The Villager Magazine Bobbington, Himley, Kinver, Stourton, Swindon & Wollaston

September 2013

EVENTH

ER

YEARS

SARY

RS

HE

VILLAGE

magazine

ANN

IV

T

BRITIS H FOOD

F OR TN I GH T bring home the harvest

COMP ET ITION

win Grand Theatre tickets

GARDEN ING

light up your garden with BULBS

BOBBINGTON HIMLEY KINVER STOURTON SWINDON WOLLASTON

TH

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Independently published the Villager magazines promote local business to local people. This edition of The Villager is delivered FREE to homes and businesses in Bobbington, Kinver, Himley, Stourton, Swindon & Wollaston.

Other Villager Magazine editions are delivered FREE to homes in Kingswinford, Wall Heath and Wordsley.

Supporting local businesses, Community Groups, Societies, Charities and Schools.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. Whilst all reasonable effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors within The Villager Magazine, or competence of any business or statement made by any contributor. Before entering into any expense or commitment readers must check facts for themselves.

GRANT INTERIORS Established 1988

The finest quality Curtains, Blinds, Wallpaper & Accessories

WELCOME

On behalf of the Villager magazines I would like to thank our readers and supporters for yet another successful year.

The month of September is when we celebrate our seventh anniversary, still independently published we deliver to 10,500 local homes and businesses every month.

Always wanting to improve on what we do you will see the magazine this month has a new look, so sit back relax and enjoy.

Happy reading Maggie

CONTENTS Food

6

Bring home the harvest

8

Home

Woodland animals

Gardening

Light up your garden with bulbs

Computers

10

12

Trojan, Virus, Malware what do they mean?

Competition Visit our showroom at 6 Chenevare Mews . Kinver . DY7 6HB

01384 591677 or 07977947031 www.blinds-and-curtain-makers.com Email: grantinteriors@hotmail.co.uk

Win tickets to see, to sir with love

18

Office: 01384 274608 Mobile: 07726 790233

Email: thevillagermag@yahoo.co.uk Web: villagermagazine.co.uk

26

PETS

FOOD

18

COMPETITION

Light up your garden with bulbs

Bring home the Harvest

Health

Bullied at School

Local News

Kinver student a winner

Pets

22

24

26

Do you know when your pets are poorly?

Shopping

10 tips to help you stay safe

Next Month

30

The deadline for the October editions of the Villager magazine is September 20th.

If you would like to advertise or you have an interesting story please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

know when your pets are poorly

J&D

To Sir, With Love

J&D Locksmiths Serving the local community 24 Hour Service 7 days Including Bank Holidays

LOCKED OUT LOST KEYS KEY STOLEN Emergency door opening

Window, patios, garage locks

UPVC & aluminium door specialists Locks fitted to BS3621 All carpentry repairs No call out charge

Free estimates, fixed rates Competitive quotes

Insurance work undertaken ...and much more

Telephone: 0500 131339 Mobile: 07973 298 293 www.janddlocksmiths.co.uk

24

6

GARDENING

7 D HR AY S S

10

WRIGHT-CHOICE

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

BATHROOM KITCHEN BUILDING SPECIALIST

S B AT H R OdO&M lie fitted

£3 50 0

supp

FROM

4T0 KI CHENS

UP TO

K

% OFF

FAMILY RUN BUSINESS BUILT ON RECOMMENDATION

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & BUILD PACKAGES KITCHEN & BATHROOMS

EXTENSIONS & REFURBISHMENTS PLUMBING & ELECTRICS

CARPENTRY, TILING & PLASTERING FLOORING & HEATING SERVICES

We offer a complete home improvement package from design to installation.

Job completed from start to finish and you only have to deal with one company.

Make the W R I G H T - C H O I C E for your home

Customer Testimonials & Photographs of Our Installations Available

WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON CHOICE, QUALITY & VALUE

YOU ARE VERY WELCOME TO VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 6, HIGH STREET, WALL HEATH, KINGSWINFORD DY6 0HA

TEL: 01384 671069

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION

4

www.wrightchoicebathrooms.co.uk To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

ADVERTISEMENT

Cloudy2Clear Windows Windows Cloudy2Clear – Service Service With With A A Smile!

Smile!

– ADVERTISEMENT

It’s been a crazy It’s a crazy few been months for few months for Cloudy2Clear Cloudy2Clear Windows. The Windows.

The company which company specialiseswhich in repairing specialises in repairing windows which are windows which are or steamed up, broken steamed or damagedup, by broken replacing damaged replacing the panes by – not the the panes not the frames has– grown frames grown rapidly has as homeowners rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their take advantage of their services. services.

Managing Director Managing Brian StanleyDirector feels that Brian feels that it’s allStanley about service. it’s about service.

‘Ourallproduct is simple.

‘Our product simple.

If your doubleisglazing If your double glazing is misted up we can is misted up we can replace the glass at a replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of fraction of the cost of a new window, in any a new window, in any type of of frame, frame, and and with with type

a new 5 year guarantee. aBut new yearjust guarantee. it’s5 not about But it’s people not justmoney, about saving saving people money, although that obviously although that tradespeople obviously helps. Many helps.

Many tradespeople have struggled since last have struggled sincefeel last year and I honestly year and I honestly that during the goodfeel times that during perhaps the gooddidn’t times a minority afocus minority perhaps care didn’tas on customer focus care as muchon as customer they should have much done. as they should have done.

We make sure we turn make we will, turn upWe when wesure say we up when we say we will, do the job the customer do the joband theleave customer requires their requires leave house asand clean as atheir whistle. house clean as a whistle.

I oftenasget comments back Ifrom oftencustomers get comments back on how from customers on how they really didn’t expect they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for in a way, is very sad for the service industry as the service industry as whole.’ aa whole.’

Cloudy2Clear Cloudy2Clear service Kingswinford, service all ofand theWall service Kingswinford, Wordsley Wordsley andand Wall Villager Magazine Heath areas Brian areas and Brian Heath areas andhis Brian is finding that is finding that his approach is a major approach is asuccess. major factor in his factor in hisissuccess.

‘The truth that it’s ‘The truth that it’s not just theispersonal not just the personal satisfaction that I get satisfaction I get from doing that a good from doing job but alsoaitgood makes job butbusiness also it makes good sense. I good sense. get a business huge amount ofI get a huge amount of

business from friends business from and family of friends people and of people I’vefamily done work for, I’ve done which justwork goesfor, to which just goes show how muchtoa show howofmuch little bit efforta is little bit of effort is appreciated.’ appreciated.’

So, if your windows So,steamed if your up, windows are broken are steamed up, or damaged givebroken or damaged Brian a call give for a free Brian a callonfor a free quotation quotation on118 and 0800 61 21 0800 118 to and he’ll 61 be 21 happy help! he’ll be happy to help!

78)%1)( 94 (39&0) +0%>-2+# (SR´X VITPEGI XLI *VEQIW NYWX XLI 4ERIW

&VSOIR SV (EQEKIH ;MRHS[W# *EYPX] ,MRKIW ,ERHPIW SV 0SGOW# ;ERX 8LI 0EXIWX )RIVK] 7EZMRK +PEWW# %PP +PE^MRK &EGOIH &] 3YV =IEV 1ERYJEGXYVIVW +YEVERXII 4VMSVMX] *VIITLSRI

[[[ GPSYH] GPIEV GSQ [I QEOI WEZMRK QSRI] TIVJIGXP] GPIEV Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

5

VILLAGER FOOD

BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT

21 September - 6 October

bring home the harvest Hundreds of activities are taking place across the country during British Food Fortnight. The event is the biggest showcase of food on the national calendar and celebrates its twelfth year with more activities than ever before for people to get involved, with a particular emphasis on schools, communities and young people.

This year the campaign theme is “Bring Home the Harvest” and includes a Harvest lottery for children; a challenge to find the community organising the most imaginative and inclusive harvest event and a call to the young to create a new harvest anthem, all culminating in a huge British Food Fortnight Harvest celebration at Westminster Abbey. All this, plus the event's annual drive to encourage shops, pubs and restaurants to run British food promotions during the Fortnight.

Celebrations taking place across the country will include promotions, tastings and special menus in pubs, restaurants and shops, special events in care homes for the elderly, scrumptious servings of British food in garden centre cafes, patriotic menus in hospitals, family feasts in children's centres and lots of fun food and drink festivals and country fairs.

6

Britain produces some of the best food and drink in the world. Here are a few things you can do to eat more healthily, more variedly and discover the diverse and delicious range of food that Britain has to offer: Pause when you select your food from the supermarket aisle and make a special effort to seek out British food which is in season.

Shop in local butchers, greengrocers, farm shops and markets they will probably be able to tell you a little about the person who produced the food you are purchasing.

When next in the pub, team up a local beer with a local speciality for an authentic experience that reflects the character of the area where you live.

Explore food from different regions of Britain.

Cook a British meal for friends – nothing beats the old favourites like Cottage Pie or Apple Crumble.

Grow your own Eating food you have grown yourself - even if it is just a lettuce!

Love food? Visit the Ludlow Food Festival 2013 whichl takes place on 13, 14 and 15 September in Ludlow, Shropshire, the small town with the large reputation for good food and drink.

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

ELECTRICIAN

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT. CALL A LOCAL FULLY QUALIFIED

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

Have you found it difficult to find an Electrician in the local area to carry out a small job? Do you ask for quotes and fail to get a response?

Based in Kinver and with many years’ experience, Electrical Experts specialise in domes!c installa!ons and the provision of a range of services directly to Homeowners, Le"ng Agents and Landlords.

Our services include: ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS COMPLETE OR PARTIAL REWIRES NEW FUSE BOARDS TESTING AND INSPECTION REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

OAP

DISC OUNT S A VA I L A B L E

Call Mar!n today on 01384 660 095 for a free no obliga!on quota!on for your project.

Your call matters to us and we WILL respond. www.electricalexpertskinver.co.uk

FULLY PART ‘P’

REGISTERED & QUALIFIED

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

7

VILLAGER HOME

These gorgeous WOODL AND ANIMALS

will make a lovely addition to any home!

LIT TLEWOODS.COM Set of 3 Woodland Animals £18.00

PAPERCHASE woodland bunny mantle clock £12.00

NEXT Owls (set of 3) £12.00 Squirrel print cushion £12.00

Above: H OUSE OF F RASER Dean oak console table £579 Tapered basket (set of 3) £32 Woven throw £60 Mr Fox knitted cushion £25 Round baskets (set of 3 ) £35 Hedgehog ornament £10Owl mug £8 Wooden acorn £12 Ceramic leaf vase £20 Natural wooden vase £45 Chunky knit cushion £30 Mr Squirrel cushion £25 Linea Woodland

WILKO Sustain Fox Doorstop £12.00

HUNKYDO RYHO ME Red Squirrel Christmas Nutcracker£14.00 Owl Teapot £32

KINGSWINFORD BLINDS AFFORDABLE QUALITY

Whatever your need for window blinds, we’ve got the perfect choice for you.

ROLLERS - VERTICALS - VENETIANS - PLEATED

Our selection of made-to-measure window blinds will add a touch of style, sophistication and beauty to every room in your home.

We provide a complete service from survey to fitting to ensure customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

Please call Shaun for a FREE no obligation quote KINGSWINFORD BLINDS good honest service at an affordable price

8

Mob: 07970 861619 Tel: 01384 298796 www.kingswinfordblinds.co.uk

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

Sterling Ad 2

3/11/09

16:48

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

Page 1

Sterling Bathroom Installations A complete Bathroom service... from design through to installation.

Supply and fit or fit only.

Service available.

3 Year guarantee on all works.

BUILDING ALTERATIONS PLUMBING

u

u

DESIGN

u

PLANNING u

u

ELECTRICS

u

CARPENTRY

WET ROOMS

u

LESS ABLE ADAPTATIONS

TILING

PLASTERING u

PAINTING

26 Water Street, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 7QA Tel: 01384 364656

JGM

Adam Mobile: 07973 915506

Nigel Mobile: 07903 410593

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES FOR A LOCAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

7 YEAR

WARRANTY

ON ALL WORCESTER BOILERS

accredited installer

• Worcester Bosch accredited installer • Approved gas installations repairs & maintenance • Servicing of all gas appliances • Combi boiler replacement & servicing • Complete central heating systems • Landlord gas safety certificates • Bathroom installations • All aspects of plumbing work undertaken • Natural & LPG

Please call or mobile:

01384 271473 07970 114098

email: jgm.heating@gmail.com

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

9

VILLAGER GARDENING

Light Up your garden with

BULBS

By Philip Baulk of Ashwood Nurseries

Despite the high July temperatures and torrential downpours, our summer bedding has kept flowering and should continue to do so until the first frosts. This does however create something of a dilemma because the time is almost here to be thinking about planting our autumn bedding like winter flowering pansies, polyanthus and wallflowers, and to complete the show, some spring flowering bulbs. Many bulbs including daffodils and narcissus are best planted in September.

If you have ever accidentally dug up a daffodil bulb in early September, the chances are that new roots will already be visible, a sure sign that these bulbs are ready to start growing.

I like to have completed my autumn planting by early October, and it does mean that I have to sacrifice a week or two of late colour from my summer bedding plants.

The thinking behind this is that plants establish so much better whilst the soil is still relatively warm, and well established plants will survive nearly everything that the winter can throw at them. Later planting will result in smaller plants, probably some winter casualties and a poorer spring show.

10

Amongst the bulbs, tulips are an exception to this general rule, and these can be planted much later, even into early November, but they will be on sale in garden centres already. For the very best choice, buy your tulips now and then store them in a cool airy place until you are ready to plant them. Anyone who has visited the Keukenhof in Holland will know just how spectacular May-flowering tulips can be. They are great for early colour in herbaceous borders, and because they are amongst the hardiest of bulbs, they are superb in patio pots when under-planted with violas, polyanthus or sweetly scented wallflowers. Every year I plant fresh bulbs in a kaleidoscope of coordinating brilliant colours and they are the highlight of my spring garden. Mostly I plant them in large pots which I can move around as they come into flower, but I also use some in the borders, planting them at least 6inches deep (15cm.) so that I can leave them in place to flower for several seasons.

When you go to buy your bulbs, all will be displayed with brightly coloured photos but these should also tell you both their flowering time and ultimate height, and this will help you to find the right spot in the garden. A bulb is like ready meal; everything it needs to flower is already enclosed within it. All you have to do is plant them and wait for a gloriously colourful display to emerge in your spring garden.

HAPPY GARDENING

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

Ashwood Nurseries

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

Visit our Superb Nursery, Tea Room and Gi Shop in South Staordshire, just o the A449, near Wall Heath (look for the brown tourist sign). • • • •

Ashwood is a haven for everyone who enjoys plants and gardening.

Beau"ful Plants - for every posi*on and plan*ng scheme.

Tea Room - for some mouth watering homemade delights.

Gi Shop - exquisite collectables, cards and wrappings.

Garden Shop - seeds, compost, tools, pots, specialist books and lots, lots more for your gardening needs.

• Helpful advice available on all things hor*cultural.

Forthcoming Johns Garden Charity Open Days Summer 2013 Saturday 28th September (Whitehouse Cancer Support) and

Sunday 13th October (Na*onal Garden Scheme)

10am-4pm Entrance: ÂŁ5.00 each No need to book - just turn up!

• Online shop and mail order service. • Easy parking and open every day. • Group visits available throughout the year by prior appointment.

For more informa*on about our events or to arrange a group visit contact the nursery.

Ashwood Lower Lane, Ashwood, Kingswinford, West Midlands, DY6 0AE

www.ashwoodnurseries.com

Tel: 01384 401996

Email: info@ashwoodnurseries.com

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

11

TROJAN VIRUS MALWARE VILLAGER COMPUTERS

What do they mean?

While all these can harm our computers, they are not the same.

They are all types of malicious software that behave differently.

MALW AR E

Short for malicious software is used or programmed by attackers to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computers. 'Malware' is a general term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software.

The majority of active malware threats are usually worms or trojans rather than viruses.

SPYWARE

TROJANS

A hacking program that is a type of malware which gains privileged access to the operating system while appearing to perform a desirable function, but instead installs a malicious software, often including a backdoor allowing unauthorised access to the infected computer. These backdoors tend to be invisible to average users, but may cause your computer to run slow. Trojans do not attempt to inject themselves into other files like a virus.

Trojan horses may steal information, or harm their host computer.

Software that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge and may send information to another computer without the consumer's consent, or can gain control over a computer without the consumer's knowledge.

Spyware is mostly used for the purposes such as; tracking and storing internet users' movements on the web; serving up pop-up ads to internet users.

Whenever spyware is used for malicious purposes, its presence is typically hidden from the user and can be difficult to detect. Some spyware, such as key loggers, may be installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer intentionally in order to monitor users.

12

By Mike Brooks of PC Problems?

VIRUS

A type of malware that replicates by inserting copies of itself into other computer programs, data files, or the hard drive; when this replication succeeds, the affected areas are then said to be "infected". Viruses often perform some type of harmful activity on infected hosts, such as stealing hard disk space or processor time, accessing private information, corrupting data, displaying political or humorous messages, spamming contacts, or logging their keystrokes.

Removing any of these infections often requires specialised software and knowledge, please call us on 01384 571538 if you think your PC has any of the above.

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

PC Problems?

&$//

VKDZ

LQWHULRUV

)25 (;3(57 352)(66,21$/ :25.0$16+,3

.LWFKHQ )LWWLQJ Fully fitted kitchens designed and 20 YEARS

EXPERIENCE

HIGHLY SKILLED HONEST FRIENDLY ENGINEER FULLY INSURED

LAPTOPS AND PC’S

all makes repaired and upgraded

Onsite call out service Home & Small Business New PC’s built to order Hardware/Software faults fixed Used laptops & PC’s in stock

01384 571538 www.pc-problems.biz

installed • Door replacements and worktop jointing • Fitting only service • Free planning service • Complete refurbishments

%HVSRNH )LWWHG :DUGUREHV Floor to ceiling, sliding doors, angled wardrobes, drawer units and dressing tables. %HVSRNH +RPH 2IĂ€FH &UDIW 5RRPV

Designed and built to customers requirements

%HVSRNH )LWWHG %DWKURRP )XUQLWXUH

Vanity units, built-in cisterns, drawer units, wall and base units • Toilets and basins supplied and fitted.

Phone Andy to arrange a free quota

t. 07930 643 723

tion:

e. contact@shawfitinteriors.com

/LNH XV RQ

IDFHERRN

Shawfit Interiors

www.shawfitinteriors.com

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

13

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

Wouldn't it be great to guarantee an Indian summer ever y year...? By now we will

either be enjoying continued warm summer nights or starting to feel the rain and cold as we watch the leaves turn colour into autumn. But, if you ask Chris Poole from Evoake, who designs and builds summer houses and garden rooms, enjoying a warm place in your garden need not stop as the nights draw in.

A NEW KIND OF

LIVING

"For many the summer months brings about a feeling of well being from the freedom to spend time outdoors whether enjoying a little 'me time' or with friends and family. With a well designed summer house and the vast range of heat and light options available, this extended living can be enjoyed all year round. Our summer houses are as unique as those who will enjoy them ."

www.evoake.co.uk

Giving you a BRIGHTER outlook We fix the PANES not the frames

14

10 year manufacturer guarantee ‘A’ rated energy efficient glass available helping to reduce heat loss by up to 75% We also specialise in replacing glass units in wooden window frames.

T

B ES

ANE

in LASS the

For a FREE quote call Steve 07783

828607 or 01384 865212

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

PRIC E

IS E

DO YOU HAVE MISTY UNITS? We remove & replace your old double glazed units!

P G

P RO

M

PANE IN THE GLASS

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

A6 Evoake Advert V3.indd 1

A S TON

14/07/2013 11:38

FABRIC BARN ASTON FABRIC BARN has recently been established at Upper Aston Farm, Claverley near Wolverhampton, offering a selection of quality stock fabrics at discounted prices.

Alternatively, browse through the many fabric and wallpaper collection books to find inspiration for a new look for your home.

Manager Elizabeth Jacobs is happy to offer assistance and guidance, having a wealth of experience in interiors spanning 25 years.

Aston Fabric Barn offers a welcoming and relaxing environment where collections by L I N W O O D , M O N K W E L L , K O B E , J A M E S H A R E , J IM D ICKEN S , VILLA NOV A , B L E NDW OR T H and more can be seen.

Home Measuring Service Bespoke Curtain Making Curtain Fitting Service Re upholstery Samples

T: 01746 710 237

Open: Wednesday to Saturday 10:am - 4:pm or by appointment

Upper Aston Farm Claverley Wolverhampton WV5 7EE www.fabricbar n.co.uk

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

15

Sept - Dec What’s New LANGUAGES

COMPUTERS

FRENCH Free Taster sessions: Beginners: Tuesday 17th Sept. 19.00-21.00 Improvers: Monday 16th Sept. 19.00-21.00 Places MUST be booked in advance

Beginners Course:Tues 24th Sept.19.00-21.00, 11 wks. £57.90 # Improvers Course: Mon 23rd Sept.19.00-21.00, 11 wks. £57.90 #

ACTIVITY

MUSIC

FITNESS YOGA @ Oakfield Fri 20th Sept. 11.15-12.15. 6 wks. £24.70 #

HEALTH

FITNESS GLIDING @ Oakfield Fri 8th Nov. 11.15-12.15. 6 wks. £24.70 #

Sh ort’N’Sweet Short’N’Sweet

NEW ARABIC: AN INTRODUCTION Mon 4th Nov. 9.30-11.30, 6 wks. £31.60 #

PILATES Beginners: Thurs 19th Sept. 18.00-19.00, 12 wks. £37.10 # Beg.@ Oakfield: Fri 20th Sept. 10.00-11.00, 12 wks. £44.50 # Improvers: Tues 17th Sept. 19.00-20.00, 12 wks. £37.10 Improvers: Wed 18th Sept. 18.30-19.30, 12 wks. £37.10 Improvers: Thurs 19th Sept. 19.05-20.05, 12 wks. £37.10 Improvers: Thurs 19th Sept. 20.10-21.10, 12 wks. £37.10

NEW RACY WRITING Tues 1st Oct. 19.00-21.00. 10 wks. £52.60 #

BALLROOM and LATIN AMERICAN DANCING All classes start Mon16th Sept. for 12 wks. Beginners 18:45-19.45, £40.20. Improvers/ Intermediates 19.45-21.00. £50.30

NEW ITALIAN: AN INTRODUCTION Mon 16th Sept. 9.30-11.30, 6 wks. £31.60 #

CREATIVE WRITING Mon 23rd Sept. 19.00-21.00. OR Mon 11th Nov. 19.00-21.00.

