Edge Magazine February 2013

EdgeMagazine February 2013 FREE EDITION

Your essential guide to Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands

The Rep turns 100

Ruling the roost

Presenting Philip Pullman’s I was a rat!

We review The Flat Chicken

Dead to be iconic Introducing illustrator Lucie Whitehead

Big hair day

A dog is for life….

A local success story

Wedding inspiration for 2013

Food & Drink • Culture • Business • Fashion • Lifestyle

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EDITOR’S BIT Welcome to the February edition of Edge Magazine. It’s been a fantastic start to 2013 already. We’ve had a slight redesign and we have welcomed two new members to our growing family; Michele Ford has joined our sales team and Hannah Griffiths will be assisting with editorial. We’re excited to see what the New Year has in store.

It’s a big year for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, celebrating its centenary with fantastic productions and the reopening of their theatre in Centenary Square. We have an interview with their new Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert and never before seen photographs from the archives.

We’re supporting up and coming talent introducing illustrator Lucie Whitehead and her fantastic exhibition Dead to be Iconic. We explore the extreme life of micro artist, Graham Short; a career not for the faint hearted. We’ve also got more features from our experts in literature, gardening, fashion, finance and health and a feature on a revolutionary technique for freezing fat cells without surgery.

If you’re planning a wedding this year, we’ve found some great local venues and a luxury idea for a pre-wedding pamper session at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham. Expert milliner, Janette Reddish also gives us all the tips for wearing hats for weddings. And as always, we’re celebrating local business success with the Best of Broad Street Awards and the National Wedding Industry Awards.

If you’re looking for new eateries and fun for the family this half term, we’ve reviewed Stratford’s new bistro, The Flat Chicken and we have the run-down of events at Cadbury World and Birmingham’s Southside district.

Michael Abu-Zalaf Editor-in-Chief

If you like what you see in Edge Magazine, please show your support by liking our Facebook page and following us on Twitter, as well as checking out our website at: www.edgemagazine.org

FEATURES The Rep turns 100..........................................9 Big hair day..................................................54 Presenting Philip Pullman's I was a rat!

Dead to be iconic..........................................17

Wedding inspiration for 2013

A dog is for life.............................................69 A local success Story

Introducing Illustrator Lucie Whitehead

Ruling the roost............................................20 We review the Flat Chicken

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CONTENTS Birmingham Rep celebrates 100 years at the top

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9

Entering the White House

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Micro masterpiece

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Dead to be iconic

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Ruling the roost

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Fish and Chips

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Dining in the city

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Coast to coast

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Fun in February

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Reader competition

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Pushkar wins BOBS award

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Duelling Pianos competition

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Half-term holiday fun

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Eat well and share the surplus

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Healthy living in 2013

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Freeze the fat

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Get the look

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Expert Advice

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Wearing a wedding hat

49

Wedding winners

51

Big hair day

54

A little indulgence

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Hallfield School

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A hands on approach

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Interventions by Kofi Annan: a review

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The Retail Distribution Review

63

Review the future

64

Workplace Pensions

66

A dog is for life‌

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Making a comeback

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A Wider Wallet

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If you go down to the woods today

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THE TEAM Michael Abu-Zalaf - Editor in Chief

Alice Perrey - Sales Executive

@ZalafAbu - michael@edgemagazine.org

@alice_perrey - alice@edgemagazine.org

Tel:07809 702 992

Tel:07714 490 943

Lucinda Bunn - Copy Editor

Michele Ford - Sales Executive

@lucibunn - l.bunn@edgemagazine.org

@EdgeMag_Michele - michele@edgemagazine.org

Hannah Griffiths - Editorial Assistant

Tel:07515 493 703

@EdgeMag_Hannah- hannah@edgemagazine.org

Eileen O’Kane - Accounts Manager @Eileen_OKane - eileen@edgemagazine.org

Tel:0287 930 1067

INFO@EDGEMAGAZINE.ORG

TEL: 0121 288 3528 OR

CONTRIBUTORS

07809 702 992

Sarah Rees

Melanie Taffs

Mike Stafford

Tom Ware

Laura Clay

Martin Crean

Hillary Collins

Sundip Gill

Janette Reddish

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Free from landline - 0800 433 2 344 Free from mobile - 0333 577 2 344

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BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS AT THE TOP Edge Magazine meets artistic director Roxana Silbert Lucinda Bunn

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his month, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre celebrates its 100th birthday. Many of this country’s greatest actors started their careers at the Birmingham Rep; from Laurence Olivier and Derek Jacobi, to Michael Gambon, Paul Schofield and June Brown. The birthday celebrations kick off with an online archive of photos, programmes, posters and letters telling the story of the Birmingham Rep’s vibrant history.

The theatrical ephemera are accessible to the public for the first time, along with oral histories, audio tours, exhibitions and activity days.

The birthday season opens with the stage premiere of Phillip Pullman’s I was a rat! (12th Feb - 2nd March) and a new version of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. The adaptation,

Heather Gardner, is written by Robin French and set in 1960’s Edgbaston. The first half of the centenary season will take place in the company’s original home, the Old Rep Theatre in Station Street. The second half will see a return to the Rep building when it reopens after a 3 year renovation project, as part of the Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square.

The birthday celebrations and the move to Centenary Square also coincide with the appointment of a new artistic director, Roxana Silbert. So we caught up with Roxana to talk new beginnings, old favourites and the huge role the Rep Theatre has played in Birmingham’s cultural stage.

Birmingham Rep

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www.edgemagazine.org How did you get into directing?

I grew up in Norwich and at the time there wasn’t a decent theatre. It wasn’t until I became friends with a theatre-lover at university that I started to go. I then went on to travel and back to Norwich when I was looking for work. I got a job with the local arts centre.

They were running a government scheme and I was appointed as a Community Arts Worker; running programmes for autistic and deaf children. I did that for a year and then decided to apply for drama school.

Which of your productions has been your favourite directing experience?

Ask any director and they’ll say it’s the production they’re currently working on. At the moment I’m doing Galileo with the RSC. Before I began working with the RSC, I was always working on new plays so it’s been a revelation to produce classics.

Who do you admire most?

There’s not really one person. I admire lots of people but there wasn’t anyone who really took me under their wing. I grew up reading the Brontës and Austen and these amazing female writers who taught me a lot about how to live a life. Those women are my heroes.

Do you think it’s harder for women to succeed in the theatre than men?

As a director the field has changed enormously. I’ve been on the board of the JMK trust for emerging directors for 12 years. The award is a production at the Old Vic. In the beginning, 90% of the applicants were men and it was a real struggle to encourage women to apply. Now the ratio is 50/50.

Tell us about the new building.

The new building is going to be more comfortable. It’s also a 300 seated theatre which will open the stage to more companies. Most theatres are about that size so in joining that mid-scale, we’ll be comparable to other theatres. It’s more intimate and it’ll allow us to showcase a broader range of work. And our collaboration with the Library of Birmingham means we’ll boost each others’ programmes too.

The Old Rep Theatre, Station Street 1918

by David Watson, who’s a local writer so there’s a really strong Birmingham thread to the adaptation. It’s very visual and very inventive.

How would you like to see the Rep develop over the next 100 years?

The Rep belongs to the people of Birmingham. There’s a dialogue between the theatre and the city. The Rep is integral in creating a pathway for young and emerging talent. After being closed for 3 years, we’re reopening the Rep in a different economic context. It’s going to be important for us to bring our audience attractive, creative and consistent productions. The Rep is so important for the identity of Birmingham. It’s an artistic hub and I hope in the next 100 years, the Rep continues to be something the people of Birmingham can give to and learn from.

Tell us about your first production at the Rep. What can your audience expect?

The first production is I was a rat! by Philip Pullman. It’s a fantastic story and the production has been written

Sir Barry Jackson, 1954

Richard Chamberlain, 1969

Julie Christie, 1963

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ENTERING THE WHITE HOUSE Grosvenor Wilton, the company behind the carpets

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fter Stephen Spielberg’s Lincoln was released at the end of last month, we were delighted to discover that Kidderminster based luxury carpet manufacturers Grosvenor Wilton are the company behind the stunning carpets seen in the film.

The American historical drama film is set during 1865, when US president Abraham Lincoln was trying to amend the constitution to formally abolish slavery. The Grosvenor Wilton Company produced the Wilton carpet used for Abraham Lincoln’s bedroom in the White House.

This specially designed carpet is predominantly green with some brown and red motifs. The carpet creates a warm, natural ambience whilst ornamenting the busy Baroque style.

‘Sadly we¹re one of the few companies left making Wilton carpets’ company owner, Malcolm Foley, comments. Grosvenor Wilton can be seen as a relatively new carpet manufacturer, being formed in 2005, but the company has a hidden past. The actual heritage of Grosvenor Wilton spans over 200 years, dating back to the late 18th century when the original Grosvenor business was founded in 1790. This is what gives this independent carpet manufacturer its prestigious reputation. ‘The carpets are made in a traditional way, which is part of their appeal. It’s important to people, especially within the restoration of properties’, Malcolm explained.

The small weaving operation is based in Hartlebury, near Kidderminster. The workshop uses the latest design and production technology combined with the traditional

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Wilton looms. Quality and innovation, authenticity, classical English design and craftsmanship all remain an integral part of the Grosvenor Wilton ethos, especially within the workforce itself. ‘We have a longstanding workforce, most of them with over 40 years service, one gentleman is even coming up to his 50th year’. Working with some of the most esteemed names around the world, Grosvenor Wilton carpets appear in stately homes, historic palaces, period houses, commercial venues and private residences.

‘We recently installed all of the carpets in the Charles Dickens museum. We created the carpets for Royal palaces including Buckingham Palace. Our carpets can be seen in the film Around the World in 80 Days and we regularly supply the Mary Poppins show with carpets for their stage sets. A lot of our exports go to America to the historic restoration market but we also create and manufacture more contemporary carpets for top end interior designers, so it¹s not just traditional carpets’, explains Malcolm.

So whether you are embarking upon a restoration project, redecorating your period property or simply desire a high quality and bespoke carpet for your home, choose Grosvenor Wilton. They’re a very small, traditional company who take pride in the work that they do. That pride shines through every part of the process, from the initial meetings and bespoke designs to the high quality 1 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown finished and fitted carpet.

Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 3JP Tel: 01562 701456 www.grosvenorwilton.co.uk

Entering the White House

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MICRO MASTERPIECE A day in the life of Graham Short Lucinda Bunn

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raham Short’s life is as interesting as it is bizarre.

As a micro artist and the creator of art on the smallest scale imaginable, Graham has a lifestyle like no other. He’s known for engraving The Lord’s Prayer on the head of a pin; a challenge which was started 40 years ago and finished in 2008. Was it worth the effort? He says ‘probably not’. But his overriding passion for what he does consumes him, like a method actor becoming the character he portrays, Graham Short becomes his masterpiece.

Graham’s working day starts with a swimming session at 6pm. He swims 10,000 metres a day and this session before work gives him his first 5k. As a former European swimming champion over 200m butterfly, swimming

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has always been an important aspect of Graham’s life; as it keeps him fit and focused, although he now prefers front crawl.

After his swim, Graham settles in his studio by 10pm to start his relaxation exercises. These are special breathing techniques combined with handfuls of potassium, magnesium and beta-blockers. He confesses, ‘I eat the tablets like sweets!’.

Then, at around midnight, when Graham’s relaxed enough to have a low resting pulse rate of 30 beats per minute, he starts work and doesn’t finish until 5am.

He works these unearthly hours purely to avoid the vibration caused by passing traffic. If a lorry passes a couple of blocks away, Graham can feel the movement

www.edgemagazine.org through the microscope. When he finishes work at 5am, Graham heads back to the pool for another 5k session.

The fitter he is, the lower his resting pulse rate.

Graham works under a 400 magnification medical microscope and uses a stethoscope to monitor his heartbeat. When he’s absolutely still, with his arm strapped to the bench, he attempts to make a controlled cut into the metal – between heartbeats.

Every three months Graham has Botox injections around his eyes. This helps keep the nerves and muscles absolutely rigid. Occasionally they pump in too much and he can’t blink for a while. When this happens, Graham has to keep pulling his eyelids down by hand to lubricate his eyes. This lack of movement usually wears off after about four days.

To gauge the scale of Graham’s work, consider this: the thickness of a human hair is 100 microns. The smallest lettering Graham has engraved was measured by students at Oxford University at just 3 microns high.

This lettering, Nothing is Impossible was carved along the sharp edge of a razor blade.

Like other artists, Graham tries to push himself to the absolute limit. The difference is that to push yourself in micro art, you have to go to pretty extreme lengths.

Graham says, ‘on reflection, it is quite a ridiculous way to make a living. Many people ask me why I do it.’

Graham’s art is unique and not only in demand by investors but by prestigious art galleries around the world. The razor blade sold for £50,000 two years ago and Graham has since been informed that the buyer has been offered a six figure sum for it.

More recently, Graham has been working on Islamic ornamental calligraphy. He engraved the first chapter of the Qur’an on a platinum pin measuring just 2mm across which took four months to finish. An anonymous fine-art investor, living in London, bought it for £80,000.

Graham currently has an exhibition in an art gallery in Dubai and later in 2013 he will be in the US showcasing his ‘Hall of Fame’ collection, starting at the White House gallery in Washington. These will be quotes by wellknown American politicians, pioneers and celebrities.

Graham says ‘I’ve always been fascinated by the form and make-up of lettering. Several years ago I produced the smallest portrait in the world of HM Queen Elizabeth II. I’ve seen portraits carved on rice but they look like caricatures with no fine detail. I decided to engrave the Queen’s hair and jewels in her crown. The Queen is very kind to artists in that she has kept the same hair style for

about 40 years. It is relatively easy to get it right’.

Following this year’s Royal Jubilee, the portrait was snapped up by a collector in the North of England.

Like the Qur’an, this five-month project also sold for £80,000. Apparently, they take so long because they always go wrong. The engraving tool, which is a very fine needle with the point rubbed down until it is almost invisible, often slips across the pin, obliterating the work around it. Graham then has to re-polish the pin and start again.

Last year, TV broadcaster, actor and writer Stephen Fry sent Graham one of his vintage fountain pens. As Stephen is a great Oscar Wilde fan, Graham engraved ‘I can resist everything except temptation’ on the actual tip of the pen nib for him. Eventually, Graham and Stephen agreed instead that the phrase, ‘waggled in the right way this inky little stick can change the world’ would suit better. Stephen and Graham decided, as a joint effort, to donate the pen to the charity English Pen, who represent and support imprisoned writers around the world. It will be auctioned at Sotherby’s in the spring and will hopefully raise lots of money for the cause. www.thehandsofgenius.com

Micro Masterpiece

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DEAD TO BE ICONIC Illustrations from the afterlife Lucinda Bunn

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eet Lucie Whitehead; the girl behind the drawings. Lucie hosted her first solo exhibition at The Custard Factory, Birmingham, back in November. We went and were hypnotised by her collection of illustrations, which capture not just the image but the spirit.

the idea that these icons who had achieved so much, suffered the ultimate price of fame. I wanted to bring them back to life through my portraits, which capture each star at the height of their fame.

Tell us about the concept for Dead to Be Iconic.

I have been inspired by collections such as Christina Christoforou’s Whose Hair?, and Dryden Goodwin’s 'Linear'- 60 portraits of Underground Staff. These artists have both produced vast collections of portraiture based work which are consistent in their uniformed appearance. Their work inspired me to create my own collection of portraits, which has helped form my negotiated project for my final year at university.

I have always been interested in how celebrities secure their iconic status through an untimely death. I remember when Michael Jackson died and everybody put this aura of 'god-like' status around him, forgetting about the bad press that surrounded him when he was alive. It’s the idea that if you die prematurely, you will always be remembered as a saint, even if you did terrible things. The same can be said for Sid Vicious. Allegedly he murdered his girlfriend Nancy Spungen but after taking an overdose and passing away at the age of 21, he has secured a worshipped status.

I found that collectively these stars all hold a tragic story, which personally, I found both interesting and horrific;

What inspired you?

How do you decide which stars make the cut?

After some research, I had a list of over 200 names, some more famous than others. I wanted to have a range of different backgrounds and talents; from singers to revolutionists to Formula 1 drivers, so that at least one of the illustrations would appeal to every person who

Dead to be iconic

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EdgeMagazine viewed the exhibition. The next step was to find photos to represent each icon, which became very difficult, as I needed high resolution photographs of the face of the icon to be able to capture them as well as I could.

Eventually, finding photos shortened my list but it just wasn’t possible for me to draw everyone.

Tell us about your process and the materials and techniques you use.

Throughout my time at university, I’ve developed my own stylised illustration style. This combines the use of detailed pencil drawings, created using a cross hatching method with mechanical pencils (0.3mm and 0.5mm thickness, using B grade), where tiny strokes have been used to build detail and shading (no smudging or erasing has been used). I also incorporate collage, which I use by applying sourced vintage fabrics, tissue and papers to the original drawings, to provide clothing and backgrounds to my compositions. Each portrait takes between 4-6 hours, depending on the wildness of the hair!

How did you get into art?

I was always encouraged with the artistic activities which dominated my childhood through the help of my granny and my mother, who are both artistic. Throughout my academic years, I had developed many techniques and different forms of art, from sculpture to photography and most importantly through a great understanding of fine art and painting. These experiences helped me to progress my knowledge of line and tone so I could create photo realistic images. I really felt that art was my

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strongest skill and therefore continued onto university to study Visual Communications; Illustration at Birmingham City University, where I hope to graduate this year.

What are your plans, projects and hopes for 2013?

2013 is going to be a very big year for me. I have just finished my dissertation and now I am about to start my final major project illustrating British comedy duos; from Morecambe and Wise to French and Saunders. In addition to university projects, I have also been selected as a finalist for Undergraduate of the Year at Birmingham City University, (I will find out if I am the lucky winner in March) which I am excited to be a part of and pleased that my hard work has been recognised by the University.

My work is now being sold at Mr Bird’s Emporium in Digbeth. You’ll find originals, prints and greetings cards from my Dead to be Iconic collection. Finally, I shall be exhibiting my work at the New Designers Show in London this summer, where work will be exhibited to agents and design houses. After I graduate, I hope to sign up with an illustration agency and create an impressive portfolio from my studio. www.luciewhitehead.com

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The White Hart • Striking Views • Fantastic Food

White Hart Lane Ufton, Leamington Spa • Valentines Day Warwickshire CV33 9PJ & Mothers Day T: 01926 612 976 bookings available E: TheWhitehartufton@gmail.com White Hart Ufton

@TheWhite_Hart

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RULING THE ROOST Stratford's new bistro, The Flat Chicken Lucinda Bunn

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he Flat Chicken is the newly opened rotisserie bistro in Stratford-upon-Avon. The brainchild of Charles Harris, Operations Director of CD Pub Co, The Flat Chicken is inspired by the surge of poultry specialist restaurants that have popped up in London over the past few years. You see, rotisserie chicken is not fast-food, it’s a genuinely gourmet option for all you foodies out there.

On the corner of Guild Street and Windsor Street, a step away from the slew of fine dining restaurants on Sheep Street, The Flat Chicken is modern in its approach to eating out. The clean, wooden décor and designer light fixtures give the restaurant a relaxed edge. The starters, or peckings, are Mediterranean inspired with harissa houmous and Nocellara del Belice olives (served on ice), grilled artichokes, camembert and feta stuffed peppers. Peckings come on gorgeous wooden platters and mini-kilner jars; it’s rustic and playful. The choices for mains are chicken wings, half a chicken or a whole chicken; although steak is available too. Half a chicken - which is enough for two to share - is £9.95. It’s cooked on a rotisserie and smothered in The Flat Chicken’s special house BBQ sauce. The chicken is plump, tender and free-range and the BBQ sauce is a tangy, sticky sensation – all part of the finger-licking fun. The chicken comes with a generous portion of crispy chips and we went for three sides too; a good choice, though a seriously filling one. Sides include buttery corn on the cob, fresh, colourful salads and The Flat Chicken deli coleslaw. Desserts feature some favourites from across the pond: chocolate and pecan brownie, warm apple pie and lemon meringue baked Alaska.

The Flat Chicken gets the zeitgeist right with its modern, healthy, share’n’ serve yourself experience. It’s moderately priced, honest food. There’s a great wine list and beers to choose from including a bottle and jug of root beer. The bar spans most of the restaurant although most people sup while they eat. For The Flat Chicken, the extra details really shine through, from the place settings to the condiment bottles and the hand wipes which seem to say ‘tuck in and enjoy yourself’.

The service is cheery and fast and altogether the joint seems like a fantasy of the friendliest diner you could ever hope to find, made real.

Open Tues - Sat 11am - 11pm Food served from 12noon - 9.30pm

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44 GUILD STREET, STRATFORD CV37 6QY. TEL: 01789 415542 www.theflatchicken.com

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FISH AND CHIPS Focus on quality with Chamberlains

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n response to the recent articles in the media about the rising cost of fish and chips, we caught up with the owners at Chamberlains to get their take on what’s happening with the nation’s favourite.

Chamberlains opened in March 2011 at a time when the cost of fish and chips was already on the increase. There has been a rise in the cost of potatoes and cod within the last two years so we asked how the newcomers to fish and chips had coped with the increasing prices.

Simon Shaw, co-owner, says, ‘for the takeaway we charge £5.90 for a large cod and chips and £3.90 for small cod and chips but when comparing, you must consider the quality and portion size on offer, otherwise it is meaningless. The difference between a large cod and chips may be up to £1 between shops but Chamberlains believe the customer would prefer to pay a little bit more for quality and to thoroughly enjoy a meal. At less than £6 for a large cod and chips the meal compares well with most other fast food options such as pizza, Indian or Chinese takeaways and if you look at the core ingredients being a large fillet of cod and locally sourced potatoes, it is great value for money.

It’s important to note also that the average serving of fish and chips contains less calories than most pizzas, curries and Chinese food – after all you are only eating three key ingredients; fish, potatoes and flour. There are no preservatives and additives in a portion of fish and chips.

the chamberlains cod meal, large cod and chips, mushy pe bread and butter and a pot of tea all for 9.95 available a day any time

Chamberlains serve ten types of fish and seafood, not just cod. So if you want haddock, plaice or hake or even scampi, calamari, roe, sea bass, prawns, mussels, salmon, mackerel, they do it all. Due to supply, cod prices have increased but Chamberlains ensure they get the highest grade cod possible from well managed and sustainable sources. Chamberlains can tell you when and where and by which fishing vessel their fish is caught. The team also cook every piece of fish fresh to order. They’ve been open nearly two years and have never sold a piece of fish from the hotplate. All of their customers order their fish when they enter the shop so they know it is fresh. Customers can then specify small or large or with our light and

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crispy batter, grilled, in breadcrumbs or even in glutenfree batter for people with coeliac disease and wheat allergies. Chamberlains offer their customers the choice of cooking their food in the traditional way in beef dripping or in vegetable oil. By cooking fresh to order and exactly how the customer wants it, Chamberlains have no wastage of fish which helps manage their prices but

Irish mussels served in a holdens cider and cream sauce

Fish and Chips

eas, any

www.edgemagazine.org more importantly it ensures the quality. On a busy Friday Chamberlains can sell half a tonne of fish and chips so there can be a bit of a wait but they maintain that their aim has always been to sell the best quality. ‘We want to be the best, not the quickest’, says Simon.

This must be working as Chamberlains has already notched up a string of awards. Last year, Chamberlains won Best Newcomer to the Fish and Chip Industry at the National Fish and Chip Awards and it won Best Chippy Chips – Midlands as part of National Chip Week.

Chamberlains are also the only fish and chip shop from the West Midlands to be represented at the 2013 award finals.

The focus on quality runs through everything that Chamberlains do. The business has been awarded 5 stars for hygiene for each of the two years it has been open and it has also achieved the 5 star Quality Award from the National Federation of Fish Fryers and only 200 out of 10,500 fish and chip shops have this recognition. ‘The British public care about where their food comes from and how it is prepared. You can buy fish and chips cheaper but it may just be ‘fish’. We know what type of fish it is and where it has it come from. At Chamberlains, you can be confident that the hygiene in the establishment is independently rated. We have a lot of positive feedback. Our customers like the fact that they can choose their fish and how it is cooked’, says Simon. ‘We also get comments like “this is how fish and chips used to taste” or “I had stopped eating fish and chips until I tried Chamberlains”, so that’s always fantastic to hear’.

‘We don’t serve kebabs, pizzas and southern fried chicken, so 90% of our customers come for our fish and chips. The other 10% like the pies, as we serve a range pies from Bowkett’s, the award-winning butchers just a couple of miles up the Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury. These pies too are made fresh and delivered daily to Chamberlains. We probably have the smallest takeaway menu in the city, yet we serve ten types of fish and seafood’.

The team at Chamberlains recognise that they are in a competitive market and so they always put the customer

Daniel Lynch head chef and co owner, every piece of fish is cooked fresh to order

first with great deals and offers. For example, on Monday to Friday lunchtimes you can order a small fish and chips and a pot of tea for just £4.95. On Thursdays, there is a fabulous offer for senior citizens at just £6.45 for two courses and a pot of tea. On Tuesdays, you can order two large fish and chips for just £10 – Chamberlains call them Tenner Tuesdays! Children’s meals are only £4.95 and include a drink and an ice cream.

As well as a modern takeaway, Chamberlains has a very comfortable 76 cover restaurant, so if you want a glass of Pinot Grigio with your plaice or a Holden’s Golden Glow Real Ale with your haddock, you can! The restaurant is decorated with amazing images of Birmingham from the early 1900s and a retro style that complements the nod to traditional fish and chips. Chamberlains offer free wifi, baby changing facilities, full disabled access and facilities and free car parking. Whilst a fish and chip supper is the core of the menu, there is a range of starters, main courses and desserts to choose from too.

Chamberlains prides itself on the level of service provided as newcomers are welcomed and many regulars are on first name basis with the staff.

Chamberlains is located on the junction of Hagley Road West. Chamberlains is open 7 days a week and serves fish and chips from 12noon through to 9.30pm. For full details, go to www.chamberlainsfishandchips.co.uk or give the team a call on 01214297709.

Chamberlains is located on the junction of Hagley Road West and Wolverhampton Road, between what was Johnathans restaurant and McDonalds. Chamberlains is open 7 days and serve fish & chips from 12noon through to 9.30pm for full details go to www.chamberlainsfishandchips.co.uk or give them a call on 01214297709.

The wners of chamberlains receiving the Best Newcomer at the 2012 Fish and Chip awards from celebrity chef Richard Corrigan

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DINING IN THE CITY Fleet Street Kitchen fires up the grill

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rom the stable of the highly successful Mechu and Après brands, Fleet Street Kitchen is a new farm to table experience that will offer unpretentious modern British flavours cooked on fire courtesy of an exclusively designed Barbecoa grill. Due to launch on Friday 1st March 2013, the city-centre meatery draws inspiration from the grooviest country kitchen where fabulous design elevates a hearty, down-toearth menu that can be enjoyed from lunchtime to late into the night.

Cooking with fire: the Barbecoa experience All core ingredients will be given the chef’s equivalent of a hot stone massage from Fleet Street Kitchen’s custom-designed Barbecoa grill, the first of its kind to be installed in a UK restaurant. Barbecoa is a pure charcoal indoor barbeque grill, heavily utilised in Northern Spain where it is widely used as a traditional method for cooking meat and fish to its most delicious potential. Positioned at the heart of the Kitchen, the Barbecoa grill will take centre stage as diners enjoy the theatre of its flames.

Let the flames begin The menu at Fleet Street Kitchen will be a celebration of British meat and produce. Handpicked breeds from flock and herd will be cooked on charcoal to lock in flavour and ensure an intensely juicy experience with every mouthful. Steak is the star with a generous selection of rarebreed cuts hunted and gathered from respected British producers and given the ultimate grilling courtesy of the Kitchen’s almighty Barbecoa grill.

Rotisserie chicken and poussin, whole fish and burger sliders are exposed

to the same fiery treatment while abundant deli boards and a generous helping of naughty puds round-off a deliciously comforting menu. Sunday lunch will conclude the week for Birmingham’s urban ramblers in search of a home-cooked, familyfriendly vibe.

Country-luxe dining in the city Taking its cue from the hotchpotch grandeur of a country house kitchen, designer Matt Rawlinson has twisted tradition to give the restaurant at Fleet Street Kitchen an urban vibe.

Vintage tiles, hand crafted light fittings, painted recycled timbers and ‘retrouve’ furniture have been fused with open shuttered walls and ceilings to create a country-luxe ambience where time around the table with friends is encouraged by the homely atmosphere.

The best parties are always in the Kitchen!

Discover the hideaway bar ‘Downstairs at Fleet Street Kitchen’ with its regular Friday Night Live sessions and relaxed, spontaneous vibe. Expect an interior of marble mosaic floors, battered leather furniture and fashioninspired illustrations in graphic monochrome where live acts, experimental DJs and cool laid back Jazz bring a customdesigned late-night experience to life for Birmingham’s thriving over 25’s market. A smoking terrace is also available at our guests' discretion.

Downstairs at Fleet Street Kitchen is ideally situated to host corporate events, intimate gatherings and private parties. For more information please email events@summerrow.com or call 0121-710-4233.

Fleet Street Islington Gates Summer Row B3 1JL T: 0121- 236-0100 W: www.fleetstreetkitchen.co.uk E: fleetstreet@summerrow.com T: @fleetstkitchen FB: fleetstreetkitchenuk

Dining in the city

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COAST TO COAST Authentic American restaurant opened at Touchwood

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n authentic flavour of the US is now available for all visitors to Solihull’s Touchwood Centre, with the opening of Coast to Coast, an exciting new American restaurant and bar. The new restaurant specialises in all American favourites, offering diners a great venue and excellent food and drink all year round.

When it opened its doors in December, the restaurant not only provided residents with a great place to go out, it also created 40 new jobs in the area.

The ideal destination for any occasion, Coast to Coast is casual dining at its best. Guests can experience a gastronomic adventure from east to west coast America, with dishes and cocktails inspired by recipes from across the continent. Authentic décor completes the experience with leather booth-seating, dark wood tables, maps of the Lincoln Highway and classic US memorabilia on the walls.

Open throughout the day from breakfast through to dinner, the diverse menu means there is something for everybody. The burgers, guaranteed to be a firm favourite, are made from freshly pressed corn-fed Aberdeen Angus beef and served with straw fries and spicy ketchup. Coast to Coast pizzas are traditional deep dish served Chicago style, in the pan with a wide range of tasty toppings.

Delicious seafood dishes, steaks, sizzling fajitas, wraps and South-Western specials also top the menu. When it comes to desserts, ice-creams including chocolate honeycomb and blackcurrant cheesecake, alongside classics such as blueberry crumble and profiteroles, are sure to tempt all guests.

In addition to the fantastic food, Coast to Coast has joined together with award-winning mixologist and former ‘Something for the Weekend’ star, Andy Pearson, to create a cutting edge collection of tantalising cocktails.

The menu spans from the more traditional ‘Bond style’ dry martini - blended with a choice Eristoff vodka or Bombay Sapphire – to the deliciously quirky, American inspired Red Berry Cheesecake, which boasts a mouth-watering combination of Chambord, Fraise Liqeuor, Amaretto, vodka and strawberry purée.

There is also a collection of after dinner treats, including the Iced Baileys Latte - Kahlúa, Baileys, milk and cream shaken together and finished with flamed cocoa powder – an exciting alternative to a traditional coffee! Or, for the sophisticates amongst you, why not try the After Eight – a mouth tingling creation with Eristoff vodka, Crème de Menthe, milk and cream.

Restaurant manager, Robert Plested comments: “Since opening in December we have had a really positive response from the people of Solihull and the town’s numerous visitors, who love the authentic American dining experience on offer at Coast to Coast.

We hope that local residents will continue to come along and sample our fantastic food and cocktails, whilst enjoying the relaxed vibe and the great location of our new restaurant.”

The restaurant is located at Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull, B91 3GJ. For more information, visit www.c2crestaurants.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook/coasttocoastrestaurants and Twitter @Solihull_C2C.

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Coast to Coast

www.edgemagazine.org

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FUN IN FEBRUARY

Southside will also be home to this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations, which start on Sunday 10th February 12:30pm – 5:30pm in the Arcadian Centre. The on-stage entertainment will include dragon dances, acrobats, Martial Arts, singing and dancing, with a big screen on Hurst Street showing the action. Traditional craft stalls will open on Hurst Street from 11.30am which visitors can browse throughout the day. The day will conclude with a spectacular firework finale.

Activities for all ages in Birmingham's Southside district

Ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations, Southside’s latest night spot The Honey Club will be hosting a special Chinese costume party on Friday 8th February. Open from 10pm – 5am, admission prices are £20 per person and with every ticket, £10 can be claimed back for a play at Broadway Casino.

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irmingham Hippodrome is welcoming Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of Aladdin to the stage with performances from Friday 15th – Sunday 23rd February. Embark on a whirlwind journey of adventure and romance with the UK premiere of David Bintley’s Aladdin, a magical tale of love, trickery and triumph. On Saturday 15th February, 12pm – 2:30pm, show attendees can also enjoy a free of charge family fun day of Aladdin themed activities in the Birmingham Hippodrome foyers, including face painting, costumes, design table, workshops and more.

If you’re looking for a more hands on experience, take a trip back in time with a Rag Rug Workshop, led by craft specialist Jessie Lindon in the atmospheric setting of the National Trust Back to Backs Holiday Cottage.

Learn about the history of the craft and how the former residents of the Back to Backs made their own rag rugs, with tools and materials provided to create your own.

Booking is essential, so visit the Back to Backs website for your place.

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Julia Chance, BID manager for Southside BID said: “This half-term we have a real variety of activities going on across the district proving that there really is something for everyone.

“We have lots of unique and engaging activities - from rag rug making to face painting - that will provide fun for all the family this half-term. 2013 is also a very big year for Birmingham Repertory Theatre and we’re looking forward to seeing it kick off its 100th birthday season with some exciting and unusual activities.”

To find out what else Birmingham’s Southside district has to offer, please visit www.enjoysouthside.co.uk

www.edgemagazine.org

READER COMPETITION Win a meal for 4 people at Chung Ying courtesy of Edge Magazine

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his year, Chung Ying Cantonese restaurant has cemented its status by winning the Tsingtao Legacy of Taste’s competition, with the title of Best Chinese Restaurant in the Midlands competition.

To celebrate this achievement, Chung Ying are offering a meal for four people including four bottles of Tsingato Beer.

The “Original” Cantonese Restaurant in Birmingham’s Chinatown VOTED BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT IN THE MIDLANDS Tsingtao Legacy of Taste Midlands Winner

All you have to do is answer this question: On February 10th, the Chinese community will be celebrating Chinese New Year Will it be .... (a) the year of the dragon? (b) the year of the snake?

Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant 16 - 18 Wrottesley Street, Birmingham, B5 4RT www.chungying.co.uk Tel: 0121 622 5669 Follow us on twitter @ChungYingRest

(c) the year of the rat?

Email your answer to : events@deliciouspr.co.uk together with your name and address by March 1st for you to win this great prize.

Visit www.chungying.co.uk for terms and conditions

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PUSHKAR WINS BOBS AWARD P

ushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining proudly scooped up the award for ‘Best Fine Dining’ at the The BOBS (The Best of Broad Street Awards) 2013 on Sunday 20th January 2013.

Despite the blanket of snow that settled across the UK, The BOBS 2013, which honours the best bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants along Birmingham’s Golden Mile, still went ahead. The awards, now in their eighth year, culminated in a glittering presentation ceremony at the ICC on a very snowy Sunday evening when entertainers, businessmen and women, entrepreneurs and hospitality staff all rubbed shoulders.

A great energy and buzz surrounded the event both in the lead up to it as well as on the night of the awards, despite the trouble many guests had gone through to arrive due to adverse weather conditions.

Pushkar means ‘born to a flower’, which signifies love, romance & passion.

Make your valentines special with Pushkar.

4 course meal £35 (per guest)

There were over 20 award categories in total including Best Door Supervisor, Best Police Officer, Best Manager, Best Chef, Best Restaurant, Best Themed Venue, Best Casual Dining, and Best Fine Dining. Pushkar, which has won numerous awards at the BOBS in previous years, won the award for Best Fine Dining at this year’s ceremony.

Pushkar’s Creative Director, Rai Singh, comments: “We always love attending the BOBS Awards and are proud to represent Broad Street and Birmingham. We’re so pleased to have returned with the award for ‘Best Fine Dining’. We take great pride in our restaurant, service and cuisine, and everyone at Pushkar works hard to give our customers the very best of fine dining experiences – it is an honour to receive recognition for that.”

Tel: 0121 643 7978 Valentines 4pp menu 2013.indd 1

245 Broad Street City Centre, Birmingham B1 2HQ Tel: 0121 643 7978 22/1/13 13:24:45

Pushkar wins BOBS

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P I E R R E

S T E A K H O U S E

B A R

W H I T E &

G R I L L

B I R M I N G H A M

The steaks are high...

Drinking and dining doesn’t get much better…..or higher!

Enjoy a devilish two-course meal for £15 or three-courses for £20. Dining is from the Table D’Hote menu and is available Monday - Friday from 12pm to 2.30pm. Or relax in our Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar and sample one of our signature Champagne cocktails.

To reserve a table visit www.mpwsteakhousebirmingham.co.uk or call 0121 643 2010.

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DUELLING PIANOS COMPETITION Duelling Pianos is Birmingham's newest, high energy live music bar and restaurant. After winning Best New Bar at the BOBS awards last month, Duelling Pianos are feeling generous. And get this, they’re offering Edge Magazine readers the chance to win a night out on them. A party of four will be treated to dinner and a round of drinks up to a total value of £100. Your night out can be on any Friday night before the end of March.

Simply email Duelling Pianos at info@duellingpianobars. co.uk with the answer to our question below and the first person drawn out with the correct answer on the closing date of March 8th will be treated to a great party night out at the vibrant bar on Broad Street.

Friday nights are party nights at Duelling Pianos. You can eat, drink and be merry while interacting with the fabulous and talented Duelling Pianists who will perform the songs you request throughout the night.

The winner will be contacted via email and given a chance to book their chosen date before March 31.

The contemporary menu at Duelling Pianos features a host of favourites from tapas to traditional pub classics and posh nosh. And their bespoke cocktails are world renowned.

What award did Duelling Pianos win recently at the prestigious Best on Broad Street BOBS awards evening?

For terms and conditions please see our website at www. duellingpianobars.co.uk Competition prize not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

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HALF-TERM HOLIDAY FUN Celebrations at Cadbury World

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rom 16th –24th February, there will be a variety of performances from some of Cadbury World’s favourite family entertainers, including magicians, ventriloquists and jugglers.

In addition to these seasonal activities, you will also have the chance to journey through Cadbury World’s 14 amazing zones. Take a trip through the Aztec Jungle zone and learn about the origins of the cocoa bean before entering a full scale replica of Bull Street. Here you’ll be greeted by one of Cadbury World’s new Victorian and Georgian characters who will entertain you as you visit the location where John Cadbury opened his first shop in 1824.

Climb on board the magical Cadabra ride for a gentle journey through a chocolate wonderland before having a go at writing your own name in smooth liquid chocolate in the Demonstration Area. Finally, finish your journey

in the Essence zone where you can choose your favourite treat to be smothered in warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk.

Diane Mitchell, marketing manager at Cadbury World, says: “I’m looking forward to celebrating the first halfterm break of the year with some fun for our visitors to enjoy. Our family entertainers are a hit with grown-ups and kids alike, so are guaranteed to provide a good time for all.

“Our half-term activities are part of an exciting programme of seasonal activities we have planned for the attraction this year. During the Easter weekend we’ll be playing host to some eggstra-special activities, including an Easter Egg hunt and an Easter bonnet competition for children.”

For more information about a visit to Cadbury World go to www.cadburyworld.co.uk.

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Half term holiday fun

www.edgemagazine.org

Fourteen amazing zones One fantastic day out 0844 880 7667 or visit cadburyworld.co.uk

Book now on

20183601 CW February Press_271x184.indd 1

07/02/2012 12:12

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EAT WELL AND SHARE THE SURPLUS Create a smart and casual potager Hillary Collins

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here is something very satisfying about basking in the sunshine, mug of coffee in hand, inspecting serried ranks of vegetables in the kitchen garden. A peaceful haven of regimented calm with the orderly and neat rows of food.

Tasting the first peas (they never made it to the kitchen), fresh baby carrots washed off under the garden tap, their unbelievably sweet flavour resembling nothing purchased at the supermarket. There is nothing quite like the ephemeral scent of sweet peas mingling with the fruity aroma of ripening tomatoes on a humid summer evening.

The French cram in the plants so close, there is no room for weeds. This requires a non-mechanical, hands-on approach to cultivation and the gardener is rewarded for their diligence with a beautiful looking plot. The potager system is so productive there is plenty to donate to friends, with a few spare for the odd itinerant slug.

Decide where to cultivate yours and to prevent jungle warfare (or the raising of a white flag), design it first on paper. Remember, simplicity is key.

This romantic notion of the kitchen garden is often a long march from the reality of the average British veggie plot. Several I recall resemble a battleground rather than dig for victory. Treading carefully through this vegetarian minefield, when it comes to design, I postulate that this is one instance where French style wins over British practicality. A triumph of Potager over Kailyard (14th century Scots from the Old Norse kĂĄl - meaning where the cabbages grow). Too often our vegetables are hidden away in gloomy garden corners, almost as though we are embarrassed by the sight of them. Better yields are achieved when vegetables are grown in good soil with full sun and this means turning over a prime piece of garden to production; so it needs to look good too.

The French, ever passionate about food, have spent centuries perfecting beautiful kitchen gardens. Whereas historically, we have tended to be a bit resistant about the green things on our plate. However, the great culinary renaissance of the past decade has resulted in a quest for information; we want to know how our food has been produced and that it is chemical free. Growing your own vegetables is even better; from plot to plate in less than 20 minutes with no air-miles and flavour which knocks the spots off a tired, travel-worn supermarket runner bean.

So what is a potager?

In a nutshell, a potager is a collection of attractive and tasty vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers are grown in an ornamental fashion, whilst providing food for the kitchen. They are not complicated or flashy, but simply laid out with a quiet sophistication and a certain style.

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On a small scale you could choose a formal parterre or rustic cottagegarden style. Traditionally a potager garden consists of symmetrical beds in geometric shapes, divided by pathways of grass, brick, flagstone, gravel or even bark chips. Accessibility is important, so make the beds no more than 1.5m wide so you don’t have to walk on them to cultivate the soil. Then you can use the no-dig-system, where you mulch thickly with compost and let the earthworms do the work. Beds can be ground level, edged with timber or raised; being constructed from wood planks, sleepers or even brick. Use good soil and enrich with compost, sharp sand and fertilise frequently with Vitax Q4.

www.edgemagazine.org The vegetables are not planted just in straight rows, nor are you producing thousands of leeks to feed an army but growing with some military precision would be good.

Think diagonals, triangles and square formations. As you become more confident you can experiment with intricate woven patterns in cabbage and dwarf French beans depending on how you feel.

Edge the beds with box hedging (choose the disease resistant Buxus mic. Faulkner or Winter Gem) or shrubby evergreen germander Teucrium lucidrys. You may not live at Versailles, but a little ornamentation goes a long way. You can even use single marigolds, tagetes, parsley or herbs as a border.

Which varieties to choose?

Whilst the potager layout and style is important, the choice of crops is equally critical. Not only should the produce taste good at harvest, but it should look beautiful whilst growing. For example, if you must have cabbage, select one with purple tinges to the leaves.

Choose runner beans for flavour and flower colour: the white flowered heirloom variety Czar (which produces edible dried beans as well as green pods) against the

flame coloured ‘Firestorm’.

Beetroot: Quattro Gourmet mix has four different coloured roots. Feathery foliaged Florence Fennel looks terrific in the border; the bulb makes fantastic soup.

Grow tomatoes of different colours: chocolate, gold and scarlet. The fluorescent pink, gold and orange stems of Swiss Chard Bright Lights illuminate a winter border, but you can harvest the baby leaves for salad and steam the stems for a winter vegetable.

Herbs and flowers are an important part of the French potager system and are selected to co-ordinate with the vegetable bed-fellows. Nasturtiums, Borage and Calendula are ideal for attracting bees and butterflies with the added benefit that the petals make a great addition to the summer salad bowl. Introducing a more diverse range of plants will also ward off pests and diseases that are inherent with mono-cropping; in particular Tagete tenuifolia will confuse the rootfly which attacks your carrots and parsley. In addition, you will have created a pleasant place to sit as opposed to the traditional depressing rows of cabbages.

Eat well and share the surplus

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EdgeMagazine Tight on space? Grow small or grow tall.

Bring height to borders and bring structure to the winter garden with obelisks. Install arches over pathways for training Loganberries, primocane Blackberry Reuben or cordon gooseberries.

The secret to productivity is succession planting. Always have something ready to pop into a vacant space, once a crop is harvested. Furthermore, inter-planting can work well. Mingle the hugely productive dwarf French bean with lettuce or under-plant newly sown runners with radish. Liberally scatter Eschscholzia californica seeds around perennial vegetables such are artichokes and rhubarb. I sow Cornflowers (for the bees) in-between the rows of perpetual spinach, grown for my chickens.

Small can be beautiful, so try mini varieties of carrot, spring onions, little gem lettuce and tasty salad leaves for a quick turnaround.

Revills Farm Shop

‘Accessorise’ your potager tastefully.

No tatty bits of polythene, nor old bamboo canes. Plastic pots are forbidden! This is to be a beautiful garden feature. Use metal accessories for formal gardens and timber for rustic gardens, but try not to mix them up. If cottage-garden is your plan, choose hazel wigwams or salmon traps; team them with chestnut archways, edge beds with hazel mini-hurdles. Complete the look with wicker baskets of scarlet geraniums in summer.

Find a good quality bench, use terracotta cane tops, give an old metal watering-can a lick of paint, and deploy bamboo or metal plant labels. If the budget runs to it, acquire a terracotta rhubarb forcer. Keep replanting with new things and rake the beds. Above all, tidy away old crops as soon as they are over (as you would tidy your herbaceous border). Don’t leave old leaves lying around; heavens, anyone might think it’s just a vegetable plot.

And when the beds are empty?

Pop in some instant bedding or cover the raked soil with landscape fabric and stand a few pots of seasonal patio plants, bulbs and a mix of herbs until you need the bed again. The trick is to keep the beds in use with something beautiful. We’re not aiming to replicate Chateau Villandry gardens but you could visit Pinterest for some workable ideas. www.pinterest.com/bekytrail/raised-beds-and-potagers So in the spirit of Entente Cordiale, pinch a leaf from the French.....“bon jardinage!”

Grower, Horticultural Consultant and Garden Designer Grafton Nursery Grafton Flyford Worcester WR7 4PW Tel: 0751 5261511 Email: hilary@grafton-nursery.co.uk www.grafton-nursery.co.uk www.hardy-eucalyptus.com

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New extension now open Fresh, local fruit and vegetables Locally reared lamb, venison, beef, pork and chicken Freshly baked bread, homemade cakes and pastries Traditional preserves, salad dressings and sauces Specialist beers from local breweries

Bourne Road Defford WR8 9BS T: 01386 750 466

@RevillsFarmShop Revills Farm Shop

www.revillsfarmshop.co.uk

www.edgemagazine.org

Treeworks and Landscapes

T: 0121 243 1225 No false advertising, no hype, just an honest service and common sense approach to all your tree and landscaping needs.

• Tree Surgery • Fencing Hedge Cutting • Land Clearance • Suppliers of Wood Chippings and Logs • Planting • Turfing Digger and Driver • Mowing/Ride on Mowing • Maintenance/Contract Work • Commercial Work Undertaken • NPTC Qualified • Fully Insured and All Work Guaranteed • Free Quotations

Contact: Kenny Davies Contact: KENNY 0121 243 1225 355 096 T: 0121 T: 243 1225 / 07765 E: ksdtreeworks@yahoo.co.uk www.ksdlandscapes.co.uk

The perfect country day out

Stunning Fires & Stoves

...Trusted to deliver choice, service and value

Visit our award winning FARM SHOP & DELECATESSEN and purchase your fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and other groceries.

Enjoy a hearty homemade lunch at THE GARDEN CAFÉ or try our popular EVENING BISTRO, with a special offer this month of 2 courses for £15.95 and 3 courses for £18.95.

Browse in our GIFTS & INTERIORS store and view our new range of summer clothes, gifts and accessories.

THE HILLER GARDEN & PLANT CENTRE are on hand with advise and expertise on planting for spring.

Enjoy a walk around our beautiful display gardens where many of the plants on display are for sale.

Dunnington Heath Farm • Alcester • Warwickshire • B49 5PD 01789 772771 • www.hillers.co.uk

734-738 Kingsbury Road, Erdington, B24 9PN 0121 382 4047 Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 11.30-3.30

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Healthy Living in 2013 Sticking with the new, healthy you Melanie Taffs

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f you started off well with your healthy new regime last month, you might find that initial motivation running low. As you settle back into your working routine, it’s important to hold your health at the top of your priority list. This can of course be difficult when you’re busy but here are a few reminder tips on getting your 5 a day, staying positive and sticking with the new, healthy you.

Studies have shown that our hectic lifestyles make it more likely that we will suffer from bad skin, general fatigue and weight gain. So take a step back and rethink. If you want to change the way you feel, boosting your intake of fruit and veg can make a real difference. Most people consume less than three portions a day, but by hitting the five or more mark you will be reducing your risk of heart diseases and some cancers plus boosting your energy levels.

With more fruit and veg, you’ll feel full of energy and getting both inner and outer radiance.

This includes chips, potato salad and even a jacket potato. It may be a vegetable but it is classed as a starchy food as it is high in carbohydrates.

Fruit flavoured drinks Juice only counts as one of your 5 a day if its 100% juice rather than fruit squash or fruit flavoured drinks, which contain added sugar and other ingredients.

Nuts Nuts don’t contain enough levels of vitamins and minerals like fruit and veg do, having said that they are very good for you as they contain protein and good fats. If you eat nuts in moderation, the health benefits are great.

Doubling up….

Cut down on alcohol, chocolate and takeaways.

Make sure your plate has a variety of salad, veg or fruit on it.

Take responsibility for your snacking and always have a healthy snack when you’re at your weakest.

When you’re hungry, drink more water. It will hydrate you and fill you up.

Add more activity into your day. If you’re too busy to join a gym, use the stairs more often and walk as much as you can.

Ditch the junk in your cupboards.

Food like crisps, biscuits, cakes and white bread are high in calories fat and sugar.

Remember that looking and feeling good is dependent on the nutrients you put inside.

Being over-stressed may give you a slower metabolism, so 15 minutes a day of total relaxation will help you maintain a totally refreshed mind and body.

2 satsumas, 2 kiwis, 2 apricots, 1 banana, half a cup of frozen fruit, 3 heaped tablespoons of stewed fruit, 3 tablespoons of beans and pulses, 1 avocado

Fruit juice, beans and pulses all count as one portion no matter how big a quantity you consume.

That means you cannot cheat by having 5 portions of fruit or having 5 smoothies. The reason for this is because when juice is extracted from the whole fruit or vegetable the fibre content is reduced and while beans and pulses are high on the protein and fibre front they don’t provide much of the vitamins A, C or E we need each day.

Not on the list…

Making small changes…

Want to kick-start a new you? Lose weight and keep it off? Change bad eating habits for life?

The 5 a day message may be loud and clear but it can still be confusing.

So here’s what does not count.

Don’t bypass breakfast. Instead opt for a fibre based cereal like porridge and you can always add fruit to it to really kick-start your day.

Contact Absolutely Flab u less on 07792421080 or alternatively email Mel at: melanietaffs7@gmail.com

Get your portions right…

The following all count towards your 5 a day. Each portion on this list is equal to 1 of your 5 a day.

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FREEZE THE FAT Show more of less with Coolsculpting Lucinda Bunn

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oolsculpting is the new treatment that will change your life. It’s not a beauty craze, it’s a non-invasive alternative to liposuction that will rid you of the stubborn fat bulges you can’t shift. If you’ve ever wondered how celebrities have all the curves in the right places, how everything is flat and toned and where it’s supposed to be no matter how many kids they have or how many hours they work?

Well, the answer is here, dear friends.

Coolsculpting uses innovative technology, Cryolipolysis to target and freeze fat cells. And after 90 days, you’ll see the final results.

Coolsculpting has been FDA * approved and it’s backed by more than 20 published clinical papers. Air Aesthetics, in Henley in Arden is the first and only clinic in Central England to bring you this unique treatment. Dr Claire Oliver is a highly skilled and fully qualified cosmetic practitioner. The Coolsculpting process involves a consultation, where Dr Oliver assesses your complaint areas .The Coolsculpting device is positioned on your body and using a suction action, it draws your fat bulge into the applicator where two cooling plates are situated. You’ll be able to feel a tugging sensation and a little pressure, but it’s virtually pain free.

By the time you reach adolescence, your body has laid down all the fat cells you are going to have as an adult. The Coolscultpting procedure eliminates these fat cells for good. To maintain your permanent result, all you need to do is maintain your healthy lifestyle.

Coolsculpting is the non-surgical answer to your wobbly woes. We don’t need to tell you the risks involved in liposuction surgery; not to mention the pain, the scarring and the long recovery period. With Coolsculpting, you can be up and out of the treatment chair immediately. Your jeans will fit without any overhang and your dresses will drape without clinging to your ‘bad bits’.

So, if you’ve been working hard to get the body you want, you watch what you eat and you exercise regularly, then your endeavours should be rewarded with results. But sometimes, even when your core muscles are strong and toned, there’s a little bit of flab that won’t budge. With Coolsculpting, you’ll get the body you deserve.

For more information on Coolsculpting, head to www.coolsculpting.co.uk SEE the results…

The science…

S A F E…. Coolsculpting is FDA approved

Your unwanted bulges contain fat cells which can be resistant to diet and exercise.

E A S Y….One hour treatment with no downtime E F F E C T I V E….20-30% reduction in fat from 30 days

To find out more about the treatment at Air Aesthetics, go to www.airaesthetics. co.uk

The crystallised fat cells gradually die and are naturally eliminated from your body via your liver and lymphatic system.

121 High Street Henley-in-Arden Warwickshire B95 5AU 0845 519 5377 hello@airaesthetics.co.uk

In the weeks following your treatment, the remaining fat cells condense, reducing the fat layer.

Dr Claire Oliver

*US Food & Drug Administration which requires stringent clinical evidence as to the safety and effectiveness of products.

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Cryolipolsis (Coolsculpting) uses controlled cooling to target and crystallise fat cells. Only fat cells are targeted.

The process is called apoptosis and once treated, these fat cells are gone for good.

Freeze the fat

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GET THE LOOK The hottest trends for spring Sundip Gill

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aking the transition from winter to spring can be a difficult task with lots of different trends on the high street. So here’s a round-up of the SS13 trends to make it a little easier for you.

One of the strongest trends this season is monochrome.

Black and white has been all over the catwalks and it’s set to take over the shops this spring. Taking influence from the 60s mod look and Parisian chic minimalism, this is the stand out trend of SS13. This is a classic, wearable and easy trend to get right. The key ensemble is a little black dress (LBD) with a crisp white blazer. Another essential is a striped black and white dress or tank.

As well as two-tone pieces, this trend can be worn head to toe in all black or all white as seen at the Valentino SS13 collection. Add a pop of colour to your monochrome outfit with a bold lip or colour block heel.

In the name of colour, the next look for spring should put the fun back into fashion after the dark and gothic influx in AW12. The spring/summer season is the best time to experiment with different hues. Neon and candy colours are once again making their way onto the high street but this SS13 it’s all about the traffic-stopping brights. Fuchsia and ochre are shades to invest in but the hottest shade to be seen in is tangerine-as seen at Victoria Beckham’s show.

Quirky retro prints are everywhere this season from geometric shapes to figurative prints. Floral patterns are bigger, bolder and darker with a heavy Japanese influence. If stripes are your thing, both horizontal and vertical stripes will be dominating the high street so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Feeling brave? Mix and match prints to create a real fashion statement.

After the impact of the Olympics, sports luxe was another trend leading the catwalks in London, New York, Milan and Paris. A laid-back American sports vibe was seen at Tommy Hilfiger whilst other designers opted for a minimalist, modern look. Opt for crisp white colours and sheer, metallic fabrics for a more polished look. Team slouchy pants with heels or a sports t-shirt with leather trousers for a vintage sports luxe style.

The key to pulling off this trend is to keep it effortless, chic and casual.

With the key trends for the season covered, all that’s left to do is the shopping. www.wardrobemag.com

Get the look

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Cosmetic Surgery Evening at the DavidSurgery Lloyd The Beauty Gurus -Cosmetic October 29th 2011

Trust us to make you feel beautiful The Beauty Gurus are a team of NHS Led Consultants of the highest calibre.

We specialise in all aspects of cosmetic surgery and delivering you the best in surgical care.

With Clinics in Birmingham, Cheltenham, Hereford, Worcester, Malvern and Wolverhampton call 0800 612 5919 to book your appointment with one of the team.

WWW.THEBEAUTYGURUS.COM

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EXPERT ADVICE How to get the best from cosmetic surgery

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would say that the starting point is to have a clear understanding of normal, of ideal and of the ageing process. I often look at people who have had a procedure and wonder what they or their surgeon were thinking. Perhaps this is because some sectors of society have a different view on what constitutes ideal. For me, it is about bringing out the best in an individual without making them look plastic. It is about a natural look, not a surgical look. It is not a solution to problems in life, it is just about making an individual look and feel better.

Cosmetic surgery is not an alternative to healthy living. If you are very overweight the solution is diet and exercise, not liposuction; but if your weight is reasonable and you have a few problem areas you can’t shift, liposuction can help you towards your goal.

You may feel like slowing down the ageing process.

Cosmetic fillers to lift out those facial hollows and grooves, or a little Botox to take away those wrinkles that come with facial movement, along with some proper skin care may be enough. For something more permanent, surgery to remove bags and loose skin around the eyes, or anything from a mini facelift to a full face and neck lift can give remarkable results. As always - the secret is to make you look refreshed, not like a different person.

• They should have held a full consultant’s post in the NHS • Must be listed on the UK Specialist Register, held by the General Medical Council (GMC) • Should be members of BAPRAS and BAAPS • Ideally trained in the UK • They should keep up to date in what is an everchanging world with newer and better techniques being introduced all the time.

Make sure you go to a proper private hospital with appropriate equipment and facilities. Ensure your anaesthetist has held a full consultant’s post in the NHS and is on the Specialist Register for Anaesthetics. If you are planning to have an implant, check the make and model and ensure it is of good quality.

With a little careful research and consideration of what you desire and what can be achieved, a successful and happy outcome is obtainable.

The ravages of life, such as childbirth, can have a dramatic effect on a woman’s body and surgery to return the tummy or breasts to a more youthful position can all be achieved.

Many people have a feature they have always hated, such as the shape of their nose, ears or even a mole. A careful understanding of the anatomy by your surgeon can allow surgery to improve the appearance whilst ensuring that the overall symmetry and synergy of one’s face is maintained.

In order to achieve this it is essential that you pick the right surgeon for the job: • Always do an online search on anyone you go to see.

• Make sure the individual can do every technique i.e. surgical and non-surgical. The old adage “if the only tool in your tool box is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail” holds true in the world of cosmetic treatments.

• Ensure your surgeon is properly qualified. In my view this means:

Mr Darren Lewis FRCSEd(Plast) Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon

Expert advice

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Hillscourt Advert 88x126_Layout 1 23/01/2013 14:23 Page 1

Hillscourt is set in the beautiful Lickey Hills, just on the outskirts of Birmingham, offering a unique wedding/function venue.

HILLSCOURT Hillscourt has become an increasingly popular wedding venue in recent years and offers a warm and friendly environment.

We pride ourselves on quality service at affordable prices.

The centre has been refurbished to a high standard over recent years.

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catering licensed bar l Complimentary bridal suite l 55 en-suite bedrooms l Attractive grounds and gardens l Secure car parking l Friendly and helpful staff l Good value for money l Fully

NOW LICENSED FOR CIVIL CEREMONIES Hillscourt, Rednal, Birmingham B45 8RS. Tel: 0121 457 6100 Fax: 0121 457 6111 Website: www.hillscourt.co.uk

Honeys Lingerie Boutique home to the most exquisite Lingerie, Swimwear, Beachwear, Nightwear and Corsets by the world’s finest designers, everyday shapewear to Irresistible lingerie sizes A to H.

The Boutique’129 High Street, Henley in Arden, Warwickshire B95 5AU. Tel: 01564 794428 www.honeyslingerieboutique.com

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“The very best in Wrought Iron Gates�

Automation of new or existing gates Phone: 01527 579404 Fax: 01527 579419

sales@alltechmidlands.co.uk 5 Prior Wharf, Harris Business Park, Hanbury Rd, Bromsgrove, B60 4FG

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EdgeMagazine Mother of the Bride outfits

C ntry CC uriosity u o C

Now supplying outfits for that special occasion.

Bespoke and colour matching available bags, scarves & accessories

Gifts & Interiors for Elegant Homes

Stunning Wedding Gifts available & many more curiosities...

Beautiful Drapes & Blinds made up at affordable prices

T: 01564 794307

Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre, Stratford Road, Wootton Wawen, Warwickshire B95 6BY

HATS OF LAPWORTH Hats & Facinators to buy or hire

Bespoke Bridal and Bridesmaid Facinators to order

Contact Janette on 07541 106809 or 01564 794848 www.hatsoflapworth.co.uk info@hatsoflapworth.co.uk

Closed Mondays

Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre, Stratford Road, Wootton Wawen, Warwickshire B95 6BY

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Every wedding is special, at Ardencote Manor we will ensure that your Wedding Day will be a day to treasure forever.

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WEDDINGS AT ARDENCOTE MANOR

You may choose from two stunning venues...

The Manor House, a traditional country house constructed in the Victorian era and boasts the Palms Conservatory with its ornate and classic design.

The Lakeside, a beautiful waterside venue with its many sash windows affording views over the licensed outdoor Wedding Island and Pavilion.

For further details visit: www.ardencote.com To request a Wedding Brochure or a showround please contact our Wedding Co-ordinator: weddings@ardencote.com

ARDENCOTE MANOR HOTEL

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Ardencote Manor Hotel Country Club & Spa, The Cumsey, Lye Green Road, Claverdon, Warwick, CV35 8LT Tel: 01926 843111 Email: hotel@ardencote.com Web: www.ardencote.com

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WEARING A WEDDING HAT Pulling off the perfect look on the big day Janette Reddish

H

ats can make or break a wedding outfit. But how many of us know how to pull one off?

We asked top milliner and headwear expert Janette Reddish to share her tips.

1.To ensure the perfect match between outfit and headwear, try on your outfit when hiring a hat.

2. Depending on the design of your hat, you might wear it on the top of your head, pulled down straight or at an angle. One of the biggest no-no’s is wearing your hat tilted on the crown.

3. If you’re tall, you can wear almost any style of hat, so why not make a statement?

4. A flattering shape if you’re short would be an upturned brim. This will draw the eye upwards and elongate your figure.

5. If your dress is neutral, you can add interest to your look by contrasting colours with your hat.

6. Try on as many different styles as possible. You might be surprised by what suits you.

7. A hat may be a little much for you, in which case, a fascinator comes on a comb or a headband in various sizes. Fascinators are easy and comfortable to wear.

8. Wear a fascinator on unconditioned hair so your locks are less silky and texturise your hair so your headgear has something to hold on to.

9. Handle your hat with care and clean hands.

Expensive hats can dirty very quickly.

10. Keep your hat dry to maintain the shape and always travel with a hat box and pack with acidfree white tissue paper.

Hats of Lapworth Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre, Stratford Road, Wootton Wawen, Warwickshire B95 6BY

Wearing a wedding hat

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WEDDING WINNERS Fews Marquees crowned Best Marquee Provider 2013

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hat a start to the New Year? Fews Marquees have been awarded Best Marquee Provider 2013 at the National Wedding Industry Awards. The ceremony, held at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London on 9th January, welcomed regional finalists from a total of 23 categories including Best Wedding Caterer, won last year by Worcestershire’s Morgans Catering.

After being nominated by clients from 2012, Fews Marquees were put through their paces by a panel of judges including Sky News Presenter Sarah Hewson. The firm, based near Bromsgrove, beat off local competition in the regional section before Christmas, which qualified them to compete in the national competition.

Ian Few, founder and Managing Director, received the award, along with Hannah Davies, live on stage and was delighted to be recognised for the firms achievements; “I am thrilled to be nominated for a second year in a row but ecstatic to come away with the national award. Over the past 14 years we have worked tirelessly to create stunning venues for brides across the West Midlands.

I am proud of the team around me and this is great recognition for their hard work and dedication.”

The annual awards, which recognise and reward the high standards of the very best wedding suppliers, are headed by Damian Bailey who quoted one of the firm’s delighted customers “Fews marquees were always available to talk things over and the marquees were beyond what we expected. What a WOW factor!”.

If you’re considering a marquee for your wedding why not give Fews Marquees a call on 01527 821789 or visit their Open Weekend on 16th & 17th March 2013.

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BIG HAIR DAY Bridal Hair by Martin Crean at Mode

Hair: Martin Crean at Mode, Photographer: Richard Miles, Make Up: Alice Stevenson at Mode, Styling: Danielle McCabe at The White Rose Bridal Boutique

I

t’s one of the most important days of your life so of course you want your hair to look its absolute best.

I travel up and down the country styling the hair of brides on their big day and it’s a real privilege to spend this special time with each one, preparing them for such a momentous occasion. I was recently asked to put together a photographic collection to provide inspiration for brides to be. Here are three very different styles from the collection - they illustrate a range of looks brides can experiment with, from classic, to retro, to contemporary.

Read on to hear more about my top tips and trends, and remember if you're planning your big day, you can book a consultation with me at MODE and I will tailor any of these looks to suit you individually I’m often asked what my top bridal hair tips are and I would say the key to great looking hair is nourishment, so start your preparation well in advance to make sure your hair is healthy and shiny for your wedding.

I recommend the Goldwell Rich Repair 60 Second Treatment which you can use at home to add essential minerals, building strength and adding gloss to your hair. Argan Oil is also great for de-frizzing and smoothing hair. Ideally, you should start using these products a few months before your wedding day. Combine these products with regular hair trims to achieve healthy and shiny hair for your big day.

It’s important to choose a hairstyle that reflects your personality and ties in with the overall look and feel of your day. My top three bridal styles are on-trend this year but are also timelessly elegant and will still look great when you’re looking back on your wedding photos in years to come.

1. Vintage 1940s inspired rolls, pin curls and finger

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waves are timeless classics and so sophisticated. Think Hollywood screen sirens like Veronica Lake or modern day pin-ups like Lana Del Ray. This style looks best on ladies with mid to long length hair and with round or heart-shaped faces. Wear with a side parting and allow the hair to gently fall over one shoulder for a really romantic look.

2. The Grecian look is another favourite because it is a relaxed, soft and unstructured look. Pile the hair up loosely on top of the head and pin in place. Finish with simple hair accessories such as fresh flowers for a really feminine touch.

3. Braids come in many different forms, from the French braid, Dutch braid and side braid, to the waterfall braid and fishtail braid… the list is endless! It’s a great way of softly pulling the hair back off your face and a braided twist updo is great for weddings.

Whichever style you decide to go for, remember to book a hair trial with your stylist well in advance so they can talk you through the different options. Also remember to bring your veil or any headpieces you intend to wear so you can see exactly what your hair will look like on the day. Other than that, enjoy being pampered. A good hair stylist should always make you feel like a pampered princess and never more so than on your wedding day.

Mode & M Spa, Lapstone, Westington Hill.

GL55 6EG 01386 841123

Big hair day

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A LITTLE INDULGENCE Tea and treatments at the Hyatt Regency Lucinda Bunn

T

he Hyatt is Birmingham’s premier hotel. From the moment you step through the door, you’re treated.

And this is precisely why The Hyatt’s Amala Club and Spa and afternoon tea would make for a marvellous treat for a bride-to-be, a fun mother and daughter bonding session or a post-shopping spree unwind with friends.

The Hyatt is just a five minute walk from Birmingham’s hot spots: the Bullring, the Mailbox and the Cube. So when you’re shopped out, you can head to The Hyatt, your haven away from wedding preparations and work stresses. The Amala Spa offers a unique approach to achieving overall well-being of mind, body and spirit.

There are six state of the art therapy rooms including a therapy suite so two people can enjoy their spa experience together. The beautiful pool and spa facilities are free to use as and when you please. The treatments offer a variety in relaxation ritual, technical massage and specialist aroma experiences inspired by ancient techniques from around the world. Of course, a more traditional Swedish massage is still a favourite. Your therapist will assess your problem areas and what pressure you prefer. You’ll be feeling the benefits for days later.

If you’re feeling peckish, you could take a table for afternoon tea. Surrounded by grand staircases and water

features, the Hyatt serves tea from noon until 5:30pm daily. The selection of tea is as varied as it is exotic. We always say, try something different; there’s Organic Jade Sword Green Tea and Blackcurrant and Hibiscus Fruit Infusion, Flowering Dragon Eye with pure jasmine blossom and fresh Moroccan Mint. Afternoon Tea at the Hyatt is an adventure for any tea lover. You’ll be presented with a stand, perfectly decorated with thinly sliced finger sandwiches. The classics are all there, with vegetarian options too. But the mini desserts are the showstoppers.

The Hyatt have taken afternoon tea to a new level with fine, elegant and beautiful food. We were treated to lemon meringue tart with chocolate swirls, shocking pink raspberry macaroons and a chocolate delice with a cherry on top. The scones are big, buttery and best eaten with a dollop of Cornish clotted cream and a swipe of strawberry jam. There’s Champagne on the menu too so if you’re celebrating, you can add sparkle to your trip.

Traditional Afternoon Tea is priced at £19.00 per person, £28.00 per person for the Champagne Afternoon Tea or £30.00 for the Rose Champagne afternoon tea. Allow for a little indulgence this year at The Hyatt Regency Hotel.

2 Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2JZ Tel: 0121 643 1234

A little indulgence

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HALLFIELD SCHOOL Excellence in all that we do…

H

allfield School in Edgbaston has enjoyed an excellent reputation since 1879. However, it is no longer a boys’ boarding school to 13+. Today, it is an outstanding, highly respected co-educational day school from 3 months to 11+ preparing children for entry to select grammar schools – maintained and independent – in the Midlands and surrounding areas.

However, in this age of choice, what makes Hallfield different and why do so many parents choose to send their children to Hallfield School as opposed to one of its many local competitors? From the initial welcome by the Headmaster, Mr Roger Outwin-Flinders and a tour of the school, it is clear to see why Hallfield is in demand as a school “on the move”.

A recent parental survey confirmed that the children at Hallfield are “happy”, “confident” and the school offers a “safe and secure setting” in which to educate children. Facilities from Hallfield first (Nursery) to the Upper School (7+ – 11+) are excellent but it is the outstanding, inspirational teaching and support staff who make Hallfield School stand out. There is a “buzz” about Hallfield when you visit and there is a real sense

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of purpose and fulfilment as you see children engaging in the joy of learning, preparing them for the “world of tomorrow, a world of change”.

It is not a coincidence that boys and girls flourish and succeed at all ages and prepare for the important transfer examination at 11+ in a thorough and very successful way.

One of the strengths of Hallfield School is the excellent pastoral care system that underpins everything that takes place. At the last ISI Inspection in January 2010, the report said “the quality of the pastoral care and the attention to the welfare, health and safety of the pupils is excellent throughout the school”. Praise indeed!

Read what the ‘Good Schools Guide’ said about Hallfield or come and see for yourself at the next Open Day at 10:00 a.m on Saturday 9th February 2013. Alternatively, you can make an appointment with Mrs Kate Fletcher, Admissions Secretary, or Miss Alison Gilmartin, Headmaster’s PA, for your own personal visit.

The next Assessment Day is on Saturday 27th April 2013 for limited places in September 2013.

Hallfield School

www.edgemagazine.org

REGI

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

EASTER SPORTS CAMPS

for 7-15 year olds

Intensive sports coaching in tennis, cricket, netball rounders and hockey.

Week 1: Tuesday 2nd April - Friday 5th April Week 2: Monday 8th April - Friday 12th April Daily or weekly bookings taken, ÂŁ28.50 per day including lunch or ÂŁ100 per week.

Boarding option available for Cricket Camps.

For more details or to book a place please contact Mrs Liberty Chance 01527 579679 ext 347 email activities@bromsgrove-school.co.uk

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

Co-educational Day School

Achieving excellence in all we do.

Hallfieldfirst 3 months - 2 years, Pre-Prep 2+ - 7+ and Upper School 7+ - 11+

OPEN MORNING

Hallfieldfirst, 3 months - 2 years, Pre-Prep, 2+ - 7+ and Upper School 7+ - 11+ Saturday 9th February 2013 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

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Church Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3SJ Email: admissions@hallfieldschool.co.uk

0121 454 1496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk

Saturday 19th January

Academic Assessment Morning for entry to

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A HANDS ON APPROACH The Massage in Schools Programme Sarah Rees

I

n today’s busy school environment youngsters experience numerous pressures. From early years education they need to adapt to routines of eating and playing at set times. They must develop social skills, getting on with other children, to be considerate of another child’s needs and to take turns in work and play. They have to quickly switch from a fun playground session to the formal learning setting of the classroom, often required to sit for long periods of time.

important distinction between appropriate and inappropriate touch.

In 2001 the pioneering work of Mia Elmsäter from Sweden and Sylvie Hétu from Canada arrived in the UK to help children aged 4 – 12 years cope with life at school and beyond. These inspirational women, both mothers, created the Massage in Schools Programme.

They shared a vision that within time there would be thousands of MISP instructors internationally, all teaching the program with a belief in the beneficial power of nurturing peer touch for school children.

Donna Davis, who runs Kidderminster based Go Wellbeing, is a qualified Massage in Schools Instructor.

She delivers the Programme in schools across Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

Today the Massage in Schools Programme is embraced and respected by many UK schools.

It establishes a teacher-led routine, where massage is given only by children to children – with reciprocal permission. It encourages learning through positive touch games, activities, and by creating massage stories which can be curriculum based.

“We’ve been running the MISP for the past 2 years and it is so tremendously beneficial for children and the school in general,” says Val Weddell-Hall OBE, Head Teacher at Franche Community Primary School in Kidderminster.

“It is an effective strategy for preparing the children for learning.”

“It is wonderful to see children gain so much from a session, whilst also having fun,” she says. “Many schools use massage to settle children after a busy playtime, to calm them for learning. It helps children learn valuable strategies for relaxation and to focus positively on friendship issues.”

For more information about the Massage in School Programme contact Donna Davis on 07954 414 223, email info@gowellbeing.co.uk or visit www.misa.org.uk

Proven benefits include assisting levels of concentration and memory; better physical development through creative, kinaesthetic motor skills, mutual respect, increased social inclusion and empathy, and the

A hands on approach

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Interventions by Kofi Annan: a review Mike Stafford

T

hroughout his career at the United Nations, culminating in his tenure as Secretary-General, Kofi Annan has been a strong and noble voice for peace. In Interventions, the Nobel Peace Prize winner continues in that vein, offering a scrupulously candid account of the UN’s successes and failures over the last twenty years.

Though Mr. Annan does spend a chapter recounting salient points from his formative years, this is by no means an autobiography. Rather, it is an impassioned defence of his oft-maligned organisation. For the authors (Mr. Annan is partnered by former aide Nader Mousavizadeh), diplomacy itself is not flawed, only the implementation of it. Where military interventions and the use of violence may appeal thanks to their directness and apparent simplicity, only engaging in dialogue can address underlying issues. To illustrate this, Mr. Annan references the likely fate of the people of Afghanistan after the scheduled removal of coalition troops, the misguided attitudes of Bush and Blair during the Lebanon-Israel conflict of 2006, and the near total lack of strategy after the removal of Saddam.

There is a sense in Interventions of the United Nations having been in a transitory phase during Mr. Annan’s time as Secretary-General, with humanitarian interventions coming into vogue and conflicts becoming increasingly complex, involving non-state combatants. A line of blue helmets guarding a mutually agreed border was to become a thing of the past, with ethnic and tribal warfare becoming more frequent. The outdated concept of national sovereignty needed to be revised, with respect for the lives of a nation’s citizens becoming more important than respect for its boundaries.

Diplomatically, this approach was a success in East Timor and Kenya. Military interventions such as those in Bosnia were tragically ill-fated, and indeed the appetite for humanitarian action on the part of the international community was not always what it might have been.

Of all the failures Mr. Annan faithfully recounts, Darfur is the most tragic. While the Sudanese government equipped a medieval militia with modern weapons and set them to exterminate their own people, the developed world argued limply over semantics.

Though the failures are tragically numerous, Mr. Annan’s lofty vision shines through when he discusses how the world should overcome poverty. Here, he strikes a heartening balance between pragmatism and idealism; poverty will not be eradicated by injections of finance from the developed world. Instead, it will be achieved

through empowering women, improving the health of the workforce, the building of public institutions, and encouraging commercial enterprise. Mr. Annan’s noble aims are underpinned by a thoroughly realistic strategy.

This visionary pragmatism comes up time and again throughout the book. The United Nations is not a pacifist organisation and never has been, despite how elements within member states may wish to characterise it. It would be unwise and unrealistic to embrace pacifism; the use of force is sometimes necessary, and indeed recourse to force can be very useful during

diplomatic negotiations. On his native continent, he refuses to accept the orthodox position that Africa prefers dictatorship as a method of government. For him, postcolonial Africa inherited badly divided up administrative zones, enforced on non-culturally cohesive areas. To win independence, unity under a strong leader was essential.

After winning independence, political plurality would have been key – but was rarely embraced. In drawing our attention to this, Mr. Annan makes a compelling counterargument to those who would embrace a simplistic, misguided idea of the obstacles to Africa’s development.

Overall, Interventions is a profound book. Balancing hope with a steely grip on political reality, it is not didactic but written with a clear vision of how the world could be a markedly better place. This is incisive, accessible and resolutely honest; truly essential reading.

Interventions: a review

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Take control of your pension Many old-fashioned pension savings plans confine your cash to a few dull managed funds. Let us tell you about today’s plans that give you control over your fund and a wider choice of investments that could see you earning much higher returns for your retirement fund.

Churchill Investments offers independent advice on savings, protection and investment.

Modern methods, traditional values.

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info@churchillinvestments.co.uk www.churchill.uk.net Churchill Investments plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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The Retail Distribution Review Tom Ware

T

he Retail Distribution Review (RDR) is potentially the most important shift in financial services for twenty-five years. It will alter the way many people give and receive advice from its implementation in January 2013. Although the changes may not be immediately apparent to many of our clients, it is worth knowing what they are and how they will affect the way we do business with you.

The review has been put in place by the FSA. In a recent speech, Linda Woodall said that RDR is about, “making consumers more confident about getting advice and trusting what advisers tell them; ensuring what advisers do is properly recognised as a profession by settling minimum standards; getting advisers to describe what they do in a way their customers can understand; and making sure commission or other forms of remuneration do not influence their decisions and the quality of advice they offer”. In other words the FSA want to make sure retail consumers are clear about who is being paid, for what, and by whom.

This has taken the form of three central initiatives: 1 - The end of commission Financial advisers will no longer be allowed to be paid by fund management groups. Instead, advisers must agree an upfront ‘adviser charge’ with clients. In practice this means that many clients will have to hand over a cheque to pay for advice, whereas previously advice appeared to be ‘free’. At Churchill, we have always rebated commission back to our clients, so the introduction of adviser charging will not be a significant shift. However, there will be some changes in terminology and clients will no longer be able to pay their fees through the investment.

In the interim period, some investments will still pay ongoing (or trail) commission. However, from now on, advisers will have to prove that this fee is part of an ongoing review process. Again, as Churchill has always had regular reviews, clients are likely to see little change.

2 - Higher qualifications The overall aim of the RDR is to create a better qualified, more professional advice industry. As a result, from the start of next year, all advisers will have to achieve a minimum standard of qualification before they can give advice. The minimum level is so-called ‘QCF level 4’ – the equivalent to a degree. The potential qualifications held by an adviser are listed at www.unbiased.co.uk/ifa-qualifications.

3 - Definition of independence The definition of independence can be tricky. Previously, advisers could call themselves independent if they advised across the whole market. Now, advisers have to consider all financial products - from venture capital trusts, to technology funds, to structured products for their clients’ portfolios in order to call themselves independent. The alternative is to become ‘restricted’.

The qualifications level is the same for both types of adviser and in practice many specialist groups, such as stockbrokers, may be defined as ‘specialist’.

The second phase of the Retail Distribution Review concerns platforms. This piece of the legislation aims to de-tangle platform costs, so it is clear for consumers what portion goes to the adviser, to the fund manager and as a platform administration fee.

For the time being, the RDR only applies to retail investment funds and not to insurance products. While regulation may ultimately be introduced to address this discrepancy, it is not planned in the short-term.

Ultimately, the aims of the RDR are worthy and should build a better, more robust advice industry for the future. Clients can be reassured that their adviser is wellqualified, that there are no hidden charges, and they are getting value for money.

IMPORTANT NOTICE Past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future and the value of investments can go down as well as up. You might not get back the full amount invested particularly if an encashment is made in the early years.

The retail distribution review

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REVIEW THE FUTURE Nil rate band trusts Tom Ware

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ills often used to include something called a “nil rate band trust”. Every individual is entitled to leave an amount free of inheritance tax (IHT). Currently that amount is £325,000 per person, known as the nil rate band (NRB). Until 2008 if you did not use the NRB you lost it. Gifts on death between husbands and wives have always been free of inheritance tax. Often on the first death everything would be left to the surviving spouse. If the survivor then had an estate worth more than the NRB, there would be IHT to pay on surplus in the event of the second death. The NRB of the first to die was wasted.

To avoid this loss of tax free allowance, NRB trusts were set up. On the first death there would be a trust of a sum equivalent to the NRB. This was usually expressed to be for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children and grandchildren. If it was just for the surviving spouse it would not work and would be treated as an outright gift. However, there would be a side letter saying that the trustees should prioritise the welfare of the surviving spouse.

So many people were putting this device in place that HMRC decided to change the rules and from 2008, if one spouse leaves their estate to the surviving spouse, any unused part of their NRB will pass to the survivor and can be used on the second death. So, if the husband left everything to the wife, the wife would have £650,000 of NRB when she dies.

There are still some situations where an NRB trust is worthwhile.

However, the primary purpose has gone.

If it doesn’t serve a useful purpose it can be disbanded after the first death, but this adds cost and will need agreement of all the potential beneficiaries (in the example above, the children and grandchildren). In a time of stress and anxiety, it may be a complication people can do without. So, if you have wills made before 2008 with a nil rate band trust, it is worth reviewing them.

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Review the future

Taxation

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WORKPLACE PENSIONS See the value of your investment Tom Ware

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uto-enrolment finally arrived on 1st October, after it was introduced by the Pensions Act in 2008. This requires employers to provide access to a workplace pension scheme and automatically enrol any employees who are between the ages of 22 and state pension age, and earn more than ÂŁ8,105. Of course, many people will already have a company pension scheme but auto-enrolment may bring alternative ways to structure pension arrangements.

The schemes coming in under auto-enrolment must be of a certain type and reach certain standards. The schemes may be defined benefit (where the benefits are defined ahead of retirement, usually on salary) or defined contribution (where the payments are defined). In practice, the majority of schemes are likely to be defined contribution schemes because defined benefit schemes have proved too costly for companies to support. In both cases, the employer and employee make a contribution.

NEST is the government-sponsored scheme for workplace pensions.

In practice, it is likely to be the default scheme chosen by many organisations. The advantage for individuals is that once they set up a NEST pension, they can carry it with them throughout their lives as they move jobs with different employers contributing. It is also useful for the self-employed.

The NEST scheme allows investors to be active or as passive in selecting the investments for their pension fund. They can simply pay into NEST and have the retirement pot managed. Or individuals can vary their contribution levels and switch funds to suit their needs.

Investors should be able to see the value of their investments at all times. Where investors do not want to select specific funds, they will be invested in one of NEST’s underlying 46 Retirement Date funds. The fund selected will depend on age and attitude to risk. For example, if the investor is young, the fund will be geared towards higher risk but potentially higher reward assets, such as equities.

As the investor ages, they will move into lower risk investment areas, such as corporate and government bonds. NEST defines it as foundation, growth and consolidation phases.

Investors can mix up the Retirement Date funds with a range of other funds. NEST offers an ethical fund, for example, for those who would like their funds to be managed in a socially responsible way. It also offers higher risk, or lower growth funds, so investors can take a more or less aggressive view on their investments. NEST is run by the NEST corporation. A board of trustees, selected by the Department for Work and Pensions sets the strategic direction and objectives for NEST. They will also ensure that any underlying investments are fairly priced.

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Birmingham’s own mini National Gallery continues to celebrate its 80th anniversary with a year-long programme of major special exhibitions and displays throughout 2013 FREE ADMISSION TO COLLECTION AND ALL EXHIBITIONS FOR OUR FULL 80TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME: www.barber.org.uk 0121 414 7333

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The Life and Passions of Lady BarBer

17th- to 19th- century British Miniatures from UK Private Collections

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A DOG IS FOR LIFE… Give a happy home with the Dogs Trust Lucinda Bunn

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y this point in the year, Christmas is but a distant memory and even the disturbances to your bank balance and waistline have begun to correct themselves. Sadly, some of the side effects of Christmas continue on into the spring months with thousands of ‘Christmas gift dogs’ being rejected by their new owners and dumped with the Dogs Trust. As the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, the Dogs Trust see a huge increase in dogs being left at their doorstep at this time of year.

Each year the Dogs Trust care for around 16,000 dogs at their nationwide network of rehoming centres.

Their mission is to reach a time when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. Dogs Trust run countless campaigns and education schemes to bring awareness to the plight of our four-legged friends but the problem of unwanted ‘Christmas gift dogs’ continues. Over Christmas and the following months, owners either crumble under the financial pressures of the winter season or they rush into buying dogs for Christmas presents without a full understanding of the responsibility. After all, having a dog is far more like having a baby than having a cuddly toy. It seems, as with most things in the modern world, our furry friends have become a fashion fad, with certain breeds being selected for their look and not for the way they’ll suit a lifestyle. Siberian huskies and other wolf-like dogs have become popular thanks to films like Twilight but these dogs can often be the most difficult to train and integrate into domestic living. That’s why so many of these dogs are dumped at shelters.

members of the same family. The three young pups Itzy, Bitzy and Snoopy were rescued and handed into Dogs Trust Evesham last year. Despite their rough start their luck soon changed after being at the rehoming centre for a few months when they were spotted by Emily Parker from Winchcombe.

Emily visited Dogs Trust Evesham in search of the perfect pooch and fell in love with six month old Itzy. Emily’s sister Chloe and mum, Karen, then adopted the other two puppies. Shauna Steadman, Dogs Trust Evesham, says “we are thrilled that all three pups have found such wonderful homes. They did not have the best start in life so it is heart-warming to know that they have found the loving homes they deserve”.

Patch was handed into the rehoming centre in Kenilworth on Christmas Eve after his owners couldn’t cope with his puppy like behaviour. Patch the Bearded Collie was just 13 weeks old when he arrived at Dogs Trust. Luckily, Patch now has a happy new home with loving owners who will care for him for the rest of his life.

If you would like to offer a home to any of the wonderful dogs cared for at Dogs Trust, please call Evesham Rehoming Centre directly on 01386 830 613 or Kenilworth Rehoming Centre on 01926 484398. www.dogstrust.org.uk

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust CEO, says “this year sees the 34th anniversary of Dogs Trust’s iconic slogan ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ and sadly it’s as true today as when it was first coined. We see a number of dogs handed into our rehoming centres in the days, weeks and months following Christmas when the appeal of a cute puppy has worn off. It seems that people are still giving puppies as Christmas presents without considering the long-term ramifications. Dogs can provide a world of happiness and enjoyment and we urge anyone considering a new addition to the family to think it through properly and remember that the only place a puppy should be is on the outside of the wrapping paper, not inside it”.

Dogs Trust do a fantastic job of protecting dogs and finding new homes for neglected pets. Our local Dogs Trust rehoming centres in Kenilworth and Evesham have found new homes for lots of dogs this season, which just goes to show, there can be a furry tail ending.

A family of Jack Russell terriers were adopted by three

A dog is for life

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MAKING A COMEBACK It's all about Sherry Laura Clay

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hen was the last time you bought a bottle of Sherry? Last Christmas? Christmas 1983?

Never? Well, let me tell you, sherry is back, buzzing and all the rage. It is hip and trendy and you do not need to be over 70 or a member of the WI to feel it is ok to order in a restaurant. There are Sherry bars in London – recently a magazine listed the top 10!

I have always known just how wonderful Sherry can be but I was reminded recently of its very varied styles when I went to a tasting in Birmingham hosted by Gonzalez Byass, arguably the most famous producer of this captivating wine. Just as there is a generic term for Champagne but a myriad of styles, the same is also true of Sherry. Again, just as the name represents the area Champagne comes from, so Sherry is the name for wine from the region of Jerez.

Sherry is essentially a dry wine made from the Palomino grape grown on special chalky soil, particularly important for its moisture-retaining properties. It develops into the various styles depending on what the wine-maker and nature does with each barrel. In the production of a Fino or Manzanilla (a Fino made in Sanlúcar de Barrameda), after fermentation, flor, a film of natural yeast, must develop and is encouraged to do so my filling the 600l barrels to only 5/6th full so that there is an air-gap. Here the wine will mature for about 4 years. These are not vintage wines - the wine is not all from the same year

of harvest, (again, like most Champagne) but a mix of wines from various years and barrels and blended using a system called Solera, where each barrel is topped up from wine of another. A Fino is bone-dry and fresh, yeasty and refreshing – which is just wonderful with olives and deep-fried salted peppers or nuts. If a Fino is left to age for more than 4 to 5 years, the flor will die off and the wine continues to age in contact with the air, when it will become darker in colour, with nutty and caramel aromas. This is known as Amontillado and is delicious with hard cheeses and Spanish hams.

To produce an Oloroso, the wine is fortified to a higher level, too high in fact for flor to develop. It is then aged for many years, sometimes several decades, so it is an oxidative wine becoming very dark brown, rich and less dry than either a Fino or an Amontillado. It develops prune, toffee and walnut characteristics and works with game, figs and rich cheeses. Sometimes Olorosos are sweetened with dried Pedro Ximenez grapes making such styles as the Matusalem mentioned below, which are perfect with salty cheeses and chocolate puddings.

Sherry is a fortified wine, it’s true, but the lighter styles are only 15% abv, about the same as some blockbuster Aussie wines, so there’s no need to restrict yourself to tiny measures. And don’t serve it in those little schooners so you can’t smell the wine. Instead, give it a glass to allow the wine to come alive. You will soon see how versatile and varied a wine Sherry is.

Try these: Tio Pepe – widely available, about £10 Marks & Spencer Fino £5.99 Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 12 year old Dry Amontillado £7.99 (500ml) Matusalem 30 year old Oloroso Dulce Waitrose £19.10 (37.5cl) Laura is an independent wine writer and presenter and runs BYWine – a club which helps its members to know more, buy better. www.bywine.co.uk

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Making a comeback

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WIDER WALLET Calling all bargain hunters!

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here’s no escaping the fact that life is expensive, and with the cost of everyday essentials such as food, gas and electricity continuing to rise, every penny really does count. Searching for a bargain has become a way of life, with value for money a top priority.

And, it’s not just individuals that are feeling the pinch; many businesses are also feeling under financial pressure and looking for alternative ways to reward staff without blowing the budget!

Discount portals provide a great solution, offering access to real savings. Employee benefits provider, Wider Plan, has reported an increase in interest in their online discount portal, Wider Wallet, as many employers take advantage of this cost-efficient way to help out their employees. One of the main perks of the portal is that it offers such a wide range of discounts, providing something to suit everyone. From everyday savings in the supermarket, to discounts on travel, leisure, gifts and family finance, all bases are covered. And, what makes it even better is that the offers are easy to find!

That’s right, no more trawling the high-street and rummaging through the bargain bucket for a sale sticker, the discounts are all neatly arranged in categories, and there’s even a search facility to make it that bit simpler.

Wider Wallet can also be of great benefit when searching for a gift for someone – not only does the site offer inspiration (and let’s be honest sometimes we need all need a helping hand) but also reduced prices. Gift cards, which can be given as presents or used to take advantage of in-built discounts, are always firm favourites. There’s also offers on thrilling days out and gift experiences.

Everyone likes to treat their loved ones, and discounts can really help to make that perfect present more affordable.

For those who are new to discounted gift cards, they can be purchased at a reduced rate to the card face value.

For example, a gift card with a discount of 10% could be bought for £90, but would actually be worth £100.

These are available for many high-street stores and are a very economical way to purchase those more expensive items, such as jewellery and electrical goods.

they regularly personalise their offering to suit clients’ needs. Alison Chalmers, director of Wider Plan says, “Many employers ask us to add discounts for businesses in their local area which may be of particular interest to their employees, which really adds value to the package. This can also help smaller local businesses raise awareness of their products. Clients also take advantage of the opportunity to promote their own company discounts, and often ask us to display these prominently within their discount portal.” Exposure on discount sites can benefit suppliers hugely, and a good offer can really help to get customers through the door.

It’s safe to say, that in the current economic climate access to a discount portal is hugely advantageous. Since some employers may not yet be aware of the value of such schemes, it’s worth employees approaching their HR department to ask them to give it some consideration.

Wider Plan also offer Wider Wallet to clubs and societies as a membership benefit, so if you’re considering joining a gym, for example, it’s worth finding out if there’s anything more on offer!

Wider Plan Ltd 11–16 Chestnut Court Jill Lane Sambourne B96 6EW 0800 612 7220 www.widerwallet.com

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IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY Paloma Faith announces forest concert tour

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he captivating Paloma Faith is the latest act to announce that she will be performing concerts in seven spectacular woodland locations this summer as part of the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live concert series.

Released in 2009, debut album, Do You Want the Truth, or Something Beautiful? introduced Paloma Faith and a glossy ensemble of retroreferencing soul and sassy pop songs.

From the brass-blasted stomp of ‘Stone Cold Sober’ to the quirky ‘Upside Down’, and the epic sweep of her biggest chart hit ‘New York’, the record went on to sell over half a million copies. Faith’s 2012 sophomore album, ‘Fall To Grace’, continues to build upon the success of her debut release. A collection of compositions in a new contemporary realm, chart success has already been assured with singles ‘Picking Up the Pieces’, ‘30 Minute Love Affair’, ‘Just Be’ and her enchanting cover of ‘Never Tear Us Apart’. Her achievements have been recognised by the music industry with Brit Award nominations. Her platinum

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selling album Fall To Grace is up for Best Album, and she has also been nominated for Best British Female.

Commenting on her Forest Live dates and her Brit nominations, Paloma Faith said, “I’m really excited about these shows. It’s going to be a great experience so I hope you will be able to join me on my woodland adventure this summer. I am delighted to have been nominated for these Brit awards. I don’t expect to win, but it’s so wonderful to be acknowledged for contributing something to British music. I am very proud to be British and so happy to do something I love.”

Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission bringing music to new audiences without commercial branding or sponsorship.

Income generated from ticket sales is spent on improving the local forests for both people and wildlife. With everything required for a great night out, including full catering and bar facilities, the gigs are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere.

Paloma Faith plus special guests will be performing: Friday 14 June Thetford Forest, Nr Brandon, Suffolk.

Saturday 15 June Sherwood Pines Forest, Nr Edwinstowe, Notts.

Friday 21 June Bedgebury Pinetum, Nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Saturday 22 June Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Glos.

Friday 28 June Cannock Chase Forest, Nr Rugeley, Staffs.

Saturday 29 June Dalby Forest, Nr Pickering, N Yorks.

Friday 5 July Delamere Forest, Delamere, Cheshire.

Tickets £32.00 (subject to booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 18 January from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music

If you go down to the woods today

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