Darlaston & Wednesbury Life - Feb/ Mar 23

As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Brian Stanley it became clear that these values have been held dear for a

number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Brian commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.co.uk.

Sharon 07909 627736

Monday 5.30pm & 7pm

The Church on the Corner

King Charles Avenue

Bentley WS2 0DL

Sarah 07398 197131

Tuesday 6pm

Woods Methodist Church

Coronation Road

Wednesbury WS10 0TT

Heidi 07972 530778

Wednesday 5.30pm

Saturday 8am & 9.30am

The Wesley Centre

Spring Head

Wednesbury WS10 9AD

Jenny 07751 259593

Tuesday 9am

Woods Methodist Church

Coronation Road

Wednesbury WS10 0TT

Wednesday 9.00am

Hill Top Methodist Church

New Street

Hill Top B70 0HW

Thursday 9.00am, 10.30am, 5.30pm&7pm

St Bart’s Church Hall

Bottom Church Hill

Little Hill WS10 9DF

Lesley 07545 263348

Tuesday 9.15am, 10.45am, 5.30pm &7pm

Darlaston Sports & Social Club

The Leys

Darlaston WS10 8DP

Wednesday 9am & 10.30am

Friday 9am

Saturday 9am & 10.30am

All Saints Church

Walsall Road

Darlaston WS10 9LA

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Soup of the day

Lamb kofta, spiced yoghurt, lentil rice pilaf

Garlic creamed mushrooms, topped with smoked bacon crumble

Devon crab & king prawn fish cake, lemon and dill tartar sauce

Panko breaded brie bites, pickled pears, honey roast peppered olives

MAINS

Steak & Ale suet pudding, creamed potato, peas

Luxury Shepherd’s pie, pulled lamb, carrots, onions and peas in a red wine & mint jus

6oz beer battered haddock fillet, triple cooked chips, lemon and dill tartar sauce

8oz gammon steak, roasted pineapple, triple cooked chips, free range fried egg

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8oz sirloin steak, triple cooked chips, onion rings, tomato and mushrooms (£7.50 supplement)

Vegetarian options available on request.

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Toll House gourmet beef burger, fries and house slaw

Char grilled chicken burger, fries and house slaw

HOT CIABATTA SANDWICHES - ALL WITH HOUSE SALAD AND ROOT VEGETABLE CRISPS

Sauteed beef, caramelised red onion & stilton - individual £9.50

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Slow

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Apple crumble and custard

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Double Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte - £2.50

Floater coffee, topped with cream - £2.50

Liqueur coffee, topped with cream, £3.95 (selection of liqueurs available)

Vegetarian, vegan and children’s menu options available on request.

Wonderful Windermere

It’s been five years since we last visited the Lake District and as we came off the M6 and looked at the scenery, we both asked ourselves why it had taken so long.

We went for a short break in December, to escape for some peace and quiet before the madness of Christmas.

Our first stop was Kendal – you’ve all heard of the Mint Cake – which had a good choice of eateries and shops to satisfy our needs. Then it was on to the town of Bowness-on-Windermere. Set above the lake of the same name – the biggest in England – the town is packed with shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.

Having already eaten, we headed for the Beatrix Potter Attraction, as the author’s stories passed both of us by in our childhood, much to our embarrassment. If you have young children, it’s definitely worth a look and would fill an hour of your stay.

After purchasing some bottles of liqueur for Christmas presents from a specialist off licence, we headed for our accommodation.

The Wild Boar Inn, Grill & Smokehouse is quite remote, but that was what we were after – the remoter the better, to be honest! It’s about a 10-minute drive from the town with plenty of scenery for the passenger. It dates back to the 18th century and is so named after a local man, Richard de Gilpin killed a Wild Boar in nearby woods. If you’re wondering, we didn’t see any

on our visit, so I think it’s pretty safe now. Run by English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, the hotel is everything you could imagine a country inn to be. Wooden beams, flagstoned bar, which serves beer from the resident brewhouse (yes, I tried some – proper beer!) and a roaring fireplace – well, of course. One of the quirks of the place is the large piece of granite in the restaurant, which the hotel was built around –who said they didn’t care for the environment in the 1700s?

To say our room was full of old charm, doesn’t quite do it justice. Warm and toasty, with a bath big enough for a football team

The 34 rooms, which are divided into classic, feature and luxury, include three suites with their own log burning stoves and seven rooms with their own patio. Room names have a porcine theme as in Old Spot, Large White, Old Berkshire and Wild Boar.

On our first evening, we dined in the main restaurant, which was busy enough for an atmosphere, but not overcrowded. The presentation and quality of the food was exceptional. I’m a sucker for a scotch egg, but with this one having wild boar and black pudding, there was no option. My wife had goat’s cheese to start and ‘Cumbrian Coq au Vin’ for main and I opted for the slow cooked belly pork. I know it’s my job, but words aren’t enough... Finishing with a selection of local cheeses – rude not to! – and a very seasonal mulled wine and plum pavlova, we were properly in food heaven.

We retired to the leather seats in the bar for a wee night cap and something unusual happened.

Now, my friends and family will tell you I’m not a big dog lover. However, a large cockapoo decided he liked the look of me – clearly no taste! Before you know it, I’m shaking paws and fussing him like he’s my own. The place must have magical powers. Or was it the beer?

The Inn sits in 72 acres of semi-ancient woodland, with a number of walking trails, to suit all abilities, plus a ‘wