Our Lifestyle Magazine - July/August 2024

July/August 2024

Patchwork Flooring Launch event invitation

Delivered to Selected Households and Businesses Swindon, Kingswinford, Wall Heath, Enville, Kinver, Wollaston, Amblecote, Stourbridge, Norton, Old Swinford, Pedmore, Hagley, Blakedown, Belbroughton, Clent, Kidderminster, Halesowen

ourlifestylemag.co.uk

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Windows | Doors | Conservatories | Orangeries | Glass Rooms

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Our Lifestyle Magazine

Contents

Welcome

Home

2 - 21

The warm summer days and long summer nights are here and we can finally make the most of spending quality time with our family and friends.

Gardens

22 - 25

Pets

26 - 27

Health

28 - 35

Hair & Beauty

36 - 38

Weddings

39 - 41

Fashion

42 - 45

Food & Drink

46 - 49

Travel

50 - 51

We have lots of great features and offers in this issue.

Check out our Hair & Beauty section with Phinix offering a Free Cut & Blow Dry with every full head of highlights.

The summer months see us spending more time enjoying our gardens. If you are looking to invest in a new lawn mower checkout the Mower Shack.

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.

Horoscopes

52

Crosswords

53

What’s On

54 - 57

Motoring

58 - 59

Funerals

60

Finance & Legal

61 - 63

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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A New Era of Carpet and Flooring

CARPETS & FLOORING

for Stourbridge & beyond!

Get ready to experience the future of flooring!

Patchwork Flooring, a brand new carpet and flooring superstore, has just opened its doors just off Stourbridge ringroad. This isn’t just another flooring store; it’s the culmination of 22 years of industry expertise and dedication brought to you

by Patrick Healy, a name synonymous with quality and bespoke service in the world of carpets and flooring.

A Family Affair Patchwork Flooring is a family-owned business, and this personal touch sets them apart. Patrick's wife, Charlotte, is deeply involved in the operations, ensuring that every customer receives the best service possible. The team at Patchwork Flooring is considered an extended family, all working together to deliver a shopping experience that is both professional and welcoming.

A Vision Realised Patrick’s journey in the flooring industry began when he was 17 years old. With a passion for perfection and a keen eye for detail, Patrick started Patchwork Flooring in 2017. Over the past seven years, he has built a team of expert fitters and industry professionals, creating a family-like environment where excellence is the standard. Earlier this year, he found the perfect premises just off the Stourbridge ring road. With the support of his wife Charlotte and his dedicated team, the Patchwork Flooring showroom was brought to life, ready to serve the community with top-tier flooring solutions.

What Makes Patchwork Flooring Stand Out? Patchwork Flooring is not just a store; it's an experience. As you walk through the showroom, you’ll be greeted by a stunning array of flooring options. From luxurious carpets by Westex, Brockway, and Victoria Carpets to innovative flooring solutions by Invictus, Karndean, and Coretec, Patchwork Flooring offers something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for traditional carpet, modern vinyl, or even artificial grass, they have it all.

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Rave Reviews and Trusted Service Customer satisfaction is at the heart of Patchwork Flooring's success. A quick glance at their Trustpilot reviews reveals why they are the new go-to for flooring in Stourbridge. Customers praise the knowledgeable and down-to-earth nature of the team, the high-quality products, and the exceptional service.

Visit Patchwork Flooring Today Patchwork Flooring is now open and ready to welcome you. Located at Penn House, Bradley Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1BX, the showroom is designed to inspire and delight. Whether you're renovating your home or outfitting a commercial space, Patchwork Flooring has the expertise and products to meet your needs.

Visit us today and discover why Patchwork is the newest and most exciting name in carpet and flooring.

Free Fitting on all Carpet & underlay Purchases for 3 months

25% of all vinyl products 15% off all LVT Products

15% off all Wood Products

Penn House, Bradley Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1BX,

Plus all the manufacturers from the biggest names in flooring to answer your questions! www.patchworkflooring.co.uk 7 @patchworkflooring

T: 01384 882886 E: SALES@PATCHWORKFLOORING.CO.UK

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.

MA

DE I

N EN

GLA

ND

T: 01562 825033 | W: www.woodrobes.co.uk | E: enquiries@woodrobes.co.uk 9

Jennifer Suzanne Interiors

Outdoor living trends 2024 www.jennifersuzanne.co.uk 07977330011

jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk @jennifersuzanneinteriors 10

Our Home Summer is the perfect time to transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis for living, entertaining, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a cozy patio, or a charming balcony, there are endless possibilities to design a beautiful and functional outdoor area. From vibrant decor and comfortable furniture to innovative lighting and lush greenery, here are some gorgeous ideas to inspire you in creating the ultimate summer retreat right at home. Get ready to embrace the season and enjoy every moment in your newly transformed outdoor sanctuary!

with the outdoor environment but also creates a serene and stylish setting for relaxation and social gatherings.

Whether you're updating your patio furniture or redesigning your entire outdoor space, incorporating these trending colours will help you create a chic and comfortable environment that reflects the beauty of nature.

2. Connecting Indoor to Outdoor Living Indoor-outdoor living is not a new idea; however, it has greatly influenced the latest trends in furniture and how people live. The concept of indoor-outdoor living is all about seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious flow that enhances both areas.

Here are my top Trends to embrace for summer 2024!

1. Earthy Colours Earth colours are making their appearance outside. Warm tones of brown and beige have become widely used in outdoor lounging and dining furniture. These colours will certainly add depth and warmth to any space. For a pop of colour, olive green will be a popular colour choice, emphasising elements of nature. This blend of natural tones not only harmonises

Architectural Elements Bi-fold or sliding doors are a common feature of homes that embrace this trend, allowing for a natural flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. These doors can be fully opened to

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Our Home

12

Our Home merge the living room with the patio, creating an expansive area for entertaining or relaxing.

The unobstructed views and easy access to the outdoors make it feel like an extension of the home.

contemporary aesthetic. This combination ensures comfort and style, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor living area even in cooler weather.

By integrating these lighting and heating solutions, you can create a cozy, inviting, and functional outdoor space that you and your guests can enjoy throughout the year.

Modern Outdoor Shelters Extend the space with modern outdoor shelters like aluminium pergolas. These structures provide shade and protection while maintaining an open feel. They can be equipped with retractable canopies, allowing you to control the amount of sunlight and airflow. Aluminium pergolas are sleek and durable, adding a contemporary touch to your outdoor area.

Lighting Trends

By integrating these elements, you can create a cohesive living space that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, offering a versatile and enjoyable environment for family and friends to gather.

