Wolverhampton West Magazine - May 2016

Wolverhampton West Magazine

May 2016

Win a meal for 2 people at The Shrewsbury Arms and arrive in style Win tickets for West Midlands Safari & Leisure Park Win tickets to see Northern Ballet’s Jane Eyre at The Grand Theatre

May 2016

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Contents May Edition The local property market by Nick Berriman Trysull Fete Meet the boss May Day Carver Wolverhampton Marathon Crosswords and Puzzles West Midlands Safari & Leisure Park competition The Magic Garden resurrected Fundraising boost for charities Win a meal for 2 with The Shrewsbury Arms Recipe of the month Grand Theatre competition A tale about Telford Outside garden furniture

8 12 14/15 16 18 24 28 38 38 40 42/43 50 54/55 58

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 Design & Print (www.s28.co.uk) Wolverhampton West Magazine Lytham Rd, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7YY Tel: 01902 744217 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Gardening with Ann Winwood 62 West Midlands Police 70 A day out in York 72 Kinver Country Fayre 74 Food review – Flamingo Pink 84/85 Wolverhampton Race for Life 88/89 Women’s Fashion: Summer sophistication 102/103 Facial Massage – For beautiful skin 106 Toms Tip 113 National Walk to School Week 113 Sunglasses 114 Education and Schooling 116 Rotary Club of Wolverhampton 124 Golf Tip 134 Golf – swing theory 136/137 Social scene 142-148 Game of Thrones – Fiat 500X 152 Autosales: Suzuki Vitara 154 Mercedes Benz of Wolverhampton- The new E:Class Saloon 158 Answers to crosswords and puzzles 160 Index to Advertisers 161 Porsche Wolverhampton 162

Congratulations to: Winner of ANNIE competition at The Grand Theatre Jayne Cooper, Perton

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 of Wolverhampton West Magazine Ltd.

*Total distribution 24,500 copies across 2 months

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

03

from the editor May is for many a month of Bank Holidays and not a lot else. Sure there’s the promise of warmth and sunshine, but grim reality dictates that even this meagre relief from the grindstone is often ruined with rain showers. Car booters can’t shift their booty; green-fingered types can’t prune; and ice cream vans must remain SORN’d for yet another month.

But May for us folks here at Wolverhampton West marks a significant landmark in our magazine’s history. It’s now been 6 years since we launched in May 2010 and, while that milestone may not be quite as impressive as the one celebrated by the nation’s favourite nonagenarian (happy belated birthday from us Queeny, if you’re reading), we’re pretty damn proud all the same.

My partner Gisella and I have been here since the beginning and, although she started working on the magazine a mere month after I did, we have, like all the best couples (that’s another tip of the hat to you and Prince Philip, ma’am), prided ourselves on the mantra ‘teamwork makes the dream work.’ But it’s the relationships we have forged in that time with both clients and readers alike that makes us most proud – and there’s no better example of this bond than the one that exists between us and one of our longest-standing advertising clients, Tile Choice.

This year celebrating its very own landmark 25th anniversary, the industry leading tile giant has been with us from the very beginning and, along with our strong readership, has seen Wolverhampton West grow from 52 pages to 148. On special occasions like this our magazine 04

can swell to 164 pages and this edition is indeed a special one.

And now we’ve finally finished patting ourselves on the back, there’s just one more outstanding congratulation left to attend to, so here’s a big shout-out to Mr Graphic Design himself, Ed Wilde of Studio 28, on his recent marriage to Keli: he’s been with us from the beginning and after all the work he’s put in on this magazine, he’s kind of a hero of mine.

Once again we’ve got the goods to help you swing gracefully from spring into summer. It’s National Walking Week this month, so keep up with a fitness shake-up with Chris Jewkes Fitness. Follow on from this with a health overhaul: everything you need to get your health in order is inside: we’ve got articles on dentistry, implantology, dentures, opticians and hip, knee, and chiropody. You may not quite be up to speed in time to enter this year’s Race for Life, but there’s always next year.

With a feature on May Day and with Whitsun soon on its way, there’s also Father’s Day to come in June, so brush up on all of our blokey bits: there’s a massive golf section, expanded motoring enclave at the rear – including a mention of Wolverhampton’s new Porsche dealership – and a wealth of restaurants to visit including a food review at Flamingo Pink.

There’s also much in the way of competitions: win big with The Grand Theatre, Shrewsbury Arms and West Midlands Safari Park. To paraphrase Dirty Harry, a once-hero of dad’s everywhere: you’ve just gotta ask yourself one question – "do I feel lucky?" Well do ya, punk?

Or maybe a present of a different

kind is in order? The gift that keeps giving is a lesson in how to get your finances in order from John Webb at Midland Independent Finance.

Kinver Fayre will once again be taking centre stage in June, so be sure to put that in your diary. So too must you pay a visit to our very many advertisers for answers on everything inside and outside for your home this coming summer: get your plants and shrubs from Lealans Garden Centre or Keepers Lane nursery; your fencing and gates from Profence. And while you’re at it: get your garden landscaped with Boningale or add an extension or conservatory, or maybe doors some bi-folding doors. Then for the finishing touches, get your driveway cleaned with DSC Cleaning and if you need a painter, decorator, plumber, or electrician, then read on.

Or why not go one step further and make your home a Smart Home?

Chancery Contracts can make any home intelligent beyond your wildest dreams, at an affordable price – no matter its size or shape.

Moving inside, there’s plenty also: from kitchens, bathrooms, and furniture to curtains, lighting and flooring, we’ve got the lot.

For those of you fond of fashion, beauty and hair, do not despair, there’s much to enjoy throughout this edition, as well as our everpopular social scene pages.

So there you have it: much to do and more, so with no further ado, here’s an edition that we hope you’ll adore.

See you in July…

Geoff

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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Guided by your preferences and combined with our expertise we will come up with suggestions and work closely with you during this process until your unique jewellery item is presented to you.

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07

The local

property market

by Nick Berriman

Each month as copy day approaches I hope that something will happen to give me some inspiration as to what I should write.

This month the idea has come from a request we have had from someone living abroad regarding disposal of furniture and effects from his parent’s house.

His widower father is going into care and the house has many antiques and objects d’art, the majority of which will have to be sold and we were asked how we recommended this should be done.

There have been significant changes in how this has been done over the last five or six decades.

Talking to my father about this he reminisced (he often does!) about all the memorable house sales his previous firm, Walker Barnett and Hill, used to have in the fifties, sixties and seventies when all the contents were sold by auction on the premises, sometimes in the actual house and sometimes in a marquee in the grounds. Good sales would attract not only local people but also dealers from far and wide. In those days many of the younger generation did not have similar taste to their parents and preferred G-Plan to period furniture and so, in many cases, the complete contents were sold.

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There were many tales to tell such as when all the money taken was left in a suitcase on the front doorstep of a country house and not discovered until arriving back at the office. Little notice was taken of speed limits on the return journey to retrieve the case which fortunately was still on the doorstep. At a sale with very good quality contents the best prices were raised if there had been a fall out between the dealers. Usually, quite mysteriously, the trade often seemed not to bid against each other but if there had been a fall out prices rocketed.

Of course there is the Auctions Bidding and Agreement Act which prohibits the existence of 'rings' but it is almost impossible to enforce.

Father remembers arriving to take one sale only to discover that there had been a burglary and the house was empty. The plus side of that was that the sale catalogue listed everything which had been there so it made the insurance claim easy. There was one house near Bridgnorth where the late owner had been a friend of the last Emperor of China and it was packed full of Chinoiserie of all sorts. In the cellars were unopened packing cases of porcelain and many other things. The sale made good money for the time but today would have been a sensation.

He remembers singing bird boxes, fine Georgian furniture, Dr Wall Worcester porcelain, superb pictures and a 17th Century Daniel Quare bracket clock which made £2,650 in the sixties which would have been very expensive in today’s money.

by strange events. It is said that there was a very bad winter in France in 1709 which killed most of the walnut trees. Walnut was the wood being used for the best English furniture made in the times of William and Mary and Queen Anne and was imported from France. After the disastrous winter, the French stopped most of the imports. What little walnut that came into England was used for the stocks of guns and furniture makers were forced to look for an alternative. A dark and heavy wood was coming from the Indies, used as ballast in the returning ships, and this is how mahogany came to be used. We all associate Thomas Chippendale with mahogany furniture and it is strange to think that without that bad winter the best of Georgian furniture would have been made of walnut!

I usually end this piece with on overview of how we have found the market in the last month. I am pleased to say that it has been active with some houses attracting multiple offers and several selling at asking prices. It is significant that the interest is throughout the price bands. Our Tettenhall office is averaging at least one sale per every full working day and in order to keep things moving there must be a steady supply of new instructions. We have heard some talk of a lack of new instructions but I am happy to say this has not been our experience. Long may it continue!

Gradually house sales became a thing of the past. Families began to realise how valuable some of the antiques were and kept them rather than selling. Auction Rooms sprung up and lots for sale were brought into the salerooms and collected together to make regular auctions. This is the way we advised our client to dispose of his father’s surplus contents.

The history of furniture can be fascinating and can be influenced wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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Trysull Fete

home. At the weekends it was full of local children and the spectators of the football and cricket who used the park whatever the weather and time of year. It is a crucial part of the community.

Parents and villagers Gary and Anna Yorke have decided to take action and have created the Trysull Park Fundraising Committee, along with villagers and parents of the school children, to raise as much money as possible. The aim is to get the park renewal up and running and have the children playing on it again - asap!

Seisdon and Trysull is a small parish approximately 6 miles from Wolverhampton which borders Wombourne.

In the parish there are two pubs, The Plough and The Bell, and a small convenience shop and garage.

All Saints Church has stood grandly in Trysull, on the same site for over 1000 years. Reverend Hartwell and the church is at the heart of the community working closely alongside All Saints CE School with 120 pupils, ages 3 – 11 years old.

The children’s play area on the playing fields was shut in September 2015 following a complaint about safety of the specialist rubber flooring that had started to break up and other concerns about the play equipment. The playing fields are owned by the children of the parish and the Parish Council are responsible for sourcing the money to fix and renew the park. It is likely to cost between £40,000 and £60,000. The current park was opened in 1992 after fundraising from local companies and villagers. There is a plaque In the village hall listing all those that donated money to the park in 1992, as a ‘Thank You’ and a reminder of the generosity of people.

The Committee is currently planning a traditional style fete on the 12th June 2016 on the playing fields with an array of stalls selling local fresh produce, cakes and sweets and crafts and traditional fête games such as hook-a-duck, skittles, a bouncy castle and wet sponge stocks! It is hoped to have demonstrations from local groups such as Toddler Sense, Rugby Tots, with lots of others in the planning to keep people entertained. Hot food will be available as well as a beer and prosecco tent!

Any sponsors for the event are welcome!

The committee are also planning a children’s disco, an outdoor cinema night and a ‘night in the barn’ which will comprise of an auction of promises and live music.

The community is without doubt missing the playground. Most days after school it was full of children using their last bits of energy up before

For more information about the upcoming event please visit www.facebook.com/Trysullparkfundraisers A link to the crowdfunding just giving page will be on the Facebook website.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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13

Meet the boss

Breaking the mould and driving fear out of finance

by John Nash

“Hello, this is Brad Pitt calling to update you on your investment portfolio…” Not the American movie superstar, of course and certainly not the normal kind of greeting you’d expect from the head of a highly successful financial services business.

But this high achiever is anything but conventional: Meet the spirited, sharp-witted John Webb FPFS, Certs CII(MP & ER).

Described by his Training and Compliance Manager Gerry Knowles as larger than life, the Company Director has an infectious common touch, laughs easily, makes other people smile, is deeply rooted in traditional family values, and is quick to admit, “I’m not like a normal boss... Am I Kirsty?” (addressing his Financial Director wife who he calls the “real boss” in the adjoining office).

With a business philosophy that has served him well since the mid ‘90s – a radically alternative model for the oftenperceived stuffiness of the 14

financial sector – it could easily be the essential content for any motivational speaker.

“There are no bosses here; we are a team,” he says. “I’m no more important than anyone else here. We all need each other and play to each others’ strengths.”

But there’s a genuine resonance about his open approach and his willingness to selflessly invest trust into his staff. “Our staff turnover is low. Mutual respect is high. Absenteeism is also low, which says something about our morale and no-one watches the clock or takes us for granted,” he adds.

Clearly comfortable in his own skin, John has nothing to prove – successful, happily married, an adoring dad and grandfather, and with a business that appears to be self-perpetuating. Who could possibly ask for more?

“Well it would be great if the Villa could come good though,” he adds with a resigned opening of the hands.

A burgeoning portfolio of clients stretching from Scotland to Cornwall continues to develop for his business, Cannockbased Midland Independent Financial Services Limited. “I don’t really have to drive hard for new business. It continues to grow by word of mouth – such is our reputation,” he explains.

The lifeblood of the British economy, financial services plays a big part as a conduit for domestic investment. But

the big bank wrongdoings of recent times, the market rigging scandal that saw Barclays handed a £3.9bn fine over manipulating foreign exchange markets and negative headlines from the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, who lamented at the end of last year that public attitudes towards finance were still stubbornly negative, can mislead wouldbe investors, warns John.

“We tend only to read the bad stuff in the Press. The general public don’t understand financial services and the media frightens them,” he says.

With an accessible and transparent approach, John adds it’s his responsibility to “remove the fear by properly educating the client.”

And it’s clearly his ability to engender trust and connect with clients in a language they understand, even when investments are not bullish, that has given pensions expert John the edge.

“In financial services we always need to look at the bigger picture”.

“Realistically, people don’t look at things through rose-coloured spectacles. In life, there’s good and bad but acknowledging it, working through it professionally and always in the clients’ best interest, is what makes them feel safe with us as financial experts.”

“It sounds a bit of a cliché, but the customer is king and it

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

John Webb FPFS, Certs CII(MP & ER) – taking a refreshing, alternative approach to being the boss of Midland Independent Financial Services Limited

follows that customer service must be queen,” he adds.

Restoring and maintaining trust is central to shaping the future of Midland Independent Financial Services. “Treat people the way you want to be treated yourself, but do it first” is John’s “mantra”.

“I make the tea, but not as frequently as some here,” he jokes.

The whole operation is relaxed, but clearly it has the efficiency of a Swiss timepiece, including his Webbs Estate Agents business that is based on the ground floor of his offices in Avon Road.

Admitting that being in business has been a life-changer, John explains he is not driven by financial rewards. “The holidays are nice – I do love my holidays – but I’m grounded in family, my marriage, my two sons, two daughters, my grandchild, our pug Millie and

our ‘Is It?’ cat that’s adopted us.” There follows an obligatory explanation: “Well, none of us are sure whether it’s a he or a she.”

John continues: “Of course, money has its place for all of us – it’s my business – but what drives me is making a difference with the clients I serve and having the knowledge and experience to be part in sometimes dramatically changing their financial prospects.

“There’s never been such a good time for pensions, for instance – I hope it doesn’t change – but knowing what to do with a good transfer value is critical to planning a good future.

That’s where my expertise is.”

And what of the formative years?

“My first job in finance was with Legal and General followed by

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Norwich Union – now Aviva – but ‘best advice’ was really the most suitable product these companies provided. “Going independent in 1993 suddenly opened up the whole of the marketplace for my clients, allowing many more and more suitable choices.

“It was the biggest difference to working for an employer and I felt it was the most natural way forward for both myself and clients,” he says.

John, a qualified Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, adds: “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved academically, but the qualifications are there for the sole benefit of clients. Having knowledge affords me a greater opportunity to respond with innovative propositions that can support their investments.”

15

May Day

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

My mum is proud to recall the year she was Maid of Honour to the May Queen. We have a photo of her and several other young girls, surrounding the May Queen who is wearing a flowing white gown and coronet of flowers.

My own memories of May Day celebrations are less regal. I remember clutching a coloured ribbon attached to a maypole and weaving in and out of other children to make pretty patterns for our parents to watch and enjoy.

This traditional image of May Day, which in Pagan times celebrated the completion of seeding and springtime fertility with village fetes and community gathering, has little to do with why May 1st is celebrated in Britain today, and why it is recognised internationally as a public holiday.

May Day is International Workers Day, and its history is a little more colourful than the ribbons of the maypole or the handkerchiefs waved around by Morris Dancers!

The late nineteenth century saw employees working 1018 hour days in unsafe and difficult conditions. Capitalist factory owners, keen to maximise their output, kept them running as many hours as possible with a “sun up to sun down” working day. Death and injury were common.

Socialist movements in both Britain and the USA were working towards the same end: an eight hour working day.

In 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions in the US proclaimed that “eight hours shall constitute a legal day’s labor from and after May 1st 1886.” Without the backing of the government or businesses, this ideal was not realised, so when the day arrived 300,000 workers walked off their jobs in protest.

Strikes, picket lines, beatings, shootings, rock throwing and bombings followed, and finally major progress was made in 1914 when the Ford Motor Company cut its standard work day to

eight hours, whilst also doubling their workers’ pay. Amazingly, productivity increased significantly and profit margins doubled within two years. This encouraged other companies to follow suit.

In the UK the Labour government declared May 1st a bank holiday in 1978 and it has been used regularly by protest groups to fight for their cause, especially for workers and their rights. In 2011 the Tories made attempts to scrap May Day and move the bank holiday to October, but for now it remains in place and is an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of all those who fought to secure better working hours and conditions for us all!

An early British Socialist reformer, Robert Owen, campaigned for the work day to be divided into thirds, coining in 1817 the phrase; “Eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.” By the late 1800s, 16

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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17

CARVER

Wolverhampton City Marathon Events SUNDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2016 In this, the 19th year of the running of the Marathon events, the organisers are putting in place the plans to ensure that on Sunday 4th September in West Park all will come together to make the events even more successful than in previous years.

These events attract many competitors and supporters who all help the fundraising cause.

Many people also choose to help their own good causes which of course the organisers welcome.

This year the chosen charities will be Compton Hospice, a foundation close to many people’s hearts. In order to carry out all the good work that the hospice does they need to generate a substantial income each year. The other charities set to benefit this year are The Haven, another very deserving charity based in Wolverhampton helping women and children who have been involved in domestic violence. Also set to share in the proceeds raised are Wolverhampton Rheumatology Support Group.

This local group offer help and support to people with arthritis related conditions. The marathon also supports the Mayoral Charity Fund, although until the appointment of the new mayor it is uncertain which the chosen charities by the incoming mayor will be.

The success of the events are made possible by the dedicated team who meet throughout the months leading up to 4th September to ensure that they provide a safe and well managed event for everyone to enjoy.

This, together with the generosity of the sponsors, enables people of all ages and abilities to take part and help the fundraising cause.

Major sponsors Carvers Building Supplies, Cousins Furniture and Banks’s Brewery continue to support with their generous financial help.

Angel Springs have also renewed their generous sponsorship this year and they will again provide all the bottled water for the runners. NJB Sports & Physio from Codsall are in attendance on Marathon day, helping runners to recover from the challenges they have faced out on the road.

Further sponsors are, Greggs, Signal 107, Express & Star, Wolverhampton West Magazine, Places for People Leisure, Fred Williams Cycles, Ron Flowers Sports, Veloxserv (who sponsor the marathon website). Another sponsor is Charles Clark Toyota who will be supplying the lead car and back up vehicles. Each year as the event grows more companies are getting involved, both financially and with their services. This exemplifies the popularity of the Marathon events in the City of Wolverhampton. Each of these companies play an important part in making the event successful. It is a pleasure working with them.

To find out more about our sponsors please visit the marathon website:

www.wolverhamptonmarathonevents.co.uk

Anyone wishing to take part in any of the events can enter via Runners World or by downloading an entry form from our website.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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Merridale Furnishers

Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner, but this year, why not do things a little differently?

Instead of splashing your cash on a holiday that will be over in the blink of an eye, why not treat yourself and your family to something you can enjoy all year round? Give your home a fresh new look with our great range of stylish home furnishings at Merridale Furnishers, and you’ll have that happy, holiday feeling every day.

Wake up to gorgeous new blinds in all sorts of styles, from funky, modern printed roller blinds to traditional Roman blinds. Or why not kit your home out with our extremely popular duplex blinds? These superfunctional day and night blinds use a clever chain system that allows you to switch between dim-out to sheer blinds or even a mixture of 20

the two. The result? A blind that works hard to give you just the right levels of light (or shade) when you want it – they’re great for adding a touch of privacy to your room too.

The new season has also meant our buying team has been scouting out all the hottest up-to-the-minute trends on the interior design scene.

They’ve done us proud – and we are now extremely excited to introduce four new furniture ranges to our collection at Merridale Furnishers.

They are: Lucca, Retro, Willow, and Roma – get ready to be impressed.

Just like the city it’s named after in Tuscany, the Lucca range is truly eye-catching. Must-have pieces include solid oak sideboards with built-in wine racks and sleek matte metal handles, while dining tables come with sleek, modernist silhouettes in built-to-last oak.

The Lucca brings all the style and sophistication of modern Italy into your home, and with its sturdy,

quality craftsmanship – it will stay looking good for years to come.

If vintage style is more your thing, you’ll love the aptly named Retro range at Merridale Furnishers. It’s centred around the cool Danish designs of the 1950s and it’s a collection that really stands out from its contemporaries. What’s more, because it’s brand new you get all the cool good looks of a vintage piece but without the rickety ‘past its best’ finish! Result!

So, if you want to make your home look its best, come and see us in our store on Merridale Road.

We’re always on hand to help you source the furniture that’s right for you. Plus, because we’ve been helping our customers style their homes for over 40 years, you can be confident that we know a thing or two about interior décor.

Come and see for yourselves! We look forward to meeting you!

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

www.merridale-furnishers.co.uk

HOME OFFICE Work in stylish surroundings…

DINING ROOM Enjoy dining on fine quality…

BEDROOM Sleep tight tonight…

Telephone: 01902 420699 enquiries@merridale-furnishers.co.uk 17-23 Merridale Road, Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton

QUALITY SOLID WOOD FURNITURE IN OAK Open 7 days, Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 3pm

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

21

A MODERN CLASSIC

ShAkeR kItCheN

Get the Look

Margaret knew what her dream kitchen looked like but had not found a local retailer that could deliver the perfect kitchen at the right price, until she found Roman Bathrooms.

“I had done lots of research into the different options and knew that a British-made Mereway kitchen would give me the style and the quality I wanted,” says Margaret.

“It took some time as I visited several other retailers but as soon as I met Claire at Roman, I knew I was in safe hands.”

The modern take on a traditional shaker styling of the Ely range was what caught Margaret’s eye, with its flat slab doors and cool grey finish.

“It is the contemporary but not too modern look of this range that 22

I love,” adds Margaret, “and it is well suited to the galley layout of our new kitchen extension.

Ely Door mixture of Cadet Grey, Pale Grey and Castle Grey Handle – Angle flat bar stainless steel handle Worktop – Compac Carrara Lighting – Cool white cabinet lighting Neff appliances Coloured glass splash backs Brita filter tap

“Working with Claire was a pleasure, she listened to all my ideas and also provided many of her own, researching the options thoroughly to ensure that I was making the right choices.

“I am particular about the details, checking and double checking but Roman Bathrooms met my expectations and delivered a first class professional service. I am delighted with my new kitchen and am more than happy to recommend Roman Bathrooms.”

Roman Bathrooms 110 - 111 High Street, Blackheath, Rowley Regis, West Midlands B65 0EG Tel: 0121 561 4374 Email: info@romanbathrooms.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

23

Quick Crossword Across 7 A large sea (13) 8 Disclosed (8) 9 Opposed to (4) 10 Move forward (7) 12 Allude to (5) 14 Learn (5) 16 Not coolest (7) 19 Zn (4) 20 Fizzy drink (8) 22 Practical example (13)

Sudoku

Down 1 Not there (4) 2 Picture house (6) 3 Think about (7) 4 Unrefined (5) 5 Breathe in (6) 6 Insensitive (8) 11 Thorough (8) 13 Mallets (7) 15 Physician (6) 17 Tiny (6) 18 Show embarrassment (5) 21 Let fall (4)

Easy

Hard

Puzzle answers on page 160

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

Amber Aroma Barley Barrel Beer Bitter Blonde Bottle Brew Bright Cask Copper Firkin Gas Golden 24

Grain Hops Landlord Licensee Malt Porter Pump Real Ale Sugar Tap Tawny Traditional Vat Yeast wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

www.tettenhallwindows.co.uk

Number 1 for all your extension plans

From planning permission to building regulations, for structural calculations for steels over bi-folds, at Tettenhall we really can do it all, our in-house service takes all the hassle out of your building projects.

Working with experienced professionals means we can get the jobs done that other companies shy away from.

Plus our specialist knowledge of the best products and materials available will help you achieve your desired finish.

128 Aldersley Road, Tettenhall WV6 9LZ

Tel: 01902 754114 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Open: Mon to Sat, 10am until 4.30pm 25

Specialists in the design and complete installation of fitted kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms

For further details please call 01902 714557 or email steve@kitbedtech.wanadoo.co.uk

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

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

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Sandford Carpets

C a r p e t s, f l o o r i n g a n d m u c h m o re …

Although the Trysull Road-based premises appears small from the outside, step inside Sandford Carpets and you’ll discover a huge selection of roll stock carpets, flooring, rugs and soft furnishings.

Established over 35 years ago, the family-run business has long been known for its quality products and competitive pricing, as manager, Kim explains: “We’ve got a huge range of carpets and flooring at our showroom, that suit all requirements and budgets. Customers are amazed when they see our vast warehouse - that’s stocked with 90 rolls of carpet - and always comment on our low prices.”

As an independent business, it’s hard to believe that Sandford can be so competitive when it comes to pricing, but Kim and her husband Gary have proved time

and time again that they’re more than able to beat the competition.

“We work really hard to ensure our customers get the best products and service at the best price.”

There are carpets from the all of the top brands at Sandford, like Brintons, Ulster and Westex, as well as a choice of wooden, vinyl, engineered and Karndean flooring.

“Gary provides the quotes and our specialist team of fitters handle the installations.”

And, Sandford have introduced a range of Kadi Firebowls - just in time for the summer months.

“We’re stockists of Kadai Firebowls, which are becoming a really popular alternative to the traditional barbeque.”

So, whether you’re looking for carpets and flooring, fabulous fabrics or even just a special gift, pay a visit to Sandford Carpets today.

The showroom is also wellstocked with beautiful fabrics, soft furnishings, artwork and gifts.

“We have fabrics from companies like Clarke and Clarke, PT and Voyage and our seamstress makes fabulous curtains and coverings for our clients.”

A range of blinds are supplied and expertly fitted by the company too.

“Our clocks, pictures and accessories are perfect for completing any room and our unique personalised gifts make the ideal present.”

• Family run business celebrating over 35 years in business • Massive warehouse with roll stock comprising of over 90 rolls in stock • Karndean, Laminates and Wood Flooring

• Vinyls • Bigger than it looks • Personalised gifts • Clocks • Kadai recycled Firebowls (ideal for barbecues)

We have now moved inside Sandford Carpets, Wolverhampton Curtains, Blinds, Stock Rolls of Curtain and Upholstery Fabric and Pattern Books You will find us at: 128 Trysull Road, Bradmore, Wolverhampton WV3 7JF Tel: 01902 335599 Open: Tuesday to Saturday 9am until 5pm

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

27

New arrival at:

We s t M id l a n d

Sa fa rI

& LEISUR E

PA R K

Staff at West Midland Safari Park are celebrating the birth of a male southern white rhino calf.

After a lengthy pregnancy of 16 months, first time mum, six year old Ailsa, gave birth to the long awaited new arrival on Good Friday, 25th March. This is the first baby rhino to be born at the tourist attraction since the baby’s dad Barney, who was born in 2005.

Southern white rhino are considered a conservation success story, with this particular subspecies being the most common of all the world’s rhino species.

However, rhinos still face a huge threat in the wild due to habitat loss and more commonly, poaching.

At just two days old, he already weighed a whopping 67.5kg, but still has lots of growing to do - adult male rhinos are one of the largest land mammals reaching weights of around 2,500kg!

The calf is the newest addition to the Park’s small ‘crash’ of southern white rhinos, made up of four females and one male. It marks a great success for the Park’s European Endangered Species Programme, a breeding initiative of endangered species in association with the European Association of Zoo and Aquaria.

West Midland Safari Park hopes that the success of this birth bodes well for the future and keepers can look forward to welcoming some brothers and sisters in years to come.

The rhinos can be seen in the four-mile self-drive safari, included in the standard admission charge.

Also included are the attractions that can be explored by foot: Discovery Trail, African Village and Land of the Living Dinosaurs. Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra.

You can follow the progress of the baby rhino on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.wmsp.co.uk/facebook

This month we have teamed up with West Midland Safari & Leisure Park to give you the chance to win free admission tickets.

The tickets entitle a family of four to visit on one occasion up to 4th November 2016. Theme Park rides not included.

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

How much did the baby rhino weigh at birth?

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.

All entries to be received by Friday 17th June 2016.

Competition Terms and Conditions - Winners will be chosen at random from all correct entries received. The ticket includes admission to the four-mile self-drive safari, Discovery Trail exhibits, animal encounters, African Village and live shows. Usual admission is £22.00 for adults, £17.00 for children and £20.00 for concessions. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge. No cash or alternative prize will be given. Prize valid until Friday 4th November 2016.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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FLOORING

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WORKTOPS

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

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WALL & FLOOR TILES

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Cotsbrook Farm Buildings, Higford, near Shifnal TF11 9ES www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

29

Charity Bike Ride and Walks tots up

s u cc e s s more difficult than expected, as Kami, who supported the riders on their journey, explains: “The cyclists initial response to the bikes was one of surprise as they were quite heavy and only had three gears. They had ridden on normal bikes doing 120 miles in a day, but this was a different challenge altogether.

“There were a few hiccups along the way but the riders were determined and never gave up. Pete and Ikbal helped to keep them motivated and they all completed the task.”

Steve Bull presenting a trophy to Bijay’s bike ride committee, thanking them for all their hard work with raising funds for his foundation.

Tireless fundraising and sponsored events throughout 2015 in memory of Bijay and Gurmel Khela has raised £14,000 for good causes, which include Cancer Research and The Steve Bull Foundation.

Best known for the annual BJ Charity Bike Ride, which started in 2010, siblings Pete Khela and Kami Aujla have been fundraising with family and friends over the last five years, after losing their brother Bijay to a brain tumour at the age of 41 in 2009.

The core fundraising effort over the past five years has comprised of the annual bike ride, which holds special significance because of Bijay’s love for the sport.

In June last year the charity bike ride was held in London. A group of nine cyclists rode around Windsor on ‘Boris Bikes’ – bikes belonging to a public bicycle hire scheme implemented by London Mayor, Boris Johnson – for a planned 50 miles, finishing up at Tower Bridge. However, owing to the many road closures on the day, the party actually cycled for 60 miles, many of which proved

But fundraising has not been limited to cycling. A sponsored walk also took place in May 2015 in the Cotswolds.

Approximating 12 miles, the walk involved 50 family and friends climbing to Broadway Tower.

Further to this, in August 2015 Pete Khela joined four other walkers and did the Three Peaks Challenge in Yorkshire.

Kami adds: “We hope to maintain this annual event for many years to keep the memory of Bijay and Gurmel alive and to help others who are suffering.

The walk and bike ride are only possible due to the help and support of friends and family.”

To date BJ’s followers have raised a staggering total of £159,000 for Cancer Research, The Steve Bull Foundation, Let Us Play – a children’s charity in Wolverhampton – Unique Home for Girls in India and the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund since their efforts began.

Bijay was a keen cyclist and a keen Wolves fan. His father Gurmel, died in 2014, after a two-year battle with cancer.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

As seen on...

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

DIY SOS

31

Lee Jones 4 Orangeries, Windows, Doors and Conservatories There’s no better way to create extra space in your home than with the addition of an orangery.

Stylish, light, bright and suitable for use all year round, they offer the perfect way for you to make the most of your home - whilst adding extra value to it too.

Expert local installer from Wombourne, Lee Jones explains: “Orangeries have become extremely popular recently with homeowners looking to improve and extend their home.

Not only do they allow you to design a completely versatile living space but they also create a really light and airy feel.”

Whether you want extra space for a new kitchen, the perfect room for entertaining or maybe just a place to sit and relax with your family, an orangery will provide the ideal setting.

“Orangeries can be used comfortably all year round unlike conservatories that can be cold in the winter and hot in the summer. They also offer a great way to bring the outdoors in, connecting the home with the garden, thanks to the addition of bi-folding doors.”

As a specialist orangeries, windows, doors and conservatories fitter, Lee has created some fabulous home transformations for his clients over the years.

“My customers have been delighted with the results, many have chosen to improve their home rather than move, so that they can design their

living space around what suits themselves and their family best.”

Utilising his impressive 30 years experience in the trade, Lee decided to start his own business two and a half years ago: “The business has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and I’ve been really lucky to gain the majority of my work from word-ofmouth recommendations.”

And Lee’s clients have been so impressed by his work that many have volunteered to let Lee use their home to demonstrate his workmanship: “As I don’t have a showroom, I always invite potential clients to have a look at my work at a previous job, so that they can get a really good idea of the high standards I work to as well as the opportunity to chat to the former client about their experiences.”

Using only the best materials and ensuring total customer satisfaction at every turn, it’s no surprise that Lee has quickly earned an excellent reputation in the trade.

“I work really hard to make sure that my clients receive the very best service - I’m really passionate about what I do.”

Lee’s friendly approach and commitment to excellent customer service has resulted in him making friends with many of his customers.

With no pushy sales techniques, no gimmicks and competitive prices, customers can rest assured that they’re receiving a quality service when they contact Lee for their new orangey, conservatory, windows or doors.

And, Lee can even help with the planning too: “I can take care of all the drawings, building regulations, planning applications and SAP calculations where required.”

All of Lee’s work is covered by an insurance-backed guarantee, so that customers can enjoy complete peace of mind.

So, why not create your dream living space this this spring? Examples of Lee’s work are shown on the opposite page. Call Lee to arrange a free quote today.

Customer testimonial "Lee Jones is creative, passionate, organised and extremely professional. I can't speak highly enough of the amazing results which have exceeded expectations. Lee has created an orangery which is simply stunning, I would go so far as to say we have been very lucky to have found Lee Jones and would highly recommend and trust Lee Jones 4 Orangeries, Windows, Doors and Conservatories". Glyn & Hayley, Brewood

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Lee Jones 4 Orangeries, Windows, Doors and Conservatories

Bespoke Orangeries and Conservatories

Windows, Composite Doors, Building Services, Roofline – Soffits, Fascias & Guttering

If you are looking to transform your home with an Orangery or Conservatory contact Lee Jones for a free, no obligation quote based on your specification

07580 355613

or

01902 894339

Strathmore Crescent, Wombourne, South Staffs WV5 9AS www.leejones4windows.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

33

Children’s ward at

Russells Hall Lucy continued: “It was a pleasure to meet Fraser and Craig Dobson, from the casino, and to be able to thank them both in person.”

The Casino 36 group is investing heavily in the regeneration of Wolverhampton, with recent projects including the expansion of the Rubicon Casino into the adjacent building and former Dorchester/ Beach nightclub in Temple Street to create the newly branded Casino 36.

Casino 36 owns casinos in Dudley, Wolverhampton and Stockport.

Lucy was joined on the day of the cheque presentation by Fraser Tranter; Craig Dobson; Group Manager at Casino 36 and Julie Dale, Place Specialist at the Children’s Ward.

Fraser Tranter has been involved in fundraising for many years and enjoys putting his strength behind any worthy cause, especially in support of local hospitals.

strike it lucky A big part of the heavy weight involved in fundraising at Russells Hall Hospital’s Children’s Ward has been lifted by a heavyweight team with a heart of gold.

Local businessman and former Worlds Strongest Man competitor Fraser Tranter teamed up with Casino 36 to raise £1,500 for the specialist unit in Dudley.

And the big gesture comes as but a small part of Casino 36’s investment in the area.

Lead Nurse and Ward Manager for the Children’s Ward Lucy Davis said: “Everyone was delighted to hear that we’d been chosen and that we’d be receiving such a generous donation.”

The unit will immediately put the money to good use, ensuring that as many of the children benefit as possible.

Lucy Davis, Fraser Tranter, Craig Dobson, Julie Dale

C annes Film Festival

The prestigious Cannes Film Festival returns this year for the 69th time.

Films of all genres are screened between May 11th – 22nd as the population of the city swells from around 80,000 to 200,000 across the two week period. But it hasn’t always been the lavish affair it is today.

A man by the name of Jean Zay had the idea for the festival in 1939, however due to the imminent threat of World War ll, the opening year was delayed until 1946 and its revival used as a way of encouraging tourism again in the French Riviera.

In 1948 and 1950 the event was cancelled due to a lack of funding and twenty years

34

later, in 1968, the festival closed its gates once more, mid-way through due to student and worker-uprisings.

Nowadays the festival is believed to have a budget of €20 million with 850 staff employed to cover the occasion. Although most of the festival has a strict access policy, and you won’t get to walk down the iconic red carpet (which, incidentally, is changed three times a day!), as a regular tourist you can buy tickets to a number of screenings including the ‘Director’s Fortnight Section’ and can access several free screenings, some of which have Q & A’s with up-and-coming directors.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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C A R PETS The way a carpet is cut can make a big difference to the cost. It is best to have the carpet supplier visit to take the measurements. Failing this the next best thing is to draw a sketch of the floor plan complete with relevant measurements and hand these to the salesperson so the necessary calculations may be made. Many carpet designs are made in a variety of widths and the skill of the supplier lies in calculating the best way to cut using the various widths in order to give the customer the best value and the least waste.

Carpets are important items of home furnishing. They offer comfort, they deaden noise, they are an integral part of the decor and, in winter they provide valuable insulation and draught prevention. Considering the not inconsiderable cost of a good carpet, they are real bargains in terms of returned value for money.

Of course, as with all other purchases, you only get what you pay for and you cannot reasonably expect a cheap and cheerful carpet to last as long as an expensive one, nor can you expect it to retain its looks for as long. However, you don’t require the same degree of durability all over the house and for this reason, you will find, should you decide to re-carpet your home, your carpet supplier will offer you a variety of qualities and prices.

The most expensive carpets are the hardest wearing and the most good natured in terms of wear and tear.

You will need these in areas that receive the most use - the entrance hall, stairs, landings and the most used living rooms. If you carpet the kitchen, you will also need a hardwearing carpet, probably also one with dirt and stain rejection qualities.

For the least used rooms and bedrooms, carpets of lighter durability are required. You will find most carpets carry a code that indicates the areas in which it should be laid. Your carpet 36

supplier will be able to advise you and it’s worth taking such advice.

You will probably have to decide on the basic material of your carpet and perhaps also on its method of manufacturer, and of course the type of pile. Again, take advice from the supplier. For example, a carpet made from 100% manmade materials may not have the same springy pile. It won’t be susceptible to moth of course, will shrug off stains and will wash quite well. A 100% wool carpet is soft, warm and luxurious but it may fade, will shampoo but take ages to dry, and is very susceptible to wool consuming pests. On the other hand, a carpet of say 80% wool and 20% man-made fibre will give you the best of service.

And if it has been treated with stain inhibitors, it won’t be too difficult to maintain its new good looks.

Having your carpet professionally laid is well worth any extra cost that might be levied. At best it can make an important contribution to the wear of the carpet. At worst it will at least stop you making a mess of cutting it into place. Cost can depend on the amount of carpeting you are buying or the overall cost. Sometimes laying is free, so it’s well worth enquiring.

Before you set off to buy your carpet have a good look at your old one. Note down the date it was laid and the areas where it has worn most. This information is useful to the supplier who can recommend something that will perhaps wear better and last longer. If you go to a reputable supplier you will get truthful recommendations and quality products.

And as we said at the beginning, you will only get what you pay for!

How a carpet is laid makes a very big contribution to its durability and overall efficiency. First of all there is the underlay which cushions pressure on the pile and makes a very real contribution to its life.

Actually putting the carpet in place is the next important consideration. Hessian backed carpets require a special toothed edging that is nailed or screwed to the floor around the skirting foot, and onto which the carpet is ‘hooked’ after stretching into place using a special tool. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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37

The Magic Garden

R e s u rr e c t e d

Having raised over £45,000 for local and national charities, owners of the well-known Wolverhampton garden took a well-deserved rest, but the plot will reopen its gates on the 25th June from 1.30pm-5.30pm, entrance is £3, children under 16 free and wellbehaved dogs on short leads are welcome.

There have been numerous requests on Facebook and on the website to see it at its summer best, so now is the chance to view the considerable changes and additions, including new plantings, a new seating area and additional lilies, clematis and eremurus, for summer.

Come and spend a pleasant, relaxing afternoon in the award winning garden and enjoy delicious homemade cakes and teas: buy a plant and then take a walk round Bantock Park, just across the road, perhaps Wolverhampton's most attractive open space.

Come and see why the garden was filmed for four television series and even featured on two radio programmes: appeared in numerous magazines, including a Japanese lifestyle publication: featured in two coffee table books and was photographed by two of the world's top garden photographers, Jerry Harpur and Jonathan Buckley. See why the garden was given 'The People’s Choice Award' by Wolverhampton City Council and why it was Daily Mail Garden of The Year finalist in the same year.

43 Broad Lane Bradmore WV3 9BW www.themagicgarden.webs.com

F UN D R AISIN G

BOOST FOR CHARITIES

Two charities received a financial boost thanks to fundraising activities by a local golf club.

The Captains at South Staffordshire Golf Club, based in Tettenhall, have spent the last year fundraising for two charities. From organising golf competitions to functions and through the generosity of its members, the club has raised nearly £7,000.

beginning of Sue’s Captaincy in 2015. A cheque for £2,521.04 was presented to the charity on 6 April.

Warren Appleby from the British Heart Foundation said: “We would like to thank the ladies of South Staffs Golf Club for raising money to help support our research into coronary heart disease, which is the UK’s single biggest killer.”

The Men’s Captain, Keith Sargeant, chose the Alzheimer’s Society. A cheque for £4,260.11 was presented to the charity on 22 March 2016.

Emma Dowler from The Alzheimer’s Society said: “We’re delighted to receive a cheque from South Staffs Golf Club and appreciate their efforts to raise funds which will go towards making a difference to the lives of people with dementia.”

The Ladies Captain, Sue Hewitt, chose the British Heart Foundation in memory of her late mother, Isla Green, who passed away two weeks before the 38

Emma Dowler, Alzheimer’s Society and Keith Sargeant, South Staffs Golf Club

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

CALL FOR A BROCHURE

T: 01543 505539

Ralvern Upholstery Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green Cannock, Staffs WS11 7XN E: sales@ralvernupholstery.co.uk

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39

Win a meal for two

at The Shrewsbury Arms, Albrighton – and arrive in style

B A R & R E S TAU R A N T

The Shrewsbury Arms is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a 2 course meal for two including a bottle of house wine.

The team at The Shrewsbury Arms have been working extremely hard during the past 3 years to ensure that the high standards set from the outset are maintained and that every customer leaves fully satisfied with every aspect of their visit. The pub has gone from strength to strength in the 3 years since the new owners opened the doors, the support of

the locals and regulars (some of whom aren’t so local!) has been absolutely fantastic and the team couldn’t have wished for better.

Fizz with discounts on Prosecco and Champagne. Available for semiprivate events such as christenings, wakes and birthdays etc.

Live music is on offer every Friday and Saturday Night including every Bank Holiday. Live music has also been arranged to coincide with the Cosford Air Show on Sunday 19th June. A fixed price lunch club menu runs from Monday to Friday 12 noon - 5pm, Thursday night is Steak Night (receive a FREE bottle of House Red or White Wine with every two steaks ordered), Friday Fish &

Sunday Lunches are proving very popular and the Sunday sharing platter is one of the best sellers on the Sunday Menu. The Shrewsbury Arms are always thinking of new and fresh ideas to keep its customers happy.

For more information or to book a table call 01902 373003 or visit www.theshrewsburyarms.com

Arrive VIP style, the lucky winner of the competition will be collected from the doorstep by Image Luxury Travel and chauffeur driven to the restaurant and then taken home at the end of the evening.

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

On which night of the week is Steak night?

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.

All entries to be received by Tuesday 31st May 2016.

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 18 years or older. No cash or alternative prize will be given. Prize valid from Sunday to Thursday inclusive and booking date will be subject to availability. Prize valid until Thursday 30th June 2016, all entries will be forwarded to The Shrewsbury Arms unless requested otherwise.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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.

Three Pines recently completed a total refurbishment of the Skoda showroom in Telford

• Over 50 years of experience in construction • Commercial & Domestic developments undertaken • Fully qualified carpenters and bricklayers employed by the company for over 20 years • Care & consideration taken on all domestic & commercial projects • Professional & Friendly service

w w w. t h r e e - p i n e s . c o. u k Cullwick Court, Cullwick Street, Wolverhampton WV1 2UR www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Tel: 01902 499919 Email: info@three-pines.co.uk

41

RECIPE

Makes 8

By Mike Whitehurst

ROGAN JOSH BURGER

IN TEACAKE BUN WITH SWEET POTATO FRIES & RAITHA Something different for your barbecue this coming summer - if you're barbecuing on a Saturday you need to start this recipe on a Thursday evening to allow flavours to develop inside the meat.

BURGER PATTIE INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

1 thumb sized piece of fresh ginger - peel and grate 8 cloves of garlic also grated 1 tsp of turmeric 1 tsp of ground cinnamon 1 small bunch of chopped fresh mint leaves 1 tsp of crushed white or black peppercorns 1.4 kilo of good quality shoulder of lamb minced

Thoroughly mix the above ingredients together and store in the fridge overnight • • • • • • • •

1 onion finely diced or grated 2 red chillies, deseeded and finely diced 1 tbsp of fresh coriander stalks finely sliced 4 green cardamom pods remove seeds, toast and crush in pestle and mortar 4 cloves toasted and crushed in pestle and mortar 2 tsp of cayenne pepper 2 tsp of Maldon sea salt 1 tsp of tomato puree

Mix the above into the lamb mince, shape into 8 large burger patties (they will shrink) and return back to the fridge over night - you may need to sit the chopped ingredients in a sieve for a while as you don’t want the mix to be wet. If the burgers do appear a little wet just add in some breadcrumbs.

TEACAKE INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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400g of strong white bread flour pinch of sea salt 7g sachet of fast action yeast 1 tsp of ground mixed spice 1 tsp of cinnamon 1 tsp of grated nutmeg zest of half a lemon 50g of caster sugar 50g of diced unsalted butter 150ml of milk 1 medium egg beaten 125g of green raisins a spray can of oil

until the butter has melted then remove from the heat and whisk in the egg. Make a well in the centre of the flour and pour in the warm milk mix stirring until a dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes and then add the fruit and make sure it is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Spray a glass bowl with oil and place the dough inside covered with a piece of oiled cling film. Leave this for about 2 hours or it’ll double in size and bounce back when pressed in.

Divide the dough into 8, roll into balls folding the corners in on each other and tucking underneath then roll out to about 1cm thickness. Place on your baking tray and cover with oiled cling film and then leave to rise for about an hour.

Remove the clingfilm and bake for about 18 minutes at 190oC. Once risen and golden allow to cool ready to be toasted.

GARNISH • 1 small fennel bulb very finely shaved on a mandolin or grated • half a cucumber with seeds removed and very finely sliced • 1 finely sliced red onion • a few sprigs of dill • leaves from the coriander • paneer cheese

TEACAKE METHOD

RAITHA

Mix the dry ingredients together apart from the raisins.

Slowly warm the milk and butter together in a pan

• 500g of natural yoghurt • 1 red onion finely diced wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

• the other half of the cucumber seeds removed and grated • the rest of the coriander bunch roughly chopped • Mix the above ingredients together to form your raitha sauce SWEET POTATO FRIES Trim off any rough ends or odd looking knobbly bits from the sweet potatoes. Slice into thin fries and deep fry for about 8 minutes on 140oC. Remove from the oil and place on kitchen towel to remove the excess oil. Set aside to cool ready to be finished off later.

BARBECUE TIME If it’s not too windy get your barbecue fired up they do create a fair bit of smoke because of the fat in the lamb. You can pan fry them and finish off in the oven indoors if you don’t want to BBQ. Season and grill your lamb burgers until browned nicely on both sides - they will shrink somewhat and a good tester of when they are ready is to poke a knife into the centre of the biggest looking one. If the juices that come out look a little pink then keep cooking until those juices turn brown.

Slice your teacakes in half and grill on your BBQ or under the grill. Sit the toasted bottoms of all 8 buns on a tray or chopping board and dab some raitha on then the fennel salad, burger and then paneer

cheese. Drop your fries into the deep fat fryer and crispen up; serve in a large bowl, drizzled with a little honey and sea salt. Now plonk all the food in the middle of the table for everyone to dive into.

SERVING SUGGESTION You may as well do it properly and get yourself some tiger or cobra beer.

For any other recipe/cooking advice please email mike@takefood.co.uk Follow me on facebook.com/takefood on twitter.com/takefood or on instagram.com/takefood

DESIGNED FOR LIVING… MADE FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE Feel free to visit our showroom and discover our inspirational kitchen designs 20 Finchfield Road West, Finchfield, WV3 8AZ

Telephone: 01902 761600

www.eatonkitchendesigns.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

43

KITCHEN LIGHTING

Oftentimes, we put a lot of thought and effort into getting the lighting perfect for living room or bedroom areas, only to choose something plain for our kitchen and dining spaces.

might want to follow trends and go for an industrial style fitting, providing a modern, urban feel to your kitchen space. The 'Focus' spotlight collection manufactured by Searchlight lighting is a great example of this. Available in either a 1, 3 and 4 light option this fittings' antique brass finish perfectly encompasses the industrial trend.

Kitchens are the heart of the household and need great lights that reflect this. There is a diversity of great kitchen lighting that is as attractive as it is functional.

Listed below are the different types of kitchen lights available and some examples of how to get the best out of each style for your kitchen setting.

PENDANTS

FLUORESCENTS Fluorescents have always been a staple of kitchen lighting, although often associated with basic designs that champion functionality over appearance. Many lighting manufacturers have begun to reinvent fluorescents, replacing opaque diffusers with more stylish designs.

Whether you want a simple accessory to your kitchens interior or would truly like to make a statement with your fluorescent the options are endless. For those looking for modernity the EL-10085 by ENDON is a great example of manufacturers combining functionality and style to provide high quality lighting that looks as good as it is efficient.

SPOTLIGHTS Spotlights make for great additions to kitchen and dining areas because of their versatility, guaranteeing both efficient task lighting and a diversity of choice when it comes to design. When choosing your spotlight you

Pendants are an appealing choice for dining areas as they provide much more of a mood lighting effect, perfect for dining areas. Pendants come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so your options really are endless. In our showroom we have a space dedicated to pendants that we like to call our ‘Retro Area’. Just one example of the quirky fittings we have displayed there is a 3 light pendant from the ‘Academy’ collection by DAR lighting.

Available in either a black or stainless steel finish with either a 3 or 5 light option the fitting gives an elegant finish, perfect to hang above a tabletop or breakfast bar.

DOWNLIGHTS Alongside big statement pieces you might want to add some extra touches to your kitchens interior. One way of getting more illumination is to add downlights.

Although perfectly fine as your kitchens sole source of light when used as accessories to statement pieces downlights are the perfect fitting. If you would like something a little different to the simple downlight style, Firstlight lighting offer a number of LED glass fittings that provide an elegant take on traditional downlights, experimenting in size and shape.

All of the lights mentioned (and many more) are all displayed in our Aldersley showroom and available to view on our website: www.lightingrus.co.uk.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

45

Living the ‘Dream’

in a Smart Home can only help the Smart Home cause. Isolated gimmicks – for instance Wi-Fi enabled lights that fit into a standard light socket and can be made to dim and change colour using a smart phone app – may have their place, but are not to be confused with the degrees of intelligence, either built-in or via the cloud that can be achieved by the mini-server systems installed by Chancery Contracts.

The future is now – our ordinary homes can easily get Smart with a Chancery install and the cost is surprisingly accessible

Misplaced psychology that robs us of an easier way of life Creeping under the radar like some kind of subculture, the Smart Home has arrived where the internet has made its way into everything from appliances to thermostats.

With intuitive technology and smart phone/tablet apps that potentially can offer home management from the other side of the world, it’s the stuff that dreams are made of.

46

Believing in houses, offices and factories that can think for themselves in limitless options – change lighting to respond to the time of day, to increase or decrease security levels, close or open blinds as the sun rises or sinks, monitor energy usage and manage music and heating systems – is comparatively easy to embrace.

Getting into our psyche, however, that we could ever afford this perceived futuristic luxury is where years of marketing by developers has spectacularly unravelled on both sides of the Atlantic and the ‘dream’ is still a well-kept secret.

And perhaps that’s why so many have yet to discover it’s lifechanging potential and the energy savings such advances can bring.

David Lewis, Director of Chancery Contracts, Electrical Engineers and Smart Installations of Trysull Road, Merry Hill, Wolverhampton, says: “When I talk to people, most believe such a luxury is beyond reach, but the prices have tumbled over the last decade and keen technology markets can offer a lot for your money.

Undoubtedly, Smart Homes break the mould of traditional thinking. Surprisingly, they challenge technical Luddites with only the slightest adaptations in lifestyle, but still for many the dream remains elusive.

“For example, to incorporate smart system to the existing wiring on a 3-bed property, to include lighting and heating controls would be around £2,700. You’d need to add £1,000 if you’d got a fourbed detached,” he explains.

As older generations and those of younger generations become more savvy with computer possibilities and those younger view such development as just normal life, a major hurdle remains in carrying the critical message of a system that can make things easier and smarter.

Each package offers the potential for limitless addons – “the system is a bit like Lego,” says David – and can be hardwired, use air technology (internet), or a mixture of both.

For sure, what is referred to by geeks as ‘IT consumerisation’ is becoming more accessible, which

A Gold Partner with Smart Home technology suppliers Loxone, David enthuses over the high standard of their kit.

“Their domestic servers are excellent and in the four years we’ve been fitting them we have never had a failure. The beauty of the system is that its modular architecture is so easy to develop. If we run out of sockets on a server, we just add another,” adds David.

Programming allows everything to be managed centrally and can include text alerts for breaches of security, fire, flooding, glass breakage and even weather damage.

“It’s so creative and flexible. For example, new kitchen design is not only about style it’s about ambience – the lighting mood.

Coloured lighting – with extensive options on colours – on a single mini-server could be installed for around £400.00,” adds David.

On the cutting edge of electronic installs, his company has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry and is comfortable to tackle the most tricky of installs.

Says David: “With the ‘Wireless’ system we can reuse the existing supplies to turn your home into a Smart Home with minimum disruption. Firstly, you will need the brain – the mini-server, which plugs into your Wi-Fi router, then you are ready to go.

“On existing wiring we can install remote relays that can switch your lights as you want in the house without the upheaval of a hard-wire install.”

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

The following guide prices apply for installs within 15 miles of Chancery’s office: Starter Package £595.00 including the mini-server and a choice of 4 options:

all on air mini-server (minimal disruption to your house) to include:

1. 3 – Plug and Play Smart socket adaptors

• Lounge light and switch x2

• Kitchen light and switch

• Hall light and switch

2. Control of a conventional heating and hot water system

• Dining room light and switch

3. 2 smoke detectors

5. First floor lighting option from £995.00

Additional items to your starter package start from:

• Three bedrooms • Bathroom

1. Smart socket £95.00 2. Radiator valves for individual control of each room (minimum of three) £440.00; for seven £895.00 3. Smoke detectors £110.00 4. Ground floor lighting packages from £1,250.00. A three bedroom property

• Landing light For new builds and renovation projects we offer a complete design and install package to tailor the system to your requirements.

Note: All prices are exclusive of VAT.

A smArter wAy of living communication

security

climate control

entertainment

lighting

“The future IS NOW with Chancery Contracts Ltd, Wolverhampton” Remotely manage all functions within your home: lighting, heating, security, blinds, sound, energy and much more from your phone or tablet

Call 01902 761555 or visit www.chancerycontracts.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

47

C U R TAINS taking the rail high above the top of the window. This can look odd, so the space below the rail and the top of the windows can be covered by a frilled pelmet that immediately gives an impression of hidden size. A wooden or buckram pelmet in this context usually only looks clumsy.

Curtains can make or mar a room. They are valuable aids to keeping heat inside and draughts out.

They will shade the heat of the sun, and disguise an ugly view.

On the minus side they can prevent a good part of the natural light from entering the room, and if they are ill-chosen, they can make the entire room lacklustre.

In some homes they have been discarded in favour of blinds, and in others lucky enough not to be overlooked by the outside world, they have been discarded altogether and nothing is used to replace them. It all very much depends on the design of your home, your windows and the effect you wish to create.

Having decided you wish to hang curtains, the first decision you must make is how they will be hung. You can choose a pelmet to cover the tracks and tops of the drapes, or you can choose a special heading tape for your curtains so the tops are gathered in an interesting way. Here you won’t want a pelmet because you have made a virtue of an obvious feature. You can hang 48

your curtains on a stout pole from visible rings in the manner of so-called bistro drapes, and these can look quite attractive, though they are perhaps more effective on half curtains.

This brings us to the next decision you make about your drapes.

How long should they be?

These days they are commonly hung either to window-sill length or to the floor. Again this depends on the effect you wish to create.

Floor length curtains can add dimension to a room. If the room is very small however, this length can make it look smaller.

If you have radiators beneath your windows, then the decision is taken out of your hands, because by taking the fabric to the floor you will be covering that radiator and preventing heat from penetrating the room whenever the curtains are drawn.

The size of the windows can dictate the size of curtains used.

Small, shallow, or narrow windows covered with curtains of the same size will only have their mean proportions emphasised.

Windows can be made to look larger by extending the hang of the curtains beyond their dimensions, in whatever direction they are lacking in size. This can mean

Care must be taken in choosing the fabric for your curtains. Dry cleaning can be expensive and the larger the curtains, the more they will cost to clean. Many furnishing fabrics are available in washable fibres these days, and although you may have to pay a little more initially, you will save in maintenance costs in the long term. The weight of the fabric too is important. With wide windows there will inevitably be a lot of material to accommodate, especially when those curtains are drawn back. Choosing a light material and having it lined can be a solution here. Lining all curtains is a good idea because it helps them hang better and protects them from the effects of sunlight, which eventually rots most fabrics.

Linings too present you with even more choices. They may be hung separately or integrally with the same fabric. They can be neutral or in a contrasting colour.

Should you hang nets at your windows? Well in our grandparents’ times there would have been no choice, though the net curtains of those days would probably have been handcrocheted, lacy, heavy hangings.

They would have prevented outsiders looking in and inmates looking out. Today’s nets are light, delicate, pretty to look at and easy to look after. No matter how flimsy they are however, they will still block out some light, so decide according to the light you require in the room.

Nets will help further the heat retention properties of your window coverings, trapping yet one more layer of air when they are closed.

Your curtains are important because, not only will they beautify you home, they should also be an essential part of your home insulation system, giving more comfort at less cost - so do choose carefully.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

49

Grand Theatre COMPETITION

One lucky winner can win two tickets to see JANE EYRE on Friday 10th June at 7.30pm at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

to life the ultimate dramatic tale of romance, jealousy and dark secrets.

Orphaned at a young age and cruelly treated by her Aunt, Jane Eyre is a plain but intelligent child who grows up knowing little kindness. Sent away to a charitable school, Jane later accepts a position as a Governess at Thornfield, a gentleman’s manor whose master is the dark and impassioned Mr Rochester. In

Join Northern Ballet, a Company renowned for transforming well known stories into brilliant dance theatre, as they return to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with Charlotte Brontë’s JANE EYRE. Coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Charlotte Brontë’s birth, the ‘best dance actors in the world’ (Dance Europe) will bring

spite of their social differences, an unlikely bond grows between the pair but as their romance develops, it becomes clear that Mr Rochester has a hidden past that threatens to ruin them both. The ultimate dramatic tale of romance, jealousy and dark secrets, Jane Eyre is the story of one woman’s indomitable spirit overcoming all boundaries at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on 10th and 11th June 2016.

To book your seats today please go online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01902 42 92 12.

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and send it on a postcard with your name, address and telephone number to Wolverhampton West Magazine or email info@wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk by Friday 27th May 2016.

Who wrote the original novel Jane Eyre?

A) B) C) D) 50

Emily Brontë Charlotte Brontë JK Rowling Jacqueline Wilson

Competition Terms and Conditions Please send postal entries to Wolverhampton West Magazine, 1 Lytham Road, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7YY or email info@wolverhamptonwestmag. co.uk. To be received no later than Friday 27th May 2016. Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the evening of the performance.

Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash or alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Castle Street, Dudley Centre, DY1 1LA Tel: 01384 234620 Unit, 26, Vanguard Way, Shrewsbury, SY1 3TG Tel: 01743 463261 3 Riverside, Stafford, ST16 3PT Tel: 01785 223338 Macrome Road, Claregate, Wolverhampton, WV6 9HD Tel: 01902 752764 Townsend Place, Kingswinford Centre, DY6 9JA Tel: 01384 271812 Salop Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0RX Tel: 01902 429060 Castle Street, Hadley, Telford TF1 6GJ Tel: 01952 257007 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

51

T h e C h a s e w o o d brand of furniture has been manufactured in Staffordshire f o r o v e r 2 0 y e a r s Designing, creating and installing beautiful fitted furniture

At Chasewood Furniture we create quality fitted furniture that can be tailored to suit any room, together with our price match on any like-forlike quotes. (Confident that our fitted furniture is of comparable quality. All this plus our ten year guarantee!)

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.

Your furniture will be manufactured in our Hednesford 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.

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

Due to popular demand finance is now available for all our fitted furniture. This means you can enjoy our beautifully crafted fitted furniture and have the luxury of paying weekly. We work with Ideal4FINANCE so that they can negotiate secured and unsecured 52

personal loans for your furniture. Personal loans can be used to spread the cost of purchase for you.

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 our furniture and book online.

Our stylish Hednesford showroom is open to the public 6 days a week: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 10am – 3pm. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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53

A Tale

By Rob Taylor

about Telford When it comes to towns Telford is a new-born infant, still suckling at the proverbial teat – but like some genetically modified freak, it is growing faster than its peers.

Massive development is right now underway to see this already futuristic metropolis reach yet another phase of growth, owing to a £250 million redevelopment scheme.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Even though when compared to the slow organic evolution of towns and cities, which typically grow steadily for centuries, Telford didn’t just pop up overnight like a spaceship over a Kansas cornfield, it has a history like any other place and it’s one well worth exploring.

Many people still alive will remember the area before the vibrant town we all know today. They may regale you with stories about the vision proposed in the early 1960s when

54

teams of planners, engineers, architects and surveyors were called in to effectively build a town from scratch, under the watchful eye of a government-appointed Development Corporation.

They may remember that originally the proposed development was to be called ‘Dawley New Town’, before eventually being renamed ‘Telford’, in honour of renowned Eighteenth century engineer

Thomas Telford, Shropshire’s first county surveyor. They may remember the proponents and the opponents to the challenges facing the planners: to overlay and integrate a new settlement designed for the next 200 years with its entire accompanying infrastructure into established communities –those of Dawley, Oakengates, Madeley and Wellington – with their equivalent housing, employment and transportation needs. In

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Wellington

short, they may remember the prospect of a total change to an entire community’s way of life.

My own father has his own choice story: “I remember when Telford Shopping Centre first opened.

There were adverts on TV begging you to visit, boasting about good communication links and free parking. Now look at it today: you sit in queues going in and out and parking costs an arm and a leg.”

“Stuff that for a game of toy soldiers,” is how he usually finishes.

But please ignore him.

In essence Telford came about because of changes to legislation following the Second World War, as the then-government drafted a major piece of legislation: The New Towns Act of 1946. This legislation triggered a wave of regeneration and reclamation of land in the Dawley area, land that was hitherto abandoned to the rot and fallout from defunct industry. In the rough area before the development of Telford began there were 5230 acres of derelict land, scarred by years of intensive mining and industrial activity; 2820 acres of land covered by spoil and waste deposits; 2957 recorded abandoned mineshafts; 830 acres of disused quarries and opencast mines; and 120 miles of abandoned canals and railway.

After much rancour and squabbling in the press, council rooms and on the frontlines there eventually emerged what is today one of the finest and most functional planned communities with, as its central jewel, the Telford Shopping Centre: Shropshire’s largest, open

seven days a week, with over 140 stores under one roof. Current anchors of the centre are House of Fraser, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Boots and BHS. Boots and F Hinds jewellers hold the honour of being the centre’s longest standing residents – having being there from the outset.

Notable dates of development were: 1973 – Phase One; 1981 – Phase Two of Telford Town Centre opened: 1983 – M54 linked to M6: 1986 – Telford railway station opened: 1987 – Phase Three opened. To this list must now be added 2014, when the first stage of a massive redevelopment plan was unveiled: the Southwater One development.

Boasting a new library, coffee shops, restaurants and bars, and an IMAX cinema, Southwater One is just the beginning, however.

Earlier this year the Southern Quarter began taking shape – a redevelopment of the former Focus DIY ‘green shed’ site – which will eventually include national chains like TGI Friday’s, Prezzo and the Handmade Burger Company.

This follows the start of work to demolish the old Asda store to make way for a new Northern Quarter development. Overall, the regeneration of the centre will add up to 800,000 sq ft of new retail and leisure space.

Growth on such an almost unprecedented scale has been at the heart of Telford ever since it was rudely brought into existence about half a century ago. In that time the town has flourished into being a flagship for progress and a model for the kind of future town planning

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

that is undoubtedly needed if we

are to keep pace with today’s

explosive population growth.

There’s a section on Telford Town

Centre’s official website entitled

‘The Future’ and although the site’s

intention is to be prosaic, with the

cataclysmic shift brought about by

online shopping and the increased

popularity of purpose-built out-

of-town shopping centres, it may

well be inadvertently speaking of

a unavoidably American portent.

Goodbye High Street, hello future.

55

SHoWrooM noW oPen!

like for y n a t a be !

We Will ten quotation it like Wr

56

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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57

OUTSIDE GARDEN FURNITURE At the other end of the price scale are rattan garden sets comprising table, chairs, footstools and cushions with removable covers and here you could be paying four figures, but that does buy you luxury.

For more relaxation, perhaps a swing garden seat may be just what you want. Accommodating two to four people they are also made from hardwood or metal with a range of patterned, weatherproof cushioning.

Available from Cane Furniture Studio, Kingswinford

If you have had your garden furniture for more than ten years, then it’s about time you started looking around to replace it because it must surely be showing signs of wear and tear, and will certainly be out of date.

Gardening can be an exhausting activity and the first thing you want to do after your hard labours is to sit in the garden and enjoy the results. There is now in the shops, an unprecedented, massive selection of chairs and seats.

These can range from simple deck or ‘film director’s’ type chairs with canvas seating, to seats offering near lounge type comfort.

There is an enormous selection of benches available, solidly constructed from quality hardwoods, such as Kapur and Acacia, and hardwearing to withstand the varying British weather conditions.

They come in various designs, both for seat and the backs, and will usually seat three people quite comfortably.

garden tables and chairs made from wood and metals like cast aluminium, so that you can enjoy light meals out in the garden on sunny days. Pine picnic benches, like those seen outside many pubs, are ideal for four or more to take refreshment sitting together. These are extremely reasonably priced from just over £100. Complete furniture sets comprising of a table, and mixed with both bench type seating and individual chairs, made in quality hardwood or metal, can cost as little as £250. And for the classical look, there are wicker outdoor furniture sets which with modern technology, are both water and UV resistant, and can be kept outside without treatment.

All these garden sets look good on both the lawn and patio.

For the really lazy person, a hammock must offer supreme comfort, and is reasonably priced from about £35. Hammocks can be erected between two convenient trees or can come with their own stand.

To complete your garden furniture, why not consider a gazebo and/ or arbour. Gazebos provide shade when required, are easily erected, and ideal for summer parties or for sheltered eating if placed near to a barbeque area.

Arbours are bench seating within a surrounding frame that allows climbing plants to grow up the sides and over the top. Seating can be rigid or swinging, and at prices from under £200, must represent the bargains of all time.

Your garden is an important part of home living, and you owe it to yourself to furnish it as well as you would any room in your house.

Also there is a great choice to be had of 58

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

59

Tile Choice Tiles with Style As the largest independent tile retailer in the country, Tile Choice has become known for its industryleading service, products and designs.

So, it’s no surprise that the company is celebrating its 25th anniversary in business this year.

Established in 1991, Tile Choice quickly established an excellent reputation and impressive customer base, which saw the business expand rapidly across the local area and beyond.

Now boasting an impressive 16 individually designed stores throughout the West and East Midlands areas, the business continues to go from strength to strength.

Marketing Director, Lee Rudkin explains: “We pride ourselves on the excellent service and quality products we offer our customers. Every member of the Tile Choice team is expertly trained and able to help customers find the right products for them, as well as giving

practical advice on how to plan and measure a room for tiling.”

And it’s this emphasis on staff training that really sets the company aside from the competition.

“The key to customer satisfaction is ensuring that our staff are trained in all aspects of the tile industry, so that they can properly advise the customer and meet their needs.”

The company even employs mystery shoppers to visit their stores a couple of times a month to ensure that standards remain as high as possible.

Quality runs throughout the company and that’s why clients can rest assured that they’re buying excellent products, even though the prices are kept impressively low.

“We buy direct from leading manufactures and because we buy in massive quantities we’re able to keep prices low for our customers.”

Tile Choice hold over £5million pounds worth of stock at their centralised 30,000 square foot warehouse and distribution centre.

“Clients can rest assured that we will never run out of stock and that we always have the most up-to-date choice of products.”

The business works hard to stay ahead when it comes to trends and always ensures that its showrooms are packed with the latest designs.

“Porcelain wood-effect tiles are really popular at the moment as well as vintage-looking tiles with Victorian-inspired designs.”

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Wolverhampton Rugby Club and Walsall Football Club.

“Giving something back to the local community is really important to us, we get involved with a lot of charity events and sponsor our local teams.”

The business was even onhand to help out several local families who appeared on BBC’s hit show DIY SOS, where they supplied tiles so that their home renovations could be completed by the show.

So, if you are looking for an up-to-the-minute design for your kitchen, bathroom or en-suite; a traditional style or contemporary design for your lounge, hallway or conservatory, Tile Choice will meet your every requirement at exceptional prices.

Visit today or alternatively check out: And the company’s extensive and diverse ranges meet the needs of both domestic clients and the trade alike.

Tile Choice stock an extensive range of tools and tiling accessories - which includes well-known branded products - plus its own-brand adhesive tubs and bags - making undertaking a tiling job easy.

The Tile Association (TTA) awards, which is an excellent accolade in the industry.”

Tile Choice also work closely with their local community, helping to raise money for charity and sponsoring

www.tilechoice.co.uk, where you’ll find all products available to buy - including tile samples.

Valuable ‘how to’ tips are online also, together with suggested products.

“We offer practical advice for those tiling themselves, but can also recommend local trusted trades who can complete the job if you prefer.”

Customer orders are quickly dealt with via the company’s warehouse, which offers support to stores, allowing customer orders to be picked out on the same-day and dispatched quickly nationwide.

“We have our own vehicle fleet to service stores on a daily basis, along with a customer delivery service that’s available via every store.”

The company’s high standards have even been officially recognised in the industry.

“We have won awards three out of four years running at www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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The growing season

has arrived

at Lealans Garden Centre Easter was early this year, making us think that the season is further advanced than it actually is.

Cold nights in April and May can soon set back tender plants put out too soon.

There’s plenty to plant out and do in the vegetable plot at the moment.

Plant smaller quantities little and often to keep a steady supply of veg for the kitchen. There are many varieties of veg available, so why not try something a bit different such as Pak Choi, Butternut Squash, Cucamelon and Okra.

Tomato, Cucumber and Pepper plants should not be planted outside until the end of May and inside need some heat at night if temperatures are dropping low.

