Wolverhampton West Magazine - December/January 2014

WOLVERHAMPTON WEST MAGAZINE

December/January 2014

Win tickets for Cinderella at The Grand Theatre Win a meal for two at The Plough, Trysull Win a hamper of award winning wines with Halfpenny Green Vineyards

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014

Delivered to areas of: Codsall, Codsall Wood, Oaken, Bishops Wood, Tong, Coven, Brewood, Compton, Tettenhall, Claregate, Finchfield, Castlecroft, Penn, Merry Hill & Bradmore 01

Local Magazine delivered to 24,500 Selected Homes and Businesses*

A449 Kidderminster Road Wall Heath, West Midlands DY6 0EN T: 01384 686000 E: kingfisher@inndividual.co.uk W: www.thekingfisher.club

LIVEMUSIC

WHAT’S ON SATURDAY 01

NOVEMBER 2014

FRIDAY 07

SATURDAY 08

THURSDAY 13

FRIDAY 14

AN EVENING WITH UB40

meATloAF

soUl JUncTion

FRAnK BRUno

mADonnA

SATURDAY 15

FRIDAY 21

SATURDAY 22

FRIDAY 28

SATURDAY 29

We love 80‘s & 90’s

Alive & KicKing

The ReAlisTics

The JAm DRc

Bon Jovi

DECEMBER 2014 THURSDAY 04

FRIDAY 05

SATURDAY 06

SUNDAY 07

THURSDAY 11

Alive & KicKing

Jessie J vs pinK vs KATy peRRy vs lADy gA gA

soUl sURvivoRs

TAKe ThAT

eAsT WooD BAnD

THURSDAY 18

FRIDAY 19

SATURDAY 20

FRIDAY 12

SOLD OUT

olly mURs

SATURDAY 13

SATURDAY 14

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

gliTz AppeAl

RoBBie WilliAms

olly mURs

LimiTeD cLUb SeaTS

hoUse JAmmeRz

micheAl BUBle (Michael clews)

JANUARY 2015 FRIDAY 02

SATURDAY 03

FRIDAY 09

SATURDAY 10

FRIDAY 16

BAcK To The 80’s Disco

TAKe ThAT

BAcK To The 90’s Disco

pinK vs cheR (stacey green)

80 vs 90’s Disco

SATURDAY 17

FRIDAY 23

SATURDAY 24

FRIDAY 30

SATURDAY 31

BAcK To moToWn

RocK oF Ages

soUl sURvivoRs

...coming soon!

micheAl BUBle (Michael clews)

02

& northern soul disco

(stacey green)

A L L B O O K I N G C O R R E C T A T T I M E O F P R I N T. C H E Cwolverhampton K W E B S I T E Fwest O R magazine D E TA I LS .

Hello Readers ‘Is it really that time of year again?’‘Have you done your Christmas shopping?’ Etc, etc. These are just some of the facile openings which by now you’ll have read in the opening lines of every magazine published this side of our favourite holiday.

But you’ll read none of it here. At Wolverhampton West we want to focus your mind upon what is fascinating and fun about the festive season here on your doorstep.

Here is the read which’ll tell you where to buy your Christmas meat - Allan Bennett of Codsall and RJ Hipkiss & Sons of Compton; where to party - Patshull Park Hotel, Sir Jack’s at Molineux, Wolverhampton Racecourse and The Kingfisher in Wall Heath; and where’s the comfiest place to rest your weary feet - at home, while reading this magazine, of course.

And there’s more, so read on for interesting insight into Slade’s Dave Hill in our exclusive interview, where the diminutive local legend talks playing Christmas songs all year round.

There’s beauty and fashion tips to spruce you up; guides to which beauty rooms and hairdressers to visit; hot hints sure to start your party anon - get pristine party plonk direct from Halfpenny Green Vineyards and Corbelli’s Deli. We’ll even help you half-way along with our competitions to win a hamper of wine, tickets to Cinderella at The Grand Theatre and a meal for two at The Plough at Trysull.

Plus there’s advice on trusty trades to transform your home just in time for a visit from the in-laws. Uh-oh: in-laws. Gulp.

Warm wishes to everyone for the festive season.

Enjoy your read...

Geoff

Lytham Rd, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY Tel: 01902 744217 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Advertising enquiries

Email: sales@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Gisella Wiley - Sales Director

Editorial/What’s On information

Email: info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Geoff Hall - Editor Magazine design: studio 28 (www.s28.co.uk) We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Wolverhampton West 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. Wolverhampton West 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 Wolverhampton West Magazine Ltd.

Contents wolverhampton west meets a rock legend – dave hill 4 the local property market by nick Berriman 8 trimmings – final touches 10 louise Presley turner – life coach 12 crafty creations in the heart of the city centre 14 crosswords and puzzles 16 Author A.g smith returns to Brewood library 18 Best foot forward celebrates success 24 halfpenny green Vineyards competition 28 coven christmas light switch-on 30 Brewood woggle 30 recipe of the month 32 the messiah 34 the magnificent seven 36 grand theatre competition 38 win a meal for two at the Plough – trysull 44 gardening with Ann winwood 52 A tree for all seasons 56 cruise style with swan hellenic and Voyages of discovery 60 corbelli deli, a little piece of italy… in willenhall 62 successful women in business – Bibi dodd 68/69 the one and only compton 72/73 At the cutting edge: royston Blythe 74/75 looking good 78 the right hairstyle for your face shape 80 ready to party 90/91 get into the christmas spirit 94 toms tip 105 golf tip 110 wrottesley golf club 112 social scene 114-118 the christmas party 122 food review – wombourne tandoori 126/127 A fabia deal you don’t want to miss, 144 from the name you can trust fiat Panda – call of the wild 146 record september for new suzuki car registrations 148 mitsubishi outlander PheV 148 gripping stuff and even better economy: 150 new models join A-class and B-class ranges Answers to puzzles 153 Bmw xdrive – in perfect condition 154 for imperfect conditions

Congratulations to: Winners of Thriller Live competition at The Grand Theatre Mr C Bailey, Coven Mrs Gill Page, Codsall Winner of the meal for two at Wombourne Tandoori Dawn Golding, Finchfield

*Total distribution 24,500 copies across 2 months

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

03

Wolverhampton West Magazine

Meets Rock Legend…

Dave Hill

WWM: Hi Dave, tell us how it all began for Slade.

DH: We started the group in 1966; each of us lived in or around Wolverhampton, so being a very local band it was natural for us to start off playing gigs in the city’s clubs and pubs.

We originally played lots of covers, so we’d regularly go to a music shop in Birmingham, Discovery, which had loads of different records from America, so that we could find unusual tracks to perform.

We really got into musical styles from the states, like Motown and rhythm and blues - from artists like Four Tops, Muddy Waters and BB King. Then we progressed more into rock, with stuff like Little Richard and Chuck Berry.

Raw talent and a look which defined a generation was enough to cement Slade’s place as one of the seminal glam rock acts of the 1970s. But let’s not forget the music.

Everyone - and anyone - remembers the chart-topping smash hits which rocked the Top 40, like ‘Cum On Feel The Noize’, ‘Take Me Back Ome’ and ‘Gudbye T’Jane’.

The Wolverhampton-based foursome earned legions of fans across the world and inspired future bands as notable as Nirvana and Kiss with their catchy, energy-filled songs - one of which brightens every Christmas without fail.

Slowly things developed from there and after a few years we were spotted by a talent scout who was keen to record music from the Midlands. He gave us some studio time and we managed to record four songs.

WWM: I suppose music from the Midlands was big business at the time, what with Robert Plant’s Led Zeppelin and Ozzy Ozbourne’s Black Sabbath.

DH: Exactly; they were both from the Birmingham area. Another prominent character from the scene at the time was Chas Chandler, Jimi Hendrix’s manager; he heard us playing at a club and from there things just went onwards and upwards. Two years later, Slade had made it.

WWM: You might even say the rest is history… so what’s happening now?

DH: We’re still touring! We’re playing gigs across Russia, where we’ve got a massive fan base, this autumn; then there’s the UK dates towards the end of the year, with a special Christmas gig planned for The Robin 2 club in Bilston on 18th December.

WWM: No doubt you’ll be playing a certain Christmas song…

DH: Of course, we wouldn’t let our fans down! The audience always goes mad when we play ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ - they even want to hear it in the summer.

WWM: And do you play it?

DH: We do, it’s a great song and a huge hit that we’re really proud of we won’t ever get tired of playing it.

In 2015 we’ll be playing gigs across the UK with other acts from the 70s as part of the ‘We Love The 70s’ tour.

WWM: Do you still enjoy touring after all these years?

DH: It’s fantastic, playing live is amazing and it’s always been a massive part of what Slade do.

Bringing pleasure and enjoyment to people in a tough world is a great feeling. The interaction between our fans loving our tunes and us playing them is why we came into the business in the first place.

WWM: So no plans to stop yet?

DH: definitely not. As far as I’m concerned a tour never ends, it’s an endless journey and it’s amazing to still be on stage - I’d never want to do anything else.

It’s not surprising then, that here at Wolverhampton West Magazine we found it difficult to contain our excitement when it was confirmed that we’d get the chance to interview the group’s charismatic lead guitarist, Dave Hill.

Despite having to endure the departure of two original bandmates - singer Noddy Holder and bassist/ keyboardist/violinist Jim Lea founding member Dave, along with drummer Don Powell are keeping the music alive and still delighting fans across the UK - and beyond - with non-stop touring.

04

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Who said it was all about Diamonds The pieces of jewellery we have selected on the opposite page contain the most beautiful coloured stones, all set in 18ct white gold.

in the region. Stones are found in Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other places in North America.

Emeralds in antiquity have been mined in Egypt since 1500 BC, and India, and Austria since at least the 14th century.

However now most of the world’s production of emeralds comes from Colombia and Zambia.

Generally they are heavily included with minerals but the examples in this suite are clean, enabling you to see into the stone and appreciate the depth of colour. Emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which makes them harder than most stones. The colour is given by the presence of Chromium, within the Beryllium Aluminium silicate.

The Logan Sapphire is one of the largest natural blue sapphires at 423 carats or 85 grams.

One of the largest fine quality emeralds was found in 1967, it weighs 858 carats or 176 grams and was named after the town of Gachalá, the place where it was found.

Sapphires and rubies are both from the Corundum family and have the same chemical composition of Aluminium Oxide but it is the mineral elements that give the colour, surprisingly it is Chromium again that gives the red colour of ruby and iron that gives the blue colour to sapphire. Corundum is at 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness only superseded by diamond at 10, the top of the hardness scale of natural occurring minerals. Rubies and sapphires are generally found together but usually one is dominant

The ‘Black Prince Ruby’ in the Imperial State Crown is in fact a spinel, not a ruby at all.

Should you decide to treat yourself to this suite of jewellery you will have the real thing!

To be the first to know about novelties, special offers, events not to be missed simply like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter 06

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07

The local

property market

by Nick Berriman

other showers don’t! There is always the argument that people like to put their own stamp on kitchens and bathrooms but I think if they are really well done and manage to tread the line between being modern and special without being too over the top then they are a selling asset.

I was asked the other day whether I had seen any increase in price for properties which had solar panels fitted.

The answer was no although I do appreciate that the money spent on the installation was a very good investment and showed a good return. I also said that I think some of the installations have a very adverse effect on the appearance of properties. It surprises me that there are no planning restrictions as in some cases the street scene suffers badly.

This made me think of what improvements can be made to properties which will enhance their value and saleability. Outdoor swimming pools can give much fun and enjoyment and it sounds simplistic to say that the value is only increased if the prospective buyer wants a pool. If not it can be a deterrent because of the running cost and the time required for maintenance. In an expensive property an indoor pool can be an asset as in that case the running cost is less important and it is likely that someone else will do the cleaning etc!

A smart and modern kitchen always attracts the ladies, as do swish bathrooms with top of the range showers which reach places that 08

A well used phrase is “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” and that comes from the first look at the property. It’s sometimes called kerb appeal and anything spent to improve the look of the front of the property, the drive and the front garden is worthwhile.

This includes the front door, the door furniture and the windows.

A well decorated house always helps. If the decoration has been neglected this makes a viewer wonder what else that is not obvious has not been maintained. Has the boiler, for instance, been serviced regularly, is the wiring in good condition, is there any damp and do any tree roots affect the drains.

It’s all about giving the proposed buyer confidence and anything spent to achieve that is well spent.

What about conservatories and orangeries? I think they are definitely a bonus as long as they do not boil the gin and tonic! The Georgians always put theirs on the north side as they wanted to keep out of the sun but modern technology means that the temperature can be controlled and the conservatory can be used in summer and winter making it a worthwhile adjunct to living space.

objectionable they can be. Most estate agents have memories of fleeing as quickly as possible from houses full of unhygienic dogs, cats and even rabbits. If you are in any doubt ask a good friend to do a sniff test – they will need to be a good friend to remain a friend after a failed test! I jest about it but it can be a problem of which the owner can be blissfully unaware.

All the above can help a sale and improve value but it is rarely cost effective to modernise kitchens and bathrooms and build conservatories before selling.

Keeping things up to date and modern and decorating regularly will mean the property is in a saleable condition when the time comes.

The current market report is that it continues to be busy but we still have not seen price rises. 2014 will prove to have been a much better year than 2013 in volume of sales but I suppose 2015 is somewhat clouded by the forthcoming election and the uncertainty that always brings.

At least the proposed mansion tax will not affect many properties in this area but an annual tax of £12,000 on properties worth £2 million does make the eyes water!

This is the last edition of the year so may I wish all our readers and clients past, present and future a Happy Christmas and everything good for 2015.

I always think that the presentation of a property is important. This can be achieved without cost and what is required is a clean and tidy appearance. I never like to see a house which has been blitzed so it does not look as though anyone lives in it but equally one that is cluttered and untidy is not very appealing.

And what about the sensitive matter of pets and the odours that go with them? I think it is true to say that people with animals are used to their smells and do not realise how wolverhampton west magazine

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Trimmings - Final touches Shopping for the Christmas trimmings should be fun.

It is an excuse to purchase all sorts of pretty nonsense with which to decorate your home, the tree and the table. Trimmings may be divided into two basic types - the natural and the manufactured. The natural include flowers, greenery and the tree. And because it is all natural, buying it all in too early will result in a display of wilt, droop and dilapidation.

Some of the greenery lasts quite well though, holly is a good example. If the room is not too hot or dry the leaves will stay fresh and lustrous. If you’ve young children in the house however, use artificial berries instead of the real thing. Holly berries are not safe to eat and as holly without berries is generally less expensive, that could be a bonus.

Mistletoe is another plant with inedible berries. Again if there are children in the house, it’s probably better to buy an artificial sprig or two, it does still look very good.

Don’t overlook the fact that there are other evergreens on the market that you could bring into the home at this time. A bay tree in a tub is as traditional as a fir, though not 10

so well known. And instead of holly, you could hang branches of various types of fir or trails of ivy; they tend to last longer too. For that added touch of colour, look for a selection of pot plants in flower or a poinsettia with its colourful bracts.

The tree is the other main living greenery we place in our homes at Christmas and little needs be said other than choose your tree carefully for shape and size. If it has roots don’t assume it will grow after Christmas. The shock of uprooting usually kills most trees.

A bucket weighted with bricks and decorated with crepe paper is the best support for the tree, though there are some very handy gadgets on the market, designed to support the tree alone and unaided.

Artificial, manufactured trimmings of course can go up as soon as you wish. Set pieces are well to the fore this year. Fantastic arrangements of dried fruit, flowers and artificial branches, decorated with tiny baubles, bells and spangles make eye-catching focal points in any room. And they are extremely good value for money because they can be wrapped in plastic bags and put away after Christmas to be brought out again the next year.

Mobiles driven by candle power that play seasonal tunes will fascinate the children, and Christmas card holders will both decorate a dismal corner and hold the cards safely at the same time.

Candles are being made in wonderful colours and styles these days. Some are carved into seasonal figures, hand-painted and mounted on special holders looking almost too good to burn.

The scented varieties add even more atmosphere to the house and kill those lingering cooking smells.

And if you have had problems in the past with those breakable glass balls for the tree, take heart. The latest plastic ones look indistinguishable from the glass versions, but they don’t break.

An artificial tree is a very popular centre piece in many Christmas homes. These trees are works of art in their own right gleaming in their gold, silver and green splendour, as beautiful as the real thing. Some come complete with their own, ‘built-in’ festoons and lights, and some with festive music that plays when the lights are switched on.

If you are looking for trimmings for Christmas this year, you’ve a pleasant surprise ahead. The selection is bigger, better and more imaginative than ever before. It really has never been easier to fill your home with colourfully festive final touches. wolverhampton west magazine

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11

Stuck in a job

you don’ t like?

Are you fed up doing work you don’t really care about? Are you looking to do something more meaningful but aren’t sure where to start?

As a Personal Growth Expert, I continually work with people helping them find a more meaningful career path whether that’s finding a brand new job or starting a new business. It can be done!

I’d like to share with you my eight tips to kick-start your career change.

Understand what really makes you tick.

We are all unique; we all have different motivators, values and passions. In order to find a job or career that you truly love, you need to get clear about what makes you tick! Ask yourself the following questions: What do you find comes easily to you? What are you drawn to doing? What activities would you do if money were no issue?

What are you naturally good at?

List five people who you trust and respect. Make sure they are from different areas of your life. Ask each of them the following questions: What do you perceive to be my greatest strengths? What do you like most about me? If you needed help with something, what would you call me to help you with?

Build your career blueprint.

Before you start scouring the internet in search of a better job, it’s vital that you create your career blueprint, as this will help you to know which jobs you’ll be best suited to. Get a blank piece of paper and create six columns.

1. List all of your interests and passions.

2. List yours skills, talents and abilities.

3. List all your job likes and dislikes.

4. List your favourite types of working environment.

5. List your ideal job benefits.

6. List your ideal working location.

get your hands dirty and see how this influences your decisions. Most importantly, use your career blueprint to establish whether this career/job is really right for you.

Time to get in to action.

It’s time to create your plan of action. Think about all the milestones you’re going to have to tackle during your transition to your new career, from funding, training, research and so on. Break your goal down in to milestones so you don’t get too overwhelmed. Your aim is to then take just five action steps each week.

Get support.

Making any life-change can be tough, so it’s important you create your tribe - a team of people who can support and help you along the way. List all the people in your life that you believe can assist you on your journey, from family, friends, neighbours, old work mates or even a coach or mentor.

Start right now.

What are you waiting for? Don’t waste your life enduring a job that bores you to tears! Make this year the year you change direction. Start today!

If you’re in need of help finding a new direction in 2015, get in touch www.thegameoflife.co.uk

Get your ideas down.

Start exploring your options. Do not hold back! Let go of any limiting thinking and just let your ideas flow, both the logical and pie-in-the-sky. When you’ve finished, ask yourself which three ideas are really jumping off the page? Which three ideas really excite you and why?

Do your homework.

It’s time to start exploring each of your options. Do not close the door until you’ve fully explored each one.

Find out as much as you can about each type of work.

The best way to find out what a job is really like is to get some hands on experience. Go and volunteer, 12

Louise Presley-Turner is a Personal Growth Expert and Author of two books. Louise’s unique style of coaching has produced some amazing results, helping people to define their goals and turn their lives around with amazing success. Get your FREE life evaluator and life planner now.

visit www.thegameoflife.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine

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13

It’s a shop you might expect to find in Brighton or Covent Garden but Wolverhampton has its own stylish gift boutique perfect for that quirky Christmas gift, stocking fillers for children, chocolate treats or that special gift for a loved one.

Crafty creations in the heart of the city centre

Shop in the Square is located in the heart of the city centre just behind ‘The Man on the Horse’ and features the work of over 30 local artists and makers.

There’s a wide selection of jewellery from £3 - £25 whether it be simple button earrings, elaborate wire work creations or necklaces with unique polymer beads. The stunning glass lamp work beads pictured are made by Sarah Jones Glass.

Ellen’s Fingerprint Jewellery can arrange a personalised silver keepsake featuring a miniaturised child’s foot or hand print, ideal for new mums or doting grandparents.

Prices start from £40.00.

Stunning handbags range from the deep jewel colours of felt bags to statement bags made from vinyl records or snazzy liberty prints. The truly scrumptious cup cake and Swiss roll handbags and purses handmade by Katie at Lucky Ladybird Craft start from £10.

Some were recently purchased

by Mr Kipling for a competition.

The shop participates in the city centre loyalty scheme for independent shops offering 10% discount on sales over £10.00.

The Privilege card scheme features offers from over 120 shops, market traders, bars, restaurants, hair and beauty salons. It’s free to sign up, all details are available on www.ilovewlv.co.uk or phone WV One, on 01902 551077.

Charlotte Clark, a glass and ceramic artist in her own right manages the shop. She said: “We try to make the shop distinct and have regular demonstrations and workshops from casting silver jewellery to making wet felt bags.

We encourage people to follow us on Facebook to find out more, enter Freebie Fridays or see the wide selection of lines from all our inspiring local creative businesses”.

So if you want an unusual lovingly created gift you need to get down to Shop in the Square at 18 Queen Square Wolverhampton, open 10am – 4pm Monday to Saturday, open until 6pm each night from 15th December onwards Sundays 10 – 4pm from 9th November. www/facebook.com/ ShopInTheSquare

Original art work from several artists bring something a bit different to the shop, like the stunning limited edition screen prints by Rebecca Green of Art Soup from £35- 45.Or can you give a new home to the gorgeous traditional mohair bears and other creatures handmade

by Gill from £14 - £30.

14

wolverhampton west magazine

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15

Quick Crossword Across 7 Attentiveness (13) 8 Speaking (8) 9 Simple (4) 10 Breaks (7) 12 Prophecies (5) 14 Sound of a bell (5) 16 Happier (7) 19 Exhibit (4) 20 Approximate calculation (8) 22 Enquiry (13)

Sudoku

Down 1 Young male horse (4) 2 Way in (6) 3 Lures (7) 4 Boasts (5) 5 A narrow river (6) 6 Absurd talk (8) 11 Eating (8) 13 Held for ransom (7) 15 Solicitor (6) 17 Boundaries (6) 18 Large and heavy (5) 21 Implement (4)

Easy

Hard

Puzzle answers on page 153

Word Search Find the words associated with photography in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase.

16

Amis

Jonson

Arnold

Lear

Austin

Lewis

Betjeman

Marlowe

Blake

Masefield

Bridges

Motion

Brock

Owen

Bronte

Pope

Brooke

Pye

Byron

Sassoon

Chaucer

Shelley

Dryden

Thomas

Hughes

Wordsworth wolverhampton wolverhampton west west magazine

WINDOWS & CONServatOrIeS

Your Local Bi-Folding Door Specialist As the popularity of Bi-Folding Doors continues to grow we at Tettenhall are only too aware that Not all Bi-Folding doors are made the same, and simply specifying Aluminium doors doesn’t offer any safeguards, the most common problem with Bi-Fold doors is “door drop” where the folding mechanism and track becomes stiff or difficult to open, this can be caused by poor design or by being fitted incorrectly. Toe and Healing the glass units into the door segments is critical in making sure the balance and alignment of the doors enables them to open and close with a minimum of effort.

The best advice I could give any one who is considering investing in some Bi-Folding doors is to Try before you Buy and luckily at Tettenhall’s showroom we have both Aluminium and Upvc Bi-folds on display so you can decide which best suits your property and check out the operation of the doors before you commit to purchasing.

Also one of the other decisions to be made is how many doors to have and what opening configuration, we can offer expert advice and as all jobs include a professional survey prior to installation if there are any issues with things like Lintels these will be picked up.

Open Monday to Saturday 10am until 4.30pm

128 Aldersley Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 9LZ

For expert advice call now on

01902 754114

www.tettenhallwindows.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

17

Author

A.G Smith returns to Brewood Library Brewood library will be hosting a day of ‘spooky’ events on 25th November which will culminate in a terrifying reading by acclaimed author A.G Smith.

communities who rely so much on their local library. A library needs to be run by a qualified librarian, it’s that simple. I will be very proud to return to Brewood and show my support for the library with an event like this, I hope the audience will do the same.’

A.G Smith last performed at Brewood library in November 2010 and tickets for the event sold out very quickly.

A.G Smith has been writing since his childhood and his work has been praised by bestselling authors Anthony Horowitz, G.P Taylor and Miranda Dickinson. He works with Young Offenders in local prisons to engage them with reading and writing and this aspect of his work has been showcased on BBC Radio 4 and Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire programme.

‘I had a wonderful time at Brewood library.’ A.G Smith told WW, ‘the community has a very special library that feels like the hub of the community, exactly as a library should always be. The staff are so lovely and helpful they made me very welcome and had worked so hard to ensure the library had the right atmosphere for the performance. I was deeply saddened to read that Brewood is one of the libraries facing job cuts and being turned over to be volunteer run. This is unfair on rural 18

Although better known for his fantasy trilogy ‘Harvester of the Now’ A.G Smith’s horror stories have become widely popular and his yearly tours sell out very quickly.

‘I have always loved horror films, ever since my father introduced me

to Hammer Horror in my teens. I love the Gothic beauty of those films, and I prefer the restraint and suggestion of the 1930’s – 1970’s period which I find much more frightening than a lot of modern horror. As an author I love the ghost stories of M.R James, the ‘strange’ fiction of Robert Aickman and the sci-fi horror of H.P Lovecraft.

All three are masters of their trade and I take great pains with my horror stories to stay true to their legacy.

I think people have forgotten the power of spoken word. This is the oldest form of entertainment, and my stories will try to take you back to memories of sitting around a campfire and someone telling you a spooky story.’

Be warned though, A.G Smith’s stories have been know to illicit screams of terror from even the most hardened audience, and they are not recommended for children or the faint-hearted.

If you feel brave enough, please reserve a ticket on: 01902 850087.

For more information about A.G Smith please visit: www.harvesterofthenow.com Twitter: @harvesterOTnow wolverhampton west magazine

Come and talk to our experts.

Then relax in your own perfect space...

The Kitchen & Bathroom Design Studios Visit our design studios for a complete range of modern,

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17 MERCIA DRIVE PERTON A well positioned and immaculately presented detached bungalow close to open fields and standing in a favourable South Staffordshire village close to local amenities and within convenient travelling distance of Tettenhall Village and Wolverhampton city centre.

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www.berrimaneaton.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine

FLOORING

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WORKTOPS

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FIREPLACES

Visit our Showroom A huge range of stones and ideas on display including fabulous readymade granite garden table tops.

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printed vertical blinds

to a bright new world of totally unique products Using our service for digital printed made to measure Roller, Vertical & Venetian Blinds opens up a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities for both your domestic and commercial customers.

Using state-of-the-art equipment we can produce photographic quality printing that is beautiful and long lasting.

The only limit to this exciting concept is the human imagination.

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No 72, School Road, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton WV6 8ET

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A Commitment to Quality It’s no surprise then to hear that many clients return: “We’re starting to find that some of our clients are now returning to us after 20 years, ready to choose a new bathroom suite. Because they were so impressed with the service they received and the quality of their bathroom, they won’t consider looking anywhere else.”

Many customers feel reassured that the team is always on-hand if they have any problems: “It’s rare that clients have an issue, but if they do they can contact us anytime of the day, seven days a week. This provides extra peace of mind, and sets us apart from other retailers.”

Wall Heath Bathrooms have built an excellent reputation over the 22 years they’ve been in business, thanks to their unwavering commitment to quality and outstanding customer service.

Co-owner Lorraine Taylor explains: “As a family-run company we’ve placed great emphasis on quality in every aspect of our business, from the bathroom fittings we sell, the workmanship that goes into installing them and the service that our clients receive.”

With a range of fine bathroom suites that suit any home interior, the team are able to meet all of their client’s requirements.

“Our bathrooms cater for all tastes and room sizes; we have extravagant, opulent designs as well as minimalist, chic suites. Our ranges are both practical and stylish.”

Even the tiniest of spaces can be transformed: “With the correct fixtures and fittings it is possible for even the smallest bathroom to become a pleasure to use and stunning to look at.”

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What’s more, Lorraine believes that everyone should be able to enjoy their bathroom: “Making the bathroom accessible for everyone, regardless of age or mobility is a high priority for us.

