L
Our
ifestyle Magazine
January/February 2024
new year, new you time to set those new year's resolutions for 2024
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Our Lifestyle Magazine
Contents
Welcome Welcome to Our Lifestyle Magazine in 2024. We would like to wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year for 2024. Now is the time when you are taking down your Christmas decorations and your home feels a little bare, take a look at our interiors section for inspiration and trends for 2024. Do you make New Year resolutions or do you just go with the flow? We’ve put together some achievable ideas that will help you to face January with renewed vigour and that will also make a difference to your health and wellbeing. We always welcome input from our readers and advertisers, so if you have a story or event that you think would make interesting reading then please get in touch and tell us about it.
WE ARE RECRUITING - GET FIT & GET PAID Our Lifestyle are looking for more people to hand deliver our magazine 6 times a year through letterboxes in the local areas of Halesowen, Kidderminster, Hagley, Pedmore & surrounding areas in Stourbridge. If you are interested please give Linda a call on 07841 431446.
Home
2 - 24
Health
25 - 35
Fashion
36 - 39
Weddings
40 - 41
What’s On
42 - 44
Hair & Beauty
45
Showbiz
46 - 47
Food & Drink
48 - 51
Travel
52 - 54
Leisure
55
Gardens
56 - 57
Horoscopes
58
Crosswords
59
Motoring
60 - 61
Funerals
62
Finance & Legal
63 - 67
Danielle Scandrett
Linda Farren
Marketing & Design Manager
Managing Director 07841 431446
daniellescandrett@outlook.com
linda@ourlifestylemag.co.uk
Feature Writers: Bob Hickman, Jennifer Suzanne, Mike Whitehurst, Rebecca Underwood, Sally Mansell, Steve Thomas. Competition Terms & Conditions 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 Our 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 March/April the winner will be notified by 15th April. 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 March/April the competition will run until 10th April. Details of the winner available on request by emailing info@ourlifestylemag.co.uk Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Our Lifestyle Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage, or omission in an advert. Our Lifestyle Magazine does not officially endorse advertising material which is printed on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All rights are reserved.
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DUDLEY
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SHREWSBURY 5
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Only a 15% deposit to place an order and no other payments until completion.
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Welcome to Woodrobes Investing in a new bedroom is a significant decision, one that you will have to live with for many years, so getting it right is essential. A bedroom you are happy with and comfortable in takes considerable thought and excellent planning. Many of our customers find it hard to visualise just how their new bedroom will look when finished, if it will have the ‘WOW’ factor and the feel they are looking for. This is where Woodrobes excels.
Our knowledgeable showroom staff will use their expertise to assist you in choosing the style and colour of your bespoke fitted furniture. Our vast and varied range of products provides our customers with combinations of textures, styles, colours and finishes. To give our customers the best possible choice, we are constantly updating our product range with innovative new styles while embracing and including new colours and finishes when they come onto the market. Our designer will visit your home to plan your ideas and make a working design you are happy with. Once colours and layout are finalised, your bespoke bedroom furniture is manufactured locally, and when complete, our fitters turn your design into reality.
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T: 01562 825033 | W: www.woodrobes.co.uk | E: enquiries@woodrobes.co.uk 7
Jennifer Suzanne Interiors
Design Trends for 2024 www.jennifersuzanne.co.uk 07977330011
jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk @jennifersuzanneinteriors 8
Our Home Wishing you all a Happy New Year!
Paint Colours While many colours will always be timeless choices for our interiors, there are others that ebb and flow with the years. In 2024 grey paint colours will be replaced with warm beige neutrals, swapping pure white for taupe tones. Pink has been slowly creeping back into interiors especially a soft blush pink and designers are favouring a whisper soft delicate rose, or more natural clay colour.
Whether you're looking for inspiration to influence a bathroom or kitchen renovation project or simply seeking the latest colour trends to redecorate on a smaller scale. Just remember to create a space that reflects who are you, and that you enjoy spending time in. I create design schemes for homes to be in keeping with the property and creating a unique personalised look that will be adored for many years.
Rich shades will continue to be popular choices and sumptuous brown paint colours will be seen in 2024. Browns can add warmth and add an elegant, calm feel to a room. This colour choice will give you great flexibility and will work effortlessly with other colours, including pinks, greens, blues and earthy neutrals.
Interior design trends doesn't mean you have to overhaul your existing home decor with each season or trend update, but keeping up to date with ever-evolving decor trends, helps to revive and refresh your home interiors. These are my favourite trends for 2024, Enjoy!
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Our Home
Wallpaper
or patterns across walls and spaces, you create a feeling of depth and endlessness.
Wallpaper is definitely staying a design favourite in 2024, as we are craving rooms with personality, and wallpaper gives you the opportunity to add colour, pattern, and texture creating plenty of style and character to a space.
My favourite designs are botanical prints with lighter muted backgrounds, these prints look particularly charming as bedroom, bathroom and hallway wallpapers, and also petite, narrow areas where their prints look a lot more charming and whimsical. Careful consideration is needed when choosing your wallpaper, making sure to tie in the rest of the room with complimentary paint
Wallpaper is great way to create an illusion of extended space, width, and length is by the power of repetition. By using the same hues 10
Our Home Lighting
colours, window treatments, trimmings and accessories, to create a complete room design scheme.
A phase you may see trending in 2024 interiors the quiet luxury trend, Timeless appeal, subtle beauty and high quality materials. Think warmth, calm and serenity – all aspect that we seek to being into our homes.
Fabrics Stripes are having a bit of a moment in interior design, adorning floor-to-ceiling curtains, accent chairs, cushions, and wallpaper. Stripes are a versatile tool in the design rulebook, providing some clever visual effects to widen, elongate or heighten the proportions of your room. Don’t be afraid of adding pattern either, I love to see paired back floral’s mixed with classic stripe combination.
Each style choice is carefully considered, and lighting is especially a key part in designing our homes and in the world of lighting, simple but elegant design that is opulent without being to showy or garish. Beautiful white and gold fixtures are great choices and to create that ultra-luxury look, I always use soft diffused lamps and fixtures with warm bulbs to make the space feel more inviting and to give the furniture and accessories a warm glow.
Boucle is still very much a core trend, Boucle fabrics are versatile and soft to the touch with a fleecy, teddy bear-like appearance. The nubby, multi-use textile is generally made from wool. You'll be seeing it everywhere in upholstered sofa furniture, statement armchairs, curtain treatments, cushions, throws and rugs. It's not only a staple in fashion thanks to Coco Chanel world-famous jacket but in 2024 interior design too- boucle is back!
Kitchen ‘The heart of the home’ In 2024 kitchens will feel like an additional living space within the house rather than a utilitarian place to prepare food in. Designers are spending time considering the space and choose a unique mix of materials and textures for kitchens. It becomes less focused on pure function and more about creating a space to enjoy with friends and family. Curved kitchen islands worktops are a great if you have the space, with friends and family sitting around their kitchen island together, add in comfortable seating and why not choose a curved edge worktop that are so much more inviting than hard edges. Also as well as curved island, in 2024 I will be designing kitchen cabinets that run all the way up to the top of the ceiling. Unless you have a specific intention for the space between the tops of your cabinets and the ceiling, I think it’s always worth running units up to the top, as when cabinets stop shy of the ceiling, the space above just becomes a dust collector.
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Our Home
BATHROOM AFTER
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Our Home aged leather and rich textures will all add depth and warmth to a room, which is just what you want as the colder months endure. The Antique Aesthetic trend is that it can be easily incorporated into an existing scheme, simply layer in more rustic feeling accessories, soft furnishings and colours.
BATHROOM BEFORE
If you have a New Year 2024 interior design project you need advising on please do get in touch via the contact details below. May all your interior dreams come true in 2024! Jennifer. Instagram: @jennifersuzanneinteriors Facebook: jennifersuzanneinteriors
Contact me with your enquires Email: Jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk Mobile: 07977 330011 Website: www.jennifersuzanne.co.uk
Rightio Plumbers
Spathroom
01384 847 002
The spa-inspired bathroom was a bit of an interior design inevitability, influenced by the growing popularity of self-care spaces. In 2024, bathroom materials like stone, quartz and marble replicate an indulgent spa experience, while fluffy robes, an abundance of candles and plants, and considered mood lighting all contribute to a sense of serenity. I recently designed a bathroom space and check out this transformation of a before and after photo.
OUR SERVICES Boiler Breakdowns Boiler Servicing Radiators & Pipes We work in Swindon, Kingswinford, Wollaston, Pedmore, Blakemore, Stourbridge, Halesowen and all surrounding areas. Fast Response
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Tanks & Cylinders Toilets & Taps Leaks & Bursts Showers
Clearing Blockages Gas Safe Certified Pipework Replacement
Clear Pricing
12 Month guarantee on labour!
The rustic, aged look is in for 2024! Think of imperfect pieces that are showing a few signs of wear and tear, vintage and antique furniture to creating a home that is full of personality and charm. Deep-hued furniture, 13
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winter sale now on
Save 20% off all Sealy mattresses and divans
Comfort suppli
Mill St, Brierley Comfort suppliers since 1976 013847 Mill St, Brierley Hill DY5 2RG 0138474166 Dreamlandbe Dreamlandbedding.co.uk 14
Our Home
Dreamland's Winter Oasis: Quality Sleep at Unmatched Prices As winter embraces the surroundings in its chilly grasp, Dreamland, the ultimate destination for indulgent and restful sleep, introduces its highly awaited Winter Sale. Conveniently located just moments from the lively Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill, Dreamland beckons customers to delve into a realm of comfort with enticing offers spanning its extensive collection of mattresses and beds. Featuring over 130 beds and mattresses, the Winter Sale at Dreamland presents a diverse array catering to every sleep preference and style. From the luxurious designs of Somnus and Hypnos to the enduring craftsmanship of Millbrook, Relyon and Shire, the sale transforms the showroom into a winter wonderland of choices, turning the dream of a perfect night's sleep into reality. Dreamland's recognition as one of the leading independent bed stores by the National Bed Federation underscores its steadfast commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Dreamland's recent nomination for a Community Champions Award emphasizes its pivotal role as an integral part of the local community. This recognition underscores the store's commitment to excellence. Adding an extra layer of assurance, Dreamland introduces its Price Match guarantee, solidifying its commitment to customer satisfaction. Since 1976, owner Mike Brown's passion for beds has been evident in every aspect of the store, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship synonymous with the revered brands on display.
As the Winter Sale unfolds, the spotlight is on Dreamland's dedication to ensuring a restful haven for its customers, showcasing renowned brands such as Silentnight, Sleepeezee, Rest Assured, Sealy, and Dunlopillo. Open seven days a week, Dreamland invites patrons to experience a unique shopping journey. The Winter Sale not only offers affordability without compromise on quality but also presents an extensive array of options to suit diverse budgets and preferences, featuring illustrious brands celebrated for their innovation and comfort.
Save 20% off all Sealy mattresses This winter, Dreamland invites you to cocoon yourself in style and comfort. Explore their and divans Winter Sale, where dreams meet reality and quality meets affordability, featuring the finest brands that have become synonymous with the Dreamland experience. Your journey to a restful night's sleep begins at Dreamland – a haven where comfort, quality, and timeless elegance converge.
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Now stocking Everhot range cookers
High Street, Wombourne, WV5 9DP - on the village green
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home
Claverley farmfarm logs logs Claverley Claverley farm logs
Claverley Logsisisaafamily familybusiness businessbased based Claverley Farm Farm Logs on on the outskirts of the of village of Claverley. the outskirts of the village Claverley. Brothers Chris & ensure Tim ensure thewell logs are well Brothers Chris & Tim the logs are seasoned and seasoned and ready to burn. All of our Barn ready to burn. Claverley Farm Logs is a20% family business based on stored logs are under on and All the of our Barn stored logs are under 20%average on average and outskirts of the village of Claverley. are mixofof Ash, are aa mix Ash, OakOak andand Birch.Birch. Our kiln Dried Brothers Chris & Timare ensure the logs are on well seasoned and Hardwood Logs under 18% Ourready kiln Dried Hardwood Logs are under 18% average. on average. to burn. Our wood is always covered on its way to be OurAllwood is always covered on its way to be delivered of our Barn stored logsis arelocally under 20% on average delivered to you and sourced andand to are youaand is Ash, locally and from well managed mix of Oaksourced and Birch. from well managed woodlands. woodlands. Our kiln Dried Hardwood Logs are under 18% on average. WeOur aimwood to deliver your order within 3-5 working days and always covered on its waywithin to be delivered We aim you toisan deliver your order 3-5 willtoadvise allocated date and time slot once your you days and isand locally well managed working willsourced adviseand youfrom an allocated order has been received. woodlands.
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date andare time onceby your has beento OurWe logs alsoslot approved The order Woodsure aim to deliver your order within 3-5 workingReady days and received. Burn scheme. This approval is testament that our logs are of will advise you an allocated date and time slot once your theorder highest hasquality. been received. Our logs are also approved by Bags The worth), Woodsure WeOur sell logs them in Trailer Loads (2.5by Bulk or Bulkto are also approved The Woodsure Ready Ready to Burn scheme. This approval is Bags and deliver up to a 12 mile radius. Burn scheme. This approval is testament that our logs are of testament that our logs are of the highest the highest quality. quality. We sell them in Trailer Loads (2.5 Bulk Bags worth), or Bulk Bags and deliver up to a 12 mile radius.
High Quality Logs Delivered To Your Door High Quality Logs Delivered To Your Door
Kiln or barn stored Logs ready to burn
Order online with us today
Kiln or barn stored Logs ready to burn
Newin House Farm, Upper Aston, WV5 7EE Order online withClaverley. us today 07711983547 | 01746710269 | www.claverleyfarmlogs.co.uk Newin House Farm, Upper Aston, Claverley. WV5 7EE Find us 07711983547 | 01746710269 | www.claverleyfarmlogs.co.uk on Facebook Find us
on from Facebook Trailer Load £234.99 | Bulk Bag from £99.99 | Nets of Kindling £4.00 17 Trailer Load from £234.99 | Bulk Bag from £99.99 | Nets of Kindling £4.00
Our Home
NEW WINTER cOLLECTIONS at cousins This Winter, explore Cousins Furniture's latest collections in Living, Dining, Sleeping, and Flooring. Designed for everyday living, these functional and stylish pieces cater to all needs. From comfort to optimising open-plan spaces, find everything you need to embrace modern living at Cousins Furniture.
The new Cloud Zero's innovative lift and tilt recliner chairs, designed for unparalleled comfort and adaptability. With a multitude of seating positions, this advanced rise and recliner ensures ultimate relaxation and a smooth transition from sitting to standing. The collection predominantly features Mammoth Medical Grade™ foam seats with PostureCell™ Technology, enhancing movement, pressure relief, support, and circulation while reducing pain and the risk of falling. Customisation options include chair size, massage system, heated pads, knuckle arms for extra grip, and matching sofas for a personalised experience.
Elevating Home Relaxation With an understanding of the importance in creating a home that not only looks stylish but also enhances comfort and wellbeing, Cousins are proud to introduce their exclusive Cousins Comfort Collection – offering adjustable beds, recliner sofas and chairs, all designed to elevate relaxation experience.
Dine In Style For dining, Cousins have introduced collections with diverse styles. Shipton, Baddesley, and Grenadine offer a 'new traditional' aesthetic, blending timeless elegance with a modern touch. Mindy wood veneers, marquetry, and solid spindle legs characterise these pieces, with tables featuring centre leaves for extended seating, accommodating up to 10 guests. For a more relaxed dining experience, Nord embraces a Nordic style with a simple, clean design crafted from the finest solid oak and veneers. Meanwhile, Broadway offers a contemporary take on the traditional 18
Our Home natural materials. The Adam Henson collection, curated with lustrous Cotswold wool chosen by Adam himself, celebrates British farming, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainability. No More Boring Flooring Finally, the flooring departments have seen the launch of brand new products and designs. There are new state of the art flooring stands from famous brand name Karndean as well as new carpet collections by “Daisy” exclusive to Cousins. If you’re after a new rug, you will also find new rug designs; from colourful and contemporary, to classic and traditional, there’s a style to suit everyone.
farmhouse, available in plain oak or painted finishes (Meteor Blue, Prairie Grey, Clay, and Moss dark green). This versatile collection spans dining, kitchen, living room, and occasional furniture, allowing for seamless mixing and matching.
At Cousins Furniture, their destination showrooms have a wide range of furniture and accessories that will suit any style. Furnish every room of your home, all under one roof and find a dedicated team of friendly experts who will assist you every step of the way during your home update this season.
Beautiful Bedrooms Introducing the Penida range—a captivating fusion of retro chic and contemporary style, instantly elevating your bedroom into a delightful haven with its unique design and charming rattan fronts. For those seeking a traditional and ornate ambiance, explore the Provence range—a handcrafted French Louis style collection with intricate detailing. With 16 unique pieces to mix and match, both collections are crafted from FSC certified wood, ensuring your bedroom is sustainably sourced for a restful night's sleep! New Galleries from Leading Brand Names Cousins’ stores now feature new galleries and studios showcasing renowned brands like Ercol, Adam Henson by Harrison Spinks, and Vispring. Explore the latest Ercol galleries with diverse furniture styles for living, dining, and sleeping. Discover the epitome of sleep luxury in new Vispring galleries at West Midlands stores after the success in their Shrewsbury store, offering handcrafted mattresses and divans tailored to your specifications, using soft, 19
Our Home
Housekeeping services to make your home bright and beautiful! We understand that a beautifully clean home means a brighter you, so for people with a non-stop, busy schedule, keeping your home pristine can be challenging.
eco-friendly cleaning products. Our cleaning products are biodegradable, meaning reduced emissions and waste, as well as being cruelty-free so you can feel guilt-free about your immaculate home.
By taking a holistic approach to cleaning your home, our housekeeping team will make sure your house is immaculate, with special care taken to keep your home looking, feeling and smelling fresh. From your shiny, clean surfaces and plumped up cushions to flawlessly clean floors, our professional and thoughtful housekeepers will give your home order, creating and maintaining an inviting, tranquil space for you to enjoy.
This is a recent testimonial, as I know how important it is to select a professional, trustworthy company when you are letting somebody into your home. " .. I have just got home and cannot thank your team enough for what they have done for me today. My house looks incredible. I've actually fallen in love again with it. The little touches I so didn't expect! Pleases pass my thanks on to the girls, it looks incredible!!! Fiona x’"
When our dedicated team of professional housekeepers visit your home to deliver our quality cleaning services, they will bring with them premium cleaning equipment and
Can we make YOUR home Bright & Beautiful?
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WINTER SALE NOW ON WITH HUGE DISCOUNTS
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Our Home
FREE customer car park at rear 21
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R N COX PA I N T E R
PA I N T E R
&
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D E C O R AT O R
D E C O R AT O R
Experienced painter & decorator for over 30 years Reliable & excellent tradesman
CALLfor NEAL Experienced painter & decorator FOR A FREE over 30 years QUOTATION
Interior & exterior work undertaken Maintenance & renovation
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undercoot@gmail.com References provided on request CALL NEAL FOR A FREE QUOTATION
07970 936640 undercoot@gmail.com 23
5 Star Windows and Conservatories current thermal performance standards and ensure they get a certificate from FENSA or Local Authority Building Control. FENSA enables companies that install replacement windows and doors to self-certify compliance under these Building Regulations without the need for a separate assessment from Building Control.
5 Star Windows and Conservatories is Worcestershire’s leading provider of windows, doors and living spaces. It is a family-owned business that has family values at its heart, with well over 30,000 installations in Worcestershire and the surrounding areas. At 5 Star we understand the importance of trust. It is gained, never expected, and never taken for granted. We believe it is earned through hard work, honesty, transparency and putting the customer first.
With years of success stories, over 80% of our work originates through recommendations. If you choose 5 Star, you can rest safe in the knowledge that you are working with a professional team that puts quality and customer service first. We are so confident in the quality of our products and workmanship that we offer a 20 year guarantee on our products which is twice the industry average and insurance backed by the Consumer Protection Association.
For the real try before you buy experience our customers can visit 2 market leading showrooms which are the largest of their kind in the west midlands. You can wander between full sized, fully furnished Conservatories, beautiful Orangeries and stunning Lemonaries. View a variety of glass roofs, lanterns, tiled roofs, Headguard polycarbonate roofs, over 200 Windows & Doors and lots more. Our 3000 sq. ft Kidderminster showroom is situated on the Worcester Road and the Worcester Showroom is just three and a half minutes walk from the main High Street in the centre of Worcester. Both open 7 days a week!
Enquire today with details for your latest home improvement project.
Kidderminster Showroom Worcester Road, Kidderminster DY10 1JR Telephone: 01905 888320 Email: sales@5starwindows.co.uk
5 Star Windows and Conservatories are also members of FENSA. When replacing windows and doors, homeowners must comply with
Worcester Showroom -
36 Carden Street, Worcester WR1 2AT 24
Our Health
Determined to be the Difference – Exceptional Residential Care Exceptional Facilities
Sister homes Parkfield Grange and The Gables, part of the award winning Cinnamon Care Collection, provide unrivalled care in the West Midlands. Parkfield Grange, on the Hagley Road in Stourbridge, is a purpose built, luxury care home providing personalised residential and dementia care. The Gables is a brand-new care home in Hagley, with an exceptionally equipped, compassionate and caring environment.
Facilities at Parkfield Grange and The Gables are outstanding, including restaurants, bars, hair and beauty salons, cinema rooms, luxury lounges, libraries and private dining rooms. We pride ourselves on bringing the latest innovation in senior living to our residents, to ensure they thrive. For the sixth consecutive year, Cinnamon has been named a Top 20 Care Home Group by carehome.co.uk, the UK’s leading care home reviews website, testament to our fabulous care teams and award winning care home environments.
Outstanding Care People need care at different stages. Many start with some additional help at home, but as needs increase, can find this option expensive, sometimes lonely and insufficient in providing the level of care they require. Parkfield Grange and The Gables provide outstanding residential care, in built for purpose accommodation, with 24 hour care teams, with fellow residents to befriend, new hobbies and social activities to enjoy.
Happy Senior Living Cinnamon homes are designed by award winning architects to specifically cater for varied needs of older people, to ensure the very best care possible is delivered. The aim is to offer something special, the difference between good care and great care. We help older people live happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives and give peace of mind to their families who entrust us with their wellbeing. We are determined to be the difference, both in the expert care we provide and the luxurious quality of our homes.
For those who need specialist dementia care, the homes provide friendly environments with themed spaces, such as art rooms, retro kitchen and music areas to stimulate resident engagement and to aid reminiscence. Both homes also offer short stay or respite for convalescence - maybe after an operation or hospital stay or to give a carer an opportunity for a rest or to go on holiday.
For more information please visit https:// www.cinnamoncc.com
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Our Health
HEAR MORE IN 24! Improving your hearing in the New Year is a great idea! Enhancing your hearing ability may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, technology and awareness. Here are some tips to help you achieve better hearing;
speech so whenever possible, choose quiet environments for conversation. If you are out and about in noise try to sit with your back to a wall, it might help a little. Healthy Ears are Happy Ears!
Stay Active and Healthy;
• Avoid putting anything smaller than your elbow in your ears! Cotton buds or other objects often push earwax further into the ear. The ears are pretty good at cleaning themselves and we should all have a little wax in our ears to keep them healthy. Ear wax should only ever be removed by experienced audiologists or hearing healthcare professionals using the right equipment. Our dedicated hearing care clinics are equipped with the gold standard in ear wax removal equipment and the procedure performed by experienced, fully insured clinicians. We only do ears, why trust anyone else?
• Get Moving! Regular physical activity improves the blood flow to all parts of the body including your ears. A healthy diet can also contribute to overall well-being and your general health. Mental and Cognitive Health; • Keep that brain active! Challenging the brain with puzzles, crosswords etc can help maintain cognitive function, linked to auditory processing. Healthy brain = Healthy Ears! Understand your Hearing; • Understanding your own hearing can help you make informed decisions about how to address any challenges. Our audiologists can advise you about different types of hearing loss, their causes and available treatments including the very latest in hearing aid technology.
Book a Hearing Check Up; • Start this year by scheduling a FREE hearing check-up at one of our dedicated hearing clinics. Our expert audiologists and ear care clinicians offer a regular check-ups which can help identify any issues early on. Remember, being proactive with your hearing can make a real difference to your overall well-being. If you have concerns about your own hearing or that of a loved one the call us to arrange personalised advice and possible solutions.
Look for the signs! • Did you know that 80% of people over the age of 75 are likely to need hearing aids! Be aware of the signs of hearing loss, such as understanding conversations, turning up the volume on the TV or radio, or asking people to repeat themselves. If you think people are mumbling or speaking too quickly, it might be time to get your ears checked!
Hagley/RUBERY Clinic 01562 884400 hagley@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk
Reduce background noise;
WOMBOURNE Clinic
• It can sometimes be really difficult to hear if there is any noise around you. Noise can make it really challenging to understand
01902 302266 wombourne@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk 26
Hear more in ‘24
FREE Hearing Assessments Hearing Aids Ear Wax Removal Tinnitus Support Noise Protection
Family Run Clinics 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
0% Finance Available Lifetime Aftercare
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Our Health
Mental Ill Health Seasonal Blues Hilary Sims - Life Balance
As a counsellor, I see a pattern in the problems clients present to me, throughout the year, that could almost be looked at as being seasonal.
workforce, even more will see counselling as a social norm. That being said, the importance of counselling should not ever be underestimated. While it’s becoming increasingly socially acceptable to seek personal help that shouldn’t lessen the impact of counselling or make conditions that counselling or therapy treat, any less important.
It’s not quite as black and white as people suffering from depression in the winter months, anxiety in the spring, couples’ issues in the summer and teenager problems in the autumn, but there does appear to be trends associated with seasons.
The differing array of symptoms and conditions require different methods of counselling. These methods used are more down to the individual needs of the patient rather than the condition they present with. Some patients might respond better to CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) others, SFT (Solution Focused Therapy) or Humanistic Counselling.