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

Gardeners Delight is a good cherry Tomato, Tumbler is ideal for a heavy crop in a hanging basket or try one of the more unusual varieties like Tigarella with its stripped fruit or Golden Crown with its yellow fruits which are less acidic than the red forms.

onwards, so long as we aren’t getting any late frosts. Antirrhinums, Asters and Lobelia first, leaving Marigolds, Begonias, Impatiens and Geraniums until the beginning of June if necessary. Water well to get established, then, feed fortnightly and dead head regularly.

Many herbaceous plants flower in their first year and there’s always a good selection available on our outdoor tables. The first batch of West Country Lupins should be ready now, with their many vibrant colours they make a delightful splash of colour, along with the hardy Geraniums and the coloured leaves of the Heuchera.

Also available are the ever popular Delphiniums and Foxgloves.

Start making up hanging baskets and tubs, but don’t leave them outside at night until the beginning of June, a late frost will spoil them. Use a good multipurpose or tub and basket compost that has added moisture control and slow release fertilizer.

Summer bedding can be planted outside from the end of May

Water regularly – every day when the sun starts shining and feed weekly with a plant food such as Miracle Grow All Purpose or Phostrogen.

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Hanging Baskets now being accepted for summer refilling.

Open over May Bank Holiday.

Huge range of top quality shrubs, trees, roses, alpines and herbaceous plants always in stock.

www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE GARDEN

By Steve Tonks, General Manager at Boningale Garden Creations

Sustainability is a buzzword that you have probably heard quite a lot over the past few years – it’s all about being green and reducing the impact you have on the environment in your day-to-day lives.

And there’s no better way to begin your greener lifestyle than by changing some of your gardening habits – and it’s so easy to do. For a regular domestic garden, here are our top tips to creating a sustainable garden: 1. Compost your garden waste, vegetable and fruit peelings and used teabags. Letting these rot down will create nutrientrich humus that will help to feed your plants and shrubs.

2. Bag-up falling leaves, punch a few holes in the bags and within a few months you’ll be rewarded with leaf mould, which is a superb soil conditioner.

3. Catch rainwater in butts and use the fall-off around the garden.

4. Reduce your carbon footprint by growing your own fruit and veg. You don’t need an allotment or a smallholding to do this – grow salads in small

tubs, plant herbs in pots and even plant some veggies, such as chard and beans, alongside your flowers in the borders.

5. Make your garden a haven for beneficial insects by creating a bug hotel. Make a space at the back of the garden and pile up some logs and let them rot down, or cut down lengths of hollow bamboo and tie them together. They make perfect homes for creepy-crawlies.

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

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63

Try Safe Screen this Summer We all want to leave our windows and doors open during the summer months, but for most of us it’s just not practical.

Firstly there’s the worry of a beloved family pet escaping through the open space and secondly there’s the constant threat of invasion from pesky wasps and flies. As a result, we suffer the heat and swelter in hot, stuffy rooms.

But not for much longer, because Safe Screens have the perfect solution.

Owner, Tom, explains: “Our house cat used to keep escaping through our open conservatory window, so I made a wood and stainless steel mesh screen to cover the open space.”

“The screen kept the cat inside, allowed fresh air in and prevented flies from getting in, so I decided to make more screens for other windows and doors in our home.”

Seeing how brilliantly the screens worked, Tom decided to start his own business, Safe Screen: “Every screen we sell is handmade and designed to fit each of our customers’ individual windows or doors. They fit neatly, have extremely good optical clarity, are robust, waterproof and have good air flow.

They meet food hygiene regulations too, making them ideal for use in all kitchens - both domestic and commercial.”

“Our Solar Control meshes eliminate the need for dangerous fly sprays and keep your environment cool which is ideal for homes and offices. Our Pollen Screens help allergy sufferers by filtering birch, grass and stinging nettle pollen, whilst keeping insects out too.”

The screens fit all windows and doors; including sash, French and most types of Velux windows, as well as internal and external single, double and sliding doors. They are attached to the frames using hinges and turnbuckles, Velcro or magnetic strip.

They’re aesthetically pleasing and blend with your current frames - you can choose to have them in brown or white.

“We did a lot of research to find good quality components that look attractive and are, of course, strong enough to do the job,” adds Tom.

Make your home a fly free zone With added security from our Heavy Duty secure door with stainless steel.

Amplimesh and the fly screen mesh also designed to deter the opportunist snatch and run thief.

For a free no obligation quote on all jobs small or large, please call Tom on 01902 497703 or 07762 939567, covering all surrounding areas.

Safe Screen Hand Built Screens to suit your windows or doors to keep out the pests and allows your house pets safety whilst your windows and doors are open.

Meshes in fibre glass stainless steel, aluminium solar protection & pollen stop.

Please call Tom

01902 497703 or 07762 939567 Harper Road Wolverhampton WV14 6AT

“Our Pet Screens are fitted with claw and scratch resistant polyester mesh - great for dogs, cats and birds.”

64

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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65

BLAKE’S GLASS AND GLAZING

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PAINTER & DECORATOR

01902 784879 or 07989 151412 City and Guilds Qualified Camrose Gardens, Pendeford, Wolverhampton

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Using the latest and best equipment the team are able to take care of all of those annoying issues that make driveways look unsightly.

The driveway is one of the first things we notice when we arrive at a property, yet it’s something that we often overlook when it comes to our own home.

It’s easy to concentrate efforts elsewhere, but neglecting the driveway can really spoil the look of your property.

Fortunately, DCS are on-hand to give tired driveways a new lease of life with their professional cleaning and restoration service.

Co-owner Julie Cotterill, explains: “We take care of all aspects of cleaning, restoration and maintenance. We use a revolutionary industrial pressure rotary cleaning system and our machines are purposely designed to restore hardworking surfaces by providing a unique deep cleansing system.”

“Our deep cleaning system removes most tyre marks, most oil stains, weeds, moss and slippery algae.

We use a chemical-free industrial high pressure water system to restore the look of the drive.”

Established in 2009, the family-run business has gone from strength to strength over the years and husband and wife team, Rob and Julie and their son Richard have become highly recommended by homeowners.

“We’ve earned a great reputation in the local area and our customers have been delighted with the results and the service we offer.”

“People pay thousands of pounds to have their driveway put down, yet they don’t consider the need to maintain it, a professional clean can really bring it back to life.”

It’s not just driveways that benefit though, DCS also extend their cleaning service to paving and patios, facias, soffits, guttering and conservatories.

“We offer free no-obligation quotes and work hard to ensure that our pricing is extremely competitive.”

Excellent customer service is the number one priority for the company and they’ve even earned accreditation by Age Concern - something that reflects the high standards they work to.

So, why not contact the team for a quote today?

Homeowners are quickly learning the value of investing in maintaining their driveway.

Professional paving and patio cleaning at affordable prices, get your drive looking pristine

We specialise in: Block paving, re-sanded, sealed (optional) • Concrete inprint, recoloured and sealed • Pathways • Patios • Garden walls and stone ornaments • Conservatories • Oil stain removal • Fascias, soffits and guttering • Drains unblocked For a free no obligation quote please call 01902 448289 or 07976 880080 Bhylls Crescent, Merry Hill, Wolverhampton

www.drivecleaningservices.com Commercial work undertaken • Fully insured • Age Concern approved trader www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

67

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Oh What a Night!

In fact there were so many nights. Music, speakers, drama – it would be hard to pick out a favourite and each person will have their own special memories.

Codsall Community Arts Festival is pleased to report that the latest festival was another success.

Attendance was greatly

increased compared with 2014 and feedback suggests that the audience has been extremely complimentary, not only about the acts but also the professional sound and lighting, courtesy of Dan Street. The Festival is most fortunate in having such an enthusiastic, loyal and appreciative audience.

As always the committee is extremely indebted to the band of volunteers who help make the events pass so smoothly but enormous gratitude is also owed to patrons whose subscriptions allow the events to be booked in the first place. If anyone would like to register their interest in becoming a patron for the 2018 Festival, please email the Festival address for more information.

www.codsallartsfestival.org.uk T: 07852 200421 Registered Charity 1127064

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Trysull and Seisdon Open Gardens Weekend

14th-15th May, 10am – 5pm Ten private gardens in the parish will be open to the public.

It is a rare chance to look around them and share the gardens with their enthusiastic owners.

Teas will be available in some of the gardens and there will be plant and produce stalls at others. Tickets will be available at each garden and cost £5 each for a day ticket or £7.50 for a weekend ticket. All proceeds go to support All Saints Church.

• Gas boilers fixed and installed • Gas hobs/cookers • Gas fires • Gas appliance servicing • Landlord certificates • Plumbing problems • Leaks • Power flushing

Our historic parish church will be open to the public over the weekend and brief guides to the history of the church and villages will be available to visitors.

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

For further information please contact: Cynthia Peters Jill Harper Fiona Bowers

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Email: info@excelelectrical.net 69

Wolverhampton Police We’re reminding drivers to protect their van - and their livelihoods by removing all valuables from the vehicle and making sure that it is secure.

If a work man is only as good as tools… what does that mean if they are stolen?

Officers from the Black Country are reminding van drivers across the area to protect their vehicles, and the contents inside.

We suggest the following advice to tradesmen and commercial van drivers:

Prevent • Always aim to park in busy, well-lit areas and reverse into parking spaces, making the back of your vehicle inaccessible to potential thieves • Always remove items from view and whenever possible, remove tools, stock and other equipment from the van, especially when leaving it overnight.

Secure

• Always use a garage or secure car park if they are available to you.

Recover • Security mark your tools and any other highvalue property by using products such as DNA property marking and UV pens • Consider marking your van’s windows with the vehicle’s identification number.

Many of the victims we meet have had their lives turned upside down by this crime. Some of the smaller companies even have to cease trading for a while as they cannot afford to replace their expensive tools.

When your whole livelihood is in one vehicle, containing tools or stock it is even more important to think: prevent, secure and recover.

For general vehicle crime advice visit: www.west-midlands.police.uk/vehiclesecurity.

• Visible security features can be a strong deterrent, so consider steering or handbrake locks, mesh grilles on load-bay windows and pedal boxes.

Time running out for the free upgrade

to Windows For those people that may have been living on a desert island for the last 9 months, Microsoft have released a free upgrade to Windows 10 for users of Windows 7 or 8.1 The upgrade has been downloading as part of normal Windows Updates and has prompted for users to install.

70

Many users have chosen to ignore the upgrade offer and this should no longer bug those users after 29th July. If you buy a new computer or laptop that still has Windows 8.1 (or even 7 - some business systems still have the older operating system) then you don’t have long to upgrade.

After the deadline, it’s too late. Microsoft haven’t actually announced what happens after that date, but it’s highly unlikely Windows 10 will be free.

So, if you still want to try it, do it soon.

Remember, if you don’t like it you can still return to your previous operating system within a month of upgrading.

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A DAY OUT IN YORK

By Trevor Langley

As one of this country’s most inspiring cities, York has so much to offer the visitor. The web of very quaint cobbled streets and the superb architecture, the café culture, with a whole lot in between, make York a city of contrasts and something of a surprise around every corner.

Be amazed by the absolutely splendid York Minster – the largest Gothic Cathedral north of the Alps.

Taking 250 years to build, York Minster has its very own police force – one of only two cathedrals in the world to have this privilege, the other being St Peter’s, Rome.

World class museums, art galleries, festivals, theatres and evening ghost walks are all available to be located in this city of wealth and tradition. From the York Festival of Food and Drink, to the Jorvik Viking Centre, Traditional Tea Rooms and of course the National Railway Museum, to shopping in the Shambles – York’s most famous medieval street – and cruising down the River Ouse on a boat, enjoying a drink or two at a riverside bar, as well as exploring the Moors, Dales and stately homes in the beautiful countryside around

York, there is something to appeal to everyone. Walk the City Walls; explore Clifford’s Tower, which is named after Roger de Clifford, who was hung in chains from the battlements following the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322 – not a thought to dwell on!

York was awarded and crowned European Tourism City of the Year, at an awards ceremony in Athens in 2007. York hosts the UK’s largest Food Festival, which takes place over ten days every September – that’s as well as having some 365 pubs, if you fancy a pub crawl!

Many, many different aspects of York are very appealing, whatever your tastes, or desires. Providing locations for filming of such classics as Brideshead Revisited and Robinson Crusoe, among others, can all be sourced, if that is an interest to the visitor. Locate your favourite restaurant or bistro and

enjoy a fantastic dining experience, with mouth watering menus.

York’s railway industry and conversely chocolate production, paved the way for the economic success of this fascinating city.

Indeed, the National Railway Museum has appeal to just about everybody – young, older, males and females. With three giant halls of legends of the railways, including the fastest steam locomotive in the world – Mallard – the Japanese Bullet Train and much more, such as a massive Chinese locomotive, one of the largest ever built in the UK. Many demonstrations take place daily and with plenty of interactive exhibits there is no time for boredom here. Admission is free and it is very well worth allowing time and building this venue into your visit to York.

With the Castle Museum and its authentic streets this award winning museum is one of Europe’s best.

Travel back 1,000 years to the Viking era at the Jorvik Centre and admire over 800 items of history discovered on site. Visit the York Dungeon for the ultimate chilling experience. Enjoy York Minster, with over 1,000 years of worship and history to be learned about. Perhaps a sightseeing cruise on the River Ouse would give a different view of York.

Much history and culture abounds in York and the visitor centre has all the up-to-date information. Check out more information at www.visityork.org, Tel: 01904-550099.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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73

Kinver Country Fayre steams ahead to welcome The White Helmets Sunday 19 June

Excitement is mounting as Fayre day gets closer, with the world famous White Helmets Royal Signals motorcycle display team set to entertain the crowds.

Up to 30 skilled riders will be performing some spectacular stunts in the main arena and are expected to wow the crowds with their trademark pyramidshaped balancing act.

This year Kinver is also playing host to some very special steam engines, including an expected 1923 Foden steam tractor, the ever-popular fairground engine Endurance and various miniature steam machines. Carrying on the motorbike theme, a contingent from the Royal British Legion Riders Branch is also expected, along with a selection of other veteran vehicles.

Don’t miss the full arena programme with

sheepdog displays, fun dog show, sports demos and fancy dress competition. There are plenty of attractions to keep the children happy too, including bouncy castles, traditional fairground rides, face painting, pony rides, a climbing wall and sports challenges from Kinver Colts FC and Stourbridge Rugby Club.

For the first time, the Fayre has its own dedicated music venue, next to the real ale, cider and Pimms tent.

Irish band Damn the Weather will be playing, along with rockers Three Blind Mice. Then add into the mix some Morris and Irish dancing - and some lively samba bands to up the pace.

With stalls selling gifts, crafts and local produce, plus catering ranging from hog roasts to flavours of the East, the whole family can be assured of a great day out this Father’s Day in Kinver.

Don’t miss the parade at 11am in the village High Street. For more info visit www.kinvercountryfayre.com 74

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

96 Windmill Lane, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton WV3 8HG

Quality Butchers Specialists in high quality British meat for over 50 years Comprehensive range of pork pies using the finest ingredients All pies and sausages made exclusively on the premises.

Ready cooked meals – beef lasagne, chicken curry, cottage pies and hot pots.

We also make sweet pies.

Gluten free and other special orders available upon request.

New season Staffordshire Spring Lamb now available

Tel: 01902 761693

www.poxonsbutchers.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

75

Sizzling Summer Food at

R J Hipkiss & Sons Butchers

We believe in providing our customers with the very best quality locally sourced beef, lamb, pork and English poultry.

All our meat can be traced back to its origin. of Also available an extensive range r in store cooked meats, sliced to you e and preference, handmade pastry’s, pat ally salads for all occasions and all loc Superb! sourced from the best suppliers…

and baps Hot sandwiches until close. available 8am – levels of Providing the best and advice. customer service

e R e ’S H T , S n o S d n A S iS k AT R J H iP yone!

R e v e R o f g in H T e M So 76

Open: Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 6.00pm, Sunday 8am to 4pm Tel: 01902 745956 wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

www.rjhipkissandsons.co.uk

KEEping thE th ings

WE lovE...

lOCAl!

are All the summer barbecue favourites ection back! Spatchcock chickens, great sel , of marinated grill sticks, bbq pork ribs culent wide range of meaty sausages, suc handmade burgers and lots more!

A superb selection of marinates, oils and glazes. Choose any flavour you like and have it on anything you wa nt.

Tried and tested flavours plus new arrivals including Jim Beam Bourbo n sauce and new marinates that are bursting with high impact flavours. uding stir-frys and Gluten Free products available incl much be used on anything! sausages, new oils that can pretty ntia l) wer e wel l kno wn (an d late ly Dai sy Fres h and Esse zer Free sy Dai rs, yea 37 r deli cate sse n. “Fo lly sou rced qua lity mea ts and for sup plyi ng a ran ge of loca food dep artm ent hav e ard and the team at his fres h it is fan tast ic to see how Rich r stor e in Com pto n.

Spa mps Cru colm don and Mal 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 tha t the sec tion enjo yed . s ces suc t of the rea son for the par or maj a was lity qua for eye n to deta il by his team , now pre par ed with care and atte ntio ition �. Mik e Boy ce Loc al mea ts, loca lly sou rced , s con tinu atio n of the dai sy trad ulou fab a its on, Jas son my incl udin g

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

77

A busy summer is in store for Halfpenny Green Vineyards It’s wine season all year round at The Vineyards, but no more so than in the summer months.

As the sun begins to shine and temperatures rise, the vines that spread across the lush 30 acre site in South Staffordshire will begin to flower, attracting visitors from across the region to the renowned shop, restaurant and winery.

Recent figures show a huge increase in sales for English wine, and unsurprisingly, several of The Vineyard’s wines are now stocked by Marks and Spencer stores throughout the region, including two whites - Long Acre and Mercia and their Sparkling Rosé. Additionally, Waitrose has also taken on The Vineyard's white Tom Hill in Midlands stores and at the prestigious John Lewis Food Hall on Oxford Street!

If the backing of two of the UK’s largest retailers isn’t endorsement enough, why not pop along to The Vineyards and taste the wine for yourself?

On Saturday 28th May, to celebrate the start of English Wine Week, The Vineyards will be holding a free-entry Food & Wine Festival! Local suppliers will have a range of food, drink and produce to taste, including the Vineyard’s own range of awardwinning wines. Then throughout the following week - until the 5th June - The Vineyards will be

running mini-tours, tastings and special offers daily to celebrate the success of English wine!

Not all the fun will be concentrated into just one week, though, because the wine is celebrated every day of the year at Halfpenny Green. The recently expanded shop features an entire floor dedicated to wine, and features a brand new wine tasting menu, where a trained taster will guide you through a real wine tasting!

All wine at The Vineyards is produced from the grape to the finished bottle entirely on site, and a guided tour is the perfect way to get to see this process. Including a tasting and two course meal, public tour dates take place during the summer months with upcoming dates on 23rd June, 2nd July and 11th August. Private group tour bookings are also available throughout the year - call on 01384 221122 for more details (minimum numbers apply).

Having just appointed a brand new head chef with over 10 years of experience, the on-site restaurant is now serving breakfast from 9am, seven days a week (just in time for Father’s Day!) Lunch is available every day between 12-3pm, including a special Sunday menu each week, with sandwiches and cakes served throughout the day. With vintage high teas available daily (booking necessary), this countryside retreat is the perfect place for a fine dining experience.

Whether it’s lunch, a tour or tasting, or just to pick up a bottle of your favourite locally produced wine, there truly has never been a better time to visit Halfpenny Green Vineyards. And don’t forget to join in the English Wine Week celebrations from 28th May – 5th June, with The Vineyard’s free-entry Food & Drink Festival on Saturday 28th May from 10:30am!

Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffordshire DY7 5EP. To book or for further details please call 01384 221122 or visit www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk 78

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

www.halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Tom Lane, Bobbington, South Staffordshire DY7 5EP Enjoy Vintage High Tea in style, perfect for couples and groups of all sizes. Gift Vouchers available.

Food & Wine Festival Sat 28th May Celebrating the start of English Wine Week 28th May - 5th June.

Locally renowned restaurant with brand new menu for 2016. Now booking Breakfast and Sunday Lunch for Father’s Day 16th June.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.00AM – 5.00PM Tel: 01384 221122 Email: sales@halfpenny-green-vineyards.co.uk

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Eating Out and Entertainment

Promote your venue to over 50,000* readers with Wolverhampton West Magazine To find out how your venue can be featured please call Gisella on 01902 744217 80

*over a 2 month period

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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Wombourne Tandoori Restaurant Established 1989

Air conditioned

Cuisine of Bengal

Fully licensed



FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME 2011

Rafique Miah welcomes you to the longest established Indian Restaurant in Wombourne Village, serving sumptuous Bangladeshi Cuisine for over 25 years.

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

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

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

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

High Street, Wombourne WV5 9DN

facebook.com/wombourne.tandoori

www.wombournetandoori.com

The Park house hoTel Shifnal

www.parkhousehotel.net

2 for 1 on Sunday Lunch Book a table in our restaurant for a traditional 3 course Sunday Lunch at £24.95 and receive another 3 course lunch FREE*.

Please quote Wolverhampton West Magazine when booking. *Valid until 31st December 2016. Excludes Fathers Day. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not valid for private dining or for bookings of more than 6 people. Valid only when 3 courses are purchased.

Butlers Bar is part of the Park House Hotel which is a 54 superior bedroomed Hotel set in beautiful grounds. Every Sunday the Park House Hotel holds a ‘Wedding Open Day’ where prospective wedding couples are invited to come in and have a look around.

To reserve a table or for more information on events at The Park House Hotel, please call our sales team now on 01952 460128.

The Park House Hotel, Park Street, Shifnal, Telford, TF11 9BA

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reservations@parkhousehotel.net

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

with master chef Mario and his enthusiastic team

Serving Fine Italian and English Cuisine including Traditional Black Country favourites Pizzas now available!

“Steve Bull invites you to come along and sample the delights of his delightful restaurant overlooking the Green in Tettenhall”

NEw mENu Now avaIlaBlE!

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4a Upper Green, Tettenhall WV6 8QQ Ample Free Parking 83

T ickled P ink

by

Our editor Geoff Hall enjoys a trip to his local curry house on a special anniversary.

I’ve never felt the need to travel far afield in search of greener grass when it comes to top-notch Asian cuisine. Then again, I do suppose I am unnaturally fortunate in this regard, given that, as a longstanding resident of Perton, I have so very close at hand the formidable Flamingo Pink restaurant.

Located in Anders Square at a distance that is best described as a “hop, skip and a jump” - by athletic outdoorsy-types – from the headquarters of Wolverhampton West Magazine, I can think of no better place in which to celebrate our magazines’ six-year anniversary than with a trip back to the place of the first ever restaurant review to appear in this publication.

As with so much else that has taken place in the last six years, at

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first glance little has changed: now as we did back then my partner Gisella and I drive to the venue, because the unpredictable April rain showers will – again – allow no different. And just like the first time our eyes are mesmerised by the pulsating neon glare coming from the restaurant’s frontage, which acts like a beacon on this quiet Tuesday night, beckoning diners inside.

Once out of the showers we are hit with a wonderful one-two punch from Flamingo Pink’s finest: first, the famous olfactory assault that only freshly-cooked curry can deliver, second, the warmth and hospitality that has seen the restaurant flourish since owner Mike Miah opened the business 21 years ago, garnering a loyal customer-base (us among them), many of whom travel from far and wide to visit.

You’d never believe it was the same quiet Tuesday night in here.

There’s a hustle and a bustle to the place that screams Friday night. Nothing but excellent food

can do this and Flamingo Pink has an embarrassment of riches.

Fusing traditional cooking styles from the Indian sub-continent with an accent upon substituting ordinary everyday meats for the exotic (kangaroo, ostrich and crocodile all feature on an extensive menu), Flamingo Pink stands out from the myriad curry houses that have taken root in the Wolverhampton area.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Having eaten at most of them over the years – both in a professional capacity and as a regular punter – I am well qualified to report that this place is something special.

The very first time I ever saw the 100 strong items on the menu, I was tickled pink; tonight is more of the same. Anyone who visits an Indian restaurant only to order Chicken Tikka Masala is definitely missing out; this is a selection light-years removed from the pathetically limited idea most people have about the breadth of choice that curry has to offer. Flamingo Pink’s menu demonstrates this better than anywhere else I’ve tried.

