Lifestyle Magazine - September/October 2021

S EPTEMB ER /OC TOB ER 2021

WIN

A meal for two with drinks at Zooma or a silk pillowcase courtesy of Heaven

FASHION

Autumn season layer up with new textures

INTERIOR FEATURE

Be inspired by lighting in your home

www.lifestylemag.org.uk

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Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 4-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18

Saturday 9th October, 11am - 3pm Register now to join our Open Day at www.wgs.org.uk/openday or alternatively, for more information about joining our School, please contact our Admissions team telephone: 01902 422939 or email: admissions@wgs-sch.net

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welcome

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76 BUSINESS

PETS & GARDEN

HEALTH

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69

MOTORING

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59

FINANCE

HAIR & BEAUTY

FASHION

TRAVEL

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WEDDINGS

COMPETITION

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46

HOROSCOPES

35

33/44

FOOD & DRINK

PUZZLE EDUCATION

PROPERTY

HOME

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HAND DELIVERED TO 15,000 SELECTED HOMES AND BUSINESSES WV6, 8 & 9: Wightwick, Tettenhall, Stockwell End,

Lower Street, Claregate, Compton, Perton, Perton Ridge, Pattingham, Burnhill Green, Ackleton, Chesterton WV15: Worfield and Hilton WV3, 6 & 7: Finchfield, Codsall, Codsall Wood,

Oaken and Lower Penn WV5: Wombourne, Seisdon, Claverley, Trysull, and Sandford

At last, we have had some normality back in our lives, I hope you have enjoyed meeting up with family and friends, making memories that probably seem a lot more important to us all now that lockdown has been lifted.

Make a cuppa and take five, enjoy your read of this editions exciting articles.

Congratulations to Keisha Vaughan, Finchfield, Wolverhampton, for winning an aesthetics treatment courtesy of Heaven Medi Spa.

Christine Arnold | Managing Director 07970 681004 Christine@lifestylemag.org.uk The Studio | Design 01902 744544 sales@thestudiogroup.co.uk

EARN MONEY & KEEP FIT Distributors wanted for Codsall, Palmers Cross, Claverley, Tettenhall, Trysull, Worfield, Hilton, Chesterton, Burnhill Green and Seisdon areas

Feature Writers and Editor: Mike Whitehurst, Jennifer Suzanne, Sally Mansell, Louise Rose, Libby Williams and Bob Hickman

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home

this months interior by

Jennifer Suzanne 6

home

with autumn season approaching... ...I’ve been inspired by lighting in the home and you can add layers of light to our interior spaces making our homes come to life.

SO WHAT DO LAYERS OF LIGHT MEAN? This is simply a good general light level plus mood lights for areas of interest and task lighting for reading, homework, cleaning and cooking where a good strong light is needed.

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GENERAL LIGHT - sometimes described as ambient lighting. This is typically a central light but not always. Some period properties have mainly wall lights as their general light. A general light is the light that you switch on to give you enough light to see when you are in the room.

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This is the bit that is the most fun and also the bit most people worry about. It may be worth wandering around the room with a lamp and trying it in different places. Hold it in close to the wall, at lower levels, next to your favourite object and feature in the room and if you like the effect try to replicate it with either fixed wall lights or table lamps.

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FINALLY TASK LIGHTS - this is a brighter light where you need it and when you need it.

The most common use of task lighting is as a reading light.

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This could be a floor lamp next to the arm chair, a desk light or a bedside table lamp.

And don’t forget the kitchen - maybe some under cupboard lighting to give lots of light on the worktops or a good strong light above the sink or cooker, so you are not working in shadows.

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home

bulb type We have all been there and if your anything like me stuck in B&Q looking at the bulbs wishing you had taken note of the lamps requirements but also the same care and attention should be taken for the following when choosing bulb types: •

How bright do you need your space (watts)

•

What atmosphere are you trying to achieve (colour temperature, e.g. lower temp is more similar to candlelight, while higher temps are more akin to a blue sky outside)

•

Should energy efficiency be considered (for more frequently used lights)

Are you trying to make a design or focal statement (with scale, shape or colours)?

lighting positions PLAN, PLAN, PLAN The key to lighting is planning and without a clear plan you can miss important areas for lighting so thinking ahead is a good way of avoiding this, draw a sketch of your room and plot your furniture, ask yourself do you want to light up a favourite area of furniture of focus your eyes to a piece of artwork or mirror hung on the wall, do you need an area to read in the lounge or bedroom. Do you want extra sockets for lamps by console or side tables? Would you like to light up the ceiling or light up the stairwell so it glows at night. So many other elements to lighting and the atmosphere in the home can change from day to night with the right plan in place you can be creative and leave out expensive mistakes with a good lighting room plan.

MY MOST ASKED INTERIOR DESIGN LIGHTING QUESTION How many downlights… The truth is that there is no simple answer to this question As different rooms have different requirements. A room may need more or less light depending on its size, use and type of decor.

For example, a kitchen where food is prepared may need more light than say, a living room, which typically has more of a relaxed atmosphere.

Ideally you don’t want to flood your ceiling with too many downlights and not enough, the general rule of you can go by is around 1 downlight per 1.4m2 of coverage at an average roof height for an adequate cover of light.

You should ideally leave a gap of 3 feet 0.914 metre between the edge of your ceiling and your downlights.

The reason is simple – if your downlights are too close to the wall, they will create unwanted shadows, which can actually make the room, appear smaller than it is. A distance of about 3 feet allows the light to reflect off the walls and makes the room feel lighter and airier. I have a qualified electrician to do my electrical work and any questions on lighting I always go to a professional qualified electrician to check what is possible and safe.

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home TV-FOCUSED SPACES Use less overhead light and more ambient and task lighting, such as lamps. This helps to reduce glare on screens.

my top five tips

OUTSIDE LIGHTING Don’t forget your exterior lighting is an important as interior, the safety aspect of lighting your outside space will give you that feeling of security.

DINING ROOM CHANDELIER HEIGHT As a rule of thumb in general, the bottom of a chandelier should be about 30 inches from the top of your table.

LESS IS MORE Try and keep all your lighting material finishes consistent throughout the home, especially when it comes to lighting, choose a metallic such as a brass gold finish or a chrome finish and stick to it, you can add statement pops of colour with through lampshades and decorative lighting styles.

USE DIMMER SWITCHES Dimmers can instantly change a room’s atmosphere and help you save on your electricity bill. Install dimmer switches in as many rooms and with as many fixtures as you’d like to gain more control over your lighting. Use dimmers to change the mood and balance artificial light with natural light.

If you have any questions or need help to source a light fitting design or style to suit your home interiors please get in touch via email Jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk and follow me on Instagram @jennifersuzanneinteriors for lighting inspirations.

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home

claverley farm logs Claverley Farm Logs is a family business based on the outskirts of the village of Claverley.

Brothers Chris and Tim ensure the logs they sell are well seasoned and barn stored ready for you to burn. All of our Barn stored logs are 20% or less moisture and are a mix of oak, ash and Birch.

The Kiln dried logs are less than 18% moisture and are oak, ash and birch. Both types are ideal as it is important to burn dry wood so not to damage your

burner or chimney. We sell them in either Bulk Bags or loose Loads (2.5 bags worth) and deliver them up to a 12mile radius of our farm. The majority of our wood is locally soured and is from well managed woodlands.

We look forward to seeing new and existing customers throughout this winter ahead. Please do telephone us for more information or go onto our website where you will see the full range of products that we sell which you can also purchase online.

High Quality Logs Delivered To Your Door Kiln or barn stored Logs ready to burn

Order online with us today

Newin House Farm, Upper Aston, Claverley. WV5 7EE 07711983547 | 01746710269 | www.claverleyfarmlogs.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Trailer Load from £180 | Bulk Bag from £85 | Nets of Kindling £3.00

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home

exciting new range at dreamworld! plastic bottles which in turn stops these bottles ending up in a landfill.

Why Vegan?

Because we care, we want the planet to be here for millions of years to come! We understand carbon output from farming is too big and we also know that mattress fillings do not need to be tested on animals!

Warranty - Vegan Helix 7 year warranty and free recycling.

Knowing your body changes year by year, the National Bedding Federation recommends that you change your mattress every seven years, so with this in mind when you replace your Vegan Helix mattress with another one after 7 years, Vogue beds will recycle the old one for free and they are 100% recyclable!

More people are becoming vegan for these reasons and so we know that there is more to vegan than just food.

Vegan certified Vegan mattresses have been certified by the Vegan Society which is so important to all involved! Vogue beds didn’t just want to make a collection of mattresses that are Vegan friendly, they wanted someone else to check, and make sure their ingredients met the highest standards.

Dreamworld welcome you to chat to us about this more, so why not visit their showroom in Stallings Lane Kingswinford and see for yourself.

8 Stallings Lane, Kingswinford DY6 7HU Tel: 01384 295660

The Vegan Society created the word Vegan back in 1944 so who better to certify our mattresses.

Clever Low Carbon Fillings Vegan mattresses use fillings made from recycled

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let’s create your dream home are professionally made for both domestic and commercial clients across the Midlands.

Robert Bedward, the owner of La fenêtre Curtains and Blinds (based in Perton), was trained by James Beattie Ltd in the early 1970s. Working in the Soft Furnishings department and subsequently as the Deputy Department Manager of Soft Furnishings and Linens at the Dudley store laid the foundations for the provision of excellent customer service and product knowledge.

The Company’s aim is to provide total customer satisfaction. We offer thousands of fabric and blind choices from our range of patterns supplied by leading fabric and blind manufacturers, all of which are delivered to your door.

Our fabric choices are complemented by a wide range of curtain tracks, rails and poles from industry leading brands that are not always to be found at typical curtain retailers.

Further experience in the trade was developed as the Department Manager of Soft Furnishings at the House of Fraser (Rackhams).

A further ten years as a sales representative for Antiference Limited window furnishings’ division selling drapery hardware to soft furnishing retailers, commercial workrooms and contract curtain fitters, gave Robert the opportunity to experience the window drapery requirements of a broad range of customers and the solutions thereof.

Cord-operated bay window tracks, electric rails and powered blinds are also available for that extra touch of luxury.

To schedule a consultation please call 07949 319192 and we will arrange a free, no-obligation measuring, estimating and pattern loan service to suit your requirements.

La fenêtre supplies high quality products which

17

home

local means best when it comes to your home reputation they have built up locally, and will rely on word-of-mouth and referrals for business, and they will not want to damage that with poor service.

Autumn and the colder months approaching may have tempted you into getting some new thermally efficient replacement windows or a new contemporary front door to help save money on your energy bills.

A national company, however, will be less reliant on your experience with them and are likely to treat your home as ‘just another job’ to do quickly so they can move onto the next one.

Or maybe now is the right time to create that extra space your family needs at home with a new conservatory?

It will be important that you see and experience the products you want up close before you buy and, while it is rare that a national company will have a showroom you can visit, a local company will have a showroom within driving distance from you, with experts on hand to answer any questions you might have before committing.

Whatever improvements you wish to make to update and refresh your home, the most important decision you will make will be which company you task to do them.

People may assume that the bigger the company, the more superior the product, but size is not always a good barometer when it comes to quality.

Using a local home improvement company means you will also be supporting local employment, stimulating the local economy at a time when it needs it most after a tough last 18 months.

In fact, when it comes to who carries out your home improvement work, the benefits of using a local home improvement company instead of a national one makes the choice between the two an easy one.

Home improvements can be a big commitment, which is why you must have confidence in the company who will carry them out. And when it comes to work on your house, going local is always best.

There will be no hard sell or outrageous quotes that can’t be honoured from a local company, who will be able to provide a quote in writing, and they will also be much more familiar with the different types of property in your area and local planning guidelines.

With over 45 years of industry experience, and more than 25,000 completed projects across the Midlands, you can trust that your home is in good hands with Wolverhampton Glass. For more information call 01902 773831 or email sales@wolverhamptonglass.co.uk.

Customer service is also likely to vary wildly between the two. A local company will have a

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No matter what your renovation plans are this year, make sure your home is in trusted hands from the start with Wolverhampton Glass. Give us a call or visit our website for more information.

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celebration

love at first sight... ...and 61 years later still enjoying each other’s company.

Tettenhall couple, Geoff and Etta Stokes celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Thursday 29th July with a family party and an afternoon tea party with friends.

Geoff 89 and Etta 84 first met in 1960 at a Gentleman’s Excuse Me Dance at Malvern Winter Gardens. It was love at first sight and they were married 1 year later. They have 2 sons and 1 daughter and now 7 grandchildren.

Geoff was Sales Director for Albert Marston Locksmiths in Willenhall until he retired and retired Etta was a remedial supply teacher. They joined and were heavily involved throughout the years in Round Table and Ladies Circle, which lead in the later years to Rotary and Tangent. During their time together they have travelled the world and been lucky enough to see many countries, they were members of Oxley Golf Club and use to attend a weekly dance at the Connaught Hotel and they still now play Bridge.

To celebrate their momentous occasion, all the family attended a garden party, which was the chance for the whole family to come together and celebrate their 60 years of marriage after the pandemic, which was so lovely to be able to do.

They also had a small afternoon tea party with some close friends to mark their special occasion.

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home

rare queen elizabeth i coin sells for a stately sum… something special – and this was reaffirmed by our coin specialist Adrian Simmons, who uncovered more of the lot’s history. It just goes to show how important it is to get gold and jewellery items professionally valued rather than rely on ‘cash for gold weight’ services – the value of this coin in terms of its weight would have been just £480!”

A gold coin dating to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I was among precious lots that went under the hammer at Cuttlestones’ recent Specialist Gold & Jewellery Sale.

When several items of gold came into Staffordshire’s Cuttlestones Auctioneers recently for valuation, gold & jewellery specialist Dave Eglington found himself coming face-to-face with one of the most fascinating women in history.

Lots performed exceptionally well across the catalogue, with other highlights including a George VI 1937 gold sovereign which went for £2,400; a diamond and seed pearl antique necklace which fetched £3,000; a hallmarked 9ct gold limited edition Winston Churchill chalice, which achieved £2,500 and an 18ct gold graduated diamond bangle, which saw the hammer fall at £2,600.

Amid a selection of interesting coins, one particular example stood out – bearing the unmistakable profile of Queen Elizabeth I. The hammer-struck gold coin would not have been in everyday circulation, but used for high value transactions, diplomatic gifts and wealth transfer, its image of Elizabeth in her full splendour as a great Protestant monarch - the equal to any of her Catholic rivals - a political statement.

Cuttlestones is now taking consignments for its next Specialist Gold & Jewellery auction – to arrange a free, no obligation appointment, call 01785 714 905 or email valuations@cuttlestones.co.uk. Full sale results can be found at www.cuttlestones.co.uk

Dating back to 1594-96, the gold pound drew interest from bidders online from around the world - going on to sell for an impressive £8,500. Dave says: “We knew when this coin came in that it was

Unlock its true value…

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At Cuttlestones, we reach out to audiences that will ensure your items achieve their true intrinsic value, not just their ‘weight in gold’ worth.

Now taking consignments for our next sale: Specialist Gold & Jewellery Auction

Email: valuations@cuttlestones.co.uk Call: 01785 714 905 or WhatsApp: 07949 603872 to arrange a free, no obligation valuation.

Penkridge: 01785 714905

www.cutt l estones .co.uk Selection of lots from gold sale / achieved prices. Please visit website for latest catalogues.

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Wolverhampton: 01902 421985

COMFORTABLE GARDEN LIVING Providing your space to work, train, rest and play, from design to installation

If you’re looking for something a little unique for your garden, or are looking for a way to extend your living space outdoors, a garden room offers the perfect solution.

We specialise in designing, making and installing a range of beautiful garden rooms and buildings, tailor-made for practically any outdoor space. We can tailor make your garden structure to your very own layout and design, making it totally unique.

EXPERIENCE DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURING & INSTALLING Our firm was born from a joinery construction design company, Enigma Fit Out, which has been manufacturing and installing stunning interiors and exteriors since 2001. Our designer team, therefore, boasts the best of both worlds – decades of experience fused with an eye for the latest cutting-edge trends. We have a passion for bold yet practical design and believe that the garden should be a natural extension of your home.

THE CLAVERLEY

RELIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TEAM We can arrange viewings of previous garden room installations in your local area and manufacture to your individual bespoke requirements.

WHAT CAN BE INCLUDED IN A GARDEN ROOM? An extra bedroom, playroom, office space, nursery, bar area or gym. When you order a garden room or building through us, we let you take control of the design. We will bring your ideas to life, but you get to choose interior and exterior materials, finishes, layouts, lighting, flooring and decorations.

26

Garden rooms are, on average, 50% cheaper than a home extension, and because so much of the work is done in the factory before being delivered for installation, there is less disruption to your family life too. Planning permission is often not required, but we can advise you at the consultation stage of all the requirements and apply to your local authority on your behalf, if needed, for a fixed fee.

COST COMPARISON The cost of a single storey extension is a min of £1850.00 PSM The cost of a loft conversion is a min of £1320.00 PSM The cost of a conservatory is a min of £1120.00 PSM Imperial Garden Structures Start at £924.00 PSM ECO FRIENDLY, SUSTAINABILITY WITH FSC CERTIFICATE EASY FINANCE OPTIONS

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To arrange a free design consultation with one of our experts at your home, where we can advise & discuss your unique requirements in finer detail.

ADDRESS Imperial Garden Structures Unit 20 Wulfrun Trading Estate, Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV10 6HH

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90 Codsall Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 9QP Purchase Price: £399,950 Situated in one of the most sought after locations of Codsall and occupying a generous corner position screened from the road and being convenient for schools, shops and easy access of the M54 Motorway, this individually designed detached property has been restyled over the years to create a fine example of an attractive family home.

Entrance Hall * Fitted Cloakroom * Front Living Room * Dining Room * Kitchen with a smart suite of matching units * First Floor Landing * Four Bedrooms * Modern Shower Room * Large Screened Driveway * Double Width Garage * Mature & Landscaped Private Rear Garden * No Upward Chain * GCH & DG * Provision to Extend over the Garage (STPP) * EPC Rating D

1 THE ARCADE • HIGH STREET • TETTENHALL • WOLVERHAMPTON • WV6 8QS

7 Elmsdale Hall, Wightwick Grove, Wightwick, Wolverhampton, WV6 8TA Purchase Price: £350,000 A luxury first floor apartment in an exclusive period mansion known as Elmsdale Hall occupying probably one of the finest positions and enjoying a choice location set well back from the road this superb apartment is also convenient for the majority of amenities.

Originally a large period residence, Elmsdale Hall has been converted into several luxury apartments with No 7 being one of the finest examples, having been designed to provide extremely spacious and versatile living accommodation: Luxury Three Bedroom Two Bathroom First Floor Apartment in exclusive period mansion known as Elmsdale Hall * Impressive Communal Entrance Hall * Reception Dining Hall * Good Size Drawing Room with Dining Area * Breakfast Kitchen with matching suite of units & integrated appliances * Sitting Room / Bedroom One * Shared Ensuite to Bedroom Two * Family Bathroom * Bedroom Three * Off Road Parking * Mature Landscaped Surrounding Gardens * EPC F

1 THE ARCADE • HIGH STREET • TETTENHALL • WOLVERHAMPTON • WV6 8QS

property

featured property

Sedgley & of course Wolverhampton City Centre. The side also overlooks fields and countryside at the rear creating a most scenic and tranquil setting.

Originally the site of a large detached bungalow, the private site has been cleared with planning permission granted for three well appointed two storey houses, 1x detached house and 2x semi-detached houses.

Accommodation - The proposed accommodation for each house comprises:

10 PENN ROAD, DUDLEY, WEST MIDLANDS, DY3 4AQ

•

Ground Floor Reception Hall with staircase to first floor

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Cloakroom

•

Front Living Room

•

Utility & Lobby

•

Open Plan Dining Kitchen with Family Area

•

First Floor Landing with further staircase

•

Two Bedrooms

Location

•

1 Ensuite Shower Room

Occupying a delightful rural location adjacent to Penn Common & Golf Club and therefore situated in one of the most sought after locations in Wolverhampton yet convenient for easy access to the majority of amenities, including Penn Shopping Parade, Wombourne,

•

Family Bathroom

•

Office

•

Second Floor with Master Bedroom, Dressing Area, Stores & Ensuite

PURCHASE PRICE: £500,000 A freehold site of approx. 0.2acres/ 780sq metres in the popular residential area of Penn Common with Planning Permission granted for the construction of 3x two storey three bedroom three bathroom houses.

Call: 01902 758111 Visit: www.thomasharvey.co.uk

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Call: 01902 758111 Visit: www.thomasharvey.co.uk

property

Call: 01902 758111 Visit: www.thomasharvey.co.uk

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Call: 01902 758111 Visit: www.thomasharvey.co.uk

what's on

everyone is welcome at a ceroc dance night! in people with two left feet! Alongside them you’ll also meet Taxi Dancers, accomplished volunteers who provide friendly help and assistance to beginners.

Would you like to learn to dance, have fun, keep fit and meet new people? Well you can at a Ceroc dance night.

A fusion of different dance styles, Ceroc is easy to learn, with classes aimed towards a range of different ability levels – from nervous first timers to dance floor masters. There is no complicated footwork to worry about, and by the end of your first class you’ll be able to dance to a routine of three or four moves.

Ceroc DJs play a range of music to suit all tastes, from 50’s Swing, 60’s Motown, 70’s Disco, and 80’s Rock through to current chart favourites, so there will always be music you enjoy.

And whether you turn up alone, with a partner or in a group you will get the opportunity to dance with lots of other dancers on the night.

So if you fancy having a go there’s no need to book, just turn up at one of Ceroc Addiction’s venues across Staffordshire, Shropshire and the West Midlands where you’ll receive a very warm welcome.

Ceroc dance teachers are not only friendly, approachable and passionately dedicated to helping you learn to dance, they also specialise

For more information call 07983 703166, email dance@cerocaddiction.com or visit the national Ceroc website www.ceroc.com.

@CerocAddiction

Learn to dance Ceroc!

A partner dance fusion of salsa, ballroom, tango and jive Beginners and singles welcome

Monday 19.45hrs Shifnal Village Hall TF11 8DW Tuesday 19.45hrs Stafford Polish White Eagle Club ST16 3TH Wednesday 19.45hrs Shrewsbury, Cannock & 19.30hrs Brownhills Thursday 19.45hrs Wolverhampton Please see website for NEW venue addresses 07983 703166 www.ceroc.com dance@cerocaddiction.com

FREE Membership For New Members

First night FREE with this advert!

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WIN C O M P E T I T I O N

THREE

SILK

PILLOWCASES

TO WIN*

Ensure you’re getting your beauty sleep with my new silk pillowcase … not only do you get the most luxurious shut-eye when you use one, but silk is renowned for its skin-saving benefits too.

Embroidered with Heaven’s logo and made from 100% Grade A6 mulberry silk, this super-smooth slip is designed to keep your skin healthy while you’re in the land of nod. Bee amazed at how many benefits we can get from sleeping on silk: Because it absorbs less moisture – and therefore less of your favourite face cream – it keeps your skin hydrated making it ideal for dry skin or eczema.

Cotton counterparts can cause crush wrinkles and eye bags, but because silk is super soft and smooth there’s less friction when you move during the night.

In a humid environment, dry silk can absorb sweat so it minimises body heat, and keeps the skin clean and comfortable.

Mulberry silk is a kind of protein and contains 18 different amino acids … all of which add up to great-looking skin!

To be in with a chance of winning one of these fabulous Heaven pillowcaes, simply answer the following question: What goes inside of a pillowcase?

Please email your answer to: info@lifestylemag.org.uk Including your full name, address and telephone number. All entries to be received by Friday 31st October 2021.

Competition terms and conditions -

Winners will be chosen at random from all correct entries received and informed by telephone or email.

To enter you must be aged 18 years or older. No cash or alternative prize will be given.

* Three pillowcases worth £64 each for the first 3 correct answers picked at random

puzzle

crossword

ACROSS:

1 Minor Biblical prophet (5) 4 Used for treating malaria (7) 8 Small house (5) 9 Something unpleasant to look at (7) 10 Notice (7) 11 Map within a map (5) 12 Temperature measuring instrument (11) 17 Racecourse (5) 19 Human air intake? (7) 21 Warrior of feudal Japan (7) 22 Visible vapour (5) 23 Setback (7) 24 Very steep (5)

DOWN:

1 Barrack (6) 2 Seventh day (7) 3 Invalidate (5) 4 Form (13) 5 List (7) 6 Golf clubs (5) 7 Builds (6) 13 Ramshackle building (3,4) 14 Body part pierced for rings (7) 15 Roman general (6) 16 Unpowered aircraft (6) 18 Ship of the desert (5) 20 Draws into the mouth (5)

ANSWERS FOR JULY/AUGUST 2021 Across: 1 Abbot, 4 Arabic, 9 Oilskin, 10 Cocoa, 11 Lemon, 12 Uncanny, 13 Bastille Day, 17 Lead off, 19 Aaron, 20 Steep, 21 Enlarge, 22 Return, 23 Bowel.

Down: 1 Apollo, 2 Bulimia, 3 Taken, 5 Recycle, 6 Bacon, 7 Crazy, 8 Unqualified, 14 Trooper, 15 Aircrew, 16 Unreal, 17 Laser, 18 Adept, 19 Ad lib.

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education education

award winning education is closer than you think Wolverhampton Grammar School is an extraordinary school. Founded in 1512, it’s one of the oldest schools in the country, within easy access of the wider West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire thanks to flexible school bus links.

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

The timetable is built around the academic choices that the students make. They grow up to be confident, curious and independent-minded, and their academic achievements speak for themselves. Despite the pressures of the pandemic, students were awarded stellar results at GCSE and A Level. Sixth Form students are also able to study towards Cambridge Technical and BTEC awards in a range of subjects. Sixth Form students achieved the highest number of A*- A grades for over 10 years, with 66% of entries receiving nothing but the top two grades. Alongside, 165 A* – B grades awarded (85% of all students). At GCSE, 641 Grade 9, 8 or 7 awards (equivalent to A* and A) – 79% of all grades were awarded. Students in Years 11 and 13 enjoyed another exceptional year with 100% pass rate.

The independent day school has expanded its provision to incorporate Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

Wolverhampton Grammar School is a fully all-through school, providing the opportunity for children of all school ages (4-18) to join a truly unique community and experience its award-winning approach to education.

Means-tested bursaries and scholarships are available for exceptional and deserving applicants to the Senior and Sixth Form.

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

First priority is the happiness of your child Children at Wolverhampton Grammar School receive pastoral care like nowhere else – that’s because happy children do well, thrive, and leave the school with excellent exam results and the confidence to embrace whatever opportunities come their way in their young adult lives.

The School offers a tailored and individual approach to UCAS and Careers support and students can expect the very best preparation possible when it comes to life after school.

Interested to learn more?

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

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

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the future is bright following tettenhall colleges results success 97% pupils achieving 5 or more GCSE’s grade 9-4 (A*-C) and 34% achieved an impressive grade 9-7 (A*- A). With a terrific nine grade 9s and a grade 8, Imogen Wright is today celebrating and looking forward to commencing her A levels in September at Tettenhall College. Eashan Chumber also delivered a stellar performance with nine grade 9s and one grade 8. Ella Caffrey did outstandingly well with 10 A grade results, levels 9 – 7, six of which were the top level 9. Coming in with her very proud mum was Chelsea Wantling who secured nine level 7s and 8s which will give her a superb springboard up into Sixth Form studies at Tettenhall in September.

Teachers and staff at Tettenhall College have been celebrating the fantastic results achieved by their pupils this week. The resilience, determination, and perseverance displayed over this unprecedented time has been rightly rewarded for all those who have worked so hard.

A Levels were celebrated with a 100% pass rate and 85% achieving A* to B grades. Teachers, students and parents celebrated the Year 13 results, with a superb set of academic grades ensuring every student will be joining their firstchoice university, with half being prestigious Russell Group institutions.

All students are to be hugely congratulated. Some of the stand out performances being celebrated this year include an outstanding 5 A* grades for full boarder Zuzanna Malysz who is heading to University College London (UCL) to study Economics and Statistics.

Headmaster, Mr McAllister said, “The fantastic results, awarded to our A Level and GCSE students, reflect their commitment and ambition; they deserve to be congratulated. I have the utmost admiration for their spirit and determination.”

Mr McAllister went on to say, “What is clear from both our A Level and GCSE results is that a commitment to teaching every single timetabled lesson, whether in person or digitally, an outstanding pastoral system, small class sizes and an outstanding Enrichment Programme, all come together to deliver the highest outcomes. Excellent independent schools across the country like ours, are demonstrating that it is this approach that is so important and so effective for our young people, giving them the ability to choose their future pathways”.

With A*, A*, A* grades in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, Esa Asghar will be heading to the University of Manchester to study Medicine.

Head Prefect David Marr-Naylor secured a superb A*, A, A which will take him to the University of Exeter for a Combined Honours Degree, whilst fellow Head Prefect Jimmy Hague will study Economics at the University of Loughborough having earned A, A, B in Economics, History and Physical Education.

Sofiat Onafuwa is now preparing to start her time at Kings College London, where she will study Biomedical Science with her A, A, A grades now secure. Also, off to Kings College London is Yi Zhou who will study Mathematics with Statistics.

The College looks forward to welcoming their new Sixth Form cohort in a few weeks’ time.

A limited number of places are still available for September 2021. Further details are available from the College Admissions Team.

GCSE pupils also attained exceptional results with

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education

invest in your child’s potential We also have children with us who had struggled to progress well at school, being lost in large classes and had lost confidence in themselves. In these cases it is incredible to work with them to boost confidence, to tap into understanding how they learn and getting them engaged. It is also brilliant to support and help parents to understand better how they can help their child. We have seen several children start to access learning in ways they could never imagine and by boosting confidence we are seeing them start to really engage better at school and take a few teachers by surprise!

If you were to ask me why I tutor, then I would tell you it’s about the difference tuition can make to children and families. Having had a rewarding career as a primary school teacher, I always enjoyed seeing children get excited about their achievements and learning experiences. However, since setting up Goode Tutoring in December last year, I have seen remarkable progress and achievements made by children through one to one and small group tuition.

It’s brilliant.

Even as an experienced teacher, I have been astounded at the rate of progress made by children who attend the centre regularly. I love having a wide range of children to work with, all of whom come for tuition for different reasons. For some, they want to get into a selective school. So far this year we’ve had children succeed at getting into Wolverhampton Grammar School for year 7 entry and a real achievement made by a younger child who was offered a place for year 2 at The Grammar School having achieved excellent results. When we started the tuition process with these individuals, these goals were a long way away, particularly with the disruption to their education over the last eighteen months. It was a pleasure celebrating with their elated parents.

As well as being able to offer small group and one-to-one tuition, we are really excited by our new business model - tuition based after school care. For many parents, after school clubs are a life saver, a safe place for their child to be until they can collect them. After school clubs are great, run by dedicated, brilliant people. However the focus tends to be on child care rather than education. We are excited to offer the incredible child care that you would expect from after school provision – provision that combines after school care with our teaching experience and provides children with amazing opportunities to receive quality tuition on a daily basis whilst being in a fun, safe and caring environment that can keep parents’ minds at rest until they finish work.

Other children come to us to boost their confidence in a particular subject or they want to improve their English and Maths to catch up with age related expectations. We’ve not only seen progress made by these children academically, we’ve also seen huge improvements in concentration levels and attitude to learning. It’s been wonderful seeing parents’ delighted faces upon presenting me with their child’s glowing school report.

38

TUITION BASED AFTER SCHOOL CARE

We are offering your child the unique opportunity to experience Ofsted registered, tuition based after school childcare. Each day, children will be provided with 3 hours of high quality tuition in which they will learn through English, Maths and Art & Craft activities.

Tuition is led and managed by qualified and experienced teachers. Activities to suit year group and children’s starting points.

Our centres offer a nurturing and supportive environment that promote confidence, resilience and wellbeing.