Both 5 wks. £26.30 #

INTRO TO SIGN LANGUAGE Mon.30th Sept. 19.00-21.00 10 wks. £52.60 #

COMPUTING SKILLS: All courses 3 wks £22.30 #.

THE BASICS: Tues 17th Sept 14.30 –16.30, Tues 17th Sept 19.00-21.00, Tues 5th Nov. 14.30 –16.30 OR Tues 5th Nov. 19.00-21.00

INTERNET+ E MAIL: Tues 8th Oct. 14.30 –16.30, Tues 8th Oct. 19.00-21.00, Tues 26th Nov. 14.30-16.30 OR Tues 26th Nov. 19.00-21.00

NEW KEYBOARD SKILLS WORD PROCESSING: Tues 17th Sept. 12.00-14.00

NEW PRODUCING POSTERS, LEAFLETS AND CARDS: Tues 8th Oct. 12.00-14.00

NEW SIMPLE SPREADSHEETS: Tues 5th Nov 12.00-14.00 BEGINNERS GUIDE APPLE MAC COMPUTERS Mon 4th Nov. 19.00-20.30. 6 wks. £44.50 #

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ANDROID SMARTPHONE Tues 24th Sept. 12.00-14.00, Tues 12th Nov. 12.00-14.00 OR Tues 19th Nov. 19.00-21.00 . All 5 wks £37.10 # BUYING AND SELLING ON E-BAY Tues 17th Sept. 19.00 -21.00, Wed 2nd Oct. 9.30-11.30, Tues 15th Oct. 19.00-21.00. OR Wed 6th Nov. 9.30-11.30. All 4 wks. £29.70. # AN INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY HISTORY Mon 24th Sept. 14.30-16.30 5 wks. £42.10 # (£10)

AN INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL IMAGING USING PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS Mon 16th Sept. 9.30-11.30 OR Tues 5th Nov.. 9.30-11.30. Both 6 wks. £44.50 #

CONTINUING DIGITAL IMAGING: PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS Mon 4th Nov. 9.30-11.30. 6 wks. £44.50 # CREATE YOUR OWN WEBSITE Wed 23rd Oct. 14.30 -16.30 OR Thurs 24th Oct. 19.00-21.00. Both 7 wks. £51.90 #

WEL

LEGS, BUMS & TUMS Tues 17th Sept.. 20.05-21.05, 12 wks. £37.10

ADULT SWIMMING LESSONS: Begin Mon 16th Sept. for 12 wks. All cost £37.10. Beginners: 19.00-19.45. Improvers: 19.45-20.30. Intermediates: 20.30-21.15 PRIVATE SWIMMING LESSONS In a group of 2 or 1 to 1. Contact the office for further details

PLAY THE GUITAR Intermediates: Mon.16th Sept. 19.00-21.00 12 wks. £63.10 # Improvers: Tues.17th Sept. 19.00-21.00 12 wks. £63.10 # NEW Beginners : Thurs.19th Sept. 20.00-21.00 12 wks. £44.50 # Cont. Beginners: Thurs.19th Sept. 19.00-20.00 12 wks. £44.50 #

Short’N’Sweet MEDITATION Thurs 3rd Oct. OR Thurs 7th Nov. 19.00-20.30. Both 4 wks. £22.30 # BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT: IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU Short’N ’Sweet Mon 16th Sept. 14.30-16.30, Thurs 19th Sept 19.00-21.00 OR Thurs 10th Oct. 19.00-21.00 OR Thurs 7th Nov. 19.00-21.00.

All 3 wks. £22.30 #.

NEW HAIR STYLING FOR BEGINNERS Thurs 10th Oct. OR Thurs 7th Nov. Both 14.30-16.30 3 wks. £22.30 #

NEW MAKE UP FOR BEGINNERS Thurs 19th Sept. OR Thurs 28th Nov. Both 14.30-16.30 3 wks. £22.30 #

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING FOR BEGINNERS Mon 7th Oct.14.30-16.30. 3 wks. £22.30 # DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS Mon 11th Nov. 14.30-16.30. 3 wks. £22.30 #

Short’N ’Sweet

Sh ort’N’Sweet Short’N’Sweet Sh ort’N’Sweet

PAINTING AND DRAWING suitable for all levels Tues 17th Sept. 19.00 - 21.00, 12 wks. £63.10 # Wed 18th Sept. 9.30 - 11.30, 12 wks. £63.10 # Thurs 19th Sept. 10.00 -12.00, 12 wks. £63.10 # Thurs 19th Sept. 13.30- 15.30, 12 wks. £63.10 #

FLORAL ARTS: All 3 wks. £28.30 # (£11.00)

HAPPY HOUSEPLANTS: Tues 17th Sept. 14.30-16.30

THE WORDSLEY SCHOOL

Tel: 01384 816043 Brierley Hill Road, Wordsley Stourbridge. DY8 5SP

LLBEING

ARTS

Mon. to Fri. 9.00 - 13.00 www.learning4life.co.uk

CRAFTS

BASIC BRIDAL DISPLAY: Tues 8th Oct. 14.30-16.30

TRAINING

HEADRESS + HAIR DECORATIONS: Tues 5th Nov.14.30-16.30 BASIC POSY: Tues 26th Nov. 14.30-16.30 Short’N’Sweet LEARN TO SCULPT IN STONE Thurs 7th Nov. 19.00 - 21.00 6 wks. £49.40 #

CANAL ART: ROSES AND CASTLES Short’N’Sweet Tues. 5th Nov. 12.00-14.00 OR Mon 25th Nov. 19.00-21.00 Both 3 wks. £22.30 # JEWELLERY MAKING Mon 4th Nov. 19.00-21.00 OR Tues 26th Nov. 12.00-14.00 Both 3 wks. £22.30 #

FACE PAINTING AND GLITTER TATTOOS Mon 16th Sept. OR Mon 4th Nov. Both 19.00-21.00. 6 wks. £37.60 # ( £11)

SEWING MADE SIMPLE Thurs 19th Sept. 18.00-20.00. OR Thurs 7th Nov. 18.00-20.00. 6 wks £31.60 # PATCHWORK suitable for all levels.

Tues 17th Sept. 19.00-21.00. 6 wks. £31.60 # OR Wed.18th Sept. 14.30-16.30. 12 wks. £63.10 # UPHOLSTERY suitable for all levels Mon 16th Sept. 19.00-21.00. 6 wks. £31.60 # OR Wed.18th Sept. 12.00-14.00 12 wks. £63.10 #

NEEDLE FELT Tues 5th Nov. 9.30-11.30 OR Thurs 7th Nov. 19.00-21.00, 6 wks. £31.60

RLSS NATIONAL POOL LIFEGUARD Courses start on: 28th Oct. 2013, 17th Feb 2014, 14th Apr 2014, 28th July 2014 OR 4th Aug. 2014.

All 8.30-17.00. 6 days. £177.00, plus additional fees £83.00

RLSS NATIONAL RESCUE TEST for SWIMMING TEACHERS/COACHES I day retake: Fri 11th Apr.2014 subject to previous qualification and training. £37.60, add. fees £28.50. Full course: Tues 22nd July 2014 and Wed 23rd July 2014, 8.30-16.00. £58.90, add. fees £28.50.

DUDLEY MBC INDUCTION TRAINING FOR POOLSIDE ASSISTANTS Mon 2nd Sept., Mon 7th Oct., Mon 6th Jan. 2014 OR Mon 16th June 2014. All 9.00-12.00. £18.80 EMERGENCY FIRST AID Fri. 18th Oct. OR Sat. 30th Nov. Both 09.00-16.00. 1 day. £37.60

PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY FIRST AID Sat 19th Oct. OR Fri. 29Th Nov. Both 09.00-13.00. 1/2 day £25.10 START YOUR OWN BUSINESS Tues 15th Oct. 19.00-21.00 8 wks. £42.10 #

INTRO. TO TRADING ON THE STOCK MARKET Tues 17th Sept. 19.00-21.00 OR Thurs 21st Nov. 19.00-21.00 Both 4 wks £21.00 #

Email: studentservices@learning4life.co.uk

FIRST AID

COMMUNITY SESSIONS

ADULT SWIMMING: Mon. 12.30-13.15 Tues. 19.00-20.00 Thurs.19.00-20.15. All £2.70 AQUAFIT: Wed. 12.30-13.15 Fri.11.15-12.30. £2.70.

Wed.19.00-20.00 Sun. 9.00-10.00. £3.80

FITNESS SWIM: for 10-19 yrs Mon. 18.00-18.45. £2.00

The community programme starts on Mon 2nd Sept . No sessions 21.12.13 to 5.01.14 INFORMATION?

07963 986672

141communitygroup@hotmail.co.uk

ENTERPRISE

ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

PLAY THE GUITAR A brilliant opportunity for kids (over 8 years old) to learn tunes on electric or acoustic guitar and have fun!

Provide your own guitar.

Beginners: Mon 16th Sept. 6 wks.

16.45-17.45 OR 17.45-18.45. £53.70

Intermediates: Thurs 19th Sept 17.45-18.45. 12 wks. £58.80

LEARNING4LIFE SWIM SCHOOL

We operate 7 days a week, teaching children to swim from 41/2 yrs old (First steps 3 yrs.) Sessions are available at the following standards: First Steps, Pre-Beginner, Beginner, Improver, Intermediate 1, 2 and 3, Advanced, Rookie Lifeguard and Survive & Swim.

TERM DATES : Mon 9th Sept.–Sun 15th Dec. 2013 Exc. Mon 28th Oct. to Sun 3rd Nov. 2013.

COST: First Steps, Pre Beg, Beg, Improve. £54.2 -13 wks Intermediates 1, 2 and 3 £46.95 - 13 wks Advanced, Rookie, Survive & Swim £58.90 -13 wks

BONSAI BLACK BELT ACADEMY

KARATE CLASSES @ THE WORDSLEY SCHOOL Gain discipline, confidence, learn respect, improve coordination and memory span, burn energy, keep fit and have fun! Families welcome, pay per session options available and first lesson FREE! CONTACT LYDIA : 07581442336

WORDSLEY PRESCHOOL/PLAYGROUP

From 2 years, nappy facilities available.

Morning and afternoon sessions.

Lunch club available. Good Ofsted report.

Qualified and CRB checked staff.

Tel. 07817 682421

THE SMALL PRINT

REDUCED FEES: Where you see this # sign the course is supported by The Skills Funding Agency. If you are in receipt of certain benefits fees are reduced to a registration fee of £5.00.

Funded by

SEPTEMBER COURSES: May be subject to availability. When you call we will either register your interest. OR if places are available confirm your booking and take payment .

WHAT IS SHORT’N’SWEET? An introductory taster course of 6 hrs in a small group

Where you see this sign basic computer and internet skills are required.

Holiday Dates: Learning4Life is closed from Fri 20th Dec. 2013 to Sun. 5th Jan. 2014 limited opening from 28th Oct –1st Nov. 13

This programme is subject to change: particularly if we are unable to recruit minimum class numbers.

VILLAGER COMPETITION

Win tickets to see

MATTHEW KELLY will lead an all-star cast in a major new stage adaptation of E R Braithwaite’s TO SIR WITH LOVE which makes its world premiere this October.

Brilliantly adapted by Ayub Khan-Din (East is East) TO SIR, WITH LOVE tells the story of Ricky Braithwaite, a Cambridge graduate and ex-RAF fighter pilot arriving in London in 1948 and discovering what it means to be black in post-war England.

Turned down for job after job in his chosen career as an electonic engineer, Ricky begins his first teaching post, the only job he can get, in a tough but progressive East End school. Supported by an enlightened headmaster, the determined teacher turns teenage rebelliousness into self respect, contempt into consideration and hate into love.

ON STAGE TUE 22 - SAT 26 OCT Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12

Made into a major film in 1967 starring Sidney Poitier and featuring a song made famous

by Lulu, this new stage adaptation is peppered with the songs and dance of the late 40s; a time of austerity like our own where love, inspiration and hope win through against all the odds.

TO SIR, WITH LOVE is the first production in a new programme of work to be produced by the Touring Consortium Theatre Company (TCTC). The Grand has been involved with TCTC since it began in 1995 and is a core part of this new 3-year plan.

For your chance to win one of 3 pairs of tickets to see To Sir, With Love on Tuesday 22nd October at 7.30pm just answer the following question.

MATTHEW KELLY (pictured right) hosted one of Britain's most successful shows attracting around 13 million viewers for the live grand final at the end of each series. The show has one of the most memorable catchphrases in TV history: 'Tonight Matthew, I'm going to be...' Which show was it?

A) THE X FACTOR B) STARS IN THEIR EYES C) OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Post or email your entry, please include your Name, Address & Telephone number: To Sir, With Love - 1 Greystoke Drive, Kingswinford, DY6 8DX Email entries: thevillagermag@yahoo.co.uk

18

T&C s:- The draw will take place on 31.09.13 The winners will be notified and must collect the tickets from the box office on the night of the performance.

Tickets can not be exchanged and no cash, alternative prizes or nights are available. The winner may be required to take part in relevant publicity.

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

EXCLUSIVE LICENSED INDIAN RESTAURANT & TAKE AWAY SUNDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT SPECIALS

£10.95

Enjoy a meal for only

per person

Choose from the Menu: Any Starter Any Main Meal Any Rice or Nan* And a coffee

*with dishes that do not include rice or nan

DO YOU HAVE A FUNCTION TO ARRANGE? Birthday? Christening? Funeral?

ALL TASTES CATERED FOR WITH ENGLISH AND INDIAN FOOD AT TIMES TO SUIT YOU

Special set lunches and dinners are available for business, club and committee meetings on request.

FULLY AIR CONDITIONED OPEN DAILY 5:30PM TILL LATE

£5

(INCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS)

OFF

01384 377600

133 Brettell Lane, Amblecote, Stourbridge DY8 4BA

(Formerly ‘Amblecote Furnishers’ building) All major Credit Cards Accepted (Min £10 spend)

DINE IN AT EAST2WEST - SAVE £5

£5 off when 2 people dine in at East2West on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening with this voucher.

Voucher valid until further notice. One voucher per 2 people only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, no photocopies please.

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

19

Viva

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

THERAPIES FOR LIFE

Live well & feel good Take posi%ve steps now to improve health and well being.

REFLEXOLOGY

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE HOLISTIC FACIAL

CRYSTAL THERAPY

For further informa%on and to arrange your appointment telephone Nicky on

07773 322 240

email: nggholis%cs@gmail.com

BASED AT AURA VEDA, KINVER

What’s your Language?

Always wanted to learn a second language but put off by large numbers in classrooms?

Or maybe you are looking to brush up on your existing skills?

‘What’s your Language?’

provides private tuition in Spanish and French

Beginners GCSE/A Level Students Children Businesses

Now taking on students for September LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE

For more information, call or email Tori

01384 379003

email: info@whatsyourlanguage.co.uk www.whatsyourlanguage.co.uk

MDH SUPPORT We provide support with personal care (CQC registered) in your own home, and also help you regain your confidence and access the community.

We can help with shopping, cooking, housework or a sitting service.

Support available 7 days a week 8.00 am - 9.00 pm

www.mdhsupport.co.uk mdhsupport@hotmail.co.uk

Your independent Cambridge Consultant Call me, Julie, in Wollaston for your private appointment

01384 362040 07891 322346

julie.wootton@blueyonder.co.uk I can help you to help yourself!

Tel: 01384 265150

20

07891 226184 or 07976 713087

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

New

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

CND SHELLAC

20

CND Shellacâ„¢ is the original and only Power Polish service, set it & forget it!

SPECIAL OFFER

30

CHOOSE ANY 3 MINI MANICURE MINI PEDICURE BACK MASSAGE MINI FACIAL

SHELLAC MANICURE OR PEDICURE

£

Choose 3 treatments

ONLY

£30

£

FABULOUS GLITZY GEL NAILS

FINGERS £20 - TOES £20 - RING FINGERS £6

Chenevare Beauty 48a High Street, Kinver, DY7 6HE To book please call

GIFT VOUCHERS & PAMPER PACKAGES AVAILABLE

01384 878031 or 07927 774345

F I N AL   C A L L  F o r   th e   r eg I o N ’ s  m o s t  C h A LL eN g IN g   10 k   rAC e

48a High Street, Kinver, DY7 6HE and 2k Family Fun Run

Kinver Rotary Club 10k Road Race

Sunday Sept 29th 2013 In aid of Ac on Heart

www.ac onheartrunning.com

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

21

VILLAGER HEALTH

Dear Lakshmi

My name is Jo and I am twenty years of age. I wonder if you can help me with an issue that I had suffered all my life. From a very young age, I was bullied at school. I can go as far back as my first year of infant school. I am not very tall and relative to my height I am rather chubby. I was never a 'skinny' girl even as a youngster. I found it really hard to make friends and to trust anyone. I was brought up in a very dysfunctional family and I find it really hard to 'fit' in with people of my age and feel painfully uncomfortable if I have to talk to anyone. I totally lack self-confidence and I feel like a recluse.

From a very young age, I was bullied at school

Dear Jo

Thank you for putting pen to paper.

First of all, please allow me to tell you that you have courage and huge self-awareness.

I am truly saddened to hear that you were bullied from a very young age and this was not even your fault. Sometimes situations and people can be very unkind and cruel.

You mentioned that you were brought up in a 'dysfunctional' family. Although you have not elaborated on the 'dysfunctionalities', I will assume that it was a little chaotic.

As children we rely on our parents/ guardians to show us the way forward in life. They are our role models and our primary education starts at home. So as youngsters we watch and imitate our carers’ their behaviour, their language patterns and their actions. In other words our mind is 'programmed' to the way of our family, friends and the our environment.

We await guidance and advice from our seniors, we trust them, believe them, and follow them. As we get older, we begin to identify our own selves as a ‘unique ' individual. We then begin to become aware of morality versus immorality or better still right and wrong. If we are loved and nurtured in a loving stable home environment with a steady flow of balance and security then all is good and well.

However, in your case Jo, you were from a tiny age subjected to dysfunctional courses. So when you started at the infant school, you said you were 'bullied'. Bullying is a very sad state of affairs. Usually the bullies are very sad children and they were also bullied at home.

So in order to make themselves feel powerful and mighty, they pick on a quieter 'human being' and in your case sadly, it was you. They can be so cruel and say and do the most 'horrible' things to psychological and sometimes physically to damage others. In order to hurt the most vulnerable child/children, they pick on the individuals height, size, colour and so on.

Bullies are nasty in my opinion and they themselves need a lot of love and care. There is a really good website bullyonline.org read it and you will see what I mean. It will straight away make you feel, 'oh, wow!' now I understand it.

I have worked with many children from as young as age 5 to adults of all ages, some are even in their 80's and 90's, who were bullied at home, school or the work place. Once the past sadness, hurt, pain, self-blame, anger, guilt and so forth are removed, given help and shown the way into this present moment, they begin to flow nicely, managing their lives happily and enjoying each day as it comes. Embracing all there is to embrace.

22

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

Cont’d

You are so young and have a wonderful long life life ahead of you. This is your time to begin to live. You have tremendous courage and awareness which will help you to dump the past and explore brand new pastures.

Lakshmi Amarasingha RGN, BSc Nursing, Dip CFHP, MPSPract, Dip MAN Care (OU)

ASK LAKSHMI Got a problem?

I want to help.

Email your questions to:

asklakshmi@rocketmail.com

or write to me at: The Retreat 15 Kensington Gardens Wordsley DY8 5HS

Have you spoken to your GP about your experience? He may refer you to a counsellor. There lots of books available on how to help yourself to let go of the past. In the NHS Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is very much in vogue, get a book on this topic, books on Emotional Freedom Technique are also available. Try counselling and hypnotherapy which may be very helpful to you.

In my own practice, I teach clients various daily routines of self care to keep the physical and mental emotions flowing at a therapeutic level. First of all you need to pull the deep painful roots out so you can truly be yourself. When we carry past burdens it weighs us down and from being ‘comfortable’ we become 'uncomfortable', from being ‘functional’ to dysfunctional’ and from being at ‘ease’ to ‘disease’.

If you have any more questions Jo, please call or write to me.

Open new doors and keep walking through them and experience your own freedom. You are capable of it. Go for it.

Lakshmi

YOUR LOCAL GAS MAN IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY

FREE YOUR WALLS Now installing underfloor heating with a 50 YEAR GUARANTEE

SPECIAL OFFERS ON NEW NEW BOILERS BOILERS ON UP TO 10 YEARS

WITH TO 7 YEARS parts & UP Labour 10 YEAR E parts & Labour guarantee GUARANTE guarantee

Full Central Heating & Boiler Installations / Upgrades & servicing Gas Fires and Cookers Installed

All aspects of plumbing and heating Installed and Repaired Full Bathroom Installations and Repairs

Landlord Safety Certificates and Maintenance Emergency Repairs Undertaken

A RELIABLE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE YOU CAN RELY ON TIME AFTER TIME

FAST & EFFECTIVE CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM FLUSHING

WITH ONGOING PROTECTION USING MAGNACLEANSE FILTRATION SYSTEM

Manga clean filter S P E C I A L O FF E R : FREE installed with every flush

518043

‘DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE COLD THIS WINTER GIVE ME A CALL’

For a free quote or advice call Richard

D i r e c t : 0 7811 4 5 478 3 Te l : 013 8 4 4 0 2 9 6 2 58 Mellowdew Road Wordsley DY8 5NG Email: rmh.gas@gmail.com

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

23

VILLAGER NEWS

Kinver Student a WINNER in National Innovation Challenge

A 22-year-old Kinver student has won a £5,000 grant to develop a website that gives university students easy access to a convenient site to post, and respond to, local advertisments for items that are student-specific.

Matt Beveridge with the logo produced for Uni-Board

Matt Beveridge, a student at the University of Birmingham Business School, was a winner in a Student Innovation Challenge designed by JISC, a UK company which seeks to improve the student experience through the use of technology across UK education.

Open to students across the country, the challenge was to create an innovative idea that uses technology to add benefit to the student experience whilst in education.

Matt’s idea - Uni-Board - secured more than the required 150 votes from students across the country in less than 24 hours, demonstrating students’ support. After further assessment, a jury of digital and technological professionals awarded Matt and his four-strong team the £5,000 grant which will be used as a contribution to development costs.

Matt says: “It is common for students to try to sell unwanted items such as text books, sports equipment, household appliances and such. This web site provides an opportunity to advertise them to incoming students in an easy to access way.

“We appreciate there are national sites available for anything anybody wants to buy, but they are not student-specific.

Uni-Board will give students the option to select their university and then refine their search to the item they are seeking.”

Students were invited to produce a video pitch, marketing their idea to peers (for votes) and a jury of professionals in the field. The challenge saw over 36 ideas submitted, 6,500 student votes and 550 tweets.

Matt adds: “ We have now produced a logo and the next important challenge is the evelopment of a prototype website so we may go in search of the help and expertise from local and enthusiastic computer science students.”

Order our Ploughman’s selec on of Cheese, Ale, Cider and more... sourced locally and delivered direct to your door – easy!

24

www.eversobri sh.co.uk

follow us @eversobri sh

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

At P.A.P they understand how important it is when you invest in a new kitchen, bathroom or SEVEN YEAR bedroom and they always aim with rooms of to provide you FREE an exceptional standard that AND PARTS will not disappoint LABOUR you. If a new kitchen WARRANTY is on your wish list you may be very ON surprised at A beautiful kitchen WORCESTERprices.

P.A.P’s competitive A FINANCE AVAILABLE fitted by PAP SI, CDI AND are availfull range of kitchens Ideal4Finance RI RANGE able from basic to bespoke all rigid built with UNTIL 2012 until 31.12.

31.12.13 Call: 01772 671355 18mm carcasses and backs.

No flat packs here.

LOCAL COMPANY

PAP CARPRENTRY

INVITE YOU TO BEAT THE JANUARY VAT INCREASE WITH 2010 PRICES HELD TILL APRIL 2011

www.centralmaintenance.co.uk Worktops supplied are all top grade, from their basic cost effective trade line range, to names such as Duropal, Axiom and Formica prima.

Boiler & Central Heating Upgrades They also offer a wide range of solid timber tops and for that extra something special to Fires Installed Paul Pratty your kitchen or bathroom they offer a comSolar water heating systems Cookers Installed prehensive range of granite tops. can provide an average of Previously specialising in kitchens, fitted bed60% OF THE HOT WATER

Appliances Repaired & Serviced rooms and of carpentry PAP now offer youall usetypes every year.

Appliances supplied include an exceptional bathroom fitting service to Landlord Certificates Zanussi, Hotpoint, Indesit, Candy Installing complete theirsolar ‘all panels trades covered range’. and CDA whichALL are all FULLY available at provides immediate savings WORK Central Heating Power Flushing very good prices.

P.A.P also offer a on your fuel bills and major GUARANTEED P.A.P pride themselves in offering a dedicated, Bedroom Emergency Call Outs wide range of AND benefits to the environment INSURED furniture, professional and reliable service, ensuring totally bespoke and made to your complete customer satisfaction on all jobs, design and requirements, all awkwhich theycomplete start to finish. ward sized and shaped rooms are catered for and to complete the look of your room you can opt for Bespoke their bespoke furniture service too.

P.A.P Carpentry has been NOW established INSTALLING for over SOLAR 10 years, operating WATER HEATING throughout the West Adding solar energy to their your Midlands from central heating systemnear is a base in Wollaston highly economical upgrade.

Stourbridge.

Central Heating Installations Boiler Repairs

pp p.A.p CARPENTRY KITCHENS BATHROOMS BEDROOMS

S U P P L I E D & I N S TA LL E D O R J U S T I N S TA L LE D

ALL TRADES COVERED

WE COMPLETE THE WORK FROM START TO FINISH

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE PLEASE CALL PAUL ON

01384 378774 or 07834 194337

www.papcarpentry.co.uk

KINVER PLASTERING Whether you need to refurbish one room or a & BUILDING SERVICES complete house P.A.P have the expertise to

Furniture

carry out the work to the highest standards and your property is respected, kept clean and tidy throughout the process, leaving you with the knowledge that old-fashioned standards and3quality 0 Y EofAworkmanship R S E X P have E R Inot E Ngone C Eforever.

COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF THE BUILDING TRADE

Beat the January VAT increase with prices held at 2010 prices till April 2011*. All orders placed before February 2011 come with a 10% discount on all cabinetry. (*Does not include appliances and PLASTERING, RENDERING, worktops.)

Wollaston Church Doors

BRICKWORK, PLUMBING, Refurbished by P.A.P BATHROOMS, ALTERATIONS Want to find out more about P.A.P Carpentry? & MAINTENANCE Visit their website to see the full range of serv-

Tel: 01384 878910 Mob: 07788 960990

ices they offer, an image gallery of their work and customer testimonials. www.papcarpentry.co.uk Or to make an appointment for a free no obligation quotation Email:378774 welch970@btinternet.com call Paul on 01384 or 07834 194337

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

25

VILLAGER PETS

Do you know when your pets are poorly?

It may seem like a silly question, of course you would know when your pets are sick wouldn’t you?

They share your life, your home and you know them really well, just as you do other members of your family.

However, what many people don’t realise is that our animals are extremely adept at masking signs of illness and often by the time we realise there is a problem, they have been struggling for a while.

This article was inspired by a cat I saw last week. She was owned by some lovely clients; regulars with their other pets and they definitely have their best interests at heart. I didn’t blame them for not noticing sooner this one was poorly because a) felines are notoriously good at hiding illness and b), you know, I’m a vet, so really I should be quite good at spotting when animals are sick but I don’t expect others to be.

However, I think they may have realised they had left it a little long to bring her; several times during the consultation the husband mentioned that they had waited because she didn’t seem in ‘distress’ and here in lies the nub of the matter for this cat, and for many of the pets I see.

Animals are very, very good at hiding when they aren’t feeling well or are in pain. You could say they are made of much sterner stuff than us humans, and they probably are, but in the main this characteristic comes from millennia of evolution; in the wild sick creatures are soon picked off by predators. This means that even when they feel dreadful animals will do their level best to behave as normally as possible or they may simply go off and sit quietly in a corner or curl up and sleep much more than usual.

26

By Cat Henstridge BVSc MRCVS. What they won’t do is moan or groan (or whinge and demand tea and sympathy!), the most we might get is a reduced appetite or a limp. This is especially true of problems like arthritis, cancer or kidney failure, all of which are common in older pets.

Sadly this little cat had the latter of these and I will tell you how this tale ends now; blood tests showed her renal function was so damaged the kindest thing was to put her to sleep. Many people would think it almost impossible to not notice a pet was so sick they were near death but this is not the first time I have dealt with a case like this and it won’t be the last.

Obviously you don’t want to be dashing down to the surgery every 5 minutes when a pet isn’t quite themselves but neither do you want to leave things too long. So what is best to do? My advice would be to always be aware of how your pets are and if they have seemed ‘off’ for more than a day, ring your practice for a chat. A good clinic should take the time to speak to you and help you decide whether there is really a problem.

Cat is a local vet and works for Connaught House Vets in Kingswinford. For more pet advice and blogs, visit her website at www.catthevet.com

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL EL ECTR ICI AN

1O% OFF

WITH THIS VOUCHER

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

1 9 YE ARS

EX P ER I ENCE

FAST, FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL & TIDY WORKMANSHIP Member of Dudley Council

FIX-A-HOME SCHEME

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

REWIRES FUSE BOARD CHANGES EXTRA SOCKETS 6 YEAR LIGHTS FITTED WARRANTRKY COOKERS FITTED ON ALL WO KITCHEN ALTERATIONS OUTDOOR LIGHTS & POWER SHOWERS FITTED & CHANGED EXTENSIONS & CONSERVATORIES

T: 01384 288 253 / M: 07725 002 381

(% 4),

!/$%,%/0 ,% -&& -/ %'2*!/ !/$%, !),1%,!,#% 3%/'/-4, !/$%, *%!/!,#% %!0-,!* /2,),' %$'% /)++),' %$'% !5),' !4, 211),' $'),' +!** -&1 !/$ !,$0#!.% %.!)/0 -/$%/ *!,1),' -,1!),%/ *!,1),' )*$*)&% !/$%,),' !0)# /501-,% !**),' - -" -- +!** -//5 4% $-,61 ./2,% /%%0

2**5 ,02/%$

17 Digby Road, Kingswinford, West Midlands

CLEANING SERVICES for your Home or Offices

YOU CHOOSE FROM • ONE-OFFS • REGULAR • SPRING CLEAN • CARPET CLEANING

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL AND FRIENDLY

•ALL STAFF VETTED, TRAINED •INSURANCE AND MATERIALS INCLUSIVE

01384 377253 www.cleanandsimple.org.uk

Clean and Simple “giving you time�

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

27

VILLAGER MAGAZINE 20% Discount with this advert

Bring your oven back to showroom condition

with surecleanovens

Professional oven cleaning service Non caustic cleaning - 100% safe

No fumes, no odours, no harmful chemicals Cleaned using special van mounted equipment, minimising disturbance

Single & Double Ovens, Ranges & Agars Extractor Hoods and Hobs also cleaned

“A professional, reliable and friendly service” SAVE UP TO 50% ON BODYSHOP COSTS! We will visit you at home or at work most repairs cost less than your insurance excess!!!

BodyMagic specialises in SMART repairs Small Medium Area Repair Techniques

FULLY GUARANTEED REPAIRS INCLUDE:

Dents Scuffs and Scrapes Chipped paintwork Stone Chips Bumper Damage Alloy Wheels Vandal Damage

MOST JOBS TAKE LESS THAN A FEW HOURS!

07782 481 947

FOR A FREE ESTIMATE, PHONE GRAHAM ON: E: graham@bodymagic.org.uk

28

www.bodymagic.org.uk

PLUMANBD ING DRAINAGE

C o u r t e o u s P r o f e s s i o n a l Re l i a b l e

PPS PLUMBING & DRAINAGE

FROM A DRIPPING TAP TO A BLOCKED DRAIN FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HEATING & DRAINAGE NEEDS

FULL BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS FREE QUOTES - FULLY INSURED

NO J O B T OO SM A L L

C AL L PHI L 0 1384 29 629 5 0 7 7 37 03 453 8

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

STALLINGS LANE MOT & SERVICE CENTRE

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

STALLINGS LANE KINGSWINFORD

MOT’S SERVICE REPAIRS ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS

FOR ALL MAKES OF CARS & LIGHT COMMERCIALS LOCAL COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

FREE MOT WITH A FULL SERVICE

CONDITIONS APPLY

N E W C LA S S 7 T E ST I N G C E N T R E N OW O P E N

CO U RTE S Y CAR AVA ILA BL E

LIGHT COMMERCIAL MOTORBIKES VANS QUADS TESTED

01384 279604 or 01384 401661

BOO K YOUR MOT NOW LIVE ONLINE

www.stallingslanemotors.co.uk

OPEN MON - FRI 8.30 - 5.30 SAT 8.30 - 1.00

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

29

tips to help you stay safe

Beware of any item that is much cheaper than you expected. If it's too good to be true, it probably is!

Don't rely on a CE mark alone as a guarantee of quality.

Check that the packaging note looks genuine.

Does the item come with instructions and a guarantee?

Check for damage especially loose or broken fittings or frayed wires.

Check that the item has a three-pin UK plug or charger and that you know the country of origin.

Check that the voltage of products is 230V, 50Hz - the UK's usual domestic voltage.

When shopping for electrical goods, everybody loves a bargain.

But ... the product could be a cheap copy, of poor quality, or made to look like a well-known brand.

Or it may be second hand, with damage that can make it unsafe. These electrical products could harm you, your family and your home.

Unsafe electrical products can cause fire, electric shock, burns and other injuries. The last year has seen the highest number of counterfeit electrical goods entering the UK in three years and experts predict that this rise will result in millions of unsafe Christmas presents being given this year.

30

Avoid buying second-hand products, especially ones where the guarantee or warranty has run out. You won't know who has owned it or what condition it is in.

Use online review websites to find out what people are saying about products and sellers.

Ask for a copy of ‘Safe Shopper's Guide’ for help when buying goods online for general advice, or contact us at elctricalexpertsukltd@gmail.com Important!

If you suspect a product is dangerous to use, or if it is a fake copy of a well-known brand, it is illegal. Contact your local trading standards office or Citizens Advice straight away. If you have any suspicions about a product's safety, or if you think it's a fake, do not use it.

Problem products

Recall information from the official EU recall system, which lists unsafe products in Europe, shows the electrical goods most reported as faulty or dangerous are: Electrical chargers Adaptors, including those used for travel.

Cable extension and product leads. Hairdryers, tongs and clippers. Small kitchen appliances like kettles, toasters and irons

To advertise call 01384 274608 / 07726 790233 - villagermagazine.co.uk

by Martin of Electrical Experts

10

SAFE SHOPPING GUIDE

VILLAGER SHOPPING

G & J STARKEY LIMITED

VILLAGER MAGAZINE

VEHICLE TECHNICIANS

PRIVATE AND FLEET WORK

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

FULLY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED WORKFORCE

WE PROVIDE A COURTESY VAN OR CAR ON REQUEST

Replacement parts of the same quality as the original, so manufacturer’s warranties are not affected.

VOSA APPROVED MOT

TESTING STATION

DIESELS & PETROLS 4X4’s

LIGHT COMMERCIALS

DIAGNOSTIC & AIR CON

‘We don’t offer free MOT’s, or servicing at a price so low that you wonder what has been done to your vehicle – You pay affordable prices and get a quality job done!’

Owners Derek and Louise live in the Kinver area and offer a collection and delivery service to make life easier for you!

ELECTRICAL WORK

TYRES & EXHAUSTS CLUTCHES

WHEEL ALIGNMENT BRAKES

BODYWORK (ARRANGED) SERVICING FOR ALL

CARS / VANS

CAM BELTS

4 WHEEL TRACKING WARRANTY WORK

UNDERTAKEN

(Situated near the Merry Hill Centre) ALL WORK IS GUARANTEED

BY THE RMI

DIESEL POINT

Unit 3, Old Forge Trading Estate,Dudley Road, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 8EL

Te l : 0 1 3 8 4 8 9 4 7 7 2

Fax: 01384 898554 Email: gandjstarkey@btconnect.com

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

31