After receiving drinks from the warm and friendly waiting staff, we pause to soak up the surroundings.

Agreeing that that restaurant décor is both modern and stylish, we enjoy the privacy provided by the high-backed chairs, while occasionally remarking upon the vibrant atmosphere. It doesn’t take long for the food to arrive.

chapatti (£3.50). “Outstanding!” is the verdict she relays amid mouthfuls.

a real treasure that offers up a delicious twist on familiar fare.

Now to the mains and again there is but an appropriate respite: clearly Flamingo Pink has the same well-oiled kitchen machine as on previous visits. Since this is key to the restaurants success we both plump for items from the ‘Signature Dishes’ section of the menu.

Never one to turn down a challenge, Gisella takes the menu’s promise of “a treat for Korma lovers” as a sign that she must try the ‘Mango Korma’, which is chicken – or in Gisella’s case – lamb, bathed in a rich creamy sauce laced with almonds, coconut and slices of mango (£7.95). She loves it.

Always keen to enjoy a taste of the exotic, I receive ‘Crocodile Desire’ which is succulent pieces of tender crocodile meat which can be prepared to suit you: Balti, Jalfrezi, Masala, Bhuna, etc (£11.95). As I’m a big fan of creamy Masala sauce, I elect to have my croc served under a blanket of the classic recipe.

The crocodile meat is a revelation: succulent and flavoursome and

Freshly cooked and piping hot a sublime cocktail of aromas wafts upwards from the two starter dishes, egging each of us to be the first to halt conversation mid-sentence and dive in. I’m first to relent, tucking into my ‘Moroccan spiced lamb parcels and cucumber shavings’ (£3.95) with gusto. It is a dish with a delightful combination of flavours, which melt effortlessly in the mouth: the lamb is tender, not tough; the spices pinball around my palate, gifting to me eyewateringly good sensations. Gisella isn’t far behind with her choice of ‘Chicken Chaat’, which comprises diced pieces of chicken, cooked and garnished with natural herbs and spices and served on a shallow fried www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Being thoroughly spent, satisfied and brimming with the very best of culinary fare that Mother India has to offer we exit into the night absolutely convinced that things are just as good today at Flamingo Pink as they were six years ago.

And I’d like to think that the same is true of this magazine.

Flamingo Pink: 7 Anders Square, Perton, Wolverhampton WV6 7QH To avoid disappointment please book:

01902 744500 or 01902 745200 85

A truly exciting and vibrant eating experience offering exquisite fine cuisine and traditional culinary styles from India and Bangladeshi

SPECIAL OFFER WHEN DINING IN Popadom and chutney tray, Any starter, Any main dish*, Any nan bread or any rice Available Sunday to Thursday £10.95 per person / £6.95 children under 10 *Steak and king prawn dishes £2.50 extra. Game meat not included.

Open 7 days a week 5.30pm – 11.30pm. Free home delivery within 4 mile radius, minimum order of £15.

10% discount on collected take-away orders, minimum order £10. www.flamingoperton.co.uk

To avoid disappointment please book on

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fOR fURTHER iNfORmATiON ON GOlf, DiNiNG OR fUNcTiONS OR TO mAkE A

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01902 742 225 wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

mAy fAiR with ANdReW LLoyd Wednesday 25th May Shop from 5:30pm, two course meal and coffee served 7:30pm.

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Mum’s memory inspires Sarah to join Sarah, a florist who lost her mum to cancer three years ago is to donate a bouquet of flowers to one lucky participant at Wolverhampton’s Race for Life.

Sarah Glynn has been supporting the Cancer Research UK event as a volunteer ever since she took part with a 26-strong team of friends and family in 2013 and

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Race for life team raised a massive £6,500. Now Sarah has secured a job as an event assistant, helping organise the races which attract hundreds of thousands of women uniting for the same cause every year.

To celebrate the milestone Sarah has decided to donate a large bouquet of flowers to one lucky participant chosen at random at Wolverhampton’s Race for Life.

And she is urging women across the county to join forces with their mums, sisters, grandmothers and aunts to take part in the event at West Park on Wednesday, June 8.

“Sadly, I’m no longer able to send flowers to my mum,” said Sarah.

“I felt devastated when she died and I miss her every day. Donating

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

flowers at Race for Life is my way of honouring her memory. I know she would be proud to see me join the Race for Life team and help other people who have been diagnosed with cancer.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to help fund life-saving research.

Sarah’s mum Kathryn Cowling from Palmers Cross died on January 10, 2013 - just six months after she was told she had secondary cancer which had spread from her pancreas.

Emily Thompson, Race for Life event manager in the Midlands said: “Sarah has volunteered for us ever since she took part in her first Race for Life in honour of her mum three years ago.

“Mum was unbelievably strong and determined to be that one person who would beat cancer,” said Sarah, who owns Petals by Sarah Louise. “I felt so helpless but I vowed I would do everything I could to achieve her goal.”

“We’re delighted she’s joined our team and we think that donating flowers to one lucky participant is a wonderful idea. We hope her passion and enthusiasm will inspire many other women to take part and help us beat cancer sooner.”

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

However, every day, 79 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands* meaning more funds and more supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Ladies, it’s time to lace up your trainers, and walk, jog, or charge your way around Race for Life 2016.

Let’s beat cancer sooner To enter Race for Life’s 5k,10k or Pretty Muddy events visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Beautiful Bridal Hair at Ego

current hue with techniques like balayage and ombre.”

Of course, as Great Lengths specialists the team take care of hair extensions too: “We can use extensions to add length and volume to tresses or to create a particular style for our clients. Caz is also our Great Lengths expert and she can help create the perfect wedding look.”

Layla and her team of skilled stylists work with many local wedding venues - like Pendrell Hall, The Mount Hotel and Chillington Hall where they’ll frequently be on-site, taking care of the entire bridal party.

You’ve booked the perfect venue, found your dream dress and sent out the invites, so now it’s time to find the hairstyle that’ll guarantee you to look absolutely gorgeous on your big day.

The team at Ego Hair Salon are experts when it comes to creating fabulous wedding hair and love nothing more than styling beautiful looks for brides-to-be.

enjoys creating fabulous hair looks for special occasions.

“Caz is known for her voluminous blow-dries and beautiful long hair styles.”

But, it’s not just styling that the team are skilled at: “Finding the perfect hair colour is really important too and we can advise on which colouring techniques will work best with the look you’re after. We can make subtle changes to your

“We can style the bride - and her wedding party - at our salon in Tettenhall, or travel out to the venue. We work a lot in the local area, but are always willing to travel further afield if required.”

“We really enjoy working with local venues and businesses and we work closely with Codsall Cupcakes too.”

Layla recommends that bridesto-be book in at the salon for a hair trial around 4-6 weeks before their big day.

“We always carry out a really thorough consultation with clients, then do the trial so that they can get to see what the finished look will be like, well before the wedding day.”

As salon owner, Layla Sedgmore explains: “We absolutely love doing wedding hair, it’s amazing to be able to create the style our client’s have always dreamed of for their big day.”

Whether you’re certain of the look you want, or stuck for style inspiration, you can rest assured that the team can help.

“We do all sorts of gorgeous styles at the salon, everything from vintage soft pin curling, classic and sophisticated chignons to modern fishtail plaits.”

The salon’s own contemporary hair-up specialist, Caz Bunte, 90

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Ego have an impressive portfolio of work to view on their facebook and instagram pages:

And once the trial is complete, there’s no better way to test your style’s staying-power than with a night out.

“We recommend that our clients make the most of their trial by planning it around a night out or before their dress fitting, so that they can really get a good idea of how well it’ll work for them on the big day.”

It’s not just bridal hair that’s taken care of at the salon though, there’s also Ego’s brand new express make-up service on offer as well.

“Our clients can choose to have their make-up done with us, as part of our express make-up and lashes service. We have our fabulous resident makeup artist, Chloe Parker, who uses Urban Decay products.”

“We also recommend Mac make-up artist, Ria Moore, to our clients - both ladies are able to create stunning eye make-up looks.”

The express eye make-up service at Ego costs just £25 and brides can book it alongside their hair trial.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

“Clients can check out the styles we’ve created for our clients on any of our social media pages.”

So, if your big day is just around the corner why not book in at Ego today and find your perfect bridal look?

Ego 299/301 Tettenhall Road Newbridge Wolverhampton WV6 0LB Tel: 01902 754455 Email: news@ego-hairsalon.co.uk Facebook: Ego-HairSalon1 Twitter: @EgoHairSalon1 Instagram: EGOHAIRSALON1 91

Skin & Tonic 15 years old

Skin and Tonic beauty salon recently celebrated their 15th year of being open.

To celebrate they held an event at the salon and invited customers old and new to experience their new Elemis Biotec facial treatments.

The treatment combines Actives, Touch and Technology. This is a first for any skincare brand to achieve. Claire and the team have really enjoyed the new addition to the Skin and Tonic menu just as much as the clients; they are inundated with bookings for the treatment which is available 6 days a week!

Guests on the evening took advantage of special offers on courses and products from Elemis. Claire invited an Elemis expert to the event to join in with the demonstrations

and questions that the skin and tonic team were answering. Next for Skin and Tonic is a brand new Elemis spa menu, the brand has re-launched all of its spa treatments and from May they will be available from Skin and Tonic alongside Elemis Biotec.

Call 01902 757357 for more information and your free lifestyle consultation.

Skin & Tonic Team

heeler s, Emma W Dianne Perk ards ett, Jo Rich Natalie Benn

, gue (model) is), Claire Ha owner) ridge (Elem Harriet Dudb ccormack (Skin & Tonic Claire M progress Treatment in

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

New Millinery and Accessories Studio Opens in Town!

HT Headwear is a Wolverhampton based millinery company that specialises in creating bespoke unique headwear and accessories for all occasions.

Since 2010, the brand has become synonymous with style, quality and personal service at an affordable price.

By appointment only, clients are invited to bring their outfits to have a good try on of all the different styled headpieces and accessories, before having your very own bespoke creation made to suit you.

Brides, mother of the bride, flower girls, bridesmaids and guests are all catered for along with Ascot and race day goers!

By appointment only: HT Headwear, The Press Works, Berry Street, Wolverhampton.

(5 min walk from the train station) Tel: 07891 819 933. Email: info@htheadwear.com www.htheadwear.com

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!

Floral explosion

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Michael Kors Shoe £130

Ted Baker Bag £79

Michael Kors Pump £135

Ted Baker Make Up Bag £35

Vivienne Westwood Pump £105

Armani Jeans Bag £175

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Spring & Summer 16 Key Trend.

Spring / Summer is here again and we are all looking for inspiration to update our current wardrobes, nothing represents summer more than a floral print.

Wear a complete look or add a key piece through printed accessories.

It used to be that wearing a “full look” meant you lacked imagination.

Now a complete set seems to be the outfit of the moment.

Ted Baker shirt £109 Ted Baker trousers £129

Visit Diffusion in Wolverhampton, Merry Hill Centre, Telford or Walsall, or online at diffusiononline.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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2016 S p r i n g a n d S u m m e r at

Aristocats

Whatever the occasion, you are sure to find the perfect outfit at Aristocats.

Clothes that will take you effortlessly to any function whether casual or formal in the daytime, after six or late evening.

Fabulous quality, stylish and easy to wear.

Call in at Aristocats today to update your fashion look this season.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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

Co-ordinated Day Wear • Coats • Cocktail & Evening Wear Lingerie • Accessories • Belts • Bags • Jewellery • Hosiery 234www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk Coalway Road, Penn,Wolverhampton WV3 7NN Tel: 01902 344003

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Special offer for all new clients

CUT & FINISH ONLY £20 May offer

Salon 27 are a unisex salon and have a monthly offer throughout the year, even one for the kids!

Half price colour To book an appointment please call on: every Thursday with selected stylists.

Kids cut offer every www.salon27wolverhampton.co.uk Monday 3pm-5pm Find us on Facebook: Salon 27 unisex hairsalon. 65 Wakeley Hill, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 5BA

(01902) 836565

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Dermapen at

Cosmetique

The team of experts at Wolverhamptonbased Aesthetic Clinic, Cosmetique, have been busy helping clients take care of all manner of beauty concerns using the latest - and best techniques and products.

Owner Suky Chana explains: “We’re a GP/Consultant-led clinic that specialises in dermal fillers, Dermapen, laser treatments and other skincare treatments to enable clients to tackle their skin concerns.”

Cosmetique is not a beauty salon, so clients can rest assured that when they receive treatment they’re in capable hands.

Dermapen has proved to be an incredibly popular treatment at the clinic, with clients being delighted with the results.

“Dermapen is a revolutionary micro-needling treatment that works to tighten, lift and rejuvenate the skin, promoting natural collagen production with very little downtime.”

The treatment is ideal for treating fine lines and wrinkles, minimising pores, dealing with surgical or acne scars as well as treating pigmentation and stretch marks.

“As the Dermapen device is in the form of a pen, it is perfect for treating hard to reach areas around the eyes, nose and lips.”

And, there is little epidermal damage when compared to the Dermaroller, which means there is minimal discomfort for the client.

“A lot of people have the treatment a day or two before a night out, party or function they’re attending to ensure they look their best.”

A course of three Dermapen treatments are recommended and the results are sure to impress.

Contact the clinic today to find our more.

Throughout May 2016 Cosmetique are offering a course of 3 treatments that usually cost £150 per treatment for only £99 per treatment.

“The procedures we offer are carefully researched, backed by medical evidence and carried out by professionals.”

570 Penn Road Penn Wolverhampton WV4 4HU

Clinically led with all procedures carried out by qualified medical staff • • • • • •

Laser Hair Removal IPL Pigmentation Scars Blemishes Stretch Marks Collagen Enhancement

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New 3D Lipo Plus Treatments now available, please call for further details

To book an appointment or further details please call 01902 334181 cosmetiqueaesthetic@gmail.com www.cosmetiqueaesthetics.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Exciting changes

at Michelle Lawley It’s been three years since Michelle Lawley opened her hair salon in Lowlands Avenue, Tettenhall.

In that time Michelle has not only established a loyal customer base, styled gorgeous colour looks for her clients and achieved great competition success but she’s also expanded her business.

Michelle explains: “Thanks to the success of the hair salon, I’ve been able to grow my business and begin a really exciting new chapter by taking on the premises downstairs - formally Pretty Woman.”

When the salon opened Michelle and her team of talented stylists occupied only the upper floor of the building, that previously housed the two businesses.

Now, the company has taken over both floors and Michelle has created a dedicated beauty salon for her clients.

“I wanted to offer clients a onestop-shop for hair and beauty, somewhere where they can come and have their hair and nails done at the same time, ready for that special occasion or big night out.”

Renovating the building has meant that Michelle has been able to tailor the space to suit the needs of the business.

“We have got hair and beauty services on both floors and we’ve designed the salon with a really modern and luxurious look throughout.”

that quality extends to the beauty part of the business too.

“In the hair salon we only use products from the best industryleading brands - like L’Oreal, TIGI and Olaplex - and so we’ve carefully selected our beauty brands too.”

Excitingly Michelle Lawley now offers beauty treatments from Heaven Skincare, LVL Lashes, HD Brows and OPI nails.

“Every single member of our team is highly trained and our beauticians expertly take care of all those essential treatments like waxing, spray tanning, manicures, pedicures and massages, as well as specialist beauty treatments.”

There has been several new staff members join the team - two of which were Pretty Woman’s nail technicians - who handle all nail services; including manicures, pedicures, acrylic and gel nails.

Taking over the entire building in Lowlands Avenue has meant that Michelle has not only been able to introduce the beauty salon at the business but expand her hairdressing salon too.

“We’ve been so lucky over the last few years to establish a loyal client base that’s growing all the time. Having the extra space means that we can accommodate our customers much easier.”

It’s no surprise that Michelle has been inundated with clients since she opened the salon, as she has an excellent reputation in the industry.

“I’ve got a long history in the business and have completed L’Oreal Colour Specialist and Wella Master Colour Expert courses as well as competing in various industry competitions and offering advice in the Good Salon Guide.”

And, it’s this background that has meant that Michelle is perfectly placed to train her own staff of expert stylists and colourists.

“I’ve got a great team at the salon and I really enjoy training my staff.

Tiffany is my colour protégé, she’s been with me from the beginning and she is achieving great success.”

In fact, Tiffany and Charlotte are currently representing the salon in the prestigious L’Oreal Colour Trophy Competition and have secured a place in the finals.

Whether you want to treat yourself to a fabulous new colour look, or maybe just a manicure, head to Michelle Lawley and enjoy being pampered in the gorgeous new-look salon today.

Already known for excellence in hair design, Michelle has ensured

Michelle Lawley

Charlotte Hartland, Tiffany Clark, Stevie Jones, John Clark, Brooks & Brooks (judge)

w w w . m i c h e l l e l a w l e y h a i r . c o . u k 100

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

1 Lowlands Avenue, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 9PA 01902 754110 / 754111 salon@michellelawley.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Model Wears: New Look

Summer

sophistication

By Helen Taylor Make your summer style ultra sophisticated this year by choosing trend pieces that are classically cut, simply styled and ultra-chic.

Soft, muted shades look great with a tan, whist this season’s trend for stripes helps you to achieve maximum glamour, whatever the occasion.

Complete your look with a gorgeous handbag and statement pair of heels and enjoy the summer in style.

Bering Ceramic Watch £179 Exclusively available at T.A. Henn, Wolverhampton

Model Wears: New Look

Earrings from £80

Pendant £75

Pendant £100 Snowdrop Collection

by Fei Liu

Silver & Fresh Water Pearl Jewellery (also available in rose gold) Exclusively available at T.A. Henn, Wolverhampton 102

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Top £16 Miss Selfridge

‘Chino’ Dress £59 Monsoon White Trousers £38 Star by Julian Macdonald at Debenhams

Handbag £135 Moschino at Diffusion

Handbag £240 Michael Kors at Diffusion Top £25 River Island

Heels £145 Ted Baker at Diffusion www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Purse £235 Paul Smith at Diffusion

White Knot Front Blouse £30 River Island 103

MORNING HABITS OF HAPPY PEOPLE Apologies to all you night owls out there, but research has shown that morning people are generally happier, and more successful.

So, what is the secret behind this apparent enhanced happiness and success? We’ve outlined below just a few of the most common habits of those who enjoy getting up with the larks, and what us late risers (we certainly have a few here!) could learn from them…

• They Never Skip Breakfast We all know that breakfast is said to be the most important

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meal of the day – providing us with vital nutrients and energy needed for the day ahead. A study by leading trade publication, The Grocer, however found that breakfast is the most skipped meal of the day, with 45% of those in the UK going without at least once a week • They Set Daily Goals Early birds plan their days to a ‘T’ so that they know exactly what they have to do, and when. In addition, the most happy, and successful, people schedule to undertake the most difficult tasks first so that they get these out of the way quickly

• They Exercise Before the Day Starts Whether it’s walking the dog before work or heading to the gym before meeting up with friends, early morning exercise is said to do wonders for your health (and happiness). Not only does it jumpstart your metabolism and regulates your appetite, but it energises you for the day ahead – so you’re ready to tackle whatever it throws at you!

• They Are Kind To Themselves (and leave the past where it is) Instead of waking up ruminating about what happened yesterday or what tasks didn’t get done, happy individuals wake up thinking positively about all the fantastic things they’re going to achieve throughout the day ahead. Not only that, but with the act of helping others is well-documented as a source of happiness, early morning people plan their good deeds in advance!

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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Under 25s Paycare Go is a healthcare benefits plan designed specifically for young adults aged 18 to 24. Whether at home, away at college, or just enjoying independent living for the first time healthcare is easy to overlook.

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www.paycare.org 105

by Helen Taylor

Facial massage for beautiful skin

- so that you’re not dragging the skin down. Do small sections at a time, working from your chin to ear, lip to ear, nose to temple, centre of forehead to hairline.

5. Using your fingertips tap gently around the eye area - apply an eye cream if you wish - start at the outer corner and move to the inner, taking care not to be too heavy-handed.

Massage around the eye contours to help brighten the eye area, work around the eyes in a circular motion using a light pressure from your fingertips. This will help to reduce puffiness from the eye and drain fluid build-up.

6. Next, tap all over your face using the same action, working again from the centre and moving outwards.

You might be surprised to read that facial massage is a great way to refresh your skin, smooth-out wrinkles and relax.

Tension from life’s everyday stresses can build-up in the facial muscles, ultimately resulting in a lined and furrowed brow.

Treating yourself to a facial - that includes massage - at the salon is a great pick-me-up and a useful tool in the fight against ageing.

By relaxing the muscles, your face will appear softened and built-up stresses will be released. The massage will also help to drain fluid build-up from around the eyes, increase blood circulation and make the creams you apply afterwards even more effective because they’ll be more easily absorbed into the skin.

If you haven’t got time to get to the salon though, or you want to keep up the good work between visits, 106

follow our guide to performing an effective massage yourself at home.

1. After thoroughly cleansing your face, take a moisturiser, face oil or serum and use your knuckles to gently - but firmly - massage the product all over your face, ensuring that you work from the centre outwards to your ears.

Do the same for your neck.

2. Next, de-clog your pores by moving your fingertips over the same area - working from the middle of your face outwards and upwards, towards the lympnodes - situated behind under the earlobes - to promote drainage.

3. Use the flat and heel of your thumb and the side of your bent index finger in a pinching flick movement along your jaw line, starting from your chin, then moving to each ear.

4. Move your fingertips in small circular motions all over your face, again starting at the centre and moving outwards and upwards

7. Ease tension in your face by stroking upwards from your brow, this will serve to smooth and lift the skin. Do the same for your neck - taking care to move only in an upwards direction.

8. Find the pressure points on your face: Pressure on the third eye - located right between your eyebrows stimulates the pituitary gland - this helps to enhance the all over condition of your skin. Press on this area for 60 seconds.

Located 1cm below the eye socket - right below the iris - the next pressure point will help to reduce blemishes. Press on this point under both eyes for 60 seconds.

9. End your facial massage by pinching your earlobes between your thumb and forefinger.

Once you’ve finished your skin should have a pinky flush and a healthy radiant glow and you should feel totally relaxed.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Do your eyes water excessively?

Do they feel gritty or sore at times?

You may be suffering from dry eye syndrome.

It may sound strange to be told that you have dry eyes when you are constantly mopping up your tears with a tissue, but one of the reasons could be that your tears are not oily enough to stick to the surface of the eye so they just run.

This results in discomfort, grittiness and often leads to more tearing.

Our tear film, which protects and bathes the eye, has one watery and one oily layer, which stabilises the tear film between blinks. Oil glands in the eyelids pump oil into the tear film with each blink. These glands may become inflamed or blocked and the oily layer of the tear film is no longer working correctly causing the eye to feel dry, gritty and irritable.

It is more common in women than men and in over 60s age group.

However it can happen at any age and is very common in computer users and contact lens wearers.

Dryness may also be due to a condition called blepharitis-

inflammation of the oil glands of the eyelids, which tend to get blocked as a result.

scurf and debris from eyelids in blepharitis, and has shown to improve dry eye symptoms almost immediately, thus avoiding the long term damage to the tear glands, preventing chronic dry eye syndrome.

What can be done about it?

There is no absolute “cure” for dry eye syndrome. However, most people can get significant relief from symptoms using a variety of treatments and measures.

Please enquire for further details.

At Taylor Biddle Opticians a specialised Anterior Eye clinic is very successful in treating dry eye syndrome. Our new optician Taras Lac carries out a detailed examination of the anterior eye using latest technology including video- microscopy and Topographer and prescribes a specific treatment plan using specialised products to alleviate the cause of discomfort.

Our recent addition is BlephEx – a revolutionary device which spins a medical grade micro-sponge along the edge of eyelids and lashes.

This quickly and effectively clears

Designer Frames from… & many more Your Local Family Opticians Full eye examinations Ocular health checks The latest eye scanning OCT technology Visual Dyslexia Colorimetry assessments

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NUFFIELD HEALTH WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL FREE EVENTS JUNE 2016 Let’s Talk Hips and Knees.

Thursday 09 June 18.30pm snacks refreshments, 19.00pm lecture starts Mr Isbister and Mr Chugh will be presenting on the night for the people who are thinking of having a Hip or Knee replacement.

Let’s talk Spinal Pain.

Tuesday 14 June 18.30pm snacks refreshments, 19.00pm lecture starts Mr Ishaque, Spinal consultant, will be presenting to the people who want to end their Spinal pain. Treatments will be explained.

Let’s Talk Varicose Veins.

Tuesday 21 June 18.30pm snacks refreshments, 19.00pm lecture starts Mr Garnham and Mr Hobbs, Vascular surgeons, will be on hand to talk through Varicose Vein treatments.

For further details or to book please call 01902 793269.

Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8LE nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton

WALKING DOES WONDERS

FOR MORE THAN YOUR HEALTH, PAYCARE CLAIMS The health benefits of a good walk have always been well-documented, but the simple act of taking a stroll (or a few brisk strides) can positively impact on us in ways we weren’t aware of.

With official National Walking Month being celebrated across the UK in May, one local health cover provider has launched its own dedicated guide, sharing just a handful of these not so well-known benefits.

Wolverhampton-based Paycare, a not-for-profit organisation, has launched its Wonders of a Good Walk guide which focuses on a number of key benefits associated with walking other than those relating to both physical and mental health, and which include an increase in productivity (both at work and at home), the strengthening of 110

friendships and relationships, and the boosting of creativity.

Kevin Rogers, CEO of Paycare, explained: “National Walking Month is dedicated to promoting the benefits of walking, and which is why we thought this was the perfect opportunity to share our own advice and guidance with individuals and their families on its real, but perhaps less commonly known, merits.

“Walking is such a fantastic activity to take part in as not only is it simple, inexpensive, and can be enjoyed by anyone of any age or ability, but it is one of the easiest ways for an individual to become more active and to optimise their physical health.

Not only that, but it can also make you a much happier person due to the endorphins or ‘happy hormones’ which are released when you walk, and is also proven to slow down the shrinking of the brain which can cause memory loss and dementia.

And, it is much kinder on your pocket than joining a gym or fitness class!”

“The guide has been made available for download at www.paycare.org and is completely complimentary, so I’d encourage anyone interested in finding out just how beneficial a good walk can be to visit the website and obtain their copy,” Kevin concluded.

A well-respected and dedicated not-for-profit health cover provider, Paycare has helped individuals, families and businesses across the Black Country and Wolverhampton protect themselves against everyday healthcare costs and bills for over 140 years.

For further information about Paycare’s full range of health cover please call 01902 371000, email enquiries@paycare.org or visit www.paycare.org

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

embrace your inner smile

‘Invisible’ braces. Obvious results Procedures involve regular visits to our orthodontic clinic and treatment can last from 6 to 24 months.

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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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: Albrighton Eye Centre 2 Station Road Albrighton WV7 3QG 01902 374727 Six Ways Clinic 24 Birmingham Road Walsall WS1 2LT 01922 622521

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Tom’s tip:

Knee Pain

(Patello-femoral Pain Syndrome)

Patello-femoral pain (knee pain) can occur in one or both knees and it is one of the most common causes of knee pain.

Patello-femoral pain is felt in the front or slightly inside of the knee and occurs when the patella (knee cap) is compressed against the femoral groove.

The compression forces increase the further the knee is bent and as a result pain usually increases as well.

Therefore, patello-femoral pain may be made worse by activities that involve repetitive bending of the knee. Pain is often felt going up or down stairs or after sitting for long periods of time.

Patello-femoral pain can be accompanied by “clicking” or “grinding” and sometimes by a feeling that the knee “catches” or wants to “give way”. The primary cause of knee pain is excessive pronation (rolling in of the foot).

This can be controlled via orthotics/insoles.

People suffering with knee pain whom have been forced to live with the pain, no longer have to put up with this condition while standing, walking or

The patella of a healthy knee should track in a straight line. In PFPS it often tracks laterally, as shown.

running when provided with appropriate orthotics/ insoles. Seek an assessment with a Podiatrist who can diagnose the condition and provide a unique orthotic for the individual. Further, strengthening the knee via muscle exercises (especially the VMO muscle) will help prevent further re-occurrence.

Clinical studies and field research verify the value of orthotics in relieving knee pain and improving the structural integrity of the knee. Flexible orthotics control foot motion without restricting function and creating compensatory movement in other structures.

Thomas Casey Chiropodist/Podiatrist HCPC registered

National

Walk to School Week

By Susan Brookes-Morris

National Walk to School Week takes place from 16th -20th May. The week is promoted by Living Streets who provide classroom packs and ideas for activities to encourage more children to safely walk to school.

It’s estimated that only half of 7-10 year olds do the recommended one hour exercise per day and studies suggest that many children are obese or overweight when they leave primary school. Encouraging children to walk to school not only helps them to stay trim, but also reduces the risk of heart conditions and other diseases in later life, and means that they are more alert in the classroom on a day-today basis. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Walking is also better for the environment as it reduces congestion and pollution. Fewer cars and parking outside schools also means there is a reduced chance of accidents and injuries.

Many children find it fun to walk to school with their parents or friends and look out for particular things along their route. Observation sheets are available which provide an opportunity to tick off things seen along the way, such as a church, shop, or petrol station.

For those who can’t walk to school with a relative, being part of a walking-bus may offer a solution. Children walk with volunteers in a group along a designated route, dropping off passengers at schools along the way.

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Sunglasses

By Susan Brookes-Morris It’s really important to wear sunglasses, to protect your eyes against harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.

UV rays can cause damage to your eyes which could lead to cataracts.

These cause clouding of the lens, reduced vision and even blindness if left untreated. Most sunglasses now filter out both UVA and UVB rays.

There is a vast array of sunglasses to choose from including prescription sunglasses. There may be a few styles that aren‘t suitable for your prescription but an expert can advise on this.

It is important to think about the shape of your face to determine which sunglasses may suit you best.

Decide whether your face is heart shaped, round, oval or square, as this will help you work out whether square frames, cat’s eye shape, aviator style, shield, oversized or sport may work best for you.

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Those with heart-shaped faces will generally find that frames that are wider at the top than the bottom will look best, whilst oversized, rectangular and angular frames will counterbalance a round face and shallow rectangular frames will visually shorten a long face.

Think about your colouring too.

What frame colours will suit your skin tone and hair colouring?

Those who are fair may find pastel shades or transparent frames most complimentary. Of course you may want to make a statement and choose a bolder frame.

Sunglass lenses are usually plastic for increased durability and versatility.

Some opticians offer a range of different colour lenses from the more traditional browns and greys to yellows, blues and green. Different tints suit particular circumstances such as green for enhancing contrast and thus being really helpful for those who play sports like golf.

There are a variety of tints too.

Dark tints are best for mountains

and sea and lightly-tinted for more urban and general environments.

All sunglasses reduce brightness, but to reduce glare as well, you need polarized lenses. They are particularly effective when driving, skiing or fishing as they block glare increase contrast.

As with all spectacles you have the choice of designer brands such as Ray Ban, Ted Baker and Oakley or non-designer. There is an element of fashion and celebrity endorsement too. Iconic images of Tom Cruise wearing L.G.R. Tangeri and Cosmoros sunglasses in last years Mission Impossible 5 film had a huge influence and led to other brands copying the trend.

Check out the latest looks at your local optician or fashion chain.

It’s always helpful to seek the assistance of a store professional to help you select the most suitable sunglasses, particularly to check that the specification will offer you the correct protection but also to advise on aesthetics.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

WOLVERHAMPTON HIP

& 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

Call now for an information pack and book a complimentary consultation.

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www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Education

and Schooling

by David Williams – Headmaster of Tettenhall College The question of politicians’ tax evasion, secrecy and setting an example will also provide an interesting assembly for the beginning of term but also points to a bigger issue and the long held belief of mine that we do very little at school to prepare young people for the financial responsibility that awaits them on leaving school. For them this will of course be difficult to avoid as Benjamin Franklin famously underlined: “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”. This is not a question of returning to the education of the past as my own Deputy Head, educated in a Midlands grammar school, recently said that he received no financial training at school nor was given any awareness at all of career opportunities in the City of London. I imagine this is not untypical although perhaps explains his name not appearing in the Panama Papers as he opted for a fulfilling, although probably not as financially rewarding, teaching career!

During the Easter break, discussions with some German friends naturally led to the two “hot” topics of the moment: our impending decision about our departure or desire to remain in the European Union and the involvement of our own Prime Minister in the revelations of the so-called “Panama Papers”. On my return to School it is natural to want to weave these two issues into our work at Tettenhall College.

For despite the ever-increasing constraints of a government-imposed curriculum we have an obligation to educate our pupils about major news events and ideas and how they shape everyone’s lives. As with many schools, we will have our own referendum and try to provide a sense of balance in presenting ideas on both sides of the case regarding our European future both in classes and in a more “public” debate.

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However, whilst it is easy to perhaps convince the average seven or eight year old of the relevance of sums involving pounds and pence it is less so in convincing 14 year olds that they ought to know about mortgages, interest rates or ISAs. The world of finance and its link with politicians’ decisions has a tendency to become sharper when you have a significant percentage of your salary deducted to pay for items such as defence, the NHS, education and our public transport networks but this is not an excuse to avoid trying to engage them in considering these important questions.

These should not only focus on the importance of personal financial planning but also the priorities and morality of national expenditure and taxation.

We are currently reviewing our curriculum to not only have access to existing subjects such as business studies and economics but for all to have some form of financial education.

This will also be supplemented by current practical activities such as “Shares4Schools” where sixth formers discover the joy and pain of the investment of real money (£1500) in the stock market in competition with other schools. The aim is not to breed the new super rich but merely to produce financiallyliterate citizens who won’t say “it’s my wife/ husband/partner who takes care of all that…”.

You can follow David on Twitter

@tettcoll_head

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Release

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A School of ‘Excellence’ A top graded school Pupils perform well in dance, speech and drama and instrumental music exams. Pupils are highly successful in gaining places at secondary schools of their choice, many with scholarships and awards.

Results in national tests at age 11 have been exceptional in relation to the national average for maintained junior schools. This level of attainment indicates that pupils make a high rate of progress.

Recently, we were host to a fourday Independent School Inspection team. The inspection looked at both our Early Years department (two– five year olds) and our main school (aged five to eleven year olds).

The Independent Schools Inspectorate is the body responsible for the inspection of independent schools. ISI does not make a single overarching judgement on a school but instead makes a clear judgement on each aspect of its provision using one of the following four grades: excellent, good, sound and unsatisfactory.

Newbridge Preparatory School is delighted to announce that we were judged ‘Excellent’ in all eight areas:

The pupils’ overall achievement is supported by their excellent attitudes to learning. They demonstrate an outstanding work ethic at all times. Pupils clearly enjoy their education and always give their best.

Pupils are active independent learners and their high level of participation and interest is worthy of note. Their learning skills are exemplary.

Pupils are confident, mature and articulate. Behaviour around the school is of the highest order at all times.

Pupils have an excellent level of personal development by the time they leave the school. They are confident, well-mannered, caring and conscientious young people. They are proud of their school, their achievements and equally those of their peers.

Leadership and management are most successful in providing a high quality learning environment that fully supports the school’s aims in providing a high quality education which effectively prepares pupils for the next phase of their education.

The excellent achievements and their strong personal development directly reflect the drive, passion and determination of school leaders.

1.

The quality of the children’s achievement and learning - excellent.

The 2016 inspection report is now available to read in full at: www.isi.net/schools/6725/

2.

The contribution of curricular and extracurricular provision - excellent.

3.

The contribution of teaching - excellent.

4.

The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils - excellent.

5.

The contribution of the arrangements for pastoral care - excellent.

I would like to thank each individual within the Newbridge community for making Newbridge a special place; the leading independent preparatory school within the city of Wolverhampton which specialises in primary education. (Mrs Fisher – Headmistress).

6.

The contribution of arrangements for welfare, health and safety - excellent.

7.

The quality of governance is excellent.

8.

The quality of leadership and management including links with parents - excellent.

The following are some of the main findings contained within the inspection report: Pupils achieve high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding in all areas of the curriculum.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Holiday home owners

to benefit from new EU law them to have more control over the division of their estate.

“Although the UK decided not to opt into the rule change along with Ireland and Denmark, UK citizens with property or assets in any of the other EU member states will be able to leave it to whomever they wish, as long as this is clearly stated in a valid will.

Changes to European law about who can inherit assets following a death should be the cue for people to get their affairs in order.

Will Jones, a solicitor with FBC Manby Bowdler, says although the introduction of the Brussels IV regulation is good news for British ex pats and owners of overseas holiday homes, it means a clearly drafted will is more important than ever.

The new law aims to simplify cross-border EU succession.

Previously, foreign nationals had to comply with the inheritance

rules of the country where their assets were - for instance, if you had property and other assets in France, they would pass to children in most cases, or if there were none, to a spouse.

Brussels IV allows foreign nationals living in certain EU member states to chose whether their assets will be governed under local succession rules, or those in their country of nationality.

“You have to specify under which country’s rules you want your estate to be dealt with and it’s important to ensure the will is professionally drafted to reflect that or your wishes may not be carried out as you wanted.”

If you’d like further information and advice, you can contact Will on 01902 392404 or email w.jones@fbcmb.co.uk.

FBC Manby Bowdler has offices in Wolverhampton, Willenhall, Shrewsbury, Telford and Bridgnorth.

Will, a solicitor with the firm’s Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team, explained: “This is very good news for anyone who lives in Europe or who owns property there as it enables

Will Jones, Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team at FBC Manby Bowdler

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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D O Y O U R E A L LY N E E D

INSURANCE?

From time to time many of you will sit down and look at the various insurance policies that you have and ask yourself this question.

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In my opinion if you have a family who depend on your income then insuring yourself is vitally important. But even if you don’t have a family it is certainly worth considering a policy that will prevent your long-term plans from being altered drastically by ill health.

If you become too ill to work you may have to forsake your plans altogether unless you have insurance in place to replace some of your income. If you become critically ill your family could quickly face severe financial difficulties. If you were to die young then apart from the obvious emotional factors this would deprive your loved-ones of many years of potential income.

If you did not have insurance in place the likelihood is that you would only be able to pass on a fraction of the wealth that you intended to leave as a legacy.

Any long-term financial plan that you make is dependent upon your ability to earn money consistently.

In order to decide whether you really need insurance it is therefore key to ask yourself a few significant

questions in the order that lets you deal with the highest priorities first.

What would happen if you died?

If you know that your loved ones would struggle to pay the mortgage or meet other dayto-day living expenses then you should certainly consider life insurance. Of course this is crucial if you are the sole breadwinner for your family or if the family does not have a significant amount of savings to fall back on. If your partner has their own income it is still important to factor in additional burdens such as childcare costs.

Life insurance will provide your family with a guaranteed lump sum

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

John Webb

or a regular income after your death. If you are lucky enough to have an employment contract that includes death in service benefit then your family may be eligible for a multiple of your salary if you die but in all honesty this will not be sufficient to compensate them for the loss of a lifetime’s worth of income. It is necessary for you to think carefully about how much you would wish to leave and then to look at the different types of policy that would enable you to get the best possible outcome within your budget.

John Webb is a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, the highest accolade designated by that organisation.

The Personal Finance Society is the professional body for the Financial Advisory Profession in the United Kingdom, promoting the highest standards of technical knowledge, client service and ethical practice.

What would happen if you became critically ill?

A critical illness such as cancer, stroke or a heart attack could put an enormous strain on your family’s finances very quickly especially if you do not have an employment contract that will provide an income in the case of long-term ill health.

If you have a partner and/or children you may wish to ensure that they would benefit from a lump sum payment if a critical illness was diagnosed in order for them to both cope with your care and at the same time still pay the mortgage and ordinary household expenses. Critical illness cover is designed to do just that. Some critical illness policies will even provide cover for your children.

What would happen if you became too ill to work?

It is important for you to understand your company’s policy with regard to long-term sickness and when your company’s sick pay could start to be reduced. Of course if you are self –employed then it is particularly important to think about how you and

your family would cope with a period of prolonged illness.

If you have savings and/or investments then you could use these to cover your expenses for a while but of course there is no way of knowing in advance how long you would need to recover to the point where you could start to earn again. You may not want to dip into these savings if they were earmarked for a particular life-goal such as retirement.

This is where income protection insurance comes in. It is designed to help you cover your expenses if an illness or injury leaves you unable to work in the long term. An income protection policy will pay a percentage of your monthly income with a typical maximum of 75%, potentially all the way to retirement.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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

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

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

If you would like to attend please email: info@midlandifa.co.uk 123

The Rotary Club of Wolverhampton

Tree of remembrance 2015 On Tuesday 26th January, at Wolverhampton Rotary Club's normal lunchtime Meeting at Linden House, members of the Club sat down to enjoy their weekly fellowship but on this occasion representatives of three local charities joined them to receive cheques amounting to £1250 for each charity.

The M.S. Therapy Centre was represented by manager Sue Husband, Compton Hospice by Mary Harding and Nikki Rowley from Promise Dreams. Also there to see the presentation was Diane Davies, Deputy Editor of Express and Star, the new Mander Centre Manager, Robert Gough and his colleague Emma Stokes.

The Rotary Club of Wolverhampton would like to express sincere thanks to Express and Star for the tremendous support we have been given over the twelve years that the Tree of Remembrance has been set up in the Mander Centre, printing in each edition of the evening newspaper from early December, the names of the family loved ones for whom a short messages of commemoration had been made.

We are also very appreciative of the continuing support and help given to this venture by the Mander Centre staff. These events don't just happen but require meticulous planning and considerable effort from members of the Rotary Tree of Remembrance Committee. In previous years we have had to seek out, purchase and manhandle into position a 20ft high spruce from Cannock Chase (which had

L to R, Sue Husband, Mary Harding, Roger Fellows, President, Alan Jacques, Chairman Tree Committee, Nikki Rowley

been sponsored for us in the recent years by an anonymous donor), nor do we have to arrange the transport of the tree (assisted by a local industrialist who supplied a flatbed truck and driver), which then had to be carried into the Mander Centre, erected, and decorated by Rotarians (and you can imagine the problems with putting the fairy on the top!!! ).

However the much maligned Health and Safety and Fire Regulations sadly have brought all this to an end and in 2014, the Mander Centre management provided us with a "tree" which wasn't a "tree" as we know it, but an eye catching illuminated metal structure comprising shiny spheres arranged loosely in the shape of a tree, placed this year strategically adjacent to the central escalator on the main concourse.

The organising of this year’s event was a somewhat nail biting affair as during the latter

part of 2015 the Mander Centre complex was sold, and the then Centre Manager left. For a while contact with the new owners was difficult, giving our Committee Chairman, Alan Jacques, a few sleepless nights, but late in the day, a new Centre Manager, Robert Gough was appointed and we are really grateful to him and his staff for the enthusiastic support they gave during what must have been for them a very difficult transitionary period.

We thank the people of Wolverhampton and its environs for giving us their tremendous support in these difficult economic times, and all who have contributed through their donations to raise just over £5000!

And in a few weeks the process of planning and organising the Christmas 2016 Event starts all over again!

Visit www.rotaryclubwolverhampton.co.uk and talk to us.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Spring is here As we emerge from our winter dormancy our attention is often focused on refreshing and organising our homes and gardens.

However, it’s also an excellent time to spring clean your documents and legal affairs.

No matter what your age or your situation it’s a good idea to take a regular review of your will or power of attorney (or both) and what

better time than spring to take a fresh look at your forward planning.

You are never too young to make such preparations! Whether it’s making your first will or power of attorney or reviewing your existing documents we have an experienced and friendly team on hand to help.

and have wheelchair friendly access if required and free on-site parking.

As managing director of Sharratts and a single parent I have in fact recently overhauled and reviewed my own will and my financial power of attorney to make sure that my documentation is up to date, tax efficient and water tight to provide for my beneficiaries.

For more information please visit the website at www.sharratts.com or us on 01902 759 500.

Why not pop in during your lunch hour or after the school run and let us take a look at how we can help, we can even arrange for a home appointment if needed.

We have a number of fixed fee packages to help you plan your costs upfront or for more complex cases we can happily tailor a package to suit your needs.

We are located at 81 Wergs Road, Tettenhall (next to the Crown Pub)

Jane Swancott Managing Director

Your future is our business Offering a comprehensive service in all areas of family law. Our highly skilled solicitors are friendly and approachable, providing sound and practical advice while being emotionally sensitive to your situation.

Children Matters Pre Nuptial/Cohabitee Agreements Care Proceedings Separation/Divorce/Finances Child Abduction Cohabitee/Civil Partner Claims Adoption/Surrogacy Injunctions

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81 Wergs Rd, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 9BP (free parking onsite) ● 01902 759500 85 Darlington Street, Wolverhampton WV1 4EX ● 0345 565 2070 info@sharratts.com www.sharratts.com

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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KEMP 2 COMPTON Entry form Registration is also available online at www.compton-hospice.org.uk or www.kemphospice.org.uk or please complete the below and post to the address at the bottom of this page 20 mile: £15

8 mile: £10

Entry fee

D.O.B

First name:

Surname:

Family: £35 /

/

Title:

Address: Town:

County:

Postcode:

Home Telephone no:

Mobile no:

Email:

Emergency contact name:

Emergency contact no:

Names of all walkers and age if under 12 (if applicable):

Medical Conditions (if applicable): I will be at least 16 years old on the date of the Event and am entering my own details, or am the parent or legal guardian of a child and am entering the Event on their behalf. Parental consent - if you are under 18 a parent must fill in a consent form to say you can take part - we will email the form to you - print it out, fill it in and sign then post it back to us. Under 16 - you must be accompanied by a parent on the walk.

Signed:

Date:

PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO COMPTON HOSPICE LTD I am registering a participant under 18 years of age: D.O.B.

Name:

/

/

I will require a Parental Consent Form.

It would help both hospices greatly if you would ask your family and friends to sponsor you to complete the walk. The registration fee just covers the administration for this event

Please return this completed form to:

Compton Hospice, Compton Road West, Wolverhampton WV3 9DH 126

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Registration £15 - 20 mile walk £10 - 8 mile walk £35 - Family Price

(2 adults & up to 3 childr

en U’12)

KEMP to Compton Community Walk

20 miles along the canal or a shorter walk of 8 miles in aid of both

KEMP & Compton Hospices 20 mile walk starting at The Lock Inn Public House, Wolverley at 8.00 am.

8 mile walk starting at The Round Oak Public House, Wombourne at 12.00 midday Finishing back at Compton Hospice, Compton between 4 – 6 pm

SUNDAY 18th SEPtember 2016 Enjoy a celebration at the finish with music, and a BBQ and Refreshments available to purchase.

www.compton-hospice.org.uk www.compton-hospice.org.uk www.kemphospice.org.uk www.kemphospice.org.uk email: fundraising@compton-hospice.org.uk email: fundraising@compton-hospice.org.uk email: email:events@kemphospice.org.uk events@kemphospice.org.uk Tel:Compton Compton on 774529 Tel: on01902 01902 774529 Tel:KEMP KEMP on 756066 Tel: on01562 01562 756066

Charity Reg No: 1146310 Charity Reg No: 512387 www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

127

Be treated well

with a healthcare provider you can trust

When you choose Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital you can be confident you are choosing the highest standards of treatment and aftercare available to you from an established private healthcare provider with hospitals all around the UK. Our experienced team of expert consultants, surgeons and nursing staff are totally dedicated to returning you to the highest levels of health and fitness possible, as quickly as possible. We offer a wide range of treatments, including hip and knee replacement, spinal surgery, cosmetic procedures, breast screening, opthalmic and sports injury treatment. Procedures are performed in ultra-clean environments using the latest stateof-the-art clinical equipment, and all our ensuite bedrooms are luxury standard to ensure your stay with us is made as comfortable as possible.

the cost. And our relationship with you doesn’t end when you walk out of one of our hospitals.

As a Nuffield Health patient, you are covered by our ‘Follow-up Promise’*. Subject to the clinical needs related to your procedure, there are absolutely no time limits on your aftercare.

Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital has also recently been awarded JAG Accreditation.

This award from the ‘Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’ means that our hospital has been recognised by a National UK wide scheme for providing the highest quality, timely, patient-centred care for Endoscopy procedures.

If you would like to know more about our superior treatment and aftercare as a private pay patient, get in touch with us today by calling 01902 793 269.

We’d love to hear from you. *Where necessary, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required. The Nuffield Health Promise applies for patients paying for themselves.

There are no waiting lists, and it is worth remembering you don’t need to see your GP first before seeing one of our consultants. We accept all major private health insurance schemes and there is personal finance available to help spread 128

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Like our Facebook page for the latest news and free healthcare events

Be able to get around when you play a round.

Life is more rewarding when you are able to move properly.

At Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital we have a professional team of consultants and nurses that are specialists in hip and knee replacements. As a private patient there are no waiting lists, and you can expect individual care, treatment and physiotherapy plans tailored specifically for you, and there is no need to see your GP first before seeing a consultant.

We accept all major private health insurance schemes, and there is personal finance available to help spread the cost.

Call us today for an initial consultation. Freedom awaits...

01902 793 269

nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/wolverhampton

@nuffwolvhosp

Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital

WOLVERHAMPTON HOSPITAL + Health Checks + Physio + Gyms www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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DO YOU HAVE

MORE THAN ONE HANDICAP

WHEN PLAYING GOLF?

Do you have trouble treading the fairways?

Do you suffer with heel, shin or knee pain?

Contact Chiropodist/Podiatrist Tom Casey BSc (Hons), MCHS, SRCH for an appointment:

07828 613165 OR (01902) 833426 130

Park Avenue Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic, 13A Park Avenue, Wolverhampton WV1 4AH wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Oxley Park: an emerald gem

in the city of Wolverhampton 102 years of age and barely a stone’s throw from the city centre. Fresh faces and fresh ideas in motion at Wolverhampton's Oxley Park Golf Club this season mean a revitalised venue with much to offer.

Oxley's easy walking parkland course sits in the middle of a large residential area but comfortably offers a peaceful and tranquil feel throughout. On the flip side it also presents a good deal of out of bounds, half of the holes offer that threat. It's a tight course with a high premium on accuracy, the lush and well conditioned fairways offer a helping hand to a well aimed golf ball.

Pro Shop – Our Head Professional Craig Thomas brings his award winning TGA Academy to the club, a new young team with a completely revamped pro shop recently opened and a 5 hole development course has been established specifically for the junior academy.

If you are interested in joining one of the best courses in the area with a friendly atmosphere please call the Pro Shop on 01902 425892 or email office@oxleyparkgolfclub.co.uk

Course Designer Harry Colt’s design made good use of the natural gently rolling landscape and it's a good layout to test out the state of your mid to short iron game. Club selection also needs to be spot on to successfully approach a few of these raised targets plus a few more tucked away attractively in tree-clad corners.

19th hole – Traditional clubhouse facilities which have had minor renovations giving a fresh feel for the coming season, large club room plus a private room for hire. Great choice of menus for all occasions, and a varied social calendar.

Now the golfing season is upon us there is no time like the present to join a club and take advantage of the summer weather and lighter nights.

Oxley Park GOlf Club Offers

JuNiOr MeMbershiP

full MeMbershiP - NO JOiNiNG fee Join Oxley Park and play unlimited golf for less than £17 per week. bar levy and union fees not included.

T&C’s Apply

alternatively…

Why not consider our successful flexi Golf scheme for just £395 and get upto 26 rounds (off peak).

Get a handicap and access to competitions.

With the summer holidays on their way it can be an expe nsive time trying to find somethin g for the children to do.

Why not introduce them to golf with our great offer of just £27!

Up to 31st September 2016 for 5 months unlimited golf, this includes funded coaching every two weeks.

Prices will vary dependin g on age group.

Stafford Road, Bushbury, Wolverhampton WV10 6DE • Main Tel: 01902 773989 *2 Pro Shop: 01902 773989 *3

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

131

G olf…

not just a rich man’s sport

A local sports venue has created a unique (and affordable) Learn 2 Play golf programme for the region’s budding golfers which has proved to be extremely popular, mainly due to its low costs.

As a great opportunity to meet new friends, learn a new sport and keep fit, more and more golfers are joining in to what is traditionally known as an expensive and ‘stuffy’ sport.

3 Hammers Golf Complex, Coven, boasts first class golfing facilities including an 18 hole par 3 golf course (ideal for beginners), undercover 20 bay driving range and the largest Golf Academy in the region with 5 full time PGA Golf Professionals providing easy and affordable access to learning, practising and playing the sport. Their Learn 2 Play group classes are nationally recognised by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and England Golf who choose 3 Hammers Golf Academy as an example of good practice for teaching beginner golfers.

Over 400 adults learned the sport with them last year.

Golf Academy Director, Rob Bluck says "we have a friendly no membership culture here at the 3 Hammers which suits our beginner golfers. Supervised practice takes place on our driving range on topics such as golf swing work or how to hit the driver. We also head out onto our 18 hole course to focus on short game, chipping, putting and bunker play."

Rob and the Academy team recognise that barriers to people participating in the sport are being broken down, thanks to changing club policies, reduced 132

costs and their need to cater for a wider market.

The attraction for golfers being that the 3 Hammers Programme is affordable at only £20 for a 4 week course and that the complex is open to the public.

In recent years the complex has expanded its facilities to enable the teaching of golf to beginners on a much wider scale with the design and commission of a purpose built Learn 2 Play Zone, the first of its kind in the UK. At over 10,000sqft the Zone is fully netted, astro turfed with synthetic putting green and an undercover pavilion.

At 3 Hammers the number of people taking up the sport is increasing year on year including a growing number of ladies. Indeed, almost half of all students enrolling on their Learn 2 Play golf classes are female. Their accessible, relaxed golf classes are proving to be an ideal way to discover if golf is the sport for them. Whether it's to get fit, socialise or learn a new sport their expert PGA Professionals guide beginners through the basics giving them a great understanding of this fabulous sport.

They are also continuing with a £250,000 investment project including upgrading their 20 bay driving range with the latest automatic power tees and further investment on their championship short course - making it even more accessible for juniors and novice golfers alike.

Learn 2 Play is the first Tuesday or Thursday of the month from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The cost is £20 for 4 weeks tuition and all equipment is provided.

3 Hammers Golf Reception 01902 790428 www.3hammers.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

0

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

133

Richard Bissell, PGA Golf Professional at Patshull Park Golf & Country Club

No Nonsense Golf Tips

Hole out more often from inside 6ft This month we are going to look at some simple ideas and techniques that can help you hole out more often from inside 6 feet.

Start to assess the slope of the green as you approach it.

Often greens are a little raised so you can see the subtle contours stand out better than when you are actually standing on the green itself.

When you are on the green, try to visualise a line to the hole of the intended path of the ball.

This helps you to not only think about the amount of break, but the pace the ball needs to be hit.

I always advocate thumbs straight down the putter grip as this ensures the hands are in a neutral position, which helps to keep the putter head square at impact.

Grip the club very lightly with the hands. We do not want to feel any pressure in the forearms at all. This is vital for good feel.

Ensure the ball is central in the stance and directly below the eyes.

For the stroke, make sure you keep everything below the waist completely still. Do not break your wrists. Think of a triangle across your shoulders and down your arms to your hands. Maintaining this triangle through the stroke is important to replicate a good putting stroke time after time.

through towards the intended line, keeping the triangle intact at all times. Make sure you keep your head still and muscles nice and relaxed.

The length of the backswing depends on the length of the putt.

Finally, pay attention when your ball misses, as this will show you the break of the putt back.

So many golfers switch off when they miss a putt, losing vital information that will help them hole the putt on the way back.

Stoke the ball by simply rocking you shoulders back and then

Happy golfing.

Rich Patshull Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR 134

T: 01902 700100 Golf Shop: 01902 700342 www.patshull-park.co.uk wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Looking for a new hobby? Try Golf If you’d like to take up golf but can’t play, don’t have the time or don’t know the rules, don’t let it put you off!

At South Staffordshire Golf Club, based in Tettenhall, we have a team of professionally qualified golf instructors who offer 1:1 lessons to introduce you to the wonderful game of golf.

We provide a range of tuition for beginners, the average golfer and for serious players looking to improve their game and reduce their handicap - and you don’t have to be a member of the club.

Run by PGA professionals Peter Baker and Shaun Ball, they use the Club’s own 10 acre Driving Range and Practice Area.

Getting kids into golf South Staffordshire Golf Club is also committed to introducing youngsters to golf and, in partnership with Ledene Golf Centre

in Codsall Wood, run a Junior Golf Academy on Saturday mornings.

Health benefits According to Get Into Golf (www. getintogolf.org), because playing golf involves brisk walking and swinging actions, it can help build strong bones which guards against osteoporosis. Being active is also good for your heart making golf a great way to exercise without getting hot and sweaty!

Social scene

course boasts some of the best greens in the Midlands.

In addition, our members have FREE use of the 18 hole par three golf course at Ledene in Codsall Wood. If you’re worried you don’t have the time, a round of golf doesn’t take all day – a typical game can take 3½ hours.

Various membership packages are available including: Gentlemen, Ladies, Juniors and Student - all at affordable rates.

You can make lots of new friends on the golf course and in the clubhouse. At South Staffordshire Golf Club, we organise regular social events for our members including quiz nights, dinners, themed evenings and more!

Our 18 hole parkland Championship-level

For more information visit www.southstaffordshiregolfclub.co.uk or call Sue LeBeau on 01902 75 10 65 or email suelebeau@southstaffsgc.co.uk

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

135

Swing Theory

By Rob Taylor

Forget whether or not there’s any last vestige of truth to golf’s still-familiar stereotypes: just get out there and play the game, writes Rob Taylor, because the rewards are legion.

It’s nothing new to hear that today golf is no longer the preserve of the wealthy and the elite. Much has been made of the strides taken by the sport – and in particular its governing bodies – in moving it away from the bad old days of too much pride and prejudice, towards a modern-day cosmopolitan and egalitarian utopia.

For centuries it was seen by outsiders to the game as a stuffy pastime for retirees, 136

obsessed by quirky rules and regulation and eager to preserve an almost Masonic 'old boys club'. This is of course now entirely unfair and thankfully those days are long gone.

When Tiger Woods burst onto the scene in the 90s, millions of youngsters were excited into action, keen to dig out their parent's clubs and take their first swing. Today we are seeing a changing of the guard in the professional game, with stars like Rory McIlroy, Jordan Speith and Jason Day – all in their 20s – continuing in the paw prints left by Tiger.

The findings from the Golf Actives Study – a trailblazing programme designed to establish a complete picture of golf activity and engagement – revealed that 11 million people in the UK are actively engaged in the game. And this year, Sport England’s figures showed that 730,300 people had played golf at least once a week during the previous year.

After years spent encouraging the next generation, those tasked with growing the game now report that participation in the UK is flourishing, especially among younger demographics, according to a European Tour survey last year. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

It is figures such as these that have no doubt persuaded the money-men to invest in a big way: Sky TV recently won the rights to exclusively screen The Open Championship – golf’s oldest major – in a £15m-a-year deal, which sees the BBC dumped after years of tireless service.

The Royal & Ancient – golf’s UK governing body - is often portrayed as a haughty lawmaker, but it has grown impressively in recent times and Sky’s riches will allow it to invest heavily in grass roots enterprises.

And it’s just here – outside in the fresh air, upon the green, green grass – where golf really comes into its own.

Ask a real golfer to talk about the game and you will likely hear and see it described with almost religious fervour, using strange words and familiar words strangely combined.

Far and beyond some of the more obvious virtues of playing the game – like gentle exercise, social interaction, and getting out into nature, as well as those extolled by the corporate ladder climbers – there is a world of fun, as well as many selfaffirming aspects which are key to good social development, especially in youngsters.

for marking the correct number of strokes, assessing and enforcing penalties all by himself, and complying with the particular conditions of play.

There’s also the strong bond of justice, which the game encourages. Most sports encourage tactics to disrupt competitors through physical contact or mental gamesmanship, sometimes as part of the game, sometimes on or beyond the fringes of legality. But the spirit of golf etiquette demands that a golfer avoid anything that might harm a pal’s performance. Watch a true golfer in bright sunlight be ultra-conscious of where his shadow falls when his mate is lining up a putt for evidence of this.

As well as these there is the incumbent perseverance involved in the game: "No matter what happens," said the great Harry Vardon, "keep on hitting the ball."

This singleness of purpose allows golfers to carry on despite slow or annoying partners, or maddeningly odd bounces. When you slice that first tee shot into the lake, causing a ripple of amusement from your partners, perseverance helps you shoulder your bag and walk

off the tee with the confidence required to play your next shot.

Of course, since the object of the game is to be the player who requires the fewest number of strokes, the sense in a mantra of “just keep on plugging away” is deeply ironic, yet telltale of golf’s addictive qualities. Happily in the 21st Century – when women play just as often as men – such addiction can no longer be used as grounds for complaints along the lines of, “your golf addiction is driving a wedge between us.”

In fact with golf growing all the time and courses redoubling their efforts to reach out to every single one of us, there will soon be yet another new generation of budding golfers ready to take to the tee.

There’s certainly an embarrassment of golfing riches in the Midlands, with local golf facilities offering everything for beginners; the casual, dilettante golfer who just wants to play with friends on a weekend; right through to the ultra-competitive low handicap golfer, looking for regular competition golf.

Check out our advertisers for more information.

Truth and honesty is one such example. A golfer is responsible

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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Patshull Park - Golfing Paradise Patshull Park Hotel is one of the West Midlands best known resort hotels, conveniently located a short distance from Wolverhampton, Dudley and Telford near the village of Pattingham.

The 49 bedroom Hotel, 18 hole Golf Course and Health Club are set in some of the most glorious countryside that Shropshire and the Black Country can offer.

Looking for a new Golf Club? Then try our great value golf memberships starting at just £495 for a 5 day membership (that is less than £2.00 per day) and current members enjoy 20% off a selected range of products throughout the hotel.

Junior memberships are only £50 per year with a free club shirt, regular junior golf clinics; inter-club competitions and much more.

such as christenings and wedding anniversaries.

With seven private rooms we can cater for events of all sizes including corporate team-building and company fun days in the hotel grounds.

Please contact our Head Pro Richard Bissell for details or visit our web site www.patshull-park.co.uk.

After a stressful day at work, why not relax in our leisure club which boasts a 15 metre heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, and two gymnasiums.

Golf Society packages are also available from £26 per person, including refreshments on arrival and an informal meal in Earls Brasserie, these can be booked in advance through our sales office.

Our qualified beauty therapists also offer a full range of treatments including full body massages, facials, pedicures and manicures.

The hotel is also a popular venue for company Golf Days, conferences and a range of family celebrations

For all other enquiries, please contact our sales team on 01902 700100 or email sales@patshull-park.co.uk

patshull park Hotel 2016 Golf MeMbersHips 2016 Great offers available

Including junior golfers just £50 per year.

Organised events, PGA coaching, competitions and inter-club matches.

HealtH Club MeMbersHip 60’s and over for less than £8 per week

Look us up on Trip Advisor

Great facilities, friendly staff, and close to Wolverhampton.

Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR 01902 700100 sales@patshull-park.co.uk www.patshull-park.co.uk

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Swindon becomes

The Staffordshire Golf Club Swindon Golf Club is very excited to announce that it is re-branding and renaming ‘Swindon Golf Club’ to ‘The Staffordshire Golf Club’.

This step has been taken to keep pushing the club forward to make it a premier venue for golfers, focusing on membership and the facilities we can offer. We believe the course has the potential to be one of the finest golf facilities in Staffordshire, and we are working hard to make this happen.

Many clubs are reducing the facilities they offer, where at the Staffordshire we are looking to expand and invest. Over the next 12 months the refurbishment of the driving range will begin. This will include a makeover of the shop externally as well as a new range design which will expand further the facilities we can offer.

We are not looking to reposition the club in terms of the membership price; we will continue to offer a competitive membership package. It is only the name of the club that is changing, not the owners or the Limited Company behind it.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

We are currently offering a very competitive joint membership with Perton Golf Club from just £650.

To introduce golfers to the facility and to see the changes we have made The Staffordshire is offering current members of a golf club a free 2 weeks trial of the course. This will be a full membership experience, with access to our online membership system and scoring analysis.

Come and see why we are the ‘Most Picturesque Golf Course in the Midlands’, call 01902 897031 for details.

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Great Golf on offer at With longer days and the promise of sunshine to come (hopefully!), why not join the fastest growing club in the area with probably the best value golf membership in the country.

Owned by the Moseley family for two generations, Wergs Golf Club offers a superb 18 hole, 6949 yard course in a glorious rural setting, only 10 minutes from Wolverhampton City Centre.

Currently offering a fantastic seven day, two year golf membership for the price of one for only £710, the club is going from strength to strength having increased its membership to over 500.

Offering good value for money is undoubtedly key to the increased uptake in club membership. In conjunction with this there has been significant investment in the course. In addition the golf club has created a new extension which was part of a £250,000 refurbishment programme.

Welcoming visitors and corporate groups the clubs popularity is certainly growing so make sure you don’t miss out on the great facilities available.

The course itself offers a variety of new features including bunkers, ditches, ponds, conifers and deciduous trees to add a variety of hazards to your golfing day.

You can choose from the full, short, ladies and seniors routes, all of which provide their own unique characteristics and challenges.

If you would like to brush up on your skills before you tee off, you can make use of the 20 acre practice area which includes bunkers. Alternatively, you may like to have a chat with the resident expert and PGA professional Shaun Ball. With over 30 years' golfing experience, Shaun is able to use his knowledge to give you practical tips focussing on specific areas to improve your game.

Wergs also offer a well-stocked club shop selling equipment and clothing for golfers of all standards. Novices can feel assured that they are purchasing the right equipment for them with the advice of experienced shop staff, whilst advanced players will also be able to find the perfect equipment that they are searching for.

After a long day of golf, you may choose to relax in the 19th hole, the relaxing spike bar. Unwind and discuss your day in the friendly

ambience whilst enjoying a guest ale or a light snack while watching Sky TV and using the free Wifi, all without having to get changed.

Wergs Golf Club has long been a popular dining place with the locals, serving quality, fresh home-made food, so for that special occasion consider booking a table at the beautifully furnished Wergs’ restaurant.

Open to non-members, the locally sourced menu will satisfy the appetite but remember to leave room for a delicious dessert.

Part of the £250,000 refurbishment included a new cellar, kitchen, toilet block and an extension to the main function room. This now offers a separate more intimate room for smaller private functions, ideal for christenings, birthdays, anniversary parties, wakes and corporate seminars for up to 60 people. With this extension now complete Wergs can now accommodate functions with approximately 160 guests with unrestricted on-site parking.

Wergs Golf Club makes the perfect setting for any special occasion and is guaranteed to make your day unforgettable.

For bookings or more information please visit www.wergsgolfclub.com or call 01902 742225.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

WERGS GOLF CLUB

2 YEARS

MEMBERSHIP FOR THE PRICE OF

1 YEAR 7 DAY £710 – MONTHLY PAYMENTS AVAILABLE

SPECIAL DEALS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIETIES* *All packages minimum of 12 people

PAR PACKAGE

BIRDIE PACKAGE

EAGLE PACKAGE

18 holes of golf, full english breakfast.

Weekdays £25pp.

Weekends/Bank Holidays £30pp.

18 holes of golf, two course meal.

Weekdays £30pp.

Weekends/Bank Holidays £35pp.

18 holes of golf, full english breakfast, two course meal.

Weekdays £35pp.

Weekends/Bank Holidays £40pp.

WEEKDAY GOLF £20.00

WEEKEND GOLF £25.00

TWILIGHT GOLF FROM £14.00

Wergs Golf Club

FoR FURThER inFoRMATion on GoLF,

Keepers Lane, Tettenhall Wolverhampton West Midlands WV6 8UA

DininG oR FUncTionS oR To MAKE A

e info@wergsgolfclub.com

booKinG pLEASE cALL

01902 742 225

www.wergsgolfclub.com www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

prices correct at time of going to print 141

Photographs courtesy of Crescent Imaging

Social Scene

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The Mount Hotel Tettenhall A fabulous Great Gatsby 1920’s themed event was organised at The Mount Hotel in support of a very special charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Live Jazz entertainment was performed throughout the evening, vintage cars from the period were on display and all guests made a marvellous effort dressing up for the occasion. The sponsors for the evening were – Firewalker Fitness & Martial Arts, Diffusion and Blue Chip Contractors.

The charity is very close to the hearts of the event organisers Lisa Kidd-Penny and daughter Nardhia KiddWalker. The event named “Jazzmatazz” raised £4,812 during the evening, with a total amount of £8,500 so far and the donations still keep coming in!

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Cassel Burnett, Thelma Dunlop.

Paulette Bailey, Charlotte Baile.

Joanne Cresswell Ann Western, Stephanie Western.

Julie Gallagher, Delroy Ricketts.

David Trend, Ron Walker.

Louise Walker, Cheryl Walker, Paulette Walker, Alicia Walker.

Kirsty Webb, Jon Webb.

Helen Davenport, Adam Davenport.

John Pratt, Shelia Pratt, Arthur Thompson, Sally Thompson.

Lisa Kidd-Penny, Nardhia Kidd-Walker (organisers).

Marlon Walters, Stacie Hicks, Nicola O’Shea, Barry Chiverton.

Gail Fraser, Russel Fraser.

Liz Lowe, Gwen Rogers, Katie Marsh.

Audrey Clarkson, Joanne Richards.

Room with a view. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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Molineux Wolverhampton

4. Lucy Ellen Parker, Lindsey Grant, Lisa Crossley, Phoebe Bruerton, Hannah Dean, Isobel Burgess, Maureen Oakley.

177 people attended a fabulous spring charity ball held in the Haywood Suite, Molineux which was organised by Rachel Bruerton to help raise funds for the Newlife Foundation charity and Dementia Ward at New Cross Hospital.

7. Liz Simmonds, Rose Neal.

Kevin Bruerton and Richard Webster are running the London Marathon for Newlife and the Dementia Ward, Richard’s wife Samantha is a Sister on the Dementia Ward. A total amount of £5000 is the target they need to raise, Kevin and Richard have got a just giving page with £1300 on so far.

1. Pauline Hemmings, Gaynor Boyce.

2. Lisa Crossley, Maggie Jervis.

3. Anita Finnegan, Carol Cockayne, Jackie Pasey, Jan Reading, Stephanie Leadbetter.

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5. Paul Crossley, Kevin Burgess, John Nutting, Terry Oakley.

6. Ruth Noble, Paul Noble.

8. Di Jones, Neville Clements.

9. b/r Nikki Wootton, Sandra Hall, f/r Tracy Foster, Sally Ann Breakwell, Joy Egginton.

10. Kevin Bruerton, Rachel Bruerton.

11. Alex McDowell, Amandeep Jhawar, Jo McDowell, Manny Jhawar, Kristina Woodward, Lee Woodward.

12. Richard Hall, Josie Hall, Gavin Jackson, Kelly Jackson.

13. Richard Webster, Keleigh Tomlinson, Kevin Bruerton.

14. Chris White, Sonia Turner, Sid Sangha, Ken Sangha.

15. Stuart Bowen, Nick Hall, Kay Bowen, Jayne Thorpe, Louise Peck, Ian Peck. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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Porsche Wolverhampton

3. b/r Gary Price, Angela Price, Gary Marshall, Deb Marshall, f/r Harriet Price, Georgia Price.

On Monday 25th April, Porsche held an official opening of their stunning new Porsche Centre Wolverhampton.

They welcomed customers and invited guests to a launch night for the new 718 Porsche Boxster. Over 500 attended and the evening was a fantastic success.

6. Louise Bradshaw, Alan Bradshaw.

Simon Priest, Centre Principal commented: ‘We were delighted with the turnout, it was a fabulous night and we are happy to be moving into the area to continue delivering a first class service to new and existing customers’.

1. Sian Evans – Stratstone Marketing, Simon Priest – Centre Principal, James Sherratt - General Sales Manager.

2. Harry Jones, Sarah Houghton, Ben Houghton.

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4. Ron Dodenhoff, Sharon Dodenhoff.

