Your Lifestyle Magazine Jan/Feb 17

January/ February 2017

Styles for 2017 Interiors and Fashion

ND Hair

Win a Clarins Tri - Active Facial and more

Cowshed Win a meal for four

Delivered to 25,000 Selected Households and Businesses Pattingham, Burnhill Green, Ackleton, Chesterton, Seisdon, Claverley, Trysull, Sandford, Worfield, Hilton, Wightwick, Compton, Perton, Perton Ridge, Finchfield, Codsall, Codsall Wood, Oaken, Lower Penn, Tettenhall, Stockwell End, Lower Street, Claregate, Wombourne, Wall Heath, Kingswinford, Swindon, Himley, Stourbridge, Kinver, Enville, Stourton, Norton, Bobbington, Old Swinford, Pedmore, Hagley, Blakedown, Hackman’s Gate, Belbroughton.

www.yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

yourlifestylemagazine

Your Lifestyle Magazine

Welcome to 2017

Contents Home Style

2 - 25

Music

26 - 27

Property

28 - 35

Food & Drink

36 - 41

What’s On

42 - 45

Your Jobs

46 - 47

Weddings

48 - 51

Fashion

52 - 53

Hair & Beauty

54 - 65

Health

66 - 77

Pets and Garden

78 - 85

Horoscopes

86

Finance & Legal

87 - 88

Funerals

89

Don’t forget if you would like us to feature your social event, or maybe you know a rising star we should write about contact us with the details.

Travel

90 - 91

Motor Events

92 - 93

Classified

94 - 95

EARN MONEY & KEEP FIT Our magazine wants distributors in Wolverhampton, Stourbridge and Codsall. Good rates of pay.

Motoring

96 - 99

2017 Calender

100

Welcome to your first edition of Your lifestyle Magazine in 2017.

We hope you all have had a lovely Christmas and all at Your Lifestyle Magazine would like to wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year for 2017.

Now is the time when you are taking down your Christmas decorations and your home feels a little bare, have a look at our interior section for inspiration and that new look.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, there will be lots of wedding proposals happen at this time, so let our Wedding section help with the planning of your special day.

Competition time with ND hair enter and win lots of treatments and goodies worth over £165.00 and a meal for four at the Cowshed. Good luck.

Ring Graham on 07969 884247 for details.

Linda Farren

Christine Arnold

Andy Wright

Marketing Director

Sales Director

Design & Production Manager

07841 431446

linda@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

07970 681004

christine@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

Feature Writers and Editor; Emma Russel, Kate Oliver, Jayne Howarth info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

www.yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk 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 Your 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 2014 the winner will be notified by 15th April 2014. 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 2014 the competition will run until 10th April 2014 Details of the winner available on request by writing to: Your Lifestyle Magazine Limited, Dominique House 1 Church Road, Netherton. DY2 0LY. Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Your Lifestyle Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage, or omission in an advert. Your 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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Dreamland Beds

Divans

Bed frames

Dreamland has been helping the people across the Midlands to get a good night’s sleep since 1976 – and now Dreamland Bedding Centre is marking its 40th anniversary with their winter sale, Dreamland will be opening their doors new year’s day from 11 am. During the winter sale there will be large reductions on almost every bed in store.

All Silentnight beds are coming with free storage in the base. The new display of Hypnos which are now in store, we are giving you a king-size bed for the same price as a double on all the Hypnos beds. If you require even bigger than King size, the Super king size beds have 10% off.

With Sealy products we have taken hundreds of pounds of many of their products. The Dunlopillo range has the highest models for the same price as the lower ones.

Electric beds

Ottomans

Somnus mattresses and beds have up to 25% off, with Relyon beds have large savings across the board.

Naked Bed products have 15% off and many headboards, bed frames and electric beds have been massively reduced along with some clearance models.

Located in Mill Street, Brierley Hill – just a few minutes’ walk from the Merry Hill Centre – you’ll find friendly and knowledgeable staff, all of whom understand the importance of getting the right bed for you. You’ll receive impartial advice and a tailor-made solution to meet your needs from the firmer to softer beds upon which to rest your head.

Founded by Mike Brown, Dreamland is a family business that is proud to serve the Black Country and the wider Midlands region.

FREE Size Upgrade

Winter Sale Opening New Year's Day 11am 4:30pm

FREE Storage Upgrade

Mike says: “We’re very excited to have reached this milestone of 40 years and we’re looking forward to continuing to serve our customers, old and new, for the next 40 and beyond.” “We spend a third of our lives asleep, so there can be no better investment than a quality handmade mattress and bed.”

Dreamland has come a long way since it first opened its doors in Mill Street, Brierley Hill, in the spring of 1976 with just 12 beds on show, it has now become renowned for quality and service, Dreamland stocks only manufacturers that are approved by the National Bed Federation, and offers premium handmade beds, with mattresses filled with natural fillings such as wool, cashmere, alpaca and silk help to regulate your body temperature. But whatever you choose, you’ll be delighted at Dreamland’s summer sale.

Dreamland

Instead of a delivery charge, customers are asked to make a donation, all of which goes to charity.

Over the past few years, it has raised more than £125,000 for the Mary Stevens Hospice, thanks to the generosity of customers who give in lieu of delivery charge. Dreamland will even collect your old bed and assemble your divan – more reasons why you’ll sleep soundly in your new bed!

If you’re looking to replace your tired, old bed with a new model, look no further – Dreamland Bedding Centre, with its large, free customer car park, is open seven days a week. Opening times are Monday to Saturday, 9am-5.30pm; Sundays 11am-4.30pm.

Visit Dreamland Bedding Centre today at 23 Mill Street, Brierley Hill

01384 74166

www.dreamlandbedding.co.uk

Your Home

What’s new for 2017 Liz Pyman

Now that the festivities are over for another year, and we begin to look ahead, I find myself pondering the decor and design changes I’d like to make at home in 2017. The earthy tones that have dominated my living space have been lovely surroundings, I’ll concede, and they’ve certainly accentuated the warm and cosy feel during the last few weeks.

But I feel ready for a change, and I’m intrigued to see which trends are going to inform our design choices over the coming twelve months.

And what better way to usher in the new year than a fresh lick of paint around the home, in a brand new shade? I’m really interested to see how our tastes in colour palettes will develop this year, and the ways we’ll be using them.

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A great place to start is to look at some of the new additions to the ranges offered by paint manufacturers. These producers can have a huge impact on our style choices; the seemingly simple choice of what colour to paint our walls can then go on to dictate the furniture pieces that we choose, the art we hang on our walls, or the style of rug that we put on the floor.

Let’s look at a couple of the new colours that paint producers are offering us as we approach the year ahead.

Colour me calm

If there’s one ambience that many of us would like to evoke in our homes this year, it’s serenity; tranquillity. It’s been fun to follow the trend for bold, geometric designs, bright colours, and 2016’s zest for tropical, exotic designs, but now I find myself drawn to tones that conjure up a sense of peace and escape from the everyday.

Your

Home

WINTER OFFER FREE INSTALLATION ON ALL KITCHENS ORDER IN JAN/FEB 2017 COMPLETE FULLY INSTALLED GERMAN KITCHEN INC OVEN, HOB, EXT, DISHWASHER, SINK AND TAP £4995!

Dulux (www.dulux.co.uk) has named Denim Drift as its Colour of the Year for 2017. This muted grey-blue can fulfil the design brief for practically any room or space, in any home. It would suit a spacious, airy living room with a high ceiling, an office space, or a teenager’s bedroom. It coordinates well with a variety of furnishing styles and different-coloured accessories and textiles, if you plan just to re-paint; then again, there are a number of directions you could go in when choosing new items to curate a space painted in Denim Drift. It’s striking to see how this apparently plain, neutral shade of blue can be used to great effect in a variety of ways.

Nkuku (www.nkuku.com), based in Totnes, Devon, have an excellent range of fair-trade pieces that would work in harmony with a grey-blue scheme; their blue Jambo jute rug would make a lovely addition to any bedroom, hallway or bathroom.

Their Beso chair also tones beautifully with Dulux’s new palette

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Your Home snapped up some gorgeous pieces because their look or style has caught my eye (and my wallet).

A favourite set of gorgeous stoneware teacups, which I bought in Oxfam in Bath, have turned out to be the work of a pretty big name in 1970s ceramics. It goes to show that there are some real treasures out there, and not always where you might expect to find them.

It’s amethyst all the way, however, at Benjamin Moore Paints (www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk), my second pick, and definitely my favourite new paint shade. Their new colour for 2017 is named Shadow 2117-30, a deeply seductive purple.

I’d love to feature this colour in a bedroom or a dining room, as it would look exquisite by candlelight, perhaps accented with copper or gold accessories. 'Shadow' also works beautifully with natural wood; though dark on first impression, it has rare, rich jewel tones that will really shine in the right space. Look out for this sumptuous colour everywhere from living spaces to furniture, textiles to upholstery. It’s one to watch!

In with the new

2017 looks set for a departure from the Vintage style as we have come to use the term. I do think that the 1940s Vintage styling will linger in our homes and our lives for a while yet, but I also notice a progression from that look in this year’s style trends. There’s a late-Sixties flavour emerging in predictions for 2017’s home decor. Lovers of Retro style - myself included - can look forward to many a happy hour scouring outlets for quirky one-off items.

Hand-thrown/preloved ceramics, perhaps from a flea market, charity shop or car boot sale, or family heirlooms, can bring individuality and add an artistic touch and a pop of colour, or blend in with colours of other elements in the room. I’ve always loved handmade ceramics, and over the years I’ve

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, and this certainly rings true in the world of interiors. I have quite a strong idea of what I like and what works in my home, so the only ‘beholder’ I try to please is myself. This year, be bold and individual.

Choosing colour schemes, key furniture pieces, and textiles can be a brilliant way of expressing a side of yourself that people might not usually see, and you can get pretty carried away once you’re ‘in the zone’!

Zone out

Speaking of zones, 2017 is going to be the year of making little spaces in our homes for cosying up, escaping the everyday, and doing the things we really enjoy. You might like to create a reading nook or sewing corner; if you work from home,

Your

Home

15% off Curtains and Blinds

For a limited period only, terms & conditions apply.

9.30am - 5pm

Please come and browse our fabulous showrooms at: 26 Finchfield Road West, Finchfield, Wolverhampton

perhaps you’d like to update your office space to make it a more comfortable place to be.

Benjamin Moore 'Shadow' paint colour Prices start from £19.50 for 0.94L of paint from the Regal Select Flat range. www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

There are so many possibilities for your perfect little hideaway, be it something as simple as a favourite comfy chair and small table in an otherwise under-used spot in the house, a bookshelf-lined converted closet, or a craft area utilising the redundant space underneath a child’s high-sleeper bed. Creating your own haven of tranquillity can also be a great way to add style and colour accents to a small part of a larger, monochrome room. I think this has got to be my favourite of all the interiors predictions I’ve heard for 2017.

Make a statement

‘Statement’ furniture pieces retain their star appeal this year. At the comfy, indulgent end of the spectrum, there’s a multitude of gorgeous sofas, cocooning armchairs, and beautiful beds. Add to these the growing range of more utilitarian pieces - with clean lines, a smooth finish, and the juxtaposition of hand-hewn wood and bare metal – and we can see the continuation of 2016’s

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Your Home love affair with contrast. Creating a certain ‘friction’ between different textures, surfaces, materials and styles really brings out our idiosyncrasies as designers of our personal living spaces. I’m a big fan of mixing up styles to add a depth of interest to my home, and there’s endless inspiration to be had in interiors blogs and magazines. It can be helpful to create a ‘mood board’, pulling together designs, patterns, accessories and colour inspiration to create a visual representation of the look you have in mind.

Get your fire off to a roaring start with our selection of winter fuel…

House Coal 10kg £2.99 Smokeless Coal 10kg £3.99 Kindling £2.49 Logs £2.99 CALOR

Part of the passion for contrast is the pairing of pieces from different parts of the world with items crafted closer to home. For me, fair-trade is the only way to go when purchasing handmade furniture from overseas, and there are some gorgeous pieces out there. Montes & Clark’s Wooden Vintage Chair in Slate Grey (montesandclark.co.uk), upholstered in delectable traditional Mexican fabric, will make an eye-catching addition to any living room or bedroom.

STOCKISTS OF

GAS

t: 01902 842461 f: 01902 846666 e: enquiries@codsallandwergs.co.uk

Bring the outside in

Wergs Hall Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 2HJ

If 2016 was the year of the jungle theme, with some wallpaper prints evoking a tropical

www.codsallandwergs.co.uk

CWGC Winter Fuel (67x106).indd 1

30/11/2016 11:33

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Your

hothouse, 2017 heads outdoors - and to far-off lands - to bring even more gorgeous botanical elements into our homes. Rattan furniture and historical accents combine to suggest the pioneering voyages of years gone by.

Fairtrade Furniture (www. fairtradefurniture.co.uk) have the supremely comfy-looking Jogya suite, while the neat and stylish Kacang table can be found at www.myakka. co.uk.

