Staffordshire Outlook magazine October 2019

October/November 2019

Great Prizes to be won inside this issue: Win 4 tickets to Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort Win a pair of tickets for A Taste of Honey at the Grand Theatre Win a pair of tickets to The Festive Gift Fair at the NEC Win a pair of tickets for Totally Tina at the Victoria Hall

Delivered to: Acton Trussell, Castlefields, Great Haywood, Gnosall, Haughton, Hixon, Little Haywood, Littleworth, Moss Pit, Parkside, Penkridge, Rowley Park and Western Downs

Local Magazine delivered to 20,000 selected Homes and Businesses*

Bring the outside into your home..

Windows Windows&&Feature FeatureFront FrontDoors Doors Curved CurvedGlass Glass Glass Balustrade Designer Doors & Balconies Glass GlassPartitions Balustrade & Balconies Glass Sliding Patio Doors, GlassDoors, Partitions Bi-fold Doors Glass Doors, Sliding Patio Doors, Shop Fronts, Canopies Bi-fold Doors & Entrance Glass Shop Fronts, Canopies & Entrance Glass

Tech Aluminium Systems Limited, Unit 10 Rumer Hill Business Estate, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0ET T: 01543 467272 E: admin@techalum.co.uk www.techalumsystems.co.uk Images on this page are recent projects.

A Message From the Editor Hello readers, Welcome to the October/November edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine.

This year is flying by, summer is over and autumn has arrived! We have Halloween this month and we have spooky pages in this edition.

The dark nights are also coming so don’t forget to put your clocks back on the 27th October.

The winners from the August edition are below.

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. We continue to have some lovely comments from the winners of the great prizes they have won in the magazine. Don’t forget to enter the fantastic competitions in this edition to win 4 tickets for Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort, a pair of tickets for A Taste of Honey at the Grand Theatre, a pair of tickets to Totally Tina at the Victoria Hall and tickets for The Festive Gift Fair at the NEC. You could be one of the lucky winners, good luck!

Congratulations to:

We hope that our readers will use these reputable companies that advertise, when the need arises, and don’t forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook if using any of the advertisers!

If you are a business owner and would like to be featured in the Staffordshire Outlook magazine then please contact us on the details below.

If you belong to a local group or charity and would like forthcoming events published in this magazine please email info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

Enjoy your read ….. Myrna

Winner of a pair of tickets to Cabaret at the Grand Theatre Mel Ellement, Moss Pit Winner of six tickets to Madness at Wolverhampton Racecourse Kate Jones, Penkridge Winner of a pair of premium season passes for Alton Towers Robyn Venables, Gnosall Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Ltd Tel: 01952 321334 Staffordshire Outlook Magazine is published

by Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Limited www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Advertising enquiries Sharon Caldwell - Sales Director Email: sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Editorial/What’s on information Myrna Caldwell – Editor Email: info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk Magazine design: Kate Dalgliesh - Graphic Designer Email: design@etakcreative.co.uk

Contents Midland Independent

4/5 Shugborough Estate 6 A taste of honey at the Grand Theatre 8 Stafford Coastal Cruising Group 10 SI Cannock 10 Shield Garage Roller Doors 12 Rita Sanders 14 Pumpkin Festival 16 Puzzles 18 Win tickets for Scarefest 20 Linwood Trade Supplies 22 Tech Aluminum Systems Ltd 24 Lowes Building & Maintenance 25 Stafford Riverway Link 26 Rugeley Fireplace and Stoves 27 The Naples collection 28 Roofix 29 Crocosmia – Stars of the Autumn Garden 32 Paint Wizard 33 Premier Carpets and Flooring 36/37 3 Hammers juniors win golf 38 Essington Cemetery 40 Farms Gin a winner 42 Nick Pink Pong 42 Totally Tina 44 Tracy Mason Travel 46 Recipe 48 I Care 49 La Minky 50 You can end up in jail 54 Stafford U3A 54 DJM Jewellery 55 Festive Gift Fair 56 Sue Starr 57 Local company saves Bee’s 58 Pet Paw Traits by Katia 59 5 marathons in 5 days 60 Simon Hobbs Vein Clinic 61 Cupra Ateca by Rob Taylor 62 Volkswagen T-Cross by Rob Taylor 63 What are Lasting Powers of Attorney 64 Index of advertisers 65 Puzzle Solutions 65 Stafford Grammar & Prep School 66

We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Staffordshire Outlook magazine and whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert or editorial. 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. Staffordshire Outlook magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in any retrieval system of transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photo copying or otherwise – without the prior consent of Staffordshire Outlook magazine.*total distribution 20,000 copies across two months.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

3

advertisement feature

Simple Tax Saving TipS

1. Help to buy ISA

2. Marriage Allowance

For any first time buyers this is a must and for any parents or grandparents who want to assist towards a first property purchase then this is a great way of doing so.

These ISAs are cash-based and set up with most banks.

You can start with an initial amount of £1,200 and save up to £200 per month up to a maximum of £12,000 and, if used towards a deposit on a first property purchase, your solicitor will claim back the tax which results in a 25% uplift.

For any married couples where one spouse does not fully utilise their personal allowance and the other is a basic rate tax payer, you can transfer 10% of the personal allowance which will save £250 in tax this tax year. It can also be backdated to 6th April 2015.

3. Auto-enrolment I am alarmed by the number of employees who have opted out of their employer’s pension scheme thinking that pensions are a waste of money.

Where else can you double your money overnight and even after tax, for every £10 you invest you will receive a return of £17.

For higher rate tax payers the savings are even greater.

Please note that to qualify there has to be a minimum amount of £1,600 saved in the ISA.

4. Nearing retirement, higher rate tax payer? Invest in a pension rather than an ISA For anyone nearing retirement, rather than saving into an ISA, invest your money into a pension and benefit from the tax credit.

For higher rate tax payers, if you invest £60, HMRC pay £40 4

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

which gives a total contribution of £100. If on retirement you become a basic rate tax payer, after tax, this will return you £85.

5. Non taxpayers contribute to a pension For anyone over the age of 55 with little or no earnings, you can contribute £2,880 per annum into a pension which will attract a HMRC credit of £720, giving a total contribution of £3,600.

You can then withdraw this in its entirety and providing your total income is less than your personal allowance, it will be tax free.

6. Thinking of retiring early? Make sure you utilise your personal allowance in retirement This is particularly appealing for anyone with savings who is still working, does not have any significant retirement provision and is looking to retire in the near future For an example of how this works, I have recently met with new clients where one has retired on his 60th birthday and his spouse is looking to retire in 3 years’ time on or before her

63rd birthday. She has very little in the way of pension provision and does not receive her state pension until she is 63 however they do have savings and she is currently earning £14,000 per annum.

I have recommended that she contributes £11,200 into her pension from her savings which will attract a HMRC tax credit of £2,800 and I have suggested that she does this for 3 years. When she then retires she can withdraw this money completely tax free as she will not have any other taxable earnings which in effect gives her a 25% uplift on her savings and in these days of low interest rates, for a no risk return this is unbeatable.

And finally, not tax related but please review your pensions regularly!

One of my greatest bugbears in life is the number of people who have money saved in pensions and take no interest or can’t be bothered to look at the annual statements when they arrive.

There are so many old style pension contracts still in existence that have expensive annual management charges, poor investment fund choice and offer no post retirement options.

Looking at investment returns in isolation, there are some policies with Phoenix Life that have not paid any bonus since the turn of the century and many more companies have funds invested

in closed funds that are poorly invested giving mediocre returns.

Treat your pensions like you would money in a bank as basically with the new rules that is exactly what it is. The number of new clients I meet who have, in some cases, over £100,000 invested in pensions with companies who are no longer active in the marketplace is staggering so please don’t fall into the trap of thinking your pension is not worth bothering with - do something today?

If you would like more information or need advice on your specific circumstances please feel free to contact the author John Webb of Midland Independent Financial Services Limited on 01543 468877 or john.webb@ midlandifa.co.uk

John Webb

John Webb is a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, the highest accolade designated by that organisation. The Personal Finance Society is the professional body for the Financial Advisory Profession in the United Kingdom, promoting the highest standards of technical knowledge, client service and ethical practice.

Midland Independent Financial Services is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Midland Independent Financial Services Ltd, 153 Avon Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1LF. Telephone 01543 468877.

www.midlandifa.co.uk

Enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer at Shugborough Estate this autumn.

Come and enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer during the autumn months at Shugborough Estate. The Staffordshire property, which has been open under the National Trust since March 2017, is the perfect place to enjoy a day out during the colder months, with activities and adventures for all the family in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

There is no better place to be than Shugborough when the seasons change. The Estate covers 900 acres of Grade 1 listed Parkland, full of a variety of tree species that are shedding their fiery leaves. The gardening team are working hard to make sure that the beautiful gardens are prepared for the cold weather approaching, come and see them in action, and make sure to take a look in the Plant Centre to see if there is any tasty seasonal produce from the Walled Garden that you fancy taking home for a small donation. If you’re interested in the gardens, you may enjoy one of the Garden Discovery Tours that are happening on the 16th and 19th October, or perhaps the Autumnal Flower Arranging session on the 24th October.

If you’re bringing your little ones for some fun, be sure to head over to the play area ‘Explorer’s Wood’, have a go on the zip wire, and try to complete some of the ’50 things to do before you're 11¾ list. At Shugborough you can fly a kite, jump in muddy puddles, or play pooh sticks Essex Bridge. There’s also plenty to keep the little ones occupied during October half term. Shugborough will have a ‘lost and found’ trail across the estate this season, an opportunity for children to discover missing monuments and learn about the landscape.

On Wednesday 30 October and Thursday 31 October, you will have the opportunity to view the gardens from a new perspective during a Go Canoeing! session, or if you fancy making your very own magic wand using traditional green woodworking techniques, why not take part in a Wand Making Workshop on Saturday 2 November or Sunday 3 November?

It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas, so put Shugborough at the top of your list for a festive visit. The Georgian Mansion is closed during November so that it can be thoroughly cleaned and conserved. During this time, beautiful festive decorations will be installed, so be sure to come back in December for some Christmastime delights. From 30 November, the Mansion will be filled with unique decorations inspired by the designed landscape of Shugborough. Come

6

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

and see the beautiful decorations adoring the estate, or join in at the carol evening on the 6 December and the lantern parades on the 20 and 21 December.

Entry to the estate is now just £10 per adult on a Tuesday, with children over 5 just £5, until Tuesday 29 October. Children under 5 go free so enjoy the offer while it’s available!

All members have to do is to scan their card for entrance to the entire Estate. The site is open year round, only closing on Christmas day. The National Trust is a charity, meaning that your memberships, visits and any money you spend whilst on site, all goes towards caring for Shugborough Estate. Buying a membership will also allow you entrance into over 500 other National Trust properties, including Wightwick Manor and Gardens in Wolverhampton, Biddulph Grange Garden near Stoke-on-Trent and Attingham Park near Shrewsbury.

Š National Trust 2019. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography Š National Trust Images

Moments to remember made at Shugborough Estate this Autumn

Discover missing monuments and learn about the landscape in our 'lost and found' trail this October half-term.

Social icon

Circle

nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate

Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Competition

One lucky winner can win a pair of tickets to see A TASTE OF HONEY on Tuesday 5 November The National Theatre brings Shelagh Delaney’s career defining play A TASTE OF HONEY to Wolverhampton from Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 November. We have a pair of tickets to give away to the press night on Tuesday 5 November at 7:30pm.

Jodie Prenger (Oliver! One Man, Two Guvnors, Abigail’s Party UK tour) joins the cast as Helen.

Directed by Bijan Sheibani (Barber Shop Chronicles), this British classic is an exhilarating depiction of working-class life in post-war Salford.

When her mother Helen runs off with a car salesman, feisty teenager Jo takes up with Jimmy, a sailor who promises to marry her, before he heads for the seas leaving her pregnant and alone. Art student Geoff moves in and assumes the role of surrogate parent until, misguidedly, he sends for Helen and their unconventional setup unravels.

Don’t miss your chance to see one of the great taboo-breaking plays of the 1950’s! Book tickets from the Box Office, by calling 01902 42 92 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk.

8

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Sunday 27th October 2019.

Winners will be notified by telephone.

Jodie first shot to fame on which TV talent search to win the role of Nancy in ‘Oliver!’?

A) B) C) D)

Over The Rainbow Any Dream Will Do Grease Is The Word I’d Do Anything

Competition Terms and Conditions Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the night of the show on Tuesday 5th November 2019. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity

advertorial

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Has Your Double Cloudy2Clear Announce advertorial

Glazing Steamed Up? Trusted Trader Partnership

it makes good business tradespeople perhaps don’t Consumer champions Group Managing sense. I get a huge amount focus on customer care as Which? have now joined Director Marcus McGee much as they should do, we of business from friends the thousands of customers believes that Which? have make sure we turn up when and family of people I’ve who recognise that endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s services Trader, plus our no longer than 20 we say up with a simple and costlong standing Established for over a done work for, which we will, do the job Cloudy2Clear Windows company goes to show how andby justCannock really aresolution… a business that of delivering the the the customer decade Cloudy2Clear , Stafford workdon’t isrequires backed Once saving Just policyminutes. it makes good business tradespeople perhaps Consumer champions you Group Managing a little bit of effort leavean their house as clean as much can TRUST. The highest standards possible windows have become and surrounding industry leading quote isfocus completed, replace the glass!! sense.

I get a huge amount on customer care as Which? have now joined Director Marcus McGee is appreciated as both my a whistle. company which specialises at all times.

‘Our service a leading company areas.

So, ifobviously your 25 year guarantee. we will sitdouble down withshould If youbelieves see windows condensation from much as they we of business the thousands of customers that which Which? have customers and,friends Locallydo, Cloudy2Clear in repairing is simple.

If your for glass replacement. windows Cloudy2Clear also family you explain in your windows just glazing a body as people nationallyI’ve Cannock are steamed up, broken hasand misted up sure we the and of make weservice turn up when & the who recognise that endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s Issues with double arefor, steamed up,now replace faultyand locks problem and visit our or company give can replace important aswhich Which? surrounding areas or damaged by replacing thewe glass attell aweyou done work say will, do the job Cloudy2Clear longwebsite standing glazing can oftenWindows be manager Brianand Stanley –on not0800 the frames of the cost offix a broken handles hinges onrecognise.’ how wethe cancustomer us panes a call 61 21 fraction gradual andamay only that the just goes to show how requires and really are business policy of delivering the So, your windows that this approach has received the send coveted new window, any type orifdamaged give all it. Withinleave years of of agrees 118.

We will out possible beyou noticed during aThe much aarelittle bitup, ofbroken effort as windows clean as and can TRUST. highest steamed is a major ‘Which Trustedstandards Trader’ frame, and with a newtheir 5 yearhouse Brian agive doors.factor in histhat experience our highly experienced clear sunny which day orspecialises appreciated both my whistle. company allgoing times.

‘Our service or damagedas Brian a success. ‘The truth isis status at after through guarantee. Butait’s not just aquotation free on Your during the winter.

A which haveCloudy2Clear ait’s not for a If free callcall forand, afor freeobviously justfriendly the personal aengineers rigorous accreditation about Cloudy2Clear saving people money, customers Locally in repairing windows is simple. your double failed glass unit may no process local Cloudy2Clear wealth of knowledge no obligation quote.

61 21 118 on and he’ll be satisfaction that I get afrom entirely has focussed on up although that obviously body0800 asquotation nationally service Cannock & the are steamed glazing misted we longer provideup, youbroken with customer happy to help! doing a good job also service. quote helps.and Whilst of 0800 61 21 118. specialist isbut Brian area number recognised A Cloudy2Clear

important as Which? now surrounding areas and orprotection damaged by replace the glass at a the youreplacing need takescan Stanley and he as a Which Trusted on average recognise.’ manager Brian Stanley not the frames fraction of the cost of a orthe be panes energy–efficient.

So, if your windows has not received coveted new window, in any type of agrees that this approach Why spendthe a few Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE minutes your are steamed up, broken ‘Whichchecking Trusted Trader’ frame, and with a new 5 year is a major factor in his All Customers That An Average home toafter see ifgoing you through or damaged give Brian a success. ‘The truth is that status guarantee.

But it’s not just Quote Will Take No Longer have any failed double call for a free quotation on a rigorous accreditation about saving people money, it’s not just the personal Than 20 MINS!!! glazing?

If you act now satisfaction that I get from 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be process entirely focussed on although that obviously you can avoid these happy to help! doing a good job but also customer service. helps. Whilst a number of problems.

Now, you may think you need to replaceGUARANTEE the Cloudy2Clear whole window including All Customers That An Average the frames and all the Quote Will Take No Longer hardware, however Than 20 MINS!!!

