems like macular degeneration and optic nerve associated glaucoma. This 3D view of beneath the retinal surface is a far superior diagnostic tool than a standard retinal photo, which these days are often included “free” with some high street eye tests.

In our Compton branch, our latest addition is a Daytona Optomap laser scan. This produces amazingly clear

200 degree panoramic views of the back of the eye, building on the 30 degree view we are able to see with OCT. And most of the time there is no need for drops to dilate people’s pupils, meaning that vision and driving is unaffected! Both scans are fairly quick and completely painless.

They perfectly complement each other to help early detection and treatment of other sight threatening eye diseases such as retinal tears, holes and malignant melanoma.

But most of all we love to be able to show you what we see at the back of your eyes and reassure you that all is looking normal.

This will elevate your experience of the eye test to another level and you will never take your amazing eyes for granted!

Fully wheelchair accessible - New coNsultiNg rooms aNd Facilities accessible by liFt at comptoN!

• Full eye examinations • Contact Lens Checks The latest eye scanning • OCT technology Daytona Optomap • Visual Stress/Visual Dyslexia • Colorimetry Assessments • Dry Eye Clinic

SPRING OFFER Free single vision lenses or upgrade to a multifocal for just £50 (T&C’s apply) When you buy a premium varifocal - ends 30th April 2019

34 Windmill Bank, Wombourne 01902 895 909

39 Bridgnorth Road, Compton 01902 750 325

www.taylorbiddleopticians.co.uk 110

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

M OT H E R ’ S DAY. M A R C H 3 1 ST.

T R E AT YO U R M U M TO H E AVE N Heaven Skincare, from beauty guru Deborah Mitchell, has launched a new salon in Harvey Nichols Birmingham. The organic beauty medi-spa opened its doors earlier this month offering a host of results-driven therapies as well as Deborah’s iconic bee venom products and is already proving a massive success in the city.

As one of the country’s most in-demand facialists’, Deborah is renowned for her iconic Heaven skincare range and has seen her brand go from strength to strength globally over the past decade with centres now located in Hong Kong, South Africa, Australia, Dubai, and America.

But despite her success, she remains firmly committed to being close to her Midlands home and her flagship spa in Shifnal. She will be taking regular appointments at the new Harvey Nichols salon, working closely with her hand-picked team.

“I have always insisted on the importance of results-driven products that are not only good for your skin but also good for your well-being,” explains Deborah. “I have created a skincare collection that not only leave clients with a radiant, flawless complexion but also works as a healer, helping with a whole range of skin conditions from blemishes to eczema.”

At the very forefront of Deborah’s skincare is her famous bee venom ABEETOXIN®, an ultraanti-ageing formula that works to strengthen collagen, tissue, and elastin. The new Harvey Nichols salon, in The Mailbox, will offer her 60-minute Bee Sting Facial as well as the 90 minute Bee Slim Ritual.

Other treatments include Lia Therapy, the first non-surgical spiritual facial to improve skin and well-being; a range of LED and laser procedures and a full massage menu with prices starting from £16.

AT

BIRMINGHAM

DON’T FORGET TO COME AND VISIT US AT OUR NEW CONCESSION AND TREATMENT AREA IN HARVEY NICHOLS | THE MAILBOX | BIRMINGHAM

Heaven Skincare | 13a Market Place | Shifnal | Shropshire TF11 9AU | UK Tel: 01952 463574 E: sales@heavenskincare.com | www.heavenskincare.com

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Mac Physio & Pilates

Five years in business: a local, family-run success story both NHS and private settings as well as professional sport.

Mac Physio & Pilates prides itself on being able to offer quick access to appointments and are registered with all the major private health companies.

(front row) - Martin Cunningham, Tom Soar (back row) - Andrew Condon, Annika Cunningham, Nicki Rayner, Sophia Rose

If you are being held back by injury or pain, we know you want a fast resolution. That’s why, here at Mac Physio & Pilates, we offer a quality service that you can trust. With highly skilled physios and a fast-growing reputation built on word of mouth, we can help you get back to full function.

We provide a thorough, detailed assessment and excellent ‘hands on’ treatment and advice. Where needed, we can support you with speedy referrals (for either investigations or further management) thanks to our impressive links with many of the local GP and Consultants in the area.

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Client, Janet Peters from Hagley gives a glowing testimonial: “Excellent service, professional treatment with ongoing results.

I am very happy to have been recommended to Mac Physio & Pilates. I feel this will be somebody to help with any further problems I or my family have and wish them our very best for their future plans.”

The family-run, private Physiotherapy clinic was established in 2014 by husband and wife team, Martin and Annika Cunningham. Both have been qualified as Physiotherapists for over 13 years and are registered with the HCPC. Martin has worked for both Scottish Rugby and Australian Football; whereas, Annika has done extensive Pilates training with the APPI in both mat and equipment.

Thanks to their growing reputation over the past 5 years, they have now been joined by another three Physiotherapists and their fabulous admin support.

This great mix of expertise brings a wealth of experience from

They offer a range of rehabilitation options including Clinical Pilates classes run from their on-site boutique studio: these are small groups, physio-led and modified to your needs; as well as access to gym facilities and worldclass strength and conditioning equipment at Black Country Barbell. From here the team is able to provide performance related physio – ideal for people looking to return to manual work or competitive sports.

The team at Mac Physio & Pilates treat a wide range of conditions from post-op surgery, to shoulder and ankle problems and running injuries – but by far the most common complaint we see is lower back pain. Not surprising that on average 70% of us will experience lower back pain at some point during our lives, and at this time of year as we are entering in to the gardening season, this can be a trigger with people spending more time in forward bent positions for long periods. The cause can be varied from muscular tightness, disc pathology or joint stiffness.

The only way to figure this out is a face to face assessment where the Physios will ask detailed questions and perform several tests, this guides them to provide the most effective treatment for you and helps to get you back to what you love doing!

For any more information you can contact the clinic on 01384 210997 or visit our website www.macphysio-pilates.co.uk

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

MAC PHYSIOTHERAPY & PILATES 6 - 7 Lower High Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1TE • • • • • •

Family run business Highly skilled physiotherapists Offering hands on effective treatment Specialist physio led pilates within our studio Gym based rehab programmes Experience working in professional sport

y io Mac Phys & Pilates

01384 210 997 | www.macphysio-pilates.co.uk

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.

www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

• 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 07555 581698 info@simonhobbsveins.co.uk www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road | Tettenhall | Wolverhampton | WV6 8LE

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Willows Dental

supporting excellence in every field some of the highlights and lowlights of his year – he’s just one of the awesome kids we love to help.

Harley’s year started with it all still to play for in the Welsh Karate league and yes, our awesome Harley came away as Grand Champion in Kumite (Kumite is one of the three main areas of traditional Japanese karate training, along with Kata and Kihon). He also brought home second place in Kata and silver on team Kumite.

Here at Willows dental we’re a bit spoilt really, we have great clients, a lovely team, all the toys, a lovely place to work and a fantastic community around us.

One of our aforementioned great clients is Harley Cottis. Harley is a rising star in the world of karate.

So we thought we’d take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about why we like to sponsor Harley. We’ve always believed that champions are made not born, and that triumph over adversity coupled with a refusal to give up is the key to success. We feel Harley embodies the values that we hold dear and thus we’d like to present

However Harley’s winning streak was going well until while blocking a particularly ferocious kick, Harley heard a crack and the

doctors confirmed that Harley had broken his wrist. This put Harley out of action for a couple of months, with doctors’ orders of no training and no competitions.

However like all true champions Harley was not going to let a broken wrist stop him from defending the honor of Great Britain, so not long after resuming training Harley flew out to Germany to compete in “The Battle of Hunsrock” and yes in true Harley style brought home from Germany, double gold medals.

Now, as if Germany wasn’t enough for Harley, spurred on by his return to form since his injury, Harley set his sights on Greece where the prestigious WKU World championships were being held.

Harley fought incredibly hard against some intense completion, but alas their best was no match for Harley who returned back to England crowned World Champion with three medals including Gold in Kumite.

Harley, after his previous dojo closed, joined Fudoshin Dojo in Wombourne to set his sights on a new challenge, possibly his hardest of all, because now Harley isn’t just a fighter.

Harley is now a junior instructor helping the students and little Ninjas.

Neel, Vicki and the team at Willows Dental would like to wish Harley continued success in his future endeavors.

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LEISURE

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Codsall Leisure Centre 01902 844032

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Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre 01922 417790

Wombourne Leisure Centre 01902 898202 115

When the Bank of Mum and Dad

meets heartbreak hoteL

With rising property prices, many parents are stepping in to help adult children with a financial contribution to get them on the housing ladder, often providing a deposit or a significant contribution towards the purchase.