We have a variety of products that are ideal for those who need an easy-to-use suite, and none of them compromise on style.”

Unlike so many other companies, Wall Heath Bathrooms undertake every aspect of design and installation: “Bathroom Consultant, Lynne and I take care of all design and planning from the showroom.

My husband, Steve, who is a highly skilled engineer, goes out to measure-up in our client’s homes.”

With an extensive portfolio of work available to view in the showroom, clients can get a look at a variety of completed jobs: “We photograph many of our bathrooms so that we can show customers the high standards we work to. We’re proud of the work we carry out and are delighted to be able to provide clients with a bathroom they’ll love for years to come.”

For a free no obligation quote give us a call or pop into the showroom, we are open Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm and Saturday 9am until 4pm.

Only trusted and experienced installers are used to ensure every bathroom installation is carried out to the highest standards. Old bathroom suites are removed with the minimum of disruption before work begins installing the new suite. Clients often remark on our friendly and polite approach and comment on how tidy we work during installation.

“We have a highly skilled tiler who has been with us since day one, when he is away no tiling work is undertaken.” wolverhampton west magazine

21 Enville Road, Wall Heath Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 0JT

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

The Sewing Lab

Stylish Shade Solutions

for your home Simple, elegant and robust Inshade sails keep your conservatory cool in the summer months by reducing UV rays by up to 95% whilst maintaining natural light levels.

Made to Measure Curtains & Soft Furnishings We can help from the very early stages of design, fabric selection all the way through to the final fitting and finishing

E-mail: Sales@TheSewingLab.co.uk www.TheSewingLab.co.uk 07472 722287 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Made in the UK from an exclusive solar control fabric – Inshade sails can be washed in a domestic washing machine to ensure they maintain their looks and performance for years to come.

Showrooms at: 10 Whitburn Street Bridgnorth & 83 high Street Kinver

Call Paul on 01746 768138 or Simon on 01384 877518

23

L-R: Sue Chance (Compton Hospice), Mike Boyce (President Wolverhampton Rotary Club), Mayor of Wolverhampton, Michael Heap, Lynne Marshall (Rotary District Governor) & Jennie Watton (Base 25)

Best Foot Forward celebrates success Thursday 16th October saw a celebration of the success of the Rotary Club’s annual Best Foot Forward event at The Mayor’s Parlour, Wolverhampton.

The event which took place in July, is unique in this country as instead of raising money for charities through sponsorship, members of the public unlocked funds from a charity ‘pot’ by completing a lap of Aldersley Stadium either walking, running or in a wheelchair, at a rate of £1 per person per lap.

Almost five hundred participants managed a total of 13,301 laps during a twelve hour period, releasing an impressive £13,500 pounds from the ‘pot’ which was financed by donations of £250 or more from event patrons made up of forty seven companies and organisations. This was the full amount in the ‘pot’ which Rotary decided to release as the final number of laps finished was so close to this total.

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Participants could complete as many or as few laps as they wished during the allocated time slot from 8am until 8pm and could come and go during the session, with their laps measured by a personal chip which kept track of the number of laps completed.

The amount of laps completed by individuals ranged from four to one hundred and seventy nine, which is an outstanding forty five miles!

Ten teams of trainees from nearby RAF Cosford set themselves the task of completing a competitive four hour challenge which was eventually won by Team Typhoon who completed a total of six hundred and ninety seven laps. In all, the trainees logged almost five thousand laps, unlocking those all-important charity pot funds.

Leading Aircraftman Chris Jones from team Typhoon collecting the winners plaque

Charitable donations unlocked by Best Foot Forward competitors were presented at the ceremony at the Mayor’s Parlour, hosted by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Mike Heap. Beneficiaries each received £4500 from Wolverhampton Rotary Club President Mike Boyce.

Sue Chance of Compton Hospice accepted much welcomed funds for the organisation, whilst Rotary District Governor Lynne Marshall received a cheque on behalf of the Rotary Charitable Trust.

Children in Need also benefitted from a £4500 donation, which was accepted by Jennie Watton of Base 25, a Wolverhampton charity which supports young people within the city and receives grant aid from Children in Need.

In addition to money released from the charity pot, another nine city based charities raised £5600, by utilising the event in the traditional way by raising sponsorship money, ensuring the event truly benefitted people across the city.

With preparations under way for next year’s event, why not register your interest now at www.wolverhamptonbestfootforward.com so you too can take part either as a patron of the event, or as a participant and raise valuable funds for Wolverhampton’s fantastic charities? wolverhampton west magazine

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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will look like in their own home well before installation begins.

“Our CAD system brings plans and ideas to life, meaning that customers can quickly get a good idea of how their room will look. It also means they can make changes to their initial design ideas and tailor aspects to suit their individual needs.”

Eaton Kitchen Designs

for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms The team at Eaton Kitchen Designs have long been helping clients make their home a dream one, by designing, supplying and installing kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Established in 1996, the Finchfield-based family-run company has built an enviable reputation over the years and has become the number one choice for homeowners looking to improve and add value to their home in the West Midlands.

and choice in order to meet with all individual requirements.”

Offering inspiration for homeowners is all part of the job at Eaton: “Many people feel that their home is crying out for a makeover, but they’re not sure where to start. We can help by providing focus and inspiration with our innovative designs.”

Thanks to the latest computer aided design systems at the showroom, customers can get a clear view of what their kitchen; bedroom or bathroom

Quality products, exceptional customer service and competitive pricing set Eaton Kitchen Designs apart from the competition: “All of our products are of the very highest quality and are keenly priced. We offer a complete service, from start to finish and take care of every aspect of installation.

We don’t use subcontractors for our installations, they are undertaken by our own trusted family team of fitters.”

It’s no surprise to hear then, that the majority of Eaton’s work comes from word-of-mouth recommendations: “Eighty percent of our work comes from recommendations. We really value our customers and work hard to ensure that each one of them receives only the best service at every stage of the process.”

“We want to spend time with our clients and get to know exactly what they want, because we want to ensure that they’ll be delighted with their new room for years to come.”

With a vast selection of design options available at their showroom on Finchfield Road West, Eaton have styles that will suit all tastes and budgets.

Company owner, Lloyd Pitt Explains: “We create contemporary kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms with both enthusiasm and professionalism, ensuring that we help our clients find everything they need to create their perfect space.”

“We have an extensive kitchen collection on offer; contemporary, classic, traditional, curved, gloss and bespoke painted varieties.

Our bedrooms are designed to fit with any home interior style, whether that’s contemporary, traditional or classic and our bathrooms offer great variety 26

wolverhampton west magazine

Kitchens with style – modern – contemporary – traditional Our Extensive range of kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms will enable us to create the room of your dreams.

Our Computer Aided Designs will give you the opportunity to experience your new room prior to installation.

For a free no obligation quote please call in at: 20 Finchfield Rd West, Finchfield, WV3 8AZ Telephone: 01902 761600 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

w w w. e a t o n k i t c h e n d e s i g n s . c o . u k 27

Celebrate Christmas in style

at the Vineyards With Christmas fast approaching, you may want to escape the hustle and bustle and shop in a more tranquil atmosphere.

If this is the case, why not visit The Vineyards at Halfpenny Green. With its own shop, deli and much more, there really is the opportunity to find the perfect gift for even the most hard to buy for. You can even have a full English breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead, or take a break from shopping with a delicious meal, including a traditional roast available on Sundays.

Set in a converted barn, complete with deli and a new chocolate counter, the shop offers a fabulous choice of gifts, hampers and wines, including gold medal winning dry white, Long Acre. The award, won recently at a wine tasting competition hosted by the Mercian Vineyard Association, recognises the quality of the wines produced at The Vineyards, with this particular wine being selected

by Marks and Spencer to stock next year. In total, ten of The Vineyards wines were entered into the competition and as well as achieving gold for Long Acre, they also won two silvers and an impressive seven bronze medals!

Or, if you would like to offer a loved one a new experience, treat them by booking a high tea or even a guided tour of the Vineyards, surely a wine enthusiast’s dream.

If you are searching for a unique gift, the onsite craft centre is certainly worth a visit. With retailers ranging from jewellers, to soft furnishers to photographers, you will certainly find what you are looking for. A full list of retailers is available online at www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk

For the person who has everything, consider purchasing a Christmas hamper, which can be made to order.

Take a trip to the Vineyards and get Christmas all wrapped up.

COMPE TITION

All entries to be received by Monday 1st December 2014.

To celebrate Halfpenny Green Vineyards achievement of 10 medals for their magnificent wines they are offering a super prize to one lucky Wolverhampton West magazine reader. You can win a fantastic hamper containing six of the award winning wines.

Competition Terms and Conditions: Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received. Winner to be aged 18 years or older.

All entry details will be forwarded to Halfpenny Green Vineyards unless requested otherwise.

To be in with a chance to win this fabulous prize, simply answer the following question correctly:

Name the wine which recently won a gold medal in the Mercian Vineyards Association Competition?

Email your answers to:

info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk or on a postcard to: Wolverhampton West Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY.

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wolverhampton wolverhampton west west magazine

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.

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Brewood

Woggle

Runners came from as far afield as Scotland and Surrey to run the second “Brewood Woggle”, a 10km race around the beautiful South Staffordshire village of Brewood and the Chillington Estate.

Hosted by St Dominic’s High School for Girls, this annual charity fun run was organised on behalf of Brewood Scouts as part of their fundraising activities to build a new scout hut and attracted over 80 runners. The run attracted all standards of runners, who competed for the coveted Brewood Woggle trophies for fastest woman and fastest man. The race was eventually won by Robin Sedgemore Smith from Newport

Running Club in 35 minutes and Claire Martin from Telford AC in an amazing 37 minutes.

St Dominics also played host to the inaugural Mini Woggle and Junior Woggle designed for the champions of tomorrow. The competition was fierce with some very good performances from local youngsters whose prize was a bespoke handmade shield. The winners of the Mini Woggle were: Alistair Morrice from St Mary and St Chad’s First School, Brewood and Kirsty Kellhar from Brewood Middle School. Alex Fitton from Adams Grammar and Natasha Wake from Brewood Middle School took the Junior Titles.

The Woggle was well supported by the community as well wishers turned out to support the runners, together with an army of volunteers from Lloyds Bank and the local Co-op, who gave up their Sunday morning lie-in to marshal and serve tea and coffee to the tired runners.

Without them no race could have taken place so the Scouts would like to say a huge thank you.

The event successfully raised over £1000 and next year’s event has already been booked for 27th September 2015.

Natasha Wake- winner of the Junior Woggle

Get in the Christmas spirit at

Coven Christmas fayre

If you are struggling to get into the festive mood this year, why not visit Coven’s Christmas Fayre, featuring that all important light switch on, where you will certainly start to get the Christmassy feeling.

Moira Alden-Court (Chair of Brewood and Coven Parish Council)

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Held at the Parade in Coven on Sunday 7th December, from 2pm onwards, the event will feature a variety of stalls including warming hotdog and burger stands, a balloon man and a Punch and Judy show.

Organisers Pam Clay and Moira Alden-Court from Coven, and Wendy Sutton from Brewood have been working hard over the past few months to make this event possible. “We are so pleased with the generous support we have received from the people of Coven” Moira, says, “most of the activities at the event will be for children, so it will be a real family day out.”

Of course, no Christmas fayre is complete without a visit from Father Christmas and the organisers have managed to secure an appearance from the busy man himself on the day, thanks to a little help from Andrew at Coven based Village Hair Care. Children will be able to share their Christmas list with Santa and will also receive a gift.

Sam and Brian Saunders (Wolverhampton Skip Hire)

The spectacular Christmas lights will be turned on at 5pm

by Brian and Sam Saunders of Wolverhampton Skip Hire (who are also Coven residents). Also assisting with the switch on will be Moira in her capacity as Chair of Brewood and Coven Parish Council and MP for South Staffordshire Gavin Williamson.

So get your family together, get your reindeer jumpers on, and step into Christmas at the Coven Christmas Fayre. wolverhampton west magazine

100,000 reasons to visit

By Liz Roseblade

The Old Mill Antiques Centre Even my husband found plenty to interest him whilst I was admiring the best array of jewellery I have seen anywhere. I was in seventh heaven surrounded by diamonds, sapphires, rubies, pearls and some really eye-catching fashion jewellery – and the value for money was amazing! This is where I will be buying my Christmas presents.

But this was only the beginning; The Old Mill is on four floors, all absolutely packed with everything imaginable. On the third floor we

armchair and choose from either modern or traditional fabrics.

And just when we felt we were losing our bearings in this vast building we discovered a truly unusual and inviting award winning tea rooms, just in time for a nice cup of tea and a snack and time to contemplate all we had just seen. On leaving the tea rooms we stopped to look at a section with handmade baby clothes, lace table linen, bedspreads, cushions and many other items all beautifully displayed.

Back on the ground floor which is truly a “treasure trove” we found hallmarked silver items, china, porcelain including some beautiful royal worcester and coalport hand painted vases, books, collectables of all types and many most unusual items!

After a very enjoyable 3 hours or so, we strolled back to the car which

Last weekend I dragged my husband, Tom, shopping and we went to Bridgnorth where we discovered The Old Mill Antiques Centre in Low Town, by the river Severn.

Here, we whiled away a very pleasant 3 hours or so and I can certainly say that the heading to this article probably understates the vast amount of choice of items on sale in this building!

found a little art gallery with quality oil paintings, watercolours and a selection of prints (both framed and unframed) - I bought a pair of framed prints which I’m sure my sister will love! On this floor there is a mixture of antique and modern style furniture, table lamps, tiffany lamps, mirrors, photograph frames, and crystal glassware – the list is endless. “The Old Mill Sofa Company” occupies a section on this floor and here you can design your own sofa, settee or www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

was 20 yards away (as the Old Mill has their own free car park). We had spent a most relaxing afternoon shopping – completely hassle free!

This Christmas I know where I am buying my Christmas presents, even Tom said: “Why can’t we always do our shopping this way”?

Old Mill Antique Centre Mill Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth WV15 5AG Tel: 01746 768778 31

By Michael Peter Whitehurst Email: mike@takefood.co.uk

Recipe of the month Turkey, cranberry and honey roast parsnip sausage roll with pickles and homemade carrot and cardamom jam I love homemade sausage rolls, basically because I can make them using my ratio of 90% filling and 10% pastry. You can make a ruff puff pastry if you wish (see takefood.co.uk - chef’s recipes - baking essentials) but for ease and time saving purposes use a pre-made ready rolled all butter puff pastry from your local supermarket. These sausage rolls are a great way of using up leftovers from Christmas lunch and taste amazing. Makes 6 individual or 2 large ones.

EQUIPMENT FOR BOTH RECIPES • • • • • • • • • • •

Pastry brush Small bowl for egg wash Large mixing bowl Sharp knife Chopping board Baking tray Preserving pan or heavy based pan Grater Large spoon Storage jars Serving board and small bowl for jam

Sausage Rolls INGREDIENTS • 1 roll of ready rolled puff pastry - 350g • 454g/1lb of sausage meat • A few pickings from the leg of the left over cooked turkey • 1 tbsp of cranberry sauce • 2 medium sized honey roast parsnips • 1 egg • 3 sprigs of thyme • 1 tsp cracked black pepper • A few oats and seeds

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into the bowl, chop the parsnips and add to the bowl, add cranberry sauce and mix gently - you don’t want to lose the cranberry sauce into the mix. Now egg wash your pastry and take half of the filling and roll out in the centre of the bottom piece then do the same for the top piece of pastry. Fold the pastry over filling, tuck in and egg wash the top, sprinkle with oats and seeds, cut into 4 then bake on 180oC for about 35 - 40 minutes.

Carrot and Cardamom Jam INGREDIENTS • • • • • •

500 grams of carrots, peeled and grated Zest of 2 and juice of 3 unwaxed lemons 1 small sized piece of ginger grated 1 onion fine diced Zest and juice of 1 large orange 1 tablespoon of cardamom seeds, (split open the green pods of the cardamom to find the seeds) • 500g granulated sugar METHOD Grate your carrots and blanch in boiling salted water for 30 seconds, strain and set aside. In a pan on a moderate heat soften the onion and ginger in olive oil and add the cardamom seeds. Now add the citrus zest, juice and sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved turn up the heat and allow to boil for about 6 minutes - keep your eye on it. To store the jam wash some old or new jars in hot soapy water, rinse in hot clean water and now dry in your oven on 100°C to sterilise.

Pour in carefully and tighten lids on. As the heat of the jam reduces this helps to create a vacuum.

SERVING SUGGESTION:

METHOD

Serve your sausage rolls with any pickles that you find in your cupboard, your homemade carrot and cardamom jam, a lump of mature cheddar and a nice winter ruby slaw (see takefood.co.uk for recipe).

Lay the pastry out on your board and turn the board to portrait then cut into 2 halves left to right so you have 2 pieces top and bottom ready to wash and fill. Put the sausage meat into your bowl and sprinkle the thyme leaves and cracked black pepper, tear your turkey meat

www.instagram.com/mikewhitehurst_takefood www.takefood.co.uk mike@takefood.co.uk www.facebook.com/takefood! www.twitter.com/takefood wolverhampton west magazine

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Local Choir performs Handel’s

classical works, often performed with soloists and an orchestra.

Recent local performances by the choir include ‘The Ages of Man’ including ‘Childhood Lyrics’ by John Rutter, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ ‘A Sea Symphony’, Joseph Jongen’s ‘Mass Op130’ and Bruckner Motets.

to welcome Christmas

New singers are always welcome to the choir. There are no auditions and the only requirements are enthusiasm, and the ability to hold a note! Not everyone in the choir reads music fluently and CDs are often available to help people to learn their parts.

messiah In the tradition of celebrating the start of Christmas, Wombourne & District Choral Society are busy practising Handel’s great choral masterpiece, the Messiah, which they will perform at their Christmas Concert in Wolverhampton together with the distinguished Chameleon Arts Orchestra and guest soloists.

The concert will be held on Saturday 13th December 2014 at St John’s Church in the Square in Wolverhampton WV2 4AT, commencing at 7.30pm. The conductor will be the choir’s Musical Director, Ian Clarke.

The soloists are Helen Meyeroff (Soprano), Susan Legg (Mezzo

Soprano), Mark Chaundy (Tenor) and Christopher Foster (Bass).

Light refreshments will be available in the interval and tickets are £10 each with children under 18 free.

Tickets can be bought from choir members, 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

Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, 7.30 to 9.30pm during term time at The King’s School, Regis Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8XG. For more information, contact our Membership Secretary, Carol Dixon at cagsdixon@gmail.com.

Pendeford Arts & Crafts Fayre Saturday 29th November 2014 11am to 2pm On display will be fine art, hand-made jewellery, cards, paper craft, textiles, wood craft, fresh produce, jams

and preserves, canal art and much more.

From

£9.

All from local artists, crafters and growers

per

Oasis Café (St. Pauls Church) rear of Morrisons Supermarket Pendeford.

50

hou

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Everyone Welcome.

4 Owner managed, insured service 4 Cleaners are thoroughly vetted, referenced and interviewed in their homes

4 You meet and pre-approve your cleaner 4 Substitute cleaner when yours is away 4 Tasks can be varied each visit 4 All aspects of interior cleaning and ironing

To discuss your cleaning and ironing requirements:

Tel: 01902 504099

www.cleanersRus.co.uk 34

wolverhampton west magazine

Creative

Christmas

With the change of the season came our annual Christmas launch, which this year, was busier than ever and very well received. It was the first year we were able to host the event under one roof which created a fantastic atmosphere.

This year we have been able to source many beautiful tree decorations from a local company which are unusual and elegant and are proving to be very popular with our customers.

With two sizes of Christmas tree to choose from (table top and floor standing) we have been able to display these stunning baubles to their best advantage, which inspires ideas for the festive period.

Alongside these decorations we also have standalone pieces such as Angels and Nativity sets which are available in soft gold which seems to be the new black! Also, unique ‘gilver’ and ‘foxed’ glass pieces, which will give your home individuality this Christmas.

We have many lovely garlands and wreaths too, as well as a fabulous range of jewellery, handbags, scarves and gloves, ideal for Christmas gifts.

We are selling out of some stock already, so don’t leave it too long before you visit us!

If you wish to attend our launch next October, please contact us with your details by phone or email. Our details can be found on our website.

You can also support us on facebook and be the first to see some great weekly promotions and posting of new arrivals.

CreativeFinchfield Interiors Interior Design Service Designer Fabrics & Wallpapers Curtains, Pelmets & Blinds, Upholstery & Headboards Lamps, Mirrors & Furniture Gifts & Home Accessories

We are a friendly approachable company who are only too happy to assist you in selecting a new look for your home.

Please come and browse in our fabulous extended showrooms at: 24-26 Finchfield Road West, Finchfield Wolverhampton WV3 8AZ

01902 764123

Open: Mon 10am – 5pm, Tues to Fri 9am – 5pm, Sat 10am – 4pm

www.creativeinteriorswolverhampton.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

35

The

magnificent seven

A team of seven, including Wolverhampton jeweller John Henn of TA Henn, have completed a gruelling four day cycle challenge and raised over £27,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in memory of the late jeweller Simon Cupitt.

Between 11 and 14 September, the team, which also included Simon’s son Olly, cycled up five of the principal Cols in the Alps, a total of 7300m climbed, culminating in Mont Ventoux as part of the Five Alps for Simon charity fundraising initiative.

Simon, who ran Cupitt Jewellers in Bromsgrove, was a keen cyclist and was undertaking the Etap du Tour when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in September 2011. He passed away from the disease in January 2013.

As well as completing the cycle challenge, the team also organised a fundraising gala evening at the end of September. The fundraising event generated £13,300 with several donations from jewellery and watch brands being auctioned off, the cycle challenge has raised £13,500 prior, taking the team well over their £25,000 target.

New jewellery brand ‘Endless Jewelry’ also helped with the cost of the support vehicles provided for the team during their challenge.

Back: Paul Belham, Dominic Senior, Olly Cupitt, Nigel Foxall, John Henn, Front: Robert Osborne, Matt Fox

Commenting on the cycle challenge and the fundraising efforts, John Henn said: “We have been overwhelmed by the size of the Alps when crossed on a bicycle, and the generosity of the public and jewellery trade.

I’m optimistic that in 2024 when we have MND under control we will know that ten years earlier our industry, and the people, helped to make this happen.”

Those still wishing to make a donation can do so by visiting https://www. justgiving.com/FiveAlpsforSimon/

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37

Competition One lucky winner can win a family ticket for four people to see CINDERELLA on Sunday 7th December at 6pm at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Have a ball at The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 2014/15 pantomime, Cinderella starring JULIAN CLARY and Hollyoaks star JOE TRACINI. From 6 Dec to 18 Jan. The Grand Theatre has kindly donated one family ticket for four people on Sunday 7th December at 6pm for our competition.

Julian Clary has established himself as one of the country’s most recognisable and popular stage and television entertainers.

He has turned his hand to comedy, acting, presenting, writing and in 2012 Julian won Celebrity Big Brother.

Cinderella will once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime who were behind the success of last year’s production of Sleeping Beauty.

Qdos have a reputation for producing largescale West End quality shows packed with special effects and audience participation.

Michael Harrison, managing director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomimes division said: “It’s fitting that for Cinderella, the most magical family pantomime of them all, we have been able to cast Julian Clary, the most glamorous of all pantomime stars, in our Wolverhampton show this Christmas. Julian is a fine actor and a first-rate comedian and is guaranteed to keep audiences laughing right up to the final curtain call”.

For ticket inquiries and more information please visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk or call The Box Office 01902 429212 38

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and send it on a post card with your name, address and telephone number to Wolverhampton West Magazine at the address below before Tuesday 25th November 2014.

Only postal entries can be considered for the competition and winners will be notified by telephone.

In what year did Julian Clary win Celebrity Big Brother? a) 2010 c) 2012 b) 2011 d) 2013 Competition Terms and Conditions Please post all entries to Wolverhampton West Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY. To be received no later than Tuesday 25th November 2014.

Winners to collect tickets from the Box Office on the evening of the performance. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash or alternative prize night available. Extra tickets can be purchased and are subject to availability. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

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www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

39

Doorsmart

The smart choice There’s nothing more important than making a good first impression, so why do so many of us overlook our front door?

It not only serves to enhance the look of our property, making it appear well-looked after, cared for and attractive, but also provides security and peace-of-mind.

In fact, property experts have often remarked on the importance of fitting a smart, secure-looking door as a quick and easy way to add value to your home - whether you’re planning on selling-up or not.

When it comes to choosing the right entrance for your home though, there’s plenty of things to consider; it needs to be strong, secure, durable and of course, good looking.

It’s good to know then, that local composite door specialists, Doorsmart are on-hand to help you find the door that’s perfect for you.

Owner Craig Broadley explains: “We’ve been manufacturers of composite doors for many years, utilising the latest in composite door technology to offer our customers the very best in design and quality.”

“Although we’ve traditionally supplied to the trade only, we’ve

40

recently opened-up a brand new showroom at our Park Lane site, so that homeowners can get a chance to see - and purchase - our wide variety of composite doors.”

Doorsmart’s doors offer outstanding insulation, weather resistance and high durability, with very little maintenance required.

“Although modern composite doors are constructed of many varied materials, there’s only ours that provide the look and feel of timber.”

The Doorsmart range has all the qualities of wood, like decorative graining and attractive depression mouldings, and there’s an endless choice of colour options to choose from.

“We introduce colour into the fiberglass during manufacture, making a unique through colour facing, which is highly durable it’s truly a door for the future.”

The Doorsmart range boasts 32 standard door designs that can be chosen in seven standard colours, but for those who want something a little more individual there’s the Doorsmart Extensive Rainbow Range.

“We’ve recognised that some of our customers might want something that bit different, so with a standard BS or RAL

colour code, we can make your door any colour you want.”

There’s plenty of glass designs and door furniture to choose from too: “We have a number of glass designs that feature both subtle and statement patterns in many colours and styles.

We also have many options in privacy and obscure glass.”

And what’s more, the team will always try to accommodate the customer’s own designs or requirements.

An impressive range of striking ancillaries, door handles, knockers and letter plates allow you to add those all-important finishes to your door.

It’s not all about looks at Doorsmart though; the company’s products feature excellent safety and security. Which is just as well as statistics show that a property is burgled every minute in the United Kingdom.

“With a 44mm thick composite door, reinforced door outerframe and secured by design locking options, we offer the most secure door option available in the residential sector.”

There certainly is no better peace-of-mind than knowing your family, home and belongings are well protected.

Contact the Doorsmart team today to make sure that your home makes the right first impression.

wolverhampton wolverhampton west west magazine

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

41

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43

The Plough c o mp e t i t i o n This month we have teamed up with The Plough, Trysull to give one lucky reader the chance to win a sumptuous 3 course meal for two including a bottle of house wine.

The Plough Inn is located on School Road in the picturesque village of Trysull and, like many of the neighbouring timber-framed properties, has a rich history.

Originally a farmhouse, the 14th century building is thought to have been converted into a public house around 1833.

The publican Charles Munday was still recorded as a farmer in the Edwardian era so it is not surprising that he should trade under the sign of The Plough.

The Pub has recently undergone an internal refurbishment but great care has been taken to ensure the original character of the pub still remains. The pub has an open plan aspect with approximately fifty covers. It is decorated in a contemporary fashion yet has traditional characteristic features including feature wooden beams and a cosy fireplace. The garden and patio area are a superb feature for this pub, which also has a large car park.

The Plough is now under the new management of Richard and Nicky both are great hosts and make everyone welcome. The food is freshly prepared using locally-sourced produce where possible.

For reservations please call 01902 892254.

To enter simply answer the following question:

When was the building thought to have been converted into a pub?

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

44

Entries to be received by Friday 5th December 2014 Competition Terms and Conditions: Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received and informed by telephone.

To enter you must be aged 21 years or older.

No cash or alternative prize will be given. Prize valid Tuesday to Thursday only and subject to availability. Prize to be redeemed by Friday 30th January 2015. All entries will be forwarded to The Plough unless requested otherwise.

wolverhampton west magazine

Geo e Davies elecTrical suppliers

Est. 1959… This is a family business now run by the Grandson of original founder.

We have the largest selection of light bulbs locally; from Pygmy bulbs to the latest LED. Small electrical appliances • Heaters Door Chimes • Electronic cigarettes Security Lighting • CCTV • Alarms Christmas Lights

15% off* with this advert *excludes cable and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

for that personal service come along to: 65 Trysull Road, Bradmore Wolverhampton WV3 7JG

Tel: 01902 335742 www.geodavies.co.uk

Beautiful Shutters Timelessly sTylish and forever pracTical

• Shutters offer a stylish and elegant solution that will enhance contemporary or traditional rooms.

• Made to measure they can be supplied and fitted to any shape or size of window or patio door.

• Wide range of colours available in wood or UPVC. Showrooms at: 10 Whitburn street Bridgnorth & 83 high street Kinver

Call Paul on 01746 768138 or Simon on 01384 877518

Fallings Park Methodist Church & Community Centre

Rooms available to hire or for long-term lettings Facilities include:

Community Hall for up to 100 people Rooms for smaller groups  Special occasions  Parties  Celebrations  Organisations looking for regular meeting places  Training seminars and lectures Wimborne Road, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, WV10 0NR

Call us on: 01902 737638 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

45

ChasewooD

The Chasewood brand of furniture has been manufactured in Staffordshire for over 20 years.

As a family business we have been designing, creating and installing beautiful fitted furniture throughout the UK offering a reliable and friendly service.

In June 2013 we opened our new showroom in Burntwood alongside our production facility.

Making the most of even the smallest space is what makes our fitted furniture so utterly desirable.

Our innovative storage solutions provide a place for most household items, ensuring the interiors of your furniture look immaculate open or closed.

We will carefully consider the style of your room and the atmosphere you wish to create, providing creative solutions for any awkward corners, uneven floors or sloping ceilings.

Our professional team will create a design tailored to your needs and life style.

Your furniture will be manufactured in our Burntwood factory by our cabinet makers, some having over 30 years’ experience. Our expert installation teams will then skilfully install your new furniture in your home.

At Chasewood we also offer a huge range of free standing furniture available to view online.

Visit chasewood-furniture.co.uk to view a wide range of designs and finishes to spark the imagination.

To arrange for a designer to visit your home and carry out a free survey and offer advice and discuss design solutions, please call Freephone 0800 316 1078. Alternatively you can visit our website to view products and book online.

Our stylish Burntwood showroom is open to the public 6 days a week: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday: 10am – 3pm.

46

wolverhampton west magazine

30% Sale now on selected ranges

Showroom open to the public 6 days a week.

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Saturday 10am - 3pm Unit 6, Ring Road, Zone 2 Burntwood Business Park. Burntwood, Staffordshire. WS7 3JQ

Freephone : 0800 316 1078 Visit our website: chasewood-furniture.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

10 Year Guarantee Call for a Free Home Visit Call for a Free Brochure 47

Write a Will!

Have you made a will?

Have you checked it lately?

can appoint guardians to look after children should you or they die before the children reach 18.

Is it current and up-to-date?

Would you like your children taken into care when you die?

Do you know where it is?

A will does not have to be complicated. What is important is for everyone to have a professionally drafted will. One that you can be certain will be legally valid when you die and that adequately reflects your wishes.

REMEMBER: If you cannot find your will, if it’s lost, damaged or simply so old that it may be invalid… there’s a chance it could fail on your death!

Did you know that a will is the only place that you can actually nominate guardians for your children?

Having a simple will is likely to meet the needs of many people, however sometimes people benefit from the more specialist advice, protection and planning we provide, in setting up trusts and saving inheritance tax.

Please get in touch with us at LaterLifeProtection to protect you, your family and your assets.

No matter how simple your affairs may seem, or whatever age you are, making a will ensures that your wishes are set out clearly in one document so that on your death your assets will go to the relatives or loved ones that you want them to go to.

Don’t take that risk… write a new will

Would you like the local authority to force the sale of your home to pay for care costs?

If you or your children have young children it is vitally important that a will is made so that you or they

Your children lose their inheritance and you pay for care that others get for free!

When Later Life Protection was created, we made a promise to provide friendly unbiased independent lifestyle planning advice which is accountable, completely transparent, fair and ethical.

We specialise in helping individuals and families arrange their affairs to protect them in later life.

We work very closely with our clients to provide lifetime planning solutions that are tailored to fit their needs.

We offer a range of services including: • Will writing • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Asset Protection Trusts

• Probate and Executorship Services • Inheritance Tax Planning • Funeral Plans

Please feel free to browse our website for information www.laterlifeprotection.co.uk or send an email to enquiries@laterlifeprotection.co.uk Do not forget to quote the reference WW November/December to receive your 60% discount

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We will never compromise our professionalism and are committed to providing impartial advice.

Call Later Life Protection on

0845 643 5854 As a special introductory offer, we will give a

60% DISCOUNT off our normal price for selected services if you enquire at our website and quote reference: WW November/December

wolverhampton west magazine

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

49

spruce up your carpets before Christmas

WITH TOUCH-DRY Touch-Dry Ltd are a Wolverhampton based, family run business, specialising in providing a thorough ‘Dry’ deep down clean for your carpets, rugs and upholstery.

Their success has always been based on giving the customer the most professional and costeffective service available and the percentage of customer referrals

and returning customers year after year is testimony enough to the level of customer care they achieve.

Touch-Dry specialise in the Host® Dry Carpet Cleaning System, which is an effective method for deep cleaning carpets successfully in homes and businesses. The big advantage to this system is that carpets are ready to walk on immediately following the clean.

Their cleaning system is completely safe and eco-friendly, without the inconvenience of getting your carpet wet and is the perfect alternative to the traditional wet-cleans which can have its short-comings with long drying times, shrinkage and wick back.

The cleaning process ensures there is no mould or mildew risks from wet carpets and is totally safe to use around the home.

Touch-Dry also offer one of the safest upholstery cleaning services available, which is

super-fast drying, gives a fresh new appearance to all types of upholstery and leather. A simple and fast method for deep cleaning your upholstered furniture anytime without the inconvenience of getting it wet. Great for cleaning all types of fabrics including velvet, jacquard, weaves, tapestry, brocades and leather.

Both processes are completely safe to children and pets, is eco-friendly and there is no risk of shrinkage to your carpets or upholstery.

Touch-Dry not only provide a quality service in your home, but are the preferred choice for many local businesses, who often require a quick turn-a –round for their office, restaurant or function room.

If you want a clean carpet this Christmas contact Dean on 01902 658543 or email info@touchdrycleaning.co.uk www.touchdrycleaning.co.uk

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wolverhampton west magazine

the solution to your building requirements call 07955 031 249 or 01902 844897

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Windows 10 is on the way For some reason Microsoft have skipped Windows 9 and will release Windows 10 for consumers “sometime in 2015”.

There does seem to be some improvements on the Windows 8 user experience; perhaps MS have listened to the poor customer reviews for a change. The Start menu has returned to the one people have been familiar with since Windows 95.

There is also some movement away from the touchscreen focus,

making features easier for people still using a mouse and keyboard, although some of the clunky features such as Charms and large menus filling up large parts of the screen remain. They have also introduced Virtual Desktops so you can have several working areas open and switch between them.

For those feeling the need to upgrade from Windows 7 sometime soon, perhaps this is the one worth holding out for, as it will feel less alien than the switch from any other Operating System to Windows 8.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Excellent range of Christmas decorations available

Stunning Christmas display

C hri stmas has arr ived at

Lealans Garden Centre With winter fast approaching now, it’s time to make sure that anything tender has been covered up or taken inside.

Get some fleece ready to put over tender plants such as Phormiums, Hebe and Tree Ferns once the frosts arrive. Reduce stem lengths on roses. Make sure any diseased leaves are cleared up and put into the bin. Borders can then be mulched with compost, well rotted manure or bark.

If the weather is not too cold, you can still plant bare root hedging, and for winter colour why not add shrubs such as Witch Hazel, Skimmias or Leucothoe.

If you haven’t finished planting pansies and winter bedding yet, the sooner it’s done now the better. November is ideal month for planting tulip bulbs Check heaters in glasshouses to avoid any last minute panic.

Drain down hosepipes and water features that won’t be used again until next spring.

As the end of November approaches, many people start to Tips are provided

by Ann Winwood from Lealans Garden Centre, Wolverhampton

purchase the traditional Christmas house plants. One of the best is the Poinsettia. It gives instant colour in a room. Always buy from a reputable supplier. They like good light during the day and a warm room at all times, never in a draught. Only water when the soil is dry and never stand in water for longer than 10 minutes.

For a cooler room the brightly coloured cyclamen are ideal.

They require good light at all times. The most common cause of failure with this plant is overwatering. Only water just as the foliage begins to droop and make sure that any excess water is removed after 15 minutes. Other plants ideal for Christmas are the Christmas Cherry with its shiny red-orange berries. Christmas cacti produce beautiful red, pink, white or lavender flowers. Azaleas will flourish in either a warm or cool room and are very easy to keep.

very rapidly. Keep away from hot radiators, open fires and TV sets.

We have a spectacular Christmas display inside the shop. There’s a multitude of baubles, garlands, lights and lit villages and if you don’t want a real tree, there’s an excellent range of artificial ones as well as the new LED-lit trees which last for many years.

In the festive light department there’s so much choice from solar powered lights to the huge range of electrical sets.

Remember the birds this autumn/winter – feed daily, and once it freezes, make sure that birds have a fresh supply of water daily.

There will also be Planted Arrangements in baskets, which along with house plants can be gift wrapped, making them an ideal present. For a living gift consider buying a shrub for the garden or a planted up tub or hanging basket specifically designed for winter colour.

Freshly cut Christmas trees will be available from the end of November. Put it in a stand or pot that can be kept moist, as warm temperatures and dry air inside make the tree absorb water

Plenty of Cyclamen plants available in-store

Lealans Garden Centre is situated at Shipley, on the Bridgnorth Road. For more information visit www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk, email enquiries@lealansgardencentre.co.uk or phone 01902 700209.

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wolverhampton west magazine

OPEN DAILY

Tel: 01902 700209 Wide selection of Gift Arrangements, ideal as a living present, Gift Wrapped FREE of charge.

Top quality Poinsettias, Azaleas, Kalanchoe, Solanums and our own superb Cyclamen all available now.

Real Christmas Trees and Holly Wreaths available from end of November – we’ll net and load them into your car for you.

Come and see our wonderful array of Christmas lights, Decorations, Artificial and Fibre Optic trees all on display now.

Lealans Garden Centre Bridgnorth Road, Shipley, Pattingham, Wolverhampton WV6 7EZ www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

53

WOLVERHAMPTON SKIP HIRE

Brian and Sam Saunders (far right) with their team

Established 25 years ago, Wolverhampton Skip Hire Ltd continues to provide expert waste removal services to customers throughout Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas.

Brian Saunders and his wife Samantha set up the Cannock-Road based company 25 years ago, starting out with one wagon and a handful

of skips, they have worked hard to grow the business and make it the success it is today.

Brian explains: “The company has been built on trust and reliability. We have a lot of repeat customers, some who have been with us from the start and kept with us for all of these years.

We work on word of mouth and recommendation so meeting the needs of clients is essential and keeps them coming back time and time again.”

WOLVERHAMPTON

Waste removal services are offered to domestic and commercial clients and Brian and the team work with them to ensure their individual needs are met, if it’s a large scale building development or a house clear out, by discussing requirements they are able to provide the right skip for the job.

• Small, medium & builders skips with doors

The central Wolverhampton location means Wolverhampton Skip Hire are wellplaced to provide well-timed collection and delivery, at a time that suits customers.

SKIP HIRE • Local company • Established for over 25 years • Built from recommendations • Fast, friendly & reliable

Please Tel:

01902 722876 Yard 17, Bank Street, Wolverhampton WV10 9DU

The family-run company is managed by Brian’s brother Neil Saunders, and has a long-term workforce of 12.

The enthusiastic team are a big part of the company and are highly valued by Brian and Samantha.

“I have a great relationship with the lads. We don’t have a high turnover of staff, and some of them have been with us for more than fifteen years and have grown with the business. I look after them and they look after me, and we all get on well. I can always count on them to get the job done, and they work hard and have a big part in the success of the company.”

The business has grown over the years, but has kept things simple, and the aims of providing good service at an affordable price, recycling as much as possible and treating people as individuals have remained the same.

“We treat everyone the same, and keep prices competitive by ensuring the rates we charge are fair.

We keep things simple and stick to Wolverhampton.”

“We’ve been doing this for a long time, and have seen others come and go. To still be here after 25 years shows we must be doing something right.”

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wolverhampton west magazine

Christmas at Codsall & Wergs

Garden Centre

This year the festive season started with a bang at Codsall and Wergs Garden Centre.

The centre launched its Christmas Shop with fireworks on the 14th October; customers were greeted with a glass of wine and mince pies to celebrate the opening.

best festive experiences in the local area. As soon as you walk through the front doors, you will start to feel the Christmas magic. With everything from baubles, tinsel, Christmas trees, ornaments, candles and gifts, we have everything you need for the best Christmas ever - apart from turkeys.

Hopefully customers will come from far and wide to soak up the unique and fantastic atmosphere we have created this year.

We have everything you need to decorate your home in the most festive way possible.

We have all colours, shapes and sizes of baubles, tinsel, garlands, crackers, Christmas trees, outdoor Christmas lights, indoor Christmas lights, fibre optics and much much more.

A visit to Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre will certainly get you in that Christmas spirit this festive season.

Everyone has worked hard to give customers one of the

The friendly staff at Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre

Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre

The ChrisTmas shop aT Codsall & Wergs garden CenTre

now open 7 days a week Mon to Sat 9am-6pm, late night Tues till 8pm, Sun 10am-4pm Everything you need to decorate your home this Christmas to create that special winter wonderland.

premium real ChrisTmas Trees on sale from 29th november 2014 Cut and pot grown, all varieties – Nordmann, Spruce, Scots-Pine, also Wreaths, Pop-ins, Holly & Mistletoe.

Trees Netted and blocked for FREE, delivery available for a small charge.

Receive a FREE voucher which can be used in the Christmas shop with every fresh tree purchased.

VisiT sanTa’s groTTo in deCember 10am-4pm on 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th & 21st

Wergs Hall Road, Codsall,Wolverhampton, WV8 2HJ

www.codsallandwergs.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

01902 842461 55

A TRee Could your garden benefit from trees?

Trees add shape, form, and interest, as well as provide shade. They are also a welcome haven for wildlife.

For the amount of time and attention they need, they keep on giving – enhancing the garden for years – and generations – to come.

So, if you’ve been thinking about planting trees, now is the perfect time to get digging.

While you may not have the space for your own arboretum, adding even a couple of smaller specimens to your outdoor

FoR ALL seAsons

By Andi Way - Boningale Garden Creations

space will help to transform your garden over a few years.

Take a little time to do some research, so that you can select a tree that is suitable for your space.

If you have a small garden, there are some practical considerations so that you do not find your garden overwhelmed by a giant oak tree in 20 years’ time.

So, what do you need to think about when choosing a tree?

Height Check the label to see what its full height will be – there’s nothing more problematic than being beguiled by the beauty of a tree, only to find that it will grow too big for where you want to plant it.

Even a small, ornamental tree can grow to 20 feet high or more.

Spread While this is not normally a problem, if you are short of space width-wise consider buying a column tree, which will give you the effect you need without taking up space.

Seasonal interest This is particularly important to think about if you have only room for one tree because you’ll want it to have all-year interest.

Think about how it looks when flowering, what the foliage will look like, the bark and the fruit.

Deciduous or evergreen?

There are benefits for each – Evergreen gives all year interest and provides screening through the winter, but Deciduous Trees offer spectacular autumn colour.

Speed of growth How quickly do you want the tree to grow? For example, the green olive tree is spectacular but it takes decades to grow, whereas willow and poplar are faster growing.

In the meantime, please visit www.boningale-garden-creations.co.uk or call me on 01902 376500

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andi.way@boningale.co.uk

01902 376500

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT: WWW.BONINGALE-GARDEN-CREATIONS.CO.UK Facebook.com/BoningaleGardenCreations

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@boningalegarden

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Plant roses now for glorious blooms next summer

DAVID AUSTIN®

Planting your roses now gives them plenty of time to establish over the winter prior to bursting into flower next summer.

David Austin Roses, Bowling Green Lane, Albrighton, Wolverhampton WV7 3HB. Open 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week Phone: 01902 376334 Online: www.davidaustinroses.com

15% OFF ROSES Visit David Austin Roses Plant Centre and Gift Shop to receive 15% off roses until 19th December 2014 when redeeming this voucher.

Photocopies cannot be accepted.

Boscobel (Auscousin)

WW11

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

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01902 894747 Heath Mill Industrial Est, Heath Mill Road, Wombourne WV5 8AP

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christmas

Keepers Lane Nursery Buy direct

Trees galore!

Christmas Tree Festival St Nicholas’ Church 12th-14th December 2014

Great value bedding plants for that winter garden flare!

CHRISTMAS WREATHS AND SWAGS.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm

Once again St. Nicholas’ Church in Codsall is holding a Christmas Tree Festival, and this year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.

There will be many trees, decorated by many different groups from the village - and we can expect a wide range of styles. The Vicar of St. Nicholas, Revd Simon Witcombe, said, ‘It’s always wonderful to see all the trees, as well as enjoying live music, something seasonal to eat and that special feeling as we come up to Christmas.

I’ve heard about the ideas for some of the trees and I can’t wait to see them!’ Homemade seasonal refreshments will be served throughout the weekend.

Keepers Lane, Codsall, WV8 1QJ (Off A41) Tel: 01902 843173 or 07888 691899

Opening times: Friday 2-7pm, Sat Noon-5pm, Sunday 1pm -5pm.

Made fresh to order or choose from a selection.

Join us for a Wreath Making Workshop.

Come and see us at The Mounts’ Festive Market on 20 and 21st November.

CHRISTMAS PLANTERS AND BASKETS!

Pansies/violas for winter colour £1.95 for 6.

Now stocking the new Trailing Violas for Baskets.

www.keeperslanenursery.co.uk

Admission: Adults £3, Children £1 (5-12s) Under 5s free.

Tel: 01902 552099 email: events@wolvescivic.co.uk

2014 Wolverhampton is ready to declare ‘It’s Christmas!’ this year with a four day lights switch-on spectacular.

A month ahead of the Christmas holiday Wolverhampton kicks off the festivities with its biggest ever city-centre lights switch-on featuring the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Santa with real reindeer, Joe Tracini star The Grand Theatre’s ‘Cinderella’ pantomime, Wolves FC players and mascots, Free Radio’s Big Screen and children’s TV characters Ben & Holly.

In Market Square families and friends will be able to soak up the festive spirit around the mini-market and funfair with Christmas tunes playing on the Wulfruna Steam Organ while pop stars grace the big screen.

The fun-packed evening will crescendo at 6.30pm with the lights switch on heralded by a breath-taking firework display.

For the next three nights Christmas lights will be switched on in Wednesfield, Bilston and Tettenhall by the Mayor of Wolverhampton and Santa while the Signal 107.7 Road Show play hosts, ensuring the Christmas cheer spreads out far and wide.

Wednesday

26 Nov

Thursday

27 Nov

Friday

28 Nov

Saturday

29 Nov

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Wolverhampton Lights Switch On Market Square, Wolverhampton.

Event starts: 5pm, Switch On & Fireworks: 6:30pm.

Wednesfield Lights Switch On

Entry to all events is free

Wednesfield High Street.

Event starts: 4pm, Switch On: 5pm.

Bilston Lights Switch On Church Street, Bilston.

Event starts: 4pm, Switch On: 5pm.

Tettenhall Lights Switch On Upper Green, Tettenhall.

Event starts: 5pm, Switch On: 6.30pm.

For full details of Christmas events in Wolverhampton visit:

www.itschristmaswolverhampton.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine

MUSIC 2OOO

We’ve Got It. Right!

Our family business first opened its doors in Wolverhampton way back on the 1st November 1998.

In those days MUSIC 2OOO shared premises with our music school (M2K), but in June 2003 we made a decision to move the retail sales to Broad Lane, leaving M2K at Barn Green in Bradmore. The reasoning behind the separation was purely down to growth, making it apparent both businesses could not be professionally run under the same roof.

MUSIC 2OOO has its own full e-commerce website(www. music2000.co.uk) in which we regularly receive orders sending instruments throughout the UK, on occasions exporting to places like Australia, America and other

European countries. From our shop we boast good stocks of guitars, pianos (digital & acoustic), keyboards, drums, violins, flutes, saxophones, clarinets and recorders.

Together with all associated accessories including reeds, strings, plectrums and many many more.

We also carry a vast stock of music, which caters for many schools and teachers in our local area.

We pride ourselves on professionalism and still offer the now, somewhat old fashioned ‘personal touch’. Whether it be Wolverhampton the south coast or even Scotland we deliver all our larger musical instruments insuring their safe arrival into our customers’ homes. Together with an excellent after sales service we also try to match internet prices wherever possible. Our sales team always go

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

L-R: Sophie, Steve & Jane

that step further where most online companies are physically unable.

After phoning us on 01902345999 you will receive a friendly knowledgeable approach, offering you a very competitive quote for your musical requirements.

Over the past few years retail sales have been difficult and we proportion most of this down to the internet.

Thanks to our regular and loyal Wolverhampton customers we still have a very strong presence on the high street. Our music school (M2K), retail shop and online website offers customers an all-round musical experience.

Please support your local music store and don’t let the internet take over completely.

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Cruise style with Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery

Each Swan Hellenic cruise itinerary is a carefully-planned travel experience, teasing out the fascinating stories that lie behind each destination.

You will travel in comfort and country-house style aboard the small ship, Minerva, with just 350 likeminded passengers and enjoy an inclusive tailormade shore excursions programme. Your cruise fare also includes all meals on board, gratuities, flights, overseas transfers and Swan Hellenic’s renowned guest speakers, who will share with you their breadth of knowledge with fascinating talks focussing on your itinerary’s destinations.

Join Minerva in 2015/16 as she sails from the shores of the Red and Arabian Seas and heads off on a voyage to the southern tip of India and the mesmerising Far East. Closer to home, she navigates the Black, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, before making her way into Caribbean waters and to South America’s diverse destinations.

Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime as you set sail on a Voyages of Discovery cruise aboard small ship Voyager. She is small enough to access ports that larger vessels cannot, meaning you will discover the heart of each destination you visit. In 2015 Voyager navigates the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and around South Africa. She has Norway’s natural wonders in her sights before heading home to the British Isles then on to discover the treasures around the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas.

informative talks on a wide range of subjects that are relevant to each itinerary. Add to this the genuine passion and enthusiasm they have for their individual areas of expertise, and it is easy to see why a Swan Hellenic cruise is so much more than just a holiday.

Our guest speakers will cover subjects such as archaeology, architecture, art history, geography, geology, literature, wildlife and volcanology. You can attend a lecture in Minerva’s elegant Darwin Lounge, watch a broadcast from the comfort of your cabin or enjoy a one-to-one conversation over dinner – whichever you choose our guest speakers bring an added dimension to your cruise experience.

Uncover the history and culture of each destination on a Voyages of Discovery cruise The eminent guest speakers who accompany each Voyages of Discovery cruise aim to ensure passengers gain the best possible understanding of each destination’s culture, history and wildlife. To achieve this we carefully handpick our guest speakers, choosing experts whose depth of knowledge and passion for their subject will truly bring each destination to life, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or discovering breath-taking natural wonders.

Expert knowledge enhances each and every Swan Hellenic cruise There is no better way to travel than with the insight that allows you to fully embrace and understand each destination you visit. Swan Hellenic has an enviable reputation both for the excellence of its guest speakers and for the breadth of their interests.

They are carefully selected to give engaging and

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For further details please contact Spear Travels on 01902 752424 or 01902 750361

wolverhampton west magazine

• Family Holidays • Wedding & Honeymoons • Tailor Made Holidays • Long haul • City Breaks • Cruises

• UK Breaks • Flights • Ski • Coach Holidays • Worldwide Tours • Car Hire

We are independent agents with over thirty years experience. Please call in to see our friendly staff for a no obligation chat and a free quote.

5 High Street Tettenhall Wolverhampton WV6 8QS

01902 752424 01902 750361 wolverhampton@speartravels.net

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PERT N BRIDGN RTH TRAVEL • New Mercedes Viano 8 seater • All airports, seaports, corporate functions, social & sporting events • Wolverhampton, Bridgnorth & surrounding areas • 24 hours a day, 365 days a year • No journey too far or too short • Very competitive prices • Reliable and on time

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Tel: or Email: enquiries@perton-bridgnorth-travel.com Web: www.perton-bridgnorth-travel.com

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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www.speartravels.net

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Corbelli Deli

by Gisella Wiley

a little piece of Italy… in Willenhall!

Pietro. The family business initially opened in Wolverhampton in 1965, before moving to its current location in 1980. Every customer is made to feel welcome and we were no exception. Speaking to Giuseppe, we discovered that during the first two weeks of September, grapes are imported from Italy to be sold to the general public so that they can make their own wine. He is very proud of the popularity of the business. “We have customers that come not just from all areas of Wolverhampton, but much further afield.”

Many locally based Italian establishments claim to offer clients a piece of Little Italy, yet often, they fall short of the mark. As the daughter of Italian parents, I was keen to find out if Corbelli’s could really offer that Italian experience.

My late parents, Virginio and Giuseppina Gambone came to Wolverhampton in the late 1950s.

Although both my older brother Gerry and I were born in the city, we grew up ‘the Italian way’, showing a respect and love for Italian food and enjoying lots of family meals together. I wanted to show my partner Geoff a piece of my Italian heritage and Corbelli’s certainly did not disappoint.

and pasta to restaurants, however, the public can take advantage of the opportunity to visit the deli on Saturdays 10am until 2pm, and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm.

Entering Corbelli’s I was immediately transported back in time to my own childhood visits to relatives in Italy when we would pop into the local delicatessen. My senses were instantaneously overwhelmed with the pungent aroma of cheese and salami drifting through the air, whilst the sounds of traditional Italian music and language filled my ears.

To me, this felt like coming home as I spoke only Italian until the age of four when I started school!

Corbelli’s is run by Giovanni Corbelli and his two sons Giuseppe and

Geoff found the experience thoroughly intriguing as he normally dislikes any supermarket shopping, in fact any sort of shopping at all! He found it most enjoyable, especially the hustle and bustle as well as the deli’s old fashioned charm, with no fancy electronic tills. We left with a trolley full to bursting with pasta, wine, salamis, virgin olive oil and freshly baked bread. Upon leaving, we noticed a number of English customers, keen to support a business of outstanding quality.

We left with watering mouths, eagerly anticipating the taste sensation that would be discovered later when tucking into Corbelli’s finest produce.

The deli, based in Lower Lichfield Street, Willenhall, can be a little tricky to find, but is well worth the search. Mainly a wholesaler, Corbelli’s specialises in selling wines, cheeses, salamis, prosciutto, other cooked meats, olives, olive oil

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Corbelli’s LITTLE ITALY DELI

FRESH, AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE EstaBLIshED 1965

Tel: 01902 630994 open on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm

43 LowEr LIchfIELD STrEET, wILLEnhALL wV13 1QQ Easy accEss from thE motorway

✁ Spend £25

receive a frEE bottle of wine when you present this coupon

✁

hundreds of authentic Italian wines · cheeses olives · Pastas Parma ham coffees · Breads

QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICE

Gourmet Christmas With over 50 years experience of the meat industry, Allan Bennett and his staff strive to create the best quality money can buy. This quality has brought success at the highest level, winning national competitions for his Bacon, Black Pudding, Sausage, plus international success for pies & pastries.

Dupheshen

Our Dupheshen is based on the traditional three bird roast. A duck is boned then stuffed with chicken and pheasant breast, sausage meat, orange and apricots. Once roasted it can be served hot or cold for that special Christmas feast.

Aproximate weight: 3-3.5kg, 7-8lb Servings: 10-12 people for a meal or more served on a buffet.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Visit us for help and advice to help make your Christmas a success.

Winner Pork Sausage, Overall Best Product, Stafford County Show 2010

Allan Bennett Ltd 15 Station Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 1BX Tel: 01902 842204

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R J Hipkiss & Sons Butchers Here at R J HIPKISS & SONS we believe in providing our customers with the very best in locally sourced beef, pork and English Turkey.

All our meat can be traced back to its origin, it is prepared carefully in store for sale and then onto our fresh meat counter.

RDERS O S A M T IS R H C G IN K N O W TA 64

Open: Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 6.00pm, Sunday 8am to 4pm Tel: 01902 745956 wolverhampton west magazine

Keeping the th ing

we love..s.

lOCAl!

Customers can choose their particular joint or steak and have it cut to their exact specifications for their meal of the day, their weekend roast, for that extra special dinner party, or of course - the most important meal of the year - The Christmas Dinner!

You can be sure of the best advice and service! ntia l) wer e wel l kno wn (an d late ly Dai sy Fres h and Esse “Fo r 37 yea rs, Dai sy Free zer loca lly sou rced qua lity mea ts and deli cate sse n. for sup plyi ng a ran ge of food dep artm ent hav e ard and the team at his fres h It is fan tast ic to see how Rich don and Mal colm Cru mps Spa r stor e in Com pto n. bec ome the new feat ure of Gor y yea rs - his exp erie nce and ent man age r for Dai sy for man Rich ard was the mea t dep artm t of the rea son for the suc ces s tha t the sec tion enjo yed . eye for qua lity was a maj or par deta il by his team , now ed with care and atte ntio n to trad ition �. Mik e Boy ce par pre , rced sou lly loca ts, Dai sy Loc al mea a fab ulou s con tinu atio n of the incl udin g my son Jas on, - its

The Swan Centre, Bridgnorth Road, Wolverhampton WV6 8AE (based in the Spar store) www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

65

OLD MILL AUCTION ROOMS MILL STREET, LOW TOWN BRIDGNORTH WV15 5AG

TEL 01746 762248

ANTIQUE AND SELECTED FURNITURE AND COLLECTABLES AUCTIONS NEXT AUCTIONS Tuesday 2nd December Tuesday 6th January Tuesday 3rd February

VIEWING

Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm, Monday 10am – 5pm prior to auction

LAST DAY FOR LOTS

Accepted up until 10 days prior to Auction

SELLING AT PERRY AND PHILLIPS

If you have old items around the house or you have a deceased estate to clear we have the ability and experience to help. We have monthly auctions so items can be dealt with quickly.

FREE VALUATION

We have a FREE valuation day every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm.

As well as discussing auction estimates we will advise on the best way to sell your items.

TRANSPORT AND STORAGE

As we employ our own delivery and collection staff we can ensure your goods are dealt with by trained staff and are insured.

www.perryandphillips.co.uk 66

wolverhampton west magazine

and Hiders delectable range of biscuits on 6th December.

Gourmet nights and tasting days at

The Vineyards Fed up of eating the same food? Searching for new ideas but not sure where to start? Why not let The Vineyards help you with their new tasting days?

Based in Halfpenny Green, The Vineyards is offering customers the chance to try before they buy

on a selection of tasting days throughout autumn and winter.

Visit on 15th November to sample some of Sloe Motion’s hedgerow fruit based liquors.

For a cornucopia of flavours, call in on 29th November to try the wide selection of exquisite Baytree Preserves.

Finally experience two tastings in one go with the House of Sarunds’ exquisite chocolates

If you are looking for a night of fabulous food in a great atmosphere, join The Vineyards for one of their luxurious gourmet evenings. Held on a Friday night on a monthly basis, clients can experience fine dining against the beautiful Vineyards back drop.

Held on 7th November and 5th December, customers can enjoy an exquisite four course meal created with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients for only £32.50.

For December only, The Vineyards are holding two gourmet nights, with the second being held on Friday 19th December. This Christmas Special event features five courses and a champagne reception ensuring that you start off the festive season in style!

Booking is essential for the gourmet evenings so make your reservation now on 01384 221122.

Vouchers for gourmet evenings can also be purchased for that special someone to enjoy in 2015.

With so many new flavours to try, and delectable meals to enjoy, a visit to The Vineyards is a must this winter.

www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffordshire DY7 5EP

For a fantastic range of Christmas gifts and crafts

Delicious homemade food, including our Christmas menu - Served from Dec 1st until Christmas eve OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.30AM – 5.00PM AND EVERY DAY OVER CHRISTMAS except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

Tel: 01384 221122

Email: sales@halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

67

Successful Women in Business:

Bibi Dodd At Wolverhampton West Magazine, we’re always keen to celebrate the successes of women in business we know all too well that balancing work and family life isn’t easy.

So, we met up with Bibi Dodd, co-owner of Medi Visage and Practice Manager at Total Implant Solutions, to hear the story of how she became a successful business woman; despite being a very busy mom and still only 32 years old.

WWM: Hi Bibi, tell us how things got started for you in business.

BD: I worked for many years as a make-up artist for Dior, which I loved, but the nature of the job meant I had to work a lot of irregular hours. So, I decided I wanted a new challenge that would give me a better work life balance. As my background was in sales and customer service, I wanted to continue to work in the service sector.

I was introduced to Jonathon Pugh who owned a successful dental practice in the city. Jon was looking for someone to improve the patient experience at his practice and felt I had the right attributes to do this. I knew very little about dentistry, but soon learnt on the job. I firmly believed that customer care had as important a role as the high quality of the dentistry delivered to our patients.

Through the summer of 2011 I began to develop the idea of launching an implant referral center. Jon had a Masters degree in implant dentistry and it was obvious that this is where his passion lay. I’ve always strived to be the best I can be in everything I do and I’ve always worked hard. Jon saw that I was motivated, driven and ambitious, and he shared his dream of becoming a dental implant surgeon with me. So together we created Total Implant Solutions and looked for new premises to work from. In little over 6 months we had purchased 82 Tettenhall Road and completely refurbished the building. Total Implant Solutions really took off and within 18 months we were the second largest user of Straumann Implants in the UK. On an educational trip to Lisbon Portugal to visit the world renowned Malo Clinic I had the opportunity to watch their highly experienced teams delivering implant treatments. I was so inspired by their professionalism I decided to qualify as a dental nurse to add in depth clinical knowledge to my customer care back ground.

WWM: Tell us about dental implants.

BD: Dental implants not only transform smiles, but lives too. Many of our clients have been 68

wolverhampton west magazine

Consultant supported by our therapists. We also believed that occasional treatments with dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections are effective but short lived. We wanted to offer a supportive program to maintain skin health and vitality. This is how we became involved with Deborah Mitchell and her wonderful range of organic skin care products and treatments. Deborah’s Heaven products and our facial aesthetic service are so synergistic.

self-conscious for years, having suffered various dental problems that had resulted in lost teeth. The services we provide solve those issues and restore smiles. It’s wonderful to see how delighted our patients are after treatment. Jon is a highly skilled Implantologist and works with a very talented team.

WWM: What’s your daily role at Total Dental Implants?

BD: My days are varied. I guide patients through their implant treatment, answering all of their questions and addressing their concerns - it’s an incredibly rewarding job and I really enjoy working with patients on a one-to-one basis. I also assist in surgery and manage the day-to-day running of the practice and look after our ever increasing staff.

WWM: You’re the co-owner of Medi Visage, tell me about this.

As I began to explore the possibilities for MediVisage it became clear that there was a real need to fill the gap between the limitations of what the NHS can provide and what our clients wanted. So Dr Hamdi Hamad, a Consultant dermatologist joined the team and now holds regular consultations at our clinic offering a full body dermatology service.

Our future plans are centred around expanding our consultant-led multi-disciplinary service into areas such as ENT, treating sleep apnoea and snoring, pain management, radiography and gynaecology.

BD: Whilst working with TIS I met Khaleeq Ur Rehman a consultant Maxillo Facial surgeon at New Cross Hospital. Khaleeq and Jon worked together on some of our more challenging implant reconstructions.

Khaleeq was initially interested in offering a facial aesthetics service from our clinic. During conversations with Khaleeq and Jon it become apparent that we could do so much more so MediVisage was created. The field of facial aesthetics has little or no regulation and we believed that potential clients would value the service being delivered by a highly trained and experienced

WWM: It sounds like you’ve got a highly skilled team working at Medi Visage.

BD: Yes, we have. We’re lucky to have such a fabulous team, they do amazing work. Every member of staff, at both Total Implant Solutions and Medi Visage, is passionate about what they do. We’re all really friendly and committed to ensuring that every one of our patients receives the best service possible, no matter what treatment they’re having with us.

I’m incredibly proud of all their achievements.

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01902 429586 82 Tettenhall Road Wolverhampton WV1 4TF www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Light up a life Christmas 2014

Remember a loved one, support a hospice

Making a donation If you would like a light shining on our tree, please complete the dedication / payment form across. For each donation we will:  Dedicate a light on our tree  Record the name of your loved one in our Book of Dedication, along with your short message  Send you a Light Up a Life Memory Card for you to display in your home  Invite you to our ‘Light Up a Life’ service taking place on Sunday 7th December at St Edmunds Catholic Academy Your message will be displayed in our online Book of Dedication and also handwritten into the actual Book of Dedication at the hospice. This will be available for viewing at the above mentioned service and on main reception thereafter.

The Service You are most welcome to join us as we celebrate the treasured memories of many special people this Christmas.

The service of dedication will be led by Chaplain, Revd. Elaine Anderton on Sunday 7th December from 3pm to 4pm at St Edmunds Catholic Academy, Compton Road West, Wolverhampton, WV3 9DU. Guests are invited to join us at the School from 2.30pm until 4.30pm to view the Book of Dedication and enjoy a selection of refreshments.

For further information on this year’s Light up a Life service please call 0845 2255 497

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wolverhampton west magazine

Remember a loved one, support a hospice “Today I lit a candle for you so that you might shine once more upon this world.”

Christmas is a very special and poignant time to remember loved ones we have lost.

Through our Light up a Life appeal, Compton Hospice offers a unique opportunity to honour those special to us, by dedicating a light on our celebratory Tree of Life.

Throughout the Christmas period, hundreds of lights shine out from our tree which stands pride of place in the grounds of our hospice. Each light is a gift for that someone special, a way of remembering them, as they were, a shining light in our lives.

Your gift to those who have meant so much will also be a gift to our patients and their families currently facing the challenge of living with an incurable illness.

Light up a life Christmas 2014 Payment Details

For every £1 you donate, we can collect up to nearly 25p more from the taxman! To sign up

Tel:

Email:

to Gift Aid your donation, simply tick this box.

Please find enclosed my gift of £_________ or, please debit my credit card with the amount stated (please make cheques payable to Compton Hospice, we cannot process debit cards at present) Name (as it appears on the card)

I am a UK taxpayer and would like Compton Hospice to treat this, and all future donations hereafter, as Gift Aid donations. I understand that I must have paid an amount of tax at least equal to the tax you reclaim on my donations.

I do not wish to ‘Light up a life’ but enclose a donation of £ to support Compton Hospice this Christmas.

Card No. Expiry date

Signature

Date

(Please make cheques payable to Compton Hospice.

For credit card payments please see opposite)

Dedication Form Please complete the details below and return the envelope provided.

I / We would like a light to shine this Christmas in memory of: (please write in CAPITALS as you wish the entry to appear in the 2014 Book of Dedication)

Further Dedications Name:

Name:

Name:

Please put in the Book of Dedication with this message (10 words maximum):

Please put in the Book of Dedication with this message (10 words maximum):

Please put in the Book of Dedication with this message (10 words maximum):

Please advise on the number of people you expect to attend the ceremony _______ (no tickets will be issued) If you no longer wish to receive correspondance from Compton Hospice, tick box 

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

71

Compton The One and Only

By Rob Taylor

As I sit ready to compose this article about Compton I hear the opening beats from Straight Outta Compton by NWA blaring from my iPod docking system. Uncanny. And it prompts me to puzzle over our transatlantic cousins’ propensity to pinch our place names.

You will no doubt know that New York’s etymology is simple and literal, with its founding fathers naming their “newest” territory after North Yorkshire’s York. Fair enough, but so many other place names have been pinched too: there’s Cambridge in Massachusetts and Bristol in New Hampshire to name but a mere fraction. Most popular of all seems to be our very own local landmark, Birmingham; which pops up everywhere from Alabama to Michigan.

Too many for my liking and deeply confusing to the unenlightened hoping to be enlightened by the unenlightened, namely anyone who casually Google’s the bustling suburb of Wolverhampton.

Indeed I was so minded to begin my piece with the following pub trivia about Compton…

In just eight months last year 25 murders took place in Compton, including a spike of eight killings in just one week. A lot of these events were precipitated by gang violence, with a strong Latino presence in the area vying for control over new territory…

But such nightmarish statistics might cause property prices to plummet - which would upset our very own property guru, Nick Berriman - and send Mr and Mrs DoGood of Bramstead Avenue

into cardiac arrest. Not to mention put our editorial department ten feet under; buried beneath a cavalcade of irate correspondence [You’re fired if you ramble any further - Ed] Ok; ’nuff said.

Needless to say NWA were remarking upon a very different Compton (Compton in California, no less) to our very own stalwart of local life. So here’s the skinny on our nearest and dearest.

So named because of the deep ridge it sits beneath, Compton was known as Contone in Domesday times, after the Old English ‘cumb’, which means narrow valley or deep hollow, and ‘tun’, which means farmstead.

Anyone who has ever attempted to walk up The Holloway will know just how deep said ridge is. Take note America, us Brits are both creative and logical when we play the name game.

Much of the area was developed in the early to mid 20th century alongside the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, which cuts through the settlement, and most of the housing from the period remains, notably the terraced

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housing on Henwood Road.

Prominent sites today include Compton Hospice - bastion of compassionate care; one of the pre-eminent charity’s in the area; as well as Wolves’ football training ground - which in these parts is turf more hallowed than the green carpet of Wembley stadium itself.

But it is for business which Compton is best known. Today local folk have a choice of tasty places in which to eat - a chip shop - drink - a pub and be merry - a Sainsbury’s

convenience store. Whether much mirth and merriment can take place within the walls of a well-oiled supermarket monolith is debatable, but one thing’s for sure, it’ll never occupy local affections quite like “Daisy” did. A landmark in the community for 37 years until 2013, Daisy Fresh and Essential was a family-run family favourite: a mantle which is now held by the locally-owned and run Spar shop, which even has an in-store butcher, RJ Hipkiss and

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Son. Be sure to keep an eye out for Taylor Biddle Opticians too.

Another claim to fame for Compton is Royston Blythe: a hair salon with a glowing reputation which reaches into the rarefied world of showbiz and celebrity, with its clients being as well known (to younger readers) as Katy Perry and (to older readers) Ursula Andress. Both of whom are big names for which America can be duly proud. Now leave our place names alone.

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For me, the final straw came when my long, glossy, brunette tresses were brutally cut short and turned a frightful shade of red. Devastated I raced home in tears and immediately called my best friend to complain.

It was on her say-so that I decided to make an appointment at Royston Blythe; a salon that I’d heard great things about but always assumed would be too pricey for my budget.

With an excellent reputation, awardwinning team and impressive celebrity clientele, it seemed like it would be way out of my league, but still, I was resolved to do whatever was necessary to get through my latest hair drama - even if that meant venturing deep into my overdraft to fund it - so I booked in for a colour-correction and re-style.

That was over three years ago. I’m now a loyal customer. At last my hair is how I always wanted it to be; a shiny shade of brown with subtle blonde highlights and the long length I’d always hoped for. And, my overdraft is still completely intact!

Charles and Royston

That’s all thanks to the expert group of colourists and stylists at Royston Blythe. Passionate about hairdressing, highly talented and leading the way in hair design and trends, the team at the

At the cutting edge:

She’s had more than her fair share of hair-disasters over the years, but finally our feature writer, Helen Taylor, has found hairhappiness at Compton’s awardwinning salon, Royston Blythe.

Great hairdressers are hard to find; trust me, I know. After years of being constantly disappointed every time I’d spent my day - and hard earned

cash - at a salon, I was thinking about giving up on them altogether.

I was fed up of returning home only to try desperately to correct a brassy set of highlights, make my once lengthy locks look long again or tame a ridiculously ‘set’ style.

Yes, we all expect to have a bad hair day from time to time, but not after being in the hands of a ‘professional’ for three and a half hours.

salon provide their clients with an exceptional service at a price that’s completely affordable.

Owners, Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko, who started the business in 1989, head the team and work between their well-established salon in Compton - which opened its doors in 1999 - and their fabulous new location in Shrewsbury.

Despite a diary that’s packed full of high profile events, shows and appearances, the duo are still committed to hairdressing and spend the majority of their time working hands-on in the salon, creating beautiful styles for their clients.

It’s reassuring to know that the entire hairdressing team is highly trained; my own colourist, James, who’s the head technician at Royston Blythe, has a L’Oreal Colour

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Degree and Abi, an experienced senior stylist, who styles my hair, has achieved great success in multiple industry competitions.

unique and exciting hairdressing experience, confident in the fact that you know you’re going to be leaving with fantastic hair.

In fact, every single member of the team is at the forefront of the business and boasts numerous accolades and an impressive collection of awards.

And what’s more, there’s a fabulous new look planned for the salon and a total re-fit, which should be complete in December.

Most recently, Nick, Sophie, Royston and Charles have all been nominated for the Midlands Hairdresser of the Year Award; a regional category in the British Hairdressing Awards 2014.

Comparable to the Oscars in the industry, the prestigious event is incredibly important. For most salons having just one nominee would be remarkable, but to have four is a phenomenal achievement and goes to show the talent and skill at Royston Blythe.

Finding Royston Blythe put an end to my hair dramas and made visiting the salon something to look forward to. Which is exactly what good hairdressing is all about.

Royston Blythe 36 Bridgnorth Road, Compton, Wolverhampton WV8 8AE Tel: 01902 751720 email: info@roystonblythe.co.uk www.roystonblythe.co.uk Royston Blythe @RoystonBlythe

Nick and Sophie

It’s achievements like this that highlight, yet again, just why the team have earned a reputation for being the best in the business.

With Christmas just around the corner, the salon is buzzing.

Everyone wants to find their perfect party look and the team excel at creating glamorous styles. For me, that means an ontrend, unstructured finish that’s guaranteed to turn heads at the office Christmas get-together.

Even those fabulous celebrity looks that we all lust after are attainable.

Experts in hair extensions, the team can easily add volume, texture and length to tresses that are lacking something using Rapture extensions. The process is quick and easy - it only takes 45 minutes - and is perfect if you really want to make a statement this season.

There’s always a wonderful atmosphere at the salon and the friendly staff make everyone feel welcome. It’s great to be able to relax and enjoy the totally www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Beauty countdown to Christmas!

Look lively ladies, there are pressing engagements to attend!

Party season is upon us again and whilst the spirit is willing, the body has hung up its party shoes. After endless shopping trips, work, kids and late nights, your reflection in that looking glass may not be quite ‘the fairest of them all!’

At Skin and Tonic we can put all your fears aside and not only attend to your beauty needs but also help you tick off your Christmas shopping list.

We have put together 3 Christmas Offers to get you through the party season but running up to Christmas you need to start having regular facials to ensure your skin is looking glowing for December.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the odd tipple, but dehydrating acid-based drinks i.e. tea, coffee and alcohol are poison for your skin. So let’s talk ‘damage control.’ Up your water intake to three litres per day, eat mountains of water based fruit and vegetables and get out and exercise.

For external hydration, why not try one of Elemis’s facial treatments, prices start from only £23.50. For Instant lifting and line smoothing C.A.C.I facials are the answer.

A course of 10 is recommended so start now to get results in time for Christmas, prices start from £25.00. If you have no time for regular visits to the salon we have fantastic gifts sets available now, they are packed with amazing products and have huge savings when bought in a gift set.

Limbs look longer and leaner with a tan and your confidence will grow also, for skin glowing with health try St Tropez Spray Tan only £20, you will be the envy of all the females at the Christmas party as your flawless tan doesn’t smell, look orange or leave you with patchy ankles and elbows!

Don’t forget we offer Express, Classic and Dark tanning options.

We haven’t forgotten the gents in your life and have gift sets with Elemis products starting from £25.

Why not put a gift voucher with the gift set to spoil them even more.

We have a wish list available so you can come in and tick what you would like from Skin and Tonic, this helps the loved ones in your lives buy the right presents and saves any disappointment on Christmas morning.

Nails are a focal point at Christmas to compliment your outfit and make up. We have the ability with Shellac to match and style your nails by using additives and pigments to match them perfectly. Shellac will last over Christmas and New Year so saves you time making a second visit to the salon at such a busy time, prices start from £25 and remember we are the only salon in Wolverhampton on the loveshellac.com website!

Lastly don’t forget a makeup that will enhance your skin not clog it up and cause break outs, Bare Minerals will tick all your skin care needs and it is proven to improve your skin after 4 weeks. We offer a full range of Bare Mineral make up including the brand new Serum Foundation which was launched in September. We have had fantastic feedback from our existing clients who have been using it since its launch. Why not have your make up and lashes applied for a party or get together over the festive season, prices start from £25.

We look forward to seeing you very soon.

The Christmas beauty countdown has begun.

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To book an appointment or for further details please call 01902 757357 or email: claire@skintonic.co.uk PrePare to Party

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Skin and Tonic offer a wide range of treatments and products please visit our website for more details www.skintonic.co.uk

Open Monday - Saturday, late nights Wednesday & Thursday until 8pm 21 School Road, Tettenhall Wood, Wolverhampton WV6 8EN

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Looking good We’ve all got plenty of parties to attend at this time of year, which means we’re definitely going to have a camera pointed in our direction at some point.

Looking good on every photograph isn’t easy, but with these useful make-up tips and tricks, you can be confident that you’ll look totally gorgeous.

Great hair and well applied make-up are essential for looking your best on camera. Choose a light-reflecting foundation, in a full coverage variety to even-out your skin tone and to create a flawless look.

Sweep bronzer over your entire face and neck to avoid looking washedout. Sculpt your cheekbones by using a pinky blusher - make sure you get it in the right place by leaving the width of two fingers either side of your nose.

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By Helen Taylor Define your eyes by using three shades of eyeshadow to contour your eyelids. Use the lightest shade on your brow bone and on the inner part of your eye, then sweep the medium colour on the natural crease, to add depth, before using the darkest shade on the outer part of the eye and extending it across your lash line to add definition.

Using black eyeliner, line the eyes.

Use a white eyeliner on the inner rim to create a wide-eyed look. Curl lashes and apply a coat of mascara.

Apply a pair of ‘natural-looking’ false eyelashes and finish with another coat of mascara to blend them seamlessly with your natural lashes.

You’ll be amazed at the difference the false eyelashes make to your photo - they immediately open-up your eyes and draw attention to them, whilst making you appear younger and more youthful.

If you dye your hair, make sure that your eyebrows match your hair colour. Poorly defined eyebrows

which are too light compared to your hair will make your facial features look unbalanced, but don’t be tempted to make them too dark either, as that can result in you looking bad-tempered.

To make your teeth appear whiter, choose a lipstick shade which has a blue undertone to the colour this could be a pink or red hue.

A lot of cosmetic brands have lip products now on sale which have been designed with this in mind.

Use lip liner to create a perfect cupid’s bow. Line your lips with a shade which matches the lipstick you’ll be using. Keep to feather-like strokes as you apply and gently ‘fill-in’ the lips with your pencil, so that there are no visible unnatural lines. Using a lip brush, coat your lips with your lipstick and finish by applying a dab of lip gloss to the centre of your lips for a fuller look. wolverhampton west magazine

Open: Tues, Wed & Sat 10am-7pm, Thurs & Fri 10am-9pm Christmas Offer available in Nov and Dec 2014: Acrylic nails only £20 Eyelash Extensions, Shellac and Eyebrow Shaping

only £30

Brow Perfect Eyebrow Extensions from £10 Luxury Pedi Spa with Massage Chair and Shellac only £25 Sunbed 60 minute course only £15 HD Brows only £25 1 hour Facial, Back Massage and Eyebrow shape only £30 Shellac Manicure & Pedicure only £40

Shellac Manicure only £15 Bio Sculpture Gel Nails only £20 Hopi Ear Candles including Indian Hair Massage only £18 Fake Bake Spray Tanning only £15 Eyebrow Threading only £4 Hollywood Eyelash Extensions only £25 Lasts up to 3-4 weeks Microdermabrasion – 1 facial £30 or 3 facials for only £75 Full Body Wax only £40

To book or for further details please call 01902 759789 44 Windermere Road, Claregate, Wolverhampton WV6 9DF www.deephairandbeauty.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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The right hairstyle for your face shape You’ve probably never thought to consider your face shape when you’ve chosen a new hairstyle before, but you’d be amazed at the difference it makes.

Firstly, pull all of your hair off your face and tie it up - remembering to clip back your fringe too.

Then stand in front of a large mirror and trace the outline of your face with lipstick. Don’t include your ears. Follow the curve of your hairline and accurately trace the edges of your cheeks and chin.

Next, step back from the mirror and take a look at the shape you’ve drawn. Is the shape you’ve created longer than it is wide?

Or is it as wide as it is long?

Here’s what it all means: If your face is longer than it is wide and your forehead is just slightly wider than your chin, then you have an oval shaped face.

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by Helen Taylor

short, straight or curly hair. Try out a variety of looks and rest assured that you’ll pull them off.

But, if the shape you’ve traced resembles a circle and your cheekbones make up the widest part of your face, then you’ve got a round shaped face.

Round

However, if your forehead, cheeks and jaw are all fairly even in size and the shape you’ve drawn looks like a long rectangle with curved corners then you’ve got an oblong shaped face.

Choose long, straight styles with layers that are cut at the jaw line and that extend down to the ends.

A graduated bob that is cut onto the face can work well - as long as it is cut shorter at the back of the head.

If none of the above sound like you, and you’ve drawn an outline that shows a long, pointed jaw line, broad forehead and small chin you’ve got a heart shaped face.

Oblong

Or maybe your shape is nearly as long as it is wide with straight sides, a broad forehead and a defined jaw, with minimal curves. That means you’ve got a square shaped face.

Here’s a list of styles that will suit your newly discovered face shape best:

Oval This is the most versatile face shape, you’ll look great with long,

Fringes - both straight and side swept - can work really well on long faces. If you’re in to short styles choose an angular bob with short layers that hug the chin.

Heart Long hair with soft, loose curls looks great on this shape face. Choose a blunt, full fringe for a flattering result.

Square Opt for lengthy, poker straight hair with long layers or choose an extended, textured bob.

wolverhampton west west magazine wolverhampton

TO bOOk an appOinTmenT please call

01902 336300 Open: Tuesday TO saTurday, 9am unTil 5pm, Thursday 9am unTil 7pm.

72b schOOl rOad TeTTenhall WOlverhampTOn Wv6 8eT (next door to Cute Coffee Lounge)

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Nuffield Health

and Wellbeing Centre Nothing is more important to Nuffield Health than getting people fit and healthy, that’s why they’ve recently taken over multiple gyms across the country including the former Virgin Active site at Wolverhampton - to create their own Fitness and Wellbeing Centres, which bring everything needed to improve the health and fitness of the nation under one roof.

WWM: I can see that promoting good health really is a high priority at the centre.

DG: Yes it is. When someone joins our centre they’re automatically offered a ‘Health M.O.T’, which allows us to help them look at particular areas of their health and lifestyle which might need some attention.

TA: We’re the only organisation to offer our members a service like this. Our 12 point clinically approved health check looks at things like your cholesterol, diabetes’s risk, BMI and stress levels.

DG: Once we’ve looked at all of these factors we can help you work on areas you need to improve on and we’ll invite you to have another check three months later.

We met up with Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital Director, Tony Avery and Manager of Wolverhampton’s new Nuffield Fitness and Wellbeing Centre, Damion Groom, to hear about the exciting venture.

We’ll also be launching our new interactive ‘Health Score’ system in January which will help members track things like how much exercise they’ve done, what their stress levels are if they’ve had enough sleep and adequate nutrition. It’s another useful tool to monitor your overall health and wellbeing.

WWM: What was the motivation behind Nuffield Health creating their Fitness and Wellbeing Centres?

WWM: What can people expect to find at the Health and Wellbeing Centre?

TA: Nuffield Health has long been keen to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation and so made a decision to help highlight the importance of prevention, not just cure, with their strategy of establishing centres across the country that help people to improve their overall health and fitness.

DG: We’ve got fantastic facilities, there’s both an outdoor and indoor pool, a well equipped gym, two aerobic studios, a spin studio, a sauna and steam room, we’ve got an on-site beauty salon and hairdressers, as well as a restaurant and crèche - where we hold lots of great activities to keep the kids entertained.

We have hospitals located all over the country and wanted to bring a Fitness and Wellbeing Centre to each of those areas. Although there are already plenty of centres up-and-running, we acquired nine Virgin Active gyms - including our Wolverhampton location - and one LA Fitness gym in August this year.

WWM: Are the centres open to everybody or just patients of the Nuffield Hospital?

TA: The centres are open to everybody - we want everyone to benefit. We offer a great range of memberships to suit all requirements for the general public, corporate clients, as well as specialist rehabilitation pathways for our patients, which serves to help them with their recovery.

The Nuffield is a not for profit organisation, we’re always looking for ways to give back to the community and how we can meet the needs of the healthcare nation.

We have our own team of eight personal trainers who are available to help you with your specific requirements.

Both peak and off-peak memberships are available, as well as a short-term three month agreement for those unable to commit to a longer term agreement.

We also provide membership for 16 and 17 year olds.

Our membership is competitively priced and offers real quality and value-for-money.

TA: The facilities are great; we’re really excited about the venture and have plenty of projects and investment planned for the club over the next six months.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment please contact us by phone on 01902 275241 or email wolverhampton.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com www.nuffieldhealth.com

Our monthly awareness campaigns are designed to educate the public on common health problems.

WWM: That sounds like a great idea, tell us more.

DG: Last month we focused on women’s health as well breast cancer awareness, this month we’re drawing attention to men’s health issues.

As well as providing lots of information-packed leaflets, we also have a ‘Meet Our Experts’ event. Everyone is welcome to attend - whether a member or not - to hear an expert from the Nuffield Hospital speak on the subject. There’s plenty of advice about prevention and useful information from our personal trainers as to how you can tailor your work-out to address certain issues.

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Manager of Wolverhamptons new Nuffield Fitness and Wellbeing Centre, Damion Groom and Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital Director, Tony Avery

wolverhampton west magazine

Our Orthopaedic specialists and Physiotherapists help you get back to doing the things you love Nuffield Health provides personal care before, during and after surgery to guarantee you a comfortable recovery.

So when it comes to your bones don’t just go private, go personal.

Get in touch. And get on with your life 2

2

01902 275 241 Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE nuffieldhealth.com/wolverhamptonhospital

*Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves. **Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention. ***Subject to status.

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15/05/2014 16:29

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style yourself stunning with

Michelle Lawley Hair Have you ever felt sensational after visiting your hair salon, but later been frustrated when you’ve not been able to recreate the same style at home? Well, maybe with a little help from Michelle Lawley Hair, you will be able to feel gorgeous and glamourous this festive season.

The Tettenhall-based salon, situated on the corner of Lowlands Avenue and Aldersley Road, is offering ladies the opportunity to learn how to blow dry their hair like a professional at a tutorial session on Wednesday 3rd December.

The evening, which is holding hour long tutorials at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm, aims to give women the opportunity to learn new techniques in an informal atmosphere. With wine and nibbles provided, it will certainly be an enjoyable event!

The evening will be a practical occasion where clients will be able to use products, salon quality brushes and a variety of electrical hair products under the guidance of her team to really understand how they can do this for themselves at home. “We will be taking guests through the whole process step by step, allowing them to dry it themselves but with all our top tips for de-frizzing, adding volume, curling and ways to add extra height.

We will also share ideas for quick and easy ‘up dos’ to give clients a variety of options for their hair.”

The salon, open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 9am5pm, Friday 9am-6pm and Thursday

9am-8pm, may also hold the solution for anyone struggling to buy the perfect Christmas present for any special ladies in their lives. Gift sets, hair products including GHD straighteners (always a well-received gift!) and driers are in stock or can be ordered in time for the big day, so feel free to pop in anytime and explore their extensive range.

Bookings for the evening event are being taken at the salon and are £25 per person, with payment being made on booking.

Places will fill up quickly so book now on 01902 754110 to make sure that you are camera ready this party season!

Salon owner, and twice finalist for British Colourist of the Year, Michelle Lawley explains how her idea for the evening evolved. “I have ladies saying to me daily that they love their hair when I do it and wish I could do it for them every day. It got me thinking about how we could hold a very informal, fun night where we give them advice on products and stylist techniques to help them to achieve their desired results. Clients choose us because they love a great cut and colour. I want them to look and feel great between visits.”

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Twice finalist for British Colourist of the Year!

01902 754110

www.michellelawleyhair.co.uk

Look sensationaL - what-ever the event!

Party hair up do’s Blow dries start at £15 Don’t be disappointed and book your Christmas appointment now!

Stockists of

1 Lowlands Avenue

Tettenhall

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Open: Mon-Weds 9-5, Thurs 9-8, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5

Wolverhampton

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Early & late appointments available on request 85

Get it checked – Cancer consultant Khaleeq-UrRehman BDS, FDSRCPS, MBChB, MRCS (Gen Surg), FRCS (OMFS)

Skin care plea as winter Hell warning makes us shiver

As the autumn nights draw in and warmer woollies are taken from the drawer weather forecasts are saying we’re on track for the coldest winter in more than a century.

The relatively balmy climes of October are to give way to a crippling Artic freeze, according to the headlines.

And with the gloomy predictions comes a warning: Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the Indian summer temperatures – the mercury could plummet down to –27°C. That’s seriously cool, add significant snowfalls, dense fog and total whiteouts and we shiver just at the thought.

The Daily Express recently reported that sudden changes in weather and pressure systems could drag swathes of freezing air from the Arctic across the UK with cold weather likely until next spring.

The predictions are in sharp contrast to the sizzling summer sunshine days we’ve experienced this year where temperatures pushing up to rival those in the Greek Islands, Italy and France.

Ironically, warnings about skin care in wintertime are much the same as what they are in the height of summer. Our biggest organ, though generally robust, can also be fragile.

Along with snowflakes, many experience a completely different kind of flake – flaky, lacklustre skin that has replaced that dewy glow of summer.

Indeed, if the forecasts hold true, we need to take just as much care of our skin as the weather gets colder as we do when summer sizzles.

Medi Visage offers a broad platform of therapies to pamper skin and cheer the heart, but also provides therapies for more serious matters.

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With up to 90 per cent of all skin cancers caused by overexposure to UV radiation winter sports enthusiasts are at an increased risk of sun-induced skin damage and potentially skin cancer.

Skiers and snowboarders often forget to use sunscreen and are more likely to associate windburn and frostbite as skin conditions derived by their sport than sunburn.

What’s more, snow can reflect the sun’s UV rays by up to 80 per cent and this means the sun is every bit as damaging on the slopes as it is on the beach.

Leading cancer consultant Khaleeq-Ur-Rehman BDS, FDSRCPS, MBChB, MRCS (Gen Surg), FRCS (OMFS), of Medi Visage on the Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, warns that skin and oral cancer are both on the increase and exposure to too much sun – even if its winter sun – is one of the main causes along with smoking and alcohol respectively.

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, who specialises in oral and skin cancer and facial reconstruction, ads: ”No-one likes to admit there may be anything wrong, but often early diagnosis of small changes in skin colour and texture can head off major surgical procedures.

“We provide consultant-led assessment and diagnostic services for non-healing ulcers in the mouth and skin as well as lumps and bumps.

“Melanoma is on the increase and I’m amazed that people do not present to us until it’s too late.

It’s so aggressive, so it’s essential that pigment lesions that suddenly change get checked out.

“Anything that grows needs to be checked and with my colleague, consultant dermatologist Dr Hamdi Hamad, it would literally take us 30 seconds to say whether it needs further investigations.

We’ll do a biopsy and no time is wasted.

“Caught at an early stage, can save lives.“ Medi Visage business partner, Bibi Dodd, says: “We have a very strong medical team here that also includes principal of Total Implant Solutions, Jon Pugh BDS MSc (implant dentistry). For those who want some self-indulgence, help with weight loss, body sculpturing, or clinical intervention on more serious matters, we’re in a great position to deliver.” wolverhampton west magazine

Desire perfection

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olivia’s Beauty At this time of year we’ve all got plenty of get-togethers to attend and we want to make sure that we look our best.

So it’s good to know that the team at Olivia’s Beauty are ready and waiting to get us looking party-ready, no matter where we’re heading this Christmas.

Salon owner Fiona Brookes explains: “We’ve got everything needed to get you looking glam in no time; Xen-Tan spray tanning, Shellac manicures, Minx nails and Swarovski Crystal pedicures - which are an instant way to add some sparkle this season.”

As well as all of the usual salon services you’d expect, like waxing and tinting, Olivia’s specialises in those special beauty services that are perfect for a big night out.

“We do eyelash extensions, weekend lashes and false lash applications, which all look stunning with party make-up.”

In fact, if you fancy having your make-up professionally applied, Olivia’s can take care of that too: “Our professional Dinair airbrush make-ups are ideal for any special occasion and perfect if you want to make sure you look extra special this party season.”

There’s even a treatment at the salon that can help you squeeze into your favourite little black dress this December:

“i-Lipo is a revolutionary laser treatment that offers clients an alternative to invasive liposuction surgery. There is no anaesthesia required because i-Lipo is completely pain free, it’s non-invasive and doesn’t require any down-time.”

Results can be seen immediately after treatment and you can typically expect to see a 2-4cm reduction in fat on your abdomen with every treatment. A course of 8 treatments is recommended over 4 weeks with 2 treatments per week.

So, call in at the salon today and get ready to look gorgeous.

Sit back, relax and be pampered this Christmas

with our extensive range of facial, massage, nail, beauty treatments and much more!

Christmas Party Offer Airbrush make-up and lashes only £25 Gel nails, lashes and spray tan only £45 Available throughout Nov and Dec 2014

Want to do something different this Christmas?

Call for details of Why not have your office party at Olivia’s and book a pamper party? packages available

For further details or to book please call 01902 335355 50a Warstones Road, Penn, Wolverhampton WV4 4LP 88

www.oliviasbeauty.com wolverhampton west magazine

Old Mill Antique Centre Make this Christmas Special - call in and see our extensive range of Fine Gold and quality Fashion Jewellery.

Dress Rings 2 Engagement Rings Bracelets 2 Necklaces 2 Earrings Brooches 2 Hair Jewellery We have a huge selection and our prices will make your Christmas sparkle!

Open Seven Days a week 10am until 5pm Old Mill Antique Centre Mill Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth WV15 5AG

Tel: 01746 768778

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

89

Ready to

party

By Helen Taylor

The Christmas party season is officially here and there has never been a better time to dress to impress.

Whether you’re set to attend the annual office get-together, meet-up with friends or hit the town for a festive night out, finding an outfit that’s suitably dazzling is essential.

The little black dress is a classic at this time of year, but if you fancy something a little different, go for bright colours, heavy embellishment - even a jumpsuit or playsuit.

Great accessories are a must, so team statement heels with a matching clutch and add sparkly jewellery for instant glamour.

Shoes £99.95 Moda in Pelle Dress £149 Monsoon

Black Sequin V-Neck Dress £39.95 New Look

Clutch £69.95 Moda in Pelle

Shoes £55 Debenhams

Blue Dress £60 Lipsy

Red Dress £50 Lipsy

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The images used in this article are readily available in various places on the internet and are believed to be in the public domain. Wolverhampton West magazine claims no credit for them unless otherwise noted.

wolverhampton west magazine

Navy Embellished Dress £210 Adrianna Papell

Lace Trim Dress£29.99 Little Mistress at Get The Label.com

Full Length Gown £119.99 New Look

‘Organza’ Shift Dress £55 BHS

Sequin Dress £190 Adrianna Papell Jennifer Lopez Collection by Endless Pointed Toe Court Shoes £65 Ravel

Bracelets from £45 charms from £25

Exclusively at T.A. Henn, Wolverhampton

Jumpsuit £70 Lipsy

If you own the rights to any of the images, or if any content appearing in Wolverhampton West magazine infringes on your copyright, please notify us and they will be promptly removed.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Black Dress £60 Lipsy

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Science and glamour combine at

No+Vello Wolverhampton No+Vello are proud to be the undisputed world leaders in offering flat rate permanent hair reduction treatments.

technology with our +esthetic range.

Treatments such as teeth whitening, cellulite reduction and a variety of facials are available, all at the same low price of £39 per treatment.

Client feedback has been extremely positive on this range, with many who have tried teeth whitening experiencing results of up to eight shades brighter after just one session. No peroxide is used and clients have reported that the treatment is far more comfortable than what they have experienced in the past.

We have the fastest and most efficient IPL machines in the industry, which means you get great results in less time for less money!

Our simple pricing structure of £39 per area is easy to understand and a refreshing change from the complicated price lists of other companies, where you will pay different amounts for different areas of the body treated. You can even utilise our extremely popular ‘No More Hair’ package, where a monthly payment of £60 gives you one hour of treatment time every month, within which you can have as many areas treated as you like.

Following the theme of our ‘No More Hair’ package, you may even wish to choose the ultimate No+Vello experience with our ‘Taking Care of You’ package.

For just £78 per month, you can design your own treatment plan by choosing any combination of treatments across our whole range in a one hour monthly session.

At No+Vello Wolverhampton we also offer the latest in LED

£

39

Why not treat yourself? You deserve it! Visit Annabelle and the team at our King Street clinic or call us on 01902 504206 to book a consultation, and let No+Vello take care of you.

wit Bring h t Pat you fo his ad ch r Tes a FR vertis t & EE eme Firs Con nt t Tr sult eat atio me n, nt *

Flat Rate per session per body area

• IPL HAIR REMOVAL • SKIN REJUVENATION • SKIN CLEANSING • TEETH WHITENING • CELLULITE REDUCTION • FACIALS & SKIN TONING *Applicable to one of the following mini zone areas: hands, feet or upper lip.

Terms & Conditions apply: please see www.nomasvello.co.uk

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Wolverhampton 26 King Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1ST Tel: 01902 504206 Email: wolverhampton@nomasvello.co.uk www.nomasvello.co.uk

wolverhampton west magazine

Time to party urban hair anD bEauTy

Salon owner Karen Lewis explains: “It’s the season to sparkle and there’s no better way to stand out at your festive parties than with a fabulous hairstyle.”

The Christmas party season is just around the corner, which means there has never been a better time to book in at Urban Hair and Beauty and find a glamorous new look.

Whether you fancy a different colour, cut or style, the Codsallbased team of highly trained stylists will be able to help you find the look that’s perfect for you.

“You can never go wrong with big hair for a big night out. Using our range of the latest TIGI products, our stylists can create gorgeous bouncy curls and waves, which will instantly transform your locks.”

Taking inspiration from the catwalk and keeping well up-to-date with the latest hair trends, the team are also offering their customers a special plaiting and braiding service.

“Braids and plaits have been seen at all of the big fashion events this year and they offer a really modern and stylish alternative to a traditional ‘up-do’.”

“We can design a braid that’s ideal for you and bring you bang up-todate in no time, ready for whatever party you’re going to attend.”

And whilst you’re at the salon you can also do some Christmas shopping: “We’ve got a great selection of GHD stylers that make re-creating your party look at home easy and when you buy one you’ll receive a free heat resistant roll bag.”

“They’ll make the ideal present for that special someone, or a great treat for yourself.”

TIGI© Colour Specialist Hair Salon offering only the highest quality products

Christmas Party Hair Offer Braids and Plaits from only £15

Party Curls & Hair-ups from only £20

Please call 01902 847306 13 Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, WV8 1PT

www.urbanhairandbeauty.com

Christmas hair product gift packs Latest GHD’ Gift vouchers

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

93

Get into the

christmas Spirit

Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no getting away from them; Christmas jumpers are back.

Have fun and embrace the festive spirit with one of these styles:

By Helen Taylor

Christmas Jumper £25 Christmas Collection at M&S

Rudolph Jumper £20 BHS

3D Snowman Jumper £28 Red Herring at Debenhams

Reindeer Novelty Knit £20 Burton Menswear

Baa Humbug Jumper £19.99 Get The Label.com

Prospex Kinetic GMT Divers Watch £479

Solar Chronograph Sportura £379

s at che ellers t a o w ew Seik enn J H .

T.A

Cross Pen £65 T.A. Henn Jewellers

The images used in this article are readily available in various places on the internet and are believed to be in the public domain. Wolverhampton West magazine claims no credit for them unless otherwise noted.

Light-Up Christmas Jumper £39 M&Co

94

If you own the rights to any of the images, or if any content appearing in Wolverhampton West magazine infringes on your copyright, please notify us and they will be promptly removed.

wolverhampton west magazine

‘Invisible’ technology Obvious results

embrace

your inner smile We use the latest ‘invisible’ therapies to rebuild smiles compromised by irregular teeth. State-ofthe-art technology and a team with a distinguished reputation combine to deliver stunning results. Have a chat to us and find out why increasing numbers of adults choose us to straightening out their looks.

Procedures involve regular visits to our orthodontic clinic and treatment can last from 6 to 24 months.

Our orthodontic service is hugely popular

We offer complimentary first consultations

We’re about permanence and consistency

We do implants and aesthetic dentistry

We want to get to know you and your family

We remake smiles and redefine lives

We understand children and teenagers

We are wheelchair friendly

Find out what makes us so popular – call us or just drop in to discuss our affordable treatment schemes.

Telephone: www.parksidedental.co.uk

01902 421291 7 Park Road West, Wolverhampton, WV1 4PS

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

part of Jon Pugh Dental

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nuffield health charity Fayre supporting Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare support Group Come along and join us with the Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton on Saturday 15th November from 9.30am – 12 noon for our Charity Fayre at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital based in Tettenhall

All proceeds from the fayre will be donated to the Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support Group.

Hospital in 1985. The group provides support and representation for the patients and carers of the Heart and Lung Centre at Wolverhampton. This is achieved through its membersrole as the “Patients Friends” and through its fundraising activities. Currently the group has over 500 enrolled members and has an excellent reputation both within the hospital and in the community as a whole. The good work of the committee and its members in supporting patients and their carers has been much appreciated by the many thousands of people that the group has supported since its inception especially in its key role as “Patients’ Friend”.

The services provided by the group were recognised nationally in the year 2000 by the presentation of an MBE to its chairman by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. The President received an OBE in 2002 and in 2008 the group received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2008.

The Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support Group is a Registered Charity (No. 701667) and was formed by ex-patients of the Coronary Care Unit of New Cross

So don’t miss out, come along and join us in supporting this worthwhile charity!

~ Craft Stalls ~ Bric-a-Brac ~ Raffle ~ Refreshments available

This article was provided by The Nuffield Health Group www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals

Wightwick Dental Practice A Brighter Healthier Smile The practice is purpose built, modern and boasts the latest in dental technology enabling us to provide you with a modern dental experience.

Our aim is to provide private,affordable, up to date, high quality treatments for our patients in a relaxed, comfortable yet professional environment.

Treatments on offer include: • General Dental Treatments • Hygiene Appointments • Cosmetic Dentistry including Tooth Coloured Fillings, Teeth Whitening, Veneers, Crowns and Quick Braces • Facial Aesthetics - Anti Wrinkle Treatments and Dermal Fillers • Dental Implants • Same day Emergency Appointments Available

Ample off road parking available.

New patients welcome

Call us to register now t: 01902 763200 e: wightwickdental@btconnect.com

www.wightwickdentalpractice.co.uk 301 Bridgnorth Road, Wightwick, Wolverhampton, WV6 8BW 96

wolverhampton west magazine

Visual dyslexia - Libby’s story Three years ago, Libby Eaton - then aged six years had never been able to open a book without seeing the words moving on the page.

As she started school the problems had mounted up.

Mother Dawn says: “I became increasingly worried when my daughter became constantly distressed about going to school -from the mild tantrums to the more severe silences and refusing to eat.

After many weeks of coaxing came the information that she felt the work was too hard and she couldn’t keep up so therefore felt stupid”.

Following a teacher’s recommendation Mrs Eaton took Libby for a visual dyslexia examination at Taylor Biddle Opticians.

Optometrist Olha Lac, who specialises in visual dyslexia, says: “When we read it is important to be able to aim accurately at words

amazing difference”. She added: “Not only has her reading and writing greatly improved, but so has her maths and confidence”

with the dominant eye to hold steady fixation, the non- dominant eye controls the depth perception and works together with the other eye to give stable vision.

When ocular muscles are unbalanced the fixation swaps from one eye to the other, often combined with pattern glare or ‘Irlen syndrome’. As a consequence, print may appear to move, jumble or blur making the reading difficultcommonly reported symptoms in dyslexia.

We are proud to be one of the first in the area to offer this service and over 100 children have been treated by us over the last 3 years with great success”.

Libby (now nine years old) said: “I love my glasses. I get lots of stars and stickers for my work now because Ola helped me to get glasses that stop the words jumping about when I read”.

Libby was prescribed corrective glasses with coloured lenses, which her mother says has made “truly

Designer Frames from… & many more Your Local Family Opticians Full eye examinations Ocular health checks The latest eye scanning OCT technology Now stocking fabulous and exclusive Oliver Peoples frames Ask about EyeDream contact lenses - worn overnight while you sleep then natural vision during the day without glasses or contact lenses.

www.taylorbiddleopticians.co.uk 39 Bridgnorth Road, Compton Tel: 01902 750 325 34 Windmill Bank, Wombourne Tel: 01902 895 909 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

97

Inactivity

killing as many as smoking “Being inactive has such a huge impact on people’s health”, says Chartered physiotherapist, Davinder Chatha, who heads up the organisation.

“As well as many other health risks, it can lead to musculoskeletal problems, which often have a devastating effect on quality of life.”

“Sitting is the new smoking” is a frequent headline we’re hearing at the moment.

And today, both our work and home life can include long periods of sitting – on computers, watching TV, driving. All of this contributes to a very harmful picture for our backs and general health.

This is the focus of Optispine, which has back and joint clinics in Wolverhampton, Dudley and Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

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People with sedentary lifestyles can suffer from a whole range of symptoms, from headaches to back and neck pain, stiff joints to numbness and tingling.

To keep well, it’s vital to take preventative steps and build lifelong back awareness.

“Prevention is definitely better than cure as I see many patients at the other end of the spectrum, with conditions that severely affect mobility and overall health,” adds Davinder.

We all know we should move more and sit less. Despite that, two out of three adults in the UK fails to do

the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

Optispine offers the latest and most advanced equipment and techniques, helping people to exercise safely and more effectively.

Its specialised H2O Physio hydrotherapy suite features a pioneering underwater treadmill and wellness pool, where waterbased training programmes have been developed for people of all ages and all levels of fitness.

Physio-led Pilates and yoga sessions are also available, as well as gym facilities and personal training.

So, don’t just sit there, it’s time to get moving.

Optispine is offering free assessments throughout November and December to promote better back health.

For more information, visit www.optispine.co.uk

wolverhampton west magazine

Our lifestyles are busy – often too busy to sort out unresolved dental issues, especially denture problems. Because of advanced dental procedures we can now offer those people pushed for time a full arch or permanently implant-retained teeth in a single day.

Call us, we’re friendly and offer a complimentary first consultation.

Just too busy to get failing teeth sorted?

Talk to us about our All-on-4™ implants solution – we can fix you

‘It’s almost as if you’ve got your own teeth.

Very successful!’

– All-on-4™ implant patient

Call Centre of Excellence

Permanently secured – a complete arch of teeth in a single day’s procedure

Just four implants to rebuild your smile with predictable outcomes

Most effective modern solution to replace troublesome dentures

The nearest thing you’ll get to your own teeth and they look stunning

Telephone 01902 420654 for a complimentary consultation

An Independent Dental Practice

82 Tettenhall Road Wolverhampton WV1 4TF www.mytis.co.uk part of Jon Pugh Dental

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

99

Spoil yourself at My Vitality Hub

leave, you will feel like you have been to a place like no other.

My vitality hub is an exciting new small business introducing a real difference and unique philosophy to wellbeing.

From the moment you walk in through the door, you are blown away with the luscious smells from the bath bombs to healing and enchanting smells of the nag champa incense.

My vitality hub gift shop introduces its customers to products which enhance and increase wellbeing.

From incredible hand painted Bali Buddha art, to the high quality Buddha and Ganesh figures, to a unique blend of soya candles. They are the only local stockist of pure pukka teas and food supplements tablets.

Pukka is based on Ayurvedic principles and are organic, vegan and vegetarian. They promote pure aloe vera products which include aloe vera juice, supplements, soap and creams.

My vitality hub is not just a gift shop but a complete wellbeing hub. Customers are surprised as to how much is going on at the hub, ranging from yoga classes, meditation, workshops, burlesque, acupuncture, angelic healing, reflexology and neuro reflexology, reiki, exclusive shiordara massage, sports massage and of course, a range of psychological therapies.

The services are endless. This hub is so unique and a real gem for Wolverhampton and Staffordshire. This hub really is like no other, so if you are looking for something really different and at the same time so unique that it blows you away, come along and be part of this community.

The philosophy is based on more than just wellbeing; it’s a place of complete serenity and calmness.

From the moment you walk in through the door to the time you

My vitality hub offers a distinctive yoga provision like no other facility available in the Midlands.

They offer tailored classes based on what you want. Classes are booked based on demand and provided as a package for individuals. The provision is more than just yoga, it’s a place where there is no overcrowding and unlike many other studios, the mats and props are provided by the hub. The studio is a community facility, following yoga why not enjoy a pukka tea and take time to relax and unwind with your yoga community. From time to time, you will be invited at no cost to you, to a workshop on the principles of yoga and how this benefits your wellbeing. As places for each class are limited, advance block booking is essential.

Each month there will be a topic surrounding wellbeing full of hints and tips as well as promotions.

We look forward to seeing you all soon.

As well as their incredible soap collection, they have a quirky edge of cutting soap uniquely packaged for you. As a customer of the hub you select your gifts, the difference they offer is how they put a gift package together that signifies something that’s personal to you.

My Vitality hub gifts are ideal gifts for any occasion and with Christmas around the corner, the staff are busy getting Christmas gifts ready for special gift event evenings. A visit to their bespoke gift shop this Christmas is a must.

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wolverhampton west magazine

My Vitality Hub Unique and quirky wellbeing gift shop - budget plans available Bespoke tailored yoga classes and workshops Ayurvedic medicine and treatment Psychological therapies – couple, individual, family Meditation and mindfulness Exclusive Shirodara massage

Gift shop opening times are: Monday to Saturday 12-7pm.

Yoga class times vary 46 Windermere Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 9DF Tel: 07813 343000 or email: myvitalityhub@gmail.com

Burlesque Premium weight loss programmes like no other Discounts available on block bookings for yoga Exclusive offers on selected treatments Foot health clinic And much more…

w w w. m y v i t a l i t y h u b . c o . u k www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

101

Living life

through your teeth A Radio 4 broadcast focussed on the meaning of tooth loss and replacement using implants.

In Thinking Aloud, a programme on contemporary ideas, broadcaster and sociology professor Laurie Taylor explored ‘Your whole life is lived through your teeth.” The concept is true and none more so than with the effervescent Ann. Ann Skitt – new teeth, new look, new confidence

Ann Skitt retrieves her bike from the garage, deftly fixes a slipped chain, and is ready “to go anywhere.”

By her own confession it’s an antique with a capacious, black leather-cloth saddlebag (no longer manufactured) and just three Sturmey-Archer gears.

For nearly 20 years it’s been a faithful companion and her primary source of transport.

Her enthusiasm to get on the saddle belies her years.

“I don’t drive, but cycle everywhere I can,” she says.

A young–at-heart 74-year-old, she oozes charisma and charm, still goes to the gym “when she needs to shed a few pounds” and is the life and soul of the party at her local Young At Heart Club where she is a volunteer worker.

“The club has some elderly people who never really see anyone from week to week and I love helping,” she adds.