Minimalist lighting will be a popular trend in 2024, moving away from the more decorative festoon lighting of previous years. Wall lights are a simple yet effective way to enhance the appearance of entrance ways or garden walls. Up and down wall lights are particularly trending, offering a modern, streamlined design that adds a sophisticated touch to your outdoor space. These lights not only illuminate your area but also highlight architectural features and create an inviting ambiance.

3.Outdoor Lighting and Heating

4. Rope and Acacia

Outdoor heating and lighting are essential accessories that provide warmth and a welcoming glow during dark evenings, especially in autumn and winter. Incorporating these features into your outdoor space ensures you can make the most of your outdoor furniture and area all year round.

Outdoor furniture is constantly evolving, and I believe acacia wood and rope furniture will be prominent in outdoor furniture trends in 2024. The simple and rustic look of these materials gives off a relaxed bohemian beach feel; just imagine lounging in the sun by the ocean with a cocktail. Blending acacia wood and rope adds both character and charm to your outdoor space, creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Heating Solutions The focus will shift from gas standalone fire pits to electric patio heaters in 2024. Electric patio heaters come in various unique shapes and designs, making it easier to accommodate gardens and patios of all sizes. These heaters are efficient, environmentally friendly, and offer a modern look.

Rope Furniture Rope furniture combines durability with a unique, textured appearance that stands out in any outdoor setting. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to rearrange and store, while its natural look harmonizes beautifully with garden greenery and other outdoor elements.

Adding heating to your outdoor furniture setup can significantly extend the usability of your space. For instance, styling an aluminium pergola with a hanging patio heater provides warmth while maintaining a sleek,

Acacia Wood Acacia wood is known for its robustness and 13

Our Home

Dry Ice W130 x H290 £178 Each - (Also Available in W139 x H470 £210.00)

Africa W 120 x H 460 £239.60 Each - (Also Available in W120 H345 £198.80)

Jive W125 x H510 £229.80 - (Also Available in W125 x H280 £159.80) 14

Our Home rich, warm tones. Its natural resilience to the elements makes it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture. The combination of acacia wood frames with rope accents creates a visually appealing contrast and a comfortable, stylish seating arrangement

ideal for lounging and socializing.

Picnic Table and Benches: A picnic table offers a rustic charm and ample seating, great for family meals and larger groups.

Enhancements

5. Modular Sets

Make each outdoor dining experience special with thoughtful details:

Casual dining sets and modular sofas, in particular, will be in high demand this season.

Multi-purpose outdoor furniture allows you to relax, eat, and host guests all in one spot, maximizing the use of your outdoor areas. Modular designs offer versatility and functionality to suit any space, regardless of shape and size. Rising tables, reclining chairs, and interchangeable sofa pieces are standout features of modular furniture that elevate your outdoor experience.

Picnicware and Outdoor Glasses: Use colourful picnicware and durable outdoor glasses to add a festive touch and ensure safety.

Fresh Flowers and Nibbles: On weekends, enhance your table with a vase of fresh flowers and a selection of snacks.

Barbecue or Pizza Oven: Fire up the barbecue or heat up the pizza oven to enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals in your outdoor space.

Outdoor Fairy Lights: String up fairy lights to create a magical ambiance for evening gatherings, adding a warm and inviting glow.

By choosing the right dining furniture and incorporating these enhancements, you can transform your outdoor area into a delightful dining retreat, perfect for enjoying meals and making memories with family and friends throughout the summer.

Modular sets are designed to adapt to your needs, whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or creating a cozy lounge area. The ability to rearrange and reconfigure pieces ensures that your outdoor space can transform to meet any occasion.

6.Outdoor Dining Sit and eat outside whenever summer weather allows with a hard-wearing but stylish garden table and chairs set. Start the day with a coffee and croissant outdoors, break up a work-fromhome day with an al fresco lunch, and enjoy post-work sundowners on Friday evenings to mark the end of a busy week.

Contact Jennifer for all your outdoor lighting needs. Prices of pictures as shown. Call 07977330011 for order enquiries.

For more summer 2024 interior inspiration follow me on social media Instagram and Facebook.

Dining Options Choose from a variety of dining setups to suit your style and space:

Instagram: @jennifersuzanneinteriors Facebook: jennifersuzanneinteriors

Dining Table and Chair Sets: These sets provide a classic and cohesive look, perfect for formal meals and casual gatherings alike.

Contact me with your enquires Email: Jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk Mobile: 07977 330011

Colourful Garden Armchairs: Add a pop of colour and comfort with vibrant armchairs,

Website: www.jennifersuzanne.co.uk

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AP

P R O V E D 20 2 3

Comfort suppliers since 1976 16

S E A LY P O S T U R E P E D I C

Discover Support and Quality with Dreamland and Sealy Posturepedic ProShield® ensure a clean and comfortable night’s rest.

SmarTex® wicks away moisture to regulate your sleep climate, while ProShield® keeps allergens at bay.

If you are looking to enhance your sleep experience, look no further than the awardwinning Elevate Ultra Turing Plush from the world’s No. 1 bed brand, Sealy, available at Dreamland. Dreamland, are proud to be a finalist in the NBF Small Retail Champion Awards, and is one of the country’s top four independent bed retailers. We’re thrilled to offer this exceptional Sealy mattress in our collection.

Sealy has a rigorous approach to testing, manufacturing durable and high-quality mattresses that last. All with a 7-year guarantee as standard.

Why Choose Dreamland?

Backed by scientific research, Sealy Posturepedic technology works to provide correct support by aligning the body position during rest. Developed with Sealy’s three Posturepedic principles in mind – genuine support, true comfort, and dependable durability – the Sealy Posturepedic range, available at Dreamland, features a host of technologies unique to Sealy and not available anywhere else!

At the core of Sealy’s Posturepedic range is the AlignSupport® coil, manufactured in Cumbria.

AlignSupport® senses your body as it meets the mattress, providing the initial response. Followed by deep down support that sits at the very heart of the coil to evenly distribute your body’s weight. It’s twice tempered too, providing dependable performance, year after year.

•

Award-Winning Service:** As a finalist in the NBF Small Retail Champion Awards, Dreamland’s commitment to quality and customer service is recognized nationally.

•

Convenient Shopping:** Dreamland is open 7 days a week, offering flexible shopping hours to fit your busy schedule.

•

Free Delivery:** Enjoy free delivery on all purchases, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience.

•

Eco-Friendly:** Take advantage of Dreamland’s mattress recycling service, making it easy to dispose of your old mattress and bed responsibly.

Visit Dreamland today to experience the unparalleled comfort of Sealy’s Elevate Ultra Turing Plush mattress.

Transform your sleep with Dreamland and Sealy – a partnership dedicated to bringing you the best night’s sleep every night.

The Turing Plush is surrounded by the revolutionary UniCased® XT Edge Support system to provide a larger usable sleep surface, preventing that “rolling off” feeling.

As well as lateral movement across your mattress. And that’s not all... the coil-inspired channels also offer greater breathability together with BasePlank allowing air to move throughout the body of the mattress with ease. Both combine to create a feel that is uniquely Sealy Posturepedic.

Save up to 20% off Sealy mattresses and Divan sets at Plus Free Delivery within a 25 mile radius.

Packed with premium comfort layers, the Turing Plush has MemorySense® ComfortCore™ placed in the centre third of the mattress providing the ultimate pressure relief to your hips and lower. Followed by InfiniLux™ – a luxe, premium foam that offers resilience and sumptuous comfort. Completing the comfort stack, a double layer of breathable gel-infused foam keeps you comfortable as you drift off into a deep sleep. Additionally, SmarTex® and

Visit us in store today Dreamland Bedding Centre 23 Mill Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RG T: 01384 74166 W: Dreamlandbedding.co.uk

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Our Home

Exploring The Latest Dining Trends With Cousins Furniture while hardwood tables like mahogany and oak suit formal dining rooms.

Casual Dining Breakfast tables and nooks provide casual dining options, ideal for family gatherings and versatile uses like homework and games. Comfort is key in dining seating, with upholstered chairs and benches enhancing the experience for longer dining. Bar tables and stools offer stylish, space-saving solutions with adjustable heights and diverse designs to suit contemporary homes. Dining benches provide flexible, cost-effective seating, accommodating more guests and saving space when not in use.

A major shift in dining is the integration of kitchen and dining spaces into open-plan layouts, transforming cooking and dining while enhancing social interactions. Cousins Furniture explores these trends, focusing on the synergy between kitchen dining and open plan living, along with practical finishes and materials.

The Rise of Open Plan Living Open-plan living removes barriers between kitchen and dining areas, gaining popularity in contemporary homes and interior design.

This creates spacious, light-filled, and connected environments by eliminating walls, promoting a communal atmosphere for effortless interaction among family and friends.

Reclaiming The Dining Room While open plan remains popular, there's a trend towards more defined spaces. Formal dining rooms are still favoured by those with larger homes. Darker woods and fabric dining chairs, especially in boucle fabric, are popular. Hardwood tables like mahogany, walnut, maple, oak, or teak are preferred for durability and elegance. Extendable tables are highly sought for versatility, with easy pop-up extensions or leaves stored inside, ideal for compact spaces. Round dining tables save space and create an intimate, interactive dining experience.

Multi-Functional Spaces - Beyond Cooking and Eating Modern homes now feature multi-functional kitchen-dining areas for cooking, eating, working, studying, and exercising. Flexible furniture and smart storage solutions enhance adaptability. The kitchen has evolved into a multifunctional hub for work, socialising, and entertainment. Cousins Furniture offers durable dining tables and chairs made from heat, scratch, and water-resistant materials, ideal for busy kitchens. Available finishes include ceramic, marble, high gloss, solid oak, and reclaimed materials. Ceramic tables are heat and acid-resistant, perfect for kitchens,

Birmingham | Dudley Newcastle-under-lyme | Shrewsbury 18

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5star windows 5 Star Windows and Conservatories is Worcestershire’s leading provider of windows, doors and living spaces. It is a familyowned business that has family values at its heart, with well over 30,000 installations in Worcestershire and the surrounding areas.

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.

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.

5 Star Windows & Conservatories Kidderminster Showroom - Worcester Road, Kidderminster DY10 1JR Telephone: 01905 888320 Email: sales@5starwindows.co.uk Worcester Showroom - 36 Carden Street, Worcester WR1 2AT

5 Star Windows and Conservatories are also members of FENSA. When replacing windows and doors, homeowners must comply with current thermal performance standards and

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Trade counter Celebrating over now open

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Providing fencing solutions in the Commercial, Industrial and Domestic sectors throughout the West Midlands and surrounding areas.

Celebrating over 30 years of trading

Our first class reputation for high quality work and excellent customer service.

Specialising in fencing solutions for • Providing House Developments fencing solutions in the • Commercial, Schools & Parks Industrial and Domestic • sectors Sport Facilities throughout the&West Midlands Manufacturers, Suppliers Installers of all types of • and Industrial Palisade surrounding areas. domestic and commercial fencing and gates.

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A day in the life of a vet student equipped to ensure we can take the best care to our patients. My favourite feature of the practice is probably our kennelling area, where we have separate cat and dog wards. We have definitely noticed that our feline patients especially are much more relaxed during their time spent with us which is great to see. Being an independent practice means we have a pet centric ethos and are able to tailor treatment to each pet’s individual needs.

At PowisVets we believe it is important to support the next generation of vets and nurses. Our vet student Georgia has written about her path to becoming a qualified vet.

“PowisVets gave me the first opportunity to experience practice, confirming to me that a career in veterinary medicine was the perfect choice for myself. I visited for school work experience aged just 16, and I have been welcomed back ever since. Now a student vet at the University of Nottingham, I am heading into my fourth year studying Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. Outside of term time, you’ll find me working at PowisVets, continuing learning whilst helping to treat all of your lovely furry family members. I am kept on my toes with my two dogs and two cats, which are guaranteed to keep me busy whilst at home!

Our typical day consists of admitting patients first thing prior to getting them settled and comfortable into their kennel. Animals then receive a vet check to confirm they are ready for procedures. Patients are closely monitored throughout their entire time with us, including within recovery where our dedicated ward nurse tends to each patient’s needs.

You’ll always be greeted with familiar faces at PowisVets. Being deeply rooted in our community we have developed long term relationships with our current clients and always look forward to welcoming new faces.

Pop in and say Hi!”

Having worked within the PowisVets’ team for so many years throughout my studies, I can say first-hand how amazing the team and level of care is here. After recently taking residence in our new premises, our facilities are excellently 26

£10

tmen t

your

OFF p e t’s n i o p p first a

Kind caring compassionate vets who get to know and cuddle your furbabies first without rushing straight into treatment.

Now you can contact us on

Everyone is very welcoming and their love of animals shines through.

Cannot thank them enough for looking after our boy!! Prices are very reasonable too.

We won’t be changing vets ever again.

Call today on 01384 372849 Platts Road, Stourbridge, DY8 4YR

powisvets.co.uk    @powisvets27

Quote “Lifestyle Magazine” when booking, Terms and Conditions apply. Offer valid until December 31st 2024, for new pets registered to the practice, can be existing owners.

Experience the

Difference Rediscover dentistry at Dentique Dentistry, a brand-new start-of-the-art dental practice directed by Paul Worskett in the Worcestershire village of Belbroughton, where the patient gets the treatment and quality of service they deserve.