In fact, the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ now lends children so much money to get them on to the property ladder it stumps up the equivalent of one of the country’s top 10 mortgage lenders.

But with parents and grandparents coughing up the cash to the tune of £5 billion a year, what happens if the child who is married or in a long-term relationship separates from their partner or divorces?

Rachel Bloxwich, an Associate in the Family team at FBC Manby Bowdler, looks at the legal position: When providing money to help a child with the purchase of a property it’s important to be clear about your intentions when these funds are provided.

If money is gifted and your child then separates from his or her spouse the chances of parents being able to recover this cash gift or specifying it was only intended for the benefit of their child are low.

This is particularly likely if it was a long marriage or the funds were

given at the time the parties were together.

Unfortunately, that means there’s a possibility that the son or daughter-inlaw will benefit from the equity generated in the property as a result of the parents’ gift in any ensuing financial divorce proceedings.

If the funds are intended to be a loan, there is a possibility that this could be considered a ‘soft loan’ by the court in divorce proceedings i.e. a loan that’s unlikely to be enforced in the same way a commercial loan would be and therefore isn’t really a loan at all. This is especially the case if there is no evidence of repayment or any formal loan agreement.

Parents need to think carefully about whether to provide funds in this way. If they choose to do so, they should consider entering into a trust deed to specify the terms of the gift so it is repaid if the parties were to separate within a specified time period.

This is signed by parents, child and spouse and can be registered against the deeds to the property.

If it’s a loan, then parents should consider entering into a formal loan agreement and possibly securing this by way of a charge against the property until the loan is repaid.

If the idea is for parents to invest in the property, it is essential this is reflected in the ownership of the property or at least be recorded in a trust deed that notes the level of parental investment and how they intend to recover the funds.

This could be after a specified period of time or when the property is sold and whether they will recover just what they’ve invested or any profit by way of equity.

Rachel Bloxwich

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property and there’s subsequently a divorce, they can apply to intervene in any financial remedy proceedings to try to recover the funds they have provided.

This can be very difficult and costly, particularly if parents can’t prove the extent of their interest or show any evidence that it was intended the funds should be returned. The court can perceive this as an attempt by a parent to secure greater financial provision for their son or daughter, essentially by the back door.

This is why it’s so important to ensure that clear evidence of intentions can be provided and that if the intention is a gift, parents think long and hard about the consequences of giving that gift to make sure it’s what they really want to do.

It can pay – literally – to take expert legal advice when loaning or giving funds to a child to help them buy a property. For more information, contact FBC Manby Bowdler on 01902 578000 or visit www.fbcmb.co.uk.

If parents have provided funds towards the purchase of a town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

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As a Preparatory School, preparing girls for a variety of senior school entrance examinations is an integral part of our curriculum.

In Upper School, we prepare the girls for both selective and nonselective senior schools which are either fee-paying or state funded.

Also, we aim to assist parents to choose from the range of senior schools available and find the school which will enable each girl to find the very best senior school for her as an individual.

We consider that it is only when your daughter reaches Year Six that the time has come to begin the decision-making process about which senior school will be right for her. When your daughter reaches ten or eleven years old, you will be aware of how she has developed and will be in a position to select a senior school that is best suited to her personality, interests and academic abilities.

Newbridge Preparatory School as a ‘stand-alone’ prep school offers children an educational experience which prepares them for their transition into the most suitable senior school for each child as an individual at eleven years old. We provide an education balanced between academic work, music and the arts and sport which enables each child to develop to the best of their potential.

Upper School is a place where both the curriculum and the teaching are girl-centred and where our girls have endless opportunities to discover their talents. We enter our pupils into the SATs each year for several www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

reasons. Primarily, they are an externally assessed benchmark for parents to judge the standards within the school against the national standards. Every year we have a proportion of our pupils who move onto state grammar and secondary schools – by taking the SATs these pupils can move seamlessly into the maintained sector with the same educational records as their peers. Our SATs results speak for themselves:

Newbridge Preparatory School is highly successful in helping girls to gain entrance to a wide variety

of senior schools – schools that are looking for evidence of a high standard of all-round academic potential and achievement.

Your daughter at eleven years old will be a very different person from when she was two years old. We will use our experience in consultation with you to help you choose a senior school that suits her. We will then do everything possible to help her gain a place. We equip our girls with the necessary skills and qualities that will help them to become achievers, not only in senior school but in later life too. We are laying the right foundations for successful careers and positive futures.

We are holding an Entrance Assessment Day for Year Three and Year Four (Year Four and Year Five in September 2019) and a Scholarship Day for current Year Two (Year Three in September 2019) on Tuesday 26th March 2019.

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Award winning education

is c l o s e r t h a n you think All children in Year 7, 8 and 9 have a School iPad with a stylus Apple Pencil to set the standard for drawing, note-taking and marking up documents. Handwritten workbooks are used in English, Maths and a range of subjects.

Art lessons foster skills and creativity in a variety of media, from traditional techniques such as oil painting, to chemical photography, animation and film-making, all based on a strong foundation of observational drawing.

Life outside the classroom

Wolverhampton Grammar School is an extraordinary school.

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

National award winning and ranked top of the league tables for grades 9-7 at GCSE, the school is rated “excellent” by School Inspectors. The school also ranks top 25 nationally for GCSE results across all independent schools.

Every student in the school has the best opportunity possible to leave with excellent exam results. But, what’s offered, is much more.

who love their subjects as much as they enjoy teaching students.

Small class sizes and space for individual tuition enables the teachers to get to know each and every child.

Reading and writing matters The School’s libraries are the busiest places on campus. Children of all ages reading, researching and doing homework. Although children join the School with different skills and abilities, the early years of school life are devoted to nurturing and discovering talent; whether that’s reading, writing, debating, drama, music or sport.

The school offers over 100 extracurricular clubs – the largest range available from any school in the area. Everything from Political Forums, Technology clubs, Debating, Warhammer to Climbing, Cooking and Art Lectures.

From the very best nutritionally balanced food prepared by award winning chefs to the latest science laboratories, Sports Centre and a School Learning Hub - your child will have access to the very best facilities.

Interested to learn more?

The school hosts a Secondary School Discovery Day on Saturday 11th May for current Year 5 children from any school across the West Midlands, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

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 the school with excellent exam results and the confidence to embrace whatever opportunities come their way.

Academic excellence The academic achievements of the students speak for themselves.

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For more information about the Discovery Day or details of how to join Wolverhampton Grammar School, contact Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar telephone 01902 422939, email jam@wgs-sch.net or register online www.wgs.org.uk. town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

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

Judged ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate

Secondary School

Discovery day

TES Independent School Award Winners 2018

Saturday 11th May 2019 Wolverhampton Grammar School is opening its doors to Year 5 children to get a taste of what life will be like at a Senior School.

For more information about the Discovery day or joining our School, please contact Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar.

T: 01902 422939 E: jam@wgs-sch.net or register online www.wgs.org.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

Places still available for September 2019 entry

Top of the exam result league tables in Wolverhampton for grades 9-7 at GCSE

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Photographs courtesy of Designer Photography

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The Lyttelton Arms Hagley Ranjit’s Gin Tasting Experience with Dr Eamers’ Emporium was a wonderful evening, full to the brim with family and friends showing their support for our charity. Ranjit has once again gone above and beyond to fundraise for us and the incredible £2,134.65 can make a huge impact, here at NICE.This amazing total could fund a month of weekly sessions in our Milestone Club for parents and children, enabling babies and toddlers to reach milestones such as crawling and feeding themselves, or it could fund 38 places across our specialist Parkinson’s services, giving adults the opportunity to improve their balance and regain everyday skills.

Sponsored by

Annie Smith – NICE Fundraiser

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1. Sharon Ramsey, Ranjit Bhathal 2. Lauren Ramsey, Sam Roberton 3. Gurjit Johal, Sardip Purewal, Kully Purewal 4. Jordan Lunn, Annie Smith, Mark Barber 5. Palie Dulai, Jag Sandhu, Nary Kang 6. Gilly Mehangra, Rishie Johal, Bali Johal 7. Nicki Biddlestone, Sarb Somal 8. Steven Eckersley, Melanie Eckersley 9. Sarah Whittall, Suki Sanghera 10. Jas Bassi, Jas Sanghera 11. Sikander Kang, Satinder Kang 12. Lakhbir Kang, Sarbjit Kang 13. Bal Basra, Ballie Basra 14. Becky Dhanda, Ranjit Dhanda 15. David Caulton, Harvey Caulton 16. Jas Sanghera, Kab Sidhu town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

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Heaven Vip Launch Harvey Nichols

says Deborah. “Our new spa in Harvey Nichols is already proving a great success for us and the feedback on the evening was incredible. We are delighted to have such a luxurious home in the heart of the city.”