For example, the new school year in September and the following few months, particularly for 14 to 18 year olds, seems to bring a larger concentration of stress and anxiety related conditions. Christmas particularly and just after, family and relationship concerns. April, and we see a trend forming around depression illnesses (this also coincides with the highest numbers in a month, for suicide)*
If you have any questions or would like to book an initial consultation, please either email me on hilary@lifebalancecounselling.net or call me on 07850 447585.
Seeing a counsellor doesn't hold the stigma it used to, thankfully. When I was growing up, if someone saw a counsellor, it was a sign of weakness, particularly if you were a man and while there is still a stigma attached to seeking mental health help, it’s much less that it was.
Website: www.lifebalancecounselling.net *Data from the ONS
Thankfully, we have seen a change in that way of thinking as generations come and go, meaning that for some, in fact, probably for most, counselling is now seen as a form of selfdevelopment, and in many social settings, it's encouraged. As our next generation hits the 28
Our Health
How Hypnotherapy Could Help You
Louise Squires
HPD, DSFH, MNCH (Reg.) AfSFH (Reg.), MHS (Reg.)
Having suffered with anxiety in the past, working in high pressure sales roles, whilst managing the demands of two young children. I understand how stress can impact every aspect of our lives, leading to weight gain, panic attacks, insomnia and negative self-talk.
I work with clients with anxiety, depression, weight management, phobias, sleep problems, confidence issues, imposter syndrome and many other areas. I help my clients to identify and work with their inner skills and resources, to help them to realise their potential and ability to make positive changes.
As a solution focused hypnotherapist, I help people to make significant, positive changes in their lives in a short period of time. I help my clients focus on what they want to achieve rather than on their problems. Sometimes clients feel a certain way, but they don’t know the reason why, or they don’t want to talk about why they feel the way they do.
I offer a free initial consultation if you would like to find out more about how hypnotherapy could help you, please get in touch. Appointments are available at my clinic in Bromsgrove and I also offer online appointments, if preferred.
Face to Face Appointments at my office:
9-11 New Road, Bromsgrove B60 2JF F
Or Online appointments available if preferred
29
MK OFF ROAD MK Off Road was formed in 2015 with the idea of getting more youths into the sport of trials. My children, Jack aged 3 & Kayleigh aged 7 at the time, also took on the sport. This has given us a unique perspective as a trials dealer as we can now relate to our customers and the journey they are in with their children and the sport. Jack went onto finish 3rd in the British youth trials championship in 2021, with Kayleigh becoming British champion in Girls B class this year. In 2020 we started running our own youth trials series, as our area in the West Midlands does lack youth specific
competitions. In 2021 we started our own club and local trials Family & now friend, Les Wood of Woodrobes kindly jumped on board and sponsored our club. We have gone from strength to strength and in 2023 we had 250 youth entries over 7 rounds. We are proud now to be a one stop shop for trials, supplying parts kit & clothing to youths and also adults in the sport. Our club was previously named Droitwich Youth Trials Club. We envisage in the future a renaming to MK Off Road Trials Club, but this is TBC. 30
Our Health
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Our Health
Your New Year’s Resolution Currently there exists hundreds of millions of regular exercisers, exercising at home, in local parks and streets and in gyms all around the world. But I am here to tell you that so many people, indeed the vast majority of people, are getting it wrong. I have had the great privilege of working with some of the most famous people in the world, but what is important, is the realisation that we are all Human beings that have a similar, but unique human body, and this is exactly where and why we are all getting it so wrong. Even though the exercise industry has exploded with personal trainers becoming the most sought-after fashion accessory, and thousands of self- proclaimed exercise ‘experts’ on social media – individuals still don’t really know whether they should be walking 10,000 steps a day, jogging, running, cycling, rowing, swimming or going to exercise classes, lifting weights or doing Pilates or yoga. Essentially everyone is guessing. Could this be you – do you really/ fully understand what type of exercising is best for you. Differing opinions have led to miscommunication, misrepresentation, and confusion. But why is this? Very simply the world of exercise has, and continues to be dictated, controlled, and taught by a majority of individuals that are simply NOT sufficiently qualified to give such advice. There really aren’t many professional elite exercise specialists, that specialise in exercise prescription.
I am excited to introduce myself and join the fabulous Our Lifestyle Magazine team, to be your expert for all things health, diet, fitness, and exercise. My name is Steve Thomas – I have a Bachelor of Science honours degree in Sport Science, and I have spent 37 years in the health and fitness sector as an Elite Personal Trainer, and was instrumental in launching Personal Training in the UK in central London in the mid to late 1980’s. During those early years the world was just starting to understand the real benefits of exercise, even though it wasn’t universally accepted. During the last 30 years however, the whole fitness and exercising world has been ‘booming’, with health clubs and gyms ‘sprouting up’ on every high street all around the world. Decades on, every human being of adult age now understands that exercising is essential/ critical to attaining and maintaining a healthy body and mind. Essential for physical and mental well-being, exercise has become the holy grail for personal growth and fulfilment. 32
Our Health
Steve Thomas BSc (Hons) is a sport scientist with over 37 years of experience of working with the world’s elite, the rich and famous. As an Elite Personal Trainer, he has witnessed first-hand a booming fitness culture. With hundreds of millions of dedicated exercising disciples around the world, exercising has become the holy grail for physical and mental wellbeing, but this book, as an honest and forthright critique of the exercising world, explains why THE WHOLE WORLD is GETTING IT WRONG, and why it needs to change. As the ‘World’s Best Personal Trainer’, Thomas now reveals his secret methods. Let his scientific knowledge and experience guide you. He has developed his 100,000 exercise system especially for you. Follow his Top Tips and ten Golden Rules and you will change the way you exercise for ever, allowing your body to flourish and achieving your goals faster and more efficiently than ever before. This book is a campaign for change, and may be the only exercise book you will ever need to read.
“Steve is without doubt the best in the business“ Alan Watson MCSP.HPC (the U.K’s top physiotherapist)
RRP £18.99
www.thefatherfigureoffitness.com
www.g2books.co.uk
believe seriously needed. It really is time to set the record straight. Science led the way with the pandemic, and it is also the key missing ingredient in the world of exercise. As a Sport Scientist, everything I advocate is deep rooted in medical science. My book has been written from the heart – written to give back to an industry that has given me a wonderful life and career, but it has also been written for you – its time that you are told the facts, the truth about how and why to exercise scientifically smarter, more efficiently and productively. The book is now available to be purchased through Waterstones or bought directly from amazon. Over the forthcoming months I will tackle various topics eg; weight loss, back pain, pre-habilitation and re-habilitation for knee and hip replacement procedures, tips for various sports, golf, tennis etc, but please contact me at sandnthomas@sky.com, if you would like me to discuss other topics or if you have any specific questions.
This is why I have felt an enormous sense of duty, a responsibility to speak out and try and change the whole world of exercise and fitness. I am truly blessed to live a twin centre life – half my week in London and half living locally in Clent. The recent Covid pandemic changed our lives quite drastically – so many individuals did home/ on-line exercising, following various social media guru’s – all only serving to highlight my plight – so many exercising incorrectly and causing a whole host of Musculo-skeletal issues, aches, pains and injuries, and becoming reliant on pain killers and anti-inflammatories, and then spending a small fortune on physiotherapy and other various treatments. For me however, lock down afforded me the ideal opportunity to spend much more time at home in Clent, from where I could write my book, the start of my career-long campaign to change the world. It’s a book that I am proud of, but more importantly it's a book that is over-due, and I 33
2024
New Year New You! The New Year is slowly nearing, and with the holiday season already upon us many people are indulging in retrospection and re-evaluating some of their life choices. New Year’s resolutions are the perfect opportunity for all those who have failed to start making the changes that they said they would make next week, next month, or perhaps when winter starts.
This is usually an extension of the previous resolution. Switching to a healthier diet can be incredibly tricky when we are surrounded by cheap junk food. However, with a good amount of determination and some basic tips you can slowly develop healthier eating habits. Learn to control emotional eating, be aware of reasons for diets to fail, make use of these tricks and have a look at these awesome and healthy recipes.
Well, now is your chance to sit down and prepare a list of important lifestyle changes you want to make, and being the charitable and caring bunch that we are here at Lifehack, we’ve decided to give you a bit of help – because since the majority of people fail to stick to their resolution, you’ll need all the help you can get.
Stop procrastinating The biggest barrier that keeps most people from reaching their goals is the desire to relax and do something fun instead of working hard. Once you get used to procrastinating it’s difficult to snap yourself out of it, so you’ll need to put in a lot of work to change this bad habit. There are many useful tips out there to find your way to stop procrastinating. There are also tools which can help you achieve this task.
Get in shape Losing weight is the top resolution for the English, and combined with “exercise more” and “stay fit and healthy” it is something that over a third of the population wishes to achieve. It’s easy enough to start an exercise and diet program, but the trick is to find a decent one that will give you steady results and will be easy to stick to in the long run. Have a look at these tricks, hacks, exercises and mistakes to avoid to make the best our of your resolution.
Meet new people When we get stuck in a rut, we usually end up staying at home most of the time, missing out on a lot of interesting opportunities for networking and having fun. Meeting new people can be beneficial to your mental well-being and help your career, so don’t be afraid to get out there and make some friends. Overcome your shyness, get some knowledge and go and get to know new and interesting people.
Start eating healthier food, and less food overall 34
Our Health The average person wastes a lot of time in front of the TV, time that could have been better spent developing skills, learning or keeping your body active. Once you manage to cut down on TV time, you will realize just how long and productive a day can really be.
Become more confident and take some chances If you are confident other people notice it, and it is much easier to have your opinions heard, ask people out on dates and get ahead at work. A good dose of self-confidence will help you lead a much happier life overall. Don’t hesitate to get some input on ways to boost your confidence.
Have better sex Any healthy relationship requires a good deal of intimacy, and sex can actually help keep us mentally and physically healthy. The idea is to make it a fun and rewarding experience, and this is something that comes with practice and exercise.
Earn more money Even billionaires are always looking for ways to earn more money, and we common folk can definitely use an additional source of income to make life a bit more comfortable. Fortunately there are plenty of options available, like having sidejobs, working as a freelancer or using the internet to your advantage.
Spend more time with the people that matter There is just too little time in this life for us to waste it on insincere, duplicitous and toxic people. We should focus on the people who we care about deeply and who care about us, as this is the best way to stay happy.
Reduce stress They say that stress is one of the biggest killers out there, and it can have a very destructive effect on your relationships as well as your health. It may be an unavoidable side effect of our hectic modern lifestyles, but it can be effectively managed with the help of useful, unconventional and easy to practice tricks.
Learn to be happier Even those that are in decent shape, make a good living and have stress under control can still be unhappy. It takes time and patience to learn how to find joy in the little things and not to let problems bring you down.
Get more quality sleep With big TV’s, computers, smartphones, tablets and all sorts of gadgets with glowing lights and beeping alerts, it can be hard to get enough sleep at night. You should be gunning for at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and there are fairly simple ways to achieve this number if you make use of science and everyday hacks.
Watch less TV 35
Happy New Year to you all, I hope you had a glamorous Christmas! Welcome to 2024, It definitely feels like there are some new styles to consider and lovely new shades from red to limey lemon and various shades of blue through lilac to pistachio with a big dose of black everywhere! Look out for rose prints, polo collars, elongated silhouettes, cutouts and sheer panels plus metallics galore, oversize knits and jackets are still around plus cargo pockets, cowboy boots and the midi!
By Sally Mansell 1
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2024 Olympic Medals 4
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1 - mango.co.uk – lurex sweater 4 – mango.co.uk – gold leather bag 2 - shopcider.com – fuzzy metallic knit cardigan 5 – anthropologie.com – Maeve metallic midi 3 – next.co.uk – premium gold straight jean 6 – johnlewis.com/Sam Edelman block heel As we start another Olympic year designers are thinking about winning medals, which is perfect as the metallic trend has been gaining momentum all season, all of these pieces would work together, I love this Chanel inspired fuzzy cardigan from shopcider.com worn with the midi skirt by Maeve, look out for lurex knits you can wear during the day then dress up with metallic jeans. I especially love the bronze block heels by Sam Edelman at John Lewis, check out his website! 36
7 – roandzo.com – red rose print skirt 8 – meandem.com – boyfriend blazer 9 – pullandbear.com – metallic bucket bag 10 – meandem.com – cashmere tank velvet blazer
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11 –shopcider.com – cargo drawstring midi 12 – jdsports.co.uk – Adidas original sambas 13 – zara.com – 100% wool knit polo
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Wardrobe Refresh I am always excited by the new Spring Trends and shades, if you enjoy sports luxe add a new season polo shirt to your wardrobe, the red rose print from roandzo.com will be key as red is on the palette plus smoky lilac, moving forward with the cargo trend the cargo pinafore will be on the High St, wear with retro trainers. The boyfriend blazer is still around in new season tones and lush fabrics, the hottest colour forecast is shades of Turquoise, accessorize with fabulous metallics. 37
14 – anthropologie.com – In Things loop cardigan 17 – reiss.com – long sleeve cutout 15 – mango.co.uk – open work detail knit 18 – zara.com – sweatshirt beads & sequins 16 – zara.com – asymmetric crochet skirt & top 19 – reiss.com – lace cutout blouse
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The Spring season always evokes creative trends, so loopy knits, cutout lace & sheer embellished sweatshirts are a fantastic wardrobe update, I had a loopy cardigan a very long time ago, but mine wasn’t as glamorous as this one from anthropologie.com, Mango is so one trend right now, I have a serious wish list! The Cutout trend has been around a while, choose the right one to enhance your curves. 38
After my fashion fix with the latest Vogue this dress jumped out as a new season silhouette, Trend 1 ‘Serious Black’ Trend 2 ‘A Bit of Stretch’ dropped waistlines attached to jersey bodies, whether it’s a skirt or trousers plus Trend 3 ‘Sculptural Volume’ the oversized faux fur bomber jacket, add the cowboy boot & sophisticated tote bag its 2024! I have loved putting together this new Fashion Edit, make sure you have fun updating your Spring season wardrobe! Happy Shopping! Sally x 20 – uk.saintandsofia.com – soho tote bag 21 – mintvelvet.co.uk – Pheobe cowboy boot
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22 – zara.com – ZW Collection contrast dress 23 – zara.com – ZW Collection faux fur bomber
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BOX BOUTIQUE UK Box Boutique UK A fabulous collection of women's fashion and accessories, plus styling advice - personal shopping and New Season Trends. Come and see us or host your own party. Get 10% Discount with this code Lifestyle J24 Follow us on Instagram@boxboutiqueuk facebook.com/boxboutiqueuk join our WhatsApp group Email julie@boxboutiqueuk.com sally@boxboutiqueuk.com 39
Our Wedding
Shaping Up for your Wedding Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day and with all the Christmas goodies now out of the way it is time to turn your attention to fitting into the dream dress and looking great on your big day. However, with all the wedding planning madness, sometimes it’s tough to stick to the diet or exercise regime as closely as you might want to. Snacks or convenience meals are easy to fall back on when you are desperately trying to address your list of things to do and trucking off to the gym may be pushed down the list of weekly must-dos when you’re grabbing every spare second to do wedding “stuff”.
favourite bits!
There are a few ways in which you can look your best in your wedding dress without hitting the gym every day or driving yourself crazy with diet fads. It’s all about choosing a dress that suits your shape and hides your less
Before we get on to what style suits what body type it’s important to address the undergarments. The key to a sleek silhouette is wearing appropriate underwear that fits well and most importantly remains hidden.
You should know by now what body shape you are and what style of dress suits you. If you are lucky enough to have the clothes horse figure then you can pretty much wear anything you desire. However, you may want to highlight some of your best bits and you may have bits of you which you rather weren’t emphasised. It’s all about choosing a style that accentuates your assets and helps to tone down the less favourable areas.
Get a Good Support System
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Our Wedding yourself more room to create the curve of the waistline. If you are small busted the corset can tend to squash your shape and leave you looking somewhat deflated. Look for a dress where the corset structure starts just underneath the bust and perhaps has some soft gathered or pleated fabric over the bosom to add depth and fullness. This way you get that nipped in waist but keep your bust looking fuller, padded out by the gathering and pleating that tucks neatly into the top of the corset starting directly underneath the bust.
To avoid the dreaded bra bulge and create the right amount of cleavage get a professional bra fitting to be sure you’re wearing the right size. Take a bra along to your fitting so that you can see if it will suit the shape of your gown and remain unseen. Invest in some good shape-wear such as Spanx which are lightweight, breathable and available is many styles. They are also available in different materials, so you can find garments that won’t cling to your gown’s fabric but will still nip and tuck you in all the right places. Again take it along to the fitting to match it up with dress.
If you are more straight up and down then you might want to try and create some curves. Try a fishtail or mermaid shape. These dresses have a sculpted bodice and a skirt that flares out from the mid-thigh or even the knee. This shape will hug your figure nicely in all the right areas creating dips and curves that follow the shape of your bust, waist and hips. If you are lacking in the waist department look for a dress that remains fitted right down the knee. This draws the line of the dress in and down giving you a longer line and creates a curve at the waistline. Another tip to create a curvaceous waist is to choose a dress with a V shape bodice preferable both at the neck and waist. If you really don’t feel that a waist can be achieved and you have the height for it try a column dress in a silky, fluid fabric such as Charmeuse. This style is elegant and flattering with the fabric falling from the bust and alludes to curves underneath despite there not being any.
Flatter Your Figure If you would rather hide your tummy, hips and legs then go for an empire waistline in a soft, light, whimsical fabric such a silk crepe. This style of dress flows out from beneath the bust line and therefore falls softly over the hips in a gentle fashion hiding any bumps that you might have underneath. It is especially suited to a more ample bosom however it can be particularly effective for accentuating smaller breasts if the fabric is gathered over the bust and pulled tidily underneath with the skirt falling away in ripples. If you do want to hide your hips and thighs but want to show off your waist and bust then go for a full skirted style with a fitted top half. Choose a bodice that fits snugly showing off your bust and waist. A full skirt, especially if the top few layers are in a light almost seethrough fabric such as tulle or netting, make your waist appear even smaller (and therefore your bust bigger) but springs lightly away from the bodice totally camouflaging everything from the waist down.
If you think your legs are a good asset then have them on show. A ballerina length skirt teamed with a spectacular pair of heels shows off the ankle and calf beautifully and hints as to what lies beneath the soft folds or your skirt.
If you want to suck it all in, a corseted ball gown style is the best option to show off your bust and add some curves to your waistline. Look for a corset that finishes below the waist line almost onto your hips. This way you can elongate the line from bust to hip giving
If you are still unsure a good all-rounder for every body type is the A-line silhouette which fits at the bust and waist with a skirt that gently flares out from the hips.
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Our What’s On
What's on - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
19 Jan 2024 - 21 Jan 2024 Utilita Arena Birmingham 42
Our What’s On
Friday 16th Feb
Stourbridge Town hall
Birmingham hippodrome
Saturday 16 Dec 2023 – Sunday 28 Jan 2024 43
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January Sale new year, new hair 15% off All services Gift Vouchers Available in store
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Our Showbiz
nick &
royston
A DIARY OF EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES
COMPTON CARE GALA: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF COMPASSION For four decades, Compton Care has been a beacon of compassion, providing top-tier palliative and end-of-life care in Wolverhampton. This remarkable charity has touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark of support and assistance. It holds a special place in the hearts of both Nick and Royston. This year, they had the honour of attending the Annual Gala Dinner alongside 220 other guests. The evening was graced by the presence of TV presenter Jay Blades from BBC’s “The Repair Shop”. The enchanting event unfolded at The Halls, serving as a testament to the celebration of life, love and the unwavering commitment of Compton’s dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters. The gala had a great atmosphere and the opportunity to reconnect with friends and local businesses. Most importantly, it resulted in a remarkable achievement - an astounding £88,298 raised for this exceptional charity, a source of immense pride for all involved.
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A MAGICAL NIGHT AT THE RITZ: A PRELUDE TO CHRISTMAS The festive season commenced with a memorable weekend in London, graciously hosted by the Bridgwood family, Jo and Malcolm. The highlight of the festivities was a splendid Dinner and Dance at The Ritz, an iconic hotel renowned for its timeless glamour. Adorned with enchanting Christmas decorations, The Ritz’s dining room was simply breathtaking. Guests indulged in a delectable three-course à la carte dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant, accompanied by the soulful melodies of the house band. Throughout the night, dazzling acts and entertainment captivated the audience, creating a truly magical experience that left everyone enchanted. Nestled in the heart of London at Hyde Park Corner, The Peninsula, the city’s latest 5-star hotel, offered Nick and Royston a lavish retreat. With its unrivalled location, spacious rooms and suites, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a chic shopping arcade, The Peninsula set the stage for an exquisite afternoon tea before bidding farewell to the city.
JAMES HEARLE’S 35TH BIRTHDAY BASH: A SANDBANKS EXTRAVAGANZA Close friend James Hearle, extended a warm invitation to Nick and Royston for his 35th Birthday Bash at his fabulous home in Sandbanks. This Miami-styled home overlooking the sea, exuded a cool party vibe. A Michelin chef served delicious canapés and champagne at the reception providing the perfect backdrop for a night of celebration. The evening kicked off with a talented DJ spinning the latest tunes, while guests from London and The Cotswolds savoured champagne and canapés. Entertainment flowed throughout the night, ensuring that everyone had a fantastic time in this vibrant atmosphere.
A WEDDING TO REMEMBER: EMMA AND SIMON’S JOYOUS DAY Nick and Royston, along with many friends from Wolverhampton, were invited to London to celebrate in the joyous union of Emma Lockett-Smith and her fiancé, Simon. This Black-Tie wedding took place at The Bingham Hotel in Richmond, a picturesque Georgian townhouse overlooking the serene Thames. Their deep connection with the family made the day even more meaningful, as Emma radiated happiness in her role as a stunning bride. Love and laughter filled the air and the lively party atmosphere, complemented by champagne and a spirited band, kept the dance floor alive well into the night. Here’s to a future filled with boundless happiness for the newlyweds!
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Our Food & Drink
Recipes
By Mike Whitehurst
SALMON FILLET AND HERB PRAWNS with roasted garlic mascarpone 48
Our Food & Drink
Serves: 4
METHOD
Useful Info
Turn the oven on to 200oC and put sheet of parchment paper on the roasting tray ready for the salmon.
Prep time = 20 minutes Cooking - approx 16 minutes 200oC fan oven
Peel the garlic and place in a small oven proof dish and cover with oil. Cover with lid or foil and place in the oven until browned and soft. (approx 25 minutes)
Ingredients 600g of salmon fillet (I get mine from Goughs in Tettenhall) 4 - 8 prawns depending on size Fresh dill Fresh basil Flat leaf parsley Olive oil 250g tub of mascarpone 1 garlic bulb Maldon sea salt White or pink peppercorns crushed (black will do)
Cut the salmon into 4 squares and double check for any pin bones. Rub a little olive oil over the salmon and prawns then season both with sea salt and pepper and place in oven. Once the prawns have become pink and curled up a little check with the temperature probe that they have reached 75oC then remove from oven. Probe salmon and if reached 75oC also remove from oven. It should take about 14 minutes for the salmon to cook but it does depend on how thick it is. You can cook salmon medium to about 67oC but the fish needs to be really fresh.
EQUIPMENT
Whilst the salmon is cooking mix the mascarpone and roasted garlic together in a mixing bowl. Chop a few herbs and mix in also. For the oil; blanch herb leaves in simmering water for a few seconds, pat dry and blitz in processor with olive oil. You can sieve if you like but I prefer the herb pieces left in.
Sharp knife Chopping board Parchment paper Roasting tray Parchment paper Temperature probe Mixing bowl Small oven proof dish with lid Kitchen foil Food processor with blade Small pan
This is great to eat cold but also good to eat straight out the oven. Top the salmon with the mascarpone and garnish with prawns and then drizzle with oil. Serve with a French bean salad.
Your Private Chef and Caterer Catering for business and social events or celebrating with family and friends e: events@takefood.co.uk m: 07939907371 www.takefood.co.uk 49 49
FRENCH BEAN AND CHILLI PESTO with feta cheese Serves: 4
50g of cashew nuts toasted 25g of parmesan 100ml of olive oil 1 tsp of cayenne pepper
Useful Info
EQUIPMENT
Prep time = 10 minutes Cooking - approx 6 minutes
Sharp knife Chopping board Food processor with blade Pan for beans Storage containers for left over pesto
Ingredients 500g of trimmed French beans Maldon sea salt Pinch of Bicarbonate soda 100g of feta Spinach Any left over herbs
METHOD Blanch the beans in boiling water with a pinch of salt and bicarbonate soda. Once cooked allow to cool, blitz all the pesto ingredients together then use to dress the beans and crumble feta over the top. Mix with some fresh spinach and herbs.
Pesto 50g of sun-blush tomatoes 50g of sun dried peppers 1 long red chilli, roasted 50g fresh basil 50
147 Worcester Ln, Hagley, Stourbridge DY9 0NW
01562 882211 51
San Francisco The enthralling City by the Bay by Rebecca Underwood, Travel Journalist Copywrite (032033001789)
Square in the affluent neighbourhood of Nob Hill. Set within a neoclassical landmark property, dating back to 1909, the Ritz Carlton offers guests the highest level of comfort and service. Check-in procedures were swift, my luggage was whisked away and I was escorted to the luxurious Nob Hill Suite, measuring 600sq ft. The soothing décor in muted colours with plush carpeting and drapes creates the ideal sanctuary in which to unwind. After sinking into the marble bathtub I climbed into the king size bed, swathed with soft, white linens, and succumbed to a deep slumber.
For those of us who love city life, San Francisco offers the hustle and bustle of a thriving metropolis and although it covers only 49 square miles there is much to explore as each of its eleven districts reflects a distinct culture and vibe and I was keen to explore the most popular areas. I was thrilled by my first encounter with the Golden Gate Bridge when I arrived at Baker Beach and sank down onto the sand to take in the spectacular view. Spanning the Golden Gate, the narrow strait connecting the mighty Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay, this iconic suspension bridge dates back to 1933. With a length of 2.74 km, a width of 27.4 metres and soaring to a height of 227.4 metres it is simply magnificent.
Up with the larks, and after a quick coffee, I sprinted along to Union Square and hopped on a cable car bound for the Ferry Building. San Francisco operates the world’s largest manually controlled cable car network and the experience of a ride on one was high on my list. Holding on tight, with the cable car clanging its way along and climbing the steep
Late in the afternoon and feeling rather weary I made my way to the Ritz Carlton located on Stockton Street, right next door to Union 52
Our Travel hills I struck up a conversation with a family and their young children who were giggling with delight as the cable car reverberated and soon enough we were all bouncing up and down on the wooden seats with glee. Disembarking with the Pacific Ocean salty air in my nostrils I headed for Pier 33 to embark on the ferry bound for Alcatraz Island. A short crossing over the shark infested waters of San Francisco Bay and I arrived at a most desolate spot that was once a maximum security federal penitentiary incarcerating Al ‘Scarface’ Capone, Robert Stroud (Birdman of Alcatraz) and George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly. The window less cell house with barred cells measuring five feet by nine feet (neighbouring inmates were able to observe fellow convict’s bathroom rituals) consist of cement walls, a steel framed bed with a thin mattress, a sink with a single cold water tap, a toilet without a seat and a small table and chair that folds down from the wall. It is an absolutely fascinating but chilling sight.
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Our Travel Back in the free world on Union Square I had just enough time for a spot of retail therapy at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales and as I returned to the Ritz Carlton, weighed down with shopping bags and a much lighter credit card, I sank into the nearest comfy chair in The Lounge. I ordered a cocktail and raised my glass to make a toast to San Francisco, the exciting and enthralling city by the bay. Nob Hill Suite - Don-Riddle
'Top tip'- luxurious travel accessories For a wide range of durable and contemporary products including the new Samsonite/Boss capsule collection, suitcases, backpacks, handbags, shopping bags, laptop bags, toiletry bags, travel pillows, beauty cases, umbrellas and wallets visit Samsonite.co.uk Images (excluding accommodation) courtesy of VisittheUSA.com
Parallel 37 - Don Riddle
Ritz Carlton - Ron Starr 54
Never give up on your dreams Rugby has always been a part of my life from the age of 7. I joined the local village team and became a massive fan of Leicester tigers, my home town. I played in 2 big local tournaments for six different teams as I was a popular player and always gave 100%, playing different roles such as scrum half or either centre positions which are both positions I loved to play. At 15 I fell off my bike and chipped the bone in my elbow I was also told I had at some point while playing rugby I had broken my collar bone and it had healed by itself! At 16 I moved to Stourbridge and started playing rugby on a local park with some mates. I joined Stourbridge panthers in 2021. Due to some old injuries and wear and tear on my body this had led to me having to have two surgery’s the first being my right shoulder which I had to have keyhole surgery for muscle tissue damage this then lead to a 6 month recovery with physio during lockdown. The second surgery came in January of this year which I had to have another keyhole surgery, this time for my ankle so I had ligament reconstruction, which was another 6 month recovery, during those recovery times I was still involved with the club and team as I’d go to watch home matches on my crutches.
Maisie Singh - Blindside Flanker
Returning to rugby has allowed me to build up my confidence and be able to train and play games this season. I’m now back playing the game I love with an amazing team and coaches. I highly recommend it to anyone. Whether you’ve played rugby before or never even picked up a ball. It truly is such an amazing game and it allows you to socialise, make great friends and memories that will truly last a lifetime. I’m Maisie Singh, Blindside Flanker and Stourbridge Panther! If you’re interested in playing women’s rugby contact The Panthers team manager Darren & come along & try for free. Contact: darrenbassett@icloud.com
With a lot of support, physio, mental and physical training I was able to get back to rugby. 55
Lawns do wonders for our wellbeing. That’s why we’ve devised three programmes of year-round treatments to keep your grass a cut above. From controlling weeds to bringing out the green, we’ll help you to look after the lawn that looks after you.
Discover more at
greenthumb.co.uk Worcester branch - 01905 840740 worcester@greenthumb.co.uk 56
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Our Horoscopes
Capricorn December 21 - January 19
Cancer June 21 - July 21
Punctuality is important everything should be shipshape and Bristol fashion as you head towards this wonderful bonanza which could launch you into easy street.
As your life path begins to boom you should be buzzing around like a bluebottle. Now is the time when you can capitalise on other people’s mistakes.
Aquarius January 20 - February 18
Leo July 22 - August 21 A chance meeting could illuminate your life in a completely new way .Who will it be that turns your lights on? They may be closer than you think.
You can not afford to put your feet up as the planets send endless benefits in your direction. Watch how new friends and associates put their trust in you.
Pisces February 19 - March 20
Virgo August 22 - September 22 Time is on your side you can afford to take the ‘nice and easy’ approach to life. Fate will provide for you without you having to work too hard.
You may feel a bit like a cat on hot bricks as the planet Jupiter energises your sign. You'll be jumping around like a jack rabbit,but at least you will be making progress.
Aries March 21 - April 20
Libra September 21 - October 22 Do not be afraid to put value on yourself and aim high .The key word is motivation,once you get your thoughts together you can achieve anything that you desire,but action now is the only way forward.
Love is well and truly in the air so the romantic side of your life will be uppermost. lt's all hearts and flowers as that loving planet Venus enters your chart.
Taurus April 21 - May 20
Scorpio October 23 - November 22 Keep it rational and together. This is a time to employ logic and lift yourself to your former glory. The moon is doubling and producing massive opportunities for you to enjoy.
That urge to travel seems to be coming back as wanderlust reigns supreme. Strange ground could bring you good fortune and maybe unexpected wealth.
Sagittarius November 23 - December 20
Gemini May 21 - June 20
Hope springs eternal as time marches on. All financial matters look very well started .Maybe a good investment could be the vehicle of your success.
Partnerships and associations of all kinds are very well expected. Choose wisely and try not to put square pegs in round holes just for the sake of it.
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Our Crossword
CrOSSWORD
Across
Down
1 Utterly senseless (6) 4 Dry red Spanish wine (5) 8 Plain variety (7) 9 Operated by sound waves (5) 10 Wander (4) 11 Galilee native (7) 13 Unworkable (13) 15 Largest penguin (7) 17 Legal instrument (4) 19 Minor actor in crowd scenes (5) 20 Aardvark (3,4) 21 Sum (5) 22 Israeli currency (6)
1 Paid announcement (13) 2 Tanner's aid (7) 3 Depend (4) 4 Confine (8) 5 Unit of weight (5) 6 Relating to building design (13) 7 Born in early December, perhaps (11) 12 Affliction of cats and other fur-lickers (8) 14 Violently frenzied (7) 16 Small in number (5) 18 Home of Salt Lake City (4)
Answers for NOV/DEC 23 Across: Europe, 8 Edison, 9 Odds, 10 Delicate, 11 Unite, 12 Twosome, 14 Old-time, 16 Adult, 19 All right, 20 Oath, 21 Lessen, 22 Shadow. Down: Duodenal ulcer, 2 Dorset, 3 Tends, 4 Yellows, 5 Circus, 6 Contemplation, 13 Imagine, 15 Thrust, 17 Doodad, 18 Stash.
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Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi buyers can also choose between a front or an all-wheel drive. My particular test vehicle was equipped with a 1598cc petrol engine and it was what I would describe as conventional, no hybrid, no assistance with electric motors, just a conventional internal combustion engine. The 6-speed manual gearbox was a small negative for me, 5th and 6th gears were really only of use on a motorway or dual carriageway, around town they are virtually to be forgotten.
When a model has been a huge success for the Company it is difficult to know how to make it better, but Kia with the Sportage have introduced a 5th generation of their top selling and probably their most popular vehicle, writes Bob Hickman. External changes have been somewhat dramatic, look at the front, huge LED running lights, someone described them as a tiger nosed grille, it really does give presence. The rear also gets quite quirky LED lights and the whole car has a mass of angles and creases that could be a panel beaters nightmare to repair, but it does stand out, you have to make your own conclusions. The new vehicle also has a hugely updated infotainment system and an absolute plethora of extra driving aids.
Kia suggests that the 0-60 could be achieved in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 113mph. The CO2 g/km is sadly on the high side at 154 and the fuel consumption quoted by Kia on a combined cycle is marginally over 41mpg. The interior of the Kia was one of plenty of space both for the driver and passenger and the rear passengers shouldn’t really have too much of a problem with ample knee and headroom. The driver has the benefit
There are numerous variants of the Kia Sportage range and the choice is rather extensive. There is a choice of petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug in hybrid, 60
Our Motoring Kia have equipped the vehicle with an awful lot of safety equipment some of which can be annoying, one particular feature for me was an warning of a vehicle travelling in front of me, if the Kia thought I was getting a little too close then the Forward Collision Avoidance Light would come on and if you didn’t react it would apply the brakes on your behalf.
of quite a huge panel in the dashboard and in the central panel in the middle of the car with Infotainment and driver’s display. Both are easy to understand, there again you customise as to what you want to see before you. I particularly like to always see a digital speeding counter displayed. My particular test car is fitted with a multiadjustable electronically controlled driver’s seat and in addition to the fully adjustable steering wheel which anyone of any stature should be able to get comfortable.
There can be little doubt that Kia with the new 5th Generation of the Sportage are continuing to be on a winning streak. The vehicle as tested had an on the road price of £30,975, it also comes with Kia’s wonderful 7-year or 100,000 miles warranty, a 12-year anti-perforation warranty, a paint warranty of 5-years and it has Kia’s Roadside Assistance of 1 year, so a superb warranty package is included by Kia who were one of the pioneers and leaders of this huge increase of warranty and peace of mind for owners.
On the road the Kia is a very easy driving companion, because of its higher stance visibility is excellent and the power steering always seemed to have just the right amount of assistance, making low speed manoeuvrability absolute ease. On twisty roads it didn’t rock and roll too much and it was in its element on dual carriageways and motorways.
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Our Funerals
J.T. BROOKES & Co Hagley INDEPENDENT
Independent FUNERALFamily Funeral Directors DIRECTORS
PART OF N.E DOWNING (BLACKHEATH) LTD
Independent family run business for over 100 years Home visits available by appointment Pre-paid funeral plans through Golden Charter 24hr service 365 days a year FOR IMMEDIATE HELP AND ADVICE CONTACT US ON
01562 888041 www.nedowning.co.uk J. T. Brookes & Co., Brierley Hill, Kingswinford & Hagley 62
Our Finance & Legal
Emotions and market timing are likely to be costly
Siobhan Record Our Lifestyle’s Financial Expert
investors should get into or out of the stock market is simply not credible. After nearly fifty years in this business, I do not know of anybody who has done it successfully and consistently. I don't even know anybody who knows anybody who has done it successfully and consistently.’
One of the greatest temptations in investing is to try to time when to be in or out of markets and the temptation is often strong and led by emotion. It is logical to want to be fully invested in the equity markets when they are going up and to be in cash or bonds when they are going down. Yet logic transforms into emotion at times when markets feel a little bit frothy on the upside or full of gloom and despair on the downside.
We couldn’t agree more. The costs of getting it wrong – either through making emotional decisions or believing one has some ‘system’ that rings Bogle’s bell – are likely to be high. The solution…. Stay invested and don’t give in to temptation.
When emotion is taking over and that temptation hits, it is worth remembering that every decision to get out of any asset class also requires a decision on when to get back in, and vice versa. It would be great, if there was a clear signal that allowed us to make these calls, but as the late, great John C. Bogle, the founder of Vanguard once said:
At Cre8 our systematic approach to investing means our portfolios are low cost, well diversified and we help you limit portfolio change. If you are interested in knowing more about how I work and you have investments of over £200,000 why not give Jo a ring on 01562 745730 to arrange a no obligation 30-minute free meeting in our office.
‘The idea that a bell rings to signal when
The information in this article does not constitute investment advice; you must not rely on the content when making investment decisions without taking advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value investments and the income from them, may fall or rise and investors may get back less than they invested.
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Our Finance & Legal
How to protect yourself from tax scams Tips to Protect Yourself
Tax scams are quite common and often peak around the tax return filing deadline. Taxpayers reported over 130,000 tax scams to HMRC from September 2022 to September 2023.
1. Link Previews: Before clicking links in emails or texts, preview the URL. Hover your cursor over links on a computer to check URLs. 2. Attachment: Avoid opening email attachments claiming to be from HMRC.
Protecting yourself from tax scams is crucial, especially since these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Here are key points to remember:
3. Direct Response: Do not respond directly to HMRC contacts via text, email, or call. Use the official HMRC telephone number instead.
How to Spot Scams
4. Card Details: Never enter card details in response to a tax rebate offer, especially if unexpected.
1. Email Address Check: Legitimate HMRC emails come from a @gov.uk address. Be wary of emails with random strings of letters and numbers.
5. Pressure Tactics: If pressured to make a decision, pause and think. Scammers often create a sense of urgency.
2. Spelling and Grammar: Poor spelling and grammar are often signs of fraudulent correspondence.
6. Unexpected Correspondence: If you weren’t expecting to hear from HMRC, it’s likely not genuine.
3. QR Codes: Genuine HMRC letters with QR codes should only direct you to the gov.uk website. Avoid links leading elsewhere.
7. Consulting an Accountant: If unsure, consult a reputable adviser or accountant.
4. Text Messages: HMRC may send texts with links to their website or webchat, but they will never ask for personal information via text.
8. Early Tax Return Filing: File your selfassessment tax return early to avoid lastminute pressures.
5. WhatsApp and Social Media: HMRC does not contact customers about tax refunds or request personal information via WhatsApp or social media DMs.
9. HMRC Scam Examples: Refer to HMRC’s published examples of known scams for comparison. 10. Suspicion and Reporting: Be suspicious of third-party companies offering tax refund services. Report any phishing attempts to HMRC’s designated email.
6. Emails About Tax Rebates: HMRC does not send emails regarding tax rebates or refunds. Avoid clicking on links or attachments in such emails.
Getting Assistance
7. Threatening Calls: Calls claiming HMRC is filing a lawsuit against you are scams. Verify the caller's identity or hang up.
For tax assistance, you can call HMRC directly or use their online form. They offer free video or in-person meetings as well.
8. Website Authenticity: Only enter personal information on authentic websites.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to tax scams. 64
Get relaxed about tax New Hagley Shop Now Open For local, expert accountancy and tax services you can trust, contact TaxAssist Accountants.
Book a Free Initial Consultation Visit us at 90c Worcester Road, Hagley, DY9 0NJ
or call 01384 371111
www.taxassist.co.uk/hagley hagley@taxassist.co.uk
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Our Finance & Legal
Set yourself up for saving success this New Year The Christmas period had us wrapped up in everything festive, but it's also the time when saving takes a backseat. Between all of the gift giving, gatherings, and boxing day sales, it's tough to keep the focus on saving money. Yet, as we head into the new year, it's important to remember why saving matters. It's not about being a Scrooge; it's about securing your future. Life can throw unexpected expenses your way, so having a savings safety net can provide much needed extra security.
Savings accounts to suit your needs Are you looking to get better returns on your hard-earned savings, whilst still being able to access them when you need? With one of our easy access saver accounts, you can access your savings whenever you need them, which is ideal for your emergency savings pot. If you’re saving for a specific goal, why not consider one of our notice accounts, where you benefit from higher interest rates and have the option to give a period of notice to withdraw your savings when you’re nearing your savings goal.
Dudley Building Society has been trusted by families and businesses across the Black Country since 1858, and we are dedicated to supporting you with your savings. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day, for your family’s future, or that next holiday, we’ve got you covered with our range of savings accounts. Staying local We’re committed to providing personalised support and maintaining our local presence. While many banks are closing branches nationally, we believe in the value of having a friendly face available to assist you when you need it most. That's why we're committed to keeping our branches open for our local community.
Take a look at our range of easy access, notice, ISA, and fixed rate accounts by visiting dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk/savings/ personal-savings. We understand that making the right financial choices for you can sometimes be overwhelming. If you'd like to discuss your savings goals or require any assistance, our friendly Customer Service Advisors are on hand to help. You can reach out to us by calling 01384 231414, sending an email to enquiries@dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk, or by simply visiting one of our local branches. We're here to help you achieve your financial goals and to continue to serve the Black Country community and beyond.
Whether you want to open a new savings account or manage an existing one, you can count on a real person to be there to help you every step of the way. Our branches, conveniently located in Kingswinford, Gornal, Dudley, Brierley Hill, and Perton, are committed to ensuring you have access to the services you deserve. Just pop into one of our branches and one of our friendly Customer Service Advisors will be ready to assist you to achieve your financial objectives. 66
FIVE BRANCHES ACROSS THE LOCAL AREA Dudley | Kingswinford | Perton | Gornal | Brierley Hill
SAVING SHOULD BE EASY, RIGHT? UNLIKE SOME BANKS, WE’RE STICKING AROUND IN YOUR LOCAL AREA! SAVINGS ACCOUNTS PASSBOOK AND ONLINE OPTIONS FOR PERSONAL SAVERS, BUSINESS AND CHARITIES. Instant Access | Regular Savings | ISAs Notice | Fixed Bonds | Young Savers
HELLO DUDLEY
START SAVING TODAY! Visit dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk/savings or scan the QR
code. Alternatively, get in touch with us by calling 01384 231414 or emailing enquiries@dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk 67
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