With a career spanning more than 35 years, and a passion for excellence, Paul Worskett built a strong reputation for quality of service and technical expertise at his previous practice in the Stourbridge area; providing guidance and specialised clinical excellence to his patients, and ensuring their dental journey was comfortable and successful, with an empathy for any concerns they felt.

Principal dentist, Dr Paul Worskett.

At Paul’s brand-new practice, Dentique Dentistry, he aims to continue that legacy and take it to new heights, driven by a desire to provide and care for his patients, and restore their oral health, function, and appearance, to improve their confidence and quality of life.

Dentique embodies Paul’s philosophy, providing a warm, caring, and reassuring environment, where you can put your confidence in dentists that you can trust, to provide personalised treatments and care to help you lead a happier and healthier lifestyle with the smile to go with it!

“It’s been something of a passion project for me and I am overjoyed with our patients’ satisfaction. I have a great team working with me and we are in the process of recruiting more dental staff to accommodate the growing demand.”

Dentique is pleased to invite new patients to experience comfortable, private dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Experience the difference and rediscover your smile!

Visit www.dentiquedentistry.co.uk or scan the QR code to find out more, or call 01562 341066, to book an appointment.

Paul has a special interest in implantology and full-arch immediate replacement, which enables a full set of teeth to be fitted on several implants, all on the same day. Paul is also experienced in advanced restorative treatments and cosmetic dentistry, which can give you renewed confidence and the smile you’ve always wished for.

Appreciating the importance of preventing issues, Paul is also passionate about educating patients in oral health and hygiene, with a belief that prevention is key in avoiding deterioration of the teeth and gums, so you can enjoy your smile for years to come.

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New Patients

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6 Mill Pool Nash Lane Belbroughton Stourbridge DY9 9AF

Our Health

Give your hearing a ‘sporting chance’ With a great range of spectator sports happening this summer it could just be the right time to get your ears ‘sport ready’ for 2024.

Pay attention to the scoreboard, video screens, and other visual displays that provide information about the game.

Sporting events are exhilarating, full of dynamic sounds that contribute to the overall experience—the roar of the crowd, the commentary, and the game's action. For those with hearing loss, these sounds might be challenging to appreciate fully. Here are some tips to help you enjoy sporting events with better hearing

Post-Event Care After the event, give your ears a break to recover from the loud environment. This is especially important if you are experiencing temporary hearing fatigue.

Check and clean your hearing aids or ALDs after the event to ensure they remain in good working condition.

Prepare in advance Before attending sporting events, have your hearing checked by a professional. This ensures you know your hearing levels and can get appropriate recommendations for hearing aids or other devices.

If you missed key moments during the live event, watch replays at home with subtitles or closed captioning enabled.

Follow the event on social media or dedicated sports apps that provide live updates, commentary, and detailed analyses.

If attending a major sporting event choose your seats wisely if possible. Keep away from loudspeakers as this can help minimize background noise

By preparing in advance and utilizing the available resources and technologies, you can enhance your experience and fully immerse yourself in the excitement of sporting events, regardless of hearing challenges. Enjoying the game is about more than just seeing it— it's about feeling the energy and hearing the sounds that make the experience complete.

Ensure your hearing aids are fully charged or have fresh batteries before heading to the event. Modern hearing aids have features like noise reduction and directional microphones that can help focus on specific sounds.

If you’re watching your favourite sport on tv then an assisted listening device such as a tv streamer will really help. Alternatively, if you are using an ipad the sound can be streamed directly to your hearing aids providing a clearer audio experience!

If you need your ears to be ‘sport ready’ then why not call us for your free consultation at any if our 3 ‘Hear In’ clinics

Hagley/RUBERY Clinic 01562 884400 hagley@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk

Let your friends or family know about your hearing needs. They can help relay important information or commentary that you might miss.

WOMBOURNE Clinic 01902 302266 wombourne@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk 30

31

West Midlands Hospital & Stourside Hospital Orthopaedic Services Do you suffer from bone and/or joint pain?

What is important is that we act quickly to assess and where appropriate manage your condition to prevent it from restricting your lifestyle. Our expert team of consultant surgeons and pain specialists are here to help.

Neck & Shoulder

Spine & Back Pain

Hand & Wrist Surgery

Hip Surgery

Knee Surgery

For more information please contact our Private Patient Team:

07384 253 011 | westmidlandshospital.co.uk | stoursidehospital.co.uk

32

Foot & Ankle Surgery

West Midlands Hospital & Stourside Hospital Our patients, at the heart of all we do.

Friendly hospitals

Consultant led care

Excellent infection prevention

Free, on-site parking

Services Provided: Ophthalmology

Ear Nose & Throat

Vascular

General Surgery

Gynaecology

Gastroenterology

Diagnostics

Oral Surgery

Physiotherapy

Pain Management

Cardiology

Urology

Orthopaedics

NHS and Private appointments available Please call 01384 560 123 for any enquiries or visit our website by scanning the QR code Public Information

33

myths and misconceptions 22. Sports drinks are good. Unfortunately this isn’t accurate.

The Fitness industry has complicated, confused and misled every one of us. In the last editions I have covered 20 of the most common myths and misconceptions. Let’s now consider the next 10 in more detail.

Most of them are complete junk.

23. All exercisers need more protein. This is a very modern mantra.

21. Early morning is the best time to exercise.

This is untrue.

While it’s true that serious exercisers may benefit from slightly more protein, it is simply not correct to guzzle protein drinks at every opportunity.

There are genetic factors that may determine an individual’s favoured exercise time of day for exercise, but it hasn’t been proved that, even for these individuals, it produces better results.

24. Gaining weight means gaining fat.

34

Our Health

Another claim that is completely untrue.

multitude of factors – intensity, duration, heart rate, breathing rate, frequency of exercise and metabolic rate, all of which need to be precise.

On the other hand, you won’t see too many overweight marathon runners.

It is quite possible, even common, to lose fat and gain weight. This, of course, must mean that muscle tissue has been gained.

Muscle tissue is denser (heavier) than fat and therefore a small increase in muscle mass can outweigh a reduction in body fat.

29. You need to be sore to progress. This again is not strictly true.

25. Sitting is the new smoking. This statement, if taken literally, isn’t true.

It really depends on the definition of sore.

Progression with muscular exercise does require muscular fatigue, and this does often go hand in hand with a certain degree of stiffness or slight soreness, but it’s not a prerequisite for progress.

But recent scientific research has certainly highlighted the notion that a sedentary life is seriously bad for one’s health. ‘Never sit still for more than one hour at any one time’ has become a mantra in some quarters. From a pure health perspective, constant activity is just as important as actual exercise, so the maxim does have some credibility.

30. Bigger muscles mean greater strength.

This is another one that is not strictly true.

Exercising for strength and exercising for size are not necessarily the same, and it’s quite possible to be strong without being big.

