Chronicle Week Cannock - 01-Dec-2022

COUNCILSHARE WILLSAVE£1.1m

Twocouncilshavesteppedclos ertosharingservicestosavemoney afterabusinesscasewasbackedby seniormembers–buttheyhavein sistedthemoveisnotamerger.

TheplansforStaffordBorough andCannock ChaseDistrictcouncilstosharemostservices,includ ingaseniormanagementteam,are expectedtosavemorethan£1.1m acrossthetwoauthorities–includ ingalmost£90,000inseniormanagementcosts.

Bothcouncilsarefacingfunding gapsintheirbudgetsfor2023/24, withStafford’sbeing£2mandCan nockforecasttohavea£2.8mdeficit Andareporttothecouncils’cabinetswarnedthatifthesharedser vicesplanswerenotagreed,savings wouldneedtobefoundelsewhere.

Cabinetmembersonbothauthoritiesbackedtheproposalslast weekandrecommendedtheplansbe approvedbytheirfullcouncils

StaffordBoroughleaderPatrick Farringtonsaid:“Thiswillnotbea mergerofthetwocouncils.Wewill each maintain ouridentities, civic offices,websitesand telephone numbers.Butwewillhavejointgov ernancearrangementsandashared chiefexecutiveandleadershipteam. Therewillbesharingofallservices

excepthousinganddeliveryofelections.”

CannockChaseleaderOliviaLyonssaid:“Bothcouncilshaveade siretonurturebusinessgrowth.We wanttomakesurewearestrongand canweatherfuturechallenges.This givesusanopportunitytodothat.”

Thetwoauthoritieshavealready sharedanumberof“backroom”ser vicesformorethanadecade,includ ingIT,legalandhumanresources

Last year TimClegg became joint chiefexecutiveofbothcouncils

Housingservicesfundedbythe Housing RevenueAccountatCan nockChaseCouncilandthemanage mentofhousingregistersforboth authoritieswillnotbeshared.CannockChaseCouncilretainsrespon sibilityforthedistrict’ssocialhousingstock,whileStaffordtransferred itspropertiestoStaffordandRural Homes–nowpartofHomesPlus–morethan15yearsago.

Managingand delivering elec tionswillstayseparate.InCannock Chase,electionstakeplacethreeout offouryears,withathirdofseats contestedeachtime. Stafford Boroughelectionsareonceinfouryears.

Artworkgoesondisplay

Ribbon cut on newshop

Anew Poundstretcher store opensinHednesfordat9amtomor row(Friday).

MayorofHednesford,Councillor DarrellMawle,will cutthe ribbon toopentheshopinAngleseyStreet Thegrand openingwill includea trolleydashandvouchergiveaways PoundstretcherCEODerekLawlorsaid:“Wearepleasedtobeopen ingabrandnewstoretothepeople ofHednesfordwithlotsoffantastic brandedproducts, allatbargain prices,andlookforwardtoopening morestoresoverthecomingmonths, creatingmanyjobs

“Weare expecting massive queuesforouropeningday.”

Christmas tractorrun

Tractorswilltrundlealongthe roadsofStaffordshire in acharity festiverunthisweekend Sunday’sevent,organisedbythe countyfederationofyoungfarmers’ clubsandSouthStaffordshireWater, startsat6pmfromBlithburyandis raisingfunds throughcollections fortheMidlandsAirAmbulanceand StaffordshireYFC

Itwillfinishbackatthevillage at7.50pmandfollowa20-mileroute throughHamstallRidware,HillRidware,Colton,Admaston,overBlith fieldReservoirandAbbotsBromley.

Thetractorswill be decorated withChristmaslightsandSantaand hisreindeerarealsopromised

Report by Kerry Ashdown

Librarystagesfestive fair

Afestivefairisbeingheldin Penkridgeaspartofaseriesof eventsatStaffordshirelibraries intherun-uptoChristmas.

ThefairisattheBellBrook siteonDecember9from4-8pm andwillincludeatreasurehunt. Refreshmentsincludingcake willbeavailable

Councillor Victoria Wilson,

countycouncilcabinetmember forcommunities andculture, said:“Christmasisaspecialtime ofyearformanyfamiliesanda busytimeforourlibrarieswith ahostofextrafestiveevents.

“Our librariescontinueto playavitalroleinlocalcommunities,oftenactingasacentral hubwithaccesstolotsofuseful

resourcesandlocalservices.At atimewherethecost-of-living pressuresarehavingatoughim pactonfamilies,it’sagreattime topayyourlibraryavisit

“Borrowacopyofyourfavouritefestivebookandgetthe familyinthemoodforChrist mas.Or,pickupagiftatoneof theChristmasfairs.”

Homesplanat oldpub given greenlight forsecondtime

By Kerry Ashdown

Planstoknock downan emptypubtomakewayforflats havebeenapprovedbyCannock Chasecouncillorsforasecond timebecauseof“proceduralerrors”.

Permissionwasgrantedin September by CannockChase Councilfor theredevelopment oftheCastleInnsiteonMain Road,Brereton.

Buttheapplicationreturned totheplanningcommitteelast weekbecauseanumberofcom mentsreceivedon theplans werenotreportedtothecommitteeormadepublic.

Objectorssaidthedevelopmentwouldaffectroadandpe destrian safety andsurroundingresidents’ gardens and windowswouldbeoverlooked. Theyaddedthatfamilyhouses orbungalowsshouldbebuilton thelandinsteadofapartments.

Butofficersconcludedthe development wasacceptable and, afterrecommendingapproval,memberspassedthe plans.CouncillorAndreaMuckleysaid:“Ithinkwearebound byourpreviousdecisionandwe shouldgoforwardandapprove it.”

Aparttwoandthreestorey buildingisproposedtoreplace thepub andwill provide one one-bed and26two-bedroom flats

Runnerspound

PhilArnold,ofStaffordshire LibraryService

School makesgrade with ‘good’ rating

ACheslynHayschoolhasbeen rated‘Good’inallareasbyOfsted –afterpreviouslybeengradedas ‘RequiresImprovement’.

This wasCheslyn HayAcademy’s first full inspection since joiningWindsor Academy Trust in2018.Inspectorspraisedschool leadersfortheirstrongfocuson academicandsocialdevelopment andtheirhighexpectationsofstu dents’behaviour.Thereportalso commendedstaff fortheir com-

mitment to developing students bothacademicallyandpersonally andhighlightedthewiderangeof subjectsonofferandthat‘leaders have significantlystrengthened thecurriculuminYears7to9to preparestudentsmoreeffectively forYears10and11’

Headteacher TomMacdonald said:“Itishugelyrewardingtosee Ofsted recogniseboththe hard workofourstaffandthepridestudentshaveinourschool.”

DawnHaywood,CEOatWindsorAcademyTrust,said:“Thisre portrecognisesthehardworkand dedicationofstaffandstudentsat CheslynHayAcademyandreflects thecollectivestrengthofourfami lyofschools.”

DrDanOwen,DirectorofSec ondary,said:“Wewillbuildonthis successtocontinuetohelpraise theaspirationsofourstudentsand unlocktheiracademicandperson alpotential.”

promiseofupgradedfacilitiesand newrecyclingmethods

Upgraded

Theinvestmentfollowsthere turnofthecounty’stipsbackinto StaffordshireCountyCouncilmanagementinAprilthisyearwiththe

Lastmonthresidentshadex pressedfearstheclosurewouldbe extendedorcouldevenbemade permanent afterthe original reopeningdateoflateOctoberwas putbacktoNovember. However, thesitehasnowstartedwelcom ingvehiclesagain.

StudentsLeoSeddom, CalumHammondand Izzy EvanswithheadteacherTom Macdonald

Festivefairsuccess

Afamilyreunion,music and laughterwasservedupwhenade scendantofWilliamShakespeare, SheilaTuckey,hostedafestivefair inaidofcancerpatients.

Thepre-Christmasfair,atthe 1stChase TerraceScout Group headquarters,inIronstoneRoad, made £813.45for charityMarie Curie.

Attractions included a hog roast,handicrafts,giftstalls,tom bola,hook-a-duckand guessing games.Entertainmentwasprovid edbySheila’sgrandsonJonathon Coulton,asessionguitarist,who

hastouredwithQueenmusicalWe WillRockYou.Thecharitycared foranothergrandsonSimonMapp, whodiedinOctoberlastyear Sheila,98,ofUpperLongdon, said:“Ididn’thavemuchtimeto organiseit.TheladyfromMarie Curiewasoverthemoonwiththe sum.Wehadagreatturnout.It wentmuchbetterthanIexpected.”

Among the surprise visitors was91-year-old George Mapp, ofRugeley,whowasarelativeof Sheila’sfirsthusbandArthurMapp andrelativesofherfatherHarry Millington

£70k for newcouncil websiteisapproved

CannockChaseDistrictCoun cilhas approved therecommen dationtospend£70,000onanew website.

Inameetingofthefullcouncil lastweek,memberswereaskedto approvethereleaseofthemoney toensuretheongoingsecurityof thecouncil’sITinfrastructureand toprocureanewwebsite.

Thecouncil’scurrentplatform, Drupalversion7,willnotbesup ported with softwareupdates afterNovember1,2023, leaving it open to cyberattacks andse curitybreaches.Acouncilreport statedthewebsitewas“notonly avitalresourceforthecouncilto promoteitsworkandservices,but alsosavesthecouncilmoney”

Introducingthemotion,Coun cillor Robert Hughes, innovation andresources portfolioleader, said:“Thenewwebsiteplatformis essentialtoensurethecouncil’sIT infrastructure. Thenew website will continue thecouncil’s com mitmenttoimproveresidentsac cesstoservices.”

Thiswassupportedbyleader CouncillorOliviaLyons.

CouncillorAndreaMuckleyob jectedtothecostofthenewweb site.ButCouncillorJustinJohnson said:“Ifwedon’tupgradethesys temIdaretothinkaboutthecost tothecouncilifoursystemswere tobecompromised.”

BlackFridaybargains

Shopperswerekeentobaga bargainataBlackFridaysaleat Cannock’sNewlifesuperstore.

Newlifethe Charityfor Dis abledChildrenoffered ahostof discountitems,withalleightofits storestakingpartintheBlackFri dayandCyberMondayevent

Customers began to gather outsidetheflagshipHawksGreen storejustafter 7amon Friday, withalargequeuebuildingbythe timethedoorsopenedat8am.

Highlights included designer coats,T-shirtsandbags,anumber ofladies’bicyclessellingfor£99 andone DJIMavic AirFlymore Combodroneat£500whichwas quicklysnappedup

AndrewMurphy-Hayes,New lifeheadofretailstores,said:“We wereamazedathowmanypeople bravedthecoldFridaymorning

“Wereallywantedtohelpour customerswiththecostofliving byhavingsomebiggeritemsfor sale,still at hugely discounted prices,alongwithallourusualdis countsforBlackFridaythatwe’re knownfor

“And of course,shopping at Newlifemeans people arealso helpingtofundspecialistdisabili tyequipmentandsupportfordis abledandterminallyill children whourgentlyneedourhelp.”

Improvements to open space

Thegreenlighthasbeengiven tophaseoneofimprovementstoa publicopenspaceinCannock

TheLaburnumAvenueproject wasapprovedinSeptember by CannockChase Council’scabinet butonlynowhavethefullcouncil beengiventheopportunitytogo aheadwiththeproposals.

Phaseonewillseethecoun cilspendmorethan£385,000,of which£264,189, is from devel opers’contributionstowardsthe costsofproviding community andsocialinfrastructure.Aplay

area andmulti-use games area, newpathwaysand renewedand improvedfencingareallsettobe deliveredinphaseone.

Thesecondandthirdphases willincludefurtherpathwaysand woodland management,but will requirefurtherfunding.Thecost tofullydeliverallthreephasesis currentlyestimatedat£625,457.

CouncilleaderCouncillorOliv iaLyonssaid:“Theparkisinareal stateofneglect.Itwaslastupdat edin2009,soIwas17atthatpoint andwhenthefootballpitchwas

lastupdatedwas1992,theyearI wasborn,soIthinkit’soverdue.”

Theproject waswelcomed byLabourgroupleader,Council lorTonyJohnson,whosaid:“Iam fullysupportiveofthisproposal.I wouldjustaskthecabinettobring forwardtheproposalfortheBar nardWayfacilitytobeupgraded.”

Itwasalsorevealedthatsimi larplansforthefacilityinWelling tonDrive,whichisnotfullyacces sibleforallchildrentouseandhas noaccessforpushchairsorwheel chairs,isoutforconsultation.

Report by Thomas Parkes

Head of retailstores Andrew Murphy-Hayeswith adrone boughtbya lucky customer

OrganiserSheila Tuckey

Semi-finalplace is Jane’s slimlinetonic

A59-year-old woman who shed alife-changing 8st12lbs madeitthroughtothesemifinals ofacompetitiontofindtheUKand Ireland’smostsuccessfulfemale slimmers.

Jane Clemmett securedher placeinthelastfourofSlimming World’sWomanoftheYear2022 afterbeingvotedbymembersof herPenkridgegroupastheirrep resentativeintheannualcontest.

Shewas delightedtobeone of37womenfromacrosstheUK andIrelandinvitedtosharetheir storiesatSlimming Worldhead officeinDerbyshire,tobeinwith achanceoftakingtheoveralltitle.

Jane,whodroppedfrom19st 4.5lbsto10st6.5lbs, said:“Be foreIjoinedSlimmingWorld,los ingweightjustfeltlikeanuphill struggle.Ifeltself-conciousallthe timeandwouldgetoutofbreath doingthemostsimplethingsand, although Iwas desperatetodo somethingaboutit,Ihadalmost resignedmyselftothefactthatI wouldalwaysbeoverweightand unhappy.”

Jane says that thesupport iveenvironmentofherSlimming Worldgrouphasbeenkeytoher success.Shesaid:“Thegroupreal lymademefeelwelcomefromthe veryfirstdayIjoined.Weshare tips andrecipeideas andcheer each otheronwhenweneedit.

Ultimately,whenIwasatmylow estebbitwasaplaceIfeltsafe,in cludedandfreetobemyself.Atthe startofmyjourneyifyou’dhave told me Iwould be representing mygroupatthefinalsofSlimming World’sWomanoftheYearcompe tition,feelingthewayIdo,Iwould havelaughed.I’msoproudofwhat I’veachievedandI’mlookingfor ward to abrighter, happierand healthierfuture.”

Tori Meeley,who runs Jane’s

Penkridgegroup,said: “We couldn’tbeprouder.Jane’sincred ible transformation hasinspired somanyofherfellowslimmersso whenitcamedowntovotingfor ourgroup’sWomanoftheYearit wasreallylovelytoseesomany peopleputtingherforward.”

ThePenkridge group meets atStMichael’sChurchHallevery Monday at 8am, 9.30am,5.30pm and7pm.Call07792 928877 for moreinformation

Cloudy2Clear

ALocal

As aleading domestic glass replacement companyfor more than 16 years,Cloudy2Clear windows arethe leading name in theindustry.

Thereisnoneed for you to risk yourwindows by usingthe dreaded double glazingcowboy down the street. Youcan join over 336,000 happycustomers and replace yourglassethically and affordably.

If you have afailedglassunit, it maynot provide youwith the protection you need or be as energy-efficientasitonce was. Take aminute to checkyour home to see if anydouble glazinghas failed? Taking action nowcan preventfuture financial problems.

When talkingtothe Managerof Cloudy2Clear windowsBrian

Stanleyitbecame clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years.Since starting the businesssome years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their corevalues of supportingthe localcommunity by providinga service that saves the public money.

TheCloudy2Clear service only requires the glasstobereplaced and not the wholewindow once the unit hasfailed. Brian commented“Cloudy2Clear were able to assistour community through the last financial crisis in 2008 duetothe savingsthat can be made in usingour service

Unfortunately we mightbegoing through somethingsimilar again soon and the public canrest assuredthat we will be thereto help once again”

Forafreequotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.co.uk.

uary.BelCantowillsingspecially selected, poignant pieces.Atthe endoftheservicethecandlescan behungaroundthealtarrail

TheBookofMemorieswillbe availableinsidethechurch,inthe LadyChapel,beforeandafterthe service;itwillthenbeinStLuke’s ChurchCentreuntiltheendofJan

Thereisachancetostayin church afterwardsfor quietre membrance,totalkwithStGiles staffandtoenjoyacupofteaor coffee.Freerefreshmentsarepro videdbytheCannockFriends.

Jane Clemmett before ...and after losingweight

Allpromisesmadepostand pre-Brexit have been broken

AsChristmasapproaches,it’s timetothinkofwhatwewould likeasapresent.Perhapsabookor two,forexampleTheToryBookof Lies–volumesonetoeightorThe PlumbersBookofToryU-turns

Both couldbecome essen tial readingoncethe pennyhas droppedastothestatethegovernmenthaslefttheUKinafterallthe preandpost-Brexitpromises

Forget the£350m forNHS, lowerfood prices,easiertravel, andimport/exportboomingonce thedrawbridgewiththeEUhas

beenpulledup.Thiswaswhatwe werepromisedbythegovernment duringpre-Brexitandduringthe supposednegotiationsafter

OurthenPMpromisedto“Get BrexitDone”whileTrusstoured theglobetrying,andfailingtoget inferiorandveryexpensivedeals donewhichwouldbadlyaffectthe UKfarmers.

Thegovernment’sown esti matewasanincreaseofUKGDPby 0.02percentafter15years,possi bly.Fortunately,thesedealshave sincebeenprovenuselessandcan-

People’s anxieties areonthe increase

Manylocalpeoplearesufferingincreasinganxietiesovertheir material life,jobs, relationships andwiderhealth

Thereisa viciouscycle be tweengrowing mental distress, anxietyproblems,lackofself-con fidenceandtheabilitytohandle workandeverydayroutines

Morethan40percentofUK citizensareeitherinpoverty,‘fi nanciallyinsecure’,exposedtoun expectedcostsorpricerises.Rent, energyandfoodcostsareinmany people’sminds.

Amongthoseinreceiptofben efits,thepreponderanceofcases

duetomentalandbehaviourconditions,haslongbeengrowing

In England, 17 percent (approximately7.3millionpeople)receivedanti-depressants.Recently theNHSBusinessServicesAuthor ityconfirmedtheirusehadgrown byathirdoverthelastsixyears.

Areanti-depressantsasignof moderntimes,agrowingproblem, orpartofacure?Onethingiscertain,anti-depressantsareonthe rise in ourlocal communities as morepeopleturntopharmaceuti calanswers.

DJames,Walsall

celled.Truss,duringhershortest reignofanyPM,managedtocrash an alreadyfragile post-Brexit economyinrecordtimebeforethe lettucedeterioratedbutafterthe gravedamagehadbeeninflicted ontheUK,withtalkofitbeinglike the1950s

This budget waswatched withhorrorastheUKbecamea laughingstockaroundtheworld andconditionsheredeteriorated andwearetoldtoreduceheating cooking,eatingetc.

Nameandaddresssupplied

Just leave us allalone!

AmItheonlyonewhohasnoticedthesteadyincreaseincompetingpreachersinCannocktown centre?

Theseloudmouthsdon’t re spectpeople’sspaceandtheyare gettingincreasinglylouder,utilis ingsoundsystemstocondemnall ofus

Thestateofthecountryisbad enoughrightnowwithoutthese layaboutscloggingupthe town centretellingeveryonehowbad theyarefornotthinkinglikethem Gobacktoyourplaceofworship andleavetherestofusinpeaceto goaboutourbusiness!

Nameandaddresssupplied

Boundary Commission hasbeenasleep

Regardingtheproposedrevision of constituency boundaries, atthenationallevelthisseemsto haveprivilegedoneissueoverall others–thatofanequalnumberof votersineachsingle-memberconstituency.

Itdoesnotaddressthecrude, primitivevotingsystem.Inanational legislativebody, it might bereasonabletoexpectthatthe number of legislatorswould re

flectthatofpeoplevotingforeach party. ThisisnotthecaseintheUK. According to theHouse of Commons Library, andconsidering partiesfightingacrossthewhole of GreatBritain,ittook38,300 votestoelecteachConservative, 50,800foraLabourMP,336,000 foreachLibDem,andawhopping 886,400peoplevotedGreenfora singleMP.Makingashibbolethof

thegeographical single-member constituencyignoresthisdenialof basicrepresentativedemocracy Lookingnowatthelocallevel, itseemsthattheBoundariesCommissionhasbeenasleepsincethe time of Palmerston,Disraeliand Gladstone,withnoideaofhowthe roleofaMemberofParliamenthas changed.

House, 1Farringdon Street, London, EC4M 7LG.

AHarrison,Walsall

WiththeChristmasseasoninfull swingtheChaseLineentersitsbusiest timeoftheyear.Soit’snosurprisethat issuesrelatedtoourrailwaylinehave beenoneofmyprioritiesinthepastfew weeks.

Recently Ihavemet with repre sentativesfromWestMidlandsTrains to discussthe anti-social behaviour issues.Passengersshouldfeelsafeand comfortableonpublictransportandI havebeenconcernedtoreceivereports ofpassengersexperiencinganti-social behaviourwhiletravelling.

Ihavebeenreceiving reports of teenagerscarryingout intimidating behaviourand vandalism, vaping on trainsandusingfoullanguage.Thisbe haviouristotallyunacceptable

Complaints

WestMidlandsTrainsreassuredme they take thesecomplaints seriously andIwasverypleasedtoheartheyare workingwithBritishTransportPolice toaddressit

BritishTransportPolicehavebeen steppinguptheirpatrolsonthelineto addressthesecomplaintsandtheyare alsoworkingwithlocalpolicingteams Iamconfidentthattheauthoritiesare takingtheseissuesseriouslyandwork ingtogethertocombatthem

Aswellasanti-socialbehaviouris suesontheline,Ihavealsospokenout aboutthelackofalate-nighttrainto Rugeley.AsRugeleypassengerswillbe

alltooawareof,thelasttrainfromBir minghamintheeveningterminatesat Hednesford,meaningRugeleypassen gershavetocutshorttheirnightsout, orarrangeonwardtravelfromHednes ford

LastweekIraisedthisissuewith theTrainsMinisterinthe Houseof Commons.Whilsttheelectrificationof thelinehasgreatlyimprovedtheser vice overall,passengerstravellingto Rugeleyremaindisadvantagedbythe continuedlackofthelasttrain.

Unfortunatelythisissue will still notbeaddressedintheupcomingDe cembernewtimetable,soIwillcontinue topressWestMidlandsTrains,Network RailandMinisterstoseethisaddressed infuturetimetablechanges.

Asalways,Iamkeentohearabout yourexperiences on theChase Line Ifyouhaveanyissuesorconcernsyou wouldlikemetoraisewithoperators orMinisters,pleasedogetintouchwith me.Youcandothisbycalling01543 877142orviae-mailatamanda.milling. mp@parliament.uk.Youcanalsowrite to11aMarketStreet,Hednesford,Staf fordshire,WS121AY.

Asever,ifyouhaveanyotherissues youneedmyassistancewith,pleaseget intouch.

CHASEMATTERS

WithAmanda Milling MP

The Best of Peter Rhodes

Themiracle of thecomputer neverfailstoastoundus.Artificial intelligence(AI)has been putto workidentifyingapaintingowned by aSwiss collector. Theprogram diligentlycomparedtheportraitto 206worksbyRenoirandconcluded thereisan80.58percentprobabili tythattheSwisspaintingisalsoby Renoir.Iwasremindedofanother AIface-recognitionprogramwhich, afew weeksago, figured that an oldblokelivinginAustraliaisLord Lucan, who vanishedin1974. The programwasclaimedtobe“never wrong”butHomeOfficeexpertssaid itwasdefinitelywrong,andit’sall goneabitquiet.

nnn Whoknows howbrilliant AI mustbecomebeforeitcananswer theburningissueraisedattheCop27 climatesummit:howmuch“lossand damage”moneydoesthedeveloped world owethe developing world fortheharmcausedbyman-made climatechange? Industrialisation, liketheBritishEmpire,wasneither

whollygoodnorwhollybad.Some third-worldnationscould never have prosperedwithoutthe water pumps,windmills,railwaysandgen eratorsoftheindustrialisedWest.It isaconundrumbutIcanpredictthe final“lossanddamage”billwillbea lotmorethanwewanttopaybuta lotlessthantheywant

nn n

War, like history,tendstorepeatitself.Andifthere’sarecurring themeinthewarinUkraine,it’sthe one wherehighly-respected West ernexpertstellusthatPutinisrun ningshortofmissilesfollowed,afew dayslater,byPutindemonstrating

thathe’sgotshedloadsofthethings. Whenthisbloodywarisover,asit surely will be one day, millionsof tonsofgrainwillagainflowfrom Ukraineand billionsofbarrels of gasfromRussia.Inevitably,foodand energybillswillbecutandanentire Europeancountrywillneedrebuilding.Howlongcanthiswarlastwhen thereissomuchmoneytobemade fromendingit?

nnn

Ihavesomesympathywiththe “blunderingbarrister”who was upbraidedbyajudgeforarrivingat courtinNewportinWaleswhenhe shouldhavebeen150milesawayfor

acaseinNewport,IsleofWight.Upbraid:goodword,notusedenough Anyway,there areanawfullot of Newports,includingtowns of that nameinYorkshire,Essex,Glouces tershire,Highlands,Pembrokeshire andShropshire.Toaddtothemerri mentthere’sNewport-on-TayinFife andNewport PagnellnearMilton Keynes.Yetthereisnoevidenceof whattheseplaceswerecalledbefore theybecameNewports.Scouringthe AAroadatlas,Ican’tfindasingle Oldport.Anhistoricalmystery. nnn

Notesonarecession.Headlines fromthemiseryoftheSundayTimes

news pages: “Bossremovedover boy’smoulddeath,”“TellSidtoturn down thethermostat,” “Farmers crackoveregg shortages.”Mean while,herearesomeblingyChristmasgiftsuggestionsfromthesame newspaper’sStylemagazine:Portof inowristwatch,£6,200;Signetring of ‘single-mine’gold,£4,900; Ear ringswithmoonstones,£1,335.Just remember,we’reallinthistogether

nnn

Accordingtoreports,“agroup ofpodcasters”isdeterminedtosave dialectwordssaidtobeontheverge of extinction.Thus, termssuchas “scrammed-up”,aDevonianexpres sionforbeingverycold,or“blatherskite”,aDurhamwordforgossip, mayendure.Butwhatof“goppy?”

nnn

Ihaveheardthiswordusedby onlyoneperson,aBlackCountryman inthe1970s,describingayounglady whodidnotcomeuptohisexacting standards.It’sawordthatcouldbe savedasanhistoricaltreasure–and theninstantlybannedformisogyny. nnn

Inotethe weekly newspaper whereIworkedasatraineereporter(longagoandfaraway)hasjust raiseditscoverpricetowhat,back then,wasmydailyrateofpay

Vladimir Putin– runningshortofmissiles?

Vanished –LordLucan

Moving tale of warhero

At themeeting on November 14, TimColtmangaveatalkonthelifeof hisgreatgrandfather,WilliamColtman VCandthestorybehindthetitle“The StoryoftheTwoCrosses”

WilliamColtmanwasborninBur tononTrentonNovember171891and diedonJune291974.Hegrewupina ruralenvironmentandwhenwarbroke outin1914Williamjoinedupbut,be causehe wasacommitted Christian andhefeltitwouldbewrongforhimto killanotherhumanbeing,enlistedasa stretcherbearer.

He hadnomedical training and whengoingontothebattlefieldtores cueandtreatmen,allhehadwasavery basicfirstaidkit.Williamwastorescue

andtreatmany,manysoldiersandbe camethehighestdecoratedBritishsol dier,receiving10medalsinall,includ ingtheVictoriaCross.Hecameback fromthewarbutneverspokeabouthis experiencesandlivedaveryChristian life

TheStoryoftheTwoCrossesrepre sentsfirstlythecrossofChristandsec ondly,theVictoriaCross.Itwasavery movingstoryandverywellversed.

Themeeting on December 12 willbeaChristmaspartyatStPeter’s Churchhalland includingthe club’s 25thbirthdaycelebrations.

Treesymbolises brighter future

Tomarkthe16DaysofActivism

ThecampaignisfromNovember25, InternationalDayfortheEliminationof ViolenceagainstWomen,toDecember 10,HumanRightsDay

As well as regularupdates on Facebook, they have ‘adopted’ atree –courtesyoflocalbusinessmanFred Pritchard–inCannock town centre outsidetheWhiteHouse,HighGreen. Thetreehasbeenswathedinorange –thecolourthatsymbolisesabrighter

future,freeofviolence–andhungwith ribbonsandheartsthatcontainmes sagesofencouragementandsupport. Theyhavealsofilledthestoryboards aroundHednesfordParkwithinforma tionaboutthecampaigntogetherwith wheretogethelpandadvice.

People areencouragedtotakea selfiebythetreeorastoryboardand tag@SICannockonFacebookorleave aphoto in thecomments. Formore, go to www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-dis trict, www.facebook.com/SICannock oremailsoropscannock@gmail.com

Football laws revealed

Thespeakeratthisweek’smeeting wasSteveAndrews,whogaveaninter estingtalkonfootballrefereeingand thelawsofthegame.

Apartfrommembersbeing given anopportunitytoaskquestions,Steve revealedasurprisingnumberoffacts thattheaveragepersondoesnotknow –forexample,thatundercurrentrules therecanbesixcornerflagsonafoot ballpitch,butonlyfourarecompulsory, andthatagamecanneitherbestarted norfinishediftherearefewerthansev

enplayersonthepitch.Thenextmeet ingwillbeonDecember12,whenthe speakerwillbethecomedianLeeCar roll.

TheclubmeetsonalternateMon daymorningsattheCannockConserv ativeClub,92HighGreen.Visitorsare welcomebyprior arrangementand shouldcontactJohnWitherson01543 684275forfurtherdetails.

The tree in allits splendour –SImemberswith FredPritchard

HednesfordATG

SI Cannock &District

Cannock ChaseMen’s Probus

Ex-sailorkeeps eyeonsea of traffic

By Mark Andrews

Whenitcomestopredictingthe weather,itissomethingofamilitary operationforexpertKerryFarrell.

AsaformerNavalofficer,Kerry joined National Highways in 2019 andswappedseafaringforSpaghetti Junction

SheisnowworkingintheWest Midlands as aNational Highways networkoperationsmanager

With record-breakingtemperaturesonlyafewmonthsagoand winteroperationswellunderwayat NationalHighways,Kerrysayssheis relishingherrole.

Herjobistokeepaneyeonthe weatheranditsimplicationsformo toristsusingthemotorwaynetwork –andmajorA-roadsintheWestMid lands.Thatmeanskeepingtrackof weatherchartsandhighlightingthe riskoficeorsnowsothattheroad networkcanbetreatedintime.

Gritters have alreadybeenout insomepartsoftheregion.Butwith theprospect of freezingtempera turestocome,aswellasriskslike flashflooding,Kerry’sroleisconsid eredkey

“Ilovethechallengeofincident managementinmycurrentjob,it’s soincrediblyvariedandeveryday canbedifferentandposedifferent challenges,”shesaid.“WhenIleftthe

RoyalNavy,Iwantedanotherrolein operationsandworkingforNational Highwaysintheregionaloperations centreprovidedanopportunityfor metodrawonmyexperienceinmeteorologywhilealsohelpingtotrain colleaguesaroundplanningforwin terweather.”

Aftergraduatingwithadegree attheUniversityofDerbyinglobal hazards–acoursewhichcombined geologyandgeography–Kerryal waysknewshewantedtoworkin

meteorology.Sheservedasaregular intheRoyalNavyfor10years,hav ingjoinedin2009asanAbleSeaman hydrographerandmeteorologist.

ShealsospenttimeattheNaval airstationsinYeovilton andCul droseasaweatherforecaster,aswell asnumerousdeploymentsatseaon destroyersandminehuntersinthe MiddleEast

In 2013,Kerry,who livesnear Lichfield,achievedhercommission, passingoutofBritanniaRoyalNaval

Collegeasawarfareofficer,subse quentlygainingherticketfordriving warshipsandwaspromotedtolieu tenant

Kerrysaid: “Itgavemesome fantastic experience in leadership andoperations,builtmyconfidence hugely andtravellingthe worldto seeplacesyouneverordinarilymay visitonaholiday “Mymostinterestingdeployment wasaglobaltrip,sailingthroughthe PanamaCanalouttoHawaii,where

Iwasfortunatetobeinvolvedina RemembranceceremonyattheUSS Arizonawreckageforthoselostat PearlHarbour.Mylastdeployment wasonsurveyshipHMSScottinthe Atlanticmappingtheseafloor.”

SincejoiningNationalHighways at itsofficeinBirmingham,Ker ry says heroperational andcrisis managementskillshavestoodherin goodsteadforkeepingtheroadnetworkmoving.

Sherecentlyworkedcloselywith thelocalauthorityandpartnersto planfortheCommonwealthGames. Andherattentionsarenowfocused solely on working with operation alcolleaguestoensuregrittingand winter plansare inplace to keep trafficmoving.

Awayfromwork,Kerrysaysshe likestounwindbykeepingfitand active andhas recently re-joined theNavycyclingteamasaveteran Shealsospendsalotofherfreetime trainingforroadcycling.

Sheadded:“I’mquitesportysoI playalotofgolfandI’malsoakeen runner.IrecentlycompletedDerby HalfMarathonandI’vealsocomplet edtheTamworth10kmracewhich wasinOctober

“Oneofthemainperksofmyrole isthatIcanpredictwhenit’sgoingto rain,sowhenIdogetupearlyfora gameofgolf,IcanmakesureI’vegot thewaterproofclothingreadytogo.”

Kerry passing out at officertraining in2014

Kerry Farrellinthecontrolcentre

Topaward in bag forpackagingfirm

Asurgeinsalesandthecompletion of a£7million investment drivehas helpedalargepackagingspecialistland oneofthesector’sbiggestawards

Burntwood-basedLesters,which hasalsoincreased itsworkforce by 30percentinthelast12months,was namedastheEntrepreneurialBusiness oftheYearattheUKPackagingAwards, beatingoffcompetitionfromsixother high-classfinalistsintheprocess

Ateamoften staffcollected the accoladeinfrontof570peopleatthe GrosvenorHotelinLondon–including ceremonyhostSallyPhillips–andim mediatelysignalledtheirintentionto usethesuccesstolaythefoundations foranotheryearofexpansion,withcontinuinginvestmentinboththepackagingandlogisticsarmsofthebusiness

Surge

Lestersprovidesmillionsofcorru gatedboxes,largeformatpackaging andheavy-dutycasesfortheaerospace, automotive,bikemanufacturing,mail orderandthird-partylogisticsspace

Boostedbyasignificantsurgein onlinetrade,the companyhas seen salessoarto£16minthelastfinancial year,withadditional stafftaken on, bringingtheworkforceupto60

Thegrowthhasbeendrivenbythe entrepreneurialmindoftheMDBilly Hutchinson,a£7mfundingprogramme andthe appointment of high-profile industry specialists, includinganew

headofsales,adesignmanagerandan experiencedkeyaccountmanager

Thishasresultedintheinstallation ofanewTCYJumboCasemaker–the firstofitstypetobeoperationalinthe UK–andtheimpendingarrivalofaTCY N63colourcasemakermachine.These purchaseshavereducedleadtimesand increasedcapacity from acombined 180boxesperminutetomorethan360

Billysaid:”Thisawardmeansthat ourpeersarealsoappreciatingwhat wearedoing

“Thestandardofthefinalistswas somethingelse,sotocomeoutontop isamassivehonourforeveryonecon nectedwiththebusiness.

“Ourteamhasworkedsohardto continuetoprovideessentialpackag ingduringthepandemicandhavereallyembracedourvisionforgrowth, goingaboveandbeyond.Thisawardis forthem.

“A strategicexpansion plan –focusedoninvestment in technology, people andcomplementaryacqui sitions–willseeusmovetowardsa £25mturnoverby2024andthiswill hopefullycreate30newjobs.

“Wealsohaveanaction plan in placetooffernewandexistingcustom erstheopportunitytofindalternative packagingsolutionsand,importantly, becomeamoresustainablebusinessin theprocess.”

Police plea aftercyclist, 78,diesinroadcollision

A 78-year-old cyclistdiedafter a collisionontheA41andpoliceareap pealingfordashcamfootagethatmay helpwiththeirinvestigations.

Theincident,whichinvolvedamini-SUVtookplaceataround11.20am onNovember20nearAlbrighton, WestMerciaPolicesaidthecyclist wasfromPenkridgeandappealedfor anyonewithinformationaboutthein cidenttocontactthem

Aspokesmanfortheforcesaid:“A

miniSUV(SuzukiJimny)collidedwith acyclistaround11.20amatthecross roadswithShackerleyLaneandRectoryRoad

“Thecyclist, a78-year-old man fromPenkridge,sadlydiedfromhisin juries.Nootherinjurieswerereported

“Anyone whowitnessed thecolli sionorcaptureditondashcamisasked topleaseemailnathan.johnson@west mercia.police.ukquotingincident205 ofNovember20.”

Report by MatthewPanter

PhilChadwick ofPackagingNews, withBillyHutchinson, Steve Trowand ReissNewport,allfromLesters,and host SallyPhillips

Help change someone’slifefor thebetter

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Weight-lossexperts are beingsoughttomake difference to people’s health andhappiness across theStaffordshire area.

Jeff Fallowsand LizFarrell, SlimmingWorld consultantsand team managerswho jointmanage theStaffordshire area,havebeen busy recruiting,and have hadfour newconsultants open groups across theareathisyearwithanothertwo duetolaunchinJanuary

As aleading group-basedweight management organisation,there areplentymoreself-employment opportunitiesfor newconsultants acrossLichfield, Burntwood, Ru geleyand Cannock, with community-basedgroupstoreach even more of thepopulation.

Aspokesman said:“Ultimately, SlimmingWorld consultantsare thelocal communityexperts when it comestounderstanding how it feelstostrugglewithweight, the experience of losing weightand the deeper-levelthinkingand strate gies it takes to reach and maintain ahealthy weight.”

SlimmingWorld groups help membersto:

n Lose weightwithout ever going hungry,thankstoa generous, flexi bleFood Optimising eating plan

n Become more active at their ownpaceand in away that’s enjoyableand sustainable,whatever their starting point

n Belong to awarmand friendly groupoffellowslimmerswho care abouteachother’s success,while re ceivingpowerful, personalisedsup port –tohelpthemgainthe know how andconfidence to buildhealthy newhabitsthatlast

Thespokesman added: “Our new consultantsall wanted to help peoplechangetheir lives, liketheir ownlives hadbeenchanged by theirgroupsand consultants, and have foundthatitreallyisthe most

incredibly rewardingrole, seeing peoplestepoff thescalesfeeling greatabout themselves andtheir achievements each week.And there is loadsofsupport,encouragement andtrainingfromSlimmingWorld in thebackground too.”

Theopportunitycomesasmany of us continue to struggle with weightand associated health risks includinghypertension, cancer andType2 diabetes.According to theEuropeanAssociation forthe StudyofObesity (EASO),being overweight andobesity arethe fifth leadingriskfor global deaths EASO also reportsthat44% of

thediabetesburden,23% of theischaemicheart diseaseburden and between7%and 41%ofcertain cancerburdensare attributable to be ingoverweightand obesity.

Recent research by Slimming Worldfound that losing weightas part of asociallyconnected group canhelpachieve weightlosssuc cess.Three infourgroup members whoresponded said they were more confident andself-assured(74%) as aresultand 93%feltcommitted to theirweightloss.

Slimming Worldconsultants are highly motivated to inspireothers to lead happierand healthierlives

Theonlyqualification required is to have empathyand compassion andcommitmenttobuilding asuc cessfulgroup.The most successful consultants buildbuzzing,thriving andfun groups, wheremembers feel caredfor andsafe, andare sup ported to make positivechanges

Formorethan50years, Slim ming Worldhas been helpingpeople to change theirmindset andform newhealthy habitsaroundeating andactivity. Consultantsreceive in-depth trainingtoensurethey providetheir memberswiththe practicaland more importantlythe psychological supporttheyneedto make long-term changes to their eating andactivityhabits.

Theopportunitytobecome a self-employedSlimmingWorld consultantprovidesplentyof flexibili ty and fits around most lifestyles. Successfulconsultants canchoose whethertoworkfull time,running several groups, or part-timerun ning just onegroup to fitaround familyand othercommitments

Thespokesman added: “Weare inviting members, former members andfamilyand friendstoattendan opportunityeventto find outmore aboutbecominga self-employed franchiseeconsultant. Youcan contact Jeff on 07598707756orLiz on 07721697140for detailsofthe next informal event.”

Formoreinformation aboutSlimming World’sapproachvisit www slimmingworld.co.uk

BURNTWOOD

StJohnsCommunityChurch HighStreet,WS71LR MONDAYS5pm&6:30pm Jeff07598707756

ChasetownMethodistChurch LawnswoodAvenue,WS74YE

THURSDAYS7pm Kerrie07989228654

TheGrangemoor CannockRoad,WS70BG

WEDNESDAYS6pm Helen07907691124

EmmanuelNewLifeChurch CannockRoad,WS71JY FRIDAYS9:30am SATURDAYS8am&9:30am Liz07721697140

CANNOCK

TheAvonCentre AvonRoad,WS111LF

TUESDAYS9am&10:30am

Rose07837088159

BridgetownSocialClub WalsallRoad,WS110JB

TUESDAYS5:30pm&7pm

Rose07837088159

StMarysSocialClub HallcourtCrescent,WS110AB WEDNESDAYS5pm Fina07530165049

StMarysSocialClub HallcourtCrescent,WS110AB

THURSDAYS5:30pm&7pm

Mandy07800888975

GREATWYRLEY&CHESLYNHAY

GreatWyrleyMethodistChurch WalsallRoad,WS66DP MONDAYS5pm&6:30pm Julie07792762144

CheslynHayCommunity&SportsClub StationStreet,WS67ED

THURSDAYS9am&10:30am

THURSDAYS5:30pm&7pm

Julie07792762144

HEDNESFORD&HEATHHAYES

PyeGreenCommunityCentre BradburyLane,WS124EP WEDNESDAYS9am&10:30am

Rose07837088159

TheWelcomeClub

HednesfordRoad,WS123DZ

WEDNESDAYS5:30pm&7pm Mandy07800888975

TrinityChurch StationRoad,WS124DH

FRIDAYS9am

Fina07530165049

PyeGreenCommunityCentre BradburyLane,WS124EP

SATURDAYS8am&9:30am Fina07530165049

PENKRIDGE

StMichaelsChurchHall MarketStreet,ST195DH

MONDAYS8am&9:30am

MONDAYS5:30pm&7pm Tori07792928877

RUGELEY

RugeleyRoseTheatre TaylorsLane,WS152AA

MONDAYS5pm&6:30pm

Rachel07807785600

MansefieldHouse MarketStreet,WS152JL

TUESDAYS9:30am

THURSDAYS9am&10:30am

Rachel07807785600

LeaHallSocialClub(DavySuite) SandyLane,WS152LB

TUESDAYS3:30pm,5:30pm&7:30pm

WEDNESDAYS5pm&6:30pm

Jeff07598707756

Slimming World Consultantsand Team ManagersLiz Farrelland Jeff Fallowsare busy recruiting to theirteams

As

Marcus,wholivesinNortonCanes, graduatedfromUniversityCollegeBirminghamwithaBSc(Hons)degreein sportstherapyin2015.

Shortlyafterfinishinghisstudies, hesetuphisownbusiness,PaeonInjuryandFitness,asapart-timemobile injurycareunit.

Itwentfromstrengthtostrength andthree years laterhis full-time sportstherapyclinicwasupandrun ningatpremisesbasedwithinChasewaterCountryPark

Capital

Marcussaid:“Isetthebusinessup within the first month of graduating andtofundtheventureIsoldsomeold collectableswhichgavemeenoughcapitalforequipmentandmyfirstweek’s rent–thiswasaround£150total

“Iliketheideaofwalkingmyown pathandbuildingmyownideafromthe groundup,”headded.

Overthepastsevenyears,hehas builtupateamofqualifiedandexpe riencedtherapistsandnowthousands ofpeoplevisitthecliniceachyearfor arangeofservicesfrominjuryassess ment andtreatmenttoconditioning andexerciserehabilitation

When someone is sufferingfrom aninjury,atherapistwillcarryoutan assessmentandcreateapersonaltreatmentplanincludingaftercaretoensure asuccessful recovery. Allrehabilita-

tionprovidedinclinicissupportedby homeworkaftercare whichincludes exercise recommendations, progress markersandcontinuedsupport.

Sports massages areone of the conditioningmethodsbyteamandare saidtobeagreatwaytoironoutknots, replenishsofttissueandtackleaching, tiredmuscles

Customersseekinghelprangefrom membersofthepublictoamateurand professional athletes,including those representingGreat Britaininsports such as kick-boxing. Paeonhas also supporteda wide rangeoflocal and nationalorganisations,includingSnap FitnessandIronmanUK.ButMarcus saysheisalsopleasedtostillbeworkingwithsamegroupofclientshestart edwithbackin2015

He hasalsolauncheda franchise sidetothebusiness–PaeonFranchise Group–whichaimstoprovidesports therapistswiththechancetostart,run andowntheirbusinesswiththesup portandguidanceofateamofexperts

Making adifferencetopeople’s livesandseeingthemleavetheclinic withasmileontheirfaceiswhatmakes thejobworthwhileforMarcus.

“Itsoundslikeacliché,butIenjoy helpingpeople,”hesays.“Ihaveakeen interestinhumankineticsandtofinda jobthatallowsmetohelppeoplewhilst delvingintoatopicIenjoyisbrilliant

“Ienjoythefreedomofrunningmy ownbusinessandthechallengesand problemsolving Myhopeisthatwe continuetothriveinthemarketspace aswehavedoneforthelastfewyears.”

Tenderssought Sappersmeeting

Avillagecouncilhascalledfortenderstobesubmittedforastringofjobs.

PenkridgeParishCouncilislooking forworkerstotakeonahorticultural contract.Aseparatetenderhasgone outfortheplantingandmaintenance ofplantersandhangingbaskets.Email clerk@penkpc.co.ukbeforeJanuary6 ThecontractstartsonApril1.

TheCannock branch of theRoy al Engineers Association hold their monthlymeetingonMonday,December5at7pmatBridgtownSocialClub, WalsallRoad.

AllSappers past andpresent are welcometoattend

Forfurther information callthe secretaryon0787060868.

Report by Heather Large

SportstherapistMarcusSladeatPaeon SportsTherapy,Chasewater

Gulf Warsoldier’s explosive diaryliftslidonreality of war

By Toby Neal

In theimmediate aftermathof theGulfWarin1991,asvictorious soldiers prepared to return home, itwasmadecleartoJohnWolfinno uncertaintermsthathisdiaryofthe conflictmustbeburned Buthemanagedtokeepholdof it,andfornearlythreedecadessat on it,anexplosive real-liferecord whichifpublishedwouldhaveended hiscareerandeven,hewaswarned, gethimsenttojail

Becomingaciviliandefusedthe threatsofthemilitaryestablishment andtheresultwasthatthatdiary hasfinallybeenpublishedasabook calledTheRealityofWar

SenttotheGulfaspartofBritain’sresponsetoSaddamHussein’s invasion of Kuwait, Johnstarted keepingthe diaryafter afemale Americansoldiersenthimablank book.

He said:“Ikeptadiary main ly becauseitwas somethingnew, somethingdifferentatthetimeand itgavemesomethingtodoaswell.

“AstimewentonIstartedrealis ingtherewerelotsofthingsgoingon

andyouthink‘thepublicknownone ofthis’.Myperceptionofwhatwar waslikeandwhattoexpectwasnot whathappened.Ithought‘I’mgoing towriteitalldown’.

“Attheendofthewarmycommandingofficer wanted thebook burned,”hesaid.“Iwasthreatened thatifIwastopublishtheywould

goallbellsandwhistlesandgetme jailedfordoingit.”

John,57,served37yearsinthe military,startingout in divisional reconnaissance andendinghis ca reerasaninstructorontheApache helicopter.His serviceincludeda tourinAfghanistan.Althoughnowa civilian,hisworkisstillmilitary-re-

John,

lated.HavingservedinAfghanistan, heprefersnottomakehisrealname public –ofcourse, his Army col leaguesknowhis identityanyway –andhaschosentheauthor’spseu donymJohnWolf.

Thebookisavailable through Amazon andalsohas adedicated websitetherealityofwar.com

John pictured takinganApachehelicopterforanairtest

57,servedfor 37 years

Adestroyed Iraqitank

John’s book TheReality of War

Action over illegal camps Bird flucase is identified

Policewillbeabletotakemore decisiveactionagainstunauthorised encampmentsacrossStaffordshire aftertheywerehandedmorepowers totackletheissue.

Chiefs saytheyhaveupdated theJointProtocolforManagingUnauthorisedEncampmentsalongside councilchiefswhichtakesintoaccountthenewpowers.

ThenewPolice,Courts,SentencingandCrimeAct2022makesita newcriminaloffencefortrespassers whosetupacampillegallyonother people’slands.

BenAdams,StaffordshireCommissionerforpolice,fireandrescue andcrime,said:“Unauthoriseden campmentsimpactbusinesses and residents, so aconsistentpartner shipapproachisvital.Iwaspleased thatIcouldbringpoliceandcouncils together to agreehow best to ad dresscommunityconcernsandcon sidernewgovernmentlegislation.”

Offenderscouldnowfaceupto threemonthsinprisonand police willbeabletobantrespassersfrom returningtoapatch of land fora year,ratherthanjustthreemonths

Thedefinitionofharmhasalso beenbroadened.Theycannowintervene whereunauthorised encamp mentsare causingenvironmental damage or distress to thewider community,notjustthelandowner

Stageshowsends out keymessagetopupils

Children from across Cannock Chaseweregivenenvironmentalles sonsduringavisittothetheatre

Youngsterswereinvitedtoseea specialperformanceofBinworld–a placewherepeopledonotthinkto considerothersandwherethelitter bugamongushasgotouttodestroy anyattempttocleanuptheplanet

Theproduction enforces eco-messages with characters MC CrispRapperand Professor Poop taking theaudienceonamusical journey,teachingthemaboutissues likerecycling,fly-tipping,littering, dogfoulingandclimatechange

Childrenalsotookpartinamock vote fortheir favourite litterbug’s plan.Theycouldchoosetocontinue destroyingtheplanetortofollowthe 3Rs–‘reduce,reuse,recycle’.This gavethemabriefinsightintolocal democracyandthevotingsystem.

Binworldwasoriginallywritten byMajellaTurnerin2008andhas sincebeenadapted by Kingsmead Schoolassistant head TomTruby andperformedbySplitMaskThe atreGroup.Allcastmemberswho performedthismontharecurrently studentsatKingsmead

Theproject wasdeveloped by CannockChaseCouncilwiththesupportofInspiringhealthylifestyles. Theperformancesfollowedaseries of environmentalawareness sessionsdelivered across thedistrict overthelastfourweeks CouncillorJustinJohnson,port folioleaderfor environment and

climatechange,said: “Wewantto encourage childrentothink early aboutusing resourcesagaininsteadofwastingthemandBinworld achievesthatmagnificently.”

MrTrubysaid:“Wearepassion ateabouttheartsandaboutpromotingpositivechangeandthisproject enabledustocombinethese.”

Urgentactiontostopthespread ofbirdfluhasbeenissuedinStaf fordshireafteranewcasewasfound inthecounty.

Thecountycouncil hasset up protectionsurveillancezonestostop thespreadofthedisease.

TheDepartment forEnvironment,FoodandRuralAffairs(Defra) isdealingwiththebirdfluoutbreak in WheatonAston andwill be en forcingthezones.Allthebirdsatthe commercialpropertywillbekilled tostopthespreadofthedisease.

Acouncilspokesmansaid:“We needyourhelptoreducethespread ofbirdflu.TherearecasesinStaf fordshire, includingone at acommercial property near Wheaton Aston. Protection andsurveillance zoneshavebeensetuptohelpcontainthedisease.”

Anothercasehasbeenfoundin Warwickshire. ADefra spokesman said:“Highlypathogenicavianinflu enza(HPAI)H5N1wasconfirmedin commercialhousedpoultryonNovember20

“Thefollowing diseasecontrol zonesareinplacearoundtheprem ises:3kmprotectionzoneand10km surveillancezone.Allpoultryonthe premiseswillbehumanelyculled.”

Defraistakingtheoutbreakof birdfluseriouslyandpeoplewhodo notfollowtheruleswillbepunished

The castofBinworldwithcouncilleaderCouncillorOlivia Lyonsand JulieTurner,from the council’s environmental healthteam

REVIEW

High energy gig with no gimmicks

It’squitespecialwhenyouwitness abandyou’vebeenchampioningbreak throughwithhugesuccess.Granted,it doesn’thappenthatoftenbutwhenit does,youcan’thelpbutfeelvindicated Smug,even.

So,itwaswiththisairofsmugness, mixedwithtrepidationthatIentered the02InstitutetoseeWetLegincon cert.

TheIsleofWight band,founded RhianTeasdaleandHesterChambers, owesomeoftheirnewsuccesstotheir nowfamousGlastonburyperformance earlierthisyear,whichcementedtheir statusas‘abandtowatch’.This,coupled withbyanominationfortheMercury Prize;it’snosurprisethisgigwassold out.

WetLeg’srestrainedbonhomiewas evidentfromtheoutset,astheytookto thestagewithasimple“hello”,before tearingintoBeingInLove,immediately followedbyWetDream.

WetLeghaveanunusualstagecraft wherebythey’resomehowabletogenerateenergyandexcitementbynotdoingverymuchwhilstonstage.Thisisn’t acriticism,moreofanobservationthat themusicreallydoesproject,andspeak foritself.Nogimmicks,nofancystage backdropsorvideoscreens

Whilethesetlistwascomparativelyshort–excusable,astheyonlyhave onealbumthusfar–everyminutewas crammedwithcatchy, high-energy

WetLeg in concert

tunes,marriedwithacerbiclyrics.The highlightsweremanybut,forme,the bandshowedapossibletasteofthings to come with Obvious, anon-album track,whichprovidedarare,lowtempo butbeautifullyrestrainedrespite.

Thelastsongwas,ofcourse,Chaise Longue,theirbiggesthitsofar–which wasmetwithhugeappreciationfrom theaudience.

WetLegarecurrentlytouringthe UK playingtosmallishvenues. Given theircurrenttrajectory,thistourmay beyouronlychancetocatchthembe forethehugearenascomecalling.And trustme–theywill.

By MartinDaley

SATURDAY

Dirty Dancing (1987) (Channel 5, 6.20pm)

Frances ‘Baby’Houseman(JenniferGrey)goestoasummercamp with herwell-heeled parentsand stepsinwhenresident danceinstructor JohnnyCastle(Patrick Swayze)needssomeonetofillinfor hispartner(CynthiaRhodes).Soon, sheisreceiving lessonsinlove as wellaslifts.

SUNDAY

Cow(2021) (BBC2, 10.30pm)

Cowisthedebutfeaturedocumentaryofaward-winningBritish director AndreaArnold, exploring theday-to-daylifeofadairyanimal calledLuma.

Workingwithcinematographer Robbie Ryan,ArnoldfollowsLuma asshefulfilsdaily demands, punctu ated by moments whensheandthe herd arereleased on to greenpas turestograze.

Paneltakes achance on ErasurestarAndy

ICan Hear Your Voice (BBC One, 9.15pm, Saturday

Stop!Givealittlerespect,break those chains of love andtakea chanceonICanHearYourVoice.

Sometimestheshowfeaturesa surprisingbutwonderfulguest,and that’scertainlythecasewiththelat estepisode–bonafide1980spop superstar Andy Bell,frontmanof Erasure,isjoininginthefun.

He’llbeassistingregularcelebrity investigatorsJimmyCarr, AlisonHammondandAmandaHolden when they trytohelptwo sisters fromLeedsfigureoutwhichsingers havethevoiceofanangel,andwhois tonedeaf–simplybywatchingthem lip-synctoawell-knowntune.

LikeTheMaskedSinger,theformatstartedlifeinSouthKoreaand hassincebeenremadearoundthe world.The BBC version is givena down-to-earthBritishfeelbyitshost PaddyMcGuinness.

Helovestheseries–butit’snot necessarily thecompetition itself that promptedhim to take on the

presenter’s role.Hesaid: “WhenI heardtheformatandwatchedthe Americanpilot,Iinstantly knew I hadabitoffreerein.ThereasonI loved Take Me Outwas becauseI hadthatelement.Thereisthescript butafterthatyoucanhavefunwith it,andthat’swhatIcandowiththis

show.Thereisalotofsingingand dancing,allnon-scripted–muchto theproducer’sdisapproval–butIgo withit!”

Let’shopetheproducerisparticularlyannoyedthisweek,because thoseimpromptumomentsareoften whatmaketheentireshow.

waiting on jobnews

EastEnders (BBC1)

Jack(ScottMaslen)waitstofind outifhecankeephisjob,whileAmy blamesherselfforhispredicament WhitneyandStaceyboththinkthey mightbepregnantandendupdoing theirteststogether.Whitneydiscov ersshe’s carrying Zack’s baby but wondersifhe’sreallydadmaterial. Janinecontinuestostrugglewithher paranoiaoverMickandLinda.

Coronation Street (ITV)

ElaineandStephengrowcloser butGailsmellsaratandTimwants to know what Stephen’s intentions towardshismotherare.Hopeisback inclassandplanningtocontactJohn Stapevia aseance. Sean’splanto inviteLaurenceforChristmasgoes downlikealeadballoonwithTodd

Emmerdale (ITV)

Chloereveals she’spregnant. Gabbyfindsshehasarivalforthe Home Farm job andKylemakes hisownmemorial toAl.Cathybreaks down when she andAprilgohead to-headforaspot inCharles’choir.

Editor’s weekend pick

Films for the weekend

Your guide to the soaps

Andy BelljoinsPaddyMcGuinnessand the panellists

Dirty Dancing Scott Maslen

–Across:1 Proposition; 9Hug; 10 Cremat on; 11 Reign; 13 Deprive; 14 Pippin; 16 Repast;18Uniform; 19 Swell; 20 Inanimate; 21Art;22Celebration.Down:2Rug;3Pecan; 4Steady;5Trample;6Originate; 7Therapeutic; 8Infertility;12Implicate;15Idolise;17Impair; 19 Sweet; 21 Ado.

Festivefragrancesto fill the airwithcheer at Christmas

By Sam Wylie-Harris

Christmassycandlesanddiffuserscanhaveamagicalglow AlongsideatwinklingChristmas tree,theflickerofcandlelightmakes everything feel alittlemoreluxe duringthistimeofyear.

AsThomasGibson,co-founderof designerdupefragrancefirmNoted Aromas (notedaromas.co.uk),says: “It’sthemostwonderfultimeofthe year,whichmeansit’stimetoswitch upyourhomefragrancewardrobeto somethingdelightfullyfestive.”

Memories

From thedelectablysweet smells of gingerbreadand candy canestothefreshandinvigorating scentofthetree,Gibsonsaysfestive fragranceshavethepowertoevoke memoriesandfeelingsofnostalgia fromChristmasespast

Scentedcandlesaretheunsung heroes of Christmasdecorations–mood-enhancingandstress-busting, itonlytakesafewminutesofalit candletoputyouinafestiveframe ofmind

Aswellastheusualbrightcit-

russyscents,

withfestivefragrancenotes,suchas cloves,frankincense,orange,myrrh, andpine.

KatySimpson,founderandCEO of NobleIsle(nobleisle.com), says:

“Fragrance is as important fora home,asdécorisatChristmas–add ingtotheatmosphere.”

Andbeyondthefestivescentsof Christmastrees,frankincenseand myrrh,herseasonalfavouriteisthe smellofwhisky

Herearemorefestivefragranc

Anew life

WhenformerspecialistnurseSheila Haycock finally found asolution for her failing teeth she quite literally receivedaprescriptionforanewlife... andsodidherhusband,Dave.

Emotionally broken by acatalogue of dental disasters, for awhole year she suffered pain every day and her confidence plummeted.“Eachdaywasanightmare

“Every day I’d have anew ulcerinmy mouth.Icouldn’teatproperly,stoppedgoingoutandcouldn’tfacelookingatmyself inamirror–infact,I’dcoverthemup.

“I’d speak and laugh with my hand in front of my mouth,avoid having my picture taken and couldn’t chewproperly –if Ididgoout,I’dalwayshavetoorderlasa gnebecauseitwassoftfood,”sherecalls

Sheila’s problemsbegan when her natural teeth became mobile and braved her worstfears,having afull clearanceto makewayforanupperandlowerdenture.

Terrified of the dentist, she adds: “I thoughtitwas impossible for things to get worse, but nothing could haveprepared meforthenext12months.ThefirsttimeI tookmyteethoutandlookedinthemirror, psychologically,Iwasbesidemyself

“I’d been so preoccupied with master ingmyfearofthedentist,Ihadn’tworked through the impactoflosingmyteeth wouldhaveonme.Itwasdevastating.”

Initially,Daveconfessesto“notbeing that helpful,” explaining her native teeth “neededtogoandtodealwithit.”

“I know, Itoldhim,” says Sheila, “but theyweremine!”

Even the loss of asingle tooth is now

estotry:LoafChristmasEvesmelly reeddiffuser,£29;StEvalfiggypud dingscentedChristmastincandle, £13.45; Noted. Aromas Christmas tree candle,£19.99; RichardPomeroyXBramley winter candle, £50,Bramley;TheWhiteCompany myrrhsignature candle,£20;No

Retired nurse Sheila got anew smile after ayeaarofdental misery,husband Dave admits he too is now enjoying the e esit’sbrought about.

My experience with Steven and his team was the best. Getting the implants really is money well spent.

-Roy Phillpott

Steven’sprofessionalism gave me the confidence and assurance that they could resolve my problem.

-Norma Aston

When Ifirst saw my teeth Ithought they looked just like my realteeth.

-Vicki Ball

’ ’ ’

clinicallyrecognisedasapotentialprecur sorforamourningprocess.

Adds Dave: “She was upsetand Ifelt utterlyhelpless. The guilt of it all ...I wanted to help, but couldn’t. Icould eat what ever Iwanted, but she couldn’tand everyday –every day–there was anew problemtoaddress.”

Sheila, who specialised in wound dress ings, admits she felt trapped, having been

assured her jawbone density would be too poortosupportimplants.

“My dentures seemed to be rotating and rolling around and Ihated the denture glue. I’d use it and as soon as I’d try to eatsomething,within15minutesmyteeth would be unstable again.Iwas mortified by having to use it over and over again. I wasnotcoping.”

Taking advicefromher daughter,who

bleIslePinewood luxury scented candle,£42;Zesty Lemons Ho Ho Ho Christmas reed diffuser in enchantedforest,£16(was£20);Xmas 2022 Christmasscented candle in enchantedforest,£12.50;AndSoTo ShopChristmasreeddiffuser,£33£36.50

had received a recommendation from a work colleague that North Street Dental and Implant Clinic could help, Sheila headedforDudley

“Within 15 minutes of walking in to the surgery Steven [practice principal Steven BurchellDipCDTRCS(Eng)]washelping me,”shesays.

Asatemporarymeasure,anoralimpres sion was taken and her painful dentures lined with asoft material that would help easethediscomfortandimprovefit.

Sheila was prescribed atraditional top prosthetic and alower over-denture, retained on two implants. The sur gery was carried out under sedation by North Street’sclinical lead, Owain Rees BDSDGDP(UK) Dip Imp Dent (UCL) GDC61576.

“All Ican say is that it has completely changed my life. There’s nothing Ican’t eat and the implantprosthetic doesn’tfeel false. It’scomparable for me to my own teeth.WhenIfirstsawmynewteethinthe mirror, Ithought who’sthis person?They looked natural, just like real teeth,” says Sheila.

Dave, aformer civil engineer,adds: “She’scompletely different. It’sbeenlifechanging for me too and we can now get onwithourretirement.”

Both keen gardeners, they agreethe financial investment is in aquality life choice.“It’sthe best thing she’sever had done,”addsDave.

Chloë Luxton,found er of Bramley (bramleyproducts co.uk)recommendsplayingaround

BramleyRichard Pomeroy XBramleywintercandle, £50

AndSoToShop reed diffuserChristmas Eve reed diffuser

Noble IsleCEO KatySimpson

Tampaisstealing limelight as the placefor savvy travellers

By Sarah Marshall

America’sSunshine Statehas longluredusacrossthepondwith thepromiseofsublimecoastalscen ery,glamorouscitiesandsomeofthe bestthemeparksintheworld.

Andwhileit’saloveaffairthat showsnosignofsubsiding–more than157,000ofusvisitedinthefirst threemonthsofthisyearalone savvytravellersarenowlookingbe yondthethemeparksofOrlandoand theartdecodelightsofMiami.

StealingthespotlightisTampa –acitythatdeliversonhistoryand culture, as well as adventureand relaxation.So,it’slittlewonderVirginAtlanticchoseitasitsbrandnew route–itsthirddestinationinthe stateafterMiamiandOrlando

Theairlineispullingoutallthe stopswithanewdailyservicefrom LondonHeathrowinitsnewstate-of the-artaircraft:theAirbusA330neo. Here’swhattoexpect

1.Tampa’sfirst5-starhotel

BoutiquemeetsbotanicalatThe Edition(doublesfrom£430;editionhotels.com),locatedinthenewly-de velopedWaterStreetdistrict.Thou-

sandsofhouseplantsdominatethe lobby.Beyondthefernsandfoliage, thereare172comfortableandchic rooms,adarkanddecadentnightclub,andarooftoppool.

2.Beautifulbeaches

About45minutes from down town TampaisSt Petersburg and

Clearwater,hometo35miles of sand.Ifyoudragyourselfawayfrom thesunlounger,stretch your legs alongthe craftbeerwalking trail that weaves itsway from Tarpon SpringstoTreasureIsland

Alternatively,visittheClearwaterMarineAquarium,whichislook-

ingfreshafteran$80millionrefurbishmentthatincludesanewhabitat forrescueddolphins

3.YborCityisamust-see

There’snobetterplacetodiscoveritscolourfulpastthantheYbor Cityneighbourhood.Datingbackto the1880s,itwasfoundedbywealthy

TampaRiverwalkatsunset

SpaniardVicenteMartinez-Yborand becameknownas‘CigarCity’dueto theboomingindustryheestablished. Atitsheight,therewere232cigar factoriesproducingmorethanthan 500millioneachyear.YborCityis alsofamousforchickens,whichare protectedbylawandfreetoroam.

Therehas been an overwhelming responsetothe Express&Star Pawtrait Pets competition2022.

With 405petsshowcased,the hunt wasonto find this year’s most popular pet.Over116,000 voteswerereceivedand counted, provingit to be an extremelypopular competition

Thewinner, takingthe crownofthe Express &Star Pawtrait Petof theYear2022isFreya theAmericanAkita,who liveswithTravis CrutchleyinBushbury. He receives the top prize of £500.Congratulations!

In second place, taking home £300 is Rebecca Newall from Wolverhampton whonominated her dogKyla.

Finally,inthirdplace, winning £200 is Jade Jones theproud ownerofLylathe Chiwawa from Bilston.

Thank youtoallthe participantsinthisyear’s competition andcongratulations againtoour topthree winners, Freya, Kylaand Lyla.

Tampa iscurrently stealing the Florida spotlight

AVisit Tampa signYbor CitySeventhAvenue

Actor’sdebut cookbook pays tributetohis much-loved dad

KATIEWRIGHT PressAssociation

Butreading JoeSwash’s odeto hisfatherRicky,who passed away suddenly when theLondon-born ac torand presenterwas 11 yearsold, is incredibly moving “Hewas aLondontaxidriver buthe woulddo alot of half mar athons,hewould runthree or four timesa week,” Swashrecalls with pride, speakingtomefromthe home in Essex he shares with wife Stacey Solomon andtheir children Rex, three, andone-year-oldRose, as well as Zac, 14,and Leighton,10 (fromSolomon’s previous relation ships) andHarry,15(from Swash’s previous relationship with Emma Sophocleous)

“Hereallyate healthy. Like he wouldcut thefat offhis bacon–I love thefat on my bacon! Thedoc torsaiditwas athing called sudden deathsyndrome,” Swashexplains.

“Itwas an undetected defaultin hisheart that couldhavehappened [atany time]. He couldhavedied when he waseight,he couldhave died when he was80. It wasjusta matter of time.”

Now 40, the former EastEnders star,who hasjustreleasedhis first recipe book,sayshehad difficulty coming to termswithhis griefasa child.

“Mymum andmy sisterswere crying –Isortofcouldn’tever open up anddothatmyself. I’donlyever cryorshow anyemotionsifIwas by myself,” he recalls. “Itwas areally sad, sadtimeinmylife. Isortofde tached myself from it alittlebit.It almost feelslikeI’m talkingabout anotherlittleboy,not really me.”

Swash–who gothis bigbreak in 2003 when he wascastasMickey Miller in theiconicBBC soap –says he stillfeltthe impact of hisdad’s deathasan adult.

“It’ssomethingthat’salways been with me,somethingthatI feel

changed me quitealot.Ialways wonder what I’dbelikeifmydad wasstill with me,you know.Some of thebad decisionsI’vemadein life,would they have happened?”

Whilehe’snever hadcounselling, Swashsayshe’salwaysfound cook ingtherapeutic,which is whyhe’s themainchefinhis household: “I really getabuzzfromit. Although Stacey thinks it’s amazing that Ido it,Isortofsecretlydoitfor myself, it’s really good forme.”

It wasaftertakingpartinCe lebrityMasterCheflastyearand reaching the finalthree that the amateurcookdecidedtoput pen to paper: “Itreallygavemea lotof confidenceinthe kitchen. Irealised, you know,I’m aprettygoodcook.”

Thebookaimstohelpother busy parentsput wholesomemeals on thetable.“Likealot of people, we’vegot families, we both work

It’s allthe sort of things that Stace andIdotomakeour liveseasier,” says Swash.

Alongsidefamilyfavouriteslike cheese andMarmite scrools, tur keyburgers andTottenham cake, Swashchronicles“my childhood andall thebig things in my lifelike EastEnders,the Jungle,meeting Stacey –and allthe foodsthatrep resent thosemoments”.

AfterwinningI’m ACelebrity in 2008,Swash recallshow he “se cretly fell in love”withSolomon when shetookpartinthe reality TV series twoyears later

Hostingthe ExtraCampspin-off show,hegreeted theQueen of the Jungle readyfor herexitinterview only to find theobjectofhis affec tionswas –likemanycelebswho emerge afterweeks withouttoilet ries –abit whiffy,tosay theleast

“I’m notsurewhether Stacey

wasthe worst smelling,orwhether Ihad such high expectations of her smelling sobeautiful,” he says with alaugh.“Thesmell hitmelikea brick.”

Thepairstarted dating in 2016 andmarried earlierthisyear. Fam ilylifewithabrood of five canbe hectic,but thekidsare happyto help outinthe kitchen.

“Theyloveabit of baking,” Swashsays. “Theyloveanything that’s messy,likemeringues.They take alot of prideinwhatthey’re doing, so it’s lovely to see.”

They trytoprioritise family mealtimesasmuchaspossible, he adds:“It always gave me afeeling of security when Iwas akid,and it’s somethingI really want formy kids.”

Swashwants to create thelov inghome lifeheexperiencedinhis earlyyears,eventhoughtheir time together wascut short.

“Overall, I’ve gottothank my luckystars that Ihad himfor the amount of time Idid,and theim pact he hadonmylife,”saysSwash “I hope he looksdownonmeand he lovesseeingusall together,try ingtodowhatwhathedid when we were kids.”

n Joe’sKitchen:Homemade MealsFor AHappy FamilybyJoe Swashispublished by Pavilion Books, priced £22.

Risotto makes idealdinneron achillyevening

Turn thedough onto a floured surfaceand knockthe airout of it so it deflates.Shape it into a largerectangle –about 35 x25cm

Mixthe Marmitewiththe cream cheese andspreaditall over the bread. Sprinkle with thegrated cheese

Roll up thedough alongthe long estside, then cutitinto12rounds. Arrangethe rounds overabaking tray linedwithbakingpaper

Coverwithadamptea toweland leaveagain untilthe dough has increasedinsizebut is stillquite firm.Preheat youroven to itshigh estsetting

Brushthe rounds with beaten eggand sprinkle with cheese.Bake for20–25 minutesuntil they are adeepgolden brown. Servewarm from theoven.

MUSHROOMRISOTTO

Ingredients: Serves four/six 1tbspolive oil

50gbutter

1onion or shallot, chopped

1leek, finely chopped 300g mushrooms, chopped 4garlic cloves, finely chopped 1large sprigofthyme leaves 400g risottorice

100mlwhite wine/Vermouth 1.5l chicken/mushroomstock 50gParmesan, grated Salt andblackpepper

To garnish: 15gbutter

250g mushrooms, sliced 2garliccloves, crushed

Method: Heat theolive oiland half thebutterinalarge sauté pan. Addthe onionorshallot andthe leek andcookverygen tly, stirring regularly, untilsoft andtranslucent

Addthe mushrooms. Turn up theheatand fryuntil they have given outtheir liquid andlook drybut glossy.Add thegarlic andthyme andstir.

Addthe rice andstiruntil glossy with butter.Seasonwith salt andpepper. Pour in the wine andlet it bubble untilal most evaporated

Adda largeladlefulofthe hot stock. Stirconstantlybut slowly untilmostofthe liquid hasbeen absorbedbythe rice,thencon tinuetoadd ladlefulsofstock untilthe rice hasplumped up andisaldente andthe sauce around it is creamy

Addthe remainingbutterand theParmesanand beat it into therisotto –thiswill make the risotto extra creamy.Taste and adjust theseasoning if neces sary.Cover andkeepwarm.

Placea frying panoverahigh heat andadd thebutter. When it is foaming, addthe mixed mushroomsand frythemvery quicklyuntil well browned.Add thegarlicand stir foracoupleof minutes,thenseasonwithsalt andpepper.

Servethe risottogarnished with themushrooms andmore grated Parmesanfor people to addatthe table.

It’s not oftenacookbook canbring youtotears (unlessyou’retalking aboutthe onionchopping-induced variety).

Actorand presenterJoe Swashhas released acook book

JoeSwash’s newcookbook

Mushroomrisotto

Britain’slargest independentregional news companyislookingto recruit senior reporters.

The Midland News Association, publisher of the Express &Star and ShropshireStar, is lookingfor people with experience and enthusiasm to join its team.

We areparticularly looking for:

•SpecialistCrime and Courts Correspondent–Achance to work one of Britain’snewsiestregions, offering an understanding and insightinto the challenges facing police as well as covering major court cases.

•SeniorNewsCorrespondents –Reporters with relish whowill bring in hardnewsstories and human interest features, bringing in frontpageleads and substantial online trafficand able to take on lively and interesting background news features.

These areroles forambitious, dedicatedand enthusiastic journalists with aproventrack record

As amulti-media journalist, youmustbecomfortable producing content forall of our printand digital platforms–fromin-depth news features forour newspapers, to breaking news articles for our websites, as well as covering stories as theyhappen on live blogs.

We arelooking forNCTJ-trained journalists, able to deliver accurate,entertaining copy to meetstrict deadlines. Afull, clean driving licence is required.

We will also consider NCTJ Diploma trained journalistswho are working towardstheir NQJ.

This is abrilliantopportunity to join our newsroom,covering a diverse, vibrantand busypatch

Benefits include acompetitive salary, 25 days’annual holidayand the chance to develop your career at Britain’slargest independent regional news company.

If youare interested in thisrole, please send acopyofyour CV and covering letter forthe attention of the editor-in-chief, MartinWright by December 19, to:hr@claverleygroup.co.uk

HYUNDAI i10 17 plate, 12,300 genuine miles, 5dr, excellent condition, red, FSH, MoT til March 23, £30 road tax, £7,000 o.v.n.o. 01785 612095 after 5pm / 07825 578770 (genuine callers only).

anyrepresentation made in respect of a planningapplicationwewillpublishyourname,addressandanycomments youhave made on our website. This will enable other agencies, such as statutoryand non-statutoryconsultees, and individuals interested in viewingand/orcommentingontheapplicationawareofyourrepresentation and theissues that youhave raised. However, we will redact signatures, email addresses and private telephone numbers beforepublishing online in theinterests of data protection. Forthose customers commenting on planningapplicationswewillneedyoutoprovideapostaladdresstoenable fair consideration of comments. Cannock Chase District Council is thedata controller.You can find information about how we handle your

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

Chasetown, Burntwood,StaffsWS7 3XE Tel: 01543686204 Email: johnshortandson@outlook.com Est. 150years. 6thgenerationFamilyBusiness

Electrifying performancefromGV60

BILLMcCARTHY

When it comestostyling, theall-electricGenesis GV60 is abit of ashowstopper–a caroffering luxury,performance anddecentrange –apremium vehicletomatch anything theestablished German andSwedish brands canoffer.

It looksgreat with itsquad lamps, large clamshellbonnetwith adistinctive,yet familiarbadge and lowercrest grille, togetherwith stylishalloy wheels

Thecoupe-likedesignhas astrik ingsideprofile,and this modelfea turedanunusual matt paint finish that stillhad ametalliclookand Thunderbirds ‘FAB’numberplate It never failed to attractattention

Packed with high-specequipment toocomprehensive to list,itoffers cutting-edgetechnologyand in this four-wheel drivetwinmotor model, supercar performance.

Innovations includethe Preview-ECS whichusesthe frontcam eraand navigation system to recognise potentialbumps andpotholes, likespeed bumps, then adjust the suspension accordingly.

It is also the firstinthe stable to featureatouch-controlled Connected CarIntegrated Cockpit, apan

oramic displaythatcombinesthe instrument andnavigationscreen acrosswhatseems thewidthofthe dashboard

It receives real-timeupdateson navigation andhas smartphone connectivity viaApple CarPlayand AndroidAuto.

Thereare threemodelstochoose from:Premium;Sport or Sport Plus.The so-calledentry at 48kis rear-wheel drivewhilethe other twodrive allfourwheels.

Theinterior centrepiece is the ‘Crystal Sphere’. Once that starter is pressed, thesphererevolves

around to presenttothe auto gear selector.Switchitoff anditrotates back to deliver subtle ambientlighting.

It is housed on a“floating”con sole,which also contains arotary controller for the touchscreen and otherfunctions

Theinterior is roomy andcom fortable with high qualitysoft touch finish andcomfortable and supportive poweredleather seats. Thereisenoughspace forthe rear seatstorecline andtheycan also be folded to increase boot capacity from 680 litrestoa capacious1,580

litres, whichcan be accessed viathe poweredtailgate.

It is becoming abit of atired phrase these days,but performance from the360 kW/490 PS dual mo tors on this modeliselectrifying.

It deliversamaximum torque of an impressive 700Nm, to deliver straightlinespeedtomatch most performancecarsonthe road.Itis quickenoughanyway, buthit the boostbuttonand you arethrown back in yourseattoreach 60mphin justfourseconds

Allthatpower demandsmaximumgripand stability andhere

thetorquevectoring system sends drivetothe correctwheelstomax imise grip

Additionally,the electroniclimit ed-slipdifferentialaddscontrolin treacherous roadconditions.

Thevehicle also offers acomprehensivelistofadvancedsafetykit, includingahostofwarningsand alerts

Theclaimed rangeis289 miles,I gotnearer200,but that couldhave somethingtodowithenjoyingthe sparkling performancetoo much TheGV60iscompatiblewith standard,rapid andsuper-rapid chargers andwiththe latter canbe charged from 10 percentto80per cent in just 18 minutes

FACTFILE

GENESISGV60DUALMOTOR SPORTPLUS

Price: £65,405

Mechanical: 490PS,dualmotor driving allwheels wheelsvia auto gearbox

Maxspeed: 146mph 0-60mph: 4seconds

Combined range: 289 CO2 emissions: 0g/km Warranty: Five years/100,000 miles

Rallying funinthe most unlikely SUV

TEDWELFORD PressAssociation

SUVs aredominating newcar salesright now, with 46%ofall newcars sold in Europe in 2021 beingmodelsofthisbod ystyle –a figure that’s only expectedtokeep growing, with theinflux of newSUVsdue on the market in coming years.

It’s easy to seethe appeal:these models bringmoreeye-catching styling, whiletheir higher ride heightgives driversand occupants abetterviewout on theroad.

An increasing number arepurely frontorrear-wheel-drive, with many buyersnot interested in whetheritisactuallysuitableto take offthe tarmac

But, what if you still want an SUV thatcan go offthe beaten track?

WhileaJeeporLandRover might be thesafeand sensible options, safe andsensibleisa bitboring.

What isn’tboringisthe Lamborgh iniUrusPerformante –perhaps the silliestand most extreme SUVon sale,evendubbeda ‘Super SUV’ by theItalian marque.

Whilethe Urus firstintroduced in 2018 andnow Lamborghini’s most popularproduct –might be more likelytobeseenlapping Har-

rods than an off-road course,the firm is keen to demonstrate it can be used on tougherterrain

Forthe newPerformante,Lam borghini hasengineereda new ‘Rally’driving mode –and to tryit out, we headed to an off-road rally course next to theVallelungarace circuitnearRome.

Admittedly,it’smoresuitedtoa dirt track than ascendinga steep bank or negotiatingdeeperwater butitaddsafurther dimensionto theUrus, andwill come in useful forthose wantingtodemonstrate theirSUV’s capability in adifferent setting.

On jumpingin, it’s clearthis

is no rough-and-ready utilitari an SUV. Thecabin is awashwith blackAlcantara –asuede-likematerial widely used in high-end performance cars.It’sonthe steering wheel, theseats, even thedashboard.

Once you’vepressed theengine startbuttonand themighty4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine’s fired up,it’stimetoactivatethat‘Rally’ mode on thecentralcluster,which Lamborghinicalls the‘Tamburo’

Theterrain is no DakarRally, andadmittedly afront-wheel-drive crossover with adecentamountof ground clearancecould probably master most of it.That’snot the

pointhere, though,asit’sthe fun factor that makesthisSUV so special. What theRally mode does is ease offthe tractioncontrol, allowingfor more oversteer–essentially meaningyou canget it alittlemore sideways

At the same time,the Rallymode sendsagreater chunkoftorqueto therearwheelsand means if you putyourfootdowncomingout of thedirtstages’corners, it’s really easy to getittoslide,yet always in acontrolled fashion. It feelslikeit’s been engineered so that anyone can enjoy it within theircapabilities

Thegriplevelsare also impres sive,admittedly on this predom

inantly drycourse, andmoreso when consideringour test Urus Performanteisridingonnormal ‘off-the-shelf’roadtyres

This dirt stagedidn’tlet us expe rience thefull 657bhp,but accompanied by thefantastic growlofthe ti tanium Akrapovicexhaust system, it’s impossible not to smilewhen driftingaround. ThoseAlcantara seatsalso keep you firmly in hold, whileeventhoughthe Performante rideson fixedsteelsprings,you don’t feel likeyourback’sabout to give way. Farfromit.

ALamborghini with aRally Mode showsthisItalian firm’s eccentrici ty as itsvery finest

Wolves on Red alertinthe third roundofFACup

Wolves will traveltoAnfieldtotake on Liverpool in thethird roundof theFACup

Thedrawechoesthe Cupclash of 2017 when then Championshipside Wolves pulled offa stunning2-1 victory on Merseyside RichardStearmanand Andi WiemannscoredWolvesgoals that silenced theKop

Wolves repeated thefeattwo yearslater,whentheydownedthe Reds againinthe Cupin2019, this time at Molineux.RaulJimenez andRuben Nevesstruckfor Wolves on that occasion.

Albion will be lookingtoavoid an FA Cupgiant-killing afterbeing drawnatnon-leagueChesterfieldin thethirdround of thecompetition

TheBaggies will traveltothe Spireitetotakeona side whoare currently thirdinthe National League, with 12 wins from their19games this season

Meanwhile, Villaalso face apotentialbananaskinwhentheytake on League Twohigh-flyers Stevenage at VillaPark.

Saddlers will traveltoeither Charlton Athletic or Stockport County –those sidesdrew2-2 at TheValleyonSaturday.

Thethird roundtiesare duetobe playedonthe weekendofSaturday January7

time in theirhistory by ascore of 13 12?

Whowas recently appointed as themanager of Southampton?

Which playerstunned defendingchampionNovak Djokovic in theParisMasters finaltoclaimhis first ATP Masterstitle?

Whichisthe onlyclub to have defeated Bayern Munich in theBundesligaso farthi eason?

Whichgolfer recently claimeda third DP WorldTour Championship titleinDubai?

Which club named Rob Edwards, pictured inset. as theirnew managerona imumthree a-half year”deal?

WhichformerPremier Leaguestriker,pictured right, scored the first goal of theWorld Cup?

Buccaneers beat theSeattle Seahawks 21-16inthe NFL’s first everregular season game in whichcountry?

will Liverpool face in theround of 16 in this season’sChampions League?

ANSWERS

Ronaldoalwayshas to be frontand centre stage

Thereisanunmistaka ble tell whichgivesCristiano Ronaldoawayon thefootballpitch.

He never manages to focusentirely on thegame, conscious of his ownimage at alltimes

At majortournaments thereare bigscreens in thecornerofstadia, showingall theaction, thereplays andclose-ups.Ronaldo cannever resist glancing up at thescreens when aclose-upofhim is projected

He diditahead of thepenalty whichopenedthe scoringfor PortugalatthisWorld Cup.

Therehewas waitingfor theref eree to clearthe protesting Ghanaians from thepenalty area and blow hiswhistle.And as soonasa close-upofhis face appeared on the screen,Ronaldo glanced up,justto checkhow he waslooking

It is this self-obsession that has been at theheart of Ronaldoasan eliteplayeronthe pitch, aglobal brandoff it andacareerthathas nowspanned five WorldCups.

Through it allhetends to gethis ownway.Mostrecentlythathas been adistraction to hiscluband histeam-mates. As we enterthe second week of theWorld Cup, the storywill continue with Portugal’s talisman forsome time yet–afree agentnow that he hasextricated himself from that Manchester Unit ed contract

Ronaldohas acquired an almost cult-likefollowing,particularly amongyoung malesover theyears, worshipping himlikeadeity He hasover 500million Instagram followers. When he left Real

Madrid forJuventusin2018, the Spanishclublosttwo million Twitterfollowers overnightwhilehis newclubgainedsix millionnew usersacrosstheir social mediaplatforms.

Ronaldo’sreturntoManchester United broughtan army of new young fans andthe player’smarket ability hasbecome akey facetofhis persona.

He needs to be frontand centre of anystage,which is whyhis increasinglyperipheralroleunder Erik ten HagatOld Trafford wasalwaysgoingtocause problems

Ronaldo’spowersonthe pitchare diminishingand most fair-minded observershavecome to theconclusion that United areabetterteam with himout of thestartingline-up, wherehis impact wouldbesaved as asubstituteenteringthe fieldlater in thegame.

YetRonaldo’s army of fans would never countenancethis.

When Ronaldotookdrastic action last week andbroke theterms of his contract by making an unscheduled appearanceonPiers Morgan’stelevision show therewerestill plenty of sympatheticvoicestohis cause to be foundfromfansand pundits.

Ronaldoknows that he carriesa weightofsupport behind himno matter how selfishly he behaves.

“I don’thavetoworry what othersthink,” he said,atthe startof this week.“ItalkwhenIwantto. Everyone knowswho Iam.”Ronal do playsfor Ronaldo.

Yethereisthe paradox, because there canbenodoubt that hisimpact on theteams he hasappeared in over aglitteringcareerhas been phenomenal. Hisdedicationtohis profession oftendragginguplesser players around him.

On Thursday afternooninQatar therewereglimpsesofbothRonal do thefadingforce andRonaldo the talisman

A first-half characterisedby missed opportunitieswas followed by asecond whereheprovidedthe spark whichignited thematch, winningand scoringthe penalty whichput Portugal on theway to an openingvictory

In doingsohe hasnow scored at five WorldCups, theonlyplayerto achievethis.

That is an incredible milestone anditwill have delightedthose in thestadium whowerethere just to witnessRonaldo play.There were many,wearing Ronaldomasks and Ronaldot-shirts, hangingonhis everystep.

TheFIFAmarketingmachine wasnever goingtolet themoment pass.Despite some more wholesome

performances from histeam-mates, particularly BrunoFernandes,the man-of-the matchaward went to thePortugalcaptain

In many ways,anopening match againstateamrankedoutside the top60inthe world wasthe perfect wayfor the37-year-old to ease his wayintothisWorld Cup.

On Tuesday, he will find amuch tougherchallenge in theformof Uruguay.

At opposite ends of thepitch an El Classico rivalrywillresumewith former Barcelonastriker Luis Su arez keen to getone over hisold foe. Uruguay’sdefence will notbe as accommodatingasGhana’s and Ronaldo’sresolveand temperament will be tested to thefull

In theinterveningperiodthe playerwill continue to occupy the back pages,withSaudi Arabian club Al Hilal alreadylinkedwitha move forhim

In some ways thecircussur rounding theplayercan only benefithis internationalteam-mates, taking thefocus offthemwhilethey go abouttheir ownpreparationson thebiggest stage

It was1986, inMexico, when a footballer last turned outfor his countryasafreeagent.Bruce Wilson, aCanadianfull-back,cap tained hiscountry to threedefeats He wasapproaching his35thbirth dayand theWorld Cupmarkedthe endofhis career

Twoyears olderthanWilson, Ronaldohas no intentionofmak ingthisWorld Cuphis swansong Theshowwill go on untilhe alone decidestobring down the finalcur tain

Fans,stars and aBaggiejoinin fora greatnight

It wasgreat to be involvedin theMolineuxSleepout, which is settoraise over £50,000 for localcharities.All fundsraised will be shared betweenWolves Foundation andthe Good Shep herd,which is situated opposite Molineux andprovidesfood and support services for the most vulnerable in theWolverhampton community.

Around 150supportersjoined former players JohnRichards, Steve Daley, Carl Ikemeand Karl Henryinthe Stan CullisStand forthe event. Therewas acameo appearancefromSteve Bull and hisfamily, too, suited andbooted foracharity ball taking place in theBillyWrightStand.Bully certainlyhelpedliftspirits as the temperatures droppedduringthe evening.

Singer Jackie Graham,television presenter Mark Rhodes,radiohostNatalie Graham,boxer NiallFarrell,Radio WM’s Daz Hale andcomedian Gary Powndland allattendedthe event, with theclubbeing represented from theboardroom by Wolves director JohnBowman, taking part with hisdaughters, andcommercial managerVinny Clark.

Ready forthe MolineuxSleepout

Head of Foundation Will Clow es andhis dedicated team, includ ingmanyvolunteers,did abrilliantjob organising the Sleepout, whichisnow into itsfourthyear includingthe virtualevent which took placeduringlockdownin 2020

Thereisarealsense of community andcamaraderie amongthe participants, whichwas helped by such asupportive team of staff andvolunteers on thenight

This year’s eventwas fewdegreescolderthanlastyear’s but, judgingby theintermittent snoringaudible acrossthe rows of seatinginthe lowertierofthe Stan CullisStand,itdidn’tpre venteveryone from getting to sleep.

It is notlostonanyoneatthe club that we areinacostofliv ingcrisisand thesupport from fans forthe Sleepout washugely appreciated.Itwasn’tjustWolves supporters,too.Whisper it,but therewas at leastone Albion fan in enemyterritory andyou have to admirethatwillingness to crossthe divide in thenameof such agreat cause!

If youstill want to supportthe Sleepout andthe charitieswho benefit, then It’s nottoo late to make adonation, just head along to https://www.justgiving.com/ campaign/MolineuxSleepout2022

Portugal’s CristianoRonaldo celebrates with team-mateJoao Felixafter scoring from thepenalty spot againstGhana View from thetouchline with

DOCEXITS AMID CLUB SHAKE-UP

hasleftWolvesafter two yearsatMolineux, the club have confirmed.

TheformerEngland nation al teamdoctorjoinedWolvesina lead role during theearly part of thepandemicand is notedtohave helped theclubthrough football’s return underformerheaddoctor Matt Perry.

It is thelatestchangeatWolves amid ashake-upofstaff at Mo lineux andCompton on theback of newsportingdirectorMattHobbs andheadcoachJulen Lopetegui.

ExecutivechairmanJeffShi ad mitted theclubhas undergonea review andanalysedrecentfailing, leadingtoa‘shake-up’and ‘fresh start’

Chakraverty movedtoWolvesin 2020,where he initiallyworkedtowardsProject Restart, wasviewed as acoupand came afterafter a controversialexitfroma role at theFootballAssociation,where findings hadbeenuncovered in a BBCPanoramainvestigation look ingintodisgraced former athletics coachAlberto Salazar.

Thedoctorfaced scrutiny fornot recordingthe amount of legalsup plement, L-Carnitine, administered

to Farahinthe 2014 LondonMar athon. It wasreported by theBBC Chakraverty carriedout injections despiteexpressingreservations aboutpossible‘side effects’

Having admitted to not recording thequantity, Chakraverty insisted it was“well below” thelegal limitof 50ml during asix-hour period

He held theroles of first-team doctor andheadofperformance and medicine at Molineux andCompton followingthe departureoflongterm medicalchief Perry.

Chairman Shisaid: “DrRob joined Wolves at adifficult time during thepandemic,but hisexperience andknowledge helped us massivelythrough atough period

“He’salso developed themedicalteamduringhis time here and workedhardtotry andmove things forward. On behalf of everyone at Wolves,I’d liketowishRob thevery best of luck forthe future.”

Chakraverty added: “Duringmy time at Wolves Ihavehad thepleas ureofworking with so many good people whoseworkethic,desireto improve andprofessionalism have been acredittothe club.”

Corberan relishingextra training time

Carlos Corberan is enjoying‘every singleday’inchargeatAlbionand insiststhe WorldCup breakcameat theperfect moment forhis players.

Corberan took over from Steve Brucelastmonth andaftera disappointing 2-0defeattoSheffield United in his firstgameincharge, he hasoverseen athree-gamewin ning runthathas liftedAlbionout of theChampionshipdropzone.

In that time,the Baggieshave

also kept threeclean sheets in a rowand went into theinternational breakinthe best form in months.

AndCorberanbelievesthe break came at theideal time forhim and hisstaff to gettoworkonthe pitch with Albion’s players –muchlikea pre-season campaign, He said:“It hasbeenfantastic to spendtimehere, at this amazing club,and Iamenjoyingeverysingle day.

“For me,itwas agreat opportunity to come here andIhavetried to give my best.Whenyou areata bigclub,withbig supporters, abig stadiumand bigplayers,everything is positive

“Thisbreak is agreat opportunity because when youdon’t do a pre-season with thesquad,itisa perfectmoment to workwiththe players.Tonow have this period of time is fantastic”

Boss glad to see Wilkinsonback

WalsallbossMichelFlynn haspaid tributetoConor Wilkinsonwho re turned to trainingthisweek.

WilkinsonsufferedatornACL in agameagainst Rochdale in April andwas expected to be outfor up to ayear, buthas recovered in time for thepre-Christmas games.

Flynn, whoknows Wilkinson from theirmutualtimeatNewport, said said:“He is averytalented playerand hasworkedextremely hard to come back stronger than he wasbeforethe injury.I have alot of time forhim andI have seen him grow as ahuman in thelasteight yearsorso.

“I am lookingforward to him coming back and firing on all cylinders.”

Villaleading the race to bag Cole

Villaare settowin theraceto sign teenage LinfieldstarCole Brannigan

TheNorthernIreland Un der-16 winger hasbeenlinked with PremierLeaguechampionsManchesterCity, Liverpool, Chelseaand Leeds United but Villaare believed to have moved into pole position to land the talented youngster.Linfieldwill receiveafee forBrannigan,who came throughtheir academy, with suggestions Villawillpay around £150,000 plus adds on for aplayermanyatWindsor Park feel hasthe ability andattitude to be ahit in England.

Albion bossCarlosCorberan

Doctor Rob Chakraverty

LEWISCOX lewis.cox@mnamedia.co.uk

DoctorRob Chakravertyduring histwo-year stintatWolves.