Our Lifestyle Magazine - November/December 2024

L

Our

ifestyle Magazine

November/December 2024

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Our Lifestyle Magazine

Contents

Welcome There’s a chill in the air and the nights are drawing in – that means our thoughts are focusing on home comforts, hearty meals and, of course, the festive season.

As always, the magazine is packed with some fantastic features: flavour-packed recipes that will grace your dinner table over and again; the latest interior design trends and we’ve also shone a light on the people and places that make our area such a special and unique place.

This edition takes you from the sparks and crackles of Bonfire night to the indulgences of Christmas.

Whatever you’re doing over the next few months, we hope you are happy and healthy.

Enjoy reading the magazine. Until next time, we bid you a very happy festive season.

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.

Linda Farren Managing Director 07841 431446

Home

2 - 20

Fashion

21 - 29

Hair & Beauty

30

Health

31 - 37

Education

38 - 39

Food & Drink

40 - 43

Pets

44 - 45

This Time of Year

46 - 47

Gardens

48 - 49

What’s On

50 - 57

Travel

58 - 59

Horoscopes

60

Crosswords

61

Motoring

62 - 63

Funerals

64

Finance & Legal

65 - 67

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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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.

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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.

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PRESENTS

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Strongbow

borne •

Dreamland is immensely proud to be named the Small Retail Champion of the Year for 2024-25, an accolade that recognizes us as the best independent bed store in the UK with under four premises. This prestigious award highlights our commitment to excellence, both in the products we offer and the exceptional service we provide to our customers. Our dedication to the local community and our drive to maintain the highest standards have positioned Dreamland at the forefront of the bedding industry.

As an award-winning store, we take pride in stocking products that are also recognized for their quality. This year, we are excited to announce that we now carry Silentnight's Airmesh mattress, which has been crowned the Bed Product of the Year. Silentnight is a wellestablished and trusted brand known for its innovative designs and high-quality sleep solutions. The Airmesh mattress, renowned for its breathability, support, and comfort, is a game-changer in the sleep industry, and we invite customers to visit our store to experience the difference for themselves

At Dreamland, we strive to provide hassle-free shopping with convenience at every step. Our store is open seven days a week, ensuring that customers can shop when it suits them. With a car park located at the rear of the store, parking is never an issue, making your shopping experience stress-free. Additionally, we offer free delivery within a two-mile radius, so you can enjoy your new bed without any logistical concerns. For those in need of a mattress or bed removal service, we provide this too, ensuring all goods are responsibly recycled (a small charge applies).

For those looking to refresh their home before the festive season, we encourage you to order now for pre-Christmas delivery. Every model in the Silentnight range is available with exclusive offers, providing fantastic value for money.

With over 100 beds on display, Dreamland offers an unparalleled selection, catering to every customer’s taste, budget, and comfort needs. Visit us today to find the bed of your dreams and discover why we are the nation’s leading independent bed store

Comfort suppliers since 1976 Mill St, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RG 01384 74166 Dreamlandbedding.co.uk 9

Jennifer Suzanne Interiors

MY TOP ‘2024 WINTER/FESTIVE STYLING TIPS’ www.jennifersuzanne.co.uk 07977330011

jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk @jennifersuzanneinteriors 10

Our Home Natural materials

My top 2024 styling tips to make your home look fabulous this winter and get festive ready with Jennifer Suzanne Interiors.

Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, rattan, and ceramics enhances the organic aesthetic. A wooden coffee table, stone decor, and woven baskets can give a rustic, grounded vibe that blends well with the earthy colour palette.

Styling your home for winter 2024 combines cosy comfort with modern design trends.

Here are key elements to embrace.

Statement Lighting

Warm colours Warm, earthy tones for winter 2024, earthy tones such as terracotta, deep olive, rust, and warm browns are trending. These colours bring warmth to your space, creating a grounded and cosy atmosphere.

Winter lighting is all about creating a soft, ambient glow. Consider oversized pendant lights, floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs, and wall sconces. Statement lighting adds a modern touch while enhancing the cosy ambiance.

Texture

Maximalism

Textures add depth and warmth to any room.

Think thick knitted throws, velvet pillows, faux fur accents, and wool rugs. Layering different textures creates a rich, inviting feel perfect for the colder months.

2024 embraces maximalism. Layer patterns, bold prints, and vibrant colours in your decor, especially in artwork, pillows, and rugs. Mix and match for an eclectic but curated look.

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Our Home

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Our Home Cosy corners

home in winter. Consider low-maintenance plants like snake plants or seasonal greenery like holly or pine.

Create small, intimate spaces for relaxation, like a reading nook. Use soft, plush seating with plenty of cushions, layered blankets, and a side table for books or warm beverages. Add a lamp or string lights to complete the snug feel.

Also consider a mixture of real and faux flowers I have created this stunning burgundy arrangement with on trend stone vase (see image) I am selling these to my clients and made to order please contact Jennifer for more information on faux flower arrangements.

Eco friendly Sustainability continues to be a major focus.

Opt for eco-friendly materials, second-hand furniture, or up cycled decor. Natural fibres like wool, cotton, and linen are perfect for this trend.

Muted metallic Instead of bright, shiny metals, winter 2024 calls for muted metallic brushed brass, antique gold. Incorporate them through decor items like candleholders, frames, or mirrors to add a touch of elegance.

Winter floral Indoor plants are essential for refreshing the

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Our Home

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Our Home 2024 Festive Ready!

Create a festive and inviting Christmas atmosphere in 2024, from cosy and understated to bold and glamorous. Whether you're leaning towards sustainability or embracing nostalgia, there's a trend to fit every taste.

Taking inspiration from the great outdoors, botanical motifs such as leaves, pine cones, and berries in seasonal holiday décor.

Evergreen branches, eucalyptus wreaths, and organic centrepieces create an inviting and natural atmosphere, blending indoor-outdoor living for a more earthy holiday.

Natural materials like wood, linen, and recycled paper will dominate. Reusable or homemade decorations such as fabric garlands, dried flowers, and sustainable gift wraps add a personal touch to the holiday season.

Decorations will be pared back but still impactful, focusing on a few well-placed, quality pieces such as minimalist wreaths, candles, or a simple tree adorned with lights and a handful of standout ornaments. The cosy hygge-inspired Christmas remains popular.

Add candlelight, knit blankets, wooden decorations, and an emphasis on cosiness and comfort. White and light woods, simple wreaths, and soft lighting will dominate, creating a serene and peaceful environment for winter celebrations.

ruby red will make spaces feel opulent and festive. Velvet accent in throws, pillows, or even table settings enhance this rich aesthetic, adding texture and depth to living rooms and dining spaces. Metallic brushed gold and brass accents are set to be popular in tree ornaments, candleholders, and tableware.

These tones add warmth and elegance, often paired with neutral palettes or dark jewel tones.

For those embracing a bolder look, maximalist decorations are in, featuring a mix of patterns, textures, and vibrant colours. Over-the-top Christmas trees with layers large ornaments, and oversized bows create a dramatic focal point.

For all your interior projects, help with adding style to your home ready for Christmas please get in touch with Jennifer via the contact details below.

Instagram: @jennifersuzanneinteriors Facebook: jennifersuzanneinteriors

The key to this trend is to blend a variety of elements in a cohesive way—mixing modern and vintage or natural and artificial pieces.

Contact me with your enquiries Email: Jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk

On the more luxurious side, deep jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and

Mobile: 07977 330011 Website: www.jennifersuzanne.co.uk

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Dreamland Triumphs at the National Bed Federation Awards, Winning Small Retailer of the Year 2024-2025 the winner of Small Retail Champion for 2024, my feelings were of pride and achievement made possible by a great team that has made Dreamland number one in the British Isles after almost fifty years of trading. Working with Matt, my general manager has brought the success it deserves."

Dreamland, a leading independent bed retailer, has been crowned Small Retailer of the Year 2024-2025 at the prestigious National Bed Federation (NBF) awards, marking a significant achievement for the business.

This accolade, which recognises excellence among independent bed stores with one to four premises, is the culmination of years of dedication, innovation, and outstanding customer service. Having been a finalist for the same award in 2023-2024, this win represents a significant milestone in Dreamland's long-standing commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

This win reflects Dreamland’s continuous evolution in meeting the needs of its customers while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and industry peers. It also highlights the importance of teamwork and leadership, qualities that have been central to Dreamland’s success.

The NBF awards are widely regarded as the pinnacle of recognition within the bedding industry, celebrating businesses that excel in areas such as customer service, product innovation, and community engagement. For Dreamland, which has been serving the British Isles for nearly five decades, this victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its team.

A Year of Milestones Dreamland’s Small Retailer of the Year award follows a period of significant achievement for the company. In addition to this national recognition, Dreamland’s General Manager, Matthew Randle, has been celebrated for his contributions to the business. In 2024, Randle received a special recognition award from the Express and Star Business Awards and is currently a finalist for the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Apprentice of the

Mike "The Bed" Brown, owner of Dreamland, expressed his immense pride in the win, stating: "When they announced Dreamland as 16

Our Home Year Award, further solidifying his role as a key driver of Dreamland’s success.

Reflecting on the win, Matthew Randle said: "Winning the award is profoundly meaningful, as these accolades are the most prestigious in our industry. It stands as a testament to my team’s collective dedication, and witnessing the immense joy and emotion on Mike’s face was immensely rewarding. I am elated and deeply moved by the overwhelming support from our supplier partners and fellow retailers."

Dreamland has continued to innovate by expanding its product range and fostering a strong company culture rooted in excellence and community engagement. Dreamland’s commitment to sustainability and customercentric practices has set it apart as a leader in the industry.

Dreamland’s ability to anticipate and adapt to changing consumer preferences has been a key factor in its success. The company’s focus on sustainability, particularly its efforts to promote environmentally friendly bedding products, has resonated with a growing number of eco-conscious customers. The NBF award serves as a testament to Dreamland’s forward-thinking approach and its ability to stay ahead of industry trends.

Innovation and Customer Focus at the Core In the last year, Dreamland has made significant strides in expanding its product portfolio, ensuring that it caters to a broad spectrum of customer needs. From luxury beds to more affordable options, Dreamland has positioned itself as a retailer capable of serving diverse market segments without compromising on quality.

Looking Forward As Dreamland celebrates this significant achievement, the company remains focused on the future. The win at the NBF awards is a springboard for further innovation and growth. With plans to continue expanding its product range, strengthen its supplier relationships, and deepen its community involvement, Dreamland is poised for continued success in the years ahead.

Commenting on this expansion, Matthew Randle emphasised the importance of customer support: "We could not have reached this height without the unwavering support of our customers. Their trust and loyalty have been instrumental in our growth and success. Over the past year, we have strategically expanded our product portfolio to ensure we cater to the whole spectrum of bedding needs, from high-end luxury beds to accessible, eco-friendly options. This reflects our commitment to meeting the demands of an ever-evolving market and aligns with our ethos of providing quality products for every type of sleeper."

Matthew Randle, reflecting on the journey so far, stated: "This award is not just a recognition of our work but also a reminder of the potential ahead. With our customers, suppliers, and dedicated team's continued support, we are excited to see where the future takes us. Our mission is to keep pushing boundaries, whether it’s through innovative products, sustainable practices, or community engagement."

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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.

Our Home home

Wevalue sellallthem Trailerand Loads (2.5 Bulk Bags We of our in customers look forward to seeing worth), or Bulk Bags ahead. and deliver up to a 12 you all throughout the winter miledo radius.

Weusvalue all information of our customers Please telephone for more or go ontoand our look forward you all throughout website where youto willseeing see the full range of products thatthe we We valueahead. all of our customers and look forward to seeing winter sell which you can also purchase online. you all throughout the winter ahead.

Please telephone us for more information or go onto our Pleasedodo telephone us for more information website where you will see the full range of products that we or go onto our website where you will see the sell which you can also purchase online. full range of products that we sell which you can also purchase online.

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 19 Trailer Load from £234.99 | Bulk Bag from £99.99 | Nets of Kindling £4.00

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All that Glitters!

Get ready to shine this festive season with some sparkling inspiration from New Square Shopping Centre.

River Island – Western Leather Boots – £80

Next – Merry Christmas Cushion – £18

H&M – Wicked Earrings – £9.99

Primark – Disco Ball Coaster – £4

F&F at Tesco – Kids Gold Sequin Set – £22

Shoezone – Kids Glitter Heel – £14.99

You could win a £2OO Christmas shopping trip to New Square. Visit newsquarewb.com to find out more.

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Christmas at New Square Shopping Centre The festive season has arrived at New Square.

For gifts that inspire, family dining and entertainment, all in the heart of West Bromwich, there’s only one place to head this Christmas!

SHOPPING, FOOD, FASHION, MOVIES, EVENTS, AND SO MUCH MORE. newsquarewb.com 23

As we move further into the Winter Season, we can see what shades are prevalent, burgundy, brick, sage & vanilla. Tweeds, furs, leather and sequins, will give your wardrobe a modern edge, leopard print is proving more wearable plus modern retro shapes are key.

By Sally Mansell

Fashion Conscious 1

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1 – russellandbromley.co.uk – western Chelsea boot 2 – zara.com – zw split suede shoulder bag 3 – shop.mango.com – tweed jacket 4 – charleskeith.co.uk – gabine link rings 5 – charleskeith.co.uk – angular hoop earrings 6 – charleskeith.co.uk – chalot top handle bag

7 – shop.mango.com – leopard skort, straight fit coat 8 – zara.com – zw collection asymmetric flowing skirt 9 – charleskeith.co.uk – angular hoop earrings 10 – annamasonlondon.co.uk – Deneuve blouse beau trouser christobel jacket

The designer runways predicted asymmetric hemlines, now they are on the high street creating easy glamour, add casual touches of Chanel inspired pieces, make sure your buttons are shiny, wear as much leopard as you can. I’m loving a corduroy flare, dress up or wear with a retro trainer and check out charleskeith.co.uk for fabulous accessories at very competitive prices.