However, there is a degree of overlap, and in general, bigger muscles are stronger than smaller muscles.

26. We should be less active as we age. This is comprehensively untrue.

In fact, the opposite may be true; it depends on the exact definition of active. We certainly may need to modify our exercise choices and routines as we age, but in general we need to exercise more to stay the same, let alone continue to progress, as we age.

All of these myths and misconceptions have served to misrepresent exercise, to cloud opinion and understanding. They have led to exercise becoming a guessing game with individuals simply following others, not really knowing if they are doing things correctly.

It has been a major contributing factor to explain why exercise has been, and still is, so confusing to so many.

27. You can’t lose weight walking. This is generally untrue; however, some clarification is needed.

Walking for an elite athlete, even over long distances, probably wouldn’t produce any significant benefit (and they probably wouldn’t be overweight), but walking can provide ideal weight loss conditions for many individuals. Much will depend on the intensity, speed and gradients.

I hope that this helps to answer many questions that so many individuals get such conflicting advise about. For more details about my ‘secret’ methods, and the exercise programmes that I have used with all my celebrity clients, please visit Amazon to purchase my new book, The Father Figure of Fitness. If you have any specific questions, or would like me to cover a certain topic in subsequent editions, please contact me at; sandnthomas@sky.com.

28. You burn more fat by exercising longer.

This is not strictly true.

The rate of burning fat is determined by a 35

The Rise of Sustainable

HAIR SALONS Discover Phinix Hair in Hagley: Your Eco-Friendly Haven for Glamorous Haircare!

Nestled in the heart of Hagley lies Phinix Hair, where sustainability meets style.

But our commitment to sustainability doesn't stop there. As well as our eco efforts, we're always keen to bring the latest technologies and products to our clients' lives. That's why we're proud to introduce brands like Hair Gain and UK Lash, offering cutting-edge solutions for hair growth and lash enhancement. And with their stylist dream team, Phinix Hair is not just a salon—it's a hub of the village, where the community comes together for glamorous transformations and ecofriendly beauty.

Led by best friends Nic and Fi, Phinix Hair is more than just a salon—it's a home away from home for local ladies (and gents) seeking top-notch service with a sustainable twist.

At Phinix, sustainability is key. That's why we proudly use eco-friendly shower heads and bamboo disposable towels, reducing our water usage and environmental impact without compromising on quality.

We're also committed to using Davines products, known for their eco-conscious practices and suitability for every hair type.

Davines goes beyond just great hair—it's a brand that prioritises sourcing ingredients responsibly and reducing packaging waste.

We are deeply invested in staying ahead of the curve in hair technologies and techniques, as well as fostering the growth and development of our staff and apprenticeships. As part of this dedication, we host model evenings every Wednesday from 4pm.

phinixhair.co.uk

36

PHINIX HAIR SALON HAGLEY

These evenings provide an opportunity for our team to refine their skills while offering our clients heavy discounts on appointments, and sometimes even complimentary services. Stay informed about these events and more by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Visit Phinix Hair today and experience the empowering atmosphere that sets us apart from the rest. Your hair—and the planet—will thank you!

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38

Cocktail Style Wedding The great thing about weddings today is that anything goes! Gone are the days when you were tied to tradition and had to have the seated wedding breakfast followed by speeches, toasts and cake cutting. Of course you can still do all this and done correctly this produces a beautiful and classical structure for your wedding day. However, what with the ever swelling guest lists and attendees from a varied mix of race and culture now all too common at weddings, Brides and Grooms across the country are opting for a more relaxed affair rather than struggling against the confinements of tradition.

you feed your guests. The only thing that you must assure is that there is enough food to go around and that it is easily accessible.

If you are considering a non-traditional style of wedding food then here are a few tips and considerations which hopefully will help you find the right style for you and your budget!

Anyone for Cocktails?

This style of affair can be very glamorous and classy however not necessarily a cheaper option, so don’t forgo the three course meal thinking you’ll save money. One of the main factors here is the venue you have chosen. A cocktail wedding requires a certain style of furniture which the venue you have booked many not have. Poseur tables, bar stools and indeed more bars may need to be hired to style the space and create the right atmosphere which will heavily impact on your budget.

Over the last few years communal feasting is now considered a perfectly acceptable, and let’s face it, novel way of feeding your guests, with big shared platters of food served on tables for friends and family to tuck into together. There has also been an increase in the “grazing style” of receptions such a cocktail & canapes, picnics or even gourmet BBQs all delivering non-fussy yet scrumptious food while your guests can mingle to their hearts delight!

Make sure there is enough staff to make and supply the cocktails as it will take some time for them to get around to everyone. Make it easy for people to help themselves with trays of cocktails or simple flutes of fizz positioned at various points in the room so that people don’t have to queue.

So in reality, what with the acceptance of such a relaxed style of food service there now seems to be no rulebook about what or how 39

Our Wedding Keep in mind your guest list size. With a sitdown meal you will be restricted to numbers simply due to the number of tables and chairs the venue can hold. Stand up receptions such as cocktail-style weddings will allow for a larger numbers in the venue but you’ll consequently need to feed more people, so it might just cost the same as a seated meal in the end.

Occasional Seating

Canapes & Finger Food

If you have elderly guests attending, they will be looking for comfortable seating options to mingle quietly rather than standing up all evening. A selection of comfortable chairs and even sofas would be perfect especially when the disco is in full swing as people will need a breather!

Cocktail style weddings are great for mingling but remember to supply occasional seating for the elderly and ladies in heels. Standing up in high heels for 8 hours will result in people kicking off their shoes (never good for wedding photography) or even going home early as they are in too much pain.

Pricing will vary depending on your caterer of course. You have to consider the time of day your reception is being held as this will determine the quantity of food you will need to supply to your guests. Think about portions, if you were to put all the canapés allocated per guest on a plate, would it be enough to make a meal?

Prepare Your Guests Some guests may not have attended a cocktail style wedding before and therefore might be confused about what food will be served. It is always a good idea to make sure there is a note of this on your invites so your guests aren’t left wondering if they should be fasting or loading up their bellies before the event.

It may be an idea to have food points scattered around the venue for the guest’s arrival to avoid people pouncing on the first tray of canapes that appear. Create food stations for guests such as a charcuterie, or cheese plate here and there to enhance the supply of nibbles being circulated.

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Our Wedding

Best of Both Worlds If you like the idea of a more relaxed format but think that canapes and cocktails wouldn’t quite deliver enough pomp & ceremony on the day then you could always merge the two styles. Have drinks and canapés served after your ceremony, giving your guests the opportunity to mingle, while you’re getting photos taken with your bridal party.