More than 150 VIP guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails, music and beauty as Heaven Skincare launched its new salon at Harvey Nichols Birmingham.

The luxury beauty brand – founded by Deborah Mitchell – is a favourite of royals and celebrities and now offers a complete range of products and treatments at its new Mailbox home.The event included live music, DJ and drinks provided by Tiger Gin while guests got the chance to see the new treatment rooms and watch facial demonstrations.

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I-PACE

explodes all EV myths at Lancaster Jaguar Wolverhampton Rob Taylor is catapulted into the future on a visit to drive the Jaguar I-PACE at Lancaster Jaguar Wolverhampton.

To say that the new Jaguar I-PACE is an important car for

the Coventry-based carmaker is an understatement. The flattery has to run deeper than that.

In fact, not since the launch of the E-TYPE in the 1960s has Jaguar demonstrated its dominance as adroitly. Over four years in the making and way ahead of anything from its premium rivals – except maybe the Tesla Model X, which is more expensive – I-PACE is Jaguar’s first all-electric SUV. And it’s genuinely groundbreaking;

for Jaguar, but also for every motorist in Britain because it proves that electric vehicles can compete against – and defeat – their fossil-fuelled rivals.

Designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover in the UK, this Big Cat took the Geneva Motor show by storm last year, unleashing a ferocious roar designed to send Tesla running scared into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Seeing it here

Lancaster Jaguar Land Rover Wolverhampton WV2 4HQ 126

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

at Lancaster Jaguar’s flagship dealership on Wolverhampton’s Graiseley Hill delivers an allelectric frisson that is unmatched, even though it’s sitting beside so many other striking siblings from the Jaguar/ Land Rover range: the I-PACE doesn’t have to work hard for your attention, it just demands it. I’m excited and I don’t even like electric vehicles. Or rather, I don’t like what we have all come to accept about electric vehicles.

The story is old and wellworn: EV’s are slow, tedious, totally devoid of style and soul, expensive and they all feature the same enormous millstone: you never know whether you’ll be able to complete your journey before you run out of juice. The I-PACE blows all of these preconceptions out of the water - and then some.

OK, so it isn’t the first vehicle to help erode the EV reputation of old but never has one car nailed the formula with such panache.

The engine that’s driving forward this revolution is the I-PACE’s 90kWh battery, which is good for a 298-mile range on a full charge and it generates 395bhp and 696Nm of torque. And believe me, that is a lot of torque - enough to pull a large planet out of orbit almost – and it’s important because in the I-PACE there’s almost 600kg of lithium-ion batteries.

But don’t worry each battery unit is positioned as low down as possible between the axles to create a low centre of gravity and to help give better weight distribution, so this car doesn’t roll uncontrollably in the corners.

All that power translates to a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph – and there’s more. This is power that is quicker and keener than flicking on a light switch. It’s absolutely instant – and absolutely addictive.

With exterior styling as arresting as its Caesium Blue paintwork it hits you sharply between the eyes like nothing else here on display. In fact, the same goes for Wolverhampton’s newest purveyor of premium metal, Lancaster Jaguar. From the moment you enter the gleaming, modern showroom you sense a palpable buzz about the brand.

It’s busy for a Tuesday morning in January, I guess this speaks of Jaguar’s resurgence as a global powerhouse and implies that such powerful brand magnetism allied to the scope of this fantastic showroom – which is so vast it even features ‘drive in service lane’ servicing – is enough to turn the people of Wolverhampton giddy with excitement.

Climbing into the Jaguar’s cabin is like climbing into your smartphone. Everything is incredibly high-tech and ergonomically brilliant. Every I-PACE – including this SE spec version – does away with analogue instrument dials, replacing them with a massive 12.3” digital display, which lets you dive into the bowels of the software to activate everything from heated seats to radio preferences. You also get another touch-sensitive panel lower down on the central console, which is used to control ancillary systems, like climate control. Smoothrunning, intuitive and with smart graphics it is a major selling point I’m sure – and so is the I-PACE’s decidedly reasonable starting price of just over £60,000.

The I-PACE is Jaguar’s first vehicle to include the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which is capable of over-the-air software updates, and which uses artificial intelligence to adapt to a driver’s personal preferences, ensuring driving and infotainment settings are matched to each individual using the car. See, I told you this car was from the future.

More prosaically however – isn’t it still nice to talk about tactile things too? – you don’t sit especially high considering you’re in an SUV but in the I-PACE’s ample Light Oyster leather-clad throne you do get abundant electric seating adjustment with a memory function to help you find your sweet spot. I can’t imagine a comfier position from which to attempt to navigate the rigors of driving through a heavily congested Ring Road.

It’s not surprising that the I-PACE runs in cathedral-quiet nirvana but it is surprising to me that the optional 20” ‘Style 6007’ alloy wheels do a fine job of ironing out potholes and, more importantly, that the promised driving range at the beginning of my test is believable. I travel for around 170 miles in mixed driving conditions and still the battery shows over 20% remaining. So be in no doubt: in this vehicle you can – with some sympathetic adjustment for driving style and average speed – trust the promised driving range. And when it does run out, be reassured, its batteries can be topped up to around 80% in around 90 minutes with a 50kw charging point. Faster still, if you can find a 100kw point.

The Jaguar I-PACE is the electric vehicle drivers have been waiting for. It is a smart and sustainable luxury vehicle with sports car performance that points today to the future of motoring. And it’s more than worth a visit to Lancaster Jaguar Wolverhampton.

To book a test drive or for further details please contact Jaguar on 01902 715 902 or email info@wolverhampton.lancasterjaguar.co.uk www.townandvillagelifemag.co.uk

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Audi A1 Sportback

By Rob Taylor

making it easier for the driver to stay in lane. Lane departure warnings help too, as does Audi’s Pre-sense Front: a radar-based system that recognises critical situations involving other vehicles, crossing pedestrians or cyclists ahead, even in fog, and prepares to apply the brakes.

Small but perfectly formed best sums up the all-new, secondgeneration Audi A1 Sportback.

And yet despite being the smallest Audi in the range it still manages to have more interior space than the outgoing model as well as five doors at all times, plus it boasts lots of new technology and a raft of driver assistance systems.

Even the entry-level SE variant features a 10.25” digital instrument screen with high-resolution display.

Optional Audi virtual cockpit provides an extended range of functions to present comprehensive and diverse information, such as animated navigation maps and graphics relating to driver assistance systems, in the driver’s direct field of vision.

The MMI radio is standard too and can be operated via the smartphonestyle touch screen or using voice control. All versions of the A1 can be equipped with the optional Technology Pack, which adds MMI Navigation plus the various internet-based services offered by 128

Audi connect and Audi Phone Box wireless charging functionality.

Audi Connect offers functions such as hybrid route guidance – which calculates the route ‘in the cloud’, taking into account traffic situations – and new 3D city models, which offer a precise map view of many urban centres. Audi’s smartphone interface, which is standard on all versions, ensures infinite connectivity when you’re inside the vehicle. It integrates iOS and Android using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A Bang & Olufsen premium sound System is also an option, it has eleven speakers with an output of 560 watts and produces a 3D effect, which uses the windscreen as a reflecting surface.

All of this technology just a few years ago would have been the exclusive preserve of Audi customers much further up the food chain, so to have this stuff on an A1 is quite incredible – and understandably expensive.

This little hatchback starts at around £19,000 and prices can easily climb toward £25,000. Much of the driver assistance systems also come directly from further up the range: one of them keeps the A1 at just the right distance from the car ahead,

Incredibly in stop/go traffic, the A1 Sportback with S tronic transmission brakes to a standstill and moves away again under certain conditions automatically. It also offers various optional systems to make parking easier. For the first time, there is a reversing camera available in addition to the rear parking system.

Front ultrasonic sensors recognise objects in front of the car as well and emit acoustic and visual warnings. The park assist system can automatically parallel park the A1 Sportback and even exit parallel parking spaces itself, unguided.

This was almost utter science fiction not long back – even when the first A1 launched around decade ago – and now it’s in a hatchback!

It’s really hard to believe that the A1 is already 9 years old. Back then it set new standards in the subcompact hatchback class, demonstrating a refined drive and premium interior. If anything, it was the original A1 that proved small cars didn’t have to feel inferior to larger models. You might even say that this car is responsible for banishing the expression ‘cheap and cheerful hatchback’ from the motoring lexicon for good.

These days it’s easy to consider cars as nothing more than receptacles for the latest, shiniest tech but this Audi A1 is much more than this, in fact it is still actually a car so now let me explain what’s really impressive about it… [sorry, I’ve run out of space.]

town & village life magazine | march/april 2019

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