Award-Winning Lawn Care with Green Thumb Hamlet at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
South Staffs Naturalists Society
&
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY
Property of the month with Dourish and Day
Penkridge Open Air Returns
National Trust Staffordshire Centre Upcoming Talk
Home Is Where Your Art Is What’s On at Your Local Library in April
Sudoku puzzle
Recipe of the month
Selling Toys at Auction is Child’s Play!
Ten-Bob Hobbies
Children’s puzzle page
Email: hello@shoutlocalmedia.co.uk
Kate Hood - Sales Associate
Tel: 01785 318619
Email: hello@shoutlocalmedia.co.uk
Editorial enquiries
Jennifer Dellicompagni - Editor
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Email: hello@shoutlocalmedia.co.uk 8
Ten-Bob Hobbies
The May 2025 edition of The Codsall Directory will be distributed during May 2025 to 5,000 homes and businesses in selected areas of Codsall, Bilbrook and Coven. If you wish to place an advert or editorial feature, please ensure copy is submitted to us no later than 05/04/2025.
We explore four hobbies you can take up that not only boost creativity, satisfaction and wellbeing, but your bank balance too!
1. Photography
If you’re a dab hand with a camera, you’re already sitting on a potential goldmine. Highquality photos are in demand. Simply upload your shots to stock photography websites, and every time someone downloads one of your images, you earn a fee.
Please note: All information was correct at time of printing but may be subject to changes.
With the right kit and ingredients, you can start brewing small batches of unique beers to sell at local markets, or to friends and family.
DON’T FORGET TO RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE!
Nature, travel, lifestyle and locally-themed shots photos are consistently popular, with many stock sites even accepting images taken on smartphones, provided they’re of good quality.
Take your time perfecting recipes, and don’t forget to think about branding to help your brews stand out.
3. Cooking
From catering for small gatherings to selling baked goods at farmers’ markets, there are plenty of opportunities to turn cooking into cash.
Just be sure to check any local food safety regulations before you dive in.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in The Codsall Directory magazine, and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibilty for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibilty for views expressed by contributors, or the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.
4. Crafting Handmade crafts are always in demand, and platforms like Etsy make it easier than ever to sell your creations. Whether you’re into knitting, woodworking, or
there’s
@shoutlocalstaffordshire Shout Local Staffordshire The Codsall Directory is part of Shout Local Media Ltd.
ENERGY EFFICIENT
We install A Rated windows as standard with A+/A++ options. Available for maximum energy saving.
Security second to none. All our windows & doors can meet the police secured by design standard with hinge protectors and 3 star superior cylinders fitted as standard.
Fully trained installers with vast experience in the industry and long term employed by us. Quality products installed by professionals.
With our fully comprehensive 10 year insurance backed guarantee and back up service you can be confident you have spent your money wiseley. EXCELLENT SERVICE
Award-Winning Lawn Care: Helping Your Garden Thrive This Spring
As proud winners of the ‘WHICH’ National Franchisee of the Year Award in 2024, Jason, Vicki, and their team continue to provide outstanding lawn care services to customers in Codsall and the surrounding areas. Since 2015, they have been dedicated to transforming and maintaining beautiful, healthy lawns, always putting customer satisfaction at the heart of their work.
The team of professional Lawn Technicians is committed to delivering expert care, using industry-leading products and techniques to ensure lawns stay lush and green all year round.
They offer a comprehensive range of services, including high-quality fertilisers, effective weed and moss control, and essential machine work such as aeration and scarification. Each treatment
is carefully tailored to suit the unique needs of every lawn, helping it to thrive in every season.
With spring upon us, now is the perfect time to give a lawn a boost. A well-timed fertiliser application will encourage strong, healthy growth, while aeration & scarification can help remove thatch buildup and improve air circulation. Regular weed and moss control will also keep unwanted invaders at bay, ensuring the lawn stays in peak condition.
The team takes great pride in their exceptional customer service and is always on hand to offer expert advice and support. Those looking to enhance their lawn this season are encouraged to get in touch to achieve the perfect lawn on 01691 655111.
Stafford shakespeare proudly presents one of the bard’s best-loved - and most-quoted - plays.
murder, madness and revenge loom large in the kingdom of denmark, as the young prince returns home following the death of his father, the king.
only then does he discover his mother is about to marry his dead father’s brother, who declares himself ruler.
A ghost of the late king appears and urges hamlet to wreak vengeance for his murder. but how to do it? is he going mad? who will survive?
Don’t miss this stunning new production by award-winning director Richard cheshire
‘it’s going to be something special’
Hamlet Hamlet Hamlet Hamlet Hamlet Hamlet Hamlet to be or not to be
JUNE 24 TO JULY 5
South Staffs Naturalists Society
Our guided walks and visits continue, offering a perfect way to enjoy nature, meet like-minded people, and explore beautiful locations.
Saturday 26 April
Enjoy a scenic walk through the Ashwood area and along the canal, a leisurely 3-mile route.
Saturday 10 May
Explore the countryside around Moseley Old Hall, with a coffee break and an optional light lunch at Northycote Farm. This walk is 2.5 miles.
Saturday 24 May
Visit Highgate Common, an area of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) and home to one of the UK’s largest collections of solitary bees and wasps. This walk is 2.5 miles.
Saturday 14 June
Follow the tree trail in West Park and have fun identifying different species.
Come and enjoy the great outdoors with us!
CROSS WORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
1. Top of face (4)
3. Flower with white petals and a yellow center (5) 6. Event with discounts (4)
8. Invisible mixture of gases (3)
9. Consume food (3)
10. A peaceful, picturesque scene (5)
11. Water falling (4)
13. To do something again (4)
16. Hard, glossy coating on teeth (6)
18. A miserable person (6)
DOWN
1. Wild pig (4)
2. A wagon or cart (4)
3. Silly or senseless talk (6)
4. A climbing plant (3)
5. Hit song by Coldplay (6)
6. A luminous point (4)
7. A large-scale event (4)
12. Misshapen (9)
14. Crew members working on a ship’s deck (9)
15. To speak indistinctly (6)
20. Tax on property (5)
21. To fight or argue (5)
22. Medieval style of architecture (6)
24. Vast bodies of saltwater (6)
25. A person who utilizes something (4)
27. Mountainous region in The Legend of Zelda (5)
29. Perform music (4)
31. A small, rounded cap worn by clergy (9)
32. To stare at in a lecherous manner (4)
33. A burial place (4)
17. Close-fitting cap worn by Scottish women in the 16th century (5)
19. To make someone ecstatically happy (5)
23. To grip tightly (6)
24. Decorated with intricate patterns (6)
25. Hairstyle often worn at formal events (4)
26. Completely destroy (4)
28. Expression of obviousness (3)
29. A stain or mark (4)
30. Edge of a sidewalk (4)
Codsall & Bilbrook History Society
Members of Codsall & Bilbrook History Society come from all walks of life but have one thing in common - a passion for local history and a desire to ensure that the past is not forgotten. Each year from September through to May, we run a programme of talks in Codsall Village Hall on the third Tuesday evening of each month.
We invite guest speakers to discuss a wide range of topics - some but not all, with a local theme. Past subjects include the history of pub signs; RAF Cosford; how Almshouses helped the poor, and an appraisal of Admiral Lord Nelson. The talks are free to members and £4 on the night for non-members.
Join us for our next event: Mary Bodfish: The King’s Loose Box Tuesday 15 April 2025
Contemporary wags dubbed the seats at King Edward VII’s coronation “specially-reserved for his lady friends”. Bored and frustrated as Prince of Wales, Edward enjoyed longstanding relationships
with Lillie Langtree, Daisy Warwick, Jennie Churchill and Alice Keppel – four women, remarkable in their own right - whose lives are highlighted in this talk by Mary Bodfish.
Join us at Codsall Village Hall at 7:45pm - 9:15pm. Visitors are very welcome, £4.
Codsall & Bilbrook History Society is a registered charity with a current membership of over 140. We hold regular meetings and events and sell numerous publications chronicling the history of the area,
To find out more about the society, visit
Photo: Portrait of King Edward VII (1841–1910) from photographic studio W & D Downey, photographer unknown.
Your Name On Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s New Helicopter
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is offering supporters a unique opportunity to be part of its lifesaving missions with the launch of its brand new helicopter.
The charity is inviting supporters to become a High Flyer and have their name - or the name of a loved one, community group, or someone special - fly alongside its dedicated crews as they attend those in their critical hour of need across the heart of England.
For a £150 donation, each name will be featured in the iconic chevrons on the underside of the charity’s new cutting-edge H145 helicopter, registered G-HMAA. These chevrons will carry individuals’ names across the charity’s operating region, symbolising the community spirit and generosity that fuels its lifesaving missions.
Those who become High Flyers will also receive a personalised certificate with their chosen name and a limited edition commemorative coin in a presentation card in recognition of their contribution.
Every name that forms the chevrons ensures the
charity’s flight doctors and critical care paramedics can continue to deliver hospitallevel treatment and medicine at the incident scene, giving patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery.
When all the High Flyers are in place, supporters will have the opportunity to view their chosen name in its position within the chevrons via an online platform. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity will also be displaying the names at selected charity events in the future.
Captain Danny Shorter, pilot with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said, “Every mission we undertake is made possible by the generosity of our supporters. The names on our helicopter will serve as a constant reminder of the lives and communities we are here to serve. It’s incredibly humbling to know that these names will represent stories of love, loss, and hope, carried with us on every flight.”
You can find out about more and become a High Flyer online at highflyers.midlandsairambulance. com
For more information on the vital work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit midlandsairambulance.com.
WIN A family Ticket to Staffordshire County Show!
The Staffordshire County Show will be held on Wednesday 28th May and Thursday 29th May, during the half term week. The show offers something for visitors of all ages, and we are delighted to announce this year’s main attraction is the exhilarating Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team. Youngsters will delight in watching them perform gravity defying stunts and enjoy all the other attractions from riding on the narrow-gauge steam railway to traditional attractions such as Punch & Judy and donkey rides.
In the Country Pursuits Area the West Lancs Dog Display Team will perform, watch them jump through hoops of fire, race through tunnels and walk the high plank. Visitors can also see Birds of Prey, the Ferret Roadshow, the Sheep Show and Giant Tortoises.
A packed Main Ring programme includes the Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team, The Mounted Games, Show Jumping and Parade of Hounds (Wednesday), the Young Farmer’s Floats (Thursday), as well as the Grand Parade of Livestock.
At the heart of this traditional County Show is livestock with over a thousand cattle, sheep, pigs and goats and over fifteen hundred horses and ponies.
There are several competitions and shows within the Show including the Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling, the Farriery Competition, watch blacksmiths make and fit shoes to the horse, the Guinea Pig and Rabbit Shows, as well as the Bee & Honey Show. In addition, the Dog Show will attract around 2,000 dogs.
Shopaholics will delight in browsing over four hundred trade stands selling everything from new cars to garden furniture. In addition, the Food Hall continues to expand, selling a range of mouth-watering local produce.
The main Show sponsor for 2025 is B&B Tractors and further details about the Show are available on the website at www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk or follow us on Facebook @staffscountyshow
To win a family ticket to the Staffordshire County Show answer the following question:
What is the main attraction for 2025 at Staffordshire County Show?
To enter, simply answer the question above correctly and send in your name, address, contact number and quote ‘The Codsall Directory - County Show’. Send via email to: hello@shoutlocalmedia.co.uk or post to: 9 Chestnut Grove, Penkridge ST19 5LX. Entries must be submitted by Monday 19th May 2025. T&C’s apply.
29 Kings Road, Calf Heath Wolverhampton, WV10 7DU
675,000
FREEHOLD
This impressive three-storey executive detached home, located in the sought-after area of Calf Heath, offers an exceptional blend of style and practicality. Set on a desirable corner plot, the property features a stunning open-plan kitchen/diner with a beautiful orangery, perfect for modern living and entertaining. The spacious master bedroom benefits from its own ensuite, while the guest bedroom also enjoys the luxury of an additional ensuite, providing comfort and privacy for all. With a detached twin garage and easy access to both the M54 and M6 motorways, this home is ideally located for commuting, offering a perfect balance of luxury and convenience. A well manicured exterior with landscaped gardens with the rear being private and spacious.
Semi Rural Location
Deceptively Spacious Detached Three Storey Superbly Appointed
Stunning Contemporary Kitchen & Orangery Two Ensuite’s & Family Bathroom
Detached Twin Garage & Ample Parking
Penkridge Open Air Returns: A Weekend of Music & Entertainment
This August Summer Bank Holiday!
Penkridge Open Air annual series of concerts returns this year on August Bank Holiday 22nd 23rd and 24th. The event takes place at the Monkton sports and recreation grounds which is placed close to the town and within a short walking distance from the train station. Each year the event is sponsored by local estate agents Caley & Kulin and hosted by local Tim Rowlands also known as TJDJ.
The event is into its 5th year and has lined up an impressive choice of original artists to perform in Penkridge as part of this growing popular concert. On Friday 22nd August sees some of the 90s and 00s biggest artists including Vengaboys, Artful Dodger and N Trance. On Saturday 23rd August it’s the day of the 80s era with Nik Kershaw, Go West, Chesney Hawkes and much more! And finally the Sunday, sees a new theme to the concert series which is the disco era of music. Including the likes of Boney M, Odyssey, The Real thing and many more.
The event always had some celebrity characters and is currently working on some exciting choices to join in the fun over the weekend and the chance for a meet and greet. In the past the event has had the likes of; Basil Brush, Vigo Venn, Hacker The Dog, Fireman Sam, Wolfie, Cocomelon to name just a few so look out for this years announcement.
This year will also see a return of the popular BMX stunt show which only featured on the Sunday last year but this year will return for the whole weekend to provide regular stunt shows and workshops.
To help with the cost of living the event has made a few changes, the ticket prices are being tiered starting at £25 an adult and £10 a child but tickets closer to the event will be £40 adult and £19 child. Aswell as this all booking fees and taxes are being covered by the event so there is no additional charges on top of the ticket prices.
Car parking is free of charge and is based right at the entrance allowing a short worry free walk to join the queue to gain entry. Lastly the event is now allowing attendees to bring picnics to ensure that everyone has a great day and doesn’t need to worry about relying on the onsite food venders. You will also find a fun fair with inflatables and plenty of stalls to keep yourself entertained and occupied.
Tickets are selling fast with a max general admission capacity of 2000 people the Saturday is on its way to selling out.
Head to www.penkridgeopenair.co.uk or Trudy’s sweet shop in Penkridge to buy tickets.
National Trust Staffordshire Centre Upcoming Talk
The Staffordshire Centre’s programme of talks at Walton Village Hall in Stafford continues on April 8th. There is no need to book in advance, just turn up at the door and pay as you go in. However, it would help the organisers if you book your place(s) on our website https:// www.ntstafford.org.uk/ go to Events-Talks -Book a Talk.
All talks start at 2.30 pm and you do not have to be a member of the Centre to attend. Admission is £4.50 for non-members of the Centre and talks are followed by tea and biscuits.
51st Annual General Meeting 8th April
Followed by an update on Shugborough
As usual there will be a report from the Chair on the year’s activities and the Treasurer’s report, followed by the election of the committee and
• E.P.D.M Rubber Flat Roofs
• U.P.V.C Fascia, Soffits & Guttering
• Re-Felt & Battening
• New Re-Roof Replacement
our donation to Shugborough from last year’s fund-raising. After this there will be an update on the Shugborough Estate.
Non-members of the Centre are welcome to attend the AGM but they are not able to vote in the elections to the committee.
Admission to this meeting is free.
To keep up with our future events, watch out for us in these pages or check out our Events page at https://www.ntstafford.org.uk/
• Uni Dry Verge & Dry Ridge Systems
• Roof Cleaning
• Pointing Work (Chimneys, Walls, Ridge Tiles)
• All Repair Work (Small or Big)
All of our work is guaranteed and we are constantly providing our customers with a professional and friendly service.
• Lead Work We will beat any like for like genuine written quote! Get in touch on 07446 486 792
Home Is Where Your Art Is
Tips to give a rental home a little more of your personality.
For many, renting is an inevitable aspect of modern life. Yet the prohibitive nature of what can and can’t be done to alter the space can often take away that sense of individuality and homeliness.
Fear not, with these top tips for perfect, non-permanent ways to brighten up the place, you can be resplendent in your own surroundings with risking that security deposit.
Lights
Ceiling lights tend to really suck the life out of a room, which is why lamps are so good for creating mood and style. Investing in a large lamp for the lounge or a few well-placed desk lamps can really help enhance personality of a space.
LED fairy lights have also become an affordable option and come in a huge array of styles and colours. A bundle of battery-powered lights placed in a glass vase, or a nonfunctioning fireplace, is a nifty style hack.
Snaps
Photos are a fantastic way to personalise a place. If putting up a lot of picture frames is problematic for your landlord, consider instead a simple coloured string with photos attached by tiny pegs.
Polaroid pictures will add a retro feel and are a great way to remember special moments. You can also add a little cheer to your fridge by attaching pictures with magnets.
Washi wonders
Washi tape is a versatile and colourful tool that can be used to add a touch of creativity to any room. Use it to frame pictures or create geometric patterns on your walls.
You can also decorate your furniture, such as outlining the edges of a bookshelf or adding designs to a plain table, door or even just a light-switch fitting. And fret not, washi tape is easy to remove, making it a perfect option for renters.
Throws and rugs
Another peril of renting can be ending up with lessthan-ideal upholstery and carpets, but the solution is easy. Rugs can cover up grim and worn carpets
or floors, while throws and blankets will conceal cruddy sofas and chairs.
Cushions are another great way to add personal flair and, as an extra bonus, those additional layers of fabric will protect the property, saving you money on cleaning at the end of the tenancy.
Plants
If your house is lacking lustre, get some plants in thereyou can use unconventional containers like teacups, tin cans, or even old shoes to house your plants.
Decorate the containers with paint, fabric or other embellishments to give them a unique touch. Not only do plants brighten up the place and create colour, but they also purify the air: double win.
WHAT’S ON IN APRIL AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Regular Events and Activities at your local Library this month
PERTON LIBRARY ASTRONOMY CLUB
Thursday 17th April, 15th May, 19th June 7pm-9pm (usually every third Thursday of the Month)
Pop along to our next meeting for informal chat, presentations and observing if the skies are clear. Bring your own telescope or binoculars if you have them and get help in making the most of them. Beginners welcome!
Contact us for more information on 01902506060 or email: perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk
COMMUNITY INFORMATION FAIR
Perton Library Tuesday 8th April 10:30am - 12:30pm
Perton Library are hosting a second Community Information Fair where people can speak to local groups, organisations about local services, support and there will be information about energy efficiency, cost of living and much more!
• Meet Green Doctor for advice on money saving & recycling
• Veolia
• Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Healthwatch Staffordshire
• Social Prescribing Service
• Perton Lakeside Community Choir
at Codsall Library
First Monday of the month 11am-12:30pm
at Perton Library
First Thursday of the month 10am-12pm
Contact Perton Library on 01902 506050 or Codsall Library on 01902 506060 for more information.
RECYCLE AT YOUR LIBRARY
Staffordshire Libraries in South Staffordshire are teaming up with Waste Savvy Staffs to expand a bra recycling scheme that also helps to support the ‘Against Breast Cancer’ Charity.
Bra recycling banks are onsite at Codsall, Perton, Wombourne Library and Kinver Community Library and we hope to roll out this offer elsewhere as well.
You can also find ink cartridge recycling points (and battery boxes soon) at Codsall, Perton and Wombourne to dispose of those unwanted ink cartridges.
To find out more contact your local library or search for Waste Savvy Staffs on Facebook.
• Friends of Perton Library
• Perton Writers Group launch their anthology of writing
• South Staffs LGBTQ+ Monthly Support Group
• Bromford Housing
• Everyone Health Staffordshire
• More to be confirmed.
Contact us for more information on 01902506050 or email: perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk
IT BUDDY AVAILABLE
at Codsall Library Every Tuesday 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Free-Bookable slots. Please contact Codsall Library for more information or to book on 01902 506060.
READING GROUP
at Codsall Library
3rd Tuesday of each month 6:45pm until 7:45pm
1st Thursday of the month 10:30am until 11:30am
Please contact Codsall Library for more information on 01902 506060.
For more information and regular events, see www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Libraries
COMPTON CARE BEREAVEMENT HUB
BRAND NEW FOR 2025
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature on our family farm
Stroll through our stunning NEW tulip fields
Enjoy endless photo opportunities
Meet friendly farm animals
See our lambs & ewes
Admire our vintage tractor display
Indulge in delicious treats from our café
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Open to the public selected dates in Spring 2025*
Over 50,000 bulbs planted of 20 different varieties!
SAVE 10% online with code FLOWER10
Just 1 mile of J13 of the M6!
*Visit our website for full details, dates & to book!
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! You solve the puzzle with reasoning logic– there’s no maths involved and no adding up.
Saturday 12 th April - Monday 28th April
Check out our Easter eggs with a difference! Meet our baby Dinos • Learn lots of Dino facts Reptile talk & interactions
PLUS
Easter Egg Hunt • Farm trailer ride
Meet baby animals • Golden Egg challenge
Easter Bunny Selfies • Indoor Play
Animal Zones • Outdoor Adventure
SEN SESSIONS Sunday @ 9am 13th, 20th, 27th April
TODDLER SESSIONS
Monday 7th & Friday 11th April
SAVE 15%* Use code CODS
*Valid for visits 12 April - 28 April 2025
Book online now:
www.playatthefarm.co.uk
We are looking for reliable people to join our distribution team. Earn money whilst keeping fit! Get in touch to find out available areas.
Jamie Oliver’s Hot Cross Buns
Have a pukka Easter with these brilliant buns.
Method
1. Add the milk and 50ml water to a small pan and place over a low heat for a few minutes.
2. Add the butter to a separate pan and place over a low heat for a few minutes, or until melted, then set aside.
3. Transfer the warmed milk mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the yeast.
4. Sift the flour into a large bowl, then add 1 teaspoon of sea salt, the spices, a few good scrapings of nutmeg and the sugar. Finely chop the stem ginger and stir it into the mix.
5. Make a well in the centre and pour in the melted butter, followed by the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add it to the bowl.
6. Using a fork, mix well until you have a rough dough, then transfer to a clean flour dusted work surface and knead for around 10 minutes, or until soft and springy.
7. Return the dough to a flour-dusted bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for at least an hour, or until doubled in size.
8. Transfer the dough to a clean flour dusted work surface. Knock the air out by bashing it with your fist, then sprinkle over the dried fruit and mixed peel and knead into the dough.
9. Preheat the oven to 190°C, then grease and line a large baking tray.
10. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball, evenly spacing them out on the tray as you go. Cover with the tea towel and leave in a warm place for a further 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
11. Place the plain flour and 2 tablespoons of water into a small bowl and mix to a thick paste. Pat down the risen buns then use the batter to trace a cross over the top with a piping bag or spoon.
Ingredients:
Serves 12
• 200ml semi-skimmed milk
• 55g unsalted butter
• 14g dried yeast
• 455g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 whole nutmeg, for grating
• 55g caster sugar
• 2 balls of stem ginger
• 1 large free-range egg
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 55g sultanas or raisins
• 30g dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons mixed peel
• Runny honey
12. Place the buns into the preheated oven for 15-20mins, or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire cooling rack, brush over a little honey to glaze, then leave to cool.
Selling Toys at Auction is Child’s Play!
Cuttlestones Auctioneers & Valuers
It’s no secret that there is money to be made selling unwanted items at auction – but few of us will be lucky enough to discover a Chippendale chair or Old Masters painting hidden away in the loft. The great news is – you don’t have to, as the toys that many of us collected as children have their very own collectors’ market!
Driven by nostalgia, the toys collectables market is booming – and it’s no longer just Steiff teddy bears and antique rocking horses that command big bucks. Everything from Star Wars toys to Action Men and Barbie figures, toy cars to Lego can command decent sums at auction. As with most lots that go under the hammer, condition is key – items in good condition and with their original packaging tend to perform the best.
A few toy highlights from Penkridge auction House Cuttlestones’ sale rooms recently include a box
of jumbled Action Man figures which achieved £160; a large collection of approximately 110 Star Wars figures which fetched £2,500; an original 1930s Meccano plate racing car which saw the hammer fall at £550 and two mohair teddy bears with jointed bodies that sold for £1,100.
Cuttlestones is now taking consignments for future collectors’ sales – so why not head into the loft and bring along any toy vehicles, model railway, tin plate toys, early Action Man, Sindy and Barbie dolls, early transformers, lego sets, Meccano or early boxed & unused Airfix kits for a free, no obligation valuation?
The space between the natural world and the one we choose to construct in bricks and mortar is, metaphorically and physically, never closer than in the case of climbing plants!
However, deciding on which are right for you may depend on the direction your walls face, the maintenance you’re willing to give them, and whether their appearance matches with your property type. After all, what works on a thatched cottage in Chipping Campden may well look out of place in Camden Town!
Placement and maintenance
While outdoor climbing plants appear to have a life of their own, the truth is they’ll need help along the way if they are to flourish:
• Wall consideration: You’d assume outdoor climbers need to face south or south-west walls to get the sunlight they need (as well as heat from bricks for growth), yet in much the same way as a few people prefer a drizzly day to a sunny one, so too will some plants want to be away from direct sunlight.
The likes of the hydrangea, pileostegia, decumaria and schizophragma all do well on a north-facing or shady wall, so research well before you delve in.
• Soil: Ensure your soil is well-drained, with container plants requiring frequent and focused watering to ensure climbers survive and thrive.
• Planting: If not using planters, dig a hole in the soil that’s at least 30cm away from the wall. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure, lean the climber towards the wall, and watch the magic commence!
• Support: While these plants are all adept in reaching vertically to express themselves, some will need horizontal support, so don’t be afraid to use a trellis or wire to secure what can be a weighty plant to the wall.
Popularity
The most popular climbing plants in the UK are:
Wisteria Sinensis
A south or west facing wall is a particularly great place to grow sun-loving climbers, while the glorious Chinese Wisterias are another step beyond. They’ll grow to around 5m tall, with twisting, woody vines and purple-blue flowers.
Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’
For a rather shadier vista, the Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’ is a good choice. This ivy is quintessentially British - green in colour with golden yellow edging, brightening up the dullest of walls.
Virginia Creeper ‘Henryana’
Far from sounding like a serial murderer from a few centuries back who terrorised the Eastern coast of the United States, the Virginia Creeper is perfect for covering an unsightly wall quickly, growing thick and fast, up to 10m high and 5m wide.
Honeysuckle ‘Halliana’
The Honeysuckle ‘Halliana’ is an evergreen that offers constancy and contentment, not least to the wildlife it attracts, especially during colder months.
Ten-Bob Hobbies
We explore four hobbies you can take up that not only boost creativity, satisfaction and wellbeing, but your bank balance too!
1. Photography
If you’re a dab hand with a camera, you’re already sitting on a potential goldmine. Highquality photos are in demand. Simply upload your shots to stock photography websites, and every time someone downloads one of your images, you earn a fee.
Nature, travel, lifestyle and locally-themed shots photos are consistently popular, with many stock sites even accepting images taken on smartphones, provided they’re of good quality.
2. Beer brewing
Homebrewing is a hobby that’s both satisfying and profitable.
With the right kit and ingredients, you can start brewing small batches of unique beers to sell at local markets, or to friends and family.
Take your time perfecting recipes, and don’t forget to think about branding to help your brews stand out.
3. Cooking
From catering for small gatherings to selling baked goods at farmers’ markets, there are plenty of opportunities to turn cooking into cash.
Social media is a fantastic platform for showcasing your dishes and attracting customers.
Just be sure to check any local food safety regulations before you dive in.
4. Crafting
Handmade crafts are always in demand, and platforms like Etsy make it easier than ever to sell your creations. Whether you’re into knitting, woodworking, or jewellery-making, there’s a market for unique items that let your originality and personality shine.