• • • • •

Aftercare school pickups (local area) High quality tuition Healthy snacks and drinks provided £19 per session after school until 6pm.

Staff are DBS checked and have paediatric first aid

Holiday clubs are available and include Literacy and Numeracy activities as well as Art and Craft tuition.

We are now open for tuition in both Willenhall and Wombourne centres. Small group tuition for all school ages.

“Children of all ages have an amazing opportunity to boost their progress or make up for lost learning time brought about by covid.”

GOOD TUTORING WOMBOURNE Lowcroft House, Church Road, Wombourne WV5 9EZ GOOD TRAINING WILLENHALL West Midland House, Gipsy Lane, Willenhall WV13 2HA Phone: 07776 4444859 • Email: clare@goodetutoring.co.uk

www.goodetutoring.co.uk

education

wrekin goes from strength to strength Headmaster Mr Tim Firth said that pupils had continued to work towards significant achievements throughout three national lockdowns and he was extremely proud of the way the people at the school had coped throughout a period of great uncertainty.

New facilities will be officially unveiled at a Shropshire school this September as pupil numbers continue to grow.

Wrekin College will take the wraps off a state-ofthe-art dance studio and second artificial sports playing surface with the new academic year set to herald in the next exciting chapter in the school’s history.

“We are very much looking forward to the next academic year and embracing every opportunity for pupils, parents, staff and our whole community to get the most out of Wrekin and what this school has to offer,” said Mr Firth.

More than 500 pupils will be on the roll at the school in September, which means it will be bigger than it has ever been whilst clocking up a number of achievements in the last two years despite the disruption of the pandemic.

“Throughout the last 18 months we have approached each new challenge by doing what we can wherever we can to just get on with things.

It has served us well in that we have not dwelled on what we cannot do but instead focused on what we can.”

A new £2.7million Music School opened in January 2020 and earlier this year Wrekin welcomed global music stars Sheku and Isata Kenneh-Mason to perform for pupils in a Covid-secure setting.

Mr Firth said the new dance studio would have a professional sprung floor together with full-height mirrors and would allow the school to offer a new range of classes to pupils and performances for audiences.

The school also held a tennis masterclass with ATP stars Danny Sapsford and James Auckland inviting more than 80 pupils to take part in a number of Covid-secure sessions.

Pupils also completed a series of employability boot camps led by national industry leaders, and, in a particular highlight, eight musicians at the school secured their Grade Eight qualification despite lessons having to go online.

Wrekin will be holding an Open Day on October 2nd between 10am and 1pm when visitors will be able to see the new facilities. Old Hall School, for children aged 4-11 and part of the same Trust, will also be open on October 2nd. For more information visit www.wrekincollege.com or www.oldhall.co.uk

40

Independent co-educational day school 4-11 Wellington, Shropshire TF1 3LB

DISCOVER

OLD HALL AND WREKIN

OPEN DAY

SATURDAY 2ND OCTOBER 10AM - 1PM Register your interest:

www.wrekincollege.com • admissions@wrekincollege.com • 01952 265603

www.oldhall.co.uk • admissions@oldhall.co.uk • 01952 223117

Independent co-educational day and boarding school 11 - 18 Wellington, Shropshire TF1 3BH

Registered Charity No. 528417

recipes

RECIPES BY MIKE WHITEHURST

lamb shank and aubergine SERVES 2-4 COOKING UTENSILS: Heavy based casserole Black peppermill 1 x Small saucepan 1 x 8” round oven proof dish Parchment paper Foil Roasting tins Tongs INGREDIENTS: 2 lamb shanks 20g rosemary

1 garlic bulb Sea salt A few twists of black pepper 2 white onions peeled an chopped roughly 1 small aubergine Rapeseed oil Enough water to submerge lamb Savoy cabbage Sauce 250ml chicken stock 1 Bay leaf 1 Clove 100ml Madeira 50g cold diced butter

METHOD - read through first then measure out all of your ingredients before starting Heat some oil in a pan and brown the lamb shanks all over - alternatively brush the shanks with oil and blow torch all over to brown. Roast in the oven on 180oC for about 30 minutes with the garlic bulb and then transfer to an oven proof dish with the garlic squeezed out its pockets with the chopped onion, diced aubergine, seasoning and rosemary. Place a little strip of parchment paper over the lamb and then wrap the oven proof dish tightly with foil. Braise this in the oven for about 3 hours on 160oC .

Once the lamb is ready and almost falling off the bone remove from the liquid and put in a hot oven for 15 minutes to brown off. Put the liquid with onions and aubergine in a small pan and reduce until the liquid has almost gone. In another pan simmer the madeira with clove and bay leaf until reduced by half. Add the chicken stock and simmer to reduce again by a third then whisk in the cold butter to emulsify the sauce. Set aside ready to warm up or serve immediately if everything else is ready.

Strip the lamb from the bone and mix with the aubergine and onion and serve with the sweet potato gratin and savoy cabbage.

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recipes

sweet potato and pecan gratin SERVES 4 COOKING UTENSILS: Measuring jug 1 x 8” round oven proof dish Mandolin Parchment paper Foil INGREDIENTS: 2 medium large sweet potato 1 medium red onion

2 sprigs of fresh oregano 1 tsp of fresh thyme leaves (no stalks) 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced A pinch of Maldon sea salt A twist or 2 of black pepper 100ml of double cream 100ml of chicken or vegetable stock 20g of chopped pecan nuts 10g of pumpkin seeds

METHOD - read through first then measure out all of your ingredients before starting Grease and line the oven proof dish. Pre heat the oven to 170oC. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes and red onion. Mix the cream with the chicken or veg stock together. Finley slice the garlic and pick the leaves of oregano. Simply layer the slices of sweet potato then onion with cream mix and herbs and seasoning.

Tear some parchment paper to use to press the vegetables down to get a good mix of the cream within the dish. Top with nuts and seeds and bake in the oven for about 40 minutes or until a skewer goes through effortlessly.

SERVING SUGGESTION

The sweet potato gratin is a great low GI replacement for carb heavy potatoes. Goes great with lamb or roast turkey, serve with a nice glass of Pinot noir.

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COMPETITION Meal and Drinks QUESTION What bookings are Zooma now taking?

To enter email your answer along with your contact details to: info@lifestylemag.org.uk

Competition Terms & Conditions Lifestyle Magazine competition rules apply see below for details. * There is no cash alternative to the prize. The competition is free to enter. Entrants must supply their contact details and in doing so agree that Lifestyle Magazine can use them for their own marketing purposes. Details supplied by entrants will not be passed on to any third party. All applications will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will be selected at random by the prize supplier. Winners will be notified by telephone and/or e-mail by the 15th of the second month in the issue date e.g. issue September/October 2021 the winner will be notified by 15th October 2021. Entry will assume acceptance of these terms and conditions. Competition start date is the start of the month of the magazine issue and will run until 10th of the second month in the issue date e.g. issue September/October 2021 the competition will run until 15th October 2020. Details of the winner available on request by writing to: Lifestyle Magazine Limited, Dominique House 1 Church Road, Netherton. DY2 0LY.

OPEN FROM 5 . 3 0 P M T I L L L AT E W E D / T H U / F R I / S AT / S U N .

TA K E AWAY A N D D E L I V E R Y SERVICE. Also available for private parties, functions and daytime business meetings.

BOOKINGS NOW B E I N G TA K E N

travel

If you’re planning to book a holiday, I would strongly recommend that you use a travel professional (like me!) as we will help you navigate a smooth path through the myriad of rules and changes.

I’m a Personal Travel Consultant, I can offer the same holidays (plus many more!) as an online travel agent or a high street travel agent, and all the holidays I book for my clients are ABTA and ATOL protected. The only difference is how I operate, I offer a highly personalised service, I have a dedicated office facility in Brewood (ST19 9LT) where I take face-to-face client meetings (by appointment only), but I’m also available by call or video meeting.

Gilly Bachelor, Personal Travel Consultant holiday who’s looking for help and guidance, essentially sharing my knowledge and experience with holidaymakers that have booked elsewhere.

However, the number of messages and calls continues unabated and I’m struggling to run my own business as well as responding personally to all these requests for help, so I’ve created a series of videos that you can find on my you tube channel designed to give you everything you need to know!

I’ve always had a passion for travel and had travelled extensively before I started my own travel business. I had booked holidays using online package companies, tailor-made specialists and by compiling my own itineraries. It was clear to me that each approach had compromises which centred around 4 key areas – customer service, professional advice, value for money and financial protection. It has been my mission to create a travel business without compromise. One that consistently delivers a personalised service, competitively priced holidays, based on the client’s unique requirements, protected under ABTA guidelines, the Travel Package Regulations and ATOL.

The feedback from my clients that have been away on holiday has been overwhelmingly positive; however, this is not really a surprise as nothing is left to chance when I plan a holiday for my clients.

I only recommend destinations and resorts where I know my clients will have the very best experience, and before they travel, they know exactly what to expect in terms of Covid protocols, so we can fully assess how this will impact their enjoyment of their holiday.

Get in touch today

Since March 2020, I’ve been running a free helpline for anyone that’s booked an international

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travel

So what do I do?

1. I liaise directly with the hotel to ensure the guest experience will be a good one. Right now, people are booking holidays (online!) and when they arrive at their destination disappointed at their holiday experience.

This is mostly due to hotels just reopening, often they are understaffed and bedding in new Covid protocols.

2. I check and continually monitor the destinations entry requirements and assist the client completing any required paperwork and advise on pre-travel Covid testing.

You don’t want to be the person denied boarding your flight as you didn’t have the right paperwork, and when I recently travelled to St Lucia, I saw a lot of this!

3. I check and monitor our government’s travel advice (via the FCDO) and the impact of the (ever-changing) Travel Traffic Light System, and what they need to do for their return to the UK. I advise on the return to UK covid testing (it needs to be taken up to 72 hours before you return home), and the completion of the Passenger Locator Form.

4. I advise on travel insurance ensuring my clients have adequate cover. There are very few travel insurance policies that cover you if you were unable to travel if your pre-travel covid test came back positive, or your were instructed to self-isolate by track and trace.

Start planning for 2022 and we’re generally seeing prices rise. My ‘top sellers’ are multi-generational or group holidays to Florida, luxury long-haul including the Caribbean, Maldives, Mauritius, New Zealand and Australia… but Greece is also hugely popular for 2022!

Whilst it is wonderful to have clients travelling this year, there are certainly fewer than would have usually been the case, with many of you sticking closer to home in 2021 (UK cruises have been hugely popular!) and saving your more adventurous plans for 2022. Holiday bookings for 2022 are very buoyant – this is made up of rebookings from 2020/1 and new bookings with so many clients determined to plan something special for 2022.

If you haven’t started planning yet, I’d encourage you to do so, as availability is already starting to become a challenge (particularly for key dates),

Get in touch to book your appointment E: gilly.bachelor@notjusttravel.com T: 07970102161

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weddings

is it too early to be thinking about christmas? i think not!

Yes, I’m already planning my Christmas flowers!

My fairy lights are going up mid November, then start of December sees the flowers arrive.

Firstly, my door wreath! What can I say? As a florist they are amazing. If anyone has ever been on a wreath making class that I hold will realise how creative we can be. The amount of beautiful foliage we can include is endless. I always start with a mossed wreath frame then add masses of blue spruce. Not only does it smell amazing just like a real Christmas tree smells, but the blue colour gives a great base to work from. I then add holly and eucalyptus. Red berries, orange slices, cones, touches of thistles and cinnamon slices.

At this stage I would be deciding mmmmmm what colour spray to use. Think I’m opting for silver this year with a touch of silver glitter. You can add fresh flowers to your door wreath but personally I enjoy foliages.

I’m treating myself to another wreath inside my home. With this one I am going to create it to compliment the door wreath but add quirky novelties and baubles. Yes, you’ve guessed it…. I’ll be adding fairy lights.

You can buy great battery fairy lights on fine wire so the wire looks almost invisible. I’ll mist it gently every few days and it will stay great throughout December.

Here are just some of the fabulous wreaths we create…..which is your favourite?!

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weddings

A SPECIAL WOW FOR THE DAY! I’m still a big kid at heart and I will decorate the fireplace ready for when Santa arrives on Christmas Eve. I aim for this display to be made 1 week before Christmas so I get the excitement on the run up, but looks great for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Stockings hanging either side of my fireplace display.

Again, masses of blue spruce, bundles of holly and cones but in this display I’ll add small touches fresh flowers such as roses, gerberas, skimmia, eustoma and long lasting seasonal flowers. Yes…. fairy lights will be included!

We offer a wide array of Classic Cars and Split Screen VW Camper Buses for Weddings and Special Occasions.

Please contact us for a quote Tel: 01902 453465, 07772 189397 Email: greyhoundclassiccars@gmail.com Bilston Road, Wolverhampton WV2 2HU www.greyhoundclassiccarhire.co.uk

weddings

The all important table centrepiece I LOVE dressing the table for Christmas dinner. In my head I must think I’m running a famous restaurant! I try to fold the napkins in a fancy shape and add clusters of winter foliage with small cones on each place setting. My Christmas mats are all laid and the cutlery is staged ready for the banquet, and my table cloth screams Christmas! My table always has a special floral arrangement. The shape this year will be a long display as I have a rectangle table. If I was using a round table then an allround display would be best. The selection will compliment the fireplace display but instead of fairy lights I’ll be adding real cream candles.

That’s it… the table is READY! If you have ever wished that you could create your own Christmas displays or even just your Christmas door wreath, then pop along to see us. Myself, I teach Flower School and hold Christmas classes in late November / early December.

Have some festive fun!

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS 2021DOOR WREATH CLASSES Thursday 25th November 2021 @ 6.00pm - Standard Wreath - £33.50 Thursday 2nd December 2021 @ 6.00pm - Large Wreath - £43.50

Louise Rose

“Beautiful flowers, always”

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3 1

It’s that time of year when we are starting to put our flip flops away & bracing ourselves to start layering up again. When you look in your winter wardrobe there are always pieces you can wear for another season, but adding some new season colour, a different shaped heel plus some lovely new knitwear is a complete joy, there is plenty of texture on the High St & pops of primary colour, but looking at the September Vogue every shade of Mocha is a definite go to for a wardrobe update.

COFFEE TIME 9

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1. stories.com 2. reiss.com 3. michaelkors.co.uk 4. massimodutti.com 5. stories.com 6. mintvelvet.co.uk 7. anthropologie.com 8. meandem.coml 9. meandem.com 10. farfetch.com

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There is such a lot of gorgeous new things to tempt us for the new Autumn season, whether you are embracing the second skin ribbed dresses or the oversized knitwear, everything is so stylish, as we have been more casual for months now, wear a boot with new season dresses, accessorise with statement earrings or treat yourself to a new leather bag or gloves.

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fashion

MOCHA CHOCA

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16 11. anthropologie.com 12. cosstores.com 13. massimodutti.com 14. mango.com 15. mango.com 16. mango.com 17. meandem.com 18. reiss.com

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I was seriously spoilt for choice with the Mocha trend, have a look at meandem.com for gorgeous casual luxury, tailored items in soft fabrics & flattering styles, Mango have also created a fantastic transitional range of sports luxe outfits. Look out for tweed caps & berets plus lace up boots can be feminine if you shop around.

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fashion

REDISH-AMBER-GREEN

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19. anthropologie.com 20. zara.co.uk 21. reiss.com 22. stories.com 23. meandem.com

24. meandem.com 25. zara.co.uk 26. zara.co.uk 27. zara.co.uk

Block colour is here again, be brave & clash primary colours even if its only your accessories, you can always make a statement with a pair of fabulous shoes & a gorgeous handbag, I have chosen desirable pieces from meandem.com who as I have said once have created amazing luxe pieces, wear black as a base or reverse, wear coloured separates & a black jacket. Look out for cutout tops & dresses, very sophisticated in black with metallic or coloured accessories.

Choose statement shades, there are some beauties in-store.

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fashion

NEW TEXTURE

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31 32 35

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33 28. zara.co.uk 29. repeatcashmere.com 30. mango.com 31. stories.com 32. frenchconnection.com 33. zara.co.uk 34. frenchconnection.com 35. massimodutti.com 36. zara.co.uk

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The Autumn season always brings out new texture, 2021 is all about tweed, embroidery, quilting & ribbed second skin knitwear. Multiple mini bags are still a trend plus loafers are everywhere, classic or chunky.

I have recently bought some French Connection jeans, they are a great fit, so I have added a new season pair to my fashion edit, as I like to share a good find!

Fringing is on knitwear & leather, which I love, Repeat is a quality cashmere brand who create fantastic separates in soft colours with matching denim. The quilted jacket from Zara comes in 2 colourways, such a nice wardrobe refresh.

I hope I have offered some new season inspiration, Happy Shopping!

www.shecanstyle.co.uk 54

Little Collections

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hair & beauty

nick & royston the hottest hair trends for autumn 2021 Autumn 2021 is set to be a party. We can finally start planning for future events and look forward to our weekends back on the town. So, GONE is the low maintenance looks of 2020 and back to full on glamour, dressing up and statement hair do`s.

We asked Nick Malenko - `Midlands Hairdresser of the Year` from Royston Blythe for the looks we are going to love for Autumn 2021.

the modern mullet Don`t be scared- this modern 70`s comeback has been a hit for the summer and is still the hottest look going into the Autumn. It works with wavy or loose curls to add volume and movement or for more of a statement a strong geometrical look. A softer version is The Shag, with heavy layers on the top and the sides and choppy fringes looks amazing on midlength hair. Great for clients who want to create a new look without loosing length. Easy maintenance and compliment the look with rich Chocolate and cinnamon shades or soft vanilla blonde babylights.

auburn wave If you love the length but want to create a Wow, this season`s favourites colours include spicy coppers and fiery reds. Inspired

by Netflix`s` The Queens Gambit` supermodel Gigi Hadid, showed off her new look on Versace runway. A big change from her honey blondes she created a strong statement look and a perfect way to celebrate her return to the catwalk. Stronger reds and coppers suit most skin types but needs maintaining with the correct products to stop fade.

L’Oréal Kerastase Reflection Range are perfect to protects and prolongs colour vibrancy.

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hair & beauty

going platinum Platinum Blondes still conjures up images of glamours Icons including Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett Johansson, and Kylie Jenner to name but a few. It seems like every celebrity has taken the leap this year and the trend has taken over Hollywood. The colour has stood the test of time and gives everyone a timeless chic vibe to their look. The variations are endless and with added tones can suit all ages, so don`t be afraid to take the plunge. However, it is commitment both financially and time wise. Roots (although not always a bad thing) do need maintaining every 6 weeks and the process can be quite time consuming but well worth the effort. The results can be jaw dropping with instant glamour. If you want to stand out in a crowd, platinum blonde is the way forward, however for a softer finish, we love a Rose- toned finish for the autumn. To maintain your new look, try Kerastase Blond Absolu range, for deep ultraviolet care and condition.

the pixie cut This sexy look can be worn by any age and its variations are limitless. Style icons from Dame Judy Dench to Charlize Theron proves this is universally flattering. It can be worn closely tapered at the sides and back but with fullness on the top and worn away from the face or if you are not that brave them leave length with a heavy fringe and a short crown, sides, and nape for a softer finish. Colour is essential with shorter cuts, bleach blonde is always a hit or the perfect for autumn shades of rich chocolate, strong reds, or coppers.

Maintain your new look with regular trips to the salon, ideally every 4/ 6 week and it will be the easiest look you have every had!

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WE LOVE TO SEE NEW PEOPLE Deborah and her highly trained Heaven Medispa team offer an impressive range of treatments, from fat-busting to wrinkle-reducing, using the very latest technology to soothe and smooth from top to toe.

Delivering impressive results, the ethos behind every therapy is to ensure clients feel happy about themselves, to face the world with confidence and to be their beautiful best.

“I want everyone who walks through the doors of a Heaven Medispa to know that we are there to guide them, to advise them, to pamper them and to make them feel great, whether that’s recommending one of our amazing skincare products or showcasing our highly effective and cutting-edge treatments.

To achieve the perfect look we also perform microblading it’s a semi-permanent make-up procedure that can dramatically correct or fully reconstruct lost brows.

Brow Microblading is performed by deposit of pigment under the top layer of the skin using a special pen.

Perfect for creating fuller brows, or for sparse brows that need thickening, shape or definition.

My new and exciting Oxy-Hydra 8 which uses oxygen to infuse and plump skin. It works like dermabrasion to intensely deep clean and tone the skin while my patented ABEETOXIN® relaxes fine lines.”

However, after months of us being indoors there’s one area of treatments that Deborah has seen a massive rise in and that’s injectables. “It seems many people have come out of lockdown and are looking for one or two ‘tweakments’ to perk them up a little. Non-invasive procedures, such as dermal fillers or Botox, can offer a real alternative to surgery and help people achieve their desired goal.

“Small amounts of judiciously placed filler work wonders to repair, strengthen and support so if a customer is looking for enhanced lip volume, to define features or smooth deep-set wrinkles, this can deliver natural, long-lasting results. My Symmetry ‘Facelift’ is our latest trade-marked treatment that is backed by science to enhance someone’s features to create the perfect pleasing face shape.”

We also have our own patented LL&B Brows, an innovative new two step tinting system that allows you to tint the brows and lashes in 3 minutes using colours formulated with plant extracts and minerals. Lasting up to 8 weeks on hair and 2 weeks on the skin, this is a must have treatment. Combined with Heaven Skincare products to give you a brow lift and a true London Brow experience, clients love the results.