Cloudy2Clear have come

CREATING A NEW CREATING A NEW • Loft Conversions RELAXING SPACE A NEW RELAXING SPACE SPACE • Manufacturers of

ONSTRUCTION

Bespoke Staircases

• Loft Conversions • Loft Conversions • Manufacturers of •Bespoke Manufacturers of Staircases Bespoke Staircases

Freephone: 0800 136 152 w: • www.loft-conversions.com Loft Conversions Freephone: 0800 136 152

CREATING A NEW w: www.loft-conversions.com Freephone: 0800 136 152 e: enquiries@loft-conversions.com w: www.loft-conversions.com Manufacturers of RELAXING SPACE •e: enquiries@loft-conversions.com e: enquiries@loft-conversions.com

Bespoke Staircases

FREE DESIGN & QUOTATION 50 FREE Park Street, Bridgtown, DESIGN &Cannock, QUOTATION Staffordshire, WS11 0BT, UK FREE DESIGN & QUOTATIONCompany DESIGN • PLANNING • CONSTRUCTION Reg no: 03668849 | Vat number: 715499802 50 Park Street, Bridgtown, Cannock, 50 Park Street, Bridgtown, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0BT, UK

DESIGN • PLANNING • CONSTRUCTION

Staffordshire, WS11 0BT, UK

Company Reg no: 03668849 | Vat number: 715499802

Company Reg no: 03668849 | Vat number: 715499802

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

9

Stafford Coastal Cruising Club

Round GB Yacht Skipper to Teach In Stone Three years ago Michael Goodwin, 63, sailed around Great Britain in his yacht Blue Star, raising £30,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Now Stafford Coastal Cruising Club have contracted Michael, a former university academic, to teach the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Day Skipper theory course on their behalf. The course will be delivered on Saturday mornings at a venue in Stone and is aimed at all aspiring yacht skippers planning to sail off into the sunset aboard their own boat. Michael explained ‘This is the first step to fulfilling your dream of captaining your own boat, whether it be for your new lifestyle or simply to charter a boat for next year’s holiday. No previous experience is needed to study on the course. Successful completion of the follow-on practical course then equips you to take command of a yacht with more confidence.’

Michael, himself a member of Stafford Coastal Cruising Club, recently led both a club sailing week in Corfu, and the club’s entry in the Round The Island Race around the Isle of Wight. The club facilitates members getting together to organise sailing weeks, and over the winter months hosts regular presentations on sailing matters.

You do not have to sail in order to be a member of the club however - many members simply enjoy the social programme. Whilst membership of the club is encouraged, it is not required for enrolment on the Day Skipper course.

Anyone who is interested in joining the RYA Day Skipper course, which starts in November, should contact Michael via the Stafford Coastal Cruising Club website, or email training@ staffordcoastalcruising.org, or tel: 07817122491

SI CANNOCK & DISTRICT Women's Aid On Friday August 31st more than 70 members and friends of Cannock Soroptimists enjoyed a Fun Quiz and Fish and Chips supper at St Mary’s Social Club, Cannock. There were 16 teams and the evening was a great success. President of SI Cannock, Trish Smith, was both the compiler and the Quiz Mistress who kept everyone in order and adjudicated extremely well.

Information about Cannock Soroptimists can be found on their website: www.sigbi.org/cannock-anddistrict; on their face book page: www.facebook.com/ SICannock; or the twitter account @sicannock

It was a fun evening of laughter and friendship which also raised money for Staffordshire Women’s Aid, the charity which provides support and accommodation for victims of Domestic Violence primarily in the Cannock and Stafford areas.

The worthy winning quiz team was the Cannock Chasers. The evening and the raffle together raised £367.00 which will be added to other monies raised throughout the year and presented when Trish Smith’s term of office comes to an end as Staffordshire Women’s Aid is her charity for the year.

10 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

Photo: Winning team Cannock Chasers with Trish Smith [centre], President, SI Cannock & District

KARNDEAN AND CARPET SHOWROOM MON - FRI 8.00am - 5:00pm SAT 10:00am - 3:00pm

For a free no obligation site survey and measuring service call 01902 745491 Unit 9 Walton Works industrial Estate, Macrome Road, Claregate, Wolverhampton, WV6 9HD 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK Shop online @ www.premierflooringltd.com

11

Welcome to Shield roller garage doors All doors are remotely operated and come with 2 remotes as standard In the event of a power loss the doors also come with a standard manual winding handle to enable the door to be manually opened and closed.

All doors now come with wireless bottom rail safety edge as standard. (An expensive optional extra on lots of other doors).

Why fit one of our doors? All our doors are engineered to produce a premium product that not only protects your home but is aesthetically pleasing and enhances your home.

This helps prevent accidental closing of the door onto objects or persons under the door.

The doors are constructed from interlocking 55mm or 77mm interlocking aluminium slats and filled with CFC-free insulating foam, which combines strength and insulating properties this helps insulate and protect your property.

The cleverly designed auto locking top straps ensure that your door is secure once shut eliminating the need for any keys or additional locking devices.

12

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

All the doors supplied by us have been independently tested by a UKAS accredited laboratory come with a one year warranty on all parts and fitting and are fully CE approved.

All of our doors are bespoke, fitted to your garage on-site and comes available in 5 colours for you to choose from.

Call: 07401375138 Web: shieldrollergaragedoors.moonfruit.com Facebook: shield roller garage doors

WHY WHY PAY PAY MORE MORE FOR FOR THE THE SAME SAME ROLLER ROLLER GARAGE GARAGE DOOR DOOR

SPECIAL OPENING OFFER

October October 2016 2016

13 13

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 13

Always a Pleasure by Rita Sanders Over thirty years ago, my husband and I decided to get a dog. After much deliberation, we chose a Samoyed. I contacted the Breed Association for a list of breeders who had recently had a litter of pups. I rang the breeder nearest to us but unfortunately all the puppies had gone to new homes but she said that if she could think of anyone who had a puppy for sale, she would let us know. Two days later she rang me to say that one of the pups (who was now six months old) had been returned to her and asked if we were still interested. We went down to see the dog, immediately fell in love with her and brought her home with us. We called her Zara.

Zara was a big hit in the village, no-one had ever seen a Samoyed before. The children called her ‘the polar bear dog.’

Although she was beautiful with a lovely nature, if left alone she was very destructive. She did a lot of damage to the house and to personal property. She should have put me off the breed altogether, but fortunately, she didn’t.

In order to find out more about the breed, we joined the British Samoyed Club and at the end of our first AGM we found ourselves on the committee. We met some really nice people who were very knowledgeable about the breed and the general consensus of opinion on Zara’s behaviour was that she was suffering from separation anxiety and perhaps a furry friend may help. It was through the BSC that we heard about the Samoyed Rescue Society and because I care very much about animal welfare I wanted to learn more about the work of the rescue.

It was through the Rescue Society that we heard about our next Samoyed. He was 23 months old and had been taken in by a rescue kennel in South Wales. We drove for four hours through snow to go and see him. He was painfully thin and could barely walk. I knew immediately that I couldn’t leave him there so he came home with us. We called him Max. Sadly, Zara died and Max missed her dreadfully, we needed to get another Samoyed. We heard about Tia, she was six months old when she came to live with us.

When Max died, we needed a friend for Tia and along came Siani, she was around eight years old. She had been living in a barn and been used as a ‘breeding machine.’

14

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

Whilst we still had both Tia and Siani we heard of an eighteen month old dog who had been bouncing from kennels to homes and back to kennels. I didn’t really want three dogs but agreed to give it a try to see how it worked out. We called him Tsar, he was a lovely dog and a real gentleman around my two ‘old girls.’ When Tia and Siani died, we welcomed Misty into our home. She was ten years old and a gentle old soul.

It was around this time that I retired and decided to write a book detailing the individual stories of my beautiful dogs. My book is called Always a Pleasure and contains lots of coloured pictures of all six dogs. It is available for purchase direct from the publishers www.authorhouse.com or from Amazon. There is also an eBook version available to download.

I can’t imagine my life without a dog. To me, having a dog is Always a Pleasure.

After my book had been published, we rescued Samoyed number 7, her name was Faith and she came to live with us when she was six years old. Sadly she died suddenly just before her 10th birthday. We were absolutely devastated.

We immediately started the search for another Samoyed to rescue. We now have Samoyed number 8. His name is Zeus, we’ve had him for four years and he will be five next month.

He is a typical Sammy, he is full of energy and loves life, we live in the country and he is fascinated with birds and squirrels and he has made lots of doggy friends in the village.

If you have had dogs for years, have just got your first dog or are thinking of getting one, I am sure that there is something in the book that will be of interest to you.

The UK’s No1 dry carpet and upholstery and hard floor cleaners

Ready for your

LOCAL

Best Ever Clean?

Family Run Business

Leather Cleaning Specialists Restoration & Recolouring

Why Choose me?

Honest and reliable service from a retired Royal Marines Commando, exceptional results at a price you can afford, proud to have served my country and proud to serve you

CHOOSE US TO CLEAN YOUR SOFA

AND WE’LL CLEAN YOUR LIVING ROOM CARPET FOR

1/2 PRICE

Dry carpet cleaning Upholstery cleaning Hard floor cleaning Wooden floor cleaning

Domestic & Commercial

0800 180 4901

zerodrytime.com

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 15

Pumpkin Festival at Canalside Farm…

After the huge success of their first ever Pumpkin Festival last year, Canalside Farm, near Stafford will be holding an even bigger and better Pumpkin Festival this October. The ‘Pumpkin Patch’ will open on the 19th and 20th of October, ready for visitors to select their own pumpkin from the field. There will also be a whole host of free, family-friendly activities from a Whacky Wheelbarrow Course to the Freaky Farm Trail.

It will also be open during the half-term school holidays from Saturday 26th to Thursday 31st October, so there will be plenty to keep the children entertained whilst they’re off school.

Owner of the Farm, Chris Barton said: “We were delighted by the reaction we had last year, especially as it was our first ever Pumpkin Festival, so we have planted even more pumpkins this year and are hoping for around 8,000! Children love the ‘Pumpkin Patch’ and it allows them to see first-hand how this spectacular fruit is grown (yes pumpkins are a fruit not a vegetable!)

They seem to really enjoy going into the field and picking their own pumpkin, and this year there are such a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, including green, orange, yellow and white ones – a perfect pumpkin for everyone.”

If you would like to attend the Pumpkin Festival it will run from the 19th October and will be open from 9am – 4.30pm. It is free to enter, with just a small charge for the pumpkin (there is no need to pre-book).

16 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

For the first time this year, the Farm will also be running an exciting, child friendly, pumpkin evening – ‘Spooktacular!’

Further details will be announced shortly – keep an eye on their website for details on how to book www. canalsidefarm.co.uk There will also be plenty of refreshments available during the Festival, including a food tent full of spooky treats and a barbeque, serving meat straight from the Farm’s own butchery.

Canalside Farm, Shop and Café are open every day from 9am to 5pm and are located in Great Haywood, just 6 miles outside Stafford. The Farm is situated just off the A51, between Stone and Rugeley or can be accessed via the A518 from Stafford, turning right to Great Haywood (postcode ST18 0RQ).

For further information please telephone 01889 881747 or log onto the their website www. canalsidefarm.co.uk

HANDMADE RUGS FROM £10 AT CLEARANCE OUTLET

EVERY SHAPE, COLOUR & SIZE AVAILABLE AT CRAZY PRICES !

Clearance Outlet Ridings Park, Eastern Way, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 7FJ FrithRugs is a trading name of G H Frith (Bodelwyddan) Ltd.

ghf364_218x140_v3-cannock-yellow.indd 1

A460 Rugeley

Stafford

SAT NAV: A34 WS11 7FJ

M6

J12

A519 Litchfield A5190

Tel: 01543 468 383

A4601

A5

A460 A460 JT7

M6 J11

J11A

JT8

M6 TOLL A5

Open: Mon-Sat: 10.00-5.00, Sun & Bank Hols: 10.00 - 4.00 Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & Easter Sun

09/08/2019 13:37

Quick Crossword 1

2

3

4

7

5

6

Across 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 21 22 23

8

9

10

11

12

13 14

15

16

17

18

19 20

21

22

Across

23

1 2 3 4 5 6 12 14 16 18 19 21

Type of cloth (6) Not wealthy (4) Financial resources (7) Own up to (5) Hitting (8) Puzzle (6) Inspected (8) Shake (7) Gloomy (6) Goes into (6) Trimmed (5) Jealousy (4)

14 Shake (7)

7 Brave (6)

16 Gloomy (6)

8 Keep back (6)

18 Goes into (6)

9 On top of (4)

19 Trimmed (5)

10 Loudest (8)

Down

Brave (6) Keep back (6) On top of (4) Loudest (8) Small rivers (7) Looks at (5) Perfect (5) Laughed (7) Confuse (8) Consumes (4) Light wind (6) Inn (6)

PICTOGRAMS Movie Title Pictograms 2 words

21 Jealousy (4)

CIRCUI

11 Small rivers (7) 13 Looks at (5) 15 Perfect (5) 17 Laughed (7) 20 Confuse (8) 21 Consumes (4) 22 Light wind (6) 23 Inn (6) Down

Puzzle solutions 1 Type of cloth (6) on Page 64 2 Not wealthy (4)

18

3 Financial resources (7)

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

4 Own up to (5)

2 words INCLINATION HUNCH SENSE GUT FEELING IMPULSE

3 words EMPLOI LAVORO TRABAJO

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 19

HUGE NEW

NO

SPECIAL OPENING OFFERS

kitchens & appliances WASHING MACHINES

DISHWASHERS

WASHER DRYERS

Win a spooktacular visit to Scarefest at Alton Towers

For thrill-seekers, brace yourself for more spine-tingling terrors than ever before. The Resort’s three multi-awardwinning scare mazes return for 2019 with new terrifying twists, PLUS there’s a NEW maze joining the line-up, The Attic: Terror of the Towers – what horrifying truths will you discover? If that wasn’t enough, experience your favourite rides and attraction in the dark until 9pm, including Wicker Man, Nemesis and The Smiler!

There’ll be plenty for families to enjoy at this years’ Scarefest with a brand new maze, Darkest Depths. Dare you board the infamous ghost ship ‘The Mutiny’ as you try to escape the clutches of sirens and treacherous ghost pirates? What’s more, the Freaky Fun Zone returns with ghoulish games and goings on, plus meet and greets with your favourite Halloween friends, Skelvin, Patch, Franklin, Phil and Gretyl.

Watch out, the mischievous Alton Ancestors have risen from

CHEST FREEZERS

�ELLING � S�OVES � �E �IE�RICH �AUMA�IC � GOREN � S�A G re e

n Ln

GE

RAN

Proud suppor

the grave once more to perform fiendish flashbmobs across the Theme Park. For little ones, CBeebies fans can dress3up and join Centre (Next Unit Venture some of their favourite characters once again at the ‘CBeebies Green Lane, Cannock, WS11 Email: sales@empireappliances.co.uk Land Monsters’ Ball’ every day in Big Fun Showtime.

empireappliances �eli�ery and OPENING HOURS Monday - Satu

Scarefest this year is taking place on 5th - 6th, 12th - 13th October, and then every day from 18th October until 3rd November 2018 at Alton Towers Resort. www.altontowers.com/scarefest

For your chance to this spooktacular prize of 4 tickets to Scarefest, please answer the following question:

What is the name of the brand new maze at Scarefest? a) Darkest Secret

b) Darkest Depths

c) Darkest Place

Winners will be notified by telephone.

Specific Alton Towers Terms & Conditions The prize consists of 4 tickets which are valid on open dates until 3rd November 2019. The pass is for entry into the Theme Park only and does not include food or drink, Fastrack or any additional paid-for activities.

No cash alternative, non-transferrable and subject to availability.

Details of open dates and maze restrictions can be found at www.altontowers.com

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

FR

HUGE RANGE COOKER D

Email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 4PZ. Please include your name, address and telephone number. Entries to arrive by Friday 11th October 2019.

20

M

l Rd Walsal B r i dg e S t

As darkness descends on the Towers, enter the Alton Towers Dungeon for a little less laughing… and a lot more SCREAMING, with terrifying twists in store for traitors and sinners alike!

UNDER COUNTER FRIDGES

A3 4

Are you ready to join in the spooktacular fun?

Scarefest, the UK’s award-winning and most popular Halloween event with spooks, frights and thrills for everyone is returning to Alton Towers Resort for 2019!

CERAMIC HOBS

T D

HUGE HUGE HUGE NEW NEW NEW SHOWROOM SHOWROOM SHOWROOM AllMACHINES Customers That An Average the frames and all the Quote Will Take No Longer hardware, however Than 20 MINS!!!

Cloudy2Clear have come

COOKERS

DRYERS

COOKERS

NOW NOW NOW OPEN OPEN OPEN EW SHOWROOM

(NE X(NE T TO (NE X TTTO XHE T TO TRHE ANGE) T RHE ANGE) R ANGE)

SPECIAL OPENING SPECIALSPECIAL OPENING OFFERSOPENING OFFERS OFFERS

NOW OPEN

(N E X T T O T H E R A N G E)

BUILT IN MICROWAVES

WASHER CERAMIC HOBS kitchens & appliances DRYERS

ances

SINGLE OVENS

COOKER HOODS

HUGE NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN (next to the Range)

GAS GAS GAS TUMBLE TUMBLE TUMBLE TABLE TOP TABLETABLE TOP TOP WASHING WASHING WASHING ELECTRIC ELECTRIC COOKERS ELECTRIC COOKERS COOKERS DISHWASHERS DISHWASHERS DISHWASHERS COOKERS COOKERS COOKERS COOKERS DRYERSDRYERS DRYERS COOKERS COOKERS GAS TABLE TOP MACHINES MACHINES MACHINES ELECTRIC COOKERS

TUMBLE DRYERS

COOKERS

BUILT IN MICROWAVES

BUILTDOUBLE O

COOKERS

BUILT-IN

SINGLE OVENS

COOKER HOODS DOUBLE BUILT IN BUILT BUILT IN OVENS IN WASHER WASHER WASHER CERAMIC CERAMIC HOBS CERAMIC HOBSHOBS BUILT-IN BUILT-IN BUILT-IN MICROWAVES MICROWAVES MICROWAVES SINGLESINGLE OVENS SINGLE OVENS OVENS DRYERSDRYERS DRYERS HOODS COOKER HOODS HOODS UNDER COUNTER FRIDGE COOKERCOOKER DOUBLE DOUBLE OVENS DOUBLE OVENS OVENS CHEST MICROWAVES GAS HOBS

FRIDGES

FREEZERS

FREEZERS

BUILT UN OVENS

HUGE RANGE COOKER DISPLAY - WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON P

FRIDGE FREEZERS

MICROWAVES

GAS HOBS

BUILT UNDER OVENS

ER DISPLAY - WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON PRICE BUILT UNDER BUILTBUILT UNDER UNDER UNDERUNDER COUNTER UNDER COUNTER COUNTER FRIDGEMICROWAVES CHEST CHESTCHEST FRIDGEFRIDGE MICROWAVES MICROWAVES GAS HOBS GAS HOBS GAS HOBS OVENS OVENS OVENS FRIDGES FRIDGES FRIDGES FREEZERS FREEZERS FREEZERS FREEZERS FREEZERS FREEZERS NOW SELLING LAURA ASHLEY

HUGE RANGE COOKER DISPLAY

& SYMPHONY KITCHENS WERANGE WILL NOTCOOKER BECOOKER BEATEN ONDISPLAY PRICE HUGE HUGE HUGE RANGE RANGE COOKER DISPLAY DISPLAY - WE- WILL WE - WE WILL NOT WILL NOT BENOT BEATEN BE BE BEATEN BEATEN ON PRICE ON ON PRICE PRICE

� GORENJE � SERVIS � MON�PELLIER � SHARP � LG � ICE KING � HO�POIN� � IN�ESI� � �EKO � SMEG � S�A�ESMAN � C�A � HOOVER � CAN�� � SWAN

upporters of

�ELLING � SPECIAL S�OVES � �E �IE�RICH �AUMA�IC OPENING OFFERS � GORENJE � SERVIS � MON�PELLIER � SHARP � LG � ICE KING � HO�POIN� � IN�ESI� � �EKO � � S�A�ESMAN � C�A � HOOVER � CAN�� � SWAN

Telephone 01543 502536 n

Rdd l Rd sa Walsal allslall R WalW A34 A34 BridgSe tSt A34 Bridge St B r i dg e

�ELLING � S�OVES �ELLING � S�OVES � �E ��IE�RICH S�OVES �e�E ��AUMA�IC �E �IE�RICH �AUMA�IC � GORENJE �AUMA�IC � GORENJE � SERVIS � GORENJE ��SERVIS MON�PELLIER � SERVIS � MON�PELLIER � MON�PELLIER � SHARP� �SHARP LG ��ICE SHARP � LG KING � ICE � �LGHO�POIN� KING � ICE �KING HO�POIN� � �IN�ESI� HO�POIN� � IN�ESI� � �EKO � IN�ESI� ��SMEG �EKO���EKO SMEG� SMEG n L�IE�RICH Next to the �ELLING Range Warehouse) G re � S�A�ESMAN � S�A�ESMAN � S�A�ESMAN C�A � HOOVER � C�A � HOOVER C�A � CAN�� � HOOVER ��CAN�� SWAN �of CAN�� � SWAN � SWAN Proud supporters E WS11 0JJ ANG

R en L e n L re e n L .co.uk Website: www.empireappliances.co.uk G re G re G ProudProud supporters Proud supporters supporters of of of GE ANall GE Aappliances GE ry and Installa�on a�ailable RAN on R R N HUGE FREE CAR PARK - Saturday 9-6pm Sunday 10.30-4.30pm n

n

n

A3 4

A3 4

Rd Walsall B r i dg e S t

Rd Walsall B r i dg e S t

LIN

VE

G re

IC

AUMA

Proud supporters of

n en L

NGE

SPECIAL OPENING OFFERS

Telephone 01543 5025 Telephone Telephone Telephone 01543 01543 01543 502536 502536 502536

SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL OPENING OPENING OFFERS ORENJE ERVIS LIER HARP OPENING ICEOFFERS KING OFFERS EK MEG Empire Appliances UnitWAN 3 Venture Centre, Green Lane, Cannock, Staffordshire, ESMAN OOVER

Proudsupporter s of

WS11 0JJ OPEN: Mon-Sat: 9-5.30pm Sun: 10.00-4.00pm Delivery & Installation availble on all products

UnitUnit 3 Venture Unit 3 Venture 3 3Venture Centre Centre Centre (Next(Next to(Next the toRange the to(Next the Range Warehouse) Range Warehouse) OPENING OFFERS Unit Venture Centre to Warehouse) the RangeSPECIAL Warehouse) Green Green Lane, Green Lane, Cannock, Lane, Cannock, Cannock, WS11 WS11 0JJ WS11 0JJ 0JJ 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK RA

Green Lane, Cannock, WS11 0JJ Telephone 01543 502536

Email:Email: sales@empireappliances.co.uk Email: sales@empireappliances.co.uk sales@empireappliances.co.uk Website: Website: www.empireappliances.co.uk Website: www.empireappliances.co.uk www.empireappliances.co.uk Roll-A-Robe fitted mirror wardrobes �eli�ery �eli�ery and �eli�ery Installa�on and(Next and Installa�on Installa�on a�ailable a�ailable on a�ailable allon appliances all onappliances all appliances empireappliances empireappliances empireappliances Unit 3sales@empireappliances.co.uk Venture Centre to the Range Warehouse) Roll-A-Robe fitted mirror wardrobes Email: Website: www.empireappliances.co.uk will enhance the decor of any bedroom HUGEHUGE FREEHUGE CAR FREEPARK FREE CAR CAR PARKPARK OPENING OPENING OPENING HOURS HOURS Monday HOURS Monday -Monday Saturday - Saturday -WS11 Saturday 9-6pm 9-6pm Sunday 9-6pm Sunday 10.30-4.30pm Sunday 10.30-4.30pm 10.30-4.30pm Green Lane, Cannock, 0JJ

Roll-A-Robe Roll-A-Robe

9

will empireappliances enhance the decor of any bedroom �eli�ery and www.empireappliances.co.uk Installa�on a�ailable on all appliances byEmail: adding light and the impression sales@e mpireappliances.co.uk Website: HUGE FREE CAR P by adding light and the impression OPENING HOURS Saturday Sunday li ry and-Install on 9-6pm ailablew onw all w. appliances empireappliances of doubling the roomMonday size. r o10.30-4.30pm l l - aHUGE - r oFREE b e .CAR c oPARK m HOURS Monday - Saturday 9-6pm Sunday w 10.30-4.30pm ofOPENING doubling the room size. w w. r o l l - a - r o b e . c o m

Sliding doors that move aside without the intrusion of hinged doors and so giving more Sliding doors thatwith move without the intrusion ofwall, hinged doors and sostorage. giving more living space, theaside addition of planned wall to floor to ceiling living space, with the addition of planned wall to wall, floor to ceiling storage.

You will find that you have "More useful storage" than you thought!

You will find that you have "More useful storage" than you thought!

We now also offer supply only to DIY/Trade

Unit 9 West Cannock Way • Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre Unit 9 West Cannock Way • Cannock • Chase Centre Hednesford • Staffordshire WS12Enterprise 0QW Hednesford • Staffordshire • WS12 0QW

01543 426425 426425 sales@roll-a-robe.co.uk rollarobe@gmail.com 01543 01543 426425 sales@roll-a-robe.co.uk 07878 553289

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 21

Linwood Trade Supplies Whether you’re a first time DIYer, a seasoned home renovation specialist or a professional tradesperson, you’ll find that the staff at Linwood Trade Supplies are always available to give advice and information.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our stock and the personal service we give.

Take a peek in our warehouse and you’ll find it’s jam packed full of beautiful wall coverings. From top quality wallpapers to all manner of paints and wood stains, we’ve something for every wall and every project in our DIY supplies store in Cannock. You’ll find exciting new wallpapers, traditional wall coverings and all kinds of paint and wood stains, in our well stocked decorating supplies stores in Cannock.

Whether you’re looking for emulsion for your walls, gloss for your woodwork or need gallons of industrial paint for that commercial project, you’ll find exactly what you need in our well stocked DIY supplies warehouses in. We stock leading brands such as Dulux, Johnstone’s and ICI, Industrial and domestic paints, for both trade and retail sectors.

As with all our decorating supplies, Linwood Trade Supplies always offer extremely competitive prices for all our paint products.

You’re going to be spoilt for choice by our extensive range of wallpaper. In fact, we have one of the largest selections of wallpaper in the country. And with so many types to choose 26 STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK OUTLOOK | | OCTOBER 2018 2019 22 STAFFORDSHIRE

from, we’re bound to have a style you’ll love.

Styles from leading suppliers Sanderson, Morris & Co and Harlequin.

If you want to add a little colour and protection to your wood, our wood stains are the perfect solution. Available in a range of natural colours and some more unusual variations, they’ll add an extra special touch to wooden items all around your home.

You’re no longer limited to natural wood stain colours, but can choose from a myriad of colours including pinks, blues and greens.

They’re the perfect finishing touch for floors and to complement your wallpapers, paints and other wall coverings.

Of course, no DIY store would be complete without a comprehensive range of DIY accessories. That’s why Linwood Trade Supplies stock all kinds of useful products for all kinds of DIY and decorating projects including all kinds of paintbrushes, including Harris paintbrushes, Wallpaper paste, paste brushes, rollers, painter’s overalls, bibs and braces and dust sheets.

Unit 1 Brookfield Drive, Walsall Road, Cannock WS11 0JN www.linwoodtrade.co.uk

Linwood Decorating Supplies EE V V EE RRYY TT H H II N NG G TO TO C C RR EE AT AT EE BB EE A AU U TT II FF U U LL WA WA LL LL SS

L i n wo o Linwood Linwood Decorating Decorating Supplies, Supplies, Supply Supply Wallpaper, Wallpaper, Paint Paint & & DIY DIY Unit Unit 11 Brookfield Brookfield Drive, Drive,Walsall Walsall Road, Road, Cannock, Cannock, Staffs StaffsWS11 WS11 0JN 0JN

01543 01543 571218 571218 Unit Unit 115-116 115-116 Anglesey Anglesey Business Business Park, Park, Littleworth Littleworth Road, Road, Hednesford, Hednesford, Cannock CannockWS12 WS12 1NR 1NR

01543 01543 425341 425341

www.linwoodtrade.co.uk 27 27

Achieve your desired look Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Glass production has developed so much over the past few years that almost anything is possible to achieve your desired look.

With our wealth of experience you can be assured that our ability to transform some style into your property comes with an attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to quality and performance, our aim is to deliver a first class product, at a competitive price.

maintaining a consistently high standard and quality Please do not hesitate to contact us with your bespoke ideas, plans and projects.

Credit card payments now being taken.

We offer supply only to DIY and Trade

www.techalumsystems.co.uk

We manufacture standard windows and doors, bi-fold and patio doors, curtain walling and balustrade at our factory in Rumer Hill, Cannock.

We manufacture all of our products in house therefore

Tech Aluminium Systems Limited, Unit 10 Rumer Hill Business Estate, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0ET

T: 01543 467272

E: admin@techalum.co.uk

www.techalumsystems.co.uk

24 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019 24 DECEMBER 2018 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK 24 24 ||| NOVEMBER STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK DECEMBER 2018 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK OCTOBER 2019 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK || OCTOBER 2019

Images on this page are recent projects

Lowes Building & Maintenance Lowes Building & Maintenance are a reliable, honest and professional building company with 15 year’s experience in the trade in the Staffordshire area. Our job is to take every project from idea to completion, we provide a full service to any homeowner willing to improve their home.

We will take the time to listen to your exact needs and offer a tailormade solution. We will oversee your house building, refurbishment and renovation from start to finish, providing you with a dedicated, bespoke and caring approach to meet your requirements and expectations.

We provide excellent workmanship and service at highly competitive prices.

We are able to offer a full range of services and solutions, from simple repair work through to bespoke solutions for large projects. As a company we aim to offer all of our customers with an outstanding quality service at a highly competitive price.

With so many companies to choose from, making the right partnership for your home improvement or renovation project is a hard and very important decision to make. Here at Lowes Building & Maintenance we offer a full one stop service for all domestic, commercial and insurance work.

Please contact us direct on 07592 141405 or email lowesbuilding@ hotmail.com We are based in Penkridge

DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL & INSURANCE WORK

FREE NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATES LOCAL AND RELIABLE SERVICE General Building

Extensions Garage Conversions Porches Alterations Brickwork Chimneys Refurbishments Roofing

Ground Work

Drainage/Sockaways Patios/Slabbing Block Paving Concreting Fencing Â

Internal Work Alterations Kitchens Bathrooms Plastering Tiling Wood Work

Please contact us 07592 141405 or email lowesbuilding@hotmail.com 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 25

Land Lease and Open Day Funding Boost for Stafford Riverway Link Project The Stafford Riverway Link project that is aiming to restore the 18th Century waterway link between the Staffs and Worcestershire Canal at Baswich and the town centre has received a major boost.

The Finney family who own the land at Baswich, where the original canal Basin and towpath is currently being rebuilt, have generously agreed to release the land to the SRL Community Interest Company, which was set up by an enthusiastic group of local volunteers in 2009. The Finney family are well known in the area as it farmed there for many years and had a retail milk business in Stafford.

Ivor Hind Chairman for Stafford Riverway Link said: “This is a significant development for us and we’re grateful for the generosity and support of the Finney family as well as the increasing number of local businesses and organisations who are sponsoring and supporting us. It has always been and remains our aim to restore the historic river and canal waterway that links the county town of Stafford to the national waterways network for the benefit of the community and all interested groups”.

Pictured: Eunice Finney Jeremy Le Froy MP Baswich Borough Councillor Ann Edgellor SRL Chair Ivor Hind It was an opportunity for local people to rediscover a lost part of Stafford’s heritage, meet the volunteers who have made the Stafford Riverway Link project possible, inspect the work done and the progress they have made so far and how they are working to bring boats back up the River Sow into the centre of Stafford, as it was in the 1800s and 1900s.

The landowner, Eunice Finney and her family have followed her late husband Bill’s wishes to lease the land, on a nominal Peppercorn Rent, to the Stafford Riverway Link.

Eunice Finney ARAgS commented, “We are pleased to see this project progressing and proud that we can hand over the lease for the land to the Stafford Riverway Link in return for a yearly Peppercorn rent. My late husband strongly believed that the project would benefit many Stafford residents and the wider community, these plans will start to re-write the history books for Stafford. “

Displays included the history of the Link along with competitions, prizes and games for children to play AngloWelsh kindly provided free canal boat trips to Sunday’s visitors and refreshments were provided by Staffordshire Young Farmers and The Crepe Revolution.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to help with the project or a member of SRL, please come along to our next Work Parties at the Baswich site on 10-12 October, 8 and 9 November and 6 and 7 December.

To celebrate this excellent news, a Public Open Weekend took place on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2019. The lease for the land was officially signed and handed over by Eunice to Ivor in return for £1 per year on the Saturday.

The Open Weekend itsel, received hundreds of visitors including invited guests during the weekend and raised over £1,200, another great boost for the Project.

26

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

For more information about the history of the link and the work of the SRL CIC or to make a donation visit either: www.stafford-riverway-link.co.uk or www.facebook.com/StaffordRiverwayLink Crowdfunding page: https://fundly.com/restoringstafford-s-missing-link

WINDOW FRAME DIRECT LTD Built on Quality Windows - Doors - Conservatories Tiled Warm Roofs Fascias-Soffits and gutters • Family business with No pushy sales reps • Great deals from the off • Anti-snap door locks fitted as standard • 20% END OF SUMMER SALE plus an extra 5% to beat any other quote • Free 12 months service check on all windows and doors on all orders that are placed

You call, we quote it’s as easy as that!

All our products and services come with a fully insured 10 year backed guarantee plus certass certificate.

Based in Cannock

01543 220474 www.windowframedirect.co.uk Info@windowframedirect.co.uk

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 27

Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves Established since 1989 Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves are celebrating 30 years in business, now the longest trading fireplace retailer in Lichfield, Cannock, Burntwood & Rugeley.

Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves Established since 1989

Emma Chadbourne runs Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves with Husband Darren.&Julie andhave Kath also Rugeley Fireplaces Stoves beenwork in the showroom. established since 1989 so we believe we are now the longest trading fireplace retailer in Lichfield, Cannock, Burntwood & Rugeley.

We have between us nearly 100 years’ experience of Real fires and their restoration to the most up to date Emma Chadbourne Rugeley Fireplaces Stoves(gas) with technology offeringruns efficiencies of almost&100% Husband Darren. Julie and Kath also work in the showroom. almost 90% (Wood).

Kath is our longest serving team member - she has been

with us since 1989! We have between us nearly 100 years’ We specialise in the burning experience of Real firesnew and ECO their clean restoration to thestoves. most upAll to datecatered technology efficiencies of almost 100%that (gas) styles for offering from inset minimalist designs fit almost 90% (Wood).

In factstoves the most firesopened to date in in the wall, freestanding to efficient sit in and up the world are on display here, at Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves. chimney - to the ultra-modern wood which for are We specialise in clean burning stoves.

Allstoves styles catered pieces of furniture their own Allwall, fuelsfreestanding too... gas, from inset minimalistindesigns that right. fit in the stoves to sit in and up chimney wood, electric andopened smokeless coal. - to the ultra-modern wood stoves which are pieces of furniture in their own right.

All fuels gas,bit wood, electric andinsmokeless coal. hole We havetoo... a little of everything the showroom,

in the wall, inglenook freestanding, budget packages, We have a little bit of everything in the showroom, hole in the freestanding forbudget kitchen diners for example wall, inglenookconvectors freestanding, packages, freestanding and the best our diners view) quality castand ironthe stoves convectors for (in kitchen for example best(in our view) quality cast iron stoves which have a huge 25 year which have a huge 25 year warranty. warranty.

We have been working hard all Summer to update our showroom displays – for the new Season.

Stoves and inglenooks are on display downstairs, with lots of fireplace styles on show upstairs.

Built-in fan system (optional) If desired Unica-2 can be

fitted with aa powerful ventilator in ordercan to accelerate the Choosing new ‘forever fireplace’ be a daunting distribution convected theboth room.

Setting process, soofwe promiseheat youthroughout will find us friendly of the ventilator, ambient lighting and naturally flame pattern and approachable.

We can guide you through the are all easy to adjust with the remote control supplied. most cost effective heating solutions, or you can let us design dream ‘wow factor’Astatement designer Ambientyour lightning effect (optional) revolutionary feature is the integrated ambient lighting under the burner piece to add the finishing touch to your homebed re-that creates an extra glow effect (optional). Remotely controlled design. light intensity can be adjusted in accordance with your wishes and gives the fire an extra feature.

Darren is a Gas Safe installer plus, we have additional Darren is a Gas Safe installer and we also have four teams who who havehave been vetted byby Darren, more teams been vetted Darren,who whowe we recommend.

recommend. Fitters are recommended on merit.

Choosing a new ‘forever fireplace’ can be a daunting

Whatever in mind will strive to process, soyou we have promise you willwe find usalways both friendly and approachable.

We can guide you through the most meet your needs with utmost professionalism and cost effective heating solutions, or you can let us design your attention to detail.

We don’t just have stoves though. Fireplaces and fires are

We don’ttoo. justWe have stoves though.

Fireplaces on show selected a small handful of Britishand gas,fires are on show too. selected a whom small handful of their British electric and real fireWe manufacturers we trust for quality and longevity to fire showcase.

We also employ gas, electric and real manufacturers whommarble we / stonemasons and a couple of cabinettomakers for ourWe trust for their quality and longevity showcase. exclusive made to measure fireplaces. also employ marble / stonemasons and a couple of cabinet for our to the measure We knowmakers who makes the exclusive best qualitymade fires, or best ‘value fireplaces. for money, Stone that doesn’t arrive full of chips, or which supplier is willing to alter sizes etc, we are the experts!

We know who makes the best quality fires, or the best We arefor proud to unveil the that new doesn’t Unica 2-90

by Bellfires. ‘value money, Stone arrive full of chips, or which supplier is willing to alter sizes etc, we are the These inset gas fires were specially developed for fast and experts! simple modernisation of existing fireplaces. The integrated ambient lighting for an extra glow effect is an innovation.

28

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

The minimal built-in depth of just 35 cm allows Unica-2 gas fire to fit into almost any situation. If desired, this gas fire can be fitted with a black ceramic back wall, which gives it a

dream ‘wow factor’ statement designer piece to add the finishing touch to your home re-design.

We always have something on offer. Check out our Facebook Whatever you have page in mindwww.facebook.com/ we will always strive to meet your rugeleyfireplacesltd most offers are availability. needs with utmost professionalism andlimited attention to detail.

Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves We always have something on offer. Check outAlbion our Facebook 41 Street page www.facebook.com/ rugeleyfireplacesltd Rugeley WS15 2BY most offers are limited availability.

01889574022 Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves 41 Albion WS15 2BYStreet Car Park Parking atStreet, ServiceRugeley Area 10/Albion 01889574022 –T:find us on Google maps www.rugeleyfireplaces.net www.rugeleyfireplaces.net Parking at Service Area 10/Albion Street Car Park – find us on Google maps

RUGELEY FIREPLACES & STOVES Easy parking, we back onto Service Area 10, off Forge Road, Rugeley Tel: 01889574022

www.RugeleyFireplaces.com

Your Local stockist of Gas, Wood & Electric Fireplaces , Wood Burners, & Fires 202436

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 29

The Naples collection The Naples collection faithfully interprets natural stone with the typical textures and patterns of assorted river stones, which have been obtained using a highly innovative technological process using digital imagery and printing. The Naples range is available in 3 different sizes and 4 colours.

The surface of the Naples range makes this series extremely versatile from the living room to the outdoor without ever losing its distinguishing elegance. The naturals shades and texture allow us to relax in nature whether used in the living room, kitchen or on the patio.

More people are beginning to prioritise self-care in their routines and what better way to relax than in a tranquil environment in the home producing a spa feel when used in a bathroom.

Creating a classic yet modern atmosphere with refined style which will hug you with a warm welcome and encourage you to relax in your home.

With the range of sizes from 60x30cm to 120x60cm and several colours available you can create a seamless look in all rooms through the home.

For your nearest store visit www.tilechoice.co.uk

There are multiple benefits to choosing porcelain stoneware over natural stone, including resistance to chemical attacks and frost, ease of cleaning and satisfactory friction that translates into good slip resistance. All these features are nearly impossible to find in natural stone, unless we constantly use specific products, thus wasting valuable time and money. Two of its strengths are for sure resistance to stains and abrasion, which make this product perfect for laying in kitchens and public spaces. Porcelain tiles are the perfect option for busy modern day homes where time is limited.

30

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

Transform your garden this summer If you are looking to transform your garden this summer, then look no further than Standeford Garden Construction.

We are a family run Business established in 1954, and are standard. We provide an now into the fourth generation extensive range of services to of the Wright family. suit every taste and budget.

We are the experts in Garden We promise that we will construction, based at Old make your garden the Stafford Road in Coven. envy of your street!

Standeford Garden construction Call now for a free no includes many components From small roof repairs new roofs obligationsto quote. within the garden landscaping · Dry Ridge Systems We also provide a supply sector ranging from Driveways, only forRest Soil, Stone, Sand, Tarmac, Block-paving,· Gravel, Ridge Tiles and Repointed Logs Systems and Kindling Fencing, Turfing, Slabbing, · Dry Verge General Landscaping, Site Old Stafford road · Chimneys Removed/Repointed Clearance and much more.

Slade Heath, Coven · UPVC cleaning service WV10 7PH Over the 61 years that’ we Damage 790238 have been trading, we· are Storm 01902 07748 636549 very proud to say that·we Flat Roof Systems have earned an excellent Like our page on a free no obligation quote: reputation for constructing Call for Facebook - Standeford 07979 836363 or 01785 878550 gardens to the highest quality.

Garden Construction All of our work is expertly crafted by trained professionals, and finished to a very high

YOUR LOCAL STAFFORD FAMILY RUN BUSINESS FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERS

Your local Stafford family ROOFIX Roofing Standeford ta runde oBusiness

Garden Construction

Welcome to Roofix, we are a well-established family business based in Staffordshire that is dedicated to the roofing trade. Having been in the Roofing, Fascia’s, Soffits and Guttering industry for Established 1954 over 20 years we pride ourselves on our excellent FAMILY RUN BUSINESS customer satisfaction throughout the Staffordshire area.

• Block paving We provide excellent workmanship and service at highly • Natural stone paving competitive prices. We are able to offer a full range of services and solutions, from simple repair work through to bespoke • Tarmacing • Turfing solutions for large projects. As a company we aim to offer all of • Slabbing • Fencing our customers with an outstanding quality service.

• Site clearance From free roof

inspections through • All general landscaping to complete roof

• Suppliersreplacements, of stone, no job is big or too small for soil, sandtoo etc. us here at Roofix.

Like our page •on Facebook We Standeford have full liabilityGarden insuranceConstruction and all work is guaranteed.

We are members of My Builder.com, and we come highly recommended please check out all of our reviews which are all 100%.

07748 636 549 01902Call790 us now for238 a free no

OLD STAFFORD ROAD, quote: COVEN obligation 07979 836363 or 01785 878550 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

09

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 31 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 31

Crocosmia – Stars of the Autumn Garden Crocosmia are better known as “Montbretia” in Britain and have often have a bad name as invasive, plants. However, there are lots of choice varieties that are less spreading and worthier of their other common name: “Falling Stars” after their cascade of brilliant, fiery, starry flowers.

These plants come from Africa and were previously thought to be winter tender needing to be dug up in late autumn and laid out to dry so that the corms could be stored indoors in winter.

This is still good practice if your soil is waterlogged in winter and it also serves to reduce the spread of the plants as well. I leave the corms in the soil over winter as my garden isn’t very wet or cold, except some of the very large-flowered varieties like “Emily Mackenzie” or “Star of the East”; I find these two often die out in frosty winters and these get dug up in October or November.

The plants like a moisture retentive soil in summer and this will give bigger and more flowers.

By choosing different varieties you can have flowers from July to early October and plants from 1ft / 30cm to 4ft / 120cm tall.

Perhaps the most popular, tallest and earliest to flower is the orange-red “Lucifer” with his pleated leaves and long cascades of flowers. He will start flowering in July through to the end of August. Some people suggest he needs staking, but I find that if feeding is kept to a minimum he is more stocky and self-supporting. Lucifer is wonderful for adding a touch of hot colour to a more subdued planting. In our garden we have him amongst regal lilies, rusty foxgloves and giant oats.

“Hellfire” is a newer version of this old favourite and is a little shorter and later to flower and has luscious, deep, velvety red flowers.

Other tall varieties flowering in late July and August are “Rowallene Yellow” and “Rowallene Orange”: these two have the largest heads of flowers and are around 3ft / 90cm tall.

At the other end of the scale there are short varieties for the front of the border like the orange and yellow “Firejumper, red and yellow “Jackanapes” and red “Gloria”. These grow to 1ft / 30cm or slightly less and their bold colourways are the highlight lining my paths and patio in August and September.

32

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

For a softer effect, there are some lovely pale lemon flowered varieties. All are very alike: you might find “Citronella”, “Sulpherea” or “Morning Light”, there’s not much to choose between them. These are 1ft 6in / 45cm tall and flower in late August perhaps through to early October.

I plant Crocosmia corms in spring about 3-5in / 7-12cm deep and about 6in / 15cm apart although it isn’t crucial to be exact in this. I plant pot-grown specimens at any time other than winter, although I would only plant the more tender types in late spring.

Once the shoots show through in spring keep the plants on the moist side. If a late, hard frost is forecast after the shoots are showing, I cover with garden fleece or a mulch, although established clumps will recover quickly from any frost burn. In cold areas, you can leave the old leaves on the plant in winter to provide some protection and choose a mild spell in late winter to cut them off before growth starts. Although the seed heads look attractive on the plant, cut them off before the seeds fall as seedlings might be inferior.

These bright plants are easy to grow and invaluable for brightening up the garden in late summer and autumn. Keep an eye out for Crocosmia at plant fairs and catch a falling star for your garden.

Janet & I run Special Perennials, our website www. specialperennials.com is full of colour photos and growing tips. We sell at Plant Hunters’ Fairs throughout the season. Plant Hunters’ Fairs have the country’s largest line-up of plant fairs with 41 events between March and September spanning 11 counties including events at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas; Weston Park, Shifnal; the Dorothy Clive Garden, Nr Market Drayton; Sugnall Walled Garden, Eccleshall and Middleton Hall, Tamworth. Please see www. planthuntersfairs.co.uk for the full 2020 calendar of dates and venues.

...we make saving money perfectly clear...

Transform your garden this summer If you are looking to transform your garden this summer, then look no further than Standeford Garden Construction.

We are a family run Business established in 1954, and are now into the fourth generation of the Wright family.

We are the experts in Garden construction, based at Old Stafford Road in Coven.

Standeford Garden construction includes many components within the garden landscaping sector ranging from Driveways, Tarmac, Block-paving, Gravel, Fencing, Turfing, Slabbing, General Landscaping, Site Clearance and much more.

Over the 61 years that’ we have been trading, we are very proud to say that we have earned an excellent reputation for constructing gardens to the highest quality.

All of our work is expertly crafted by trained professionals, and finished to a very high

Standeford ta de o Garden Construction Established 1954

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS • Block paving standard. We provide an extensive range of services to suit every taste and budget.

We promise that we will make your garden the envy of your street!

Call now for a free no obligations quote.

We also provide a supply only for Soil, Stone, Sand, Logs and Kindling Old Stafford road Slade Heath, Coven WV10 7PH 01902 790238 07748 636549 Like our page on Facebook - Standeford Garden Construction

O1543 732468

ovenu.co.uk

• Natural stone paving • Tarmacing • Turfing • Slabbing • Fencing • Site clearance • All general landscaping • Suppliers of stone, soil, sand etc.

Like our page •on Facebook Standeford Garden Construction

07748 636 549 01902 790 238

OLD STAFFORD ROAD, COVEN

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

09

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 33

MORE REPOINTING UNI RIDGE DRY RIDGE NO NO MORE REPOINTING EVEREVER WITHWITH UNI DRY

30% 30%

D DIS COU ISCOU NT NT BEFORE BEFORE

BEFORE BEFORE

AFTER AFTER

AFTER AFTER

Pro Pro m mo £1 Off£1tion Off otion 89 er 89al er al Pe (RRP Pe (RRP Ga r Fu Ga£2 r Fu £2 ble ll bl4e9) ll 49) En En d d

UNI DRY VERGE TILE PROTECTION CAPPING UNI DRY VERGE TILE PROTECTION CAPPING

UPVC FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING • DOWNPIPES UPVC FASCIAS • SOFFITS • GUTTERING • DOWNPIPES

20 20 Gua YeaGrua Year r ran tee antee

All Roofing Undertaken FlatGRP/Fibre roofs GRP/Fibre Glass Roofing New Roofs All Roofing Work Work Undertaken Flat roofs Glass Roofing New Roofs All roofing undertaken big small or too small All roofing repairsrepairs undertaken No jobNo toojob bigtoo or too No Deposit • Detailed Quotations • No Hidden No Deposit • Detailed Quotations • No Hidden Extras Extras 10Guarentee Year Guarentee Day Cooling Off Period 10 Year •7 Day•7 Cooling Off Period 32 Newcastle Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 2WE 32 Newcastle Road, Road, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 2WE 34

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

E

• RO • RE • FU • PR • th

al

Coating your up to 85% cheaper Coating your roof is roof up tois85% cheaper than having a new roof than having a new roof E E SAL ONSAL ON W OW N NO

30% 30%

- Semi Detached Roof Sealed Cleaned, and Coated ExampleExample - Semi Detached Roof Cleaned, andSealed Coated 30% discount) a fixed price £99530% (Includes for a fixedfor price £995 (Includes discount) DIS DIS COU COU NT NT

• ROOFWASH - Cleans roof tiles, dirt, removing dirt,lichen moss and lichen • ROOFWASH - Cleans roof tiles, removing moss and • RENOVATION Replaces broken tiles and includes repointing • RENOVATION - Replaces-broken tiles and includes repointing Available in 5 colours Available in 5 colours • FUNGICIDE - Applied to further eliminate further moss & lichen regrowth • FUNGICIDE - Applied to eliminate moss & lichen regrowth • PROTECTION - 2our layers of our unique micro • PROTECTION - 2 layers of unique micro porous roofporous coatingroof coating TERRACOTA TERRACOTA RUSTIC RUSTIC • thatwaterproof is totally waterproof roof to breathe • that is totally but allowsbut the allows roof tothe breathe BROWN GREY GREEN

BROWN GREY GREEN

Coloursonly shown are for indication only Colours shown are for indication

free, no obligation & quotation call us today for your for free,your no obligation survey & survey quotation call us today

Freephone: 0800 1460 | Stafford: 01785 878204 Freephone: 0800 747 0460747 | Sandbach: 01270 898746 www.lfhomeimprovements.co.uk www.lfhomeimprovements.co.uk Find Us on Facebook Find Us on Facebook 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 35

Quality Products and Exceptional Service at Premier Carpets and Flooring Ltd

Premier Carpets and Flooring have long been the number-one choice for discerning home and business owners who are keen to find quality products and exceptional service.

Established for over thirty years, the business supplies carpets and flooring from industry-leading brands from their impressive showroom, that’s located in Macrome Road, Claregate, Wolverhampton.

With something for every home interior – and budget - as well as an extensive selection of flooring which meets the demands of the commercial sector, Premier is the only place you’ll need to visit whatever your carpet and flooring requirements.

As company owner, Roy Colman explains: “Our extensive, recently refurbished showroom displays the latest ranges of flooring from leading brands such as Karndean and Amtico and there’s a vast range of top-quality carpets from all of the big names; Cormar, Brockway, Westex, Ulster, Brintons, Kingsmead and Victoria Carpets.”

And no matter what budget you’re working to, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Premier.

“We have plenty of budget carpets to choose from too, which are particularly popular with private landlords.”

As approved Karndean suppliers – and installers – Premier offers a full design and fitting service for the ever-popular flooring.

“Clients can book an appointment – free of charge - with one of our surveyors who will visit their home, measure up and provide plenty of help and advice before giving a quotation.”

And all of the company’s fitters have been fully trained and completed advanced Karndean fitting courses.

Of course, Premier’s fitters are able to install any product sold by the company and can take care of all aspects of the installation process, including sub floor preparation, damp-proof membranes as well as floor-levelling screeds.

But it’s not just domestic clients that benefit from what Premier has to offer: “We work with many businesses and have taken on projects for all-manner of institutions, including schools, hospitals, residential homes, private businesses, each of Wolverhampton University’s campuses and even the prison service.”

It’s no surprise that Premier are the go-to supplier for the commercial sector, not only do they supply commercial carpets, carpet tiles and safety floor vinyls - from brands such as Altro, Polyflor, Forbo, Heckmondwike, Interface, JHS and Rawsons - they deliver an unbeatable, ultra-efficient service, from start to finish.

customers and specialise in all types of floor coverings including carpet rolls, carpet tiles, Luxury vinyl tiles, planks and sheet vinyl.

Independent local traders can also take advantage of Premier’s trade counter, which is situated in store.

With a team of eight staff members and a fleet of nine vehicles, the company are able to easily meet the demands of any job.

So, why not update your home – or business – with carpets or Vinyl flooring from Premier?

“Our website has been designed to be an extension of our already successful bricks and mortar business. We now offer ’supply-only’ all over the UK on our extensive range of products, you can buy online and experience great advice and impeccable service all within a few clicks.”

We provide our services to both domestic and commercial

Left to right: Kerry Brough, Ian Widdowson, Elaine Coates, Matt Thompson, Emma Stowe, Roy Colman

Premier Carpets and Flooring Ltd Unit 9 Walton Works Ind Est, Macrome Road, Claregate, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV6 9HD.

Call us on: 01902 745491

w w w. p r e m i e r f l o o r i n g l t d . c o m

And that’s why companies from across the entire UK are keen to use Premier.

GET PAID TO EXERCISE Distributors required for:

PARKSIDE & BEACONSIDE To deliver a quality magazine every other month.

Ideal for mature, semi-retired or mums at home.

Competitive Rates of Pay. If you are interested please give Sharon a call on:

01952 321334

email: sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

Win for 3 Hammers juniors

lowest combined total of shots.

Saturday 7th September saw Wolverhampton’s 3 Hammers junior team win the coveted Staffordshire GolfSixes League for 2019.

The Golf Foundation initiative reached 102 golf clubs in 2018 and will be enjoyed by more than 200 this year, as GolfSixes League proves highly popular with club management, PGA professionals, parents and – most of all – the kids.

The GolfSixes Junior League, organised by the Golf Foundation, ran throughout the Summer and consisted of teams from 3 Hammers Golf Complex, Great Barr Golf Club, Branston Golf Club & Trentham Park Golf Club with each venue hosting 2 fixtures each.

The competition, aimed at encouraging more young people into the sport, gives junior golfers the experience of playing in competitions and seeing the superb golf courses that Staffordshire has to offer. It was a team event with 3 pairs from each club playing for points awarded for each fixture with the winning team being those who played 6 holes in the

The Wolverhampton based 3 Hammers team consisted of a mixture of boys and girls with the final league standings being: 3 Hammers - 26.5 Points | Branston - 23 Points Great Barr - 22.5 Points | Trentham Park - 8 Points GolfSixes League means quicker six-hole matches against other clubs in a fun ‘Texas Scramble’ format – a great way of building confidence among new players. Golf Academy Director Rob Bluck said “All our juniors worked very hard in building up to this year’s GolfSixes competition and we’re delighted that all their dedication paid off with this superb win.”

For more information - please contact Sam Hill, Assistant Golf Manager, 3 Hammers Golf Complex on 01902 790428.

38 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

celebrate the festive season in style at wolverhampton racecourse Enjoy a delicious three-course meal, live entertainment, resident DJ and much more at our racing and non-racing Christmas parties.

FROM

£57PE.R5SO0N PER

racing party nights Sat 7 th , Sat 14 th & Fri 20 th DECEMBeR

£44.95 PER PERS

ON

NON-racing party nights Fri 6th, Fri 13th & Sat 21st December

Book online at: WOLVERHAMPTON-RACECOURSE.CO.Uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 39

New Private Cemetery Opens In Essington

Create a fitting and permanent memorial to your loved ones at this beautiful new private cemetery

You may have read in the press about the shortage of burial space across the country and the big increase in the costs of everything to do with funerals. The West Midlands is one of the worst affected areas, but the good news is that there’s a new choice available to Staffordshire families just down the road in Essington near Wolverhampton.

This beautiful 26 acre multi-faith cemetery opened in April and is perfect for buying plots for full body burial or cremated remains at today’s prices so you and your loved ones can be together forever.

6 Reasons To Choose Essington Cemetery 1.

Create a beautiful and respectful memorial to your loved ones so you can remember them forever and visit time and again

2.

Lock in today’s prices and the 99 year Right To Bury does not start until interment takes place at a funeral

3.

No additional charges if you live outside the Essington area, unlike local authorities

4.

Whether you want a plot for a full body burial or cremated remains we can accommodate your needs

5.

You can choose the exact place where your plot(s) will be, unlike local authorities

6.

We offer multi-year payment plans so you can spread the cost

Let Catherine Show You Round Essington Cemetery Our friendly manager Catherine Averill will show you round the site and help you choose the perfect resting place for your loved ones.

To learn more call 01902 489595 today or email hello@essingtoncemetery.co.uk

Learn more at Essingtoncemetery.co.uk Proud members of the Federation of Burial & Cremation Authorities and the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management

40 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

Essington Cemetery A Fitting Resting Place for You and Your Loved Ones

NOW OPEN and taking Plot Reservations.

Take advantage of our INTRODUCTORY OFFER! CALL 01902 489 595 SPARE YOUR FAMILY THE STRESS AND COST It’s hard enough to deal with the loss of a loved one especially when funeral costs are rising twice as fast as inflation. Whether you want to be buried or cremated, you can reserve a plot now within the attractive lawned gardens of Essington Cemetery.

Because Essington is not a council cemetery, you can choose your plot including a double plot for a couple. If you’ve already purchased a funeral plan that’s great, but it will not include a burial plot. Don’t delay and purchase your plot today, so that your family don’t have the financial burden of buying a plot when the time comes.

To find out more about Essington Cemetery, please call 01902 489 595 and quote ‘SO 09/19’ or email hello@essingtoncemetery.co.uk

www.essingtoncemetery.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 41

Farm’s Gin Hits The Spot!...

Owners of Canalside Farm, near Stafford were delighted, as they heard how their new gin had been so successful it had actually sold out within a week. The family-run farm, who have been growing their own fruit for over 35 years, decided to team up with local brewery, the Vine, to produce a unique blend of fruit flavoured gins, specifically for the Farm.

The first batch of gin used the Farm’s home-grown strawberries and rhubarb to create two bespoke flavoured gins for their Farm Shop and Café. But within a week, the shelves were empty and customers were crying out for more.

our own. Two years ago, we teamed up with local brewery Slater’s to produce our own Ale, which has been hugely successful, so when we realised how popular flavoured gins were becoming, we wanted to give it a try. The Vine Brewery are literally down the road from us, so it tied in perfectly with our ethos of working with local businesses.”

After the huge success of their first batch of gin, the Farm have now launched two new flavours – raspberry and blackberry, to accompany their existing strawberry and rhubarb flavours.

For further information please telephone 01889 881747 or log onto the their website www.canalsidefarm.co.uk

Owner, Chris Barton said: “We were absolutely thrilled to hear how popular our new range of gins had been and were so shocked that they sold out within a week. We have been selling alcohol in our Farm Shop and Café for the past 4 years, so it felt like the next logical step to produce

Golf Chief Visits 3 Hammers for Pink Pong Nick Pink, Chief Executive of England Golf paid a visit to national award winning 3 Hammers Golf Complex in Wolverhampton.

Renowned for being the fun and innovative pioneers of the game, during his visit, the golf venue persuaded the Chief Executive to take part in some fun golf games, pitching his skills against their Ladies and Junior Academies.

After an exciting round of “Pink Pong”, a game adapted especially for the visitor - Nick was invited to answer questions from local golfers on issues such as ‘how to speed up the game’ and about the mental and physical health side of the sport. Both juniors and lady golfers quizzed the honoured guest on how he sees golf developing in the future, how to make it more affordable and what’s in store to encourage ladies into the game.

Having recently been awarded with the prestigious Lifetime Service award from England Golf, Complex Owner Ian Bonser was delighted to welcome the ‘head of the industry’ to his venue. He said “it’s a pleasure to welcome Nick to 3 42

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

Hammers today. It’s refreshing to see how golf is moving forward into the 21st century and with our recent affiliation to England Golf, it echoes what we try to do here - to welcome anyone - young or old to the sport - in a fun, affordable and friendly way”.

For further information please contact Ian Bonser, Owner, 3 Hammers Golf Complex on 01902 790428 or email ian@3hammers. co.uk.

Work gets underway on Compton Care’s Coordination Centre

Photo taken by Express & Star

Following months of planning and preliminary work, construction work is now underway at the much-anticipated Compton Care Coordination Centre.

The building, funded in part by a £1.6 million donation from members of the Transport & General Workers Union of the former Goodyear Tyre Plant, will be constructed on the charity’s Compton Hall Headquarters site on Compton Road West.

The Coordination Centre, which is estimated to take 12 months to complete, will see the charity be able to coordinate care and support services for local people diagnosed with incurable illnesses from one central location.

Compton Care CEO Claire Marshal commented: “This is an incredibly exciting phase of our Compton Care journey with the new build helping us to provide extraordinary care to our patients and families.

“The Centre will enable us to coordinate our services from one central point creating a more responsive service for our patients and their families eventually providing 24/7 advice and support for patients, carers and referrers.”

“None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity of the members of the Transport & General Workers Union Benevolent Fund. They are funding so much more than a building, they are funding the opportunity for local people who have been diagnosed with an incurable illness to access the extraordinary care, encouragement and support they need in order to live their best life possible. Words cannot express how grateful and appreciative we all are.”

commented: “The Trustees and management committee are absolutely delighted, to see the start of our corner stone project, creating a proud living legacy to all of the ex-members of the fund.

“This is the people’s project, supporting Compton Care has been championed by all members since day one. We hope all of the members and their families will feel a sense of pride over the next.

12 months as our dream will become a reality.

“The Coordination Centre will leave a long and lasting positive legacy, supporting the people of Wolverhampton and the Black Country. The members of the Benevolent fund, were community spirited , caring people.

This project says everything about them.

“On behalf of the Trustees and management committee of the fund, I want to thank them and their families. This is your project.”

Construction work will be carried out by BAM Construct UK. You can keep up to date with the progress of the build with regular news and updates via the Compton Care website: comptoncare.org.uk

Talking of his delight to see construction work get underway at the Centre, Chairman of the Transport & General Workers Union Cyril Barrett 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 43

One lucky winner can win a pair of tickets to see TOTALLY TINA on Saturday 30th November 2019 at the Victoria Hall – Stoke on Trent.

UK’s Number 1 TINA TURNER tribute ‘TOTALLY TINA’ rocks into its 10th Year! Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s favourite Tina Turner spectacular…. aka Justine Riddoch and her talented cast.

When Tina burst onto the scene, she won the hearts of music fans from the outset, creating a fearsome reputation for her live performances – and those never-ending legs!

Early hits River Deep – Mountain High, Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits were just a taste of what was to come. We Don’t Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, I Don’t Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled her to stadium concert stardom.

Supported by her super-talented band and dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine is the SUPREME Tina (a National Tribute Awards winner since 2013). She’s got the looks, she’s got the moves, she’s got the legs, but most of all, she’s got THE voice. Join an army of loyal fans for a truly authentic, fun-packed musical spectacular!

Ten years have passed since the number one Tina Turner tribute first sprang to life in the vibrant city of Liverpool, but a Lifetime Achievement Award and many other prestigious accolades along the way have earned Justine Riddoch’s ‘Totally Tina’ a deserved top spot in the musical tribute world.

She’s determined the Show will always be known as ‘Simply The Best’, which is particularly fitting in 2019 – the 30th Anniversary of the much-loved song of the same name, released in 1989.

The cast and crew of Totally Tina are pulling out all the stops this year with the promise of a brand new, custom-made performance featuring a whole host of fresh ideas, coupled with the band’s now famous humour.

The Show is designed to make the audience feel that the legendary performer is right back in front of them, strutting her stuff on the most famous legs in show business!

This year’s production is a heady mix of nostalgia and surprise with all the favourite Tina Turner hits, her best duets, much-loved covers and the odd twist in the tale.

All the songs are enhanced by the customary flourish of sparkling stiletto heels, flamboyant tail feathers, high energy dance routines and musical genius. There’s plenty of audience engagement and post-show ‘meet and greets’ too, making the Show more personal.

In fact, it’s probably the closest thing to a live Tina Turner concert!

44

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

Totally Tina has been the UK’s official number one Tina Turner Tribute for the past six years, winning Best Female Artist, Best Choreography, Best Sound & Lighting, Best Website, Best Theatre Production Show and Best Video over the years.

Tickets for the STOKE ON TRENT – Victoria Hall show taking place on Saturday 30th November are available from:

Totally TINA - STOKE ON TRENT – Victoria Hall Doors open 7.00pm / Show Start Time – 7.30pm Box Office No: 0844 871 7642 Website - https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/totally-tina/ victoria-hall/

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number to arrive by Sunday 3rd November 2019. Winners will be notified by telephone.

Totally Tina tribute act is celebrating which anniversary this year?

A) 5 years

B) 15 years C) 10 years

Competition Terms and Conditions Winner to collect tickets from the box office at the Victoria Hall on the night of the show on Saturday 30th November 2019. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available.

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 44

Come and see us at:

Dorema, Hall 17: Stand 42 and Kampa, Hall 12: Stand 10

Come Come and visit usvisit Vicky Come and and visit us us Vicky Vicky on Dorema Stand 1010 on on Dorema Dorema Stand Stand 1010 1010 LouiseLouise onLouise Kampa stand on on Kampa Kampa stand stand 1000 and 1104 1000 1000 and and 1104 1104

• • • • • • • • • •

CARAVAN & MOTORHOME AWNINGS CARAVAN ACCCESORIES FIAMMA AWNINGS CAMPING EQUIPMENT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT CARAVAN & MOTORHOME AWNINGS CARAVAN CARAVAN && MOTORHOME MOTORHOME AWNINGS AWNINGS SECURITY CARAVAN ACCESSORIES / FIAMMA CARAVAN CARAVAN ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES / FIAMMA / FIAMMA GAS AWNINGS / CAMPING EQUIPMENT / // AWNINGS AWNINGS / CAMPING / CAMPING EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT WATER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT / SECURITY ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT / SECURITY / SECURITY HEATING GAS / WATER / HEATING GAS GAS / WATER / WATER / HEATING / HEATING FULL RANGE OF SPARES

WE ARE HAPPY TO BRING 43 YEARS OF EXPERTISE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY TO OUR PREMISES IN CANNOCK WITH 12000 SQ FT OF LEISURE ACCESSORIES AND OVER 35 AWNINGS ON DISPLAY!

www.cannockcaravanaccessories.co.uk Unit 4, Watling Street Business Park, (A5 Between Norton Canes & Brownhills) WS11 9XG Open: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm WEWE ARE HAPPY TO372 BRING 41 YEARS OF OF EXPERTISE WITHIN THETHE Tel: 01543 400 Facebook: Cannock Caravan Accessories WEARE ARE HAPPY HAPPY TO TO BRING BRING 4141YEARS YEARS OFEXPERTISE EXPERTISE WITHIN WITHIN THE 01952 321334 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 45 39 45 01952 321334 ||| WITH WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 39 01952 321334 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK INDUSTRY TO TO OUR PREMISES IN CANNOCK WITH 12000 SQ SQ FT INDUSTRY INDUSTRY TOOUR OUR PREMISES PREMISES ININCANNOCK CANNOCK WITH 12000 12000 SQFT FT

OF OF LEISURE ACCESSORIES AND OVER 35 AWNINGS ON ON DISPLAY OFLEISURE LEISURE ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES AND AND OVER OVER 3535AWNINGS AWNINGS ONDISPLAY DISPLAY

Christmas with Tracy Mason Travel Tracy Mason Travel would like to welcome Joanne Heeley who has joined the vibrant team. Joanne comes with a great wealth of knowledge in the Travel Industry, with over 25 years’ experience and is very passionate about travel. Joanne will be a great new member of the award winning travel agents.

The Tracy Mason crew are made up with Director Tracy, Jackie, Elaine, Katie & Joanne. The team can offer the highest levels of personal service and care and are dedicated to sourcing the perfect holiday to suit you and your budget. They specialise in an extensive range of travel from UK breaks, to around the world tailor made holidays to your dream destinations.

They book through all of the well-known operators including Classic, TUI, First Choice, Thomas Cook, Jet 2, Olympic, Kuoni plus many more.

Tracy Mason Travel is 100% financially secure and holidays including flights are ATOL protected by the Government-backed Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under our ATOL. For holidays and travel arrangements which do not include travel by air, our financial protection is administered by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) under our membership L5132.

As we are totally independent we will source the perfect holiday for you.

With Christmas just around the corner, why not treat your loved one to a Tracy Mason Travel gift Voucher or call the team about our Spa and Experience days.

Call in to speak about your next 2019/2020 holiday. Relax with a coffee and take your time deciding on your next destination!

Make this christmas magical As Christmas draws closer but you’re short of time, why not take your children for a fun-filled day in the pristine wilderness of Finnish Lapland’s far north? Our magical one-day Winter Wonderland trips run throughout December until Christmas Eve, with convenient departures from Birmingham airport - making it easier for you to spend a day in Santa’s kingdom and still be home in time for supper. On our Winter Wonderland daybreak, we take you and your family to a magical location, close to a vast snow-covered wilderness and a million miles from other overcrowded and over commercialised Lapland destinations.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your Representative and whisked through snowy forests and past frozen lakes to a scenic winter wonderland. Put your thermal suit and boots on and head into the snow for an action-packed day amidst a vast snow-covered wilderness in magical darkness. Excitement mounts for both children and parents as you venture in search of Santa’s hideaway cabin, the ultimate highlight of your one-day trip.