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11 – mintvelvet.com – leather knee high boot 12 – sezane.com – chlo shirt 13 – zara.com – textured mini bucket 14 – zara.com – short soft jacket 15 – johnlewis.com – cape knit 16 – charleskeith.co.uk – metallic accent sling back

17 – charleskeith.co.uk – mini sybil tote 18 – mintvelvet.com – mongolian jacket leather trouser 19 – zara.com – cascading necklace 20 – charleskeith.co.uk – carey cresent hobo

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Pinot Noir Call this whatever wine you fancy, burgundy is all over the high st, in leather, fur, jewellery, fabulous shoes, boots and bags, mintvelvet.com have a glorious collection, the trousers are in different lengths to suit everyone and the fur is super glam. zara.com have nailed this jacket in colour and the soft military edge, wear casual or smart. There are a lot of capes around, I love this one from johnlewis.com its cosy and versatile plus it has shiny buttons a season trend!

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21 – marksandspencer.com – faux leather A line midi & top 22 – zara.com – sequin knit cardigan 23 – sezane.com – dan trouser 24 – zara.com – sequin applique short skirt 25 – shop.mango.com – cotton trench

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26 – sezane.com – paula babies 27 – shop.mango.com – shopper bag with buckle 28 – zara.com – zw collection faux fur 29 – russellandbromley.co.uk – gemgem buckle loafer 30 – zigsaw-online.com – merino poncho jumper

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Season Ticket We love a sequin getting closer to the party season zara.com have created some classic but sassy pieces in a fabulous sage green perfect to dress up but to also wear with denim more casually. The trench mac is still relevant look at shop.mango.com for some lovely options. Shoe shapes this season are loafers, Mary Jane inspired shoes whether square toe or pointy kitten heels choose colour for a wardrobe update. Fur is essential and tweed a classy seasonal must have. Look at jigsaw-online.com for on trend slouchy soft knitwear.

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There is a gentle boho trend this season with modern retro pieces, slouchy bags, fringe hemlines, over the knee boots, bomber jackets & one of my favourites the retro style trainer, russellandbromley. co.uk have designed this trainer it’s in 8 colours, pretty shades or neutrals to suit your wardrobe. The over the knee boot from sezane.com is also in various colours. Vanilla is a glamorous colour for Winter lifting outfits which are generally darker, I love the fur bomber from M&S perfect for so many occasions. I hope you have enjoyed my new season Fashion Edit, have fun updating your Winter wardrobe! Happy Shopping!

Sally x

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Walking Legends 31 – sezane.com – anaelle thigh high boot 32 – marksandspencer.com – faux fur bomber 33 – russellandbromley.co.uk – scalloped laceup

trainer 34 – anthropologie.com – knot detail slouchy bag 35 – shop.mango.com – fringe wool blend coat

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Get 10% Discount with this code Lifestyle S24 Follow us on Instagram@boxboutiqueuk facebook.com/boxboutiqueuk join our WhatsApp group Email julie@boxboutiqueuk.com sally@boxboutiqueuk.com 27

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GHD Christmas gift sets & Gift Vouchers Available in store

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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 31

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Our Health

Hear Better This Winter – Can Assisted Listening Devices Help? to smartphones, TVs etc. This help’s when watching tv or chatting with loved ones via phone or facetime. It improves sound quality and reduces background noise without turning the volume up in the room.

Winter should be a season to enjoy, not to feel isolated due to hearing difficulties. Assisted listening devices (ALD’s) offer a range of solutions to help you hear better, whether it’s to enjoy a walk outdoors, a lively party, or watching a cosy film at home, you can continue to stay engaged and make the most of the festive season. Don't let hearing challenges hold you back. Embrace the power of ALD’s and hear better than ever this winter.

3) Hearing Aid Companions Remote mics amplify sound and transmit it directly to your hearing aids, creating a better listening experience in noisy environments and even outdoors where hearing aids are less effective on their own.

How Winter Conditions Affect Hearing

Caring for Hearing Devices in the Cold

Winter can impact hearing in a few ways. Hats, scarves, and earmuffs can muffle sounds or interfere with the operation of hearing aids.

Soft sounds are lost in snow, ice and noisy winds. It’s a busy time from family gatherings to festive dinners. Group conversations, background music, and clinking dishes can be overwhelming if you struggle to hear, often leading to feelings of isolation or frustration.

Take extra care of hearing devices in colder weather. Moisture from snow or rain, or even condensation from moving between cold outdoors and warm indoor spaces, can cause issues. Keep your devices in top shape by: Staying dry – Most hearing aids are water resistant but very few are waterproof.

Dehumidifiers can help to remove any moisture.

The Power of Assisted Listening Devices ALD’s can really help to hear in challenging environments by offering enhanced sound clarity and better speech recognition.

Keeping warm - Use earmuffs or a hat to protect both your ears and your devices from extreme cold and wind.

How can they help?

Check batteries - Cold weather can affect battery life, so keep spare batteries on hand if you have battery operated devices.

Many ALDs feature advanced noise reduction to help filter out background noise and enhance speech, making it easier to focus.

Let us help you this Winter. Call us

1) Directional Microphones

Hagley/RUBERY Clinic

Directional microphones are designed to pick up sound from a specific source while reducing noise from other directions. This can help you engage in conversation in a background noise.

01562 884400 hagley@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk

WOMBOURNE Clinic

2) Wireless Connectivity

01902 302266 wombourne@lifestylehearingsolutions.co.uk

Modern ALD’S often include Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to connect directly 34

Can assisted listening devices help?

We offer FREE Hearing Assessments Hearing Aids Ear Wax Removal Tinnitus Support Noise Protection

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35

Our Health

Make your exercising all about you How to self-analyse?

As I explained in my last article, understanding how we sit, stand, walk and move is essential in understanding how to make your exercising, all about YOU. It will also explain why your knees ache if you walk, jog or run – it will explain why your hips hurt if you squat, lunge, jump or twist – and it explains why ‘The World is Full of Back pain’.

- First, wear suitable attire – bare feet, shorts and a t-shirt – to allow for good vision of all joints.

- Secondly, video/record 4/5 normal strides of the whole body from the front view.

Understanding our posture and our movement patterns – our Biomechanics – is the change, the shift and the education EVERYONE needs. It provides the fundamental missing link that addresses and understands where and why everyone is getting it wrong.

- Thirdly, video/record 4/5 normal strides of the whole body from the rear view.

- Fourthly, video/record 4/5 normal strides of the whole body from a side view.

- Finally – take a picture of the stationary you, from the front view.

This becomes your education in YOU – education in your stance, your posture, your foot and ankle movement, your knee position, your hip angles, your spinal position and curvature and your shoulder alignment.

The following is what to look out for.