She admits to constantly making choices to live life to limit and indulging herself as popular hairdressers’ model at Wolverhampton’s award-winning Ultimate Hairdressing salon whenever she fancies a new look.

It’s hard to imagine that this retired assembly worker, who completed 45 years’ service at Willenhall’s famous Josiah Parkes & Sons lock manufacturers, could ever be knocked back.

But failing teeth “became an embarrassment,” she recalls.

“My remaining bottom teeth were terribly discoloured and my partial lower denture was unstable. I could never eat anything like nuts and was always so conscious of the way they looked.

“If I cooked lamb chops or a steak I’d struggle to eat it,

102

Steven Burchell Dip CDT RCS(Eng) GDC 108353

but I can eat anything now,” she says with a smile.

Ann called time on her longstanding dental problems after reading an article in her local newspaper about Steven Burchell Dip CDT RCS(Eng) and his work as principal at the Denture Clinic.

“I had a couple of articles and kept them for nearly a year before I plucked up courage to see Steve. I knew exactly what I wanted,” she says.

With four implants in her upper and four in the lower jaw to secure implant-retained overdentures, Ann now has a perfect smile and functional teeth.

“I love my teeth and they have given me so much more confidence. You don’t realise how having bad teeth affect you until you have treatment like this and you get the confidence back. So much of what we do in life involves our teeth. The whole shape of my mouth has now changed.”

Husband Brian is full of praise – “It’s taken years off her.”

Her teeth were hand-crafted on the premises at the Denture Clinic and implant surgery was carried out by Jonathon Pugh BDS MSc (Implant Dentistry), principal of Total Implant Solutions in Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, where Steven runs one of his three clinics. wolverhampton west magazine

ultra Suctionsystem The

Loose dentures: Suction may be your answer

A non-invasive development to help resolve stability problems faced by thousands of denture wearers is being offered by the Denture Clinic.

Steven Burchell Dip CDT RCS(Eng) GDC108353, who heads the teams at his North Street practice in Dudley, and other clinics across the region, says the invention has the potential to resolve alltoo-common stability issues.

Prosthetics are held in place by tiny valve-operated suction devices which are built into the prescription.

A clever diaphragm principle, triggered by bite pressure on

patients’ gums, creates a ‘sucking’ vacuum between the soft-tissue mouth lining and the prosthetic.

Steven, whose clinics attracts patients from as far as Spain, the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Anglesey, adds: “The denture revolution is evolving at a frightening pace.

“In recent times we have seen, what I can describe only as strident steps forward, with implant-retained over-dentures, ‘teeth-in-a-day’ implant procedures and suction solution dentures, all coming into main-stream dentistry...

“Implant dentistry as a resolve for stabilisation issues, however, is not suitable for everyone, neither is it all patients’ first preference. It’s here

the Ultra Suction prosthetics offer another possibility.

“The beauty of this affordable, non-invasive technology is that it can deliver for the right patient excellent denture retainer qualities.”

Lower dentures can often be troublesome as stability is compromised by shrinking gums and bone erosion – it’s all part of the ageing process. Ill-fitting dentures create painful friction problems on gums and not least, be a source of compromised chewing and embarrassment.”

Steven adds: “The device can be mounted on upper or lower teeth and because of its efficiency allows us to consider a reduction in the size of the acrylic ‘plate’ which can result in improved speech and taste.”

Adds Steven: “And can dentures look glamorous?

Emphatically, yes – we have taken years off the appearance of some of our patients.”

on’t D let troublesome dentures let you down • Complete Dentures • Partial Dentures • Suction Dentures • Implant Dentures • Copy Dentures • Denture Relines • Soft Linings • Denture Repairs

FREEPHONE 0800 0285185 Call NOW for a FREE first consultation!

P www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Clinics at Dudley, Wolverhampton and Kidderminster www.denture-clinic.co.uk email: info@denture-clinic.co.uk

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CHIROPODY & PODIATRY CLINICS

HCPC/STATE REGISTERED

Tom Casey BSc (Hons), MCHS, SRCH Margaret Kennedy BSc (Hons), MCHS, SRCH Ian Banyard Chartered Physiotherapist MCSP, MMACP, MAACP, MSc Physiotherapy Clinic now available please call 01902 833426

Treatments for: Nails, callus, corns, verrucas Diabetic & arthritic feet Heel and forefoot pain Ingrown toenails & nail surgery Functional & biomechanical issues Conditions needing orthotics/insoles

• Friendly Personal Service • Medical Centre Facilities • Secure Parking • Disabled Access • Centrally located • Home Visits Available Presentations & talks are available to interested groups.

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Park Avenue Clinic 13a Park Avenue Wolverhampton WV1 4AH For an appointment in our refurbished modern surgery please call Tom Casey on 07828 613165 or 01902 833426 For other surgery appointments please call or visit: Evenett & Bishop Opticians 67 High Street Albrighton WV7 3JA 01902 372141 Six Ways Clinic 24 Birmingham Road Walsall WS1 2LT 01922 622521

wolverhampton west magazine

Tom’s tip:

Shin Splints Shin Splints is a common term for shin pain during exercise. It can be a misleading term and most medical professionals try to avoid using it. This is because shin pain and ‘Shin Splints’ can be due to several different conditions. One of the most common shin conditions that is frequently labelled ‘Shin Splints’ is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome has been reported to occur frequently in military recruits, distance runners, dancers, football (soccer) players and gymnasts. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome has been classified into two distinct types, which affect specific tissues on the inside of the shin:

Type One

This is characterised by a stress reaction on the inside border of the

shin bone. A stress reaction is a preceding stage to a stress fracture.

Type Two

This is characterised by irritation of the outer surface (periosteum) of the inside of the shin bone at the point where the Soleus and Tibialis Posterior muscles attach.

Regardless of the type, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is largely caused by over-use, with those who run or walk regularly on hard or uneven surfaces being particularly affected.

However, there are a number of factors, such as altered foot, knee and hip posture, which can make a person susceptible to the syndrome.

Shin Splints Treatment

People suffering from Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome will feel pain on the inner border of the shin (medial Tibial border) during and following exercise.

Most patients respond well to nonoperative treatment. This involves rest, strengthening and stretching exercises, followed by a gradual return

WOLVERHAMPTON HIP

to exercise after symptoms subside.

In order to help prevent recurrence of the condition, a bio-mechanical analysis (an analysis of posture at rest and during walking and running) with a chiropodist/podiatrist can be very useful. This will pick up any factors that may be making a person susceptible to Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, so that they can be corrected before a return to activity.

Muscle imbalance and leg length inequality are frequent causes of mal-alignment that can be picked up during an assessment. A common cause of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is pes planus (flat feet) or pronated foot position (a lowered arch). These would be identified during bio-mechanical analysis.

Over pronation is the uncontrolled lowering of the arch of the foot during motion. This puts increased strain on the Tibialis Posterior muscle which pulls on the inside of the shin and can produce pain. Arch supporting Orthotics/insoles can be very effective in remedying this problem.

Thomas Casey Chiropodist/Podiatrist HPC registered

& KNEE CLINIC

The Wolverhampton hip and knee clinic has been developed to provide modern, comprehensive and evidence based treatment for all hip and knee disorders.

Mr David Simpson is an established and experienced Consultant orthopaedic surgeon. He is the leading regional exponent of custom made, personalised ‘Signature’ knee replacements.

MR DAVID SIMPSON CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

Areas of expertise: - Hip and knee arthritis - Hip and knee replacements - Custom made patient specific ‘Signature’ knee replacements - Sports Injuries - Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery - Cartilage surgery - Tibial osteotomy / realignment surgery

To book an appointment or for further details please contact: The Wolverhampton Hip and Knee Clinic, Nuffield Health Hospital, Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE Tel: 01902 754177 ext. 2391, 01902 793225 or visit: www.wolverhamptonhipandkneeclinic.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

105

Turn your back

on pain

Sleep Sleep is an essential nutrient for our bodies and when your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing. Make sure that your sleeping position is comfortable and that your mattress supports your back.

Seek professional therapy If an injury or back pain occurs take measures to prevent or lessen most back pain episodes by seeking professional therapy. By having access to appropriate treatment for acute back pain at an early stage, recovery is expected within 6 weeks, whereas neglecting pain or an injured area contributes to chronic pain, weakness or recurrence of injury.

Protect your back

Back pain is becoming as well known as the common cold and the likelihood is that most of us will experience it at some point in our lives.

your abdominal and back muscles. Do about 15 minutes of exercises a day that focus on this area. You can try backfriendly yoga poses, Pilates, and sit-ups. Any of these help support and stabilize the spine.

Let’s face it, our day to day lives are becoming much busier and stress filled but we never stop to think about what affect this has on our backs. How many of us have found ourselves hunched over a desk or computer for two weeks, battling a deadline? Or helping a friend by carrying a box to their car? Even swinging a golf club a little too enthusiastically can aggravate your back. The bad news is that our lifestyles are one of the main culprits of chronic back pain. The good news is we can prevent it, but it does take work. These tips can help you prevent back pain and reduce your risk for future back problems.

Maintain good posture

Strengthen your core Back pain can have many causes. Some causes include deterioration or rupture of a disc, muscle spasms, and tense muscles. To reduce your risk for these problems, strengthen 106

Regularly slouching at your desk or leaning to one side when you’re watching TV can lead to chronic back pain or pinched back nerves.

To protect your spine, remind yourself to sit up straight at your desk with your feet on the floor.

Likewise, don’t twist when you’re watching TV. Your torso shouldn’t be going in one direction and your feet and legs in another.

Sit in a firm, comfortable chair with adequate lumbar support.

Position the TV so you don’t have to lean forward to see it.

Watch your diet Convenience food in our current busy lifestyles means that we all find ourselves carrying around a little extra weight—especially around the middle— this puts added stress on your back.

Try and maintain a healthy weight and do what you can to shed a few pounds.

Nobody knows what’s around the corner and what health challenges we will face in the future but it’s always nice to know we are protected. Private Medical Insurance can be expensive but a health cash plan is an inexpensive way of getting health cover. Paycare offer health cash plans that allow you to claim back the costs of treatments such as seeing a physiotherapist or chiropractor if a future back problem was to happen.

Nothing is more frustrating than having to payout on costly medical bills when issues such as back problems arise. What if we told you that you can claim this money back and seeking professional therapy no longer had to be expensive? A typical Paycare Plan protects you against the costs of dental, optical chiropody, specialist consultations, professional therapies, hospital cases and much more. A Paycare plan is designed for you to use on a day to day basis and not like other insurance products you can only use in emergencies.

If you would like to protect yourself against the cost of everyday health problems visit www.paycare.org or call 01902 252265 to find out more.

wolverhampton west magazine

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Sw e e p i n g

cha n g e s

in new family law

Separating couples will now be required to attend a mediation session before heading into a courtroom following major changes to the law relating to families.

Family solicitor Joanne Vernon says the new regulation is part of the Children and Families Act 2014 which came into effect earlier this year. It makes it a requirement for couples to attend a family mediation, information and assessment meeting to find out about and consider mediation before applying to the court.

Residence orders for children are also scrapped and replaced with child arrangement orders, with the new legislation also intended to reduce delays in the adoption process for children.

Miss Vernon, a solicitor in the award-winning family department at FBC Manby Bowdler, said: “The new legislation includes sweeping changes to the way families and children are dealt with by the courts, and also to the terminology used in family law cases.

“We still have clients who talk about ‘child custody’ and ‘visitation rights’, words

which were replaced years ago and terms which have now changed again with the latest Act brought into force.

“The courts are changing how they refer to where children live in an attempt to remove the potential perception of the nonresident parent being of less importance in the child’s life.

“The Children and Families Act 2014 also sees the requirement to seek mediation ahead of going to court enshrined in law. This means that separating couples, before making a relevant family application, must attend a family mediation information and assessment meeting. The aim is to reduce both the potential trauma and cost of prolonged court battles between couples, which is particularly important when there are children involved.”

Miss Vernon said the result of such sweeping changes may be that families are confused by the whole process.

“Family law can be a minefield and we’d recommend couples seek advice before bringing proceedings as there may be options which they haven’t considered which can cut down costs and the length of time it takes to make both financial and personal arrangements.”

Joanne Vernon, Family Associate at FBC Manby Bowdler

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10 and over would be able to tell judges their thoughts and feelings on the cases affecting them.

Although under the Children Act, the wishes and feelings of the children are one of the factors the court have to take into account when determining issues regarding children, there was no specified age.

“Under the new proposed regime, the children’s views will be given directly to the judge.

However young people will also be able to access the services of mediators in a move which will certainly help in cases where difficult family dynamics exist. I hope that this change will mean better outcomes for young people who are involved in family law disputes,” added Miss Vernon.

Joanne Vernon is a solicitor with FBC Manby Bowdler’s Family Team and can be contacted on 01902 392454 or by email at: j.vernon@fbcmb.co.uk

But it is not only the adults in a relationship who have a voice in family disputes. Justice Minister Simon Hughes recently announced that children aged wolverhampton west magazine

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PGA Professional at Patshull Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club

Golf Tips from Richard Bissell

Playing from the rough This month we will be talking about the technique for extracting the ball from heavy rough.

Drive for show and putt for dough is a well known phrase and all very good, but what happens when things go wrong and we find ourselves in the deep rough.

The trick to hitting from the rough is predicting how much

grass you’ll trap between the clubface and the ball at impact.

If you catch only a little grass, you’ll hit a flyer - which comes out hot and runs. If you catch a lot of grass, you’ll lose swing speed and distance. Adjust your club selection accordingly.

TECHNIQUE Spread your feet wider and grip your club a bit more firmly than you normally would.

This will help you power through the tough grass.

Stand a bit closer to the ball than normal and swing the club so that the head hits the ball at a sharp angle. Hinge the wrists a little earlier on the backswing to create a steeper angle of attack into the ball. This cuts down on the amount of grass clogging the surface between the club and the ball and also, hopefully, pops the ball sharply up and out of the danger zone.

Take one extra club and grip down a little for extra stability through the shot.

Hit solidly through the shot trying to keep the clubface square to the target at impact.

A lot of club golfers try to be too ambitious but remember you are better being back in play than still in the rough, so sometimes it pays to take your medicine and admit you are not going to reach the green.

Happy golfing.

Rich Patshull Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR 110

T: 01902 700100 Golf Shop: 01902 700342

www.patshull-park.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine

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prices correct at time of going to print 111

Wrottesley Golf Club “One of the two best par 3 courses in the country�.

That was the thought expressed by one of the 17 professional golfers taking part in the Wrottesley par 3 championship on 12th September 2014.

Competitors came from Sutton Coldfield, Trentham, Lichfield and other Midlands-based clubs.

The event was organised by club professional Shaun Ball.

A morning medal round established the top eight players with an afternoon eliminator over seven holes to decide the winner. The two finalists were Steve Carter of Warmley G.C. and Richard Copsey of Enville G.C. with Steve Carter being the eventually winner by one shot.

Steve Carter (competition winner) from Walmley golf club

It was an opportunity to view professionals at close quarters and the visitors enjoyed a fine display in great surroundings.

Mark Sparrow from Halfpenny Green golf club showing off his bunker skills

Wrottesley Golf Club is a full 18 hole layout with six holes in excess of 200 yards long making the pros reach for their four irons.

If you want to play a compact course in lovely parkland good enough for professionals you are welcome to come along and have a complimentary game with one of our members.

Professionals assembled before teeing off

For information on membership details please visit our website www.wrottesleygolfclub.co.uk or call 01902 846499 Wrottersley Golf Club, Hollyhead Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 2HL 112

wolverhampton west magazine

Women tee off to boost business network Businesswomen in Wolverhampton pitted their golf skills against one another as part of a friendly competition to mark six months of a new networking club.

20 members of the Business Ladies Golf Network took to the fairway at Ledene Golf Club in Codsall Wood on 23 October to test the skills they have learnt since the group began in May this year.

The network is hosted by award winning law firm FBC Manby Bowdler, Haines Watts Chartered Accountants and banking group Santander.

The women, who come from a range of business backgrounds, meet once a month at Wolverhampton’s Wergs Golf Club. They have a morning networking session, followed by a chance to learn some golfing skills and techniques from a professional instructor, Shaun Ball, before heading to the 19th for some refreshment.

The nine-hole par three competition was the culmination of six months of training with a hotly fought contest to be the winning team. It was a close competition but the team in first place included Clare Radburn, St Ives Chambers; Pamela Cunliffe, R & D Tax Claims Ltd; Lesley Bunting, L & P Property Consultancy; and Shirley Grose, Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery.

Laura Jones, marketing manager at FBC Manby Bowdler, said: “The competition was a great way to mark six months of meetings and golf training. In that time we have all made great improvements in our golf as well as made useful connections across a range of businesses and sectors in the Wolverhampton area.

“The network has proved to be very popular as it’s a very relaxed environment and we’ve all enjoyed meeting up on the 19th hole to compare business and golfing notes afterwards!”

Winning team (L/R): Clare Radburn, St Ives Chambers; Pamela Cunliffe, R & D Tax Claims Ltd; Lesley Bunting, L & P Property Consultancy; Shirley Grose, Burton Sweet Corporate Recovery.

For more information contact the Business Ladies Golf Network, contact Shanice Pearson at marketing@fbcmb.co.uk

Patshull Park Hotel 2015 Golf Memberships

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60’s and over, relax and socialise

only £46 per month

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Great golf, Membership events, Discounts on other goods and services.

Call now to arrange a tour of our Health Club

Call Richard our pro for an informal chat and a look at the course.

Beauty Therapy, Massages, Fitness training and much more.

Great facilities, friendly staff, and close to Wolverhampton.

Call 01902 700 100 Pattingham WV6 7HR

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

sales@patshull-park.co.uk www.patshull-park.co.uk

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The Molineux 1. Jake Oseland, Chris Coss, Joseph Whelan and Lee Payne.

8 Wolverhampton and Halesowen Audi held a black tie event to raise much needed funds for children’s charity - Whizz-Kidz. The charity helps to transform the lives of disabled children.

Over 200 people attended the event with a fantastic ÂŁ7,077.74 raised for this great cause.

2. Fiorina and Vince Roberts.

3. Am and Riz Mirza.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surger y?

4. Helen Hammond and Louise Botwood.

5. Brett Fitzpatrick, Francesca Gambone, Filige Gambone and Ann-Marie Coyne.

6. Craig Gardner, Julian Hodkiss and Brian McIntosh.

7. Lance Dunkley, James Hughes, Phil Oliver.

8. Lynn and Scott Thompson, Sarah Morton and Daniel Hurcombe.

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Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic event on Tuesday 2nd December 2014. Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

wolverhampton west magazine

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Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

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1. Gemma Reid and Kristian Thomas.

2. Vicky Price, Scott Bird and Emma Acton.

3. Kirsty Bull, Steve Bull, Wendy Elwell and Andy Elwell.

The press night for Dirty Dancing kicked off the Grand Theatre’s 120th Anniversary season. Â

4. Andy Goulding and Nathan Humphries.

The evening was also a celebration of the first time the show had been to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

6. Jodie Varley and Fran Richards.

A VIP reception was held which was attended by members of the local media, Wolverhampton Wanderers players and Olympian Kristian Thomas. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

5. Kyle Pedley.

7. Chris Brown and Anne Brown.

8. Richard Stearman, Beth Lay, Natalie Cutler, Danny Batth, Tara Sephton and James Henry.

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Ramada Park Hall Hotel Wolverhampton 1.

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Abi Shemar, Sanj Kumar, Sean Lal and Suky Singh.

Mettisse Campbell, Hughie Campbell and Kereen Streete.

Laurie and Philip Mauldridge, Jess Beasley and Toby Lawton.

Steve Compton, Bob Huxley, Peter Smith, Mike Sanders and Karl Kretna.

5. Didier Hestoret, Svetlana Gren, Elaine Hennessy and Giuseppe Corbelli.

6. Brent Walker-Drew, Derek Lawrence, Steve Mills and Kay Wagay.

7. Austin Healey (guest speaker) Former England Rugby International.

8. Lee Douglas, Dev Barrett, William Toobig, Lloyd Russell and John Jeremy.

9. Nigel Gooding, Danielle Hancocks, David Yeomans and Andrew Stockley.

10. Kate Norwood and Lee Rudkin.

11. Mark Winmill and Karen Frost.

12. Kevin and Sue Beasley.

13. Rob and Sally Gilbert.

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A Fundraising Gala Dinner was held on Friday 3rd October 2014 to raise funds and awareness of Sickle Cell Anaemia in loving memory of Michael Streete. The event was well supported with 550 people attending and raised a magnificent total of over £15,000.

The night consisted of raffles, auctions, performers, keynote speakers, a 3-course meal and a joyous time to dance and network at the end of the evening.

14. (b/row) Phil Jones, Fraser (f/row) Steve Smith, Tim Rollinson, James and Tom Brearley.

15. Ray Cummings,Tracey Moseley and Lionel Hill.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surger y?

Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic event on Tuesday 2nd December 2014. Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

wolverhampton west magazine

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South Staffs Golf Club

Taylor Biddle Opticians recently celebrated 20 years in business. Over 60 guests attended a quiz night at South Staffordshire Golf Club which was arranged to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease and the Premature Baby Unit New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton.

1. Olha Lac, Tracey Crane, Dr Aung, Mrs Aung and Sybil Taylor.

A total of ÂŁ1700 to date has been raised for these 2 charities from the Quiz night and other fundraising events throughout their 20th anniversary year.

2. Chris Macey and Richard Mottram.

3. Lisa Gill, Michele Macey and Alison Mottram.

4. Taylor Biddle quiz team.

Looking for advice on cosmetic surger y?

5. Alys Rudling, Lydia Parr and Alice Macey.

6. Mark and Samantha Cartwright, Sara Hartill and Fiona Jones.

7. Sue and Harry Wilkinson.

8. Ali Whitehouse, Lucy Crane, Suzanne Davies and Jenny Westwood.

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Book a FREE 10 minute one-to-one chat with a consultant at our next cosmetic event on Tuesday 2nd December 2014. Please call 0845 603 4346 to book your place.

wolverhampton west magazine

Mercure Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa

Winter Bridal Fayre Sunday 18th January 2015 11.00am – 4.00pm Free admission A perfect place for gathering ideas for your big day, from cars to videographers, hairstyles to make-up, we will have it all. Bridal fashion shows will take place at 12.00 noon and 2.00pm

Call our wedding co-ordinator now on 01939 291 000 for more information or email: h6629-sb1@accor.com

Mercure Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa, Ellesmere Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3AG Visit our new blog to keep up to date with what’s going on: http://albrightonhallhotel.wordpress.com/

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Christmas Wreaths, Christmas Bouquets and Christmas Table Decorations

Present this advert during November and December 2014 and receive 10% discount.

Offer available for Wolverhampton West Magazine readers only – no photocopies

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Eating Out and Entertainment Special

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Promote your venue to over 50,000* readers with Wolverhampton West magazine. For further details contact Gisella on: 01902 744217

Christmas at... with master chef Mario and his enthusiastic team Serving Fine Italian Cuisine & Traditional English Lunchtimes & Evenings

Bookings now Being taken

for Christmas Parties in December Italian and English menu £22 per person Christmas Day Lunch £55 per person – limited availability

Traditional Sunday Lunch from £6.95 Mid-week Black Country Specials only £6.95 (Served Tues-Thurs lunchtimes and evenings, bookings not essential)

Normal a la carte also available Opening Times: Lunchtimes Wed to Sat 12pm-2.30pm (last orders) Sunday lunch from 12 noon – a la carte menu also available Evenings Tues to Sat 5.45pm-9.30pm (last orders)

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To avoid disappointment please book:

Situated at:

T. 01902 756052 E.reservations@bravaccios.co.uk www.bravaccios.co.uk

4a Upper Green Tettenhall WV6 8QQ Ample Free Parking

“Steve Bull invites you to come along and sample the delights of his delightful restaurant overlooking the Green in Tettenhall”

wolverhampton west magazine

Christmas at Molineux 2014 Packages for parties from 2 to 280 are now available to book, starting from £17.50 Call 0871 222 2220 option 5, email christmas@wolves.co.uk or visit corporatewolves.co.uk

The Plough

Under New Management

Traditional friendly pub in the heart of Trysull serving great home cooked food in very relaxed surroundings

Nicky and Richard give a warm welcome to customers old and new

Christmas Menu

Christmas Day

Starting the last week in November

£69.00 per person £36.90 children under 12

Wednesday night

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Lunchtime and evening menus available Food served Tuesday 6pm-9pm Wednesday-Saturday 12pm-3pm & 6pm-9pm and Sunday Lunch 12pm-6pm

Tuesday night

Steak Night

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Curry and a pint or glass of 175ml house wine

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To book a table please call 01902 892254

Two pies only

The Plough, School Road, Trysull WV5 7HR

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Starting at only

Dogs welcome

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The

CHRISTMAS PARTY

This time of year you will see the real go-ahead catering establishments advertising their Christmas Party facilities.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, hundreds of groups of people - office parties, clubs, family gatherings or just a few friends, will want to celebrate with one another.

And what better way to do this than over a festive meal, perhaps dancing the night away to the sounds of a popular group or disco?

The trouble is, if you don’t book early, you’ll miss out on the choice venues, because by their reputation, they will be the first to get booked up. But if you have been given the job of organising a Christmas celebration party this year, where do you start, and where will you go?

Well the first thing you do is study the advertisements in this magazine. The early advertisers are the ones who have already planned their Christmas party menus and are ready waiting for you to book up. Naturally there are considerations that have to be made. Firstly the area of the venue should be convenient for most 122

of those attending. Alternatively hired transport could be laid on for those popular establishments that are often in rural locations. Price is another consideration; some will want to pay more for a gourmet meal whilst others will be content with a good-value traditional meal.

Look for an all-in price for food and entertainment (naturally drinks are always extra), that way there will be no shocks at the end of the evening.

Some days of the week are obviously more popular than others, so an early decision will be most likely to provide the best selection of venues to choose from. Get sample menus from each that are of interest and discuss them with all members of your party. Some may offer just a meal with no entertainment afterwards, which for many people is just what they want, others may offer the `full works`.

Once a decision has been made and your booking accepted, you may be required to pay a deposit.

You as organiser are responsible for collecting deposits and paying them over to the chosen establishment.

You will be asked to confirm the final number of people attending, some days before of the actual

date. If there is a choice of meals, you will also be asked to give the numbers wanting each particular dish. This is reasonable, function catering of this kind can only run smoothly if caterers can prepare in advance, thus ensuring meals are served promptly and efficiently.

On the day itself, try to ensure all who attend the meal behave with due decorum. It is so easy for a minority, with too much drink, to spoil a celebration for the majority.

Keep an eye on youngsters and their access to alcohol. If any look as though they may go somewhat mad, nip it in the bud fast.

Obviously we are all aware of the drink and drive laws. Organise a taxi or coach service to collect guests at the end of the evening, or ensure family or friends not attending can transport members of the party home. Never take chances, that one extra drink before driving could be the fatal one.

Your main task right now though, is to select where your party is going to celebrate. If you study the advertisements in Wolverhampton West Magazine, you won’t go too far wrong! wolverhampton west magazine

Patshull Park Golf and Resort Hotel Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR

Robbie Williams Tribute Night Thursday 18th December Let him entertain you.

£29.00 per person

Christmas Party Nights

Available on various dates in December and January Three course menu with disco and dancing.

From £21.00 per person

Christmas & New Year Residential Breaks Great value three night breaks including golf.

Book now to avoid disappointment

Sporting Weekend

Friday February 6th and Saturday February 7th 2015 from £159 per person for two night golf break Dinner, bed and breakfast, use of fitness club plus a Sportsmans Dinner with ex- Lions player Gareth Chilcott and Comedian Jed Stone.

Dinner only £39.50 per person (£370 for a table of 10) Look us up on Trip Advisor T: 01902 700100 E: sales@patshull-park.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

www.patshull-park.co.uk

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kingfisher Christmas the

bar club room partynights

club the ROOM the

3 course meal thur+sunday £24.95 3 course meal fri+sat £29.95 large 3 course meal thur+sunday £19.95 bookings SEATED PM 50+ PEOPLE 8.00 3 course meal fri+sat £24.95 SEATED 7.30PM

Live Music whats on!