Heaven offers a one-stop shop for beauty perfection, deep mind-changing relaxation, and the very best skincare products in the world. Whether you want to tone the tummy, enjoy the most effective anti-ageing facial or feel happier about the reflection in the mirror, all Medispa treatments start with a full consultation to find out what it is you are looking for and how to achieve it.

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Heaven Skincare & Heaven Salon & Medi-Spa 13a Market Place | Shifnal | TF11 9AU E: salon@heavenskincare.com T: 01952 461888 www.heavenskincare.com

Also available at: Harvey Nichols | Mezzanine Floor | The Mailbox | Birmingham. T: 0121 616 6019

www.flintandpartners.co.uk

Flint and Partners Optometrists was set up in 1935 and is the areas longest established practice with a continual chain of independent ownership.

Current Owner/Directors Peter Rockett and Ed Lyons have been with the company for over 45 years between them and have recently relaunched the practice as Flint Optometry, reflecting its ever evolving identity and worldwide expertise.

Flint Optometry’s involvement with elite sport is the most timely example with the current Olympic Games taking place in Tokyo.

Since completing a Diploma in SportsVision Practice in 2006, Ed Lyons has worked with almost 2000 athletes from all over the world in sports as diverse as Shooting, Rugby, Football, Boxing, Archery, Motorsport and many more, with clients winning local, domestic, world and Olympic titles.

A SportsVision assessment with Ed lasts for two hours and assesses the visual strengths and weaknesses of the client using specialist equipment found in no other practice in the UK. Individual optimisation plans and training is then put into place to improve hand/eye coordination, spatial awareness and more using specialist lenses and real world and online vision training programs.

It’s no wonder that Premier League football stars, many members of Team GB, international special forces operatives and even His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales has sought the expertise of Flint Optometry.

If you would like to see how a SportsVision Assessment may help you see and play to your best, contact Ed by email atEdward.lyons@flintandpartners.co.uk or call 01902 422096 to book in.

F L I N T O P T O M E T RY - AWA R D W I N N I N G L O CA L E Y E CA R E S E RV I C E , F O U N D E D I N 1 9 3 7 .

CONTACT US Tettenhall: 59 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton WV3 9NB Codsall: 15 The Square, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 1PT Wednesfield: 11 Church Street, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton WV11 1SR

Tel: 09102 422096 Tel: 01902 719855 Tel: 01902 719850

health

clinic expansion built on established hearing care success ensure that the care and service levels established in our Hagley clinic are continued and upheld throughout all service offerings.

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

You can read more about our clinics and our team on our website here www.lifestylehearingsolutions. co.uk or please feel free to book your FREE hearing test online. We also offer ear wax removal and hearing protection so take a look around and see how we can help you hear better for your lifestyle.

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

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

To find out if your hearing loss is just wax or to get your FREE hearing test, contact Cath or Diane at our Hagley branch on 01562 884400 or contact Wendy at our Wombourne branch on 01902 302266.

Hear in Hagley continues to go from strength to strength but we now showcase Hear in Wombourne and our clinic in Rubery too.

Book in to see us by phoning, emailing or booking online at www.lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk.

“FAMILY RUN, INDEPENDENT HEARING CARE BUILT ON CLIENT FEEDBACK AND EXCEPTIONAL CARE”

Our clinic address in Hagley is: 125 Worcester Road, Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 ONW

As a family run and completely independent business, we are delighted that the highly qualified daughter of Jo, our Director, has decided to join the team. Sophie comes from a long standing background in both audiology and audiological training and is the perfect fit for the Hagley, Wombourne and Rubery clients. Sophie will manage the brand new Wombourne branch and

Hagley Clinic: 01562 884400 Email: hagley@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk Our clinic address in Wombourne is: ‘Hear in Wombourne’ The Corner House, High St, Wombourne, WV5 9DN Wombourne Clinic: 01902 302266 Email: wombourne@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk

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

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

health <RXU +HDOWK

great lookingsterile feet The perfect

pedicure

grown fully. It is suitable for anyone with nail conditions such as mycosis (fungal nails), trauma, onychauxis (thickened nails) etc. LCN Wilde Pedique can even be used with anti-fungal treatments and after nail surgery once the site is healed.

Everyone wants feet looking great. it’s However, We all love to betheir pampered, whether for a some people have nail conditions that prevent special occasion or just a feel good treat. them

Nails varnish can be applied and removed without damaging the nail andFoot the nail can be cut Nearly everything Therapy useand is filed. used

from wearing open shoes.

onlya look on you the pictures cuticleand pusher Take at our(apart beforefrom and after book and cuticle nipper which are sterilised above yourself in and get those feet perfectly prepped for 130occasion. degrees Celsius to kill any germs). We any

One of the most popularcondition forms ofthat pampering Nail Fungus is a common begins as is a pedicure. no the better than a white or yellowThere’s spot under tip offeeling your toenail, having your feet look and feel good and here as it goes deeper it may cause your nail to discolour, at Footand Therapy, aim. thicken crumblethat’s on theour edge.

It may go on to affect

use disposable nail brushes and a small separate dish for base and top coat to avoid contaminating the bottle.

the other nails.

Aside from the 30 minute Chiropody, we also Having done our research we are pleased to offer a provide a service called the Steri-Pedi (short new treatment to help any of our patients that are left for sterile pedicure) with a damaged nail. which gives all the joy of a pedicure with a few added extras.

We also let you take the mini nail varnish home so it is not used on anyone else and it’s perfect for the odd touch up.

Wilde Pedique is a wonderful way of improving the

looka of a thickened, damaged or fungaltonail. is a As medical practice it’s important us Itthat temporary measure lasting between four weeks to four we avoid any risk to our patients, such as months offering or complete nail reconstruction. the spread ofpartial infection.

This can happen by using polish that hasresin previously used The odourless, flexible will not been discolour and on someone withtofungal Therenail is colour. also comes in six shades tone to nail. the original it growsthe withnail the natural andgo just aOnce risk applied, of damaging plates nail if you requires refilling every 4/6 weeks who until has the nail for a treatment with someone hadis inadequate training.

What makes a Foot Therapy Steri-Pedi stand out: • No cross contamination

64

•

Your feet look and feel great

•

You get to take the nail polish file and buffer home!

ϴϳ

health

nervous patients welcome Are your fears and anxieties preventing you from seeking regular dental care? Is your dental health suffering as a result?

Here at Wightwick Dental Practice we are fully aware of these fears and we can use several techniques to make you feel more relaxed.

One of our favourite techniques is inhalation sedation or ‘gas and air’ as you might know it. You will breathe the gases in through your nose. This will very quickly produce a pleasant, relaxed feeling. You may feel a little drowsy but you will be conscious throughout. Your dentist will also make you feel more relaxed by talking you through this. Once your treatment is complete, the effects of the gases are very quickly reversed and you can even drive home afterwards. Another major benefit of this form of sedation is that because you are conscious and aware of what is going on, you can start to rationalise your fears. We usually find that most patients within a few sessions are willing to undergo simple treatments without any sedation at all.

So if your fears are putting you off taking care of your teeth pick up the phone and give us a call to see how we can help you on your way.

The practice is purpose built, modern and boasts the latest in dental technology enabling us to provide you with a modern dental experience.

Our aim is to provide private, affordable, up to date, high quality treatments for our patients in a relaxed, comfortable yet professional environment.

Accepting new patients now!

Call 01902 763200 to register

01902 763200 wightwickdentalpractice.co.uk 301 Bridgnorth Road Wightwick Wolverhampton WV6 8BW

65

health

hair regrowth clinic

NON-EVASIVE TREATMENT

“regain hair - regain confidence” www.hairregrowthclinic.co.uk 01902 921 900 84 Salop Street 3rd & 4th floors, Wolverhampton WV3 0SR, United Kingdom

“affordable prices” Hair Transplant Surgery in the UK – carried out by leading Neurosurgeon FDA approved

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health

helping hands for neck and back pain A very large percentage of the Nation will have had an altered pattern of life for a long period of time, and many people are now finding themselves with new neck and back pains or aggravation of existing neck and back pain. More sitting, more computer work, increased desk work, more watching TV, new hobbies – gardening, DIY , less exercise or even rapid increase of exercise, has in some cases taken its toll on our body.

effective treatment of back and neck pain (Nice Guidelines 2009). Today’s Chiropractors also diagnose and treat other musculoskeletal disorders.

Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustments and other joint and soft tissue mobilisation.

If you have neck, back or joint pain, consult your GCC registered Chiropractor at The Tettenhall Road Chiropractic Clinic.

“Our purpose is to help reduce your pain, get your body functioning efficiently and to help you lead a more active and healthier life.”

The Tettenhall Road Chiropractic Clinic on the A41 about 1 mile from the centre of Wolverhampton, was established in 1982.

Following all Government and General Chiropractic Council guidelines, the clinic remains open with all protective measures in place to continue to protect our patients and staff.

Traditionally, Chiropractors are well known for the

TETTENHALL ROAD

CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC WOLVERHAMPTON

Chiropractors treat common muscle and joint problems including: • Lower Back Pain • Neck & Shoulder Pain /RZ %DFN 3DLQ • Cervicogenic Headache • Frozen Shoulder 1HFN DQG 6KRXOGHU 3DLQ • Tennis Elbow &HUYLFRJHQLF +HDGDFKH • Hip & Knee Pain )UR]HQ 6KRXOGHU

est.

7HQQLV (OERZ Clinic 1982 GCC Registered and BCA Members +LS DQG .QHH 3DLQ

01902 772 446 www.wolveschiro.co.uk

84 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 4TF

health

celebrating 30 years in wolverhampton! skills. He was also lecturing in the UK and abroad, eager to share his knowledge and experiences.

Jonathon Pugh arrived in Wolverhampton in 1991 to take on a dental practice on the West Park. 30 years later he is still serving the people of Wolverhampton, now based at Parkdale Dental & Implant Clinic on Tettenhall Road.

The decision was made and Parkdale Dental & Implant Clinic was opened on Tettenhall Road.

With Bibi focusing on business development, the clinic soon became extremely busy. Jon has placed over 5,000 implants in the last ten years with his practice being limited to implant work only. The demand for his time continues to go from strength to strength. He continues to accepts new patients for implant consultations and is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for those who have lost or are losing teeth.

Jon was born and educated in Birmingham, graduating from the University of Birmingham in 1987 with honours and a distinction in clinical dentistry. His Master’s degree in Implant dentistry was completed at Warwick University, again with a distinction.

During his early years in Wolverhampton, Jon worked as a general dentist but also set up an NHS orthodontic service (braces) for the city’s children. Though he enjoyed all aspects of dental work his main interest was in surgery, specifically the placement and restoration of dental implants.

Though born in Birmingham, Wolverhampton has been Jon’s home for many years. He now lives locally with his wife Bibi and their four children.

Smile with confidence again with dental implants - come and meet Jon for a complimentary consultation. Please contact Parkdale Dental & Implant Clinic’s dedicated reception team on 01902 420654 to book your appointment today.

In 2011 Jon’s wife Bibi encouraged him to leave general dentistry and orthodontics to focus on implant dentistry. This was a truly difficult decision as Jon had worked on the West Park for 20 years, by this time building close relationships with his loyal patient base. However, the demands on his time were becoming overwhelming.

His reputation in the implant world was well established by this time and it had become his passion. Jon was travelling across Europe to the world’s finest teaching institutions to hone his

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Celebrating 30 years in Wolverhampton!

Smile with confidence again with dental implants Come and meet Jon at a complimentary consultation Dr Jon Pugh | Principal Dentist BDS (Birm) 1987, MSc Implant Dentistry, GDC no 62663

01902 420654 parkdaledentalandimplantclinic.co.uk 82 Tettenhall Rd, Wolverhampton WV1 4TF

69

horoscopes

CANCER

CAPRICORN

(June 21 - July 21)

(December 21 - January 19)

The goal post of your life is wide open and could make you a winner in more ways than one. It looks like you could become the person of the moment as your popularity rises and you gain the respect of those who matter.

Love is all around you and as the summer sap rises you are liable to find affection from all kinds of unexpected directions. It’s up to you how seriously you should regard any advances.

LEO

AQUARIUS

(July 22 - August 21)

(January 20 - February 18)

The position of the planet Uranus could add a complication to what should be simple. With perseverance and grit this should fire you up to making decisions that could have positive life changing results.

The cup of plenty is full so there really are no half measures. Whatever you take needs to be carried out in a broad gauge fashion. Think big and you can achieve even your wildest dreams.

VIRGO

PISCES

(August 22 - September 21)

(February 19 - March 20)

The extrovert side of your personality is showing through. As you could be entering a new professional environment, your popularity will be enhanced and enable you hold all the ace cards, when it comes to showing your skills of leadership.

Carry on regardless. Others may criticise your actions but in the long term you will be proved right. Stay on the ball and enjoy this period of self belief.

LIBRA

ARIES

(September 21 - October 22)

(March 21 - April 20)

Happy go lucky and full of newfound enthusiasm is the way to describe this ongoing part of your life.

As you ride the wave of euphoria others will try to get a bite of the cherry, l suppose sharing might be an option.

The planets are in a state of change within your sign at the moment, which indicates turbulence and change. However it all seems to be for better times ahead. New people new places and new feelings all add up to a great time ahead.

SCORPIO

TAURUS

(October 23 - November 22)

(April 21 - May 20)

Push forward, you need to be a leader not a follower.

Others may look to you to take the lead in sorting out their lives. Relax and don’t be taken for a ride.

Try to be prudent where matters are concerned.

The financial side of things looks exceptionally good at the end of the year, but you may need to tread water for awhile.

SAGITTARIUS

GEMINI

(November 23 - December 20)

(May 21 - June 20)

You may feel as if you are opening a Pandora’s box.

As fate seems well and truly on your side. Random opportunities are to be taken seriously. They could be the source of future success.

Your adventurous nature always makes you good for a gamble. That lively planet Jupiter could assist Lady Luck to smile on you. A flutter could turn out to be a lucrative investment.

pets & garden

have an awesome autumn and keep your pets safe a good idea to walk and feed your pet before it gets dark and if you have a dog that needs to go out in the garden make sure that you stay with them, not only to reassure them but to keep them safe. Make sure you check that the gates are closed as dogs may bolt and if you are opening doors ensure that your pet is securely inside and can’t dart out.

As the days start to shorten and the light nights become a thing of the past, our environment changes and the fallen leaves create a carpet of golden browns for us to admire and our pets to run through and play in.

Fallen leaves bring new hidden dangers for our furry friends, there can often be a lot of debris under leaf litter such as broken glass. Cuts and grazes are quite common in the Autumn and although they are often painful for your pet it won’t always be apparent that they are hurting. Its good practice to check your dogs and cats once they come in from a walk, check their pads and in-between their toes as well as a good once over to make sure that they haven’t got anything stuck in their fur or skin.

Hedgehogs and other wildlife hide underneath piles of leaves and wood so if you build a bonfire, do so just before its lit to ensure that there are no animals hiding inside. It’s not just wildlife to consider as cats and other pets can sneak in too, if you leave the bonfire unsupervised then check it again before lighting.

There’s lots of fun to be had at this time of year, with Halloween, Bonfire night and other seasonal activities.

Why not brighten up your pet’s day too by coming up with some fun indoor games to play with them, get the kids involved too. You could make them some fresh fun nutritional treats, there’s lots of ideas on the internet.

Not only will they be a treat but will also provide you pets with some extra vitamins to help support their immune system as winter approaches.

Ticks can become active again in the cooler Autumn months and Fleas hide in fallen foliage so can easily be picked up by your cat or dog, keep a regular watch for any unwanted guests that your pet may be hosting.

Kids often like to play with Conkers and you yourself may have even put some in your house to keep spiders away. Conkers and Acorns are actually toxic to dogs so take care if you have them in your home and when you are out and about, especially if you have a puppy because they like to explore the world with their mouth.

Have an awesome autumn and keep your pets safe!

If you are ever concerned about your pet always consult your veterinarian, it’s a good idea to have an annual check up to ensure that your pet is fit and healthy.

Fireworks can be very scary for some pets, loud bangs, flashing lights and other unfamiliar sounds. Fireworks actually create a vibration; humans aren’t aware of this but animals can feel them and it can be terrifying for some. Keep your pets indoors, make them a little den, a safe and comfortable place to hide. You can also turn the TV up slightly and close blinds and curtains to help take their mind off what’s going on outside. It’s

Libby Williams MHAO AHdip Animal Healer & Holistic Therapist www.libbywilliams.co.uk info@libbywilliams.co.uk 07966 639671

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pets & garden GARDEN SERVICES

Garden Services

LANDSCAPING TREE FELLING, PRUNING, SHAPING, FENCING, DRIVEWAYS, SLABBING, TURFING, STUMP REMOVAL, HEDGE TRIMMING, REDUCTION WORK. LAWN MOWING, EDGING & BORDERS Regular Garden Maintenance Weekly, Fortnightly & Monthly

Please contact JOSH for a free quote

07825 588284

jcgardenservices@yahoo.com www.jc-gardenservices.co.uk

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pets & garden

another season begins If we get a nice spell of weather through August and into the beginning of September the flowering season of summer bedding and perennials will continue into early autumn. The range of new varieties of tried and tested herbaceous perennials has expanded quickly over the last few years with the introduction of new foxgloves, delphiniums and Lupins alongside the newer plants of perennial Salvia, Gaura and Heuchera - they make a cost effective alternative to summer bedding. Buying perennials from spring through to autumn will give colour for many months of the year.

Summer baskets and tubs should still be in their prime through September and possibly into October if we don’t get any early frosts, but as the nights draw in and the weather gets cooler, they’ll begin to fade. Continue to dead head and feed regularly to encourage a late show of colour.

Once your baskets have been emptied why not re-plant for winter colour, there’s plenty to choose from – pansies, violas, polyanthus, heathers, ivies and don’t forget to add a few spring flowering bulbs for added colour. Most garden centres sell smaller sized shrubs that are suitable for tubs and baskets and can then be planted out in the garden next spring. These include gaultherias, leucothoe, skimmias and grasses.

Once borders have been cleared of summer bedding, you can replant with winter pansies, violas, sweet williams and wallflowers. Hopefully if the weather has been moist we’ll have some of our own field grown wallflowers available from the end of September – they give excellent value for moneyflowering in the spring with the bulbs.

Harvest onions and potatoes now – lift up onions and allow to dry out where they’ve been growing if

the weather is fine, before storing. Potatoes should be stored in a cool but frost free environment.

Hessian sacks that are available from garden centres are ideal for this purpose. Continue to pick runner beans and courgettes on a regular basis, so that they don’t become stringy. Pick any tomatoes before the first frosts and ripen on the windowsill or use for green chutney.

Another pest becoming more common is woolly aphid which usually attacks fruit trees, particularly apples. As the name suggests this looks like woolly deposits on the stems of trees. Inside are the aphids.

It can be controlled by spraying Provanto Fruit & Veg Bug killer onto the stems. Make sure that you follow the directions on the bottle as there are set minimum intervals before you can pick fruit.

Pick early apples and pears as they become ripe.

Eat the earlier varieties straight away, storing later ripening ones for later use. Cover autumn fruiting raspberries against birds. The old fruiting canes can be pruned out during the winter months as the autumn varieties fruit on new season’s growth each year.

Clean out greenhouses before putting in overwintering plants and insulate with bubble.

Check over heaters ready for the first frosts. As you bring in plants to over winter watch out for vine weevil larvae, especially on fuchsias. If you do see signs of them, drench the compost with Bugclear Vine Weevil control.

Buy prepared hyacinth bulbs for Christmas flowering and plant them in bowls with Bulb Compost by midSeptember. Give them a drink and put in a cool, dark place, bringing gradually into the light and warmth once the shoots are approx 3cm high.

We’ve got everything you need to make your garden beautiful!

Top quality Shrubs, Trees and Roses always in stock Wide selection of Alpine and Herbaceous plants Autumn bedding plants available from beginning of September Spring flowering bulbs in stock from August bank holiday weekend.

01902 700 209

enquiries@lealansgardencentre.co.uk www.lealansgardencentre.co.uk Bridgnorth Rd, Shipley, Pattingham, Wolverhampton WV6 7EZ

finance

i am not retiring …. i am just taking a new tack a very attractive option if you can do it. I am currently working with a client who is giving up dentistry after 35 years to become a part time boat mechanic – much less stress, but he is still working. He is nowhere near ready to retire and has plenty of energy to continue working in some capacity.

Retirement and how people think and plan for retirement has dramatically changed over the last 10 to 15 years. Covid-19 has also increased the change in how many of us now think about the future.

The ‘old’ way The ‘old’ way to retire went something like this. You worked 40 years, usually following a single career path and sometimes within one organisation. At the end of the 40 years of working, work ended on a Friday and retirement began on Monday. If you were lucky you left with a long service award and a gold watch. Often retirement was quite dull and not full of fun things to do.

The ’old’ way to retire worries many of us, not only in what we will do with our time, but there are concerns about our brains slowing down.

Another way to consider ‘changing tack’ is to not work so much and do more of the things in life that we enjoy doing. My Father used to say, “we only come this way once, so make sure you do what you enjoy”.

In my experience, my clients do not want this type of retirement and want a full and enjoyable retirement for as long as possible.