Then invite guests to a sit-down meal which can allow you to schedule in certain speeches, cutting of the cake etc. Why not try sharing platters if you want to keep it less formal.

Then have a roaming dessert with different buffet stations situated throughout the venue or even go back to served canapes for sweet nibbles. You can always have your cake served at one of these stations with tea and coffee available.

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We’ve waited a while for the sun to shine, but I’m sure a few of you have been jetting off all over the world to exotic places where the sun is guaranteed, so I’ve found a few new pieces, a few things that have come around again for some of us and a few classics which we never tire of. Trends are small leopard print, white tiered maxi skirts, Bermuda shorts, coral jewellery and swimwear with applique jewellery attached. Enjoy your holidays whatever trends take your fancy.

By Sally Mansell

The Sundowners 1

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1 – riverisland.com – white tiered maxi 2 – etsy.com – Balibalipl basket 3 – sunglasshut.com - Swarovski

4 – cupshe.com – crochet tassel cover-up 5 –etsy.com – oceanbytalia surfer necklace 6 – etsy.com – Balibalipl shell ankle bracelets

The boho trend is a constant every Summer without fail and a trend I love. Baskets are fringed like this one from Balibalipl, it also comes in black & white. Jewellery has seashells on, I love the ankle bracelets. Shein.com have a fabulous collection of swimwear cover-ups to suit all styles and sizes.

We don’t buy many skirts, but a gypsy skirt is perfect for the Summer, I love how River Island have styled it with a waistcoat, another season trend.

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7 – whistles.com – Imogen trouser 8 – fantasie.com – Freya Sands bikini 9 – accessorize.com – jute zebra shopper 10 – olivabonas.com – secret animal print hat 11 – freepeople.com – the ring on1 piece

12 – next.co.uk – broderie tummy control swimsuit 13 - reiss.com – Emeryson woven tote 14 – zara.com – floral flat sandal 15 – meandem.com – linen lace beach maxi

Animal prints are around every season, this Summer invest in a small print leopard trouser, a big trend on social media. Fantasie.com make bikini’s that fit really well and this bikini is a really subtle animal print. If you want just a hint of animal, try this hat with animal print under the brim or this fabulous zebra shopper. There is a lot of swimwear with ring detail this season, I love this sassy costume from freepeople.com, perfect for a tropical island.

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Trends or Classics 13 12

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Serious black is a fashion trend for 2024 and a classic go to for many of us, the swimsuit is so feminine and will definitely give you an hourglass shape, its available in a good range of sizes. I love the linen cover-up maxi from meandem.com it is contemporary in styling and would be in your wardrobe for years, add beautiful accessories for effortless style.

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16 – pourmoi.co.uk – Free Spirit strapless bra 17 - pourmoi.co.uk – Free Spirit strapless short 18 - ussellandbromley.co.uk – Sorrento 19 – etsy.com – Mybeadsjewelry coral earring 20 – meandem.com – towelling halterneck dress 21 – prada.com – Geranium lenses 22– marksandspencer.com – straw stripe tote

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23 – karenmillen.com – palm print dress 24 – cos.com – woven straw hat 25 – monsoon.com – embellished Bandhani coverup 26 – zara.com – baggy belt bermuda 27 – karenmillen.com – palm print bikini 28 – next.co.uk – Ralph Lauren Sasha raffia sandal

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Tropical Splash 27 26

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This year bandeau tops and shearing are a massive trend, this is a very pretty set from pourmoi.com, it also has matching bikini bottoms. A towelling dress is such a cosy piece for on holiday, it comes in pink and emerald, I love it! Bermuda shorts are back on trend, this is a fabulous image from Zara, just add a linen shirt and raffia sandal. Karenmillen.com have a fantastic range of swimwear with matching dresses or co-ords, look out for one shoulder swimwear to make a statement.

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Bright blue always looks fantastic in the sunshine, go to modaminx.com for full on glamour, add the Octavia wedge from kurtgeiger.com they are gorgeous. I love the blue leaf set from next.co.uk, I can see that in my swimwear collection and have a look at messyweekend.com for fantastic designer sunglasses. I hope you all have a trip planned for the Summer, wherever you go, plan your wardrobe, so every day is fabulous!

Sally x

Aqua Marina 29

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30 33 29 – modaminx.com – Golden Goddess 30 – zara.com – pearl & seashell earrings 31 – next.co.uk – blue leaf bikini/shirt

32 – messyweekend.com – New Deep 33 – kurtgeiger.com – Octavia espadrille wedges

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 45

Our Food & Drink

Recipes

By Mike Whitehurst 46

Our Food & Drink

ROAST SALMON FILLET CAESAR SALAD Serves: 4

season with maldon sea salt and milled pepper ready to roast.

Useful Info

Cut the stalk off the gem lettuce and peel away the layers into cold water to rinse off any debris or dirt then dry off and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Prep time = 10 minutes Cooking time = 30 minutes

Ingredients

Cut the bread into medium size croutons, drizzle with a little olive oil and dry out in the oven on 140˚c until crunchy all the way through. ( Do this before turning the oven up to cook the salmon).

400G OF SKINLESS BONELESS SALMON FILLET 2 GEM LETTUCE 150G OF MAYONNAISE 16 WHITE ANCHOVIES 1 GARLIC CLOVE 1 LEMON BLACK PEPPER MILL 1 THICK SLICE OF CIABATTA OR FOCACCIA PARMESAN WEDGE OLIVE OIL

Place 8 anchovies with any liquid into the food processor with garlic clove, zest and juice of half a lemon, 100g of mayonnaise, a few twists of black pepper with a good grating of parmesan cheese (50g). (I like lots of parmesan personally but use as much as you like.

EQUIPMENT

Roast the salmon mini fillets in the oven for about 12 minutes then take out the oven.

CHOPPING BOARD SHARP COOKS KNIFE PEELER MIXING BOWL BAKING SHEET /TRAY FOOD PROCESSOR WITH BLADE ATTACHMENT

If making as a starter, place the salmon fillet over the top of 2 leaves on the plate then garnish with anchovies, using the peeler to make your parmesan shavings and place over salmon, add the dressing and then crush some croutons over the top.

To make as a salad for a light lunch simply just toss the leaves in a bowl with the dressing, anchovies, shaved parmesan and croutons then plate up and pull the salmon apart into flecks and drop over the salad. Serve with a cold crisp glass of white wine.

METHOD Preheat your oven to 210 ˚c. Cut the salmon into equal size squares and place on parchment paper on a baking sheet and

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 47

Our Food & Drink

BLACK FOREST GLUTEN FREE BROWNIE Serves: 4 Ingredients 60G CACAO OR COCOA POWDER 150G UNSALTED BUTTER 200G OF DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS 300G OF CASTER SUGAR 3 EGGS 150G OF GROUND ALMONDS 1 TSP OF MALDON SEA SALT 1 TSP VANILLA PASTE 250G MASCARPONE OR PHILADELPHIA JAR OF DECENT CHERRY JAM OR MAKE YOUR OWN FRESH CHERRIES

EQUIPMENT 20CM SQUARE BAKING TIN PARCHMENT PAPER BAIN MARIE (PAN, WATER AND HEAT PROOF BOWL) WHISK SPATULA MIXER WITH WHISK ATTACHMENT MIXING BOWLS SIEVE CHOPPING BOARD PASTRY KNIFE OR BREAD KNIFE /CARVING

Next pour in the melted chocolate and butter and stir until well combined and glossy then grease and line your baking tin and pour in the mixture.

Bake at 160˚c in a fan oven for 25 minutes then allow to cool and place in the fridge for a few hours so you can easily remove from the tin and cut into rectangles.

METHOD Bring the water in the Bain Marie to a simmer and place the heat proof bowl on top with the butter and chocolate in and whisk until smooth and melted then set aside.

Whilst the brownie is baking take 250g of mascarpone and 125g of cherry jam and simply just combine the two together in a mixing bowl.

Whisk the eggs and sugar together for a few minutes until pale and doubled in volume then add in the sea salt and vanilla paste.

Once the brownie is set and cut into rectangles just place on your plates and top with the cherry mascarpone and garnish with fresh cherries.

Sieve the cocoa powder and ground almond into the egg mix and fold until smooth.

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hot sandwiches, homemade pies and pasties also available Everyday - 7.30am-14.30pm

147 Worcester Lane, Hagley, Stourbridge DY9 0NW

01562 882211 49

Dominican Republic

by Rebecca Underwood, Travel Journalist For those dreaming of a Caribbean adventure and yearning to experience a laid back and relaxed lifestyle, consider visiting the Dominican Republic, an island paradise in the heart of the Caribbean. Swaying palm trees in tropical sunshine, the glittering azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, white sandy beaches and the rhythmic beat of the merengue hanging on the balmy breeze, this is the ideal spot to unwind.

and religion, which is predominantly Catholic.

Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the New World and was recognized in 1990 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traditional 15th century houses and the clip clop of the horse drawn carriages pass along slowly whilst luxury cars whizz by the contemporary buildings. Santo Domingo’s Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, built between 1512 and 1540, is the oldest cathedral in Latin America. The stunning façade features a coral limestone with tinges of gold shimmering in the Caribbean sunshine. Francis Drake used the property as his operational base when he captured the city in 1586 and it was once the resting place of Christopher Columbus prior to his remains being moved to a monument built in his honour. The Columbus Lighthouse, a museum and mausoleum for Columbus was constructed in 1986 and inaugurated in 1992 in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in 1492. The building is shaped in the style of a crucifix representing the Christianization of the Americas and it projects beams of light which also form the shape of a crucifix.

The Dominican Republic shares its border with Haiti on the Tropic of Cancer, and with the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south this little piece of heaven attracts visitors from far and wide and I was immediately enchanted. Towering Mountain ranges, including the Antilles, verdant valleys, deep lagoons, tranquil lakes, majestic rivers, a tropical climate and over 1000 miles of pristine beaches beckon.

On 05 December 1492, when Christopher Columbus dropped anchor he described today’s Dominican Republic as ‘a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys’ and he named the island Hispaniola. Since then, a combination of Spanish, French, Haitian and Taino Indian influences has created an intriguing culture, evident in the local cuisine, music, dance, art

For the weary traveller seeking the ideal spot to stay consider Casa de Campo, which is located in La Romana, one hour by road 50

Our Travel from the capital. The Casa de Campo resort is set in 7000 acres of stunning scenery and you can keep in shape on 13 tennis courts, 3 polo playing fields, and a 245 acre shooting facility and if you fancy a round of golf, there are 3 championship golf courses.

The Casa de Campo resort offers 5 star hotel accommodations but if you really want to treat yourself contemplate on renting a villa. Each villa features lush gardens and an outdoor lounge area with a swimming pool and of course all the amenities demanded by the discerning guests. Take a stroll along the 400 berth marina and make your way to the piazza where you will find more than 70 restaurants and an extensive number of shops and bars and as you relax under the Caribbean sky with a carpet of stars twinkling in the sky, clink your wine glass and celebrate the spice of life that is the Dominican Republic.

Casa de Campo Pool Area

Images supplied with the kind permission of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.

Casa de Campo Elite Delux Accommodation

Local Craft Shop 51

Our Horoscopes

Capricorn December 21 - January 19

Cancer June 21 - July 21

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.

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.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

Leo July 22 - August 21 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.

Pisces February 19 - March 20

Virgo August 22 - September 22 The extrovert side of your personality is showing through, you could be entering a new professional environment. Your popularity will be enhanced and enable you to 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.

Aries March 21 - April 20

Libra September 21 - October 22 Happy go lucky and full of new found 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.

Taurus April 21 - May 20

Scorpio October 23 - November 22 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.

Taurus 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 November 23 - December 20

Gemini May 21 - June 20

You may feel as if you are opening 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 lucrative investment.

52

Our Crossword

CrOSSWORD

Across

Down

1 Apparel (5) 4 Viscera (5) 7 Capital of Azerbaijan (4) 8 Engrossed (8) 9 Church songbook (7) 10 Hidden store (5) 12 Fine cigar (6) 14 Windcheater (6) 16 Shrink (5) 18 Version (7) 21 Clubman (8) 22 Hairy man of Genesis (4) 23 Ardent male lover (5) 24 Cowboy display (5)

1 2 3 4 5 6 11 13 15 17 19 20

Jordan's end (4,3) Peer (5) Astronaut (8) Expel (4) Motley assortment (7) Bloodsucking worm (5) Horticulturalist (8) Praise vociferously (7) Pear-shaped fruit (7) Scrub (5) Cornered (5) 2.2 pounds approximately (4)

Answers for MAY-JUNE 2024 Across: 1 Mexico, 5 Tip-off, 8 Beta, 9 Employer, 10 Parcels, 11 Opus, 13 Beast of burden, 16 Shut, 17 Admiral, 20 Sunshade, 21 Evil, 22 Canyon, 23 Taller.

Down: 2 Elevate, 3 Isaac, 4 Overlook, 5 Type, 6 Prosper, 7 Feeds, 12 Obedient, 14 Squishy, 15 Examine, 16 Sauna, 18 Ideal, 19 Vain.

53

Our What’s On

What's on - JULY-AUG 2024

Arley Arboretum Thursday 25th July 5.30pm - 8.30pm

54

Our What’s On

RACING LEAGUE IS BACK & BETTER THAN EVER!

www.kcrfc.co.uk 55

Our What’s On

Tickets www.skiddle.com/whats-on 56

Ladies Golf Academy GET IN

GOL

Have you ever wondered what golf is all about?

Our next ladies golf academy is now starting...

Group lessons by one of our professionals All equipment provided Opportunities to progress to academy membership

want to Know more?Stourbridge Call us On

01384 395566

Taster Days, Gro more opportu

Don’t delay contact the P

www.stourbridgegolfclub.co.uk

Worcester Lane, Pedmore, 57 Stourbridge DY8 2RB

Cupra Formentor had achieved 44mpg, which I think is pretty good.

The Cupra brand is the performance related derivative from the Seat Group and part of the mighty VAG group. The Formentor fits in to the SUV type of vehicle, writes Bob Hickman.

The visibility in the vehicle from a driver and passenger perspective is good, I particularly liked the factor that every vehicle in the Formentor stable has rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera was incorporated on my particular vehicle.

The driving position is pretty good, which is an excellent feature and there is a lot of space for 4 adults within the vehicle.

The test vehicle was equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and it had the benefit of the brilliant 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. This gearbox has been honed over the years by the VAG Group and it seems to have an ability to at all times be in the right gear for the right circumstances at the right moment.

The trim is quite extensive, also 18” alloy wheels were a feature, tinted rear windows, LED headlights and tail lights, and the interior infotainment system is quite useful with a 12” navigational system, with voice control.

I am not a great lover of manufacturers obsession to control everything from a large central screen. There is the facility to utilise your mobile phone whether it be Apple or Android system. One feature that I loved was the ambient lighting of the vehicle, when you came back to the vehicle there was a warm nice glow, wrapping all around the front dashboard incorporating in to the doors as

The engine produces 150bhp, sufficient to give a 0-60 gallop in 8.9 seconds and for those interested, it claims a top speed of 126mph.

The important CO2 figures are quoted as 157 g/km. The fuel economy is given at between 39.2 and 40.4 mpg and during a week of over 250 miles, the computer suggested that we 58

Our Motoring problem in that the lip may be a little high for some people,

well. A lovely homely feeling.

The driving dynamics of the Formentor were of a pleasant companion, twisty roads held no problems whatsoever, the suspension although tight didn’t rattle the fillings in your teeth, after all Cupra is a sporty brand so you should expect it to be tight and taut and give a rewarding drive.

One particular feature that I was pleasantly surprised to see was a space saver spare wheel, whilst it is an additional £135, I would willingly pay it and I think thousands of others would also take this option, especially those who have had the misfortune to be stranded at the side of the road with a puncture and only had a can of crazy foam in the boot to try to resolve the situation.

The exterior of the vehicle is a coupe shape but surprisingly, this does not detract from the interior space, rear passengers will be quite surprised at the amount of head and legroom that they are able to utilise. It’s almost limo-like in the rear because if you don’t have a third passenger, you can drop the central armrest down and relax in a degree of comfort and luxury.

The Formentor V1 Trim is available from £34,190, the V1 as tested due to the extras which the Cupra had installed, had an on the road price of £38,510.

A 5-year or 90,000 miles mechanical warranty and 12-year body warranty is included in the on the road price.

The boot is very generous, there is a slight

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Our Finance & Legal

Hearts over charts

Siobhan Record Our Lifestyle’s Financial Expert

reasonable response. By slowing down and taking stock we can ask ourselves questions that open our eyes, widen our horizons, and lead us to consider options we may have missed if we only focused on the charts.

The process of investing is dull and boring.

Choosing investment funds, making regular contributions to them, and keeping an eye on how they perform is all numbersbased, with a few charts thrown in for good measure.

The next time you need to make a financial decision, force yourself to discover the elements relevant to the challenge that may not be visible on a chart but instead come from the heart.

It’s not the charts that should put a spring in your step. The outcomes of investing is where the magic happens. Investing wisely over many years results in wealth you can spend to maintain your lifestyle and create meaningful experiences and opportunities.

The outcomes of investing impact areas that are dear to our hearts - family, friends, experiences and causes we care about. So, while the numbers and charts are important, it’s worth remembering what outcome you are working towards - there’s little point in creating money and then not putting it to good use!

This approach will likely lead to fewer longterm regrets and a more fulfilling life. Money is not a maths equation, and not everything needs to be optimised. In my view, it’s hearts over charts. Money is important, but the reallife outcomes that result from money are what should excite us.

We can guide you through the valuable exercise of considering both the technical (charts) and emotional (hearts) aspects of making important financial decisions.

Understanding this can impact the way we approach our financial decisions. Instead of seeing every goal as a maths problem, we can open the decision-making process to the elements that lie in the heart, not just on the chart.

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.

Most situations have more than one

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

We are Dudley Dudley Building Society has been helping people live better lives in the Black Country since 1858 and hope to continue doing so for years to come. Offering savings and mortgage products, we do our best to help you get the best out of your finances by delivering services with a human touch.

In a time where many banks are closing branches nationwide, we firmly believe in the irreplaceable value of face-to-face service. Our branches, conveniently located in Kingswinford, Gornal, Dudley, Brierley Hill, and Perton, are committed to ensuring you have access to the services you deserve. If you are ever around these areas, we warmly invite you to pop in and experience the personal experience that sets us apart.

business goes beyond financial services, we are passionate and dedicated to giving back, fostering growth within the community. Our recent efforts have focused on funding Black Country based charities and organisations that support the local region across three areas – financial resilience, employment, and housing support. We have provided funding for nine local charities and look forward to doing more for the local community. To find out which charities we have supported and what they do, please visit www.dudleybuildingsociety. co.uk/community-support-fund

Savings for you Dudley Building Society can provide an array of savings accounts tailored to safeguard and grow your hard-earned money. With one of our Easy Access Saver accounts, you can access your savings whenever you need them, providing flexibility for your financial needs. Our Notice account would be perfect if you are saving for a specific goal and don’t need regular access to your funds, benefiting from higher interest rates. Our Business and Club & Community accounts are suitable for both corporate and unincorporated organisations. So, whether you're looking for easy access savings, or to maximise your returns by locking into a fixed term, we've got you covered. Our diverse range of accounts ensures we have a solution that fits your needs. To find more information, please visit www.dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk/savings/ product-finder

Get in touch Whatever your current financial needs may be, we can assist you. Finding the savings account for your specific circumstances can be challenging, but at Dudley Building Society, we try our best to accommodate your savings needs. If you’d like to discuss your options further, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly Customer Service team on 01384 231414. One of our advisors will be more than happy to help you navigate your choices and find the best solution. Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@dudleybuildingsociety. co.uk, or visit one of our local branches in Brierley Hill, Gornal Wood, Kingswinford, Perton, and Dudley.

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