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alive & kicking live musical spec pm jessie j v pink theclub sITtingS 2pm & 6 v katy perry per person v lady ga ga soul survivors includes show, meal+seats sat 6 take that sun 7 thur 11 party band from all the decades SOLDmur OUT s olly fri 12 SOLD APPE AL glITZ OUT sat 13 sun 14 robbie williams SOLD Omur s clulbimsiteed UT thur 18 olly a housejammerz ts ADULT £49.95 CHILD £29.95 fri 19 sat 20 michael buble THE ROOM 1PM THEGASTRO 2PM

thur 4 fri 5

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To make a reservation or for more information on any of our Christmas events please call Maddison or Sadie on:

01384 686000

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A449 Kidderminster Road Wall Heath West Midlands DY6 0EN E: kingfisher@inndividual.co.uk W: www.thekingfisher.club

NEWYEARS EVE £59.95

champagne drinks reception 5 course meal LIVE band - alive & kicking + dj until 2am

CLUB

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wolverhampton west magazine

kingfisher the

bar club room

A449 Kidderminster Road Wall Heath West Midlands DY6 0EN T: 01384 686000 E: kingfisher@inndividual.co.uk W: www.thekingfisher.club

Christmas all wrapped up Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday Nights throughtout December.

Available dates, menu & acts can be found on our website.

Flexibility to book whole rooms ... Book Now

Our Christmas shows include live entertainment, disco and table service or buffet meals from two to four courses with prices ranging from £19.95 to £49.95 depending on day and your service requirement.

PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE ON 01384 686000 FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES.

kingfisher NEWYEARSEVE the

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Check website for further details CELEBRATIONS and booking

Best Food l Best Music l Best Night www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Tasty Tandoori Hotspot

Our editor Geoff Hall’s dreams come true when he finally gets the chance to dine at the table of Wombourne Tandoori.

There are many pains which must be endured as editor of a magazine.

Filling space when presented with the 100-odd blank pages of a new edition is chief among them; making sure that chief copy writer Phil Space is on his game at all times is another; as well as being prepared to work late into the night, every night, without receiving an ounce of kindness from a laptop which is at best unhelpful and - at worse - willfully Americanised.

But for now I must forget the trials and tribulations to instead concentrate on the perks. There are many in number, but believe me when I say that the prospect of a night out at Wombourne’s original and best curry house, Wombourne Tandoori, is right up there.

In fact, when the offer first arrived on my desk it implored me to drop to my knees to give praise to the great curry gods in the sky. Of course, I did instead maintain proper workplace etiquette, but nevertheless I allowed myself a silent celebration. Being a big fan of Asia’s finest all-time import

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since I was in short pants, I have read with interest past-reviewers’ musings upon Wombourne Tandoori, always eager to try said curry for myself. Now is my time.

Knowing that the restaurant is always busy, I elect to book a table a week in advance. I’m not taking any chances on the serpentine lanes which connect Wolverhampton West’s seat in Perton to Wombourne, so my party of six - including my longstanding partner and magazine sales director Gisella Wiley - travel by taxi.

We are greeted by owner and manager Rafique Miah, who welcomes us warmly into the heart of the establishment he started in 1989, with his brother and head

chef Makhan. Full of life and bristling with a delightful atmosphere, we are seated quickly in the well-presented and tastefully styled modern dining space. Happily the pleasant and hospitable staff take our drinks order quickly, which consists mostly of Cobra beer and coke - with or without Bacardi - and serve up some poppadums and pickles, which in some part manage to cool my ardour, although it’s substantial food I’m really after, so it’s time to check the menu: a salivating prospect.

Of course, being a little too familiar with Wombourne Tandoori’s website, I already know what I want for my starter - a King Prawn Butterfly (£5.15). For a long time I’ve lusted after the promise of giant prawn

wolverhampton west magazine

lightly-fried and marinated in fresh spices. As is typical after hearing my impromptu eulogy to the idea of selecting a crustacean-based dish, Gisella muscles in, requesting that we share. That prawn, I think, better really be giant. Thankfully when served it is just that, and tasty. So very tasty in fact that polite dinner conversation with our guests takes a back-seat, as we hoover up every last smidgen of goodness. In fact it is remiss of me that I enjoy my starter so much that I completely ignore what my friends order. I can recall however that they seem to be sharing dishes among themselves, and liking them very much, but that’s it. Whoops.

And I do remember that Rafique made many recommendations for the main courses and we duly bowed to his superior knowledge of curry in all of its delicious forms.

That a restaurant’s owner takes such care over the smaller things is a perfect example of why Wombourne Tandoori towers above its competitors, and this attention-todetail carries through into everything here: the table service is impeccable; the ambience is finely judged with delicate music from both TV screens and speakers and bright lighting; everything is well-manicured and exquisitely presented, from the tablecloths right through to the kitchens. But you don’t have to take my word for it: the local council has bestowed the restaurant with a five star food hygiene rating.

Anyway, back to the grub: your humble editor plumps for a speciality dish, Chicken Tikka Jaflonghe (£7.75) - which is dry-cooked barbecued chicken breast with green peppers, onions and fresh herbs - along with side orders of Aloo Gobi (£2.85) and Saga Aloo (£2.85) - which we all share - and the staple choice of pilau rice (£2.25) and a Peshwari Nan (£2.15). Needless to say it is fantastic. No, scratch that, it is better than fantastic: I’m left groping for superlatives as Gisella polishes off

her Chicken Tikka Papcila (£7.35) which is boneless chicken cooked on a skewer with tomatoes, onions and capsicums - and served salad.

And what about dessert you might ask? Well I can tell you that when you’ve eaten as well as we have, you’ll have no room to spare. A coffee and mint is all we can accommodate.

Now I can only implore you to make room for all of the above and more, including - if you can find another

nine friends or more to accompany you, and I can’t imagine why you couldn’t - the new Festive Party Menu, which runs every evening from December 1st until Christmas Eve, is a perfect way to party away the short pre-Christmas days, with a special five-course menu at just £12.95 per head. But you must book in advance. And bookings are now being taken for Christmas Day too.

Mmm: curry for Christmas.

Dare I suggest it?

Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

High Street, Wombourne WV5 9DN

To book a table please call 01902 324148 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

127

Open from 5.30pm - Midnight (7days a week)

Christmas Bookings now being taken!

Indian Cuisine The Kings Repose have been awarded a 5 star award from rate my place for Kitchen Hygiene.

Misbah the master chef can cook anything to suit customers requirements.

All of the superb mouthwatering dishes being freshly prepared at the time of ordering, using only the finest produce.

Described by many customers as a culinary experience of a lifetime.

New Road Featherstone Nr. Wolverhampton WV10 7NW

01902 307846 01902 738299

Eat in or take away

WerGs Golf Club The ideal venue for Christenings, birthdays, Anniversaries and Wakes.

What’s On:

Sat 22 Nov // 7.30pm ‘til late

WeD 31 Dec // 7.30pm ‘til late

PIG roAsT DIsCo

NeW yeArs eve GAlA NIGhT

oNly £10 per ticket

ChrIsTmAs PArTy NIGhT DIsCo & buffeT

DreSS to impreSS! Black Tie – SmarT DreSS only. champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by sumptuous buffet, then dance the night away.

Spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

oNly £20 per ticket

oNly £50 per ticket

Sat 20 Dec // 7pm ‘til 1am

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Wergs Golf Club

For more information

Keepers Lane, Tettenhall

please call:

Wolverhampton

01902 742225

West Midlands WV6 8UA

or email info@wergsgolfclub.com

wolverhampton west magazine

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

129

christmas fayre menu Starting from 27th November lunch time

prices from £15.95

evening Prices from £19.95

christmas day, boxing day & new years eve Bookings Now being taken Live Music every Friday & Saturday from 8.30pm

friday 19th december

saturday 27th december

Shrewsbury Arms Christmas Party Night

Wordof Mouth DJ Music Evening Pay on the door event

For more information or to make a reservation, call the Shrewsbury Arms on 01902 373003 or visit the website at www.theshrewsburyarms.com

20% off

the full normal menu

7 days a week in January & february Visit the website or request a Christmas Brochure today to claim your voucher (term s & Conditions apply).

20% off

the full normal menu

ENJOY A SUNDAY CARVERY AT WERGS GOLF CLUB Back By popular demand Come and spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon with us. SERVED FROM 1pM – 5pM

ONE COURSE: £11.95 TWO COURSE: £14.95 ThREE COURSE: £17.95 ChiLDREN UNDER 12 (ONE COURSE): £6.95 Also serving Breakfast, Morning Coffee, Lunches and Afternoon Teas

Wergs Golf Club Keepers Lane, Tettenhall Wolverhampton West Midlands WV6 8UA e info@wergsgolfclub.com

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FOR FURThER iNFORMATiON ON GOLF, DiNiNG OR FUNCTiONS OR TO MAKE A

BOOKiNG pLEASE CALL

01902 742 225 wolverhampton west magazine

Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

Air conditioned

Cuisine of Bengal

Fully licensed



FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

Celebrate your Christmas Party in Style at the Perfect Venue to Dine!

Christmas Day Menu now available...

5 course Festive Christmas Menu

Bookings now being taken for Christmas Day Lunch, Christmas Office Parties and Christmas Family and Friends Get-togethers.

Available from 1st – 24th December

Rafique Miah welcomes you to the longest established Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurant in Wombourne Village, serving sumptuous Bangladeshi Cuisine for over 25 years.

for groups of 10 people or more

Papadums with relish Choice starter Chicken Tikka Onion Bhajee Samosas Chicken Chat

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

Choice main course Chicken Tikka Masala Chicken Tikka Jalfrezi Lamb Bhuna Prawn Sagwaller Balti Vegetable Balti Rice or Nan Pilau Rice Fried Rice Mushroom Pilau Rice Plain Nan Peshwari Nan Keema Nan

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

Tea or Coffee

only £12.95 per person

Bookings Only

Open 7 days including Bank Holidays - 5.30pm until 11.30pm

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

facebook.com/wombourne.tandoori

www.wombournetandoori.com 131

Christmas appeal The Haven Wolverhampton

With over forty years experience of helping women and children escape domestic violence and abuse, The Haven Wolverhampton remains a valuable lifeline.

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Throughout this time, we have always looked to make Christmas a memorable time for the women and children who need our services.

Every year, we see up to 100 homeless and traumatised children in our refuges over the Christmas period. This is supposed to be a special time where laughter fills our hearts and minds.

Unfortunately for these children it is very different, it is often an emotional and traumatic time where they have had to leave their home to find a place of peace and safety.

Each year we organise a Christmas Appeal and ask for donations of new toys and gifts that will put smiles back on the children’s faces and allow them to build new memories. As a charity financially supported by Wolverhampton City Council, The Haven relies on volunteers, funders and the generosity of local donors. As our

charity struggles with huge cuts in funding, we are asking you to make an extra special effort this year.

Together with your family, colleagues and friends you can help us make Christmas special for these families. Schools, colleges, community and church groups and corporate organisations can all get involved. This year our Christmas appeal will run from Monday 1st December - Friday 19th December.

If you would like to donate and help us to help the children, please call Laura/Charlie/Jade on 01902 572126. Alternatively call into 103 Salop Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0RX between 9am and 3.30pm Monday to Thursday.

wolverhampton west magazine

Apley’s Christmas Food Fair

Sunday 30th November

A farm shop near Bridgnorth will be holding its annual Food and Drinks Fair on Advent Sunday, November 30th during which delicious food and drinks will be offered by some of Shropshire finest producers.

Apley Farm Shop always has a wonderful, healthy and wholesome Christmas atmosphere, brimming with delicious produce to share with family and friends,

cheerful Christmas lights and natural Christmas decorations, available in the courtyard, under Apley’s own Christmas tree where live music, mulled wine, minced pies and hot turkey and cranberry rolls will be served.

Younger visitors can post their letters to Father Christmas in Alley Katz toy shop and watch him arrive on his sleigh at his Grotto at 10am in the courtyard. No booking is required this year for the grotto.

Find all you need for presents and Christmas stocking fillers in the farm shop itself and the courtyard shops – Alley Katz, Elizabeth

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Beckett Skincare and Lottie’s.

Hampers, Christmas puddings, Christmas cakes and Apley minced pies and home grown Christmas Day lunch vegetables.

The Creamery Café at Apley Farm Shop is a great Christmas party venue, with family, friends or work colleagues. Taste our turkey and ham recipes or even the butternut squash and blue cheese Wellington. Also there are Breakfasts with Santa, perfect for families with young children.

Christmas orders will be open on the butcher and delicatessen counters, supplying all you need for perfect family Christmas meals.

Lady Hamilton, Marketing Manager, has been busy preparing the farm shop’s 2014 Christmas decorations: “I love changing the decorations every year, using new and different ideas which I gather throughout the year, keeping it a surprise for as long as possible. The shop’s building, in oak and glass, looks stunning at Christmas”.

For full details and times see www.apleyfarmshop.co.uk or call 01952 730 345

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Education

and Schooling

by David Williams – Headmaster of Tettenhall College justification or based on idle gossip. One person’s ideal school can be another’s recipe for unhappiness; no matter how high it is in the league tables or how many times OFSTED or ISI deems it to be “outstanding”. Expensive websites and marketing materials with smiling children can create an image that does not match up to the reality of a Friday afternoon in November. Examination results can be the product of an excellent cohort or a culling process at the end of Year 11 to protect statistics.

The message here is that there is no substitute for actually visiting and making up your own mind.

It is the season for choosing a secondary school and how do parents make that all-important decision for their son or daughter? The urban West Midlands offers a vast array of possibilities both in the state and independent sectors and the process has the capacity to inform, confuse and bamboozle at the same time!

First and foremost, as you set out it may be wise to consider the role of your child. There is a balance to be struck here; both parents and children need to be comfortable with the decision and, importantly, discuss and communicate their expectations. It may also be useful to give yourself a timeframe and limit your search to a certain number of schools – too many options may confuse and turn something which should be a pleasure into a long and arduous journey.

Most parents start with the plethora of information.

Parental forums discuss ad infinitum the merits of school x or y but are sometimes exercises in self134

Open days may be your first opportunity and are, in many ways, a “set piece” where a school is showing off in its finery. They should provide an opportunity for you to gain a feel for the school, meet and talk to staff and importantly pupils who will (however well they are “trained”) give you a refreshingly honest view of life there. As an ideal, this should be followed up by an opportunity to see the school on a working “taster” day. This is one of the reasons why at Tettenhall College we encourage parents to visit us several times both formally and informally so that they hopefully feel part of the community and get to know those who are already part of it. This may well be a natural process that can last a year or so. As a Head it is important that there is a good fit between the pupil, parents and ourselves, as these relationships will be vital over the years ahead.

Many will suggest “killer” questions to ask but, as in many facets of life, my advice would be to be yourself and observe, ask and enquire according to your child’s individual needs as it is you that knows them best. Ultimately, it will be about choosing somewhere where a child is happy with opportunities to make friends, fulfil his or her academic potential and develop as a person. Having taught in four different schools, both state and independent, they all set out to do their very best for the children in their care, deal with the problems that inevitably arise along the way and work with parents to best prepare children for adult life.

Perhaps the world of too much choice has given us an added level of problem we could do without. In the case of the many schools I visit (and indeed when I came for interview at Tettenhall College) I tend to make up my mind in the first five minutes and trust my gut instinct!

Good luck with your selection. wolverhampton west magazine

6th Form Open Evening 25th November 2014 • 5.30pm – 7.30pm To register your interest please call our Admissions Team on 01902 751119 or email admissions@tettcoll.co.uk

www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

135

squad to its new base at the High School. Teaching at this standard requires professional equipment so the Gymnasium at the School is fully kitted out with brand new beams, two sets of asymmetric bars and a new vaulting table and sprung tumble track as seen at the London Olympics. Training sessions take place twice a week at Shrewsbury High School along with one session per week at Lilleshall, the home of the Team GB gymnastics squad.

SHS Gymnastics Academy opened its doors in September

Sport takes Centre Stage at leading Shropshire School Shrewsbury High School is celebrating after being shortlisted in the prestigious Independent School of the Year Awards for the second year running, the first School in the County to do so.

It is particularly exciting news for the School’s Sports Department as the award recognises the scale of Sport at the School and the outreach work that is undertaken throughout the region to extend opportunities for all.

Michael Getty, Headmaster, was thrilled to receive this second nomination, saying “Shrewsbury High was the first school in Shropshire to receive a shortlisting in the Independent School Awards, when it was nominated in 2013, and the news that we have been recognised, once again, in this way, is wonderful. We are incredibly proud of the breadth of Sport at SHS and also how highly our talented pupils achieve, regularly securing County honours 136

and progressing to national success. Even our younger pupils at Prep are competing at extremely competitive levels in a broad range of sports and at seniors, Sport continues to develop with girls achieving national recognition and with the expansion of our rowing and gymnastics provision.”

The gymnastics provision comes in the shape of the new SHS Gymnastics Academy which opened its doors in September.

The Academy is led by SarahJane Howard who brings her hugely successful Stage 2 Gymnastics Club competition

On the hockey pitch the School has some expert advice on hand as two international hockey players join the coaching staff at the School. Jethro Eustice has played for the South African Senior Mens team for the past 3 years, attending last year’s Hockey World Cup and then the 2014 Commonwealth Games, whilst David Forrester is one of the current goalkeepers for the Scottish Mens Team and recently played at the European Indoor Hockey Championships.

Both players have joined the Staff at Shrewsbury High as full time coaches for training and fixtures for all the teams.

Head of Sport at Shrewsbury High Prep, Paul Leeming, was thrilled with the nomination, saying “Sport at Shrewsbury High School is enjoying an amazing profile and this nomination is well deserved recognition for the efforts and commitment put in by both our teaching staff and our sports boys and girls”.

Headmaster Michael Getty with Head of Prep Sports Paul Leeming and Sports teacher Jo Massam celebrate the Awards Nomination with pupils.

wolverhampton west magazine

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

137

South Staffordshire Council

facilities

South Staffordshire Council operates four leisure centres all of which offer a great range of facilities at affordable prices. Some of the facilities available include:

138

Facilities are available to suit every age and ability, and you don’t have to be a member, you can simply pay as you go.

There are however flexible membership packages available for people who intend on using the facilities on a regular basis, with packages starting from just £20.00 per month… that’s just £5.00 per week!

Why not give some of our facilities a try? Cut out the vouchers

below and bring them into your nearest South Staffordshire Council leisure centre which includes Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne.

FREE Off Peak Exercise Class

FREE Adult Swim Pass

FREE Toning Suite Trial

(Monday-Sunday 9.00-5.00)

(Monday-Sunday 9.00-5.00)

* Terms and conditions apply. This voucher can only be used for off-peak classes.

* Terms and conditions apply.

* Terms and conditions apply. This voucher is for new customers only and can only be used at Penkridge or Wombourne leisure centre’s.

Name……………………............................

Name……………………............................

Name……………………............................

Postcode...................................................

Postcode...................................................

Postcode...................................................

Contact No.................................................

Contact No.................................................

Contact No.................................................

Leisure Centre………………….................

Leisure Centre………………….................

Leisure Centre………………….................

Class Date/Time………………..................

Swim Date/Time………………..................

Toning Trail Date/Time………..................

Wolverhampton West Magazine, offer ends 31st December 2014

Wolverhampton West Magazine, offer ends 31st December 2014

Wolverhampton West Magazine, offer ends 31st December 2014

(Monday-Sunday 9.00-5.00)





• Fitness Suites • Exercise Classes • Swimming Pools • Toning Suites

• Squash and Badminton Courts

wolverhampton west magazine

Ofsted - “Outstanding”

Early Years Open Morning Nursery age 2+, Pre-school age 3+ and Reception age 4+

8th December 2014 9.30am – 11.00am “Children benefit from stunning woodland grounds and modern facilities providing a truly holistic educational experience rarely offered in an early years setting.”

To register your interest please contact our Nursery admissions team.

Tel 01902 751119 Email admissions@tettcoll.co.uk www.tettenhallcollege.co.uk

The Royal School Wolverhampton is opening its doors to new opportunities for children across the area….

N

IS

I•

A

The Governors and Leadership team intend to formally submit an application to become a Free School with an envisaged date for opening as September 2015. If successful, the change to the School’s status to become a state-funded independent school will mean that pupils (from the UK and European Union) in the Junior, Senior and Sixth Form will no longer pay fees from this date.

DO

M IN US• F R U

ST

R

Penn Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV3 0EG Tel: 01902 341230 | mo@royal.wolverhampton.sch.uk | www.theroyalschool.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

139

PATRICK J BELLEW

PAINTER &

DECORATOR Fully qualified electrician and plumber NicEic registered with £5m liability cover • Full and part re-wires • Outside lights • Light fittings, sockets changed • P.A.T testing • Electrical testing EICR/periodic tests • Fuse board changes/upgrades • Electric and thermostatic showers fitted • New taps fitted/changed • Leaks repaired • Complete bathroom suites fitted • Solar PV Qualified

Tel: 01902 519195 / 01922 302095 or 07830 539189

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PAINTER & DECORATOR Interior and Exterior All work guaranteed Reliable // No job too small

FREE QUOTES Call Kevin on:

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140

• Gas boilers fixed and installed • Gas hobs/cookers • Gas fires • Gas appliance servicing • Landlord certificates • Plumbing problems • Leaks • Power flushing

Fast reliable service at competitive prices Call Jamie on: 07931 752038 or 01902 758073 Email: Jbheatinginwolverhampton.co.uk 8 Cunningham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7XJ wolverhampton west magazine

Celebrating 16 years of

EXcEl eLeCTRiCAL ConTRACToRs LTd

Energy efficiency is now at the forefront of people’s minds when planning electrical work and Excel has been able to diversify to meet this increased demand. In Leicester, for example, at a large office and warehouse development, Excel have installed a lighting system which is self-regulating depending on the amount of natural sunlight available. Excel have also worked on a development of new homes in Taunton to ensure that they are as energy efficient as possible.

This month marks 16 years of the trusted company Excel Electrical Contractors Ltd. Directors Tim Cowling and Steve Perry and their team have a vast range of experience and are the trusted NICEIC approved choice for domestic, commercial and industrial clients, undertaking a varied and extensive range of work, enabling customers to benefit from their knowledge and expertise.

Closer to home, Excel are very proud to have been part of many local renovation projects, including the much praised renovation of the Shrewsbury Arms in Albrighton, where they carried out a complete new electrical installation including new kitchen, fire alarm and lighting design which allowed their impressive chandeliers to be put in place.

Excel offer a fast response, together with quality, yet affordable installations, which makes the company the premier choice for any homeowner and business.

Excel provides a friendly, reliable and dedicated service, making any job stress free for their clients.

With such knowledge, expertise and skills at their disposal, Excel Electrical Contractors Ltd are the perfect option for all of your electrical needs. Here’s to the next sixteen years!

Over the past sixteen years, Excel has certainly grown as a company and so has their reputation, leading them to undertake work both in the Midlands and further afield, including offices in London’s Canary Wharf. Schools and MOD sites across the country are able to enjoy the company’s professionalism and efficiency which allows their sites to run effectively.

Everyone at Excel Electrical would like to wish all their customers old and new a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

OUR TRADEMARK IS EXCELLENCE Domestic Commercial Industrial Established over 10 years

Office & Showroom, “The Ballroom” 16 Station Road, Albrighton WV7 3QG

All electrical work undertaken

• Rewires

• Security Systems

• Mains Upgrades

• Periodic Testing

• Fire Alarms

• Garden Lighting & Power

• Data & Phone Points

• Showers

• Portable Appliance Testing

To arrange a free, no obligation, quotation

CALL US FIRST 01902 374831 www.excelelectrical.net Email: info@excelelectrical.net

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

141

AFC Wulfrunians Welcome to the latest update of the events on and off the pitch at AFC Wulfrunians - your local grassroots football club.

As the weather draws colder, our season continues to hot up. At the time of writing we are still in the FA Vase, although we face a tough test against Derbyshire based side Heanor Town, still in the Birmingham Senior Cup where we face another tough opponent in Solihull Moors, still in the JW Hunt Cup and have yet to have started our League Cup campaign.

Our U18’s currently boast a 100% league record, our U14’s are top of their league and the vibe around the place at the moment is very much one of forward progression. This is thanks in part to the many businesses who have backed us with sponsorship this season, whether it be sponsoring kit, having an advertising board or taking out a programme advert, the latest being Kingswood Business Park in Albrighton.

Many of our sponsors attended our Sponsors Day recently and we hope they all enjoyed the occasion.

If you would like to sponsor or advertise with us, contact Paul Tudor on afcw@hotmail. co.uk or call him on 07834 391284.

That’s all for today.

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Paul Tudor

No Fuss! No Frills!

Just Plain Honest Good Service & Advice

CHURCH ROAD MOTORS (BRADMORE) LTD

A family owned business - established in 1961

Vehicle Recovery

- Accident and Breakdown.

Welding / Chassis Repairs

ADVICE IS FREE

- to MOT standard - No vehicle TOO old.

Servicing

- Check us out at www.goodgaragescheme.com

Accident Management & Advice

- Replacement vehicle for NO-FAULT accidents.

Legal Vehicle Disposal

- CRM is a Fully Licensed Treatment Facility. All paperwork completed & downloaded to the DVLA ensuring no fraudulent use of your vehicle details.

Car Parts

- We supply both NEW & USED parts for most makes.

Wrong Fuel

- Do Not Start the Engine - Call us! - We have the latest SEDA equipment for dealing with ‘Mis-fuels’.

Call Us: 01902 341845 Parts Line: 01902 334556 49 Church Road, Bradmore, Wolverhampton, WV3 7ER

wolverhampton west magazine

Winter tyres As the nights draw in and the temperature drops our thoughts start to turn to winter.

Whether its hitting the shops to get yourself togged up for the cold snap or booking your boiler service, getting ready for the onslaught of cold weather is important, but make sure you don’t forget to get your car ready too. During the winter accidents increase by a staggering 267%* with 6,500* more accidents than in the summer so it’s vital drivers do everything possible to make sure they aren’t one of the unlucky ones. That’s why HiQ Wolverhampton is offering motorists the opportunity to have a free winter vehicle check making sure your car keeps on going throughout the season.

Winter vehicle safety doesn’t just stop at having your car checked over. Your tyres play a critical role in vehicle performance. With tyres all that connect you to the road your family’s safety relies on four contact points the size of the palm of your hand, so your choice of tyre is critical. It is highly recommended that winter tyres are used in temperatures below 7c which on average is 150 days of the year in the UK. It’s below 7c that the compound in summer tyres hardens and provides less traction and therefore compromises safety in winter conditions. The higher

levels of natural rubber in winter tyres give your vehicle improved grip with the softer compound in the tyre giving up to 50% better traction in snow and ice and in cold conditions. All of the benefits of winter tyres combined are designed to give motorists shorter stopping distances and resistance to aquaplaning on wet and slushy roads.

Make sure you visit HiQ Wolverhampton who stock a wide range of premium winter tyres to help keep you on the move this winter. Not only this, your local HiQ also offers a tyre hotel facility keeping your summer or winter tyres securely stored no matter what the season. *Tyre Safe

For more information about HiQ Chapel Ash, click on www.hiqonline.co.uk/wolverhampton or call 01902 420234.

HiQ Wolverhampton.

Keeping you safe on the roads this winter.

FREE wheel alignment checks.

FREE vehicle health check.

FREE battery check tests.

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Ask inside for details.

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No obligation promise on all of our checks.

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HiQ Wolverhampton 11 Chapel Ash WV3 0UB

01902 420234 www.hiqonline.co.uk/wolverhampton

Tyres • Exhausts • Brakes • Batteries • Servicing • MOTs 041628 HiQ Wolverhampton W West Sept 12.indd 1

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

24/10/2012 11:05

143

A Fabia deal

you don’t want to miss,

from the name you can Trust Synonymous with space and value, the Skoda Fabia is seen by many as the ultimate supermini; and it now comes with 3 years’ servicing at Trust Skoda Wolverhampton.

With an enticing price tag of just £9,595^, buyers will enjoy a range of complementary features as well as a 3-year/30,000mile servicing package when purchased with Solutions PCP Finance†.

Featuring ŠKODA’s acclaimed 1.2-litre 69PS petrol engine, the Fabia comes in a range of stunning metallic paint colour options. Plus, the impressive list of standard features includes 15inch alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, manual air conditioning and a spare steel wheel*.

And just in case those extras weren’t enough, there’s also additional rear speakers and tinted glass for a truly comfort-oriented ride. In fact, when you consider the generous rear legroom, multiple compartments and, most importantly, economy of over 50mpg, you’ll struggle to find a more practical car in this category.

At its core, this is the traditional Skoda offer of value for money with the legendary ‘extra bit of

144

car’. With the space and versatility required for everyday life, the 5-seater Fabia is the ideal small family vehicle or city runaround. And there’s certainly no skimping on boot space, boasting an impressive 300 litres with the seats in place increasing to 1163 litres when folded.

The downside? You’ll have to hurry if you want to get your hands on one of these models, as stocks are limited.

To find out more, call Trust Skoda on 0843 316 0501, or visit www.trustskodagroupuk.com/skoda.

Alternatively, visit the Trust Skoda showroom at 401 Cannock Road, Wolverhampton WV10 0BQ. Trust ŠKODA Wolverhampton is renowned for quality vehicles and exceptional service, offering substantial discounts on a diverse range of new and pre-owned cars. From flexible finance options to expert aftersales care, you’re guaranteed a great deal.

*No other factory-fit optional extras can be added to the car. ^Offer only applies to ŠKODA Fabia Hatch 1.2 12V69PS. †Terms and conditions apply. An offer of finance depends on certain conditions. Subject to status, indemnities may be required. Available to 18s and over in the UK only. ŠKODA Finance, freepost VWFS.

wolverhampton west magazine

SIMPLY CLEVER

THE ŠKODA FABIA

The ŠKODA Fabia with 3 years’ servicing included**^ > 15” alloy wheels

> Manual air conditioning

> Tinted glass

> Metallic paint

> Additional rear speakers

> Remote central locking

Trust ŠKODA 401 Cannock Road, Wolverhampton WV10 0BQ

0843 316 0501

www.trustgroupuk.com/skoda

At the end of a Solutions Personal Contract Plan (PCP) agreement there are three options: i) retain the vehicle - pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle (you may be charged for excess wear and tear); or iii) replace: part-exchange the vehicle, subject to status. ^Available when purchased on Solutions PCP Finance. **Up to 3 years/30,000 miles (whichever comes first) when purchased with Solutions PCP. Retail sales only. Excess mileage charge of 4.4p per mile may be payable. Available to 18s and over. Offer available on vehicles ordered by 31 December 2014 and delivered by 31 March 2015. Participating retailers only. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Finance subject to status. For full details, contact your local ŠKODA retailer. ŠKODA Finance, Freepost ŠKODA Finance. *Offer only applies to ŠKODA Fabia Hatch SE 1.2 12V 69PS with metallic paint and spare wheel, while stocks last. Prices and specifications are accurate at time of print. Discount only applies to the OTR price of the vehicle. Optional specification cannot be added with this offer.

Official fuel consumption in mpg (litres/100km) for the Fabia Hatch SE 1.2 12V 69PS: Urban 38.7 (7.3), Extra Urban 62.8 (4.5), Combined 51.4 (5.5). CO2 emissions for the Fabia Hatch SE 1.2 12V 69PS 128g/ km. Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

145

Call of the Wild Rob Taylor takes a trip into the urban jungle in the latest Fiat Panda 4x4 Road Test Writing 101: playfully and permissively play upon puns to engage and excite both reviewer and reader alike.

I know the cliché all too well - it’s the kind of linguistic mechanism which brings a Eureka moment initially at the point of creation, then an enormous collective groan when re-reading. And you know where this is going, because the Fiat Panda 4x4 is just asking for it and I’m in no mood to resist, so here goes:

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By Rob Taylor

fun onto - and off, as the case may be - Britain’s dull, grey roads.

Packing a gutsy 75 bhp 1.3 litre diesel power plant, the Panda 4x4 feels nippy about town; its direct steering and pinpoint gearbox combine to provide a rewarding experience which is nuanced enough to make you befriend this adorable stalwart of the Fiat family. 190 Nm of torque at low revs make performance more than adequate at speed and so the Panda is a competent cruiser, producing little wind noise and tyre roar on its way to a faintly endearing top speed of 99 mph.

intelligence. Intelligence is the watchword when choosing a Panda, because it has far more than just a cute face and winning smile going for it, there’s a host of sensible stuff too.

Fiat’s favourite friend costs from £15,145 (as-tested £17,010); does 60.1 mpg on the combined cycle; emits just 125 g/km; comes with Bluetooth, USB, stop/start and air conditioning as standard; but more importantly it’s a pleasure to drive, park and live with, owing to its infectious ‘can-do’ approach to every motoring malady.

The Fiat Panda 4x4 is a rare and endangered animal - a genuinely capable off-roader which has, ever since it emerged from a jungle clearing some thirty odd years ago, lived a solitary life in its very own market niche of pint-sized paw-by-paws [You’re fired if you go any further - Ed].

It also has a fine onboard ride which is never jarring and supple enough to win compliments from even the most car-insensitive passengers. Leg and head room is another boon which the Panda’s microscopic footprint belies - it really does feel spacious inside. Quite how Fiat has managed this, I don’t know. It certainly is not achieved by illusory gimmicks, like adding a massive sunroof.

It looks great too, with no-nonsense styling, raised suspension, big black bumpers and funky, smoked 15” ‘Off-road’ alloys. And this is not just lip-service to off-roading capability: the Panda has proven itself happy to bloody the noses of bigger (off-road) playground bullies, being as it is a proper off-roader with fourwheel drive, a rear differential and protective underfloor steel plates.

Well, that’s pretty black and white then, so I’ll get to the matter in hand. And it’s green. Not “bamboo green” of course, but Tuscany Green; and it’s a refreshingly dainty but durable proposition, which is just what’s needed to inject a little

The cabin itself is a comfortable place in which to spend time. The seats are nourishing and - thanks to the £250 Winter Pack fitted to this version - heated in front; the plastics are nice to touch; the switchgear and ergonomics organised with

If you want all of the tough addenda but not the talent to go with it, you can opt for the £1,500 cheaper Panda Trekking.

Personally I’d keep it exactly as it is, because I love it. It’s my new favourite animal.

wolverhampton west magazine wolverhampton west magazine wolverhampton | october/november west 2014

WHY PAY DEALERSHIP PRICES TO SERVICE

YOUR RENAULT? MINOR SERVICE £89* ALL INCLUSIVE

Servicing with us at Four Ashes will not affect your Manufactures Warranty. We also service all other Renault models out of the warranty period.

FULL SERVICE £149* ALL INCLUSIVE

www.fourashesrenault.co.uk MOT NOW OPEN FOUR ASHES ACCIDENT REPAIRS LTD ALL IN-HOUSE FACILITY OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF BODYSHOP SERVICES

FOR ALL MODELS AND MODELS! Including: * Accident and Insurance Work * Full and Partial Resprays * Scratch and Chip Repairs * Alloy Wheel Repairs

Had an accident, in need of a respray?

Give Us A Call!

11 Reg Vehicles (3 years old) - Your MOT is (or soon will be) due - Check your date of registration on your vehicle log book.

• MOT testing arranged • Large stoock of new and used parts • Computerised diagnostic (main dealer equipment) • Accident/mechanical repairs & insurance work undertaken • All work is fully guaranteed!

• Courtesy Cars free of charge • Pick up and Drop-off service* • Servicing while you wait *conditions apply, please call for more details

WITH ANY SERVICE

£25 *All models over 3 years old and out of Renault warranty period. Prices start from as listed.

Please call for more details and exact price for your vehicle.

09 Reg and 59 Reg Vehicles DONT FORGET YOUR CAM/TIMING BELT! Most Renaults require Cam/Timing Belt change at 72,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first).

Cam/Timing Belt failure will result in serious engine damage, so make sure yours is changed at the correct intervals. Call us for more details.

FOUR ASHES RENAULT SPECIALISTS Station Drive, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7BU

01902 790123 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

147

Record September for new Suzuki car registrations Suzuki GB PLC announced record registrations for the third Quarter of this year at 11,705 units, beating the previous closest record by 52 units set in 2004. It is also a record market share for the period at 1.74 per cent.

The high upturn in sales over the last nine months has proved yet again that demand remains strong for Suzuki’s stylish range of models in the UK. This year, sales of the Zero VED Alto city car have again made it the most popular car in the range with 12,000 units sold.

It was a record September for new registrations too with sales of 8,070 cars, overtaking the previous best figure by 150 units, also achieved in 2004.

Year to date, Suzuki has sold 31,431 cars making it the highest figure ever recorded for the brand in the first nine months of the year.

Suzuki aims to achieve more than 37,000 sales by the end of this year.

The good news for Suzuki buyers continues into the winter as well with a further extension of its VAT Free offers now running until December 31. Alto, Splash, Swift (except Sport) and the outgoing SX4 models are all included and represent significant savings.

Success of the plug-in Outlander is having a halo effect across the Mitsubishi range, as overall sales are 94 per cent up on last September. The L200 pick-up leads its market

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Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this month, the new Vitara SUV model will go

on sale next April. Vitara will be available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, optional 4x4 capability via Suzuki’s ALLGRIP technology and will also be offered with a wide range of personalisation options.

The new car will be built for Europe in Hungary at Magyar Suzuki alongside S-Cross and Swift.

Looking to the near future, Suzuki will introduce two new models in the fastest growing segments of the

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV accounts for over half of all UK plug-in vehicle sales Figures released by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirm that the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV accounted for over half of all UK plug-in vehicle sales in September.

market, one of which is the Celerio City car that will go on sale in February 2015.

This all-new model will be produced in Thailand and offers room for five occupants, class leading luggage capacity and exceptional fuel economy.

segment in September with sales up 58 percent.

The Mitsubishi L200 has consistently been one of the UK’s best selling pick-up trucks, and a frequent award winner.

Lance Bradley, MD of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “September was a strong month across the range, closing our third quarter with sales more than double the same period last year. There is a great feeling across the

Mitsubishi network, which is quickly expanding its staff numbers, that this will be a special year”.

The Outlander PHEV uses both electric and petrol power. Unlike non plug-in hybrid vehicles, the Outlander PHEV can travel substantially further on battery power - 32.5 miles - more than enough to accommodate most daily average journey distances.

As such it rarely needs to visit a petrol pump. The impressive electric range

gives the vehicle significant environmental credentials.

It emits just 44g/km of CO2 and the official combined fuel consumption figure is 148mpg. The vehicle is exempt from road tax, London Congestion Charge and qualifies for the Government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant.

For company car drivers Outlander PHEV attracts just 5% taxable benefit in kind, saving £8,216 over three years compared to a similar size 4x4 SUV.

wolverhampton west west magazine wolverhampton

EXCLUSIVE AUTOSALES OFFER NEW SUZUKI ALTO FROM ONLY PER MONTH

£83.32

ALTO FROM

£5,999

VAT FREE*

0% APR

TThis his p practical city car has low CO 2 emissions of 99g/km 99g/k †, great combined fuel efficiency of up to 65.7mpg 65.7m †, no road tax† and low insurance.

And now available VAT free*, it’s one of the lowest n priced hatchbacks around, so you really won’t be able to resist it.

NOW AVAILABLE OVER 3 YEARS

| FROM £2995.50 DEPOSIT | ONLY £83.32 PER MONTH | 36 MONTHS | INTEREST £0 | TOTAL PAYABLE £5999 | 0% APR |

Autosales

Vulcan Road, Bilston, West Midlands WV14 7JW 01902 402233 www.suzuki.co.uk/autosales

Autosales Suzuki Cannock Progress Drive, Bridge Town, Cannock WS11 0JE 01543 431360 www.suzuki.co.uk/autosales

Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Suzuki Alto range mpg (litres/100km) and CO² emissions (g/km): Urban 43.5-54.3 (6.5-5.2), Extra Urban 65.7-74.3 (4.3-3.8), Combined 55.4-65.7 (5.1-4.3), CO² emissions 118-99 g/km.

*VAT free offer on Alto range: Alto 1.0 SZ available from £5,999, including customer saving of £1,200 to Alto 1.0 SZ4 A/T available at £8,625 including customer saving of £1,724 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £7,199 (SZ) and £10,349 (SZ4 A/T). VAT equivalent reduction is not available on vehicle options or accessories. Offer subject to availability for vehicles privately registered between 1st October 2014 to 31st December 2014. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print. †Manual transmission only.

£2000 OFF MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER DIESEL MODELS

0%

Autosales Mitsubishi WOLVERHAMPTON

| FROM £23,984 | £11,992 DEPOSIT | £999.93 PER MONTH | 12 MONTHS | TOTAL PAYABLE £23,984 | 0% APR |

APR NOW AVAILABLE OVER 12 MONTHS

AUTOSALES MITSUBISHI Vulcan Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV14 7JW Telephone:

01902 402233

www.autosalesgroup.co.uk

Outlander Diesel range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Urban mode 6.4 (44.1) - 7.1 (39.8), Extra urban mode 4.6 (61.4) - 5.1 (55.4) Combined mode 5.3 (53.3) - 5.8 (48.7) CO² emissions g/km 138 - 153 Price shown based on solid paint only. Metallic paint extra. Finance plans are only available through Finance Mitsubishi, 116 Cockfosters Road, Barnet, EN4 0DY and are subject to status to customers aged 18 and over. Finance Mitsubishi is part of Lloyds Bank Asset Finance. Interest Free Finance rate is better than rates available from high street lenders and requires a 50% deposit. Prices correct at time of going to print.

Offer is only applicable in the UK (excludes NI, Channel Islands & I.O.M), subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Offer available at participating dealers between 1st October and 31st December 2014. Other offers are available - ask for details.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

149

Gripping stuff and even better economy: new models join A-Class and B-Class ranges

With the introduction of all-new ECO models, the A 180 CDI ECO SE and B 180 CDI ECO SE, MercedesBenz UK now offers even better economy, with CO2 emissions from just 92g/km.

The ECO SE vehicles, both feature weight-saving measures, powertrain refinements, improved fuel consumption with no impact on performance, and improved aerodynamics, with the A 180 CDI ECO SE offering a classleading coefficient drag of 0.26.

These practical changes include the use of an aerodynamic grille element, coupled with underbody panelling and lowered suspension (-10 mm front and 15 mm rear for A-Class, and 20 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for B-Class).

Both vehicles feature manual transmissions with longer ratios in the higher gears, an improved energy recuperation system and make use of a lightweight fuel tank to save on weight.

Replacing the current A 180 CDI SE and B 180 CDI SE manual

variants, CO2 emissions on the A 180 CDI ECO SE have been reduced by six per cent to 92g/km, with combined fuel consumption increased to 78.5 mpg, compared with 74.3 mpg on the outgoing model. B 180 CDI ECO SE emissions have also reduced to 98 g/km CO2, a reduction of nine per cent, with the combined mpg increasing by eight per cent to 74.3 mpg.

Despite the focus on economy, for both models the power, torque, top speed and 0-60 mph acceleration, remains unchanged.

Both vehicles are free from road tax and the Benefit In Kind company car tax band for the A-Class is just 13 per cent, with qualification for 100 per cent capital allowance until 2015.

4MATIC all-wheel drive ensures optimum traction and driving dynamics in all road conditions, with torque ideally distributed between front and rear axles by an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch with variable torque distribution, which allows as much as 50 per cent of power to be sent to the rear wheels.

The A 250 4MATIC is available in both AMG Sport and Engineered

by AMG trim, with the B 220 CDI 4MATIC exclusively in Sport trim.

The A 180 CDI ECO SE is priced from £20,715 on the road, with the B 180 CDI ECO SE from £22,950 OTR. The A 250 4MATIC is available from £30,190 OTR for the AMG Sport trim and £30,905 for the Engineered by AMG trim, whilst the B 220 CDI 4MATIC stars at £28,140 OTR. With the A-Class, you will also receive three years free servicing* and fixed price insurance of £30 per month†.

Peter Smith, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, added “There truly is no better time to purchase either an A-Class or B-Class at the moment. We have different model lines available for both models and along with our experienced team we can find the perfect A or B-Class for you.

Both models are at the heart of the New Generation MercedesBenz and are available to test drive at the dealership. To book your test drive in either model, call us on 01902 427897.”

†A45 AMG Excluded from this offer and the Mercedes-Benz Motor Insurance is only available at the discounted rate of £30 per month for all eligible customers registering a new A-Class between 01.10.2014 and 31.12.2014. The insurance offer includes the following eligibility terms; Drivers must be aged between 30-75 years old, For Private Customers Only (not business users), Maximum annual mileage of 15,000 miles, Driving licence held for a minimum of 2 years. *2 years free servicing only as per the Mercedes-Benz Service Care Package available on Mercedes-Benz retail sales on vehicles ordered and registered between 01.10.2014 and 31.12.2014 excluding A45 AMG.

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wolverhampton west magazine

The A-Class.

From just £269 per month plus more.

Let us uncover our special offers.

With Fixed Price Insurance of £30 per month†

With

3 Years

Free Service Plan*

Drayton

We thought it was time to uncover our great offers on the A-Class which will help you drive away in a new generation style Mercedes-Benz.

With the fantastic A-Class SE plus other A-Class model lines on show in our dealership, we have the perfect one waiting for you.

Visit the dealership today and take a test drive.

Call us on 01902 276977 for more information on this incredible deal.

Representative example for a Mercedes-Benz A 180 SE Hatchback Manual Metallic** Monthly Payments £269.00

Amount of Credit £17,747.06

On the Road Price £20,715.00

Total Amount Payable £23,426.94

Customer Deposit £2,495.00

Retailer Deposit Contribution £472.94

Credit Acceptance Fee £180.00

Total Deposit £2,967.94

Purchase Activation Fee £95.00

Number of Payments 36

Fixed Interest Rate 5.67%

Optional Final Payment £10,500.00

APR Representative 6.5%

Drayton Group

Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV2 4HD 01902 276977 www.draytongroup.co.uk Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the A-Class range: urban 32.1(8.8)-67.3(4.2), extra urban 48.7(5.8)-88.3(3.2), combined 40.9(6.9)78.5(3.6). † A45 emissions AMG Excluded from thisg/km. offer and the Mercedes-Benz Motor Insurance is only available at the discounted rate of £30 per month for all eligible customers registering a new A-Class between 01.10.2014 and 31.12.2014.

CO2 165-92

The insurance offer includes the following eligibility terms; Drivers must be aged between 30-75 years old, For Private Customers Only (not business users), Maximum annual mileage of 15,000 miles, Driving licence held for a minimum of 2 years. *3 years free servicing only as per the Mercedes-Benz Service Care Package available on Mercedes-Benz retail sales on vehicles ordered and registered between 01.10.2014 and 31.12.2014 excluding A-Class A45 AMG. **Annual mileage for the A 180 SE is 10,000 miles. Credit Acceptance Fee payable with first payment. Quotations are based on a 3 year PCP at 10,000 miles per annum. All quotations are subject to approval and vehicles must be ordered between 01.10.2014 and 31.12.2014 and registered before 31.03.2015 Excess mileage charges apply. All finance examples are subject to the acceptance and purchase fees. Finance available from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd, MK15 8BA. Model images shown for demonstration purposes only. Finance subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Airport, Transfers & Executive Travel Image Luxury Travel 77 Perton & Bridgnorth Travel 61 Appliances Electrical / Gas Capital Appliances 39 Antiques & Auctioneers Old Mill Antiques 89 Perry & Phillips 66 Bathrooms Carvers 19 Eaton Kitchens 27 Roman Bathrooms 15 Wall Heath Bathrooms 23 Beauticians Deep 79 No+vello 92 Olivia’s 88 Skin & Tonic 77 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Interiors Italia 42/43 Blinds/Curtains/Shutters Blyth Group 11 Creative Interiors 35 Love Your Blinds 23 Love Your Shutters 45 The Sewing Lab 23 Val Hever Blinds 21/36 Virgo 37 Building Services/Contractors Build a Solution 51 Three Pines 29 Butchers Allan Bennett 63 R J Hipkiss & Sons 64/65 Carpet Cleaning Specialists Touch Dry 50 Carpets (Supply & Fit) Blyth Group 11 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 37 Car Sales/Service Autosales 149 Benham BMW 155 Church Road Motors 142 Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton 151 Trust Skoda 145 Chiropody & Podiatry Tom Casey 104 Cleaning Services Cleaners R Us 34 Composite Doors Doorsmart 41 Computer Services Finchfield IT 51 Consumer Protection Service No Rogue Traders Here 49 Cosmetic and Beauty Clinics Cedar House Clinic 79 Medi Visage 69/87 Delicatessen Apley Farm 133 Corbelli 63 Dentistry Denture Clinic 103 Parkside Dental Surgery 95 Total Implant Solutions 99 Wightwick Dental Practice 96 Debt Collection Services JB Credit Services 153 Diet & Slimming Cambridge Diet 77 152

Education Tettenhall College 135/139 The Royal School 139 Shrewsbury School 137 Electricians/Electrical Contractors Excel Electrical Contractors 141 Fitzgerald Electrical 140 Electrical Suppliers Geo-E-Davies 45 Entertainments & Leisure Apley Farm 133 Bilston Craft Gallery 109 Civic Outdoor Events 58 Patshull Park 113 South Staffs Leisure 138 The Grand Theatre 156 The Kingfisher 2/124/125 Wolverhampton Racecourse 129 Estate Agents Berriman Eaton 9/20 Fencing & Gates Profence 57 Financial & Legal Services Later Life Protection 48 Fireplaces/Stoves Flaming Fires 15 Wolverhampton Fireplaces 13 Florists Blooms 119 Funeral Directors M Jackson & Son 45 Furniture/Furnishings Blyth Group 11 Creative Interiors 35 Chasewood Interiors 47 Interiors Italia 42/43 Merridale Furnishers 13 Sofa Factory Outlet 25 The Sewing Lab 23 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 37 Garage Services Church Road Motors 142 Four Ashes Renault 147 HiQ Tyres 143 Garden Design Boningale Garden Creations 56 Gardening/Landscaping Codsall & Wergs Garden centre 55 David Austin Roses 57 Keepers Lane Nursery 58 Lealans Garden Centre 53 Golf Clubs / Driving Ranges Patshull Park Golf Club 113 Wergs Golf Club 111 Hairdressers Cute 81 Michelle Lawley 85 Urban 93 Health Care Cover Paycare 107 Holistic Therapy My Vitality Hub 101 Hospices Compton Hospice 71 Hospitals (Private) Nuffield 83 Interior Designers Blyth Group 11 Creative Interiors 35 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 37 Jewellers T.A.Henn 7

Kitchen Doors (Replacement) Dream Doors 33 Kitchens (Supply, design & fit) Carvers Building Supplies 19 Dream Doors 33 Eaton Kitchens 27 Roman Bathrooms 15 Legal Services Manby Bowdler Solicitors 109 Letting Agents Berriman Eaton 9/20 Locksmiths Cummings Brothers 153 Luxury Travel Image Luxury Travel 77 Music Lessons Rick Hampton 61 Music Shop Music 2000 59 Opticians Taylor Biddle 97 Orthopaedic Surgery Wolverhampton Hip & Knee Clinic 105 Painters / Decorators Kevin Jackson 140 Patrick Bellew 140 Physiotherapy OptiSpine 113 Plumbing & Heating JB Plumbing & Heating 140 Print & Design The Studio 109 Restaurants/Pubs Bravaccios 120 Halfpenny Green Vineyards 67 Kings Repose 128 Patshull Park 123 Shrewsbury Arms 130 Sir Jack’s 121 The Kingfisher 2/124/125 The Plough 121 Wergs Golf Club 130 Wombourne Tandoori 131 Wolverhampton Racecourse 129 Skip Hire Wolverhampton Skip Hire 54 Theatres The Grand Theatre 156 Tiles & Interiors Heart of Stone 21 Tile Choice 5 Travel Agents Spear Travels 61 Tyres Hi Q Tyres 135 Vineyard & Craft Centre Halfpenny Green Vineyards 67 Wedding Venues/Function Rooms Albrighton Hall 119 Fallings Park Methodist Church 45 Patshull Park 123 Sir Jack’s 121 The Kingfisher 2/124/125 Wergs Golf Club 128 Windows & Conservatories Tettenhall Windows 17 Womens Support Services The Haven Wolverhampton 132 wolverhampton west magazine

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• No collection - no fee • Negotiable commission rates • Trace services available • No minimum debt amount • Reliable service guaranteed Tel: 01902 758344 or email: jbcreditservices@blueyonder.co.uk

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Word Search: hidden phrase: Poetry is what gets lost in translation.

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153

in PeRFeCT CondiTion FoR iMPeRFeCT CondiTions

xdriVe

Weather and road conditions can change in a flash.

To make sure you’re prepared, we have an intelligent four-wheel drive system that responds just as quickly. With BMW xDrive, you can still enjoy maximum driving pleasure even on difficult road surfaces such as mud, gravel or snow.

Optimal traction at all times.

Taking the torque to where it has maximum effect - a simple idea that the intelligent BMW xDrive four-wheel drive system puts into practice masterfully. It distributes the engine torque to the axles in a fraction of a second so that they can achieve maximum traction.

The intelligent fourwheel drive system.

With the BMW xDrive four-wheel drive system, each axle uses its traction to the maximum. Your BMW provides stable acceleration out of

intelligent four-wheel driVe from Bmw

bends. If - particularly in adverse conditions - more torque has to be applied to the road, that’s when Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) comes into operation. In addition to improving traction, the system also recognises the first signs of oversteering and understeering.

Within a tenth of a second it distributes up to almost 100% of the engine torque to the front or rear axle via the transmission and an electronically controlled multipleplate clutch before returning to the normal 40:60 distribution ratio.

Thanks to the smooth distribution of torque between the rear wheels, traction and handling improve.

This allows you to take bends with greater precision - and accelerate out of them with optimum grip.

With this technology, BMW provides an intelligent four-wheel drive system with all the benefits of four-wheel drive: precise handling, optimum cornering and a clear separation between the engine and steering.

An increasing range of BMW models already have xDrive and therefore offer greater traction on all road surfaces. xDrive is now available on the following models:

Dynamic Performance Control.

Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) in the BMW X6, BMW X6 M and BMW X5 M ensures unique cornering performance.

The result is precise driving characteristics, regardless of the road conditions. In combination with BMW xDrive, Dynamic Performance Control enhances agility and dynamics on any surface.

BMW xDrive models.

The BMW 1 Series 5-Door The BMW 3 Series Saloon The BMW 3 Series Touring The BMW X1 The BMW X5 The BMW X6

Contact Benham Wolverhampton for more information: www.benhambmw.co.uk 154

wolverhampton wolverhampton west west magazine

BMW Economics

Benham Wolverhampton

The Ultimate Driving Machine

RULE WITH YOUR HEART. AND WITH YOUR HEAD. BMW Select Representative Finance Example: BMW X1 xDrive18d xLine with optional metallic paint.

Term of agreement

47 monthly payments

On the road cash price*

Customer deposit

Retailer deposit contribution

BMW UK deposit contribution

Total deposit

48 months

£289.00

£30,260.00

£4,799.00

£1,525.14

£2,150.00

£8,474.14

Total amount of credit

Option to purchase fee^

Optional final payment^

Total amount payable

Rate of interest

£21,785.86

£1.00

£11,407.50

£33,456.64

4.89% fixed

Representative 4.9% APR

For more information or to arrange a test drive †, call us on 01902 457000 or visit www.benhamwolvesbmw.co.uk

Benham Wolverhampton Lever Street, Wolverhampton West Midlands, WV2 1AD

(4.8l/100km). Combined 51.4mpg (5.5l/100km). CO 2 emissions 144g/km.

BMW ECONOMICS. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

Finance example is for a BMW Select agreement for a BMW X1 xDrive18d xLine with optional metallic paint, with a contract mileage of 40,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 7.30p per mile.

Applies to new vehicles ordered between 1 October and 31 December 2014 and registered by 31 March 2015 (subject to availability). Retail customers only. *On the road cash price is based on

Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. ‘BMW Select’ is a form of hire-purchase agreement provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. We commonly introduce customers to †

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

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