I think we’ll see a new take on delicate floral prints and patterns, creating space and a feeling of being surrounded by nature. We’ll be filling all those forgotten vases and pots with lovely blooms, feathery ferns, and succulent

13

Home

Your Home plants. Aqua tones, wistful blues and motherof-pearl white will also be popular choices; think sun-bleached seashells, sand-dunes, and summer-morning skies.

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Show off your style

We’re going to be staying with the eclectic vibe again this year; it’s really a matter of pleasing yourself when it comes to decorating, furnishing and accessorising your home. With constant developments in technology and modern design, there is such delight in playing around with different styles, mixing a little bit of ‘old’ with a little bit of ‘new’. After all, who can really predict what our choices will have been when we reach the end of 2017?

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01562 825720

for you nearest store - www.tilechoice.co.uk

Your Home If you love the look of wood but want the look without the practical drawbacks, why not opt for wood effect tiles? Advancements in digital imaging technology mean flooring which mimics the look of wood can be produced, offering a more hardwearing, affordable option.

GALLERY & BESPOKE PICTURE FRAMING

A natural material such as stone is always a popular choice and lends authenticity to a scheme. Natural stone ranges from beautifully veined marble to rustic travertine tiles, all of which have their own unique markings, pattern and texture.

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 10am-5pm Thu: Open till 8pm Mob: 01562 227 007 Shop: 07973 493 522 E: info@weiserart.co.uk W. www.weiserart.co.uk Weiserart 149a Worcester Road, Hagley DY9 ONW

The kitchen is the heart of the home Kitchen flooring is important to think carefully about – after all, the kitchen is the heart of the home.

Kitchen flooring might need to be practical and hardwearing, but there’s no need for it to be dull. As kitchens often blend with dining areas into larger, open-plan spaces, the floor can be a great way of uniting different areas of the room, creating a cohesive finish. It’s a good idea to choose your flooring at the same time as your cabinetry, putting together a palette of colours and materials.

Choose your material: Porcelain tiles are the most hardwearing and they are waterproof, stain resistant and scratchproof, as well as easy to maintain. Natural stone will last a lifetime if properly installed, but it’s porous so you must make sure it’s sealed. Wood-effect tiles are warm and offer character, they also provide durability and most beneficial of all, they don’t require maintenance like real wood.

You might opt for neutral tiles in large formats, or those with pattern and texture to add a burst of colour to your kitchen.

Underfloor heating: Generally, porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tiles are perfect for use with underfloor heating.

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Strongbow Sherborne • Wills Gambier •

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•

If you are considering using underfloor heating with wood, ensure the correct mat is purchased.

If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

SALE

• Titchmarsh & Goodwin • Vale •

Think about pattern: The latest trend in flooring is patterned tiles as they can be used to create a feature floor, or to ‘zone’ an area, such as underneath a dining table.

The key to using them in a kitchen is to keep the rest of your space monochromatic. Plain walls and simple furniture shapes will showcase them at their best.

Sutcli e

If you are struggling for inspiration, pop into one of our stores, take a look around and meet the team who will be on hand to help develop your project.

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High Street, Stourbridge

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Cintique • Collins & Hayes • Duresta • Ercol • G-Plan • Old Charm • Parker Knoll • Stuart Jones

Your Home Your Home • Bradley • Bridgcra •

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KASHOFF SALE NOW ON!

Try our amazing selection of Somnus Beds -at Sale Prices!

The Marquis 14,000 Sleep System Upholstered with real horsehair, natural Egyptian cotton, mohair, and Yorkshire Dales and Herdwick eco wool.

We believe in natural sleep. Somnus beds help . Bed and mattress are improved and perfected through constant testing and innovation. It’s the difference created through home-grown natural fillings and hand-made craftsmanship. Somnus beds are manufactured in Yorkshire. A Somnus Bed, from Kashoff, is not the end result - it is just the beginning Select for firmness, luxury, size, colour, headboard - Somnus will have a bed for every body!

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Beds - Bedroom & Living Room Cabinet Furniture 154, HAGLEY ROAD, Oldswinford, STOURBRIDGE Tel: 01384 378190 Open Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5-30, Sunday 11 - 4 19

Your Home

New Year’s Resolution: Save Money and Help the Planet

LED bulbs may be costlier to buy, but by switching from your regular halogen and incandescent bulbs, you'll be saving up to 90%, helping you protect your bank balance and the planet. With a significantly longer average lifespan of 50,000 hours, LEDs walk all over traditional bulbs that only have an average lifespan of 2,000 hours. Like we said, LEDs may be costlier but with an average £2.50 annual energy cost per bulb as opposed to £20.00, it’s clearly the wiser, more efficient choice. If that’s not enough to persuade you, then we have a few more benefits that might change your mind.

Longer Lifespan: Using the figures mentioned above,if you were to leave your lights on 24/7, you have over 5 years of continuous operation. However, nobody leaves their lights on 24/7. Leaving the LED fixture on for 8 hours a day would take an estimated 17 years of operation before you'd need to replace a bulb.

Energy Efficient: LED lighting is today's most resourceful way of illumination, with an estimated efficiency of 8090%. This means that about 80% of electrical energy is converted to light, while 20% is lost and converted into other forms of energy, such as heat. Traditional bulbs are the opposite way around, with a 20% efficiency of light and 80% being lost to heat and other forms of energy, now you know why those bulbs get so hot!

8757-168CC £480

Eco-Friendly: LED bulbs are free from toxic chemicals, unlike traditional bulbs and they are 100% recyclable. The longer operational lifespan mentioned previously, means that one LED bulb can save the materials and production of 25 incandescent light bulbs. This will help you to reduce your carbon footprint by up to a third.

Faster Dispersal: LED bulbs brighten up instantly and can be switched on or off recurrently, without affecting the LED's lifespan. In contrast, traditional bulbs may take several seconds to reach their full brightness and frequent on/off switching radically reduces operational life expectancy.

Durability: LEDs make great outdoor lighting systems for rough conditions and exposure to weather because they are shock resistant. This brands them ideal for use under colder temperature settings such as snow and freezer rooms. The same goes for very hot settings; LEDs are frequently found in spa scenes such as saunas and hot tubs.

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9925-10WH £67.20 (Pack of 10)

Your Design Control: Individual LEDs can be dimmed, resulting in a dynamic control of light, colour, and dispersal. Welldesigned LED fittings can achieve remarkable lighting effects for the eye and for the mind. LEDs are a great form of accent lighting too and can create drama in alcoves, display areas, plinths, and under-cabinets.

If you like the sound of LED Lighting, then come visit our lighting showroom ‘Lighting R Us’ in Aldersley, Wolverhampton as well as browsing through our extensive range of quality lighting.

Email: sales@lightingrus.co.uk Tel:01902 757825 We also have qualified electricians available for all your electrical needs using our parent company Central Electrical Contracts Ltd Email: cecontracts@aol.com Tel: 01902 744100

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DIA94 £185

Home

Your Home VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.LIGHTINGRUS.CO.UK UNIT 1A, WALTON WORKS IND EST. MACROME ROAD, ALDERSLEY, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV6 9HD sales@lightingrus.co.uk | 01902 757825

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TAKE THIS ADVERT IN TO STORE OR USE PROMO CODE ‘LS10JANFEB’ ON OUR WEBSITE. VALID UNTIL END OF FEBRUARY 2017.

OFFER EXCLUDES BESPOKE SHADES AND BULBS. MINIMUM SPEND £100.

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Using Witley Direct To Transform Your Home With over 35 years experience in manufacturing educational and office furniture, Witley Jones brings you an innovative and exciting new dimension for home office and fitted bedroom furniture – Witley Direct. Drawing on highly skilled in-house manufacturing and design teams, Witley Direct offers you the chance to liven up your home – from a new bright and vibrant bedside cabinet, to a luxurious fitted home office.

Your

Home

Witley Direct @witleydirect @witleydirect

you with detailed 2D and 3D drawings (and a quotation) for you to see how your ideas will look. With your approval, a home survey will take place where every detail is double checked before their highly skilled manufacturing team (based in Worcestershire) proceed.

At a time to suit you, the Witley Direct installation team will visit you with your new furniture and, with precision and care, help turn your ideas in to reality and transform your bedroom, home office or an awkward, neglected space.

After an initial enquiry, a free non-obligation home consultation with one of the design team takes place at a time to suit you. They will work with you to establish your vision for your home and decipher the best storage solutions to cater for your lifestyle. Following the visit, Witley Direct’s design team then runs with the idea to provide

Contact now, for an informal discussion or to proceed with a home visit from one of the design team on: W.www.witleydirect.co.uk, E. enquiries@witleydirect.co.uk, T. 01299 828888.

LIVEN UP YOUR HOME Witley Jones brings you an innovative and exciting new dimension for home office and fitted bedroom furniture.

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Offering stylish storage solutions to neglected and awkward spaces Over 35 years experience Locally manufactured Buy direct from the manufacturer Call now to book your free non-obligation home consultation from one of our design team

01299 828888 / 07785 613366

enquiries@witleydirect.co.uk www.witleydirect.co.uk 23

Your Home Business

Projects from PAINT IT by Peta Green of Paint It Colour Matched!

The Brief Paint it has been painting fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms and brown furniture many years, and their latest kitchen project was an existing Painted Bespoke kitchen. The customer had a deadline, moving into their New Home in October and had a project plan of the work that needed to be achieved. In particular the customers had commissioned Paint It to paint the kitchen units to match the newly built and fitted centre island.

AFTER been a very successful re-vamp and customer was overjoyed with the outcome, and commented that work had been done with care and attention to detail that certainly impressed them!

If you would like speak to Peta about your painting requirements contact her on 01952 670805 to arrange a FREE of CHARGE home consultation, or visit www.paintitfurniture.com to send an enquiry.

BEFORE The Solution Peta arranged to meet the customer, with the present owner’s permission to see what work was required and provide a quotation. The work surface was a light Beech wood and required a complete overhaul. The colour chosen for the island was Oxford White and Paint It matched the painting of the kitchen cupboards etc. The work surface had to be completely stripped and 4 coats of worktop oil was applied before the colour was even and not patchy. Peta provided her expertise throughout the project to ensure that everything was on course to be completed on time.

Back in the workshop Paint it using their 7 coat hand painted specialist paint system, as a part of the normal preparation removed the existing painted finish from all the doors and drawer fronts and made repairs to any dented wood Paint It returned to paint the fixed joinery on site and re-fitted doors and drawer fronts. It had

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Your

Home

Something old, Something new Serendipity also buys second hand furniture and offers a house clearance service at very reasonable rates. There is also a free valuation service for antiques, jewellery and Objet D’art The friendly village shop welcomes customers old and new to pop by and say hello, browse at their leisure and enjoy the eclectic mix of beautiful treasures and trinkets.

Dee and Gilly Bowers (previously of Village Interiors, Tettenhall), look forward to your visit.

Within the village of Codsall, there is a hidden gem called Serendipity...a charming Aladdin’s cave where you’ll find bespoke furniture, lamps, mirrors, clocks, cushions, throws, scented candles, beautiful and unusual gifts and so much more!!

The shop’s owner Dee O’Hara has embraced the concept of selling quality second hand furniture, Antiques and household items. Serendipity is unique in that it sells on behalf of its customers as well as brand new high quality products to help make your home and garden a stylish and comfy retreat

RECEIVE 10% OFF ANYTHING IN JAN/FEB 2017 IF YOU TAKE THIS VOUCHER INTO OUR SHOP

For further information on Serendipity please call Dee or Gilly on 01902 842289 or email: deeoharawishart@yahoo.co.uk Specialising in shabby-chic make-overs Dee restores old and tired furniture, which she sells in the shop, as well as offering a bespoke service to her customers. Using Annie Sloan chalk paints and various distressing and waxing techniques Dee renovates each and every item with a caring hand to a high quality finish.

Address: 5 Chapel Lane, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 2EH (by Codsall train station) Find us on https://www.facebook.com/ serendipitycodsall?fref=ts Twitter: @serendcodsall

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Our continual search for great sound has lead us to some remarkable speaker systems From all over the world.

Featured here Gradient loudspeakers from Finland ---- only available from Midland Hi-Fi Studio in the whole of the Midlands area Also featured Quad loudspeakers a famous British brand name that has been creating world beating designs for over 70 years.

Our speaker ranges cover a great many countries USA, Italy, China, Germany, to name a few.

You will see from the Photographs and headlines they are all MULTI AWARD WINNING DESIGNS. However technical design is nothing without the aesthetic design. Our speaker Systems are made to compliment the most refined decor and to satisfy the most Discerning home owner.

Gradient loudspeakers

GRADIENT HELSINKI 1.5

Gradient Helsinki is tailored to produce the most beautiful sound in all environments from home to lounge bars and hotel lobbies. These loudspeakers are easy to position and they deliver very open and wide sound stage everywhere to the room.

CONTROLLED DIRECTIVITY

Gradient Helsinki utilizes Controlled Directivity, the very essence of unique Gradient loudspeaker design philosophy. By directing more of the speakers high frequencies and middle frequencies to the listener and less to the reflecting surfaces the listener hears more of the original recording and less of the room.

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Best Floorstanding Loudspeaker Quad Z-3

"A floorstander that sounds as good as it looks" AV Tech Media Awards, 2016/17 What to expect :• CABINETS WITH A RANGE OF WOOD FINISHES • ALTERNATIVELY WITH A LARGE VARIETY OF FABRIC TRIMS • EXOTIC STYLING FOR THAT SPECIAL ROOM (From the wired for sound article use sections headed Bookshelf or standmount also floorstanding)

SPECIAL TRADE IN EVENT TO RUN ALONGSIDE OUR ELECTRONICS TRADE IN UPDATE YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS NOW AND RECEIVE A TRADE IN ALLOWANCE AGAINST YOUR CURRENT OLD SPEAKERS

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Midland Hi-Fi Studios 9 Finchfield Road West Finchfield Wolverhampton WV3 8AY www.midlandhifistudio.co.uk Telephone: 01902 380083

Your Property

Northern Gas Heating becomes a Which?

Trusted Trader

HAVE PEACE OF MIND

KNOWING YOU’RE BEING LOOKED AFTER BY US Northern Gas Heating is delighted to announce they have been endorsed as a ‘Which? Trusted trader’ following an assessment and inspection of its central heating and boiler installation business.

The accolade reflects their commitment to dependable, first-rate customer service.

As a nationwide company, Northern Gas Heating employs over 100 installers and engineers across the UK to offer expert boiler and central heating services which makes it easy for customers to transform their homes energy efficiency rating ultimately saving them money.

“We are thrilled to receive this quality assurance from Which? Trusted Traders because it will give our customers even greater confidence in choosing us. Excellent customer service and aftercare is a key part of our business and we are looking forward to working alongside Which?

Trusted Traders – Nadeem Ahmad, Managing

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Director at Northern Gas Heating.

Under the Which? Trusted Traders scheme, Trading Standards trained officers conduct faceto-face assessments, including business credit reports, business process procedures, customer service and complaint handling procedures and seek feedback from past customers. Due to the stringent demands of the assessment, one in four applicants don’t secure the coveted endorsement.

Raj Kakar-Clayton, Managing Director of Which?

Trusted Traders said ‘We’re really pleased to be able to recognise Northern Gas Heating and its efforts. By choosing a firm endorsed by Which?

Trusted Traders, consumers can be confident in the service they’ll receive.”

To find out more about Northern Gas Heating, please visit www.northerngasheating.com or call 0800 083 1000.

T H E

P R O P E R T Y

P E O P L E

Your Property

It’s the attention to detail that makes a difference We are often told to never judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to property, that’s exactly what we do. We flick from one to another browsing what is on offer, from the outside cover to the pages within, we devour each chapter to see if it is the right fit for our future home.

It may be the interior décor that first grabs our attention, the original features, or the sense of space, that first impression is incredibly important.

Within a split second we can make a decision on whether we want to know more about a property or not. With thousands of properties for sale, competing against each other to win the hearts of potential buyers, how a property for sale is presented is crucial.

Austins Estate Agents our VIP clients receive an exclusive level of service that includes the expertise of an experienced home stager. Our home stager will project manage every stage of the process, and will dress your home perfectly for those all-important photographs.

You know yourself the difference between an amateur and professional photographer. They are able to achieve a quality and elegance that us mere mortals with our mobiles are unable to capture; this is why our VIP clients benefit so greatly from the services of a professional photographer.

So where do you start?

Before your property is featured online and your photographs taken, you need to stage your home. Home staging, as it’s known, is the art of presenting your home in the best possible light.

Think about when you have visited a show home, or seen designer properties in a magazine; each room is not only clean and tidy, but also evokes a lifestyle that you want to dive into.

Getting the look right is a skill, which is why at

Photographs provide the image, but we want to captivate buyers on multiple levels, so we invest in producing a luxurious brochure to market your property of distinction. To this we add a beautiful property description that tells the full story of your home.

Home staging and professional photography has been proven to attract more buyers, entice higher offers, and also help sell your home quicker. Which is why our attention to the details can make all the difference when selling your home.

AustinsEstateAgents www.austinsestateagents.co.uk

CALL OUR SALES TEAM ON

01902 244200 W W W. A U S T I N S E S TAT E A G E N T S . C O . U K

VIP PACKAGE LAUNCH

FREE Home Stager & Professional Photography with every new instruction on the day

HOW TO SELL YOUR HOME FAST AT MAXIMUM PRICE PROFESSIONAL GUEST SPEAKERS Home Stager • Photographer

WOLVERHAMPTON LAWN TENNIS & SQUASH CLUB Neville Lodge, 53 Newbridge Crescent, Wolverhampton WV6 0LH

20th JANUARY 2017 • 5:00 - 7:00pm RSVP by 13th January - jean@austinsestateagents.co.uk

CONTACT US

FOLLOW US ON

WE ADVERTISE ON

01902 244200 I N F O @ A U S T I N S E S TAT E A G E N T S . C O . U K

W W W. A U S T I N S E S TAT E A G E N T S . C O . U K

Your Property

Featured Property Pattingham Road, Perton Ridge, Wolverhampton, WV6 7HD Price Guide: £2,000,000

Screened from the road and enjoying a most picturesque setting of over three acres of surrounding superb mature gardens, this quite individual and distinctive detached property has been restyled over the years to create a quite magnificent family home.

The spacious and tastefully appointed interior provides extremely generous living accommodation incorporating large porch, reception hall with sitting area, cloakroom leading to two WCs, inner lobby, sitting room and sauna. The drawing room, dining room and family room all enjoy views over the rear gardens and the breakfast kitchen has been fitted with a first class suite including built in appliances and ‘Falcon’ Deluxe Range cooker. Adjacent is an inner hall with utility, fitted cloakroom and larder which provides access to the cellar which could be altered for a multitude of purposes.

At the side of the house is a through lobby with walk in stores, work shop and two double width garages.

A feature spiral staircase leads to the first floor where there are six double bedrooms with the master having dressing area and a most superior good size ensuite using the highest quality of fittings.

There is also the benefit

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

Your

Property

The surrounding gardens are an exquisite speciality of Ridge House incorporating vast lawns, landscaped patio areas, ornamental pool, summer house, concealed feature shaped ponds, paddock/ field and together with a gardeners garage, workshop and stores. At the front of the property the good size driveway is approached via automatic gates and adjacent tennis court with fencing and lighting.

It is a rare opportunity a property as unique as this is placed onto the market in such a desirable location.

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

Your Property

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

IT COSTS YOU LESS... WE GIVE YOU MORE...

FLAT FEE £495 INCLUDING: • FREE property valuation

• No contract ties

• FREE photos and floorplans preparation

• Personalised service

• FREE advertising and promotion

• Target marketing

• FREE viewings

• Local specialists

CALL OUR SALES TEAM 01902 244601 30 Walsall Street, Willenhall WV13 2ER Tel: 01902 244601 Mob: 07496 336315

www.supremeestates.co.uk info@supremeestates.co.uk

Your Food & Drink

WARMING WINTER MENUS

The festive season may have come to an end, but don't let that dampen your festive spirit just yet. Join The Cowshed and bid farewell to those winter blues in style. The Cowshed prides itself on serving the very best of British farmed food, all prepared and cooked fresh to order.

Last but not least, we invite you to take part in our New Years’ competition. All readers who answer the following question correctly will be entered into a prize draw to win an evening meal for four, complete with a bottle of wine.

It’s cold out there; why not warm yourself up with a hearty portion of ginger beer braised pork belly, accompanied with creamed kale, wholegrain mustard mash and roasted baby carrots, finished with a sticky cider reduction; or perhaps a Sunday lunch of oven roasted topside of beef with crispy roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings and roasted root vegetables, finished with a rich red wine beef gravy. Whatever your culinary persuasion, The Cowshed offers a range of hearty dishes and promises a truly scrumptious experience.

As we move forward into 2017, why not take a break from the Christmas recovery and New Years’ resolutions and take advantage of this free £10 gift voucher?

Saint Valentine's Day is on what date in February?

Email your answers to lifestyle magazine at info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

£10 OFF GIFT VOUCHER

Evenings Only Only one voucher per booking Subject to a minimum of either 2 starters and 2 mains or 2 mains and 2 puddings VALID JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2017 EXCLUDING 11TH - 12TH -14TH

thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk info@thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk Clive Farm, Pattingham, Wolverhampton, WV6 7EN

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Lunch Wed-Sat 2 Courses £12.95, 3 Courses £17.95 Evening A la Carte Menu Sunday Lunch 12-5pm 2 Courses £17.95, 3 Courses £22.95 Valentine's Day - Tuesday 14th February 4 courses £38.50 Mothering Sunday - Sunday 26th March 3 courses £26.95

01902 701 888 thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk info@thecowshedrestaurant.co.uk Clive Farm, Pattingham, Wolverhampton, 37 WV6 7EN

Cowshed Pattingham @TheCowshed1 Cowshed Pattingham

Your Food & Drink

A fresh & healthy start to 2017 Once the last mince-pie crumb has been snaffled up, and the mulled wine has had its last outing for the year, it can feel great to turn to a lighter way of coHoking and eating. Here are a couple of recipes that you might like to try. They’re perfect for an evening with good company and a glass or two of wine. You can prepare them in advance, and then simply reheat just before serving.

Bon appétit!

‘Dreaming of Summer’ Warm Salad Method

Serves 2.

Vegetarian/Vegan

Boil potatoes in salted water until soft, and place in large salad bowl. Crush lightly with potato masher or fork.

Ingredients: 350g baby or new potatoes 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 courgettes, sliced lengthways 500g tomatoes, halved 1 jar roasted red peppers in oil 1 red onion, sliced thinly in half-moons Small bunch fresh oregano, shredded Small bunch fresh mint leaves, shredded Stale ciabatta or rustic bread, torn into chunks Half a pack feta cheese, at room temperature (omit this if vegan - substitute with 2 tbsp capers) Freshly-ground black pepper Dressing: 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar Salt & freshly-ground black pepper Optional: 1/8 tsp garlic puree

Heat oil in frying pan, or heat griddle pan to high heat and use the oil to coat the slices of courgette.

Add courgettes to pan and fry until al dente and a little charred. Add to bowl.

Drain roasted peppers and tear them into pieces.

Add peppers, tomatoes, red onion, bread and herbs to bowl. Crumble feta or toss capers over the ingredients, season well with black pepper.

Whisk dressing ingredients together and add to bowl. Toss all ingredients together, turning to coat everything in dressing.

Enjoy over a glass of wine (and this Summer’s holiday brochures!).

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Your

Food & Drink

My Easy Minestrone Method Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large pan on medium-high heat.

Serves 4 Vegan Ingredients 500g small dried pasta (ditalini, macaroni, conchiglietti) 1 carton (500g) passata, or 1-2 cans of tomatoes blitzed with a blender Olive oil 1L vegetable stock 2 onions 2 carrots 250g waxy potatoes (optional) 4 sticks celery 1-2 heads garlic Large bunch fresh parsley Dried mixed herbs 1 can cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed

Wash and prepare all the veg, and slice them all in food processor, or slice/chop by hand. Add to the pan, stir well, cover, reduce heat a little, and let the vegetables sweat for 10-15 minutes, checking once or twice to avoid sticking.

Add fresh parsley, dried herbs, and pasta. Increase heat. Stir well to combine, add stock, passata and beans, check seasoning, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta is cooked.

Serve with a beautiful salad, and bread if you like.

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Your Food & Drink

Welcome to... The Island Pool Monday nights from 5pm are our very popular half price night from our main menu known as ‘Monday Madness’ yes steaks mixed grills ,burgers and pies are all half price ! Booking is advisable.

Every Wednesday is our quiz night which has a top prize of a gallon of beer.

Come and have a go if you think you’re clever enough.

Not forgetting the beer drinkers…. we offer 4 locally sourced real ales which we vary all the time plus and extensive choice of ciders and lagers.

The Island Pool, pub and carvery is a family run free house situated on the Wolverhampton road on the outskirts of Kidderminster near to the village of Cookley. It has been well known for a number of years for offering an outstanding Carvery and Main Menu.

So with all of the above going on why not pop in and see us for a relaxing meal, or to just take time out with a drink in our beautiful beer garden and watch the world pass by.

On Fridays/Saturdays and Sunday mornings we also offer a very popular: as much as you can eat buffet style breakfast; from 8.30am till 11am.

The carvery is served fresh every day of the week from 12pm and we are open all day.

Every Wednesday is our quiz night which has a top prize of a gallon of beer.

the Island Pool CARVERY

welcome to ...

The Island Pool, Wolverhampton Road,Arms) y Kidderminster DY10 3RX (formerly Cookle

AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK

A classic country pub serving a high standard of food and great traditional ales

1/2 price off main menu every Monday between 5pm - 8pm

from £4.99

(booking advisable) ALL YOU CAN EAT

BUFFET STYLE BREAKFAST 8.30am - 11am Friday, Saturday and Sunday Come and start the weekend the right way

EXTENSIVE MAIN MENU

Available all day every day (excludes Sundays)

QUIZ NIGHT

Every Wednesday 8.30pm start

For bookings or further details please call 01562 850311

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Your What’s On

Learn to Dance in one night!

Yes, one night is all it takes to learn a few basic moves to get you dancing. If you have two left feet but have always dreamed of gracing the dance floor, perhaps it is time you tried the new dance craze?

One of the great things about Ceroc is there’s no need to come with a partner. Each routine is broken down so the class rotates every few moves, meaning you dance with a new person about every 3 minutes!

Tens of thousands of people across the globe have already got the Ceroc bug as it can provide a great way to meet people and stay in shape.

Every week, Ceroc Addiction classes attract hundreds of people. Some go with friends looking to have a good laugh, others go on their own looking to meet new friends, and some go with a partner just because they want to learn to dance.

Everyone is welcome at a Ceroc dance night.

This dynamic blend of Jive and Salsa moves has become so popular it is the largest and fastest growing partner dance in the UK.

There’s no need to book, just turn up one of Ceroc Addiction’s venues across Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire and the North West.

Learning to dance with CEROC is very easy, there’s no complicated footwork to worry about. After just 45 minutes you will have a routine of 3 or 4 moves that you will be able to dance in the freestyle.

For more information please call 07983 703166, email dance@cerocaddiction.com or visit www.cerocaddiction.com.

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Your

What’s On

What’s on January / February January Asian Bride Live -NEC Birmingham 21ST-22ND JAN 2017 Saturday 10am - 6pm (Fashion shows at 11.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm) Sunday 10am - 5pm (Fashion shows at 11am, 1pm & 3pm) With the very finest suppliers in the industry, let us help you create your dream wedding.

Tickets from £7.50.

Children under 10 go free!

Call us on 020 8819 2529 Theatre On The Steps, Stoneway Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4BD

January Sleeping Beauty SAT 7th JAN 2017 to SAT 28th JAN 2017 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm This sparkling and fun filled version of the traditional tale of SLEEPING BEAUTY is delightfully brought to life by the Theatre on the Steps company.

The beautiful Princess falls victim to the evil spell cast on her by the wicked Carabosse, and falls asleep for 100 years, the only thing that can save her is a kiss from a handsome Prince.

Will that Prince arrive to deliver that kiss?

The very best of traditional pantomimes packed full of hilarious comedy, great music, great scenery.

A great family show for children of all ages.

Tickets from £8.00 Box Office: +44 01746 766477 Theatre On The Steps, Stoneway Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4BD

February The Deep Purple Family Tree (LS) FRIDAY 03 FEBRUARY 2017 Advance Ticket Price: £12.50

Door Price: £14.50 For tickets, call: 01902 401211 or Buy Online The Robin 2, 20-28 Mount Pleasant, Bilston Wolverhampton, WV14 7LJ THE DEEP PURPLE FAMILY TREE show brings together the perfect combination of Deep Purple, Rainbow and Whitesnake classics for a true fan of Deep Purple and Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, David Coverdale, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Cozy Powell, Ritchie Blackmore etc. etc.

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Your What’s On

January Sleeping Beauty SAT 7th JAN 2017 to SAT 28th JAN 2017

2:00 pm, 7:00 pm This sparkling and fun filled version of the traditional tale of SLEEPING BEAUTY is delightfully brought to life by the Theatre on the Steps company.

The beautiful Princess falls victim to the evil spell cast on her by the wicked Carabosse, and falls asleep for 100 years, the only thing that can save her is a kiss from a handsome Prince.

Will that Prince arrive to deliver that kiss?

The very best of traditional pantomimes packed full of hilarious comedy, great music, great scenery.

A great family show for children of all ages.

Tickets from £8.00 Box Office: +44 01746 766477 Theatre On The Steps, Stoneway Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4BD

January Asian Bride Live -NEC Birmingham 21ST-22ND JAN 2017 Saturday 10am - 6pm (Fashion shows at 11.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm) Sunday 10am - 5pm (Fashion shows at 11am, 1pm & 3pm)

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With the very finest suppliers in the industry, let us help you create your dream wedding.

Tickets from £7.50.

Children under 10 go free!

Call us on 020 8819 2529 Theatre On The Steps, Stoneway Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4BD

February The Deep Purple Family Tree (LS) FRIDAY 03 FEBRUARY 2017 Advance Ticket Price: £12.50 Door Price: £14.50 For tickets, call: 01902 401211 or Buy Online The Robin 2, 20-28 Mount Pleasant, Bilston Wolverhampton, WV14 7LJ THE DEEP PURPLE FAMILY TREE show brings together the perfect combination of Deep Purple, Rainbow and Whitesnake classics for a true fan of Deep Purple and Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, David Coverdale, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Cozy Powell, Ritchie Blackmore etc. etc.

Your

What’s On

February

February

The Red Shoes

Reach Out To Motown - a celebration of 50 years of Motown

TUE 7 - SAT 11 FEB 2017 An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences; The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart.

Tickets from £19.50 Box Office: 0844 338 5000 Ticket price subject to change.

5% transaction charge, plus postage from £1 The Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB

Featuring original Drifters vocalist Roy G Hemmings 'The Love Supremes', 'Tops & Tempts' with the 7-piece Dictionary Of Soul band SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2017 ON STAGE 8.45PM Original Drifters member Roy G Hemmings'

February Thoroughly Modern Millie MON 13 FEB 2017 TO SAT 18 FEB 2017 Based on the 1967 Academy Award-winning film, Thoroughly Modern Millie takes you back to the height of the Jazz Age in New York City, perfectly constructed evening of madcap merriment for all the family.

Tickets from £17.50 BUY TICKETS from New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

February David Walliams' The First Hippo on the Moon 24 FEBRUARY 2017 - HALF TERM From number one bestselling children's author David Walliams comes an explosively funny space adventure for children of 3 and up. Two big hippos. One ENORMOUS dream. Who can make it to the moon first? 3...2...1...BLAST OFF! Please note David Walliams does not actually appear in this production Tickets: Adults £13.00, Children £10.00 (under 15) Family of four £42* Telephone Bookings:01384 812960 Stourbridge Town Hall

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"Reach Out To Motown" is a celebration of 50 years of Motown, with hits by The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Lionel Ritchie to name but a few.

This electrifying show features such classic hits as "Baby Love", "Dancing In The Street", "My Girl", "I Can't Help Myself", "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", "Reach Out" and more.

Front man Roy G Hemmings has been the longest serving member of The Drifters and has appeared at prestigious venues around the world, including a memorable performance at the White House for the then president Bill Clinton.

"Reach Out to Motown" features "The Love Supremes" as well as "The Tops & Tempts" paying tribute to Motown's legendary vocal groups.

The 7-piece Dictionary of Soul band comprises some of Britain's finest musicians and provides the accompaniment for this 100 percent live show. blunstone.co.uk for more details on live dates etc.

Adv £17.50 Door £19.50 Telephone Bookings:01384 812960 Stourbridge Town Hall

Your Jobs

Why I Love My Job

Flissy G: Milliner & Gift Shop Owner - The World of the Milliner I’ve loved hats all my life: purchased them, worn them initially tentatively feeling self-conscious, before, eventually embracing the quirky nature of my personality and allowing the inner hat wearer to come forth.

For most people, the purchase of a hat is either a luxury or a necessity: the finishing touch to an outfit for a special wedding, or, at the other end of the scale, something to keep your head warm in the chilly winter months. In my opinion, whilst a hat should be able to do both these things, a hat purchase should also add to your wardrobe in the same way as a beautiful handbag or a statement piece of jewellery.

Hats are funny old things

In my time working as a milliner, I’ve established that women have a love/hate relationship with them… Whilst some people collect them, others loathe them, and many admire them from a distance; never quite sure whether they have the courage to wear one.

I came to the millinery world, having worked in the costume industry, making Victorian clothes and eventually, Victorian hats too. I am self-taught, learning from my own successes, and failures, but knowing that each piece I make is improving my skills, ability and style knowledge.

A hat does something for a woman that no other garment can do… to me, they are the full stop at the end of the sentence; the beautiful frame to your outfit’s masterpiece; quite literally, the crowning glory.

I happened to start my own business for two distinct reasons: firstly, luck was on my side and everything seemed to come together at the right time (more on that later), but my main motivation was that I wanted to create a distinct and beautiful brand but within an affordable price bracket. So many people associate millinery with only the wealthy, but my aim is to create unique hats and headpieces that reflect the personality of the wearer without an enormous price tag.

Sixty years ago, hats were worn by everyone: whether rich or poor, young or old; you just wouldn’t have left the house without something on your head. Now, this simply isn’t the case, so what use might a milliner have in the 21st century?

Well, as bizarre as it may seem, hats are having a bit of a resurgence. The young generation of royals are regularly seen ‘out and about’ sans titfer… and who doesn’t admire the Duchess of Cambridge’s classically elegant ensembles when she touches down on the tarmac runway at the start of a royal visit or waving gracefully from the balcony of Buckingham Palace? Celebrities like Paloma Faith and Lady Gaga reveal their eccentric personalities by way of a headpiece. And, as dramas like Downton Abbey, Victoria and Mr Selfridge portray the heyday of the hat, and indeed, the milliner, the interest in hats grows.

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Your Jobs The business doesn’t start and end with hats. As I was finishing a part-time degree course 18 months ago, my Mum, Sue, was accepting redundancy from her job in HR administration. Consequently, we were able to make this a joint venture. The resulting collaboration is Tilly’s House – our millinery studio, come art gallery, come unique gift emporium in Brewood, Staffordshire.

At Tilly’s House, my quirky trilbies and elaborate perchers, sit amongst a fabulous array of exclusive artwork (some by local artists, a lot by my fantastically talented Mum), and a range of some of the loveliest ladies gifts from around the UK, and the world. We have between us, a unique, often quirky, sense of self, and know immediately what the other will like... I think of Tilly’s House as an Aladdin’s Cave of loveliness, and it seems that our increasing customer base thinks so too.

As well as being an escape from commercialism, we offer personal services in Tilly’s House.

Alongside a range of ready-to-wear daywear and occasion hats and fascinators, I also offer a bespoke service, and am happy to make a headpiece to your requirements. I enjoy getting to know my customer – understanding their personality, sense of style – and love the challenge of creating something completely different

to anything I’ve ever made before. My super Mum also takes commissions for her beautifully detailed zentangle art, creating unusual and oneoff portraits of your pet.

Starting a business isn’t easy… I often think I’ve jumped into a pan of melting caramel: sweet and beautifully golden, but a little frightening as things heat up! What makes it all worthwhile, is our fabulous clientele. There is no better feeling than knowing that you’ve created something for someone that they absolutely adore, and the unveiling of a commissioned hat is a very special moment, as the customer gasps with excitement and delight. One of my clients recently told me that she’d never felt beautiful or special until the day she first wore one of my headpieces. That was a truly special moment, and we both welled up a little! Those moments make all the hardwork worthwhile.

You can find Tilly’s House at 1a Church Road, Brewood. If you are interested in commissioning a piece or have a general enquiry about the shop, please call 01902851189.

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you to discover your inner hat wearer…

47

Your Wedding

Plan Your Wedding like a Professional

5 essential tips to get your plan off to a great start.

The season for proposals is fast upon us.

Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and not long after Valentine’s Day,is the three most popular dates in the year for engagements. Every a newly engaged couple will be filled with excitement as they start to arrange their special day. A wedding is one of the most important days in any young couple’s lives so there is plenty to do to get the day they want and the price they can afford. Everything from choosing suppliers such as photography, floral arrangements and wedding cars to making checklists and finding a venue will give the Bride and Groom ‘to be’ plenty of things that need to be researched and planned right up to the moment when they say “I Do“.

you follow these expert tips and approach your wedding with the same mindset as an Event or Wedding Planner then you will be off to a flying start and the rest should be plain-sailing and hopefully stress free.

1. Set a Budget & Stick To It

We all know that weddings can be very expensive and it is difficult when you find yourself wanting to add additional things, and therefore additional expense, as you near the big day.

Knowing from the start what you have to spend on the day is very important. Sit down with your partner and decide on a budget, but most importantly, stick to it! Every professional Event Planner works from a budget so it is important to have the right mindset from the start. Most

Planning your own wedding can sometimes feel overwhelming (not to mention stressful) so if

48

Your Wedding 2. Create a Timeline

professional budgets do allow some funds for “extras” or unforeseen expenses that may crop up so it is a good idea to include some money within the budget for ‘must-haves’ so you have what you desire, without stretching the budget.

Having said that, budgets can be flexible, for example if you choose a more expensive supplier then you cut back on something else on the list. You can prioritize the more expensive and essential items on your budget, knowing that those have to be paid for, as opposed to “wish list” items that can get cut at any time so as to keep budget figure intact.

The aim is to produce a well thought-out and accurate cost plan so that you never exceed the set amount you have budgeted for from the off.

Besides the budget, a timeline is the most important part of planning a wedding or indeed any large event. Create a reasonable timeline that fits your planning. Highlight all important dates such as payments or confirmation to suppliers.

Insert dates and reminders for yourself so that won’t forget important items for order or delivery.

You can find checklists with timelines on-line or simply set up an excel spreadsheet so that you can log all the details. Try to stick to these dates and your planning will continue to run smoothly without any nasty surprises.

3. Choose the Important Details

Once the budget is in place and you are happy with the timeline it’s important to decide who will be attending. This is key as the size of the

49

Your Wedding

wedding will determine what venue you hire as the numbers and hire of the venue will need to fall in line with the budget. Create a realistic guest list and try to stay as close to the numbers as possible.

When you know how many people you need to cater for, you can start designing your wedding.

Start researching suitable venues that suit the theme of your wedding and can accommodate your numbers. It is advisable to visit the venue to ascertain what they do and do not provide and to meet the team you will be working with.

Take time to read the contract in full before signing and once you have booked, talk them through the timeline so that both parties are comfortable with the planning, deadlines and deliveries. A good working relationship with the venue employees is essential to the wedding day being a success. Ask if you can visit the venue when a wedding is on so you can see what the venue will look like decorated and full of guests!

4. The Finer Details

Once your budget is in place, the guest list is set and the venue has been booked,you can start researching and booking wedding experts to add the decorations and details to the day. Find suppliers that fit with your style and make sure you are comfortable with their contracts and payment requirements. Always ask for references and create a list with contact information that you can share with the venue staff.

5. Manage Your Expectations

This is probably the most important thing to come to terms with from the start. No wedding, however well planned by the best Wedding Planner,will ever come off perfectly. Accept that something will not quite go to plan so that if and when it does you are more than able to turn a blind eye and carry on with the day regardless.

Hopefully by using the tips above to start your planning just like a professional,you will have great foundations in place to build your perfect day.

Set up meetings with the venue, assess your timeline and budget and include catch-up meetings to make sure that everything is going to plan.

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Your first choice for mother of the bride and groom, cruise and evening wear. Stocking stunning outfits and matching accessories from British and International designers. Jan and her team are always on hand to ensure you look your best for any occasion.

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Your Fashion

Spring in to Fashion

by Emma Russell –Stylissimo, Image Consultancy, www.stylissimo.co.uk Spring approaches so to get your wardrobe bang up to date mix in pieces from this seasons key looks from the monochrome of gingham to colour pops of pinks, pale blue or silver metallics.

This season pinks are bold fuschia and exotic in their influence. Tiny gingham checks feature heavily throughout the high street and can be found in pretty much every item.

Be it bold or pale, pink is the colour of Spring 2017 and will elevate any look.

This M&S ruffle sleeve dress ticks two trends in one. Ruffles will be huge this season and this beautiful dress will be perfect for a Spring wedding.

A paler tone is also a great way to work the trend, a trench coat should be a staple piece in any girls wardrobe. Dress down with jeans and white ruffle blouse and heels or as a stylish addition to the work wardrobe.

Marks & Spencers £65 This New Look, Chloe inspired, ring handle bag can be a way to work in the colour trend for those who wish to add a subtle hint to their existing look.

Debenhams J

by Jasper Conran Trench £95

This Spring monochrome comes in the form of tiny gingham checks, a sophisticated and fun way to work into your wardrobe what could be a bland colour palette.

Love the look? Then go all out in this Topshop gingham trench coat, add a pop of pink or even red through an on trend tiny box bag.

Gingham blouses can be dressed up for work like this Studio by Preen at Debenhams embroidered blouse or down and worn casually with black high waisted skinnies.

New Look

Studio by Preen at Debenhams - Blouse £49

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Topshop Trench Coat £79

M&S Tiny Box Bag £27.50

Your Fashion The very definition of versatility and cross seasonal dressing is denim! Not all about jeans, denim embraces the big SS17 ruffle trend and provides work appropriate looks too.

This denim dress could be worn all season long, style with metallic mules for a work appropriate look.

J by Jasper Conran Debenhams £60 A denim jacket is a ‘must have’ to get you through into the warmer months. Marks and Spencer clash oriental themes with denim in this kimono jacket, a great piece to layer over florals or ruffles. Prefer a twist on a modern classic? Why not opt for this fab ruffle denim jacket.

Marks and Spencer Denim Kimono £29.50

Primark Ruffle Denim Jacket £18

Metallics are silver this season, so if you missed out on this trend but loved it last season why not upgrade your wardrobe with simple yet stylish accessories. My favourite way to include the trend into most looks is through your footwear. Mules are very much on trend and enable you to bring a bit of sparkle into a work wardrobe, but for those needing practical flats for running after kids these Dune brogues and Very slingbacks will lift any casual day wear look.

Very Metallic Slingbacks £25

Topshop Silver Mule

Stylissimo Reader Offer All personal styling services when you quote Your Lifestyle For details go to www.stylissimo.co.uk or call 07712 048652

53

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Your Hair & Beauty

British Hairdressing Awards Midlands Hairdresser of the Year Amongst the trophies handed out by the duo on the night was Midlands Hairdresser of the Year, which was scooped by Nick Malenko and Sophie Beattie of Royston Blythe, Wolverhampton.

Speaking on the night, they said: “How exciting to be announced as the winners of Midlands Hairdresser of the Year! We cannot quite believe it. It really is thanks to the support we’ve had that we’re here on this stage today - the team work, commitment and dedication means we have won this award.”

A regional win at the awards can well and truly put a hairstylist on the map, securing their place as an authority, not just a creative visionary but as a tastemaker, an influential employer and a destination business which brings clients through the door.

Hairdressers Journal International hosted its British Hairdressing Awards last night, with 1,700 of the country’s finest hairstylists gathering at London’s glamorous Grosvenor House, a J W Marriott Hotel, for the industry event of the year.

Says Jayne: “This award cements Nick and Sophie as the Midland’s leading hair talent but a win doesn’t just mean you’re the very best in the area; it also marks you out as one of the greatest

Now in their fourth decade, the awards, which are sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, celebrate the very best in British hairdressing talent – an industry which contributes £7bn to the national economy and one which employs more than 300,000 people.

With nine regional and six specialist categories as well as the ultimate award, British Hairdresser of the Year - the awards have launched the careers of a host of household names; from John Frieda, Nicky Clarke and Charles Worthington to Anthony Mascolo, Lisa Shepherd and Beverley C, as well as TV favourites Jamie Stevens and Andrew Barton.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by David Walliams, alongside Hairdressers Journal International’s executive director, Jayne Lewis-Orr and Schwarzkopf Professional’s General Manager Stuart Hamid.

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YourYour HairWhat’s & Beauty On Scottish Hairdresser of the Year: Suzie McGill and Dylan Brittain, Rainbow Room International, Uddingston North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Joseph Ferraro, Joseph Ferraro, Harrogate Southern Hairdresser of the Year: Anne Veck, Anne Veck Salons, Oxford Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year: Steven Smart, Smartest 73, Weston-Super-Mare Eastern Hairdresser of the Year: Joseph I’Anson and Lisa Graham, Mark Leeson, Mansfield London Hairdresser of the Year: Luke Benson, D&J Ambrose, Pinner, Middlesex Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year: Indira Schauwecker, TONI & GUY, Covent Garden Newcomer of the Year: William Lamb, Daniel Granger Hairdressing, Northampton Men’s Hairdresser of the Year: Terri Kay and Andrea Giles, Mark Leeson, Mansfield Afro Hairdresser of the Year: Robert Eaton and Karla Ancliff-Smith, Russell Eaton, Leeds Artistic Team of the Year: Angelo Vallillo Academy, Nottingham Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year: Robert Eaton, Russell Eaton, Leeds

stylists in the country. This win positions you as an authority and puts Wolverhampton on the map too.”

“Being right at the heart and soul of British Hairdressing is our privilege and pride. The British Hairdressing Awards means so much to our industry and winning one of these prestigious awards is the realisation of creativity, hard work and dedication, for that we at Schwarzkopf Professional congratulate them on their success.”

HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards 2016: The winners Midlands Hairdresser of the Year: Nick Malenko and Sophie Beattie, Royston Blythe, Wolverhampton Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year: Julian Dalrymple, The Sitting Room, Ballymena North Western Hairdresser of the Year: Marcello Moccia, Room 97 Creative Hairdressing, Wakefield

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Your Hair & Beauty

The Clarins Touch At the heart of all the facial treatments is the Clarins Touch, a specialised massage developed in Paris by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in 1954.

This unique massage method utilises over 80 intricate rhythmic strokes to stimulate the lymphatic system and blood circulation, to maintain the integrity and health of the skin and to restore the balance and energy of mind and body.

The human hand is both sensitive and dextrous and those of a Clarins-trained therapist have the skill to sense and respond to the specific needs of the skin. On-going research and development ensures the power of touch is adapted to suit every Clarins treatment and to heighten the performance of all active botanical ingredients.

By combining the Clarins Touch with pure plant extracts and essential oils, Clarins has created a unique treatment system that provides the ultimate sensory experience for your skin.

Tri-Active Facials

Every treatment is personalised: the beauty therapist adapts the movements and products to your skins’ needs, taking care of your essentials beauty concerns and well-being with tailor-made treatments that deliver optimal, immediate and long-lasting results. The new Tri-Active Facials involve 5 luxurious and personalised steps to treat the face and eyes with a special focus on the delicate neck, décolleté and hands.

1. Relaxation Ritual - A moment of instant calm, with relaxation and breathing techniques combined with soothing aromatherapy.

2. Make-Up Removal - Following the Clarins Anti-Pollution Professional Method to gently purify and protect the skin.

3. Double Exfoliation - Buff away dead skin cells for smoother, brighter and more youthful looking skin.

4. Anti-Ageing Facial Massage - A Clarins innovation which sculpts the contours of the face with a firming, reshaping and relaxing anti - ageing massage.

5.Triple Face - Eyes - Décolleté Mask - The treatment is customized according to your skin’s needs using a wide variety of textures for an ultra - relaxing sensorial experience.

£10 OFF ANY TREATMENT

VOUCHURE

DURING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 ONLY

58

Your Hair & Beauty

Competition What you can Win Enjoy the ultimate Clarins Tri Active Facial with your choice of 'add on' worth ÂŁ85 plus a goody bag of Clarins Products to take home with you, then step into the salon after your facial for a Kerastase Fusio-Dose Hair treatment for an instant hair transformation, this personalised hair ritual will be followed by a blowdry to leave you feeling completely revitalised.

A total prize value of over

ÂŁ165

To be in with a chance to WIN, answer this question.

Who developed the Clarins Touch?

Email your answer to: info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk Term & Conditions: Please note that you are agreeing for your details to be passed on to the salon, when received we shall send each of the entries a special offer.

01902 756533/19 Nicholas Davis Hair and Beauty, 17-19 High Street, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV68QS

59

Your Hair & Beauty

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A former Hunterian Professor and National Tutor for Plastic Surgery at The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Mr. Sterne has a national reputation. He has made consultative appearances on Embarrassing Bodies, the BBC and was featured in Tatler magazine’s Cosmetic Guide, as one of the country’s leading plastic surgeons.

Mr. Sterne has over 20 years experience in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. Making an appointment to see him is the first step to ensuring you are in safe, capable hands.

Email: jude@guysterne.co.uk Website: www.guysterne.co.uk Always check out your surgeon

Your Hair & Beauty

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Safety - Experience - Expertise Mr. Sterne holds a dedicated clinic in the award winning, superb setting of

Lion Dental Centre, Stourbridge

Email: jude@guysterne.co.uk Website: www.guysterne.co.uk

Your Health

20 New Year’s Resolution Ideas The New Year is slowly nearing, and with the holiday season already upon us many people are indulging in retrospection and re-evaluating some of their life choices. New Year’s resolutions are the perfect opportunity for all those who have failed to start making the changes that they said they would make next week, next month, or perhaps when winter starts.

Well, now’s your chance to sit down and prepare a list of important lifestyle changes you want to make, and being the charitable and caring bunch that we are here at Lifehack, we’ve decided to give you a bit of help – because since the majority of people fail to stick to their resolution, you’ll need all the help you can get.

1. Get in shape: Losing weight is the top resolution for the English, and combined with “exercise more” and “stay fit and healthy” it is something that over a third of the population wishes to achieve. It’s easy enough to start an exercise and diet program, but the trick is to find a decent one that will give you steady results and will be easy to stick to in the long run. Have a look at these tricks, hacks, exercises and mistakes to avoid to make the best our of your resolution.

3. Stop procrastinating: The biggest barrier that keeps most people from reaching their goals is the desire to relax and do something fun instead of working hard. Once you get used to procrastinating it’s difficult to snap yourself out of it, so you’ll need to put in a lot of work to change this bad habit. There are many useful tips out there to find your way to stop procrastinating. There are also tools which can help you achieve this task.

4. Improve your concentration and mental skills: People have been trying to find ways to improve their focus and cognitive capacities for thousands of years, and most ancient civilizations had some combination of mental exercise and herbal medicine to help them reach this goal.

Today we can use anything from apps to ancient meditation techniques to boost concentration and hone our mental skills. If you go through with this, you will be able to control your mood, learn faster and have an easier time solving problems.

2. Start eating healthier food, and less food overall: This is usually an extension of the previous resolution. Switching to a healthier diet can be incredibly tricky when we are surrounded by cheap junk food. However, with a good amount of determination and some basic tips you can slowly develop healthier eating habits. Learn to control emotional eating, be aware of reasons for diets to fail, make use of these tricks and have a look at these awesome and healthy recipes.

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Your Health 8. Earn more money: Even billionaires are always looking for ways to earn more money, and we common folk can definitely use an additional source of income to make life a bit more comfortable. Fortunately there are plenty of options available, like having sidejobs, working as a freelancer or using the internet to your advantage.

9. Become more polite: Good manners have always been an important part of a civilized society. They make it easier to connect with others, avoid offending people and will ensure that others perceive you as a good and trustworthy person. So know the etiquette, be prepared or other manners in other countries, deal with rude people in the right way and learn how to say no.

5. Meet new people: When we get stuck in a rut, we usually end up staying at home most of the time, missing out on a lot of interesting opportunities for networking and having fun.

Meeting new people can be beneficial to your mental well-being and help your career, so don’t be afraid to get out there and make some friends.

Overcome your shyness, get some knowledge and go and get to know new and interesting people

10. Reduce stress: They say that stress is one of the biggest killers out there, and it can have a very destructive effect on your relationships as well as your health. It may be an unavoidable side effect of our hectic modern lifestyles, but it can be effectively managed with the help of useful, unconventional and easy to practice tricks.

6. Become more active: Some people don’t really have a big weight problem, and they even get some exercise a few times a week, but they just sit around the most of the time at home and at work, which can have a negative effect on their posture and health. In that case, all you need is to find ways of moving around more throughout the day instead of staying hunched over the computer. It’s even more fun if you share your activity with friends and family.

11. Learn to be happier with your life: Even those that are in decent shape, make a good living and have stress under control can still be unhappy. It takes time and patience to learn how to find joy in the little things and not to let problems bring you down.

7. Become more confident and take some chances: If you are confident other people notice it, and it is much easier to have your opinions heard, ask people out on dates and get ahead at work. A good dose of self-confidence will help you lead a much happier life overall. Don’t hesitate to get some input on ways to boost your confidence.

12. Get more quality sleep: With big TV’s, computers, smartphones, tablets and all sorts of gadgets with glowing lights and beeping alerts, it can be hard to get enough sleep at night. You should be gunning for at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and there are fairly simple ways to achieve

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Your Health this number if you make use of science and everday hacks.

meet people, asking someone out, and having an amazing and original first date.

13. Give up cigarettes: A bit of bad habit that a lot of people don’t know how to kick, smoking will not only endanger your health, but can burn a hole in your wallet as well. Just be prepared to dedicate a lot of will power to giving up cigarettes once and for all.

17. Have better sex: Any healthy relationship requires a good deal of intimacy, and sex can actually help keep us mentally and physically healthy. The idea is to make it a fun and rewarding experience, and this is something that comes with practice and exercise.

14. Watch less TV: The average person wastes a lot of time in front of the TV, time that could have been better spent developing skills, learning or keeping your body active. Once you manage to cut down on TV time, you will realize just how long and productive a day can really be.

18. Become tidier: There are a lot of slobs out there who can’t really get their stuff organized, and a cluttered desk or chaotic home will negatively affect your productivity and even your mood, so it helps to clear the clutter, clean your house and lead a tidier and more organized life.

15. Read more: Books are an excellent way to gain a lot of knowledge on a huge variety of topics, and are also a great exercise for your brain.

It’s not that difficult to go through 20 or more books in a year – you only need to make it a habit, discover your type of books and find a bit of time for reading here and there.

19. Learn how to dress with style: The way you dress can say a lot about you, and wearing the right clothes can make you seem powerful and confident, which in turn can help you land a job, get promoted, and catch the eye of a lovely guy or girl. No matter if you’re male or female, know the dresscode and live with style.

16. Find a significant other: We all need someone to hold at night, talk to and share our deepest secrets with, but finding the right person is a matter of trial and error. We need to go out and get to know a bunch of potential partners before we can find the one that we can get along with really well. Get inspired on your way towards love by these tips on the best places to

20. Spend more time with the people that matter: There is just too little time in this life for us to waste it on insincere, duplicitous and toxic people. We should focus on the people who we care about deeply and who care about us, as this is the best way to stay happy.

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Your Health

Chapter Living Solutions Mr & Mrs Pearn have been living in the family home in Hagley for nearly 25 years in an architect designed property that is full of original features.

Their problem is that Mr Pearn is suffering from severe arthritis in both knees. The result being he was having extreme difficulty climbing the spiral staircase that accessed the master bedroom.

Several stairlift companies advised them that no solution was available but luckily they found and contacted Chapter Living Solutions. As the local authorised supplier for ThyssenKrupp, manufacturer of the World’s most advanced stairlift, Chapter were able to design and install a solution within 4 weeks. Mr Pearn stated “Chapter were a pleasure to deal with from start to finish and thanks to them we have avoided expensive alterations or even worse having to leave the home we love.�

Chapter Living Solutions provide stairlift and bathroom solutions to allow people to continue living independently in their own homes.

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Your Health

The Kinemagic Bath to Shower Conversion System

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www.chapterlivingsolutions.co.uk 71

Your Health

It’s the New Year and as everyone does, they make a New Year resolution.

At Foot Therapy we have listened to many customers complaining about their painful shoes and dealt with problems that have been caused by bad footwear. Trying to find shoes that help alleviate the problem is difficult, especially if there is no stockist of these specialist brands locally. So we have decided to do something about it.

advice and fitting the shoes so that you walk away feeling comfortable and content.

We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and aim to continue to be with our customers every step of the way!

Introducing Steppers. Our brand new, local shoe shop located at the Garden Village, is ready to welcome customers to the world of comfortable, fashionable footwear.

Stocking brands such as DB Easy B wide fit shoes, Josef Seibel and Padders to name but a few. We stock items for both male and female customers, providing a range of colours and styles to suit all.

All of our staff are trained to ensure that every person gets correct fitting footwear, providing

The Garden Village Bridgnorth Road Wolverhampton WV6 7EZ

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Your Health

Keeping that resolution 3. Reward your achievements… Got your eye on a new pair of trainers? Earn them by achieving one of your goals.

It’s that time of year again when everyone is enthusiastic about making changes and staying fit and healthy. These are laudable goals and something we should be positive about. However 63% of us admitted to breaking a New Year’s resolution, with 43% not reaching the end of January and 80% breaking their resolution within 3 months.

4. Join a club or an exercise group. Both are very cost-effective ways of exercising with like-minded people.

5. Look after your body – flexibility and core strength are integral components of staying healthy.

Here are our top 5 tips in keeping that resolution: 1. Set yourself short term, realistic goals. It may be as simple a climbing the stairs without getting out of breath, or running 1k in a certain time.

Visit us at Harmony Physiotherapy for advice & guidance on how to stay focused towards your fitness goals & stay healthy in the New Year.

2. Start gently and build up slowly. The temptation is to go for a “no pain, no gain” approach, this is a recipe for getting injured or over training. This in itself can make you lose motivation.

We wish all of our customers a Happy New Year With over 15 years of expertise in providing effective pain management solutions

The results you want, the care you deserve

We offer expert help and advice with a wide range of problems including: • Neck and back pain/ sciatica • Joint and muscle aches and pains • Tendonitis • Post orthopaedic surgery • Sports Injuries • Pregnancy-related pain

Call today for your free telephone consultation on 07779 610 402

Physiotherapy treatment can include one or a combination of the following: • Joint and spinal mobilisation and manipulation

Harmony Physiotherapy Rock House Wolverhampton West Midlands WV6 8QB Email: info@harmonyphysio.co.uk Tel: 07779 610 402

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• Soft tissue massage and facial release techniques • Taping • Acupuncture/ cupping • Pilates/ yoga • Personalised advice and education – because we believe selfFacebook: harmonyphysio

management is essential to recovery

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Your Health Home

Mind Your Posture: Active Ageing We are living in an era of significant population ageing and it is time to pay attention to the role posture plays in keeping us fit and active into our later years. Consumer research carried out by the British Chiropractic Association highlighted the need for attention and action, no matter what age you might be.

Whilst our bodies start to slow down naturally, there are some simple everyday steps that can be taken to help preserve you back and posture into your older years.

Henryk Kulyna and the Chiropractors at The Tettenhall Road Chiropractic Clinic recommend: •

Stay as active as you can within your physical limitations.

•

Walking is a great way to stay active and the benefits are underestimated. It is less strenuous on joints than many other forms of exercise but is weight bearing and so can help maintain bone density too.

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74

•

A moving joint is likely to be less painful than a static one, so even simple movement , stretches or gentle exercise could help relieve pain.

•

Promoting core strength and good posture by doing StraightenUpUk- a series of simple stretches and exercises is a good idea.

•

Look to increase levels of activity in simple ways e.g. walking to the shops, walking a little faster, using the stairs.

•

Keep fluid levels topped up; the body works better, muscles and joints work more efficiently and fatigue less when well hydrated. Drinking water is better than tea and coffee for hydration.

•

Always consult your Doctor or Chiropractor before embarking on new exercises to make sure the exercises are compatible with any of your medical conditions.

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Sheward Opticians run Dry Eye and Blepharitis as well as general conditions such as high If you feel that you may benefit from an assessclinics to assess the severity and cause of the blood pressure and diabetes to name but a few. ment, telephone our Tettenhall High Street practice problem and to make recommendations for on 01902 757454 to arrange an appointment. treatment to alleviate the problem. A follow-up

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Your Health

New Year, New You! It’s that time again where we think about New Year resolutions – I want to lose weight, I will go to the gym more often, I promise to eat more healthily. Sound familiar? And how many of us manage to stick to those resolutions for long? That’s where floating can really help you. Floating has been proven to help you lose weight, feel more relaxed and generally improve lots of health conditions including chronic pain relief.

For those that have never heard of floating it’s incredibly simple and the benefits really are true and backed up with scientific evidence. We all know the benefits that good sleep offers and how much our bodies need that downtime to recover and repair from daily stresses and demands. Floating is the easiest way to increase that wellbeing. Allowing yourself to truly relax and rest in a float environment has been proven to improve circulation, improve conditions like anxiety and depression and helps you lose weight as well as repair muscle damage.

We’re based on the Wergs Road next to the Crown at Wergs with free parking so why not pop along to have a look or find out how floating could benefit you? We also have gift vouchers available to treat that hard to buy for person that could use a little pampering.

We have created float cabins that are an oasis of calm in our increasingly busy lives. You enter a space that is filled with water at body temperature with Epsom salts dissolved into it so all you have to do is lie back and relax. Imagine that feeling when you get chance to have a long, quiet soak in the bath with no distractions and then extend the time – that’s essentially what floating is but with added benefits. The Epsom salts allow your spine to relax the way it should which in turn relaxes your bones and muscles to ease pain and tension.

It also repairs skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Epsom salts have long been known to have healing benefits and floating combines those benefits with the stillness our minds need to repair too.

Float World Limited 81 Wergs Road Tettenhall Wolverhampton WV6 9BP Tel: 01902 753262 E: reception@floatworld.co.uk www.floatworld.co.uk

76

Your Pets & Garden

30 years’ experience in fencing

Pro-fence has over 30 years’ experience in the fencing industry and offer a fast and reliable service throughout Shropshire and WestMidlands. With many years’ experience in the fencing industry, we pride ourselves on offering exemplary customer service and superb quality to all of our customers. We offer free no obligation quotes, from residential to commercial projects, with extremely competitive prices without compromising on quality and efficient service.

With so many styles of fencing and railings to choose from, you really will be spoilt for choice.

From aesthetics to security features, we can help you choose the right fencing to suit your needs, as our dedicated team help you to design and plan your project.

We offer our services nationwide, operating from our purpose built offices and dedicated workshops, with the ability to deal with all of your requirements whether you are a large company or private residential customer.

No job is too large or too small, and we are passionate about providing superb quality and service no matter what the project entails. Our dedicated team of staff are all fully time served and DBS checked, which enables our team to work in all environments. As well as providing excellent fencing products, health and safety is paramount to us. With CHAS accreditation you can be sure we take all aspects of our services very seriously.

As a very close family run business, we can pride in offering the best services in the industry, and have worked for a number of large reputable clients for many years. Whatever your requirements are, do not hesitate to contact one of our team today to discuss your ideas or gain design inspiration from our specialist team.

We strive to provide a wide selection of fencing and railing products for you to choose from, and understand some of the complex needs for all of our customers. Whether you require small single railings or entire projects from concept to completion we offer services in design and safety, groundwork and construction as well as ornate steel railings and hand rails. We also provide on-site welding and fabrication of our fencing and railing products, not to mention carrying out bespoke joinery work and we are fully equipped with plant and machinery, enabling us to carry out our work efficiently and effectively.

Whatever plans you’ve got in mind for your garden fencing, contact the team today to make your plans a reality and enjoy the excellent service ProFence has to offer.

E. info@pro-fence.co.uk, T. 01902 894747

78

Celebrating over 30 years of trading

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

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

Celebrating over 30 years of trading

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

• Industrial Palisade and gates.

• High Security Our first class reputation for high quality work and excellent customer work with Local Authorities • We30also Years’ Experience service.

to produce safe, dependable work

• within Free Quotations the community from whichfor local Specialising in fencing solutions • House Developments can benefit.

• residents Local Authority Approved • Schools & Parks • free Sport Facilities • With Competitive Prices consultations,

quick

• Industrial Palisade response times and efficient, quality • High Security • Insurance Work Undertaken

turnaround of work, the company a We long leading fencing • is Metal orstanding, Wood Fencing & Gates also work with Local Authorities to produce safe, dependable work specialist upon whom you can rely. within the community from which local residents can benefit.

Contact us today or visit our website With free consultations, quick response times and efficient, quality turnaround of work, the company is a long standing, leading fencing specialist upon whom you can rely.

www.pro-fence.co.uk Contact us today or visit our website

www.pro-fence.co.uk 79

30

Heathmill Ind. Est, Heathmill Road Wombourne, WV5 8AP Telephone: (01902) 894747 info@pro-fence.co.uk 30

Your Pets & Garden

Time to look forward to the coming year burst, this will clear up any pests and their eggs left overwintering on your trees. Make sure you have a grease band wrapped round the stems or coast he main stem with fruit tree grease, this can be kept on all year round to catch any pests climbing up the tree.

Seed potatoes usually arrive at the start of the New Year, weather permitting. Come and buy them in January if possible, as the most popular varieties soon sell. We stock over 45 different varieties, including several of the Albert Bartlett range plus some more unusual varieties such as Pink Gypsy, the new Jazzy and old favourites like Rocket and Arran Pilot. Once you get them home, put them to chit (allow shoots to form), egg trays are ideal for this, place them in a light, cool and frost free environment.

Looking ahead to later in the year check out the ranges of Geraniums, Fuchsias and hanging basket plants that will be available in April and May. Plug plants will be available around the beginning of March, but they will need heat to start with. Grow them in the house to get a head start, but remember you need to take note of the weather conditions and not be in a rush to put tender plants out before May time.

Trim old leaves away from Hellebores, this makes it easier to see the flowers and prevents the spread of disease. Remember to make sure outdoor taps are lagged and covered over in the winter to prevent any cracking and leaks caused by freezing.

Look out for signs of colour in your garden. Plants such as Hamamelis (Witch Hazel), Snowdrops, Viburnum tinus and Hellebores will all be showing signs of colour that suggest spring is on its way.

If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t used winter wash on your fruit trees yet, do so on a mild day before the buds start to

80

Your Jobs

81

Your Pets & Garden

New Year, New Drive

** 3150* based on standard range. *Terms and conditions apply

82

2

Your Pets & Garden

The RSPCA needs YOU! Volunteer to help at the RSPCA and you may be surprised how rewarding you’ll find it. A recent survey of trustees who give their time to the animal charity showed how fulfilling, rewarding and interesting they find working with the RSPCA. “I love being part of a team that makes a real difference to the welfare of local animals”. “We all have particular skills and it’s a really good feeling when they are used to help animals who through no fault of their own need our assistance”. These are just two of the quotes from RSPCA branch trustees about why they are involved working with the charity on a voluntary basis. It really is all about the animals and working as a team to make a difference.

volunteers to become part of their team. If you would enjoy being challenged, fulfilled and rewarded by helping abandoned animals then RSPCA honorary chairman Janis Borley would love to hear from you.

Trustees are needed for all the RSPCA branches in the region and the Kidderminster and District branch are currently actively looking for

Email her at janis.rspca@btinternet.com or give Janis a call on 07715 201 239

83

Your Pets & Garden

The best protection for your furry and four-legged friends

By Tracey Morley Jewkes, Managing Director, Blacks Vets

SAVE 30-60% ON PET HEALTHCARE!

Hands up if your new year’s resolutions include saving money and getting organised?

As we recover from the excesses of Tracey Morley Jewkes Christmas, most Managing Director, of us make up our Blacks Vets minds to start the year with healthy, proactive intentions.

Well at Blacks Vets, we believe that extends to our pets too!

Protect My Pet Club is free to join and as well as providing incredible savings on preventative healthcare, pet owners also enjoy discounts and promotions on routine procedures such as neutering, dental work, Rabies vaccinations, microchipping, Tick prevention and diet. If you’ve struggled to remember when to apply flea and worming treatments to your pet, Protect My Pet Club helps manage the process by issuing home dosage at your pet’s regular vaccination and health check appointments, so you need only focus on the next few months at any one time.

Regular contact with the nursing and veterinary team also means that you can proactively manage your pet’s health, identifying and managing issues as they arise.

Introducing our new Protect My Pet Club; a great new way to provide the very best preventative healthcare for your pet whilst also looking after your pocket. Suitable for dogs, cats and rabbits, the year round plan provides key protection against nasty parasites including fleas and worms, annual vaccination boosters, nose to tail health checks, a complimentary nail clip and a free veterinary consultation!* As well as standard preventative vaccinations and treatments, dogs will also benefit from protection against Lungworm, a killer that is known to be present in the region.

As animal lovers as well as veterinary care professionals, we are passionate about providing the very best healthcare to pets, so that they stay happy and well for as long as possible.

Protect My Pet Club aims to deliver many of the services that make this possible at a price that offers exceptional value. How? Well, we bulk buy vaccines and treatments available on the plan and simply pass the discount on to our clients.

We want Black Country pets to be the healthiest in the UK and for pet owners to be empowered to offer excellent care to their animals.

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Your Pets & Garden meaning that Protect My Pet Club truly makes great financial sense whilst providing peace of mind.

You can join at any time, regardless of your pet’s age, with membership provided on an annual basis. So, if you’re a dog, cat or bunny owner, why not find out more? Visit our website www. blacksvets.co.uk or feel free to drop in to one of our five Black Country branches in Dudley, Lye, Sedgley, Oldbury or Quinton. Protecting your pet has simply never been easier or more cost effective, so this year, make one resolution you know you can keep! *Terms and conditions apply. Please contact Blacks Vets for full details. ** Figure quoted applies to insured cats.

Prices start from as little as £8.99** per month and are determined by species and weight. If your pet is insured, you will enjoy even greater discounts and will save over £100* a year. Non-insured pets still make great savings of at least £66* per year

The Blacks Veterinary Hospital in Dudley is open 24/7, 365 days a year so call 01384 252509 in an emergency.

85

Your

Horoscopes

Horoscopes with John Starkey Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

T: 01902334224 W: www.john-starkey.co.uk E: johnstarkey123@outlook.com

Cancer (June 21-July 21)

Time to put your’ thinking cap on’ and decide what you want to do. New and vital energy seems to be refreshing your life in a really big way. Make way for success in business and work related matters.

It must be your lucky time of the year, as the planets have alighned themselves in a wonderful constallation. What ever you embark upon now should come up trumps for you.

Leo ( July 22- August 21)

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

It’s a tongue a cheek existance at the moment, you probably need to test the water with new projects before you dive in with both feet. However that Leo knack of being in the right place at the right time could serve you well.

Lay it on the line as far as you intentions are concerned,it is important not to leave any stone’ unturned.’ The more accurate you can be, the easier your every day life will become.

The pendulum of life seems to swinging in your direction.

Virgo (August 22- September 22) You may feel as if you floating about like a cork on the high sea, but don’t worry things will calm down as you learn to just take life as it comes. Let your presence be felt and don’t waiver from your first thoughts.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) Time is on your side, so how about slowing things down for a while and working to a proper ‘modus operandi’. Forward planning now could save you a lot of flapping about in the future. It’s softly softly catch e monkey all the way.

Libra ( September 21-October 22) It’s party time, and a good opportunity to ‘ let it all hang out’ you will probably be seen as the life and soul of things, that extravert side of your personality will have a ball as you talk your way into success.

Aries ( March 21- April 20) Events in the near future could see you laughing all the way to the bank. Investments, minor gambles and sheer speculation are all very well starred. Chancing your hand now could be, just what the doctor ordered.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22) Those restless and lethargic feelings should soon give way to motivation and a swing into action. Two major planets are meeting in your chart and creating a climate of doing things rather than just pipe-dreaming. It’s full steam ahead scorp., to a hectic and exciting period of time.

Taurus ( April 21 - May 20) You’ll probably laugh your way through the next few weeks as the cheeky side of your personality becomes uppermost. It looks as if others will respond to you in an entirely different way, perhaps by being over whelmed by your great sense of humour and wit.

Sagittarius (November 23- December 20) The moon is in a great position to stimulate the romantic and nostalgic part of your mind. As you look back it looks as if love is well and truely in the air. So look forward to discovering new dimensions in how you see life.

Gemini (May 21- June 20) This is no time to be precious or possesive, in fact the more you can communicate your feelings with others the better your life will be.

Open the door of transparancy and you really can’t go wrong.

86

NEW RULES

LANDLORDS CHANGES ARE COMING...

ARE YOU READY? From April 2017 a significant TAX change is being phased in…

Currently landlords can deduct all interest charges from their rental income to arrive at the amount they pay tax on.

Under the new rules 100% of the finance costs that can currently be claimed may be restricted; leading to higher tax bills for all tax payers.

The way your total income is measured may push you into a higher tax bracket, therefore could affect your entitlement to income tax benefits and claims for child benefit.

WHO IS AFFECTED? You will be affected if you run a residential property letting business and properties are mortgaged or you claim any loan interest.

PLANNING

The new rules will not affect those who run: • Commercial property businesses • Furnished Holiday Letting Businesses • Residential Property Development Businesses • Limited Companies

• Consider timing of tax deductible spending on properties and finance costs.

• Make pension contributions.

• Pay off mortgages and/or sell properties.

• Invest in other types of property and/or different use of properties.

• Use alternative investment structures.

• Transfer properties to spouses.

• Use a company.

TIP: Consider diversifying your business or use a different business structure.

TIP: A combination of strategies maybe needed, contact us and we can help plan a way forward.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER • If not planned correctly transferring a buy to let property into a Limited Company could trigger stamp duty land tax and capital gains tax charges.

• Check types of mortgages available to individuals & Limited Companies inc interest rate charges.

• Your long term plans e.g whether you intend to sell off your portfolio or pass to the next generation.

• Do you want capital growth or income generation from your investment?

ACCOUNTS & TAX RETURN • All taxpayers will be affected by these changes.

• Instead of deducting mortgage & interest charges from your rental income ensure you include a separate claim for the new allowance on your self assessmen tax return.

TIP: For a worked example visit: www.theaccountancyfirm.co.uk/blog

TIP: When restructuring ensure that any action taken considers your total remuneration package.

For advice on your property portfolio & tax planning please contact us - we can help.

The Accountancy Firm 01902 906 906 The Coach House, Wolverhampton, WV10 6AB

Your Finance & Legal

Talking Money

Anita Gatehouse Your Lifestyle’s Financial Expert

£1 million free of inheritance tax?

It’s a game of snakes and ladders

stepchildren, adopted children or grandchildren qualify.

The headlines announced

by George Osborne in a previous budget, certainly are eye-catching, but the new rules that gradually come in from April 2017 are complex. I’m already analysing how my clients are affected as not everyone will benefit from these changes.

Other clients whose total wealth is more than £2.2 million will lose the extra allowance. A bit like snakes and ladders, they will tumble back down to just £325,000 each.

There are other areas where questions are arising, such as what happens if the value of your home is less than the new allowance? What happens if you downsize? What if you own your home just in one name? What if you don’t own a house? What if you are already widowed? What if you own more than one property?

So why is inheritance tax such a big problem?

Part of the reason is that the Nil Rate Band (NRB), the amount each person can leave tax-free, has not changed since 2009. It will also continue to remain frozen at £325,000 until 2020. In the meantime, property prices and investments generally have and are likely to continue going up, meaning that more people will be caught in the IHT trap. But won’t the new extra allowance, the Main Residence Nil Rate Band (MRNB) solve that problem? Maybe.

Knowing whether you are likely to land on a snake or are fortunate and the new regulations will create a ladder, is vital to be able to make decisions. As always, good financial planning will be the bedrock of maximising the ladders and minimising the snakes.

First, the new allowance begins to be phased in after April 2017 but doesn’t become this well published figure of £1 million total tax-free estate for a married couple or civil partnership, until 2020.

If you would like a free 30 minute meeting to discuss your own inheritance tax position, telephone Jo on 01562 745730 to book an appointment.

There are also some caveats to being able to use the extra property allowance. I have several single lady clients who are financially very comfortable but their beneficiaries, nieces and nephews, won’t enjoy the extra residence nil rate band. They will be stuck with just £325,000 tax-free. Only children,

If you’re not sure, have a look at what our clients say about us on our website: www.cre8wm.co.uk

88

Your Funerals

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J.T. Brookes & Co. is part of the N.E. Downing (Blackheath) Ltd. The family business has been conducting funerals for over 100 years and is now run on a daily basis by brother and sister, William and Lucy Downing, supported by their father Stephen.

Backed by many long standing and loyal staff, the company continues to pride itsself on serving the local community by offering a caring and personal service, ensuring the highest of standards are maintained. This is overseen by their membership of the trading body, SAIF (National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors).

J.T. Brookes & Co. Hagley was opened in April 2006. In 2015 it moved to bigger premises,

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Your Travel

Prospect Coaches

6th decade of business with 52 years’ experience operating coaches. 3 generations of the family are currently at the helm.