5. Angela Price, Rosie Cox. 7. Jez Moxey, Babette Moxey.

8. Nick Malenko, Matt Swann, Royston Blythe.

9. Simon Priest – Centre Principal, Chris Craft - MD Porsche Cars GB. 10. Elsie Wright, Mike Wright.

11. Kieran Fletcher, Michael O’Shea, Lee Wright.

12. David Drury, Donna Drury, Wayne Gooding.

13. Nick Abel, Fleur Abel.

14. Desnee Kolakovic, Mike Kolakovic.

15. Peter Snowdon, Wes Fellows. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

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Mount Hotel Tettenhall An evening was arranged at The Mount Hotel to launch the ‘Big 6 Kilimanjaro Challenge’.

The challenge is to scale Mount Kilimanjaro and raise as much money as possible for three worthy charities, Promise Dreams, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and The Way: Wolverhampton Youth Zone. The Big 6 are all local guys, Suresh Bawa, Arran Bawa, Chris Jewkes, Neil Taylor, Scott Bernard and Brett Bernard.

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2. Phillipa Gregory (The Way), Daniel Gregory.

3. Steve Hurmon, Simon Paget, Sarah Newsome.

4. Narinder Bawa, Pete Taylor, Luke Adamczyk, Ben Smithyman, Carl Falconer.

5. Neil Taylor, James Lunney (Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity), Hannah Lunney.

6. Simon Stevenson (Artist of “A Brush With Africa” donated artwork), Kate Stevenson.

7. Amy Johnson, Gary Martin, Beverley Bird (Promise Dreams), Pam Martin (Barclays Bank).

8. Guests engaged in conversation. wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Motoring

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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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

w w w. r s f o u r a s h e s . c o. u k NOW OPEN ROAD & RACE REPAIRS LTD ALL IN-HOUSE FACILITY OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF BODYSHOP SERVICES

FOR ALL 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!

01902 790454

62 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

MOT 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.

11 Reg and 61 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.

Units S1 & S2 Station Drive, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7BU 150

01902 790123

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Why service your air-con?

Most cars should be serviced every 10,000 miles or every year but did you know that an air-con service is not included in your car’s regular service schedule?

As with all things mechanical, the air-con system needs to be serviced regularly to keep it working at optimum performance. It is recommended that you have your air-con serviced and pollen filter replaced every 2 years.

Below are the 3 main reasons for servicing your air con.

because lubricating oil is mixed with the gas to keep the compressor unit running smoothly.

In an air-con service the system is drained to remove any oil, gas and moisture from the system. It is then recharged with new gas and oil to keep it running effectively.

3.

Bacteria build up.

Ever had a stale smell when you turn your aircon on for the first time in a while? This smell is usually associated with a dirty pollen filter and a build-up of bacteria in the air vents. A regular service will include an antibacterial clean removing nasty odours and germs so that all you get when you turn on your air-con is fresh air.

1. Checking for leaks.

Your car’s air-con system has to cope with a pretty hostile environment and as a result the refrigerant gas leaks out of the air-con system over time. This gas is required to cool the air and on average, the air-con system will lose around 10% of gas per annum. If the level of gas gets too low the system will not function.

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www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

18/04/2016 15:34

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By Rob Taylor

Game of Thrones

You join me on the throne.

No, not the colloquial “throne”, which lurks in the smallest room in the house and provokes much tittering from youngsters and men-children alike, but sitting high and mighty on the spot now most coveted by motorists: at the wheel of a crossover vehicle.

More than ever manufacturers are taking car-jacks to their most beloved hatchbacks, then giving them the unenviable task of driving around while wearing massive stiletto heels. Often the end result is a fashion statement with few redeeming features, but where does the Fiat 500X fit in? OK, you might think, so it’s yet another small front-two-wheel drive premium crossover that aims to cash in on the baby 500’s cutesy looks, but that’s just not the case.

Admittedly, owing to the enormous success of the Fiat 500, the Italian brand has understandably fallen victim to the most irresistible force presently sweeping across the automotive galaxy: the crossover vehicle – or specifically in this case, the B-segment crossover vehicle – but the Fiat 500X is a genuinely effective tool for modern life.

Even though in the strictest sense I’ve always been a fan of highdriving positions – with better visibility, command of the road – I’ve always been a firm believer that 152

there’s little to no justifiable reason for riding high just for the sake of it, to play Lord of Manor when on the school run. Similarly I see no point in hunting for extra space in any other way than by buying an estate.

The 500X copes very well with changes of direction and its suspension irons out all but the worst lumps and bumps, providing a ride which is very smooth. The 120bhp 1.6 Multi-jet diesel engine makes mincemeat of the 500X’s modest kerb-weight – 1320kg – as well as almost any load you can bring to bear upon its ample proportions. I travelled down to the south coast on the M5 with three friends and copious kit (a 350 litre boot greedily ate all of our luggage) and the 500X performed admirably, dispatching any given motorway malady with a big slug of its sizeable 236lb ft of torque. The 500X’s cabin is well insulated and there’s little trace of noise from the outside world when up at speed. Driver-aids like Lane-Assist and Emergency Braking seem to work well, even in poor weather and at night.

And yet despite its motorway might it retains all of the wieldy dexterity required for in-town tootling too: parking is a cinch thanks to a reversing camera, as well as the 500X’s party-piece: all-round good visibility from its high-chair,

which offers much adjustment for maximum comfort. In fact the seats are some of the best out there, supportive but not overly firm.

Keeping us entertained on said journey was myriad pieces of kit on this Lounge spec model.

Stand out favourite has to be the TomTom-connected sat-nav, which kept us on the straight and narrow. Besides this the cabin is a nice place in which to spend time: there’s chunky well-made switchgear, flash plastics and pleasing ergonomics allied to robust storage solutions. And since my all-time favourite readout displayed an average mpg of 55.6 mpg (official numbers 68.9 mpg/ 109 g/ km Co2) at the end of my time with the 500X I was more than happy.

Knowing that this model costs just over £20,000 pleases me too.

For me riding high in a car still means being taller, heavier and ill-equipped to handle the sinuous B-roads that make this country great and you just don’t want that in a hatchback. In short, sitting lower makes for a better driving experience, but I’ve always been open to a car-maker being able to swerve around the inherent drawbacks and produce a crossover that can do it all.

This 500X may just be that car.

To book a test drive or for further information please contact Guest Motors Wolverhampton on 01902 544200.

Armstrong Way, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 2QU wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

SHOPPING UNLIMITED VEHICLE Some say that SUV just stands for Sports Utility Vehicle. We say, why stand for compromise?

GIVES

350 litre boot Spacious and comfortable Uconnect™ RadioNav LIVE 6.5" touchscreen Rear camera† Rear parking sensors Electronic parking brake

SUV NEW

MEANING

G U E S T W O LV E R H A M P T O N , A R M S T R O N G W A Y, WILLENHALL, WEST MIDLANDS WV13 2QU. T E L : 0 1 9 0 2 5 4 4 2 0 0 W W W. G U E S T S. C O. U K Fuel consumption figures for Fiat 500X Range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 32.5 (8.7) – 61.4 (4.6); Extra Urban 49.6 (5.7) – 74.3 (3.8); Combined 42.2 (6.7) – 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions 157 – 107 g/km.

Fuel consumption and CO2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a 500X 2.0 140hp MultiJet AWD Auto Cross Plus. Uconnect™ LIVE systems, where available, require a data enabled smartphone to use.

Available as an optional extra as part of the Safety Pack. www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

†

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Suzuki Vitara

Voted the winner of the compact crossover category in The Sunday Times Top 100 cars of 2016 the first Suzuki to utilise the new BOOSTERJET technology engine which, in Vitara, is a 140PS 1.4-litre Direct Injection turbocharged unit (DITC). This new engine has compact dimensions and offers 220Nm of torque available from just 1,500rpm through to 4,000rpm. CO2 emissions are 127g/km and just one gram higher for the optional six speed automatic transmission.

Suzuki GB PLC would like to share some very good news for its Vitara model as it has been voted the winner of the compact crossover category in The Sunday Times Top 100 cars of 2016.

USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control with speed limiter, auto air conditioning and front and rear electric windows.

Suzuki’s latest ALLGRIP four wheel drive technology is available as an option.

The most recent addition to the range is the new S model which provides a more sporting and dynamic character to the Vitara line up. The new S is

Suzuki also scored well in the warm hatchbacks category with its popular Swift Sport model. First launched in the UK in January 2012, the Sport again impressed the team who commented: “This might look slow on paper and in the metal too, but get in and you won’t want to release the steering wheel. The Swift’s non-turbocharged 1.6-litre engine is a gem: smooth, revvy and full of heart. The car grips tenaciously, steers with energy and the subtle go-faster tweaks mean nobody else is likely to realise the fun you’re having, particularly if you opt for the five-door version. The three-door is a sub-£14,000 bargain”.

Launched in the UK nine months ago, the Vitara was tested by their editorial team against some very strong competition from four different brands with one costing over £16,000 more for its lowest priced derivative.

The Sunday Times comments: “Squint — hard — and you might mistake the new Vitara for a Range Rover Evoque. That’s because Suzuki’s crossover has morphed from a cheap and cheerful off-roader into a primped, well-equipped vehicle that’s top of its class. This has a lot to do with the low starting price.”

Vitara SZ4 is available from £13,999 and standard equipment for all models is comprehensive and includes seven airbags, alloy wheels, DAB Radio with 154

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

THE ALL-NEW

SUZUKI VITARA FROM £13,999*

Stunning design, rugged good looks and impressive features. The Vitara really is the SUV that has it all.  Crossover with striking SUV styling  ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive technology**  Advanced safety capability†

The sporty new Suzuki with the looks to match.  1.4 Boosterjet engine  ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive technology  Striking sports SUV styling

Request a test drive today; See below for your local dealership

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

Suzuki Vitara range mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km): Urban 42.1-61.4 (6.7-4.6), Extra Urban 55.4-76.3 (5.1-3.7), Combined 49.5-70.6 (5.7-4.0), CO2 emissions 131-106 g/km.

Fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print. *Vitara SZ4 1.6 Petrol Manual available at £13,999 to Vitara SZ5 1.6 DDiS ALLGRIP TCSS with Rugged Pack available at £23,149. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. Offer subject to availability for vehicles privately registered between 1st April to 30th June 2016 from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. **SZ5 models only. †SZ-T and SZ5 models only. Model shown: Vitara 1.6 SZ4 available at £13,999 on the road. (Single-tone metallic paint available at an additonal cost of £430, dual-tone paint available at an additional cost of £800.). Model Shown, Vitara S 1.4 Boosterjet Petrol available from £20,899 (metallic paint available at £430).

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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BodyKraft speeds up

its operation

Tim Freeman, Lorna Freeman, Mike Pugh, Dawn Owen

Accident repair firm BodyKraft opened the doors to its brand-new £250,000 rapid repair centre in February.

The state of the art facility played host to 100 guests and myriad VIPs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers’ legend Steve Bull and the Mayor and Mayoress of Dudley, at a gala launch event, which demonstrated innovative painting and drying technology.

The 6000 sq ft unit – BodyKraft’s second facility on Pensnett Trading Estate, in Kingswinford – will facilitate its latest ‘Fastrack’ venture. It comes much to the delight of the Black Country’s accident-prone and unfortunate, and is the latest in a long line of good news for the company, which was founded in 1998 by owners Mike Pugh and Lorna Freeman.

Mike Pugh, managing director of BodyKraft, said: “As we mark our 17th anniversary we have invested in providing one of the 156

most high-tech vehicle repair and spraying facilities in the country.”

The new ‘Fastrack’ service will focus on small and minor body repairs. It is designed to speed up the spraying and drying of customers’ vehicles, reducing the process to just five minutes; it will be handling up to 12 vehicles per day. A £78,000 moveable spray booth and UV infrared drying system is a first for the region. Much of BodyKraft’s work involves full-on accident and business insurance repairs together with paint and dent removals.

Another 12 employees – among them mechanics, panel beaters, paint technicians and office staff – have been added to the business, which now employs a team of 90 across four sites in Dudley, Wolverhampton and Merry Hill.

And it’s no accident that so much investment has been forthcoming because such things are very important for the family-focussed company, as Mr Pugh adds: “We’re delighted that this new facility will mean more jobs for people in the Black Country. It’s the engine

room of Britain and we need the best local people to be part of our team in what is the most ambitious initiative in our history.”

“Many of our customers are local people and businesses who rely on their vehicles and need them back on the road as quickly as possible, so our new rapid service means owners can have their cars and vans repaired on the same day.”

Giving back to the community has seen the company attract not only local people and businesses but many other established brands also. BodyKraft is the trusted repair specialist for many global car manufacturers, including Vauxhall, Chevrolet, Kia and Citroen. BodyKraft is also an accredited repairer for West Midlands Police. So you might even say that the business comes highly wreck-a-mended.

BodyKraft also ensured that fellow Black Country businesses benefited from their expansion by using local firms for the construction and fitting out of the new premises – including near neighbours, M Foster Construction.

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Block A, Progress Point, Second Avenue, The Pensnett Estate, Kingswinford DY6 7FT www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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The New E-Class Saloon

Now Arrived

Mercedes-Benz is taking a big step into the future with the new E‑Class.

The tenth-generation business saloon delivers stylish highlights with its distinct, emotive design and high-grade interior. The new E-Class also brings numerous technical innovations. They enable comfortable, safe driving on a new level plus a new dimension in driver assistance – among other things – along with infotainment and control systems offering an all‑new experience. Likewise exemplary is the newly developed diesel engine coupled with lightweight design and record-breaking aerodynamics figures that set the standards for efficiency in this segment, while new, optionally available multichamber air suspension ensures outstanding ride comfort and driving dynamics. The sum total of its innovations, including the Active Lane-change Assistant which allows the driver to steer into the selected lane as if by magic, make the E-Class the most intelligent saloon in the business class.

“The E-Class is the core of the Mercedes-Benz brand and in the past has repeatedly redefined the standards in the businessclass segment. Now it carries this tradition into the future with a wealth of top-class innovations. The new E-Class takes another major step towards fully autonomous driving. In addition, it enhances efficiency, safety and comfort, reduces the stress level when driving and intensifies motoring pleasure,” said Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

overall length by 43 millimetres (4923/4880). Its design displays hallmark Mercedes-Benz saloon proportions. The elongated bonnet coupled with a coupéesque roof flowing into a sensual, broad-shouldered tail end creates an exciting silhouette.

The powerfully extended vehicle body is characterised by short overhangs, a long wheelbase, large wheels and taut well-defined flanks displaying a fresh, stylish and dynamic interpretation of the feature line. All of which allows the E-Class to deliver the perfect take on the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy: Sensual Purity.

A powerfully designed front end underlines the status the business-class saloon aspires to, boasting a different look for each design and equipment line. The base version features the classic Mercedes radiator grille with the star on the bonnet, as does the EXCLUSIVE line – albeit in an even more elaborate fashion. The AVANTGARDE and AMG Line models are identifiable by the sports radiator grille with a large Mercedes star as its centrepiece.

In the UK all models will be offered exclusively with the sports radiator grille. Each of the radiator grille designs lend the E-Class a

distinct character, offering a unique degree of diversity that makes each different model stand out.

At the rear end, broad shoulders above the rear wheel arches lend the E-Class its unmistakably powerful character. Single-piece tail lights featuring a two-bar design framed by the vehicle body clearly identify the E-Class as a new member of the Mercedes saloon family. Optionally available rear lights provide an additional highlight reminiscent of stardust, the Milky Way or the glow of a jet engine. This “stardust effect” is created by innovative reflector technology with a specially configured surface structure for the tail lights and is making its debut appearance on the new E-Class.

Peter Smith, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, added, “We’re pleased to announce that the New E-Class Saloon has now arrived at our dealership and we welcome customers to come and view the new model in all its glory. The arrival of this new model has taken us well into the future, and we can’t wait for more to come. If you would like to book a test drive in this fantastic new model, call us on 01902 427897.”

Coupé-esque and powerful The new E-Class is sophisticated, confidently stylish and sporty.

Compared with its predecessor, its wheelbase has grown by 65 millimetres (2939/2874), and its

Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton, Penn Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV2 4HD 158

wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

The new E-Class Saloon.

Now arrived.

Drayton

The wait is over. The new E-Class Saloon has now arrived.

The new E-Class Saloon is engineered to deliver more comfort, more efficiency and a more connected drive than ever before.

A masterpiece of intelligence that’s not to be missed.

Call us on 01902 276977 to book your test drive.

Drayton Group Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton

Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV2 4HD 01902 276977 www.draytonmercedes.co.uk www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Airport, Transfers & Executive Travel Image Luxury Travel 79 Perton & Bridgnorth Travel 79 Appliances Electrical & Gas Capital Appliances 51 Bathrooms Carvers Building Supplies 19 Eaton Kitchens 43 Kitchen & Bedroom Technique 26 Roman Bathrooms 22 Wall Heath Bathrooms 29 Beauty Clinics – Cosmetic Cosmetique Aesthetic Clinic 99 Beds & Bedroom Furniture Chasewood 53 Cousins 10/11 Merridale Furnishers 21 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Aston Fabric Barn 27 Merridale Furnishers 21 Val Hever Blinds 13 Virgo 49 Building Services & Contractors Three Pines 41 Butchers Allan Bennett 75 Poxons 75 R J Hipkiss & Sons 76/77 Caravan Accessories Cannock Caravan Accessories 73 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Touch Dry 37 Carpets & Flooring - Supply & Fit st 37 1 Choice Flooring Premier Carpets & Flooring 23 Sandford Carpets 27 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 49 Car Sales & Service Autosales 155 Guest Motors 153 Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton 159 Porsche Centre Wolverhampton 163 Chiropody & Podiatry Tom Casey 112/130 Composite Doors Doorsmart 56 Computer Services Finchfield IT 70 Delicatessen Corbelli 71 Dentistry Parkside Dental Surgery 111 Simply Dentures 115 Total Implant Solutions 2 Debt Collection Services JB Credit Services 68 Design & Print The Studio 98 Diet & Slimming Cambridge Diet 93 Drive & Patio Cleaning DCS 67 Education Newbridge School 118 Tettenhall College 117 The Royal School 121

Electricians & Electrical Contractors Central Electrical Contracts 45 Chancery Contracts 47 Excel Electrical Contractors 69 Electrical Installation & Design Chancery Contracts 47 Entertainment & Leisure Kinver Country Fayre 74 Estate Agents Berriman Eaton 9 Fashion & Retail Aristocats 97 Diffusion 94/95/108 Fencing & Gates Profence 65 Fireplaces & Stoves Flaming Fires 17 Wolverhampton Fireplaces 13 Fitness & Leisure Centres Chris Jewkes Fitness 109 Patshull Park 138 Furniture & Furnishings Aston Fabric Barn 27 Cousins 10/11 Merridale Furnishers 21 Ralvern 39 Sofa Factory Outlet 31 Virgo Carpets & Interiors 49 Garage Refurbishment Services Danmarque Garages 59 Garage Services Bodykraft 157 Four Ashes Renault 150 HiQ Tyres 151 Rock Garage 160 Garden Design Boningale Garden Creations 63 Gardening & Landscaping Keepers Lane Nursery 65 Lealans Garden Centre 62 Glass & Hardware Specialists Tech Alum System 57 Glazing Repairs Blakes Glass & Glazing 66 Golf Clubs & Driving Ranges 3 Hammers Golf Complex 133 Oxley Park Golf Club 131 Patshull Park Golf Club 138 South Staffs Golf Club 135 The Staffordshire Golf Club 139 Wergs Golf Club 141 Hairdressers Ego 90/91 Michelle Lawley 101 Salon 27 98 Headwear & Accessories HT Headwear 93 Health Care Cover Paycare 105 Hospices Compton Hospice 127 Hospitals – Private Nuffield 129 Independent Financial Advisers Midland Financial Services 122/123 Insect Screens Safe Screen 64 Interior Designers Virgo Carpets & Iznteriors 49

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

Italian Deli Corbelli’s 71 Jewellers T.A.Henn 7 Kitchen Doors - Replacement Dream Doors 35 Kitchens - Supply, Design & Fit Carvers Building Supplies 19 Dream Doors 35 Eaton Kitchens 43 Kitchen & Bedroom Technique 26 Roman Bathrooms 22 Legal Services Manby Bowdler Solicitors 121 Sharratts Solicitors 125 Letting Agents Berriman Eaton 9 Lighting Lighting R Us 45 Locksmiths Cummings Brothers 68 Loft Ladders Lyndale 17 Music Lessons Rick Hampton 71 Opticians Taylor Biddle 107 Orthopaedic Surgery Wolverhampton Hip & Knee Clinic 115 Oven Cleaning Services OvenClean 68 OvenGleamers 66 Painters & Decorators Kevin Jackson 66 Photography Crescent Imaging 71/93 Plumbing & Heating JB Plumbing & Heating 69 Restaurants/Pubs Bravaccios 83 Flamingo Pink 86 Halfpenny Green Vineyards 79 Park House Hotel 82 Patshull Park 87 Shrewsbury Arms 81 Sir Jack’s 81 Wergs Golf Club 86 Wombourne Tandoori 82 Skip Hire Wolverhampton Skip Hire 65 Stairs & Stair Components Lyndale 17 Tea Rooms Halfpenny Green Vineyards 79 Theatres The Grand Theatre 164 Tiles & Interiors Heart of Stone 29 Tile Choice 5 Tyres Hi Q Tyres 151 Vineyard & Craft Centre Halfpenny Green Vineyards 79 Windows, Conservatories, Orangeries Lee Jones 33 Tettenhall Windows 25 161

New Porsche Centre

Wolverhampton opened its doors on Monday 4th April 2016 the spot diagnosis by a Porschetrained technician prior to any necessary work commencing.

The new centre also offers the full range of Porsche services including new and Approved Pre-Owned car sales, servicing, parts, a service loan fleet and a full range of Porsche demonstrators. In addition, local collection and delivery will ensure any servicing or repairs are conducted with minimal inconvenience to the customer.

• Brand new Porsche Centre extending sales and service to Porsche customers in the Midlands.

• New Centre is located just off M54 Junction 2 • Opened April 2016, bringing the Porsche Centre network in the UK up to 37

Work is now complete on a brand new, state-of-the-art Porsche Centre in Wolverhampton that opened on 4th April 2016 to serve customers in the Midlands. The development, which brings the total Porsche Centre network in the UK and Ireland to 37, demonstrates a major investment in the Porsche business and the local region.

Porsche Centre Wolverhampton features a 20 car showroom, a 16 bay workshop and a dedicated MOT bay. Visitors will also benefit from access to a Direct Dialogue bay, a dedicated area where a car can receive immediate, on

A showroom display holds a wide array of items from the Porsche Design Driver’s Selection range of clothing and accessories. In addition, Porsche Tequipment personalisation options from floor mats to Aerokits will be available and can be fitted on-site.

On Monday 25th April, the Centre opened its doors and welcomed customers to a launch night for the new 718 Porsche Boxster.

Over 500 attended and the evening was a fantastic success.

Simon Priest, Centre Principal commented: ‘We were delighted with the turnout, it was a fabulous night and we are happy to be moving into the area to continue delivering a first class service to new and existing customers’.

Porsche Centre Wolverhampton is located on Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 7ER.

• Distinctive architectural style

For customer enquiries, please register for more details by email at info@porschewolverhampton.co.uk, call 01902 397 911 or visit www.porschewolverhampton.co.uk for more details.

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wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016

Porsche recommends

and

If history is any indication, you’re looking at the future of sports cars.

The new 911.

Ever ahead.

For more information call 01902 397 911 or visit our Centre.

Porsche Centre Wolverhampton Stafford Road Wolverhampton WV10 7ER info@porschewolverhampton.co.uk www.porschewolverhampton.co.uk

Official fuel economy figures for the 911 Carrera 4S Coupé in mpg (l/100km): urban 22.8 – 27.4 (12.4 – 10.3), extra urban 41.5 – 42.8 (6.8 – 6.6), combined 31.7 – 35.8 (8.9 – 7.9). CO2 emissions: 204 – 180 g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated tests, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

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BOOK ONLINE 164

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• BOX OFFICE 01902 42 92 12 wolverhampton west magazine | may 2016