I now coach some of my clients to make maximum use of holidays and time away from work as they move towards the traditional retirement age. I encourage my business owner clients to take time out of their business every 3 months. Even my employed clients are sometimes able to negotiate additional annual leave.

The ‘new’ way Today, few of us have one career, often having several careers. The ’new’ way of retiring or ‘changing tack’ is now very different and much better in my view. With ever increasing levels of workplace stress, the ability to move from a pressured work life to a less stressful one has become very appealing to many.

Taking additional time out of the working environment can be very helpful. It helps keep energy levels at work high (you are always looking forward to the next break).

‘Changing tack’ and not retiring fully is very

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finance

I have also noticed that my clients who take more breaks away from work, work longer into the future and they are doing all the things that they want to do now. Some say, why retire if I can have both.

things, it is important to understand what pensions you have, how much do you have invested and when and what do you want to happen.

Secondly, it is important to create a ‘blueprint’ for your future. This is putting a plan together, to guide you through the years as you plan your ‘change of tack’. This could involve consolidating your retirement savings together and understanding what income you will receive in retirement. It may also involve having to make some changes to what you are doing as you may not be on track.

What is even more interesting is that, by the time you are 100% retired, because you have done lots of interesting things, there is the possibility that you do not need as much money saved up for retirement.

So how do you plan for ‘changing tack’

Finally, to ensure continued ‘success’ it is important to keep your plans under review to make sure that you remain on target. As we all know from recent history, life changed very quickly, so our plans need to be kept under continuous review, so that we can react and make any necessary changes, to ensure that the future is what we want it to be.

Over the years I have met many people who have just let retirement happen to them and not put any particular plans to together. They don’t understand the financial implications of retiring and often do not know what they are going to do with their time. Many arrive at our office for the first time with ‘mixed bag’ of pensions with no strategy on how to make the most of what they have. They often do not know what they have.

Martin Dodd is an Independent Financial Adviser providing financial advice in the Wolverhampton area. Midlands Investment Agency is based in Tettenhall High Street.

The number one goal when it comes to planning for the future is to have a plan.

We call this the 3-step plan to a worry-free retirement.

Contact him on 01902 742221.

The steps that we take are quite simple. Firstly, you need to do the ‘groundwork’. Amongst other

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business

bringing an end to the divorce ‘blame-game’ reasons for the breakdown of the marriage’ says Lisa Ridge, Associate Legal Executive at Thornes Solicitors. ‘We look forward to the amendmentswe know that divorce can be one of the most difficult and stressful life experiences and anything that eases that will be most welcome’ Lisa goes on to say.

The long awaited and significant amendments to the Divorce Laws in England and Wales are now to be delayed until Spring of 2022 we are told. Currently there is one ground for divorcethe irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. If one party wishes to start divorce proceedings immediately following separation, they must rely on their spouse’s adultery or unreasonable behaviour.

No two cases are the same and the friendly, professional Matrimonial Team at Thornes works very closely with clients to ensure the right legal support is offered to meet individual needs. To find out more about how the team at Thornes can help please call 01902 313311. Face to face, telephone and on-line Lisa Ridge appointments available.

Associate Legal Executive - Matrimonial Team

This position has long since been challenged by Family Law professionals who have argued that it adds to the strain on families experiencing marriage breakdown and can often hinder amicable resolutions.

It is expected that we will now see the introduction of ‘no-fault’ divorce early next year when the requirements to establish either fault or a separation to proceed with divorce are likely to be abolished.

‘This change will enable couples to divorce without the necessity of the Court having to examine the

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79

business

business interruption insurance claims One way or another, businesses have suffered as a result of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the associated lockdown to protect public health. This has meant that many businesses, particularly those operating in non-essential retail and hospitality have been forced to close their door to customers in some cases for over a year, causing them to make little to no turnover.

•

premises have been partially closed as well as full closure

•

mandatory closure orders are in place but are not legally binding

The judgment is legally binding on the following insurers:

What is business interruption insurance?

Business interruption insurance covers loss resulting from interruption of or interference with the normal operation of your business carried out at your premises.

•

Arch Insurance (UK) Ltd

•

Argenta Syndicate Management Ltd

•

Ecclesiastical Insurance Office Plc

•

MS Amlin Underwriting Ltd

•

Hiscox Insurance Company Ltd

Successful Business Interruption Insurance - Test Case

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QBE UK Ltd

The Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) applied to the High Court for clarification over the contractual uncertainty around the validity of many business interruption insurance claims, this was appealed at the Supreme Court where judgment was handed down on the 15th January 2021.

•

Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc

•

Zurich Insurance Plc

At Kenneth Jones Solicitors, we can check your policy to determine whether you qualify for a claim on your business interruption insurance.

If your business was partially or fully adversely affected by the pandemic, please contact Kenneth Jones Solicitors on 01902 745 773 or email us at tettenhall@kenneth-jones.co.uk.

The Court’s decision has widened the scope for claiming under business interruption policies, including where:

Residential / Commercial Conveyancing • Landlord & Tenant Personal Injury Clinical Negligence Wills, Trusts and Probate Family Law • Immigration Law

Tel: 01902 745773

Email: ajaz@kenneth-jones.co.uk • Website: www.kenneth-jones.co.uk 80

Based in Tettenhall, Emer Morris LLB (Hons) is the director of Evergreen Wills Ltd and has provided a Will Writing service in the area for over 15 years. Emer is a member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers and has many satisfied clients and families in Wolverhampton, Dudley and the surrounding areas.

What are the benefits of having a will in place:

Services include: • • • • • • • •

Will Writing Lasting Powers of Attorney Probate Property Protection Probate Asset Protection Trusts Funeral Planning Will storage Court of Protection

• • • •

•

Why Choose Evergreen Wills Ltd? There are no forms to fill in, Emer listens to your needs and gives advise based on individual circumstances.

•

As a small firm Emer is able to provide a confidential, friendly, professional and personal bespoke service to you, taking time to discuss your needs and wishes as an individual within your own home, or by video call offering helpful advice.

• • •

Offering a Free Initial Consultation and Fixed Fees.

So that you choose who deals with your estate.

So that your estate goes to the person/charity of your choice in the way that you want.

So that you can name the guardians of children under the age of 18.

To ensure that you protect the value of your property and savings from avoidable payment of inheritance tax or care fees.

To provide for mentally or physically disabled beneficiaries without affecting their income-related benefits.

To provide extra benefits over and above statutory powers for minor beneficiaries.

To provide for beneficiaries in a vulnerable position i.e. facing divorce or bankruptcy.

To provide for children from a previous marriage.

To provide for unmarried partners.

Contact info@evergreenwills.co.uk 01902 921611 www.evergreenwills.co.uk

Single Wills £130 Mirrored Wills £200

81

motoring

fiat 500 x sport firefly unhurried or uncompromising stop.

The diminutive Fiat 500 was responsible for dragging Fiat back in to main stream motor manufacturing and I believe it has been its saviour, although I do wonder if the Directors and Management looked in envy at what Mini had achieved by the various derivatives that little concept had spawned, writes Bob Hickman.

The Instrumentation from a driving perspective were clear, extremely easy to understand and the large screen for all the various apps and satellite navigation and radio were clear, the touchscreen icons, on the large size, were also instantly responsive to touch. A pleasant environment to be cocooned in.

The arrival of the Fiat 500X is a smaller hatchback type of vehicle that has a 4 x 4 aspirational look, the 500 Cross, which was the test car, gives the impression of being a 4-wheel off-road derivative, in actual fact it is not, it is more of a SUV.

The 500X is a practical vehicle, the boot at 350litres is big enough for the size of the vehicle, although the rear lip is a little high for lifting heavy parcels and could be problematic.

As with all manufacturers choices have to be made within the trim sections and also a plethora of body colours. The 500X can be a very seriously individually styled vehicle. As you would expect there is a huge choice of engines, the test car was equipped with a 1332cc engine giving out a very respectable 150bhp.

The acceleration figure was claimed at 0-60 in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 124mph. CO emissions were disappointingly high at 156 and they suggest a combined figure of 40.9 mpg could be achievable.

In a week varied motoring I achieved 44mpg, so I beat their figures. I did enjoy the dual clutch automatic transmission that the 500 had been equipped with.

The seats including the front passenger ones are easy to fold up and this gives increased luggage capacity.

It is my view that the Fiat 500X is primarily a 4 adult vehicle although 5 could be accommodated at a squash and the head and shoulder room was fine without too many issues.

The market place for this type of vehicle was extensive but it is obviously worth having a look and giving serious consideration to the 500X, prices start at £16236. The vehicle as tested had an on the road price of £28,785.

The engine within the test car was a smooth, refined performer, more than adequate in the performance stake and the automatic gearbox was a pleasant companion, always seeming to change at the right time.

The driving characteristics were one of an assuring companion, it has a higher ride perspective, it handled in a comfortable way and gave excellent feed back from the steering, it was accurate and well behaved at all times. Disc brakes at front and rear are more than capable of bringing the vehicle to a steady and

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motoring

focus st-line x edition The Ford Focus has been around for a considerable length of time and it is one of the best selling cars in the Ford workhouse, writes Bob Hickman.

Ford introduced to the Focus a diminutive 1-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine. At first I had my doubts, the Focus is a big car and I was brought up in a generation of we need a big engine in a big car, and I was somewhat pessimistic. I shouldn’t have worried, the people from that famous blue oval knew what they were doing and the 3-cylinder engine produced 155bhp. This enabled a 0-60 gallop in marginally over 9 secs and a top speed where permissible of 131mph, quite exceptional for a small little, engine. Miles to the gallon is quoted as being in the region of 44.8mpg and I actually achieved 48mpg in a period of varied driving, which I thought was quite commendable.

badges to indicate this was an ST-Line. The partial leather trim with red seating was attractive, but I am not a lover of dark head linings. I did like the factor that the two front seats and steering wheel were heated and for early morning starts it was quite comfortable to have a warm back and warm fingers. Ford masterminded the quick rear heated windscreen and this proved quite a useful feature.

The CO2 emissions g/km is given at 122.

The interior space and ergonomics of the Focus are its strong point, the interior endeared me to the Focus, I am tall and I like a seat that can be adjusted both fore and aft, up and down, with an adjustable steering wheel to enable me to get comfortable.

The infotainment system included a DAB radio and a wonderful easy to understand navigational system that was adequately displayed in the large screen to the left of the driver. Apple Car Play and Android links are also standard features.

The driving dynamics of the Focus with this diminutive engine was a pleasant companion, the gear ratios in the 6-speed manual box seemed perfectly adequate in and around town but sadly 5th and 6th gears were only really suited when you have left the town centre behind you.

If the Focus ST-Line, 1-litre, EcoBoost 6-speed manual gearbox is for you, it is priced at £27,160 on the road. However £800 was added for the paintwork.

The ST-Line X has numerous standard features, 18” 5-spoke black alloy wheels and numerous

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