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.
‘I don’t think people will have seen anything like this,’ he said during a break from rehearsals, ‘We’ve used all manner of imagery and some really clever ideas to create a moving set that allows us to work with the story, which really moves on at a fast pace. It’s a production that stays true to Shakespeare’s work and I think the audience will love it.’
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Stripe It Lucky
Stripes not only make a great fashion statement, but they can also add style and flair to your home. Here are some of the ways those simple lines can transform even the plainest of rooms into something lovingly lavish.
JUNE 2025
Paint pals
In the same way that vertical stripes on a dress can make you appear longer and slimmer, they can make a room appear taller and more spacious.
Children’s Charity Seeking Volunteer Mentors Stage Is Set For A Stunning Hamlet
life-threatening situations. So there’s plenty of twists and turns; our mission is to tell it in a way that grabs audiences and keeps them on the edge of their seats. I think People will feel very engaged and connected with the way we tell the story.’ One of the main visual themes of the production is books; moving bookcases float across the stage, closing in on the young prince as the story unfolds. Patrick added: ‘We ve been working on the set for months and I have to say that this production is very detailed and clever in the use of space, sound and lighting.’
Just Brilliant June Reads
go wrong with striped wallpaper. Choose wallpapers with strong stripe patterns to create a striking effect.
Property of the month with Dourish and Day
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
Crossword puzzle
Sudoku puzzle
Choose contrasting colours for a dramatic effect or subtle tones for a more elegant look. Horizontal stripes on the other hand are perfect for making a room look wider and more expansive. This is ideal for smaller spaces that need a visual boost.
Recipe of the month
Stripe It Lucky
This works well in hallways or small rooms where you want to make an impact.
The Heart of Early Years: Educare in Action
What’s On at Your Local Library in June
Around 5,000 people are e pected to attend the stafford gatehouse theatre production, from June 24 to July 5. Stafford Grammar School has been announced as the headline sponsor and Marketing Manager Keith Harrison said: ‘We’re delighted to be partnering with such a prestigious Stafford school. Bringing the bard to new generations is at the centre of our mission and seeing his work on stage is by far the best way to e perience the thrill of his work. it’s going to be something really special. Tickets from the Bo Office 01785 619080 or www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk
As a simpler variation, understated stripes can add texture and interest without overwhelming the space.
Please note: Opening nig t performance SOLD O
Children’s Puzzle Page Penkridge
Alternatively, select just one wall to draw focus on and make it wonderful.
Wallpaper wonders
Wallpaper is much cooler than it used to be and stripes, well they are always on trend; therefore, you can’t
The July 2025 edition of The Codsall Directory will be distributed during July 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 05/07/2025.
Please note: All information was correct at time of printing but may be subject to changes.
Soft stripes
Stripes aren’t just for your walls. Chairs, sofas, and benches with striped fabric can become a talking point in your home, while striped rugs can be used to add colour and cover up a dull or stained floor.
Striped curtains can frame your windows beautifully and add vertical emphasis to the room, or if you don’t want to fully commit to the stripe, simply invest in a few throws or pillows for a more informal feel.
Earn your stripes
Wall art that features stripes is a terrific way to brighten up a dull and gloomy room, particularly if it is textured using different paint styles or fabrics.
You can also invest in lamps and shades that boast a
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.
@shoutlocalstaffordshire Shout Local Staffordshire
The Codsall Directory is part of Shout Local Media Ltd.
patrick connellan with a model of his stage design
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.
on better in class.”
Mentor Link is a safer recruiter and requires two 2-character references, and Enhanced DBS.
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
Full training and ongoing training and support, and a dedicated team of staff to support you in
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
Stafford’s annual Shakespeare production opens on June 24 and the designer behind the ‘visually stunning’ production can’t wait for the opening night.
Award-winning Patrick Connellan, who has previously worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, says audiences can ‘e pect the une pected’ from The Bard’s most quoted play.
‘I don’t think people will have seen anything like this,’ he said during a break from rehearsals, ‘We’ve used all manner of imagery and some really clever ideas to create a moving set that allows us to work with the story, which really moves on at a fast pace. It’s a production that stays true to Shakespeare’s work and I think the audience will love it.’
patrick connellan with a model of his stage design
Director Richard Cheshire added: ‘It’s modern, but not gimmicky in any way; there’s nobody using a mobile phone or anything like that. the characters are more relatable in modern dress, but the strength of Hamlet is its story you go on this gripping journey with a young man facing some terrible choices and life-threatening situations. So there’s plenty of twists and turns; our mission is to tell it in a way that grabs audiences and keeps them on the edge of their seats. I think People will feel very engaged and connected with the way we tell the story.