- Front view: good stance or posture is represented by clear horizontal alignment – specifically, ankles, knees, hips and shoulders, as shown below;

If you can understand yourself, you can exercise more effectively and set your body free to move and function fluidly and efficiently and achieve your desired results quickly. I have always analysed the human body from the inside out, starting with the skeleton and its movement.

To understand movement, we need to film movement. These days, almost all of us have mobile phones that can easily take slow motion film. Significant deviations in posture, stance, joint position and movement can be analysed easily with the naked eye, but slowmotion analysis is crucial for analysing the small nuances of an individual’s movement patterns that are so commonplace.

36

Our Health These photos show classic, commonplace deviations in position and movement of the feet, ankles, lower leg, knees, hips, spine and shoulders. The consequences of these movement patterns can lead to localised or isolated niggles, aches, pains and injuries or, indeed, can affect all or any combination of segments up or down throughout the body’s entire kinetic chain. There are three important issues to remember here. First, this scenario applies to the vast majority of individuals to some degree, so IT APPLIES TO YOU. Second, these deviations are significant with just one stride, so jogging, running, sprinting, lifting weights, squatting, lunging, in fact any dynamic movements, exaggerate or multiply these deviations very significantly. Third, this movement pattern can result even if the initial stationary posture has good alignment – this is why X-rays and MRI scans don’t always provide the required diagnosis.

- Side View: good stance or posture is represented by clear vertical alignment – specifically, head, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles, as shown below; We rarely study our own stance or posture, so it’s a subject to which we devote very little thought, importance or emphasis. We all stand so automatically that we really have no idea where our limbs, bones and joints lie in relation to good postural alignment.

An unbalanced human frame, in a stationary stance, can have an enormous impact on your physical health. Quite clearly, misalignment of your feet, ankles, knees, hips, spine and/ or shoulders can lead to many niggles, aches and pains of various kinds throughout your skeletal system, putting significant extra stress through your joints and musculature, ligaments and tendons. This misalignment can have serious consequences for the human body even when it’s completely stationary.

Imagine, therefore, the consequences of any kind of movement, activity, exercise or sport on the musculoskeletal system.

Importantly, each of these misaligned joints or segments requires significant exercise to manage, re-habilitate or re-align them. I have spent 40 years analysing and developing the exact exercises needed to do exactly this – my exercise programmes are flooded with the best movements, positions and exercises to bulletproof YOUR musculoskeletal system, allowing it to flourish, producing results like never before.

The study of your movement patterns in slowmotion, from different angles, is therefore crucial.

Consider the following example;

In my next article I will expand on these crucial biomechanical issues and the exercises I have used with all my celebrity clients. For further information about my new book and the exercise programmes that I have developed, please visit thefatherfigureoffitness.com.

37

Bromsgrove School crowned winners at GREENPOWER International Final.

Bromsgrove School’s Design Technology Greenpower teams have come away with three trophies at the Greenpower International Finals at Goodwood, with the Senior team being crowned F24+ 2024 Kitcar International champions.

This year’s competition was particularly exciting, as both teams had implemented significant modifications to their vehicles since the last heat, and they were eager to test their improvements.

The Senior team also won a trophy for winning the heat and accumulating the most points this season. This was achieved by a 100%-win record throughout the season, competing against universities, colleges and corporations.

Heartfelt thanks were extended to all team members for their hard work and dedication, as well as to current sponsors: Point S for main sponsorship, 4QD for speed controllers and advice, Washford Finishings for the frame coatings, Eagle Plastics for the ABS on the car, and Greenpower for all the support and events they provide for racing.

The Juniors finished 5th place overall and also won a trophy for Best Presented Team.

Steve Broadbent, DT Teacher and Team Manager, says “A three-trophy haul at an international final is an excellent achievement and I would like to thank both teams for an amazing season, our 11th in total. This is also the second time that Bromsgrove School has been crowned winners at an International Final.”

Bromsgrove’s kitcar team is currently seeking new sponsorship opportunities, presenting a unique chance to associate a brand with two championship-winning race cars (Team Chicken 2018 and The Egg 2024). As they look forward to the future, they proudly declare: The Egg certainly came first this year!

38

Fine Dining Nights

BistroAtB63 Our training restaurant helps to develop the future stars of the catering and hospitality industries, and is open for gourmet dining on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.* We have a range of themed events throughout the year offering a variety of cuisines as well as Murder Mystery and Quiz evenings.

Themed

We also offer weekend events and private hire during term times. So, if you’re looking to organise a corporate event, a baby shower or children’s birthday party, Bistro at B63 is a great space. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you be the perfect host!

Events

*STRICTLY BY RESERVATION ONLY

To book or for more information: Telephone: 0121 602 7829

Private

email: restaurant@halesowen.ac.uk

Hire

www.halesowen.ac.uk/facilities/bistro-at-b63 Halesowen College, Whittingham Road, Halesowen, B63 3NA

Book with us on OpenTable

Our Community Hub is the home of events and activities with plenty to do for all the family!

Do you fancy an evening of wine and cheese, or having a go at some pottery making? Maybe a Saturday morning walk with our African Pygmy Goats? Or what about a family fun bake off session in our professional training kitchen?

Throughout the Christmas period, we will be hosting a range of festive activities, including afternoon tea for a family and friends get-together and Breakfast with Santa for the little ones.

For more information:

Telephone: 0121 602 7827 email: srogers@halesowen.ac.uk www.halesowen.ac.uk/facilities/community-hub-b63

Book Your Place Now 39

Halesowen College, Whittingham Road, Halesowen, B63 3NA

@CommunityHubatB63

Our Food & Drink

TURKEY LEG BALLOTINE with tuscan sausage, boozy cranberries and sage

By Mike Whitehurst 40

Our Food & Drink

Serves: 4 PEOPLE

the bones first for a darker stock if you wish). Place in the fridge over night.

Useful Info

2.

Remove the sausage meat from the casings and add the extra spice if you cant get tuscan sausage. Finely dice the shallot or grate and mix into the sausage meat with finely sliced sage leaves. Drain the cranberries and set the brandy aside for later. Mix the cranberries into the sausage mix and then roll the sausage meat up into a sausage shape and lay along the centre of the leg. Now carefully roll the leg back up in parchment paper making sure the skin is evenly distributed and then roll again in foil. Place in the fridge over night.

3.

When ready to cook take the leg out of the fridge and allow to come to room temperature for an hour or so and get on with the rest of the lunch prep. Roast the drumstick in the oven for 45 minutes at 2000oC and then turn the oven down to 150oC and roast for a further 2.15 hours. Once out of the oven, remove the paper and foil and allow to rest while you prepare the rest of the lunch. If the turkey skin isn’t as crispy as you like it just place it back in the oven uncovered at 200oC until crisping up or pan-fry in clarified butter or ghee.

4.

Whilst the turkey is cooking, reheat the turkey stock then strain though a sieve. To get a smoother stock put an egg white in it whilst warm and then strain again, the egg white will pick up all the impurities Allow the stock to reduce down by half and then in a separate pan heat the left over brandy for 4 minutes to cook off the alcohol then whisk in 75g of cold butter cubes and then simmer to thicken up, if you need it thicker just add some potato starch or gravy granules.

5.

Once the turkey is cooked allow to rest for 30 minutes and then slice as thick or thinly as you like and serve with the rest of your lunch.

Prep time = 30 minutes Cooking time = 3 HOURS

Ingredients 1 large turkey drumstick (boned) 200g of tuscan sausage or plain pork and add some garlic powder and crushed fennel seeds Small bunch of fresh sage 2 banana shallots 50g of dried cranberries 2 litre of water to make stock 1 tsp of maldon sea salt 100ml of brandy 1 carrot peeled and chopped Bay leaf, thyme, rosemary

EQUIPMENT Roasting tray Small saucepans Sieve Parchment paper Foil Meat hammer Chopping board Sharp Knife (boning knife) Mixing bowl

METHOD 1.

Soak the cranberries in the brandy over night. The next day using a sharp knife (a boning knife if you have one), slit the turkey leg lengthways and carefully remove the bones and tendons without puncturing the skin. Or ask your butcher to bone it for you. Spread the turkey leg out on the chopping board and beat with a meat hammer to even out. Simmer the bones covered in water with the carrot and herbs for about an hour or 2. (Roast 41

Our Food & Drink

42

Our Food & Drink

ROASTED SPROUTS AND RED ONION

caramelised with sherry vinegar and brown sugar Serves: 4

METHOD

Useful Info Prep time = 10 minutes Cooking time = 30 MiNUTES

1.

This is quite a simple and quick dish to prepare so you can do this whilst your turkey is cooking.

2.

Chop the end of the sprouts off and let the outer leaves fall off and pick any other leaves off that you don’t like the look of.

Peel and chop the red onion into thin wedges then toss in with the sprouts and olive oil or dripping. Roast in the oven on 180oC for about 15 minutes or until softening. The sprouts and onion want to start browning a bit.

3.

Warm your skillet or frying pan on the stove and then add the sherry vinegar and brown sugar heating until the sugar dissolves. Add the sprouts and onion and toss to coat in the sugar and vinegar then add the turkey stock in and simmer until the sauce has reduced. Finish with a nob of butter and keep warm to serve with your lunch.

Ingredients 800g of sprouts 1 large red onion 2 tbsp of light brown sugar 2 tbsp of sherry vinegar 1 tbsp of Olive oil or dripping 200ml of turkey stock 30g butter

EQUIPMENT Roasting dish Skillet Chopping board Sharp Knife

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

43

keeping CHRISTMAS stress free for our pets Panting, pacing, licking their lips excessively, yawning excessively, turning away from the stressor, toileting in the house and destructive behaviour. In cats, signs of anxiety can include: over-grooming, toileting in the house or outside the litter box, hiding and reduced appetite.

With Christmas coming up it is a good time to remind ourselves that, although Christmas can be a fun filled time, it can often cause a lot of us to suffer a certain amount of stress.

The same is true for our pets. Routines are different, there may be more visitors than usual, decorations are up and there is often more noise than usual. New year celebrations bring more parties, noise and of course fireworks.

If you feel your pet might struggle over the festive season please speak to your vet. There are products that can help, from natural supplements, to pheromone diffusers and collars, to prescription medication. For more complex behaviour issues, at Christmas or at any other time of year, Hannah our vet has post graduate qualifications in behaviour and carries out behaviour consultations.

Here are our tips for keeping things as stress free as possible for our pets: Stick to their normal routine as much as possible.

Let your pets greet visitors at their own pace.

Over the festive period don’t forget to keep the number of the emergency vets on hand and to stock up on medication before the Christmas period.

Make sure they have somewhere quiet to retreat to if it all gets a bit much for them.

Monitor your pet’s mood: Look out for signs of stress or anxiety in your pets and take care to remove them from the situation if possible. In dogs, signs of anxiety can include:

From all of us here at PowisVets have a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

44

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What Does Your Christmas Tree Say About You? This year, it’s estimated that about 10.6 million Christmas trees, both farmed and artificial, will be sold in the UK.

Many of the decorations will hold great sentimental value to the owner, evoking memories of family days gone by, and decorating the tree is always an annual family affair, with great value placed on input from family members, both young and old.

Artificial Christmas tree sales hot up on October 30, with sales peaking in the first week of December. Most Christmas trees are up and fully decorated by December 4.

This tree owner loves Christmas tradition and thrives on the chaos associated with the festive season. Christmas allows them to shine as brightly as the star on top of their tree.

With their exceptional organisational skills, they produce superb Christmas fare, enough to feed an army, all executed with military precision, of course. Their natural warmth and flair for entertaining comes to the fore at Christmas time.

Robert Dyas has its best selection of Christmas trees this year both in-store and online, including an impressive 7-ft LED pre-lit tree, a variety of ‘real feel’ trees, plus fibre optic wonders.

Jodie Harris, known as the Robert Dyas Head Elf, has looked into its best-selling Christmas trees and identified what a person’s Christmas tree says about them. The Head Elf says: “Christmas trees are the focal point of virtually every home. We’ve listened to our shoppers and have noted some frequently recurring traits.”

The Alpinist

The Natural Wholesome Tree Lover

Christmas is an all-round sensory experience for the sensual ‘alpinist tree’ lover. This snowdusted Christmas creation inspires thoughts of cosy log cabins, snow-covered slopes and the heavenly aroma of pinecones burning on an open fire. Alpinists are excited by the ‘real feel’ technology of this exquisite tree.

With abundant dark green foliage and often decorated in traditional red, green and gold, the ‘natural wholesome Christmas tree’ – like its owner – represents solid family values and the true generous spirit of Christmas. This tree is the heart of the home and is a timeless classic.

The ‘alpinist tree’ owner loves the great outdoors and seeks to recreate their alpine fantasy indoors. They dream of spending the festive season skiing across glistening snowcovered slopes before returning to their luxurious ski chalet with cheeks aglow. Their 46

Our Christmas idea of heaven is wearing a chunky jumper and sinking into the sofa whilst sipping on mulled wine and feasting on roasted chestnuts with their loved ones gathered all around.

For the Alpinist, Christmas is like living in a winter wonderland Christmas card. It is all about immersing themselves in the pictureperfect magical atmosphere of the season.

Christmas Party People A tall, slim, striking ice-white Christmas tree makes a bold statement. Like their owners, these splendid trees display total design confidence with their ultra-modern take on the festive season.

A pure white tree makes for a stunning centrepiece at any Christmas party and these trees are ideally suited to someone who enjoys being the star of the show. Christmas party people are vibrant and fun loving, especially around the festive season and this fantastically coloured tree expresses their blithe spirit.

Christmas. The ‘minimalist tree’ will typically be found in a pristine home environment, such as an uber-cool urban apartment. Christmas is a chic monochromatic affair run with clockwork efficiency and the sheer simplicity is representative of the smooth running and fuss-free existence of the ‘minimalist tree’ lover.

But be warned: do not attempt to offer any décor advice! ‘Party people tree lovers’ are notoriously possessive about their trees and decorating rights are strictly exclusive to the owner. Baubles are always colour coordinated and precision in placement is key to the creation of this masterpiece.

Christmas dinner might comprise a sophisticated tray of sushi rather than a traditional Christmas turkey with all its trimmings and paraphernalia. The ‘minimalist Christmas tree’ deliberately lacks any adornment with not a bauble in sight! This tree is all about restraint in design and is perhaps the preferred choice of individuals who work in the fields of architecture or interior design.

White Christmas trees are very much on trend, appealing mostly to a younger generation of Instgrammers and Snapchatters setting up home for the first time.

Minimalist The most understated, yet stunningly stylish tree belongs to the minimalists. Like their owners, their appearance is elegant, streamlined and super-sleek.

This tree is also favoured by people with very little time on their hands to spend decorating and those who might be going away over Christmas but want to demonstrate their Christmas spirit.

There is no clutter and chaos associated with the high-gloss experience of a minimalist 47

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Our What’s On

A perfect start to Christmas, at the Severn Valley Railway This festive season, the Seven Valley Railway has a range of special experiences, with something for everyone.

Express is a captivating on-train interactive experience, based on the poem ‘Twas the Night before Christmas, narrated by the voice of Dame Julie Walters. On the journey, a host of costumed characters and Santa Claus himself will visit each group’s private compartment.

Once again, there’s a gift for every child and services start Saturday 30 November and weekends in December.

Starting from Saturday 30 November, the SVR’s hugely popular Santa Trains will be departing Kidderminster on a magical steam train journey to Arley. Each group has a private compartment or reserved table, and after arriving at their destination, passengers disembark to watch a fabulous new-for-2024 panto show, in which mischievous elves Jingle and Jangle join Santa on stage, for plenty of festive fun. Each child receives a gift and services run at weekends in December and on Christmas Eve.

For those looking for pre-Christmas treats, there is a choice of festive dining experiences on the menu. From an Enchanted Afternoon Tea, to a Festive Spice Train, Yuletide Evening Dining Experience, Evening Santa Pies and Festive Gin Trains, there is lots to choose from. For more information and to pre-book tickets, please go to svr.co.uk.

Departing from Bridgnorth, the Enchanted

SANTA TRAINS EXPERIENCE A MAGICAL STEAM TRAIN JOURNEY TO SEE AN ALL-NEW CHRISTMAS PANTO SHOW

D CTE SELE FROM R ES DAT VEMBE O 30 N

Buy tickets at SVR.CO.UK 51

Our What’s On

What's on - NOVEMBER/DECEMber 2024

52

Our What’s On

Saturday 30th November - 10am - 4pm

53

Our What’s On

Brockencote hall hotel Kidderminster hotel wins top HR award for approach to wellbeing other for milestones and their efforts were introduced to promote oxytocin – otherwise known as the ‘hug hormone’ – to help develop team bonding and collaborative working; while a digital social recognition wall has also been introduced for colleagues to share their recognition company-wide.

A boutique hotel in Kidderminster has landed a national award for the way it looks after its workforce – including a scientific approach that aims to promote happy chemicals.

The Eden Hotel Collection – which runs Brockencote Hall Hotel – collected the Excellence in Reward & Recognition Award at the Annual Awards for Excellence in HR, which is organised by the association HR in Hospitality.

Monetary rewards for going above and beyond for customers and at least five years of service have also been introduced to promote serotonin and endorphins, which help to maintain mood balance and regulate emotional responses.

It comes nine months after Brockencote Hall Hotel refreshed its recognition strategy, including the introduction of the Happy Hub, which is a programme focusing on activities that help to generate the four key hormones that drive positive mental health – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins.

An employee of the month initiative has also been introduced to drive satisfaction and motivation, whereby chosen individuals are treated to the choice of a Sunday lunch, afternoon tea, a day off, or a 55-minute spa treatment at one of Eden’s hotels.

E-cards for employees to recognise each 54

Our What’s On Since the launch of the scheme earlier this year, 65 per cent of the hotel’s team has received a form of recognition, including around 300 moments of peer-to-peer recognition – as judges were impressed with the engaging and personal approach of the programme.

Jack Hartshorne, General Manager at Brockencote Hall Hotel, said: “Working at our hotel is like being part of a big family as we’ve created a culture where people support one another, regardless of the task – and it’s great to see this being recognised on a national scale.”

Lisa Redding, Group People Director at the Eden Hotel Collection, added: “The best hotels are built on happy, engaged and motivated workforces that deliver memorable customer service, and the Happy Hub is an innovative example of how we are looking after our people effectively so that they can look after our guests.

“The Happy Hub was inspired by feedback from our hotel teams, and the figures show that the programme is having a positive impact already both in terms of the engagement and our retainment levels, and underlines our People Team’s dedication to creating a warm and welcoming place to forge a career.”

55

Our Showbiz

nick &

royston

A DIARY OF EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES Nick and Royston’s summer has been nothing short of spectacular; filled with unforgettable moments and fabulous company. Recently, we had the pleasure of catching up with the dynamic duo in their beloved Bridgnorth to hear all about their summer of fun.

JULIE & ROY’S RETIREMENT CELEBRATIONS The summer kicked off with a grand celebration with close friends, Julie & Roy, joining Nick & Royston in their exclusive retirement club. To mark the occasion, Roy & Julie treated their dearest friends to a seven-day ultra-luxury cruise on the latest 6-star liner Silver Ray. Joining the gang, at the renowned Hotel Cipriani, Venice, overlooking St Marks Square, this haven of serenity was a stunning location to start the adventure. After a few days of partying & shopping, the party joined the ship. Escorted to their lavish suites for a glass of bubbly, they were welcomed by a team of butlers dedicated to ensuring happiness was guaranteed. Enjoying the spectacular views on the open-air Dusk Bar, relaxing in the award-winning spa and the spectacular fine dining experience, life on board was epitome of luxury. The destinations visited included the delights of Croatia and Italy returning to Venice for the climax of the trip.

A huge Thank You, Julie & Roy for an unforgettable journey!

38 56

Our Showbiz FLUFFY PARTY Nick and Royston didn’t slow down after their cruise as they next attended the much-anticipated Fluffy Party. Close friend Mitch Wilson, known for his successful ventures such as The Light Bar and The Canal Club, returned to Wolverhampton after 20 years in Ibiza to host a reunion party.

Held at The Medicine Crown Joules, the event brought together friends old and new. A star-studded DJ line up, including John Kelly, kept the partygoers on their feet all night long. The reunion was a roaring success, and the first Fluffy Party is sure to be remembered for years to come.

ESTELLE MANOR The latest exclusive country destination and private members club is Estelle Manor. This landmark hotel set in 85 acres in Oxfordshire, surrounded by 3000 acres of parkland and gardens, is a favourite haunt for celebrities.

Nick and Royston were invited to the Summer Members Party by their friend, James Hearle. The event embraced a glamorous 1980s Miami vibe, with elegant guests mingling over delicious canapés and cocktails.

The highlight of the night was none other than Pete Tong, who set the tone with his incredible DJ set. The dazzling setting and electrifying atmosphere made it an unforgettable night for Nick and Royston.

MANCHESTER GAY PRIDE No summer would be complete without Manchester Gay Pride, a highlight of the season. A three-day sensation in the Canal Street area, the parade through the streets brought the city to a halt and the party atmosphere was infectious. With a host of stars entertaining throughout the weekend including Jessie J and Rita Ora, it attracted thousands of visitors, all ready to celebrate.

It was a fabulous surprise to spot Katie Price, and her daughter Princess, enjoying the party. Close friends and a regular client for many years, Katie always requested the boys to style her on special occasions and events, including her wedding.

Having not caught up for a while, Katie looked fabulous, and Princess all grown up. It was wonderful to catch up with plenty of laughter and memories.

39 57

Bellisima Napoli

by Rebecca Underwood, Travel Journalist

Naples, the capital of the Campania region, is a thriving, pulsating, cosmopolitan city in the south of Italy, which lies between the two volcanic regions of Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields. This city offers visitors a rich tapestry of history, spectacular art and architecture that is sure to placate the most demanding appetites of the most dedicated culture vultures.

Museum of Capodimonte inside the Palace of Capodimonte. The museum exhibits a fine collection of treasures including works

by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, El Greco and other masters. The most intriguing exhibit has to be the painting ascribed to Leonardo da Vinci, ‘The Holy Infants Embracing’, which represents the infant Christ embracing his cousin John the Baptist. It is quite magnificent.

The historic city centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and covers 4,200 acres.

For an architectural treat I visited Maschio Angioino, the imposing castle built in 1282, which is surrounded by deep moats and is accessed through a beautiful ornate arch.

The extensive Farnese collection, housed on the ground floor, includes intriguing examples of Roman monumental sculpture and it is a real feast for the eyes.

For the most adventurous and courageous visitors, Mount Vesuvius beckons. The last volcanic eruption took place in 1944 when the shape of the crater altered. Records show slight activity in 1980 but since then she has only emitted a plume of smoke, to remind us that she is not dormant. You may wish to plan your visit by car as there is a good road leading to a junction amidst the lava flow but if you are feeling more energetic, the path, although strewn with cinders and fragments of lava, offers a more daring assent and, I am reliably informed, that the reward at the summit is generous, affording a breath taking view over the Bay of Naples.

I was enthralled by the outstanding sculptures celebrating the House of Aragon in 1467.

I embarked on a leisurely stroll around the Cappella Palatina and admired the Renaissance doorway and as I entered the theatre I noticed the grand entrance to the Galleria Umberto I, the largest interior arcade in southern Italy.

I wandered around the Piazza del Plebiscito, enclosed by the majestic royal palace and admired the spectacular neoclassical facade of the San Francesco di Paola church and then made my way to the National 58

Our Travel I was feeling a trifle weary after all my explorations and keen to check-in to a local hotel for an undisturbed slumber. The Britannique Curio Collection by Hilton is located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which is a tranquil area, and only a ten minute walk from the Via dei Mille shopping district.

Accommodations are spacious with contemporary furnishings and most feature views over the Gulf of Naples. I selected the comfortable king junior suite measuring 20 sq metres and then made my way to the hotel’s rooftop Niq Bar, ordered a cool cocktail and admired the panoramic view across the Gulf of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. I raised my glass and made a toast to this wonderful city, full of surprises.

The Britannique

Treat yourself and visit bellissima Napoli, you won’t be disappointed.

Images excluding accommodation courtesy of Convention Bureau Napoli

The Britannique - Junior King Suite

Piazza del Plebiscito 59

Our Horoscopes

Capricorn December 21 - January 19

Cancer June 21 - July 21

Try to be even handed in whatever decisions you have to make, especially those involving others.

Your advice will be appreciated and your voice will be heard.

Love and romance are all around. Venus the planet of lovers is in a very fortunate place on your chart.

Others seem to appreciate your deep emotions and this could lead to new horizons for you.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

Leo July 22 - August 21 You may see life as a bit of a competition right now, fired up by the power of that intrepid planet Jupiter. The added bonus is that it could also be a good time to enter into competitions of all sorts.

Could this be a winning streak?

Getting out and about too much may make you feel like you don’t know whether you’re on your arm or your elbow. Worry not this is only a passing phase and soon all will be tranquil once again.

Pisces February 19 - March 20

Virgo August 22 - September 22 Do your best to avoid foolish and Lilly-livered people, who seem to want to steer you away from the straight and narrow. Trust your own judgment and note that Virgoan people are noted for having lots of common sense.

Maybe it’s time to take a good hard look at the financial aspects of your life. Sorting everything out now could save you a lot of time in the future.

Remember ’Many a mickel makes a muckle’.

Aries March 21 - April 20

Libra September 21 - October 22 Eating cake, making merry and letting your hair down are all part of life’s rich pageant as far as you are concerned. Enjoy life, put value on you and you really can’t go wrong. Bring on the highlife and feel the now.

Once that restrictive planet Saturn loosens its grip on your chart you should be able to make much more progress in whatever you undertake.

It won’t be long before you are riding high once more.

Taurus April 21 - May 20

Scorpio October 23 - November 22 Now you really are in the driving seat, as the sun passes through your sign you should start to feel on top of the world. Romance is riding high too.

All in all your luck is in!

Give yourself time to think. A little bit of breathing space could be quite valuable to you just now, as you begin to make important decisions about the impending new chapter of your life.

Sagittarius November 23 - December 20

Gemini May 21 - June 20

It’s a big thumbs up to anything relating to business expansion. Or on the other hand you could be in line for a spot of promotion. Either way you are liable to be a leader of others. Authority is truly your thing.

Acquaintances will turn to friends and friends may become partners. All in all this is a great time for socialising and entertaining others. That friendly planet Uranus is close to your sign which should lead to a new circle of people.

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Our Crossword

CrOSSWORD

Across

Down

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 17 19 20 21 22 23

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 17 18 19

Superior of a monastery (5) Type of gum (6) Waterproof fabric (7) Chocolate ingredient (5) Yellowish citrus fruit (5) Mysterious (7) French national holiday (8,3) Begin (4,3) Brother of Moses (5) Precipitous (5) Blow up (7) Go back (6) Intestine (5

Ancient Greek sun god (6) Eating disturbance (7) Kidnapped (5) Adapt for new use (7) Cured pig meat (5) Insane (5) Unentitled (11) Cavalry soldier (7) Flight personnel (7) Imaginary (6) Intense light beam (5) Proficient (5) Unscripted (2,3)

Answers for SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 24 Across: 1 Dress, 4 Offal, 7 Baku, 8 Absorbed, 9 Psalter, 10 Cache, 12 Havana, 14 Anorak, 16 Psych, 18 Edition, 21 Rotarian, 22 Esau, 23 Romeo, 24 Rodeo.

Down: Dead sea, 2 Equal, 3 Spaceman, 4 Oust, 5 Farrago, 6 Leech, 11 Gardener, 13 Acclaim, 15 Avocado, 17 Scour, 19 Treed, 20 Kilo.

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Mini Cooper SE Electric distracting and I firmly believe that the worm will turn in the not-too-distant future and we revert back to more controls on the steering wheel.

I fully appreciate that all manufacturers when they are producing cars make them bigger than the previous models, but with the Mini it really is an outstanding difference between the original 1960’s and the current incarnation, writes Bob Hickman.

Inside the Mini you would never expect it to be a huge people carrier, rear seat passengers will not be too impressed because let’s face it this is a small, family car not an SUV.

The Mini electric John Cooper Works model really is a huge derivative, looking at it you can see a certain DNA. The simple design stands out from the plethora of SUV’s that seem to be dominating the market place. The body upgrade, huge rear spoiler and big alloy wheels make the vehicle even more of a stand out.

The Mini Electric version has a charm all of its own, whether you will be converted to electric is another matter. In and around town the Mini was a delight, it has comfy seats, superb acceleration and also it will enable you to drive it with one foot because it has a retardation effect which enables the vehicle to slow down without touching the brake.

Inside the Mini, the huge circular infotainment screen in the middle of the dash board is not to everybody’s choice but it does work, it was strange however not to see an instrument panel directly in front of the driver. The infotainment is simple to understand but I do wish manufacturers would stop putting everything on to the screen, it really is

I was grateful for the rear-view camera and parking aids because whilst you are sitting somewhat lower, the pillars and somewhat chunky design means visibility is a little restricted.

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Our Motoring coffee, came back 30 minutes later and it had then achieved almost 70% of its battery performance.

Twisty roads were where the Mini really does come in to its own and its heritage shows through, it was a delight to drive, it turns in to corners beautifully and it does exactly what it should do. On the motorway it was okay, the cruise control was useful, allowing your speed and distance to the car in front to be set, meaning you can relax and concentrate on your driving.

I think without doubt the jury is still out on the merits of electric, I understand the argument behind the potential green issue but the infostructure in this country is still lacking to be able to be confident in doing a long journey. If you had to travel from the Midlands to Devon you would have to factor in re-charging stops.

The electric Mini has a choice of 2 batteries, a 36 or a 49-kilowatt battery. The test car derivative had the higher capacity battery which should give about 215bhp quite a powerful vehicle. The manufacturers suggest a range of potentially 240 miles are achievable but I think you really have to take this with a serious pinch of salt. A week in company with the vehicle I could get now where near that figure and the best I was able to achieve was about 170 miles.

The one big issue with the Mini is the pricing structure, the on the road price of the Mini Cooper SE was £33,920, which is reasonable, but the very nice people at Mini had added numerous extras which included the panoramic glass sunroof, adaptive headlights, interior camera, heated seats, special wheels, and sports braking and all sorts of extra bits and pieces, this added a staggering £8,500 making the car £42,470, whilst the Mini is a delightful car to look at, to drive, and be ensconced in, I think this is a little excessive.

I found one of the rapid charge machines locally and plugged the car in, went for a

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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 64

Our Finance & Legal

Getting Organised:

The First Steps Towards Financial Clarity

Siobhan Record Our Lifestyle’s Financial Expert

your financial information organised, you can gain a deeper understanding of your financial life. This includes examining your income, expenses, savings, and investments, which can reveal areas for improvement.

Clarity also allows you to set and achieve financial goals by creating a roadmap for success.

The first step in the financial planning process is gathering all of the necessary information but because this takes valuable time, people are often tempted to jump straight to the decision making and this often leads to poor, sometimes irreversible decisions.

We’ve found that smart financial choices are only possible when you’re organised, which is why our work with new clients always begins here.

Taking the First Steps - financial organisation may seem daunting, but the rewards are worth it. By decluttering your finances, you build a more intentional and empowered relationship with your money. Financial organisation is like a beacon of light guiding you through the fog of financial confusion and illuminating the path to a brighter, more secure future.

From Chaos to Order - the lack of clarity about one's financial situation can take a significant mental and emotional toll and the solution lies in financial organisation. Getting organised initially seems daunting, but every journey begins with a single step. Start by creating a centralised hub— a physical folder, a digital folder or a combination of the two.

Then gather all of the important documents and keep them safe in your hub. By having all of your important documents in one easily accessible place, you can quickly and easily reference the information you need to make informed decisions about your money.

At Cre8, we’ve guided many families through this process and can help you achieve financial peace of mind.

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 Power of Financial Clarity - at the heart of organisation lies the power of clarity. With

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

5 Festive Tips for Healthier Saving Habits this Christmas with Dudley Building Society The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and yes—spending! With all the excitement of gift-giving, decorating, and gatherings, it's easy to get caught up in the moment and overspend. However, Christmas can also be a fantastic opportunity to set some saving habits that will help you all year round.

your finances without the New Year guilt.

Set limits for each holiday expense category.

Sticking to your budget will ensure you enjoy the season without overspending, and you’ll head into the New Year with your finances in better shape.

4. Build a Holiday Emergency Fund

At Dudley Building Society, we believe in fostering good financial habits while still enjoying the magic of Christmas. Here are five tips to help you save smartly this holiday season.

Christmas may bring joy, but it can also bring unexpected costs. Having a small holiday emergency fund can save the day. Dudley Building Society offers instant access savings accounts that are perfect for this. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that if an unexpected holiday expense arises, you’re covered, without dipping into your regular savings.

1. Set a Christmas Savings Goal The festive season often comes with extra expenses, so setting a clear Christmas savings goal is a great first step. Whether you’re saving for holiday gifts, a special Christmas dinner, or even planning a winter getaway, having a target will keep you focused. Dudley Building Society’s range of savings accounts can help you find the right one for your Christmas budget goals.

5. Review Your Year-End Finances and Adjust Your Savings Plan As the year comes to a close, Christmas is a great time to review your finances and make adjustments for the year ahead. Reflect on your financial habits over the past year and see where improvements can be made.

Dudley Building Society can help you adjust your savings plan and prepare for both the festive season and the year ahead, ensuring you’re always on track with your goals.

2. Track Your Festive Spending Keeping an eye on your Christmas spending can make all the difference. With presents to buy and holiday parties to attend, it's easy to lose track of your finances. By reviewing where your money is going, you can cut back on unnecessary purchases. Maybe skip that extra set of lights and put the money towards your savings instead—it'll feel just as festive!

Give Yourself the Gift of Financial Wellbeing This Christmas This Christmas, why not take a step towards a brighter financial future? Scan the QR code to visit the Dudley Building Society’ website to explore our savings accounts. You can also get in touch with one of our friendly Customer Service Advisors on 01384 231414, email us at enquiries@dudleybuildingsociety.co.uk, or pop into one of our local branches.

3. Create a Christmas Budget and Stick to It Once you’ve tracked your spending, set a Christmas budget. This will help you manage 66

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