See the magical offer on opposite page and call the team for more details 01785 712332

Stone Cross, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5AS - 01785 712332 STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK OUTLOOK | AUGUST2019 2019 46 46 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | |AUGUST APRIL 2019 46 STAFFORDSHIRE 46 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

Magical one-day Winter Wonderland trip December 2019 From Birmingham airport From £519 per adult and child goes free The price includes: • Return flights with hot meals onboard • Private family meeting with Santa • Small gift for children from Santa • Taster husky experience • Taster snowmobile adventure • Taster reindeer sleigh ride • Warming lunch • Loan of thermal suit and boots • Government air passenger duty

Stone Cross, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5AS - 01785 712332 01952 321334 321334 || WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 47 47 01952 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 47

RECIPE

by Mike Whitehurst instagram.com/takefood www.takefood.co.uk

HONEYED BALSAMIC PORK AND CHORIZO BROCHETTES with baked sweet potato, spinach salad and creme fraiche serves 4 INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

800g pork loin 2 medium size red onions 1 courgette 16 cooked new potatoes 1 chorizo ring 100ml balsamic vinegar 50ml of honey 4 garlic cloves finely chopped 4 sprigs of thyme Smoked paprika Creme fraiche 50g basil 150g spinach

• • • • • • • • • •

50g coriander 2 Gem lettuce Bag of Spinach Pack of Radish 4 Spring onions 4 Sweet potato 1 pointed red pepper Olive oil Lemon juice Maldon sea slat

EQUIPMENT • • •

• • • •

/ Oven Colander Mixing bowl Brush Tongs

USEFUL INFO • • •

Marinate 24 hours Grill time 12 minutes Course BBQ / Dinner

Chopping board Skewers BBQ or Ribbed skillet pan

METHOD Dice the pork loin into 1 inch dice, slice the red onions into 16 wedges the courgette into 8 chunks and slice the chorizo into 16 chunks. In a small pan add the honey, balsamic, thyme and garlic cloves, gently warm and pour over the meat and vegetables then sprinkle over the paprika. Get your hands in the bowl and give everything a good mix then leave until the next day in the fridge.

When you’re ready to cook the brochettes take them out of the fridge and evenly share the pieces between the amount of skewers you have. Place the sweet potato on a baking tray in the oven for about an hour (depends on size).

If you’re using wooden skewers soak them in water over night so they don’t burn up quickly on the grill.

Season and grill the brochettes on all sides until thoroughly cooked through and serve immediately.

If you don’t have a barbecue you can cook them on the shelf in the oven on 200oC with a tray underneath to catch the juices. Use the juices afterwards to brush the brochettes giving them a nice shiny glaze. Season again with salt and cracked black pepper.

Slice the gem lettuce in half and take out the stalk then wash thoroughly with the spinach and shake in a colander to dry off. Thinly slice the radish and red

48

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

pepper and toss with the fresh herbs and lettuce.

Dress with olive oil and lemon juice.

Serve with the baked sweet potato and creme fraiche.

df

Christmas Bookings now being taken!

Indian Cuisine

Established since 1996,The Indian Cuisine The Kings Repose have The Kings Repose have beenbeen King’s Repose is a high quality awarded 5 star award from rate awarded a 5astar award from rate and highly my placerecommended for Kitchen Indian Hygiene. my place for Kitchen Hygiene. restaurant.

New Road Misbah the master chef can cook anything Featherstone to suit customers requirements.

Misbah the master chef can cook Nr. Wolverhampton anything suit customers requirements.

All of thetosuperb mouthwatering dishes being WV10 7NW freshly prepared at the timeRepose of ordering, have using been Themouthwatering Kings All of the superb dishes 01902 only the finest produce. a 5 star award from awarded rate 307846

Indian Cuisine

being freshly prepared at the time of Described byonly many customers ordering, using the finest produce.as

01902 738299 a my place for Kitchen Hygiene.

New Road Eat in or take away culinary Misbah experience of a lifetime. the master chef can cook anything

Described by many customers to suit customers requirements. as a culinary experience of All of the superb mouthwatering dishes being a lifetime.

freshly prepared at the time of ordering, using

1

ard.pdf

New Road, Featherstone only the finest produce.

Nr. Wolverhampton Described by many customers WV10 7NW 22/05/2017 09:34

as a culinary experience of a lifetime.

Eat in or take away 1

0190209:34 307846 / 01902 738299

22/05/2017

Postcard.pdf

1

22/05/2017

09:34

Featherstone Nr. Wolverhampton WV10 7NW

01902 307846 01902 738299

Eat in or take awa

Open from 5.30pm - Midnight

(7days a week)

ICare - Meals on Wheels We offer a hot lunchtime meal service, where the meal can be plated up if needed.

Other services include: •

Introducing ICare Meals on Wheels Introducing ICare Meals on Wheels

• • •

Introducing ICare Meals on Wheels

•

Try a complimentary Hot Lunchtime meal and sweet delivered to your home.

Tea time Treat, which is a sandwich pack delivered with your hot meal ready for tea time.

A Frozen Meal delivery service.

A Home Shopping Service.

A well being check, if there is any cause of concern we contact your next of kin. (All our staff are fully Police and DBS checked) Our Peace of Mind Service which is a 15 minute stay, where we encourage you to eat the meal we have delivered, do small household chores, medication prompting if needed and update your next of kin on our visit.

Hot Meals are delivered between 11am and 2pm Frozen Meals are delivered between 9am and 4pm

Try a complimentary Hot Lunchtime meal Call 0845 6041125 How often do I have to order? and sweet delivered to your home. or to place anmeal order on line sweet visit yomplimentary a complimentary Hot Lunchtime and toOur your home. service runs 365 days a year. Customers can order Hot Lunchtime meal and sweetdelivered delivered to your home. www.icarecuisine.co.uk

Call0845 0845 6041125 6041125 Call

or to place an order on line visit

or to place an order on line visit www.icarecuisine.co.uk www.icarecuisine.co.uk

as and when needed. There is no contract.

A Tea time Treat, which is a sandwich pack delivered with your hot meal ready for tea time.

Call 0845 6041125 or to place an order on line visit www.icarecuisine.co.uk 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 49

Glycolic peels at La Minky One of the most effective treatments you can treat yourself with is the Glycolic peel these chemical peels freshen up the look of your skin and revive its glow.

Glycolic peels are made up of a sugarcane derivative and have a mild impact on your skin. They target the skin’s epidermis and do not penetrate the deeper layers.

Glycolic peels vs Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation procedure. It requires the use of a sterile, surgical scalpel to gently “shave” the skin’s surface, removing the top-most layer of dead skin along with fine vellus hair. The downside of this procedure is bacteria getting into the skin. Also the hair growth which has blunt ends makes the facial hair coarse and prickly and can cause ingrown hairs.

Here at La Minky we share with you some benefits glycolic peels give to your skin.

Makes Skin Pores Small

Increases Collagen Production

Glycolic peels enhance the production of collagen in your skin making it supple. This improved collagen production keeps your skin soft, maintains its elasticity, and absorbs the skin moisture. Also, this enhanced collagen production keeps your skin smooth, preventing it from going dry.

Glycolic peel therapy is often referred to as the “lunchtime peel” because of the short duration in which this treatment can be done with no downtime.

The treatment rejuvenates your skin, helps improve the skin regeneration process, and exfoliates the dull or damaged layer of skin.

24 Carat Gold Dusk mask are high in antioxidants and containing anti-inflammatory properties, legend has it that the ancient Egyptians ingested gold for its healing properties and Cleopatra used a gold mask every night to enhance her complexion, and keep her skin youthful, glowing and beautiful.

Glycolic peels are very effective at shrinking the pores of your skin. The fact is that your skin pores get enlarged when clogged with bacteria and dirt. This gives you blackheads.

Glycolic peel seeps into the epidermis of your skin and removes dead skin cells on its surface. Once cleansed, your skin pores shrink.

Reduces the Effects of Sun Damage

If your skin is exposed to sun for longer durations then this direct contact with sunlight may result in dark spots on your skin or its discoloration. Glycolic peels shed the affected skin layer and reveal the fresh layer of skin that lies underneath it. Moreover, glycolic therapy stimulates rebuilding of your skin cells. This results in a brighter complexion of your skin.

To have a clear skin, free from wrinkles & spots is every woman’s ultimate desire. Gold can activate the basal cells of the skin, which increases the elasticity of the skin. It thus reduces wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, and marks on the skin.

Gold helps in improving the blood circulation, hence it helps hydrate and maintain the skin’s moisture level. The small particles of gold get absorbed into the skin imparting a rich glow. This makes the skin healthy, fresh and radiant.

To sum up, gold is gold. You will have to try it to believe the amazing gold dust mask benefits.

Anti Aging

Using these peels, wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging on the face and neck area are reduced, leaving behind brilliant results! The glycolic acid strengthens the deep layers of skin and softens the lines on your face, this will leave you with tighter skin and with a firmer appearance of your face.

50

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

Make an appointment today and take advantage our first dual PEEL & BOOST facial treatment (see offer on opposite page) and have your skin nurtured to bring its deserving glow back!

Let youyou feel Letususmake make fantastic this Autumn feel fantastic with with our fabulous offers

our fabulous offers

Our first dual PEEL & BOOST facial treatment for £35 Swedish Backoffer Massage (pre offer price £50) Glycolic Peel & Express Gold Mask Facial

For £15

It is revitalising & remineralising which (Normal price £25) enhances post peel skin. The mask Offer runs till the end of October 2015 consists of 24 karat gold dust, minerals and seaweed extract. The 24 Karat gold dust provides a tightening effect for the face and revitalisation obtained from the minerals at the same time.

The seaweed gives the gold mask an intense moisturising effect.

Please note: all intimate waxing

Intimate Waxing

20% OFF

Follow us

LaMinky

1. The Glycolic Peel can be sold separately at the offer price of £15 ( pre price £ 25) Available foroffer men 2. The Express Gold Mask Facial cannot be carried out until after 2 weeks post peel and offer & women price of £20 (pre offer price £25) is only valid in offer runs until the end of October 2015 conjunction with the PEEL & BOOST offer.

3. A patch test is required 48 hrs prior to the glycolic peel treatment.

After-care service Offer runs for October 2019 -----------------for our clients with “Massage Mondays “ offer hair extensions (available Mondays only)

Full Body Swedish massage for £30 Wash, conditioning ( pre offer price £40)

treatment and blow dry

Not only is massage relaxing but also has beneficial effects on the body. Massage promotes healthy cell growth, relieving pains and soothing aching muscles.

It relaxes the mind, counteracting stress and Book 4 After-care service's anxiety, creating balance and a sense of and get the 5th FREE well-being. runs October 20192015 Offer Offer runs till thefor end of October

From £12

All offers subject to availability.

Please mention this advert at time of booking.

Telephone 01543 500 340 www.salonlamink.co.uk

Dawtry Stables, Dawtry Farm, Watling Street Hatherton, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1SD

ready etet ready WHAT IS LIPOFREEZE? Christmas is the season to ‘eat, and be merry’, but with this comes Cryolipolysis (LipoFreeze or Fat Freezing) is adrink new phenomenon and proven non-invasive Lipo procedure.

It uses cooling technology that results in localized fat reduction. The technology behind Cryolipolysis, was a host of events, where you are expected to be at your most fabulous. If designed and developed by dermatologists at Harvard Medical University. Their analysis revealed that fat of donning your little black dress tofills with dread; not.crystallize cellsthe are thought more responsive to the effects of cold in contrast theyou surrounding tissue.fear Fat cells in breaking down the fat cells whilst at different temperatures causing complete cell death. It is A revolutionary new treatment called LipoFreeze from UltraSlim Clinics sparing all the other tissue like the skin, muscle mass, and nerve

will have you wearing that dress with confidence in no time.

DOES IT WORK? YES - There are numerous clinical trials, celebrity reviews, and before & after photos which support the effectiveness of fat freezing. It is widely known as one of the most effective non-surgical fat loss solutions, Imagine a non-surgical reduction in asession. comfortable, relaxed capable of losses up to 59% fat during clinical trials of fatadministered cells in a single

procedure that costs a fraction of what

environment. Cryolipolysis LipoFreeze (Fat

HOW DOES IT WORK? most treatments cost, is permanent, Freezing) delivers controlled cooling to A special vacuum suction cup/handpiece plates isfatpositioned theduring selected body area. The and tackles those tough spots like with coolingreduce by up to on 40% a single area‘love is then chilled -and fat cells cold exposure.

Cooled fat cells crystallize and as handles’ bellyare fat.especially UltraSlimsensitive to treatment, while Ultrasound Cavitation a result no longer function in their usual way and breakdown (Apoptosis) via the body’s natural functions.

LipoFreeze Cryolipolysis and Ultrasound Lipo & RF delivers instant results for fat Cavitation Lipo are the most effective reduction, in addition to targeting cellulite, WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS AND ARE THEY PERMANENT? non surgical body sculpting treatments andhappen tightening This depends on the individual, the fat thickness, andreducing the area stretch treated. marks Changes over a number available on the market today.

Inches loose skin after child birth.

We are shapedresult, of weeks, so some patience is required - 12 weeks being the estimated time to see the maximum can be lost off any given area of the by what we love, but you’ll love the shape although some of our clients begin to see changes at around 2-3 weeks. In clinical trials 12 weeks in the treated area when comparing postbody treatment, out of simple 10 people saw an undeniable with a9 short, treatment you reduction can achieve at UltraSlim Clinics. measurements and photographs. The fat cells that will are crystallized through the Cryolipolysis procedure are absorbed by the body’s natural processes. Once destroyed the fat cells cannot grow back as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, providing a permanent fat reduction in the area treated.

Target Excess Fat & Reduce Cellulite • Treat up to 4 areas simultaneously to reduce time and costs • Clinically Proven, FDA Medically Cleared and Effective • The latest treatment to banish unwanted fat permanently • Undeniable results by up to 40% in only one treatment • No Surgery, No Scars & No Downtime • The treatment all the stars and celebrities have been shouting about

for the

arrt

easoo

UltraSlim Clinics Street 36-38 Berry 36-38 Berry Street Wolverhampton Wolverhampton WV1 1HA WV1 Tel: 1HA 0844 288 7297 Tel: 0844info@ultraslimclinics.com 288 7297 Email: Email: info@ultraslimclinics.com

www.ultraslimclinics.co om

www.ultraslimclinics.com

Target Excess Fat, Cellulite & Tighten Skin • Instant Results for Fat Reduction • Totally Non Invasive • No Surgery, No Needles • No Pain, No Side Effects, No Downtime!

Take this job and you might end up in jail Here’s a job which, on first impression, may not seem to be ideal. First off you won’t get paid. Then you may get called out in the middle of the night, and it guarantees you will end up in jail.

That said it could be the most rewarding thing you have ever done, claim HMP Featherstone independent monitors who are looking for new recruits to swell their ranks.

There are currently seven monitors at HMP Featherstone prison which is based near Wolverhampton. They are all members of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) which consists of ordinary people who have volunteered to do a pretty out of the ordinary job.

Chairman of IMB HMP Featherstone, John Credland explained the role. “Every prison and immigration removal centre has an IMB attached to it, their role is to ensure that Home Office/Ministry of Justice rules and regulations are properly applied and that proper standards of care and decency are maintained”.

The job, which is unpaid but expenses are covered, is hugely interesting, challenging and absorbing but it is not for everyone. You need to be enthusiastic, open minded, have good communication skills and have the ability to exercise sound, objective judgement.

“We would like to hear from anybody who is 18 or over and

lives within about 25 miles of HMP Featherstone. We are particularly keen to hear from young people and those of working age from black and minority ethnic communities since these groups are under-represented on the existing Board,” said John Credland.

“You do not need any special qualifications or experience as we will provide all the necessary training and support. The task typically takes up something in the region of five half days a month but we can be flexible about that,” said John Credland.

HMP Featherstone is, what is known as, a Category C and is classified as a resettlement / working prison. Currently there approx. 687 prisoners retained at HMP Featherstone.

If you are interested, then either phone 020 3334 3265 or download an application form from www.imb.org.uk Completed forms should be sent to imbrecruitment@justice. gsi.gov.uk Please quote campaign reference 995/Oakwood/ Featherstone/2019

Stafford U3A this autumn As summer fades now, we want to look forward to an interesting autumn. In the U3A our list of activists grows each season and all our current groups have a well-planned autumn programme, whether it be cycling, walking , painting, golf, bowls, bridge or badminton, never mind the other 60-odd various interests which meet , mostly monthly, but sometimes weekly. Most of our groups meet during the day, if there is something which interests you, please do get in touch.

Picture Woodcarving group

Pauline Blackmore from Stafford U3A recently went to see the Woodcarving Group at their 300th meeting.

They meet every Wednesday afternoon. Bob Hanlon has been the leader since he started the group after meeting Gerry Robinson, then U3A Chairman, at a U3A Open Day. With Bob’s expert help and guidance, says Pauline, about 25 members have a friendly, productive time, with a good chat and a laugh at the tea and biscuits stage.

Recently, Gerry and Carole Robinson retired from running two lunch groups in the U3A. They have been very active in the U3A for years, Gerry was a past Chairman, and is organising the U3A Annual Christmas Lunch on December 10th. They were presented with a token of appreciation upon retring from being group leaders by current chairman Tony Pearce.

54

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

Picture captions Gerry, Tony and Carole.

For any further information, please contact Pauline Blackmore, 01785 259251, or email psblackmoreu3a@ gmail.com

We offer a complete jewellery restoration service for that item that has just been loved too much and is tired. For examples see before and after photographs on our gallery at www. djmbespokejewellery.co.uk I currently design and make jewellery for our retail jewellers Emporium 13, based in Sedgley, West Midlands. The shop has been established over 10 years and offers a diverse selection of jewellery not usually found on the high street.

Are you looking for a beautiful unique gift for your loved one this Christmas?

Then contact DJM Bespoke Jewellery.

Contact me personally on 01543 328885 or email sales@djmbespokejewellery.co.uk for all your jewellery based questions I would be delighted to speak further with regards to any of our services.

I have worked in the Jewellery business for 18 years specialising in bespoke handmade designs providing that very personal approach from the outset by way of private consultation.

This personal yet surprisingly affordable service enables the client’s involvement from concept to completion.

I am proud to guarantee that every commission I make is a handmade, one off, unique design. We liaise with the client enabling them to translate their designs and thoughts and I can provide initial concept drawings where required.

Over the years I have found that sentiment can often outweigh the intrinsic value of the specific piece of jewellery.

In respect of this I regularly use clients old, or perhaps inherited unwearable pieces and remodel using original stones and precious metal in order to carry that sentiment through to something current, wearable and unique.

A popular area with regards this service is the refashioning of inherited loved ones wedding bands and/or engagement ring which, I have found, regularly sit at the bottom of a drawer gathering dust.

Clients are often surprised at the designs created from yesteryear pieces and are excited to discover that they could wear loved ones jewellery as a new exclusive designs. Clients are frequently surprised at the affordability of the service.

As part of the design service photographs are taken before and during the melting process in order to provide provenance of use. However for extra reassurance, should you wish, we offer the option of you being present at the actual melt. In furtherance of this service it is intended that in the near future clients can actually become involved in the making of their piece.

We provide a free inclusive care plan which includes three revisits to us over a period of 5 years during which your item will be checked for the setting of stones and re rhodium plated/polished where required. As this service extends to five years from the date of purchase it enables the item to remain looking ‘as new’.

01543 328885 sales@djmbespokejewellery.co.uk www.djmbespokejewellery.co.uk

01952 01952321334 321334|| | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 55 01952 321334 WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 51 51

THE BIGGEST AND MOST LIVELY INDOOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FAIR IN THE MIDLANDS IS BACK! …WITH SO MUCH CHOICE, FABULOUS BARGAINS AND GREAT MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT. This ever popular 4-day November Fair is a cracking start to the Christmas season for those in the know!

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the fabulous atmosphere, anticipation rising as you browse 300+ stalls overflowing with thousands upon thousands of unusual gifts, stocking fillers, decorations and artisan food & drink at prices worth celebrating!

It’s an Aladdin’s cave of sparkling stalls offering more choice, more variety and more fun than the High Street, and it’s all under one roof.

No other Christmas fair in the UK has as much entertainment in one hall to get you straight into the Christmas spirit…

For much more information, including videos, show highlights, exhibitor list, show offers and all the Live Performers, please visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

The Grinch will be up to his antics.

Father Christmas will be mingling.

The Stilt Jazz Band will be legging it up the aisles!

The UK’s largest snowman will be amazing the children.

The outrageous Panto Dame will be causing havoc around the hall The fabulous CHRISTMAS BAND will be performing throughout the day.

With their Motown-style Christmas harmonies, THE BASETONES will have you toe-tapping as you shop.

This month we have teamed up with The Festive Gift Fair to give five lucky winners the chance to win a pair of tickets – allowing entry to the fair on either the 14th, 15th, 16th or 17th November 2019.

Christmas is all about family, friendships and … food! Make a beeline for the FOODIE stalls, where you will discover mouth-watering treats from cheese to chutneys, spices to spirits, puddings to preserves, chocolates to Champagne, beer to brownies, popcorn to Prosecco and hampers to hog roasts!

How many stalls are at this year’s Festive Gift Fair?

A) 400+ B) 350+ C) 300+

Back by demand are many favourite stallholders including Magical Story, The Perfume Shop, the Cheshire Cheese Company, Condessa Welsh Liqueurs and Garland Enterprises. In addition, this year’s Festive Gift Fair will be welcoming over 100 NEW stallholders.

Tickets available on-line from just £6 per adult (plus fulfilment fee) The Fair is open daily 9.30am-5pm Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th November at the NEC, Birmingham BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW either online at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Factory hotline on 0844 581 0808. (calls cost up to 7p per minute from a BT landline, plus your phone company’s access charge).

56

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

For your chance to win please answer the following question:

Email your answer to info@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number, Entries to be received by Tuesday 31st October 2019.

Competition Terms and conditions Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries and notified by telephone. Prize is a pair of tickets to be used either the 14th, 15th, 16th, or 17th November 2019. No cash or alternative prize available

Sue Starr

ESTABLISHED CLINICAL THERAPIST It is estimated that 1 in 6 adults in the last week have experienced a common mental health problem. Mixed anxiety and depression accounts for one fifth of sick days in the UK. And what cannot be measured, is the emotional impact on the individual plus their family and friends. The range of support is increasing but still massively under resourced.

In 2017, the Government produced a green paper highlighting the importance of tackling mental health in the UK. Recognising that from an early age, people suffer needlessly, without realising that support is available.

Many schools and universities recognise mental health challenges and encourage parents to identify this in their child’s development. Sue Starr is often recommended by local schools to parents whose children struggle with mental health.

relationships with local schools, GP’s and Dental Practices and seen a real shift in positivity towards the use of talking therapies”. She adds “we work with our clients to provide the therapy they need; be that hypnotherapy, NLP or CBT. Whichever is best suited to how the client would like to proceed and whichever gets the best outcome”.

Sue has experience with a vast range of personal challenges and symptoms that people have been struggling with, sometimes for years. Her youngest client was 6 and oldest 84 showing that talking therapies really can be of benefit to anyone. www.suestarr-hypnotherapy.co.uk www.teenageemotionalstresstherapy.co.uk

The NHS uses a range of talking therapies including hypnotherapy, CBT and others. But the resource is very limited, waiting times are weeks and quality of support varied.

Sue Starr has been an established therapist since 2012 and has consistently worked with clients of all ages, backgrounds and conditions. Sue says “we have strengthened our

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 57

Bee-utiful scarves supporting Staffordshire’s ecosystem Local family part of a bigger plan to help save Britain’s bees

When it’s estimated that a third of what we eat each day relies on pollination, it soon becomes apparent that bees are an important ecosystem of their own. But how are we protecting their future?

Staffordshire born family brand Fleetwood & Foxgrove are aiming to empower fashionistas to make meaningful change by supporting the bees of Britain.

The young business, set up by mum-of-one Kirsty Fleetwood from her home in Brewood, is known for its country style scarves and accessories. The 100% silk scarves are designed and made right here in Britain and the latest edition to their collection is all about the humble bumble and the honey makers!

After reading an article from Sustain, the alliance for better food and farming, about the catastrophic decline in native species of bees in Britain, the conscious entrepreneur decided to seek out a way to support.

Pictured above: Founder of Fleetwood & Foxgrove, Kirsty is pictured here wearing the large traditional scarf Bee 58 56

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK OUTLOOK || SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2019 STAFFORDSHIRE 2019

Pictured above: Founder of Fleetwood & Foxgrove, Kirsty with her father-in-law Roger with his home based bee hives.

The brand new silk scarf from the 'Foxgrove' collection sees the British Bee Keepers Association benefit from every sale with a £1 profit donation. What's more, each purchaser also receives a pouch of bee attracting sprinkle seeds to make their very own pollination station at home.

The scarf which has just launched on their website is of course the colour of honey and available in three sizes; a pocket square, a twilly and a large traditional scarf.

32 year old Kirsty said, “We’ve decided to support the British Bee Keepers Association because of their commitment to educating the public in the importance of bees in the environment. We genuinely believe education is key at this point. The more people who understand the importance of bees the better they will try to protect and preserve these busy little pollinators.”

Kirsty, who also heads up a marketing department for global fresh produce growers Jupiter, adds; “If we can all do and be seen to be doing, our little bit for biodiversity we can live in hope that the message will gain momentum and the general public will catch on and join in.”

Kirsty Fleetwood www.fleetwoodandfoxgrove.co.uk 07713 286 011

A few words about Pets Paw Traits I have always had a passion for painting with pastels. On 13th April 2018 we rescued a small dog, a chug named Teddy, days after having him I started to make paintings of him, it was then I realized my love affair with painting pet’s portraits.

In February this year I decided I would like to try and promote myself and try to turn my passion into pocket money.

I only need a picture of your pet emailed to me and I will do the rest. (Please try to show your pets eyes) Each one of my A4 sized paintings takes me about 3 days to complete.I charge £50.00 for an A4 sized bespoke hand painted, signed and framed picture.

A3 sized pictures are a lot more work so I charge £85.00

I can send these pictures anywhere in the UK (postal charges will need to be added) Orders for Christmas are now been taken.

Teddy and I hard at work, he’s my inspiration.

Katia Holmes

Would you be interested in an affordable hand painted portrait of your favorite pet?

I am a local artist living in the Cannock area.

Please take a moment to look at some of the paintings I have done attached.

If you’re interested please send me a picture of your pet to pawtraitsbykat@gmail.com along with your contact details and I will contact you to discuss prices.

If you have chance, check out more about my art on: My Instagram: /pawtraitsbykatia My facebook: /pawtraitsbykatia

Hope to hear from you soon, Katia x Email: pawtraitsbykat@gmail.com Tel: 07858468010 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 59

Five marathons in five days In the first week of November this year; I’ll be running five consecutive marathons in five days, to raise funds for our daughter Eadie. We are aiming to raise £15,000 in total for therapy abroad at The Adeli Medical Centre in Slovakia which specialises in neuro rehab, which could enable her to walk and gain further independence such as feeding herself. We realised something was different about Eadie at around six months of age. Eadie’s twin was rolling, alert and beginning to crawl; Eadie was floppy and sleepy. Eventually she was diagnosed as having low muscle tone, (hypertonia) but is also hypermobile in other parts of her body, microcephaly – and as we discovered from fits which started at nine months; had Epilepsy too. Life felt very hard and uncertain for many months, having twins is tiring enough, but we had a 21 month old boy too, we were working full time, and all the while trying to do our best for the children’s lives to be normal and fulfilled whilst fighting to get Eadie’s needs recognised and met somehow.

My partner Sally initiated the fundraising; through children’s events such as our UV rave’s for up to eight year olds, cake sales and princess and pirate parties. One thing I can do is run, having to date clocked 29 marathons. Doing just one marathon didn’t quite seem enough, so finding a week of marathons over half a year ahead – seemed the perfect challenge worthy of Eadie and her daily struggle.

Being a full time Nursing Sister, full-time mum on my days off, and charity volunteer; getting enough training in still seems impossible, but yet somehow it is coming together. As a test I did two back-to-back marathons in July – finishing both feeling strong (and second person in overall both days!). As I work twelve hour days, I often have to get a run in after this – getting changed at work in to running gear and heading off for 5-7 miles. Getting my nutrition right is vital too; and I’ve learnt some hard lessons in training and how best to recover.

60

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

My running club – the Stafford Harriers, have been a great support, I often run 8 miles or so before meeting them for a further 8 more. They are such a lovely bunch – nominating the charity Oasis who provide so much support for us and Eadie. One or two of the club have even offered to run one of the five marathons with me. I’m determined my training won’t take me away from time with the kids – so train and run training marathons mid-week when they’re at nursery, or when they’re asleep. Being with them is so precious, I want to savour our time together.

I am still hoping for a local business sponsor, we are getting considerable coverage on local and social media – hence potentially considerable advertising. My step-sister is also adamant she’ll get me on TV – we’ll see.

New Year, New Legs, NewVEINS You New New New You 5 THINGS SHOULD KNOWLegs, ABOUT VARICOSE What Can Year, IYOU do About My Whilst these will help with symptoms, the only way to

VenaSeal uses a medicalis with a procedure If veins are untreated, remove varicose thatlefttargets thethey source If you have varicose veins grade super glue to seal off the bleeding, eczema, and want great looking uses a medical of the veins themselves.

VenaSeal If veins can are lead left tountreated, they If you have varicose veins veins and as it involves an experienced vein clinician. The goodbrown newsskin is that even phlebitis, discolouration 1. Don’t Worry, You Can Keep Your Legs legsCrossing for the summer, now glue damaged grade super to seal off the topotentially bleeding, eczema, and want great looking injections in the legtreatments this can lead and minimally leg ulcers, which the most advanced are invasive and The common claim that crossing your legs varicose fewer is the time to causes act. Having damaged veins and as it involves phlebitis, brown skin discolouration The normal function of leg veins – both the deep treatment means that you can take a long time to heal. legs forveins the issummer, now covered by most insurance companies. or spider untrue. Instead, the primary and factors are these assessed treated be quickly back to full activity fewer injections and potentially leg ulcers,anwhich veins the to legact. andgender, the has superficial veins – is to in the leg this During a consultation, ultra genetics, age, weight, pregnancy, history of blood never been easier. is the in time Having enjoying the benefits of healthy

Varicose Veins?

treatment means that you Clinic can at the Wolverhampton soundtime scan will heal. be performed to carryand blood backorto the for heart.

During walking take a long to clots, standing sitting time.

The Vein Nuffield Hospital, feeling and great looking legs.

Theextended Vein Clinic, periods led by Mr of Simon these assessed and treated detect the source of the problem beVascular quicklythe back tolead full activity the calf muscle acts as aHobbs, pump, squeezing Consultant by Mr Simon Hobbs, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Varicose veins are caused by During a aand consultation, anposition, ultra from the size and has never been easier.

Surgeon, the vast majority enjoying the benefits of the healthy veins and forcing blood back totreats the heart. treats vast majority of varicose veins walk-in, walk-to malfunction of valves in the veins 2.

Varicose Veins Are More Than Just a indicate theas required treatment. sound scan will be performed of varicose veinsfeeling as walk-in, legs. out procedures, local anaesthetic, with greatly which causes blood under to pool and The Vein Clinic, ledWhile

by Mr Simonveins might lookand great looking Cosmetic Issue. varicose To prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction, walk-out procedures, under veins Recognised majorproblem Medical detect the sourcebyofallthe

result in painful and unsightly enhanced recovery compared toInsurers. traditional surgical patients, Hobbs, Consultant unpleasant, theyvalves. canVascular also present serious health risks. local anaesthetic, with greatly For self-paying have numerous If the valves fail, blood flows back Varicose veins arebulges caused a surface. and from the ultra size and position, at theby skin’s treatments.

During a consultation, sound enhanced recovery compared to in Surgeon, treats the and vastback majority the an consultation fee is scan £150 and Many varicose veins cause symptoms such as aching into superficial veins down the leg.

This results Symptoms include aching, itching, malfunction of valves in the veins to detect indicate the required treatment. will be performed the source of theofproblem and traditional surgical treatments. an ultrasound both legs is £99. and itching, swelling and restless legs at night and the of varicose veins as walk-in, swelling, throbbing and restless veins enlarging and becoming varicose. which causes blood to pool and from the size and position, indicate the best treatment for The clinic, situated in the legs at night, with both men and sensation of throbbing over the vein, but untreated veins For further information visit walk-out procedures, under Recognised by all major Medical in painful unsightly you.

Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital, women being affected equally.

Whilst there are a number factors that areresult outside of your and can lead to brown areas ofofdamaged skin, eczema, local anaesthetic, with greatly Insurers.www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk For self-paying patients, uses the are latestainnumber medical at bulges the skin’s surface. control (age, sex and genetics) there of things ulcers, bleeding and blood clots. enhanced recovery compared to to diagnose and treat the consultation fee is £150 and technology Symptoms include aching, itching, that you can do to help prevent varicose veins or to minimise the veins that are the underlying traditional surgical treatments. an ultrasound of both legs is £99.

3.

Get Varicose swelling, throbbing and restless theMen symptoms from them.Veins Too cause of unsightly and symptomatic

About 80% situated of varicose women, The clinic, in vein the patients legs atbut night, and at the Wolverhampton The men Vein Clinic Nuffield Hospital, varicose are veins.

Mr Hobbs is 42% the with both For further information visit led Keep active: Regularvaricose exerciseveins helps pump blood out of the of men will develop by theintime they reach only surgeon the West Midlands

by Mr Simon Hobbs, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, treats Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital, women being affected equally. www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk leg and reduces the congestion in the veins.

This particularly currently offering the VenaSeal their 60s many ofmedical these men suffer in silence. the vast majority of varicose veins as walk-in, walk-out uses theto–latest applies peopleinwhose jobs Closure involvesystem, sittingalongside or standing otherstill procedures, under local anaesthetic, with greatly enhanced technology to diagnose and treat popular treatments such as for Exercise long periods.

4.

Promotes Long-Term Vein Health recovery compared to traditional surgical treatments. During Radiofrequency ablation, enabling the veins that are the underlying Physical activities such as walking, swimming, and staira consultation, an ultra sound scan will be performed to people to have their veins treated Lose weight: Excess weight can cause compression of the Before Procedure Post Procedure cause of improve unsightly and symptomatic climbing circulation.

When your blood flows with minimal discomfort. detect the source of the problem and from the size and veins, especially groin sitting and varicose veins. in Mrthe Hobbs isare theless without restriction, your veinswhilst likely to exacerbate experience position, indicate the best treatment for you. the symptoms of the varicose veins.

Even small amounts of the pressure causes veins. only surgeonthat in Westvaricose Midlands weight loss can help with symptoms. currently offering the VenaSeal Recognised bybyallallmajor Recognised majorMedical MedicalInsurers Insurerswe wealso also Closure system, alongside other accept self-referrals Wear compression stockings / socks:IsCompression 5.

Professional Treatment the Only socks accept self-referralsfor forself-paying self-payingpatients. patients.For For help withtreatments the flow of blood out of the stockings legs back can to the heart further popular such as information to schedule a Consultation further informationorabout treatments visit www.

Certain Solution Compression and can be cheaply fromveins, most but chemists.

Radiofrequency ablation, enabling visit www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk simonhobbsveins.co.uk or to schedule a Consultation minimise thebought effects of varicose the onlyYour way to doctor may be yourself able give you medical grade stockings people to have theirtoveins treated contact Gill on (01905) Post 793216. completely rid of them is through treatment fromon Before Procedure Procedure prescription. with minimal discomfort.

Love your legs

Love your legs VARICOSE VEINS are a source of discomfort and can also significantly affect your selfesteem. Having these assessed and treated could be easier than you think.

• High quality varicose and thread vein treatments • Minimally invasive local anaesthetic techniques • Walk-in, walk out procedures • Quick recovery • Insured and self paying patients

Please call 07555 581698 info@simonhobbsveins.co.uk www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road | Tettenhall | Wolverhampton | WV6 8LE

117

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

VARICOSE VEINS are a source of discomfort and can also significantly affect your selfesteem. Having these assessed and treated could be easier than you think.

www.wolverhamptonwestmag.co.uk

• High quality varicose and thread vein treatments • Minimally invasive local anaesthetic techniques • Walk-in, walk out procedures • Quick recovery • Insured and self paying patients

Please call 07555 581698 info@simonhobbsveins.co.uk www.simonhobbsveins.co.uk Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital Wood Road | Tettenhall | Wolverhampton | WV6 8LE

01952 57 01952321334 321334| | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 117 61

BY ROB TAYLOR

Cupra Ateca

SPORTINESS & SPEED

I am routinely confused by change. Move anything around the house from its designated spot and I’m lost. I am a man of precision and pedantry. I like everything to be exactly where I left it, so when I read that Seat had moved the goalposts on their Cupra brand I was mildly peeved.

Since its inception the sporty Spanish arm of Volkswagen has enlivened its regular stock of vehicles with ‘Cupra’ badging to designate extra sportiness and speed. But now Seat has made Cupra a brand in its own right, which is still to be sold through Seat dealerships. Now with a new logo, Cupra comes first, then the model name.

This is the new Cupra Ateca. It is the first vehicle from Seat’s award-winning motorsport division and is supposedly ‘the ultimate expression of uniqueness, sophistication and performance, constructed through passion and designed to captivate car enthusiasts around the world, creating vehicles that aren’t founded in nostalgia but rooted in the present.’

62

Bold claims indeed, as whichever way you slice it, this Ateca is a large, high-riding SUV so traditionally it should struggle to pull off all of the aforementioned claims. However, much tinkering has taken place in the intervening years between when I first learned the laws of physics at school and today’s present crop of super-quick SUVs. The boffins at Seat have definitely been busy because this vehicle lives up to the hype.

Taking as a starting point what is Seat’s best-selling crossover to date, the Cupra Ateca combines sportiness and practicality in a sophisticated design with the highest performance of any SUV outside of premium manufacturers. It gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which develops 296bhp and 295lb ft. It does 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and its top speed is 152mph. It also gets all-wheel drive, a DSG automatic gearbox, adaptive suspension, and a bespoke exhaust. Realistically, it costs just under £40,000 but that’s still not an awful lot for numbers that only the usual suspects from Germany can otherwise muster.

The seven-speed DSG transmission, which is linked to a 4Drive all-wheeldrive system, handles the power well and this vehicle is just as accomplished

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

through tight, low-speed turns as it is through lazy, fast corners. You’d never drive it in any way other than sensibly with your family on-board and even when alone I don’t feel even the fruity crackles from the exhaust will persuade wanton abandon.

Featuring special, Cupra body styling, exclusive – and massive – diamond-cut 19”alloy wheels, glossy black exterior details externally and striking new Cupra logo and lettering inside, plus standard equipment that includes keyless entry and start system, wireless charging, an 8” touchscreen system, Dynamic Chassis Control and Park Assist, and Alcantara bucket seats, this Ateca will definitely turn heads and turn on even lapsed petrolheads who today require a little more for themselves, post-family demands.

The interior exudes a combination of driver focus, comfort and refinement.

Materials are high-end and everything fits and is finished to the highest standards. It carries occupants in complete luxury, wafting them from A-B with a surfeit of power hitherto unassociated with Seat. But then of course that’s the point of the re-branding, this Cupra Ateca is a departure form the norm in the very best possible way.

BY ROB TAYLOR

Volkswagen T-Cross

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

‘Small but perfectly formed’ loosely describes the Volkswagen Polo. Anything that looks like a Golf that’s been shrunk in the wash gets my vote. After all, why buy increasingly large vehicles for our increasingly congested road network? In reality, all you really need is a decentlysized and spec’d hatchback – anything more and, really, you’ve just been suckered into buying beyond your needs.

Ah yes, but what about the cult of the SUV that’s currently sweeping the nation? Typically SUVs are big aren’t they? Traditionally yes; but, topically, no. The new Volkswagen T-Cross proves my point nicely. The fifth and most compact Volkswagen SUV ever, it sits below the T-Roc in the brand’s fast-growing SUV line-up and above the Polo in the full VW line-up.

Underneath its bodyshell is the same platform as the Polo and as such it is very dainty indeed.

This versatile and practical urbanfriendly SUV is offered in S, SE, SEL, and R-Line trim. Entry level S trim cars are identifiable by their 16-inch ‘Rochester’ alloy wheels, while the

entire T-Cross range gets electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors as standard, in addition to an eightinch touchscreen ‘Composition’ Media infotainment system with VW Connect and automatic headlights.

That’s a fair amount of stuff for a fair price: the range starts at £16,995.

Other gadgets and gizmos include a city emergency braking system and ‘Predictive Pedestrian Protection’, as well as Lane Assist with blind spot plus lane-keeping system and Hill Start Assist. All of which add up to make the T-Cross a vehicle with some of the highest levels of driver assistance in its class.

And if you care about how it drives – and I’m not entirely sure that most people do these days – the pick of the engine line-up is the entry-level, turbocharged 1 litre three-cylinder, which produces 94bhp. Whether you mostly pootle in town or not, this gutsy power-plant gets the job done, being especially urgent at low revs (the TSI unit develops 175 Nm of torque and does 0-62 mph in 11.5 seconds).

Another point of recommendation is the effortlessly light steering – particularly useful if you’re jammed

up in a tight car parking spot or even if you’re tumbling down a country lane, because the steering adapts and weights up accordingly.

As ever be wary of over-egging it and lobbing on 17” ‘Clayton’ alloy wheels because they will in some part affect ride comfort. However, SE models come with them as standard, as well as black roof rails and front fog lights with cornering function; a leather-trimmed, multifunction steering wheel; and a variable boot floor. Thankfully all T-Cross versions benefit from a signature, sliding rear bench seat as standard. This practical feature offers brilliant flexibility, providing a choice between enhanced rear leg room and a bigger load area of up to 455 litres.

So if you want a little of what you need with a lot of what you want in a super-small package check out the new T-Cross. It fills as neat a gap in Volkswagen’s range as it does the gap in your life. Plus, you’ll be driving an SUV, so, what’s not to like?

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 63

Index of Advertisers Beds & Bedroom Furniture Roll a Robe

Entertainment

21

Wolverhampton Racecourse

Beauty Salons & Clinics

La Minky 51 Simon Hobbs Vein Clinic 61 UltraSlim 52/53

Building Services

Lowes Building & Maintenance

Caravan Accessories

Cannock Caravan Accessories

Garage Roller Doors

Garolla Garage Roller Doors Shield Garage Roller Doors

Premier Carpets & Flooring 11 Frith Rugs 17

Carpet and Upholstery cleaning 15

Compton Care Essington Cemetery Window Frame Direct

29

19 13

Glass & Hardware Specialists Tech Alum Systems Ltd

2

I Care 49

Hypnotherapy

Sue Starr 57

41

Conservatories

4/5

Healthcare

43

Cemetery

Fire/Fireplaces

Jewellery

DJM Jewellery

27

Kitchens

DIY/Paint

55

Empire Appliances Linwoods 23

Loft Conversions Driveways Buckley Loft Conversions Standeford Garden Construction 33

21

Electrical Appliances

30

Market

Empire Appliances

Penkridge Market

21

Mobile Body-shop

Paint Wizards

National Trust

Standeford Garden Construction 33

Carpets, Flooring & Rugs

Care

Midland Independent Financial Services Limited

Garden /Landscaping

45

Zero Dry Time

Financial Adviser

Rugeley Fireplaces and Stoves

25

39

9

Shugborough Estate

Oven Cleaning

Oven U Cannock

Pet Portraits

1 7

9

H

2

V E

R

L O S I

20

B

22

B

T 16

D

P O

E R

E

A

E W

I

A

N

Y

8

N

A

E D

M Y

L

19

D G

Z

E D

A D

O

I T

S 17

E

T

S 13

I

Private Education Stafford Grammar

67

Restaurants & Entertainment The Kings Repose 49 Roofing LF Home Improvements 34/35 Roofix 31

Staircases

Lyndale Ltd 19

Tiles

Tile Choice 68

Wills

Goodwills 65

Windows

Cloudy 2 Clear Tech Alum Systems Ltd Window Frame Direct

E

R

B

T

I

E W

E

E

L

V Y

18

E

N T

1. SHORT CIRCUIT

S

2. BASIC INSTINCT

D

N A

T

E

R

N A

S A

21

A

23

E

K

G

PICTOGRAMS

G

N G

I

S

E N

S

Across: 7 Heroic, 8 Detain, 9 Over, 10 Noisiest, 11 Streams, 13 Views, 15 Ideal, 17 Giggled, 20 Bewilder, 21 Eats, 22 Breeze, 23 Tavern.

33 59

J

A

R

V I

6

S

V

14

G

E

L

5

M

O

12

M

E

E C

10

X E

SUDOKU 4

O

R

R

R

I

O

E

11

15

V

3

7

Pet Paw Traits by Katia

Puzzle Answers CROSSWORD

33

3. THE ITALIAN JOB

9 2 27

rney’?

What are Lasting Powers of Attorney? need ttothem? ofI A er do owwhy g PAnd

hy do I need a ‘Lastin W Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are documents

So, we should all have LPAs prepared to ensure that if the

problem arises then we know who will be looking after our in which you decide who will make your decision making. then someone, generally, possibly for years, for making decisions the event you losing occur, capacity.

After ainWill, oneofof your decisions for you. but notyour always a family member You make those decisions and you chose the most important Goodwills Legal Services Ltd provides a home visit service attorneys while you are still in goodmust mental make application to the which makes the process comfortable for our clients.

Thevery answer is very simple, have documents that you all chose would health.

The attorneys typically Court of Protection for to be Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

We them can prepare your LPAs prepared now, while be your spouse, your children, or close family.by that court to make authorised adults should have you can clearly make your own When giving instructions for LPAs to your local Goodwills

your decisions. This process is very a Lasting decisions about who should Ifin theplace problem is occurs suddenly, like a stroke or even a car Estate Planning Consultant, you nominate your attorneys long and complex and expensive. It be the named attorneys. crash, and if those LPAs are not prepared, then only the and our legal team generate the required documents.

Power of Attorney. can take up to 9 months and several

court, The Office of Public Guardian can chose who will be Forbring further These documents, ‘LPAs’, enable thousands of poundsYour in fees. your attorneys. local Consultant will the information, prepared documents advice and guidance call Mike back to you for the signing process. you to personally choose who will be This is athis very painful process Each year thousands of families have to go through very Humpherson who is the local authorised to make your decisions memberTo tomake have to difficult process because the person who hasfor losta family capacity the LPAs legallySenior functional our legal team then take Consultant representing should you loose mental capacity. did not have LPAs prepared before the problem arose. on your behalf. the LPAs through the process of registration with the Office of undertake Goodwills Legal Services Ltd. Public Guardian.

Do not think loss of mental capacity This process through the court can take months and And, you may end up with someone A home visit service is provided to is only a problem for the very elderly involve very significant costs. And of course the may registered and legally LPAs can for thenyour be used youcourt would not haveThe chosen takefunctional your instructions Wills perhaps with dementia. It is not an choose someone who you would not have wanted to make immediately, if needed, or can be placed into safe storage yourself having the legal authority and Lasting Powers of Attorney. age related Anyone can decisions forproblem. you. until perhaps needed later in life. to make your decisions for you. loose capacity at any age. Sadly all it Contact details: There two LPAs, as one dealsas with Property and Financial Please contact your local Goodwills Estate Planning takes are is something simple a fall Even worst is the case where Mike Humpherson decisions, and one with Health Consultant, Mike Humpherson, for further information. or a car crash, or a deals stroke.

And this and Welfare decisions. the court may have to choosedetails a T: 0845 678 7010 Contact are: can happen to anyone at any age. professional as attorney, M: 07771 992717 You can chose different people to make decisions for you person in M: 07771 992717 T: 0845 678 7010 each if that works best for you.

E: mikejh@globalnet.co.uk who will then be charging E: mikejh@globalnet.co.uk If youarea do not have the documents www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk www.goodwills.net W: www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk in place and the problem does your estate significant fees,

STOP!

Advertising does NOT have to break the bank

Prices starting from just £70

- advertise in your LOCAL magazine

So leave piggy alone!

Contact: Sharon Caldwell

t: 01952 321334

e: sharon@staffordshireoutlook.co.uk www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

Thereis is onesmall small job that you have There one job that you have been beenmeaning meaningto todo dofor foryears… years…

Make Your Your Will Make

Only £95 per person for Mirror Wills.

Single Wills only £80 per person VAT) Single Wills only £80 per person (+(+ VAT) MirrorWills Wills for couples, £75 per person VAT) Mirror for couples, £75 per person (+(+VAT) Single Wills £99 homevisit visitatata aconvenient convenienttime. time.

AAhome For more information &&appointments appointments call: For more information& appointmentscall: call: For more information

0845 0845678 6787010 7010 Visit our website: Visit our website: Visit our website:

www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk www.goodwillsmidlands.co.uk LOCALBUSINESS BUSINESS BASED PENKRIDGE LOCAL BASED ININ PENKRIDGE You nominateyour yourown ownExecutors, Executors,typically typicallyyour yourfamily. family.

You nominate Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers Attorney, Trusts, Lasting Powers ofof Attorney, Will Storage, Estate Planning and Will Storage, Estate Planning and Will Storage, Estate Planning and Guardianship Guardianship Trusts.

Trusts.

Goodwills also offers Probate services.

Guardianship Trusts.

No piggy banks were harmed in the production of this advertisement

Protected Professional Protected byby Professional Protected by Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Indemnity Insurance.

Indemnity Insurance.

Goodwills Legal Services Ltd. Goodwills Legal Services Ltd. Goodwills Legal Services Ltd. Members the Society Will writers.

Members ofof the Society ofof Will writers.

Members of the Society of Will writers.

LegalServices Services Ltd Legal Services Ltd Legal Ltd

01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 65 01952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK 59

Stafford Grammar School and Stafford Prep School Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you can ever make. Stafford Grammar School and Stafford Prep School offer an exceptional education and an outstanding level of pastoral care for boys and girls aged 4 - 18 years. We believe that happy children succeed and so we provide the encouragement and support for every child to fulfil his or her potential.

In recent years our A-level results average over 70% A*-B. Our school has become established as a centre of excellence at all levels and each year our Sixth Form students gain admission to the top universities. Whilst we pride ourselves on being rated as one of the top schools in Staffordshire in Government league tables, the real spirit of Stafford Grammar School is to be found in the smiling faces, laughter and sense of fun that pupils and teachers experience every day.

Academic excellence is only one part of the Stafford Grammar School success story. Our students excel in sport, music, drama and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, clubs and societies. We believe in encouraging participation and excellence in all areas, in and outside the classroom.

and the Royal Albert Hall. Our Concert Band performs in national competitions, has received platinum awards and has toured in Prague, Spain, France and Italy.

Drama continues to thrive and our school musicals are performed to sell-out audiences. Over the last few years, musical theatre productions of Les Miserables, West Side Story, Fame, Sister Act and 9 to 5 have been produced to an exceptional standard and received acclaim in the local press.

With such a lively variety of activities, it is easy to see why Stafford Grammar School and Stafford Preparatory School are such vibrant communities. Based upon the values of hard work, kindness and respect, we strive to provide an enriching education that will inspire our pupils and enable them to make the most of every opportunity in their lives beyond school.

Our extensive transport network means that we are accessible to families from a wide range of areas.

Financial assistance with school fees is available through scholarships for academic, sporting or musical excellence and bursaries based on an assessment of household financial circumstances.

We look forward to welcoming you to Stafford Grammar School and Stafford Prep School.

Places now available in most Year groups.

We offer a wide variety of sports and our teams have an enviable record of success, winning local, county, regional and national competitions. Students regularly secure places in county teams. Our pupils are continually inspired to excel in sport by others who have gone on to achieve sporting success at national level in sports as diverse as swimming, football, rugby, cricket, athletics, archery and ice hockey. Our school celebrates the achievement of every pupil.

For young people who enjoy the performing arts, Stafford Grammar School is the place to be. With the opportunity to join choirs, vocal groups, Concert Band, Big Band, Orchestra and other ensembles, there really is something for everyone. Music performances are held regularly in school and our music ensembles and choirs have recently performed in the Birmingham Symphony Hall 66

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | OCTOBER 2019

To find out more about our school, visit www. staffordgrammar.co.uk or call us on 01785 249752. With so much going on, you can follow @ StaffordGrammar on Twitter or Facebook to read the latest information.

STAFFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Open Morning - 12th October 2019 Tours start from 9.30 a.m.

STAFFORD PREP SCHOOL

www.staffordgrammar.co.uk

01785 249752

headsec@staffordgrammar.co.uk

create your own amazing space

upto

50

% off all tiles

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE UK CANNOCK

173 Walsall Road Bridgtown Cannock WS11 0JH

01543 469400

WALSALL

Birchills House Birchills Ind. Est Green Lane WS2 8LE

01922 746666

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

LICHFIELD

13 Titan Way Britannia Ent.Park Lichfield WS14 9TT

01543 264795

BILSTON

WOLVERHAMPTON

01902 405526

01902 715482

7 Millfields Road Bilston Wolverhampton WV14 0QJ

for your nearest store

Carvers Littles Lane Wolverhampton WV1 1JY

- www.tilechoice.co.uk