’
One of the main visual themes of the production is books; moving bookcases float across the stage, closing in on the young prince as the story unfolds. Patrick added: ‘We’ve been working on the set for months and I have to say that this production is very detailed and clever in the use of space, sound and lighting.’
Around 5,000 people are e pected to attend the stafford gatehouse theatre production, from June 24 to July 5. Stafford Grammar School has been announced as the headline sponsor and Marketing Manager Keith Harrison said: ‘We’re delighted to be partnering with such a prestigious Stafford school. Bringing the bard to new generations is at the centre of our mission and seeing his work on stage is by far the best way to e perience the thrill of his work. it’s going to be something really special.’ Tickets from the Bo Office 01785 619080 or www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk
Please note: Opening nig t performance SOLD O
Just Brilliant June Reads
This month we take in fact and fiction, from the Caribbean to Long Island, across the Atlantic and towards the Steel City.
Shiny Happy Singles by Lucy Meggeson (June 19th)
Part investigation, part celebration, Shiny Happy Singles explores what it means to thrive as a single, childfree women in a world that insists happiness only comes in pairs.
It is a book that invites women everywhere to embrace their independence, let go of shame and live fabulously.
The Accidental Tour-ist by Ned Boulting (June 19th)
Picking up where his bestselling memoir
left off 15 years ago, Ned Boulting’s love for cycling has deepened further, as is evident in a brilliant book that takes us behind the scenes at races across Europe, the Middle East, to China, Malaysia and around Italy.
Long Island by Colm Tóibín (June 5th)
A Book of the Year everywhere from The Times to The New Yorker, The Economist to The Daily Telegraph, Long Island is a love story for the ages torn apart by a stranger and a revelation that needs to be embraced or discarded, and quickly.
Shipwrecks of the Outer Banks by James D Charlet (June 7th)
More than 6,000 ships have met their doom in the waters along the North Carolina coast, weaving a rich history of tragedy, drama and heroics along these picturesque beaches.
These are the stories of daring rescues, tragic failures and enduring mysteries.
Denefield House, Penkridge, ST19 5DR. Offers over 380,000
FREEHOLD
Noah’s Ark was impressive, and this incredibly deceptive home is equally as spacious, both inside and out. This delightful home is an opportunity we rarely get the pleasure to market, due to it’s uniqueness and individuality. Booking a viewing is highly recommended to truly appreciate the character and space on offer. With a versatile layout providing an array of usage, you’ll definitely have options. This detached dormer bungalow provides bedroom accommodation to both floors, as well as a ground floor bathroom and first floor shower room. Flexible living space and a rather large rear garden would be perfect for the family orientated purchaser. To add a cherry on top, there’s no upward chain and there will be vacant possession. Don’t delay, call today!
Large Enviable Plot With Extensive Garden
Utility & Guest W/C
Versatile Layout With Two Receptions
Four/Five Bedroom Dormer Bungalow No Upward Chain
Deceptively Spacious Detached House
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Patient Liaison Service Reaches Record Milestone
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, the lifesaving emergency service has achieved a new milestone.
The charity’s patient liaison and aftercare service has now received more than 100 responses to its patient and relative feedback surveys which were introduced in April 2024. The surveys enable people to leave their feedback which is used to further improve the patient care that Midlands Air Ambulance Charity provides.
Through these surveys, patients and their families can also be put in direct contact with the clinicians who treated them or their loved one, with many wishing to say thanks for the lifesaving care they received. The patient liaison and after care service provides invaluable emotional and practical support to those who have been involved in life-changing incidents and their families.
Kerry Hemus, patient liaison lead and critical care paramedic for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said: “We are dedicated to provided outstanding care to our patients and their loved ones, this is why we offer a dedicated patient liaison and aftercare service that supports our past and present patients through their recovery as well as provide help for bereaved families through their grief.”
Together, Kerry and her colleague Rob Davies are available to offer support, information about patients’ incidents and signpost to additional support services. They can be
contacted via email: patient.liaison midlandsairambulance . com or by calling the charity’s headquarters on 0800 8 40 20 40.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity serves the largest air ambulance region in the UK. This includes the communities of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, and Worcestershire, representing a population in excess of six million. The charity responds to an average of 4,300 missions each year.
Each year it costs £16million just to keep the three charity helicopters and fleet of critical care cars operational. Each air ambulance mission costs £2,950 on average and each critical care car mission costs £288, which is entirely funded by the generosity of the public and local businesses.
To find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s patient liaison and aftercare service, please visit: midlandsairambulance.com/ missions/patient-liaison-service.
For more information on the vital work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit midlandsairambulance.com.
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
CROSS WORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
5. Providing or obtaining food (9)
8. Plant used for flavouring (4)
9. Having the ability to attract (8)
10. To extend (7)
11. A condition (5)
13. Excessive pride (5)
15. Those who suffer from harmful event (7)
18. To increase (8)
19. Without covering, exposed (4)
20. Assigned to a lower position (9)
DOWN
1. A thin film of soapy water (6)
2. A facial expression showing discomfort (7)
3. Male deer (5)
4. Secret (6)
6. A luxurious apartment (9)
7. A natural, often permanent mark (9)
12. Container used for holding burning coals (7)
14. Fashioned into a specific form (6)
16. A small, flat electronic device (6)
17. Cooked by dry heat (5)
Sudoku
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.
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
Author of The Cake Decorator’s Bible, Angela Nilsen, offers this stunning take on a classic British pud.
Method
1. Hull the strawberries and cut them in halves or quarters. Strip the blackcurrants and redcurrants – keep both the currants separate from the other fruits.
2. Tip the sugar into a wide, not too deep, saucepan. Measure in 3 tbsp water and the cassis. Put the pan on a low heat and cook, stirring often, until you can no longer hear the crunch of sugar grains on the bottom of the pan. Next turn up the heat to medium-high and let the mixture bubble away for about 8 minutes. Let it go syrupy but don’t let it change colour or caramelise.
3. Tip the blackcurrants and redcurrants into the hot syrup, then bring everything back up to a lively simmer and let it bubble again for no more than a minute, just to lightly burst and soften the currants without
losing their shape. Take the pan off the heat.
4. Gently stir in the strawberries and raspberries – a large metal spoon is best so they don’t break up – and let the fruity mixture sit for about half an hour so the juices all mix in.
5. Trim crusts off bread. Cut a little square (about 4cm) from one slice and put it in the bottom of a 1.2 litre pudding basin. Using a big, slotted spoon, put a layer of fruit (about 3 spoonfuls) over the bread. Next lay a slice of bread in the centre over the fruit trimming to fit and fill any gaps with trimmings of bread so the fruit is covered. Continue layering with more fruit, more bread,
then a final layer of fruit. Spoon over a few spoonfuls of juice. Cover the fruit with a final layer of bread, press down to compact everything, cover with cling film, and put a weighty cover over the top. Leave in the fridge overnight.
6. To turn out, go round the edge of the pudding with a round-bladed knife to release it, then invert it on to a plate. Enjoy!
Credit-
GoodHousekeep
Stripe It Lucky
Stripes not only make a great fashion statement, but they can also add style and flair to your home. Here are some of the ways those simple lines can transform even the plainest of rooms into something lovingly lavish.
Paint pals
In the same way that vertical stripes on a dress can make you appear longer and slimmer, they can make a room appear taller and more spacious.
Choose contrasting colours for a dramatic effect or subtle tones for a more elegant look. Horizontal stripes on the other hand are perfect for making a room look wider and more expansive. This is ideal for smaller spaces that need a visual boost.
Alternatively, select just one wall to draw focus on and make it wonderful.
Wallpaper wonders
Wallpaper is much cooler than it used to be and stripes, well they are always on trend; therefore, you can’t
go wrong with striped wallpaper. Choose wallpapers with strong stripe patterns to create a striking effect.
This works well in hallways or small rooms where you want to make an impact.
As a simpler variation, understated stripes can add texture and interest without overwhelming the space.
Soft stripes
Stripes aren’t just for your walls. Chairs, sofas, and benches with striped fabric can become a talking point in your home, while striped rugs can be used to add colour and cover up a dull or stained floor.
Striped curtains can frame your windows beautifully and add vertical emphasis to the room, or if you don’t want to fully commit to the stripe, simply invest in a few throws or pillows for a more informal feel.
Earn your stripes
Wall art that features stripes is a terrific way to brighten up a dull and gloomy room, particularly if it is textured using different paint styles or fabrics.
You can also invest in lamps and shades that boast a
funky pattern to liven up a drab bedroom, or those with a more gallic inclination can purchase linen tablecloths, runners or napkins to add that classic French elegance.
Mix and match
Combine floral patterns with stripes for a balanced and more feminine feel. Stripes paired with geometric shapes will make your space feel supremely cool and modern, whereas those in differing shades of the same colour are more subtle, for those who prefer a more understated look.
Colour wise, bold tones add energy and style, muted numbers add a more timeless feel (for the traditionalist), and contrasting colours are for the quirkiest among us, or die-hard Austin Powers fans. Groovy baby!
WHAT’S ON IN JUNE
AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Regular Events and Activities at your local Library this month
STEP INTO THE DEEP SOUTH AT PERTON LIBRARY
Tuesday 17th June
Arrive for 6:30pm, film starts at 7pm
Join Us for a Special Screening of O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Step into the Deep South with the Coen Brothers’ cult classic, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, at Perton Library!
Follow the misadventures of three escaped convicts (led by George Clooney) as they journey through a beautifully stylized 1930s Mississippi, encountering wild characters, hilarious mishaps, and a legendary bluegrass soundtrack.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this screening is a perfect way to enjoy a timeless blend of comedy, music, and adventure.
Refreshments available on arrival.
Free entry – just bring yourself (and maybe a love for classic American folk music)!
Reserve your spot now or drop in on the night. Don’t miss this cinematic gem on the big screen!
In partnership with Film Hub Midlands.
Perton Library – More Than Just Books!
COMPTON CARE BEREAVEMENT HUB
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.
A FAMILY AT WAR
Perton Library Thursday 5th June 7pm - 9:00pm
A presentation for VE Day and VJ Day by Andrew Lound
The second world war affected millions of ordinary people. In this presentation prepared for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the story of one midlands’ family’s experience. The Waite family and their associated members hailed from West Bromwich and Birmingham, who in peacetime held various employment including scale making and weighbridge fitting. Some were in the Home Guard, others in the Army, RAF, the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy.
In a very personalised presentation, the story of individual members’ experiences are told from the blitz to D Day, and the long slog to VE day.
Some of the war’s most iconic events are covered, DDay, Arnhem, and Belsen. There are lighter moments too, such as Hitler’s arrival at an air raid shelter in Hockley!
Complete with music, special effects, and video. So get out the beer, make the cake it is time for a street party.
£4 per person
Refreshments served during an intermission
Please contact Perton Library 01902 506050 email perton.library@staffordshire.gov.uk to book your tickets
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.
For more information and regular events, see www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Libraries
Penkridge Juniors Turns 40
Join Us for a Fun-Filled Celebration Day!
Penkridge Junior Football Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to celebrate we’ll be hosting a huge Fun Day in Penkridge which we invite you all to join!
On Saturday the 14th June, we’ll be hosting a full day of celebrations at the Monkton Sports & Recreation Centre, with activities, entertainment, and more starting from 11am in the morning running all the way through to 11pm in the evening. The day will feature exciting exhibition matches, live bands in the evening, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Adult tickets are only £5 each, and children can join in the festivities for FREE!
Founded in 1985 by a group of local dads, Penkridge Juniors FC began with a simple goal: to provide a place for their children to play football. Fast forward to today, and the club has grown into a thriving, FA-accredited community hub. Over the past decade, we’ve seen significant growth, including the development of Penkridge’s first 3G pitch at Penkridge Leisure Centre, thanks to our partnership with Wolgarston High School and the Staffs FA.
Today, with over 80 volunteers across 24 teams, Penkridge Juniors FC supports more than 300 children, from our under-7s to our under-17s. We’ve produced incredible talent over the years,
including Gemma Lawley, who now plays for Birmingham City Ladies.
As we mark our 40th anniversary, we’re excited for the future, and our long-term goal is to find a permanent home for the club. Every penny raised at our fun day will go toward making this dream a reality! We hope you’ll join us in celebrating everything we’ve achieved and help us continue to grow in the years to come.
For more information and to book your tickets, please visit our website: www.pjfc.co.uk/40thanniversary-funday