Not only do Prospect take coach travel seriously but also their corporate responsibilities. The team have joined forces with Vélo Birmingham as the official Coach Supplier for the inaugural event next year in September 2017. Prospect will be providing transport for event staff and also for any competitors not able to complete the gruelling 100 mile closed ride route.

Prospect Coaches can cater for all of your group transport needs from contracts of varying length to individual hires to any European destination.

Our dedicated and professional team will guide you each step of the way advising on times and destinations as required to ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible.

As part of the partnership a team of 4 members of staff will be entered as part of the Business 100 category where 100 businesses are hoping to raise £100,000.00 for various charities. We have a team fundraising page with links to the individual riders fundraising pages. Please help us to help others. There will also be 5 other personal from the company and wider industry riding under the Prospect Flag in support of the event.

Vehicles capable of carrying groups from 31 to 70 people in modern well equipped vehicles.

Ourexecutive vehicles range from 31 to 57 seats with facilities including Toilet, Power sockets, DVD and Monitors.

All of our uniformed drivers are enhanced DBS checked and all vehicles have Wi-Fi on board for your travelling comfort and peace of mind.

Prospect Coaches customers range from Schools to global companies and all in-between. A vast experience of working on large scale events including the 2012 Olympics, Commonwealth games and Scouting events. Also the provision of 1st team coaches to both Rugby and Football teams broadens our experience.

Large movements of passengers in a timely manner is our speciality with a dedicated team monitoring the operation. On site controllers are available to ensure your day runs as smoothly as expected. Prospect Coaches regularly go above and beyond to meet customer’s needs.

https://www.justgiving.com/account/ teams/ProspectCoaches Charities we are supporting so far are www. transaid.org which our General Manager Nathan Hadley is an ambassador for and has previously ridden London to Brussels in support of. Simon Parkes is supportingwww.autism.org.uk. You can find out their reasons by following the links on the team page and also by following their progress through the page. Other riders pages to be added shortly.

With 50 vehicles in operation and approximately 3000 passenger seats available Prospect Coaches can meet your group requirements with ease.

Planning a next trip or looking to set up regular transportation from Getting to School or work, to going abroad. Give our team a call and see how we can help on 01384 895436 or visit our website www.prospectcoaches.co.uk

Prospect Coaches are a family run business based in Lye, Stourbridge and are now into their

94 90

Corporate Coaches in Stourbridge and beyond including Kidderminster, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Prospect Coaches offer a full luxury coach hire service for parties of up to 70 passengers. Our trained, courteous members of staff are DBS checked to enhanced level for your peace of mind.

All vehicles include Wi-Fi, CD, Radio and PA systems with many air-conditioned for comfort. For safety we also provide Satellite tracking with driver analysis and Alcolock inhibitors to prevent the vehicle being started if alcohol is detected.

We provide reliable transport for: Schools and colleges, International trips, Day trips, Corporate events, Concerts and festivals, Sporting events, Sports teams with Stourbridge FC, Stourbridge RFC and Rushall Olympic FC Team coaches. ...and much more

91

Motoring Events

Gearing Up For Autosport International At The NEC in Birmingham

Taking place between 12-15 January at the NEC in Birmingham, Autosport International is the best place to to see some of the greatest the cars and stars from world motorsport.

well as the brand new Lexus LC500 V8 coupe.

Furthermore, an ultra rare display of Ford RS500 Cosworths will feature - marking 30 years since the famed performance saloon dominated racetracks and the streets from the late ‘80’s.

Building on the success of the past two decades, the 2017 Live Action Arena will showcase impressive wheel-to-wheel racing and play host to a mesmerising sequence of stunt driving from some of the world's finest drivers and motorsport celebrities.

Williams F1 Racing, the much-loved British Formula 1 team, will return to the event in 2017 with a new interactive feature celebrating its 40th anniversary. Throughout the event, fans will have the chance to immerse themselves in four decades of Williams heritage – from the team of 1977 right up to Williams Martini Racing of 2017 – as part of a centerpiece that will also see a complete overhaul of the Autosport Stage.

Standard: Adult - £35pp

Child (6-15yrs) - £23pp Ticket includes entry into Autosport International, the Live Action Arena and Performance Car Show (children under five years of age go for free). Ticket price includes £2 admin fee per ticket

Running alongside Autosport International, the Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com will give visitors the chance to meet the companies that are associated with the popular high performance car sector while taking in a selection of the newest, rarest and most desirable cars currently on sale.

PaddockPass Adult - £46pp

Child (6-15yrs) - £33.50pp

includes £2 admin fee per ticket Ticket includes entry into Autosport International, the Live Action Arena and Performance Car Show (children under five years of age go for free). Access

The show will have a display of the most desirable supercars, including the highly-anticipated 2017 Ford GT and Aston Martin DB11, Honda NSX as

92

Motoring Events

to backstage Paddock area, Paddock Guide and access to driver autograph sessions.

Family Pass: £93 includes £6 admin fee (2x Adult and 2x Child of 6-15yrs).

Ticket includes entry into Autosport International, the Live Action Arena and Performance Car Show (children under five years of age go for free). Valid for standard tickets only on Sunday 17 January 2016 and Live Action Arena at 10:00am on Sunday.

VIP Club - £127 includes £2 admin fee per ticket (no VIP Child ticket available) Ticket includes entry into Autosport International, the Live Action Arena and Performance Car Show. In addition VIP Club includes free parking, seat at VIP enclosure with fast track entry to the arena, complimentary drinks and canapés, VIP gift bag and much more.

Further information and tickets are available from http://www.autosportinternational.com

93

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Make sure your business is represented by contacting Chris or Linda or ifP Ayou know someone or I N T E R & D E C O R AT O R something that deserves to be featured please let us know. Email: info@yourlifestylemagazine.co.uk

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Your Lifestyle Magazine is distributed to 25,000 homes and businesses in these areas: Painter & Decorator Motability Motoring Services Motoring Services Motability Pattingham, Burnhill Green, Ackleton, Chesterton, Wombourne, Seisdon, Claverley, Trysull, Sandford, Worfield, Hilton, Wightwick, Compton, Perton, Motor Hair &Services Beauty Perton Ridge, Finchfield, Codsall, Codsall Wood, Oaken, Lower Penn, Tettenhall, Stockwell End, Lower Street, Claregate, Pedmore, West Hagley, Hagley, Hair & Beauty Kinver, Enville, Stourton, Belbroughton, Blakedown, Hackmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gate, Norton, Bobbington, Oldswinford, Wall Heath, Kingswinford, Swindon, Himley

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FOR ALL YOUR CAR REPAIR NEEDS

Your Motoring

THE MG GS

Your Motoring

FAMILY,MG AFFORDABLE, THE GS FUN

FAMILY, AFFORDABLE, FUN

The wait is over. Today, MG’s all-new SUV, the MG GS, was officially launched and the lid has been lifted on what a fantastic package this new is offering.

MGvehicle is proud to announce that, like the other models in the range, the MG GS is no exception with thelikeline-up starting MGtois being proud affordable; to announce that, the other from only £14,995 and finishing at £19,495 models in the range, the MG GS is no exception for the manual transmission andline-up £20,995starting for the DCT to being affordable; with the (dual-clutch transmission). from only £14,995 and finishing at £19,495 for

the manual transmission and £20,995 for the The good newstransmission). keeps coming, with the MG GS DCT (dual-clutch

benefiting from a full five year factory warranty as standard; which shows the confidence we have in The good news keeps coming, with the MG the quality of this new model.

GS benefiting from a full five year factory warranty as standard; which shows the confidence we have in the quality of this new model.

The MG GS, which has been designed and engineered in Longbridge, Birmingham, has been developed to make it drive and handle MGwhich should. chassis has been ThelikeMGanGS, hasThe been designed and tuned to deliver agility and great handling, engineered in Longbridge, Birmingham, has making the driver feel confident when they been developed to make it drive and handle liketake an MG should. chassis has on the mostThe challenging of been roads.tuned to deliver agility and great handling, making the driver when they the most Thefeel MGconfident GS is available in take threeontrim levels, challenging of roads. with an option of manual or DCT on the top

specification.

The MG GS is available in three trim levels, with an option of manual or DCT on the top specification.

To find out more, or request a brochure or To find out more, or request a brochure or test test drive visit www.mg.co.uk. drive visit www.mg.co.uk.

FOR THE ALL NEW

FROM

£14,995*

INCLUDING 5 YEARS WARRANTY

THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE MG FAMILY

FIND OUT MORE AT MG.CO.UK/GS Fuel consumption: URBAN 37.6 mpg | 7.5 l/100km (Manual) 36.6 mpg | 7.7 l/100km (Auto), EXTRA URBAN 53.2 mpg | 5.3 l/100km (Manual) 53.2 | 5.3 l/100km (Auto), COMBINED 46.3 mpg | 6.1 l/100km (Manual) 45.5 mpg | 6.2 l/100km (Auto). CO2 EMISSIONS 139 g/km (Manual) 141 g/km (Auto) Model shown is MG GS Exclusive with Sunset Orange paint and black A-post decal at £19,989. *On the road price of £14,995 applies to the MG GS Explore with no optional extras. On the road (OTR) prices include VAT where applicable, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and 12 months’ ‘Vehicle Excise Duty’. From prices exclude optional metallic paint, accessories and graphics packs. Fuel consumption values shown are based on official EU test figures and are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not be representative of actual driving results.

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Your Motoring

On the Edge of glory, with the new Ford Edge

There was a time when driving was a monotonous day-to-day job, involving the endless school runs and trips to the supermarket. But with the new Ford edge, driving will become your favourite pass-time; with its new optimal technology, those hard-to-reach spots will be available within seconds, making driving a smooth and bump-free experience. At low speeds, the adaptive steering makes the vehicle easier to turn, and at faster speeds, adaptive steering allows you to turn easily without as much steering input from yourself.

Even more so, a new panoramic camera on the front of the car has a split-screen image, allowing you to see obstacles from any angle. Even better still, the newest addition of a rear inflatable seatbelt is the most wanted feature in the midst of an accident, as the belts inflate and spread the crash impact over a five times larger area than other belts do, reducing impact on those you love.

My favourite feature however, would have to be the Active Noise Control. This device balances the noises around you from the car engine, to the five-year-oldin the back singing along to ‘Frozen’.

Active noise control enables you to speak to your

98

family without shouting loudly over the radio, or having to tell your kids to be quiet so you can hear the travel updates.

From the point of view of someone learning to drive, I know full well how difficult a hill start can be. So, the new hill start assist feature in the ford edge prevents you from rolling backwards or forwards when attempting a hill start, and maintains a constant pressure to the breaking system for 2.5 seconds, enabling you to switch from pedal to accelerator with time on your hands.

It’s also highly convenient in slippery conditions.

Last but most certainly not least, the ford sync 3 keeps you connected with your phone, music, navigation and climate control, with the simple voice command device. Never again shall you sit sulking as you drive along, wishing you could call the pizza delivery, when you can now simply utter the word ‘hungry’, and a list of local restaurants will appear on your behalf. Finally, for those teenagers out there, WI-FI is available with hotspots using a USB modern, so you never have to miss a single moment again.

Edge Titanium 2.0 TDCi

Available at Evans Halshaw FordStore Wolverhampton

From only

£299 Per month 0% APR Representative

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE: 36 Monthly Payments of

£299.00

Total Amount of Credit

£26,830.63

Deposit Contribution

£500.00

Total Amount Payable

£31,329.63

Customer Deposit

Term of Agreement

On The Road Cash Price

£3,999.00 36 months

£31,329.63

GMFV Option to Purchase Payment £16,031.00 Rate of Interest (Fixed)

Representative 0% APR

0%

Call now to book a test drive at Evans Halshaw FordStore Wolverhampton

FordStore EVANS HALSHAW evanshalshaw.com

Wolverhampton 57-73 Birmingham Road Wolverhampton WV2 3LS 0333 2029025

Official Fuel Consumption figures in mpg (1/100km) for the Ford range: Urban 14.1-83.1 (3.4-20.1), ExtraUrban 28.8-94.2 (3.0-9.8), Combined 20.8-88.3 (3.2-13.6) Combined official CO2 emissions figures range from 82-306.0g/km All information is correct at time of print and is subject to change without notice. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. GMFV = Guaranteed Minimum Future Value. Offers end 28/02/2017. Representative Example is based on a personal contract purchase agreement from 01/07/2016. Contract mileage of 6,000 per annum and an excess mileage charge of 8.0p(exc VAT per mile). Further charges may apply subject to vehicle condition and mileage if you return the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Vehicles available whilst stock lasts. Finance is subject to status. Retail Customers only. Credit provided by Ford Credit/FCE Eagle Way, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3AR. Deposit Allowance only available when financed with Ford Credit. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. All figures include VAT unless otherwise stated. For full details on this offer, please visit Evans Halshaw Ford. Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. Stripestar Limited, Loxley House, 2 Oakwood Court, Little Oak Drive, Annesley, Nottingham, NG15 0DR. Company number 3786959. Stripestar Limited is a credit broker/intermediary that can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to provide funding for your vehicle. They may incentivise us for introducing you to them.

WE WISH ALL OF OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR