Newbridge House is purpose built with dementia clients at the heart of the design. With large
Long and short respite care or emergency placements available.
Advertising enquiries
Lisa Cuthbert - Sales Manager
Tel: 01785 318619
Email: hello@shoutlocalmedia.co.uk
follow-up to an history, July is a literary with.
Kate Hood - Sales Associate
Tel: 01785 318619
Email: hello@shoutlocalmedia.co.uk
Editorial enquiries
Jennifer Dellicompagni - Editor
Tel: 01785 318619
Email: hello@shoutlocalmedia.co.uk
The August 2025 edition of The Codsall Directory will be distributed during August 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 05/08/2025.
Step Up, Stafford! Your 10K Journey Begins Here
Children’s Charity Seeking Volunteer Mentors
Greenfingers... The Alan Titchmarsh column
Keep Your Lawn Lush with GreenThumb’s Summer Treatment
He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about buying in ready-to-go flowers and plants to give your garden instant summer colour.
Property of the month with Dourish and Day
The Heart of Early Years: Educare in Action
Former Teacher from Coven Reunites with Pupil on Television
Crossword puzzle
What’s On at Your Local Library
Much as I would love to tell you that every flower in my garden was lovingly raised from seed on a sunny windowsill back in February or March… I’m afraid I’d be fibbing! The truth is, even the most seasoned gardener occasionally needs a helping pots baskets, brimming come Geraniums, nemesia… go-to afternoon, from few
British on your that tended Some perfect borders gaps or spring wane. in their artfully or balcony. flexible your short
Please note: All information was correct at time of printing but may be subject to changes.
After We Burned by Marieke Nijkamp (July 1st) A gripping and emotional new suspense novel from the no.1 New York Times bestselling author of This is Where it Ends takes the form of a terrible accident, a horrible loss and a regrettable tragedy. It’s all anyone in Fenix can talk about when a fire consumes the local high school, taking the life of a student. The town mourns, except who really knew – let alone cared about – Eden when she was alive?
and Norma: A Lifetime of Laughter and Our Unbreakable Bond by Jessica Asquith and Norma Burton (July 17th)
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.
The hilarious and heartwarming autobiography from social media’s favourite grandma and granddaughter in which the pair open up about the personal events that have shaped their unbreakable bond – from the adventures they’ve
The Codsall Directory is part of Shout Local Media Ltd.
Books To Love In July
From a long-awaited follow-up to an irresistible slice of history, July is a literary month to be reckoned with.
Men in Love by Irvine Welsh (July 24th)
Opening in the late 1980s as rave culture is born and moving into the 1990s, Men In Love reunites the Trainspotting crew for a riotous new journey.
Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie leave heroin behind and seek joy, and the hope of redemption, on the dance floor. Each wants to feel alive in the closing years of Thatcher’s Britain, and they fill their days trying to get ahead.
After We Burned by Marieke Nijkamp (July 1st)
A gripping and emotional new suspense novel from the no.1 New York Times bestselling author of This is Where it Ends takes the form of a terrible accident, a horrible loss and a regrettable tragedy.
It’s all anyone in Fenix can talk about when a fire consumes the local high school, taking the life of a student. The town mourns, except who really knew – let alone cared about – Eden when she was alive? And why was she in the building that night?
Jess and Norma: A Lifetime of Laughter and Our Unbreakable Bond by
Jessica Asquith and Norma Burton
(July 17th)
The hilarious and heartwarming autobiography from social media’s favourite grandma and granddaughter in which the pair open up about the personal events that have shaped their unbreakable bond – from the adventures they’ve been on to the great loves and losses experienced.
Step Up, Stafford! Your 10K Journey Begins Here
As spring fades into summer and the energy of a new season buzzes through our town, one question echoes through the streets of Stafford: Are you ready for the challenge?
On Sunday, 21 September 2025, the Stafford 10K organised by Freedom Leisure returns,
for a 10K isn’t just good for your body, it’s fuel for your mind. Regular movement improves mood, boosts energy, and even sharpens focus. You’ll sleep better. Feel stronger. Stand taller.
cheering crowds. You’ll hear local bands playing, Children waving signs, Volunteers handing out water with warm smiles. The spirit of Stafford comes alive on race day, it’s like nothing else. This is your hometown, and this is your time to shine.
The Benefits Go Beyond the Finish Line Let’s talk about the transformation. Training
Children’s Charity Seeking Volunteer Mentors
Children’s charity Mentor Link is recruiting Volunteer Mentors from the Codsall and surrounding area to support vulnerable children and young people in schools in Wolverhampton who are facing social and emotional difficulties impacting on their motivation to learn and themselves.
Mentor Link would like to hear from people in business and community with an interest in supporting a young person to achieve their full potential. The mentors are fully trained to listen to and support children and young people and aim to improve their self- esteem, confidence and engagement in learning. The charity has an excellent track record of success in achieving positive outcomes with children and young people as one young person writes, “I like going to see my mentor. When I see her it makes me feel happy and more calm and more able to get
on better in class.”
Mentor Link is a safer recruiter and requires two 2-character references, and Enhanced DBS.
Full training and ongoing training and support, and a dedicated team of staff to support you in your role.
If you can spare 1– 2 hours a week, and can commit to a minimum of 6 months volunteering please contact enquiries@mentorlink.org.uk
He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about buying in ready-to-go flowers and plants to give your garden instant summer colour.
Much as I would love to tell you that every flower in my garden was lovingly raised from seed on a sunny windowsill back in February or March… I’m afraid I’d be fibbing! The truth is, even the most seasoned gardener occasionally needs a helping hand, and there’s absolutely no shame in popping to the garden centre for a car boot full of readygrown plants.
By the time May rolls round, the window for sowing most summer bedding is really rather narrow. But fear not, this is where those rows of cheerful
pots and hanging baskets, already brimming with colour, come into their own.
Geraniums, petunias, lobelia, nemesia… these are the go-to varieties that can, in an afternoon, transport your garden from bland to grand. Add in a few begonias or fuchsias – true British classics – and you’re well on your way to creating a space that looks as though it’s been tended to for months.
Some of these plants are perfect for popping straight into borders or containers, filling gaps where bulbs have faded or spring colour is beginning to wane. Others look fabulous left in their pots and simply arranged artfully around a patio, steps or balcony. It’s a wonderfully flexible way to garden - ideal if your soil isn’t the best, or you’re short on time.
My advice? Don’t be shy about mixing things up. Pair tall, elegant salvias with tumbling bacopa. Let trailing verbena spill over a pot’s edge. Team bright petunias with softer, silverleaved helichrysum, or tuck a few trailing ivies around the edge of a container for a cool, calming contrast.
Larger pots of lavender or agapanthus can add height and structure, while marguerites and osteospermum offer daisy-like cheer from now right through to autumn.
Once you’ve planted them – or simply placed them where they look their best – a good soak and a weekly feed will keep them blooming beautifully for months.
And as you sit back with a cuppa (or perhaps something chilled come evening), you’ll know that it doesn’t always take months of planning or hours of labour to create a little slice of summer magic. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick trip to the garden centre, and a touch of imagination - your garden will thank you for it!
Keep Your Lawn Lush with GreenThumb’s NutraGreen Summer Long Treatment
Summer is when your lawn gets the most attention—from garden parties and family games to moments of quiet relaxation in the sunshine. But it’s also the season when your grass works its hardest, especially during dry spells. That’s where our NutraGreen Summer Long treatment steps in.
Designed to deliver 4–5 months of sustained nourishment, Summer Long is the longest-lasting treatment we’ve ever created. Its controlled-release, no-scorch fertiliser feeds your lawn gradually, responding only when the conditions are right. That means greener grass for longer - without the peaks and troughs of standard treatments.
The difference lies in the science. Our slowrelease fertiliser has a specially coated formula that outperforms typical DIY feeds and competitor offerings, lasting up to twice as long. You’ll also benefit from our targeted herbicide spray, which tackles persistent summer weeds that compete
with your grass for moisture.
This treatment not only enhances your lawn’s summer appearance - it also prepares it for the transition into autumn. Healthier grass now means a stronger, more resilient lawn in the months ahead.
For best results, we recommend watering your lawn during extended dry periods. But if rain is on the horizon, there’s no need to worry - our feed will wait and activate when the moisture returns.
To boost performance even further, consider adding our Oasis Treatment. This professional wetting agent improves root development, stress tolerance, and includes a powerful seaweed extract known to enhance lawn colour.
Get an estimate today or explore our treatment programmes to find the right plan for your garden.
14 Shop Lane, Brewood, ST19 9EB
295,000
FREEHOLD
Located in the ancient market town of Brewood steeped in history dating back to the Romans situated one mile south of the infamous A5 Roman Road. Providing superb commuting links and an array of local amenities ranging from shops, restaurants, public houses and sought after schooling. Enjoying a prominent position on the ever popular Shop Lane a short walk to the centre, this outstanding opportunity has arisen and is sure to be popular. Delightful semi detached cottage being superbly appointed having two bedrooms and a first floor bathroom. The ground floor offers a cosy living room with a gas mock wood burner, stunning country farmhouse style breakfast kitchen. Externally there is a private and improved low maintenance rear garden. Opportunities such as this are as rare as hens teeth so book your viewing ‘now!
THE HEART OF EARLY YEARS: EDUCARE IN ACTION
The early years of a child’s life are a time of extraordinary growth—physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. These formative years lay the foundation for all future learning, and at the heart of a truly nurturing early years environment lies the principle of educare: a seamless blend of education and care.
At its core, educare recognises that young children thrive when their developmental needs are met holistically. High-quality early years settings don’t just prepare children academically; they provide a safe, loving, and stimulating environment where curiosity is sparked, relationships are nurtured, and every child feels valued.
Children learn best through play and exploration, supported by adults who understand their individual needs. A strong educare approach ensures that children develop not only early literacy and numeracy skills but also confidence, resilience, and empathy— skills just as crucial for success in life.
At Newbridge Preparatory School, our Early Years setting reflects this philosophy. With small class sizes, experienced practitioners, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere, we take the time to truly know each child. Our outdoor learning spaces invite discovery and adventure, while our tailored curriculum introduces key skills in a meaningful, age-appropriate way.
Parents often say they chose Newbridge because their child is seen, heard, and supported every step of the way. And for us, that’s exactly what educare means: putting the child at the centre of everything we do.
Because when care and education go hand in hand, children don’t just learn—they flourish.
Call Newbridge today on 01902 751088 or see the website at www.newbridgeprepschool.co.uk
A Heartfelt Surprise: Former Reception Teacher from Coven
Reunites with Pupil Cat Deeley on National Television
Last week, former Grove Vale Primary School teacher Carol, who now lives in Coven Heath, took part in a heartfelt live moment on ITV’s This Morning - reuniting with one of her former pupils, television presenter Cat Deeley.
Carol was a much-loved primary school teacher for many years, spending the bulk of her career working with the youngest pupils at Grove Vale Primary School in Sandwell. Among the many children she taught was a little girl named Catherine - full of energy, curiosity, and warmth - who would go on to become the well-known television presenter Cat Deeley.
Carol taught at Grove Vale from 1980 to 2013, guiding generations of children through their earliest school days with patience and care. Her calm, encouraging approach helped many settle into school life and grow in confidence.
Last week, during National Teachers’ Week, ITV’s This Morning reached out to Carol with a special request: would she take part in a surprise live feature for Cat, honouring teachers who have made a lasting impact? Carol happily agreed.
The surprise unfolded live on air. Cat had no idea what was coming when the show cut to
a live video call - and there, on screen, was Carol. She addressed her using the name she would have known her by in Reception and spoke with warmth and calm as she recalled Cat’s personality in the classroom - bright, expressive, and full of spark even then.
Cat was visibly moved, momentarily stunned and wide-eyed before covering her mouth in surprise, clearly touched by the unexpected reunion. The studio fell quiet as she listened intently, smiling and welling up.
Such a heartfelt moment resonated with viewers across the country. Since then, the story has appeared in online newspapers, with many people commenting on the emotional impact of seeing a teacher remembered so fondly, years after the classroom chairs were packed away.
Carol’s quiet influence all those years ago stayed with Cat, showing the lasting power of a teacher’s role in those early years. It’s a story that has brought a smile to many - and one that Carol will cherish forever.
Carol thought the whole experience was amazing. She felt truly honoured to be part of such a special moment and was deeply touched to be remembered so fondly.
Fed up of your lantern turning your kitchen into a greenhouse? Let’s fix that - without the faff of cords and cables!
CORDLESS LANTERN BLINDS
From just £399 fully fitted
Keep your room cool, comfortable and stylish - even on the hott est days. No cords. No clutter. Just sleek, smart shading that works like a dream.
• Custom-made to fit your lantern
• Neat and cordless – no visual mess
• Reflective backing to reduce glare and heat gain
• Can be fully motorised
• Installed by experts
Visit our showroom in Penkridge (by appointment only) or call for a free home consultation.
CROSS WORD PUZZLE
Solve
ACROSS
5. Identical items sold together (9)
8. Wild canine (4)
9. Symbol Pt (8)
10. Removed from a document (7)
11. To send money (5)
13. Digital version of a printed text (5)
15. Expressions of intent (7)
18. Mechanical force (8)
19. Weakens gradually (4)
20. Tubes used to direct water flow (9)
DOWN
1. To deaden sound (6)
2. Office tool that fastens papers (7)
3. Archaic for spy or scout (5)
4. Ancient writer with a quill (6)
6. Insects known for making honey (9)
7. Magnetic strip used to record sound (9)
12. Motorcycle trick with front wheel lifted (7)
14. potted wildcat native (6)
16. Followed as a result (6)
17. Humped desert animal (5)
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
WHAT’S ON IN JULY AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Regular Events and Activities at your local Library this month
A SUMMER OF FUN
Our libraries will have plenty of events throughout the Summer to keep the kids occupied.
Look out for news on our local Instagram at @SouthStaffsLibraries or contact your local library.
LAUNCH DAY AT CODSALL LIBRARY
Saturday 5th July 9:30am-4pm at Codsall Library
Come along and sign up for the challenge, suitable for ages 4-11years – FREE.
MEET MARK BARDSLEY – AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR AT PERTON LIBRARY
Tuesday 29th July 11.15am-12.45pm at Perton Library
Join author and illustrator Mark Bardsley for a caricature workshop.
Mark will also be caricaturing your pets and signing books between 9.30am-11am and 2pm-4pm Free. Age 5+. Booking essential.
STORY GARDEN AT PERTON LIBRARY
Friday 1st August 11am-12pm at Perton Library
Join us for story time and crafting fun! Free. All ages. DROP IN.
BUG TIME AT CODSALL LIBRARY
Tuesday 22nd July 3pm-4pm at Codsall Library
A craft session doing all things Bugs. Age 5+ £1.50 includes drink and Biscuit. Booking Essential.
NEED ADVICE ON WILLS AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
Every Third Thursday of the month. 10am - 11:30am at Codsall Library.
Every First Wednesday of the month 10am - 11:30am at Perton Library.
Thornes Solicitors will be offering free pop-up advice sessions.
COMPTON CARE - BEREAVEMENT HUB
First Monday of the month 11am-12.30pm at Codsall Library
Every First Thursday of the month 10am - 12pm at Perton Library
Pop in and have a chat with the team from Compton Care.
PERTON LIBRARY ASTRONOMY CLUB
Thursday 21st August 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 01902 506060 or email: perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk
IT BUDDY AVAILABLE
Every Tuesday 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Codsall Library
Free-Bookable slots. Please contact Codsall Library for more information or to book on 01902 506060.
For more information and regular events, see www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Libraries
Former Deputy Food Editor for BBC Good Food and author of The Good Home Cook Substack, Esther Clark knows a thing or two about weeknight staples the whole family will love, and this riff on the famed puttanesca pasta is no exception.
Method
1. Blitz one of the cans of tomatoes until smooth and set aside. Heat a glug of oil in a medium-sized saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and a generous pinch of salt and fry gently for 8-10 mins until softened and translucent.
2. Tip the chilli and all the tomatoes into the pan, lower the heat, then simmer for 10 mins, uncovered. Fill one of the empty cans a quarter full with water and add this to the sauce. Stir through the capers, olives and anchovies. Season with salt, pepper and a couple of generous pinches of sugar. Cook on a gentle heat, uncovered, for a further 5 mins. Keep warm until needed.
3. Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 2 mins. Drain and toss with the tomato sauce, then tip into an ovenproof dish or shallow casserole. Top
Ingredients
Serves 4
• 2 x 400g cans cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil, for frying
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp capers, drained
• 60g black pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
• 5 anchovy fillets in oil, finely chopped
• Sugar
• 500g shop-bought gnocchi
• 125g ball mozzarella torn,
with the torn mozzarella and a good grating of black pepper then pop under a high grill for 3-4 mins. Or if using an air fryer, heat it to 170°C. Add the gnocchi to a baking dish that will fit in your air fryer and top with mozzarella, plus a good grinding of black pepper. Air fry for 10 mins or until the mozzarella is molten and gooey.
NEWBRIDGE HOUSE RESIDENTIAL CARE
For individuals with Dementia, Alzheimers or Mental Health Issues
Welcome to Newbridge House, a specialised dementia residential facility set back from Tettenhall Road in Wolverhampton. We offer respite, emergency, and step-down care. Our environment promotes independence and involvement, enhancing life experiences for all residents. With large bright corridors, bespoke signage and handrails across the home.
Our Facilities:
31 Luxury Single Bedrooms
Designed for dementia and mental health. Every bedroom has an en-suite, some boasting wet room en-suite. We also have a number of assisted bathrooms and shower rooms along with disabled friendly WC’s, all conveinently placed near communal areas. Room option prices vary based on location, facilities, and size.
Engaging Weekly Activities for Residents
Fall prevention, chair-based exercise, singing sessions, and special seasonal events such as pantomime performances. We have a jam packed activities schedule throughout the week and additional activities at weekend’s for special events. Its fair to say always something in the diary!
Sensory Courtyard Garden
We have a sensory garden complete with pond and outside gazebo seating area. Suitable for all mobility levels, with focal points for those who wander. Our large mature gardens and garden room were designed especially to facilitate meaningful visits.
Health Services
Our residents have weekly GP visits and have access to a hairdresser, chiropodist, dentistry, optician, and hearing services.
Inside the Home
We have a beach style diner, a small 1960’s themed kitchen/seating area, a quiet lounge, conservatory, and a large lounge. Corridors are themed with focal points of interests for the residents that may wander.
All signage across the suite has been designed with supporting individuals with dementia in mind - assisting a greater understanding of the environment.
We are taking enquires for both long and short term stays, we are also able to take placements in an emergency if we have vacancies. We have a long established relationship with local social services and CCG. Our CQC rating is Good.
Our fees range depending upon the room choice, starting from £846.00 per week.
For more information please visit our website at www.newbridgecarehome.co.uk
We are the charity that steps forward in the moments that matter, to
First Aid:
Volunteer: Youth: Education: Join us as a Community First Aider, Emergency Responder, Ambulance Crew or HCP. Donate to our life saving work!
Our youth programs teach the next generation of life savers through our Badger & Cadet groups. We can teach your community group to save a life. Your event, we’ve got it covered. Keeping the public safe.
https://linktr.ee/SJAWolvesNW
Name:
Waves
Animal
Patterns Wordsearch
Animal Print
Botanical
Camouflage
Chevron Doodle Grid
Herringbone
Lattice
Marble
Plaid
Polkadots
Stripes
Tartan
Tropical Waves
Zigzag
Camouflage
Plaid Grid Lattice Zigzag
Stripes Polkadots Herringbone Chevron
Pirate Wordsearch
ANCHOR CHEST HAT ISLAND MAP MERMAID PARROT PIRATE SEAGULL SHIP TREASURE
Pirate Crossword
Introducing Blossom’s Crafts & Events
A creative escape in the heart of Stafford
Hi, I’m Bobbie, the founder and owner of Blossom’s Crafts & Events Co, a brand new creative space coming to Mill Street in Stafford!
Having my own business has always been a huge pipe dream, so to see things taking shape is beyond surreal. I have always envisaged a business based around creativity and here we are!
I have come from a background of corporate and office jobs that would be classed as your classic 9–5, but after turning 40 this year and also losing my mum in late 2023, I decided I needed something more fulfilling in my life and picked up on my dream of running my own business.
My vision is to create a relaxed and fun environment where people of all ages can come together and simply lose themselves in being creative, for whichever session you choose to do.
Tackling stress and anxiety has always been a challenge for me – and more so the older you get –so the idea is, whilst you are here, you can switch off from the outside world! Meet like-minded people and, most importantly, relax and have fun!
I am really excited about giving the little ones an opportunity to be away from the screens and TV, and just lose themselves in those creative minds of theirs!
Blossom’s will be a place where you can come alone and try something new with a coffee and cake, catch
up with a friend and have a chat whilst creating something beautiful, come as a group and have some fun, or have the place to yourself and celebrate that special occasion!
I will also be hosting parties where all the stress will be taken away for you – from table decoration to the balloons, the food, and the activity itself – hopefully bringing something a little different to your event.
The website and social accounts will be kept up to date, and I will make sure to share more on the venue as things start to come together! We will also be keeping everyone updated here too, in The Penkridge Advertiser magazine.
We are aiming to be open for August, with some great sessions for families during the summer holidays!. Bookings will be open very soon so keep your eyes peeled!
I finally wanted to say a huge thank you to the local businesses that have shown their support, and for your kind words on this new venture! I really hope for some collaborations soon.
Email us at info@blossomscraftsandevents.co.uk and find all of our latest updates over on our website, www.blossomscraftsandevents.co.uk or find us on social media at Blossoms Crafts and Events Co.
SIMON HUGHES
• Full Gas Central Heating
• Boiler Changes
• Boiler Services and Repairs
• Landlord Certificates
• Full Bathroom Installations
• Showers & Taps
• Gas Fires & Cookers
•Tyres supplied & fitted at home or workplace
•All makes of tyres available •Tyre repairs •Tyre changeovers • Locking wheel nut removal Whatsapp: 07805 335073 Email: kingfishertyres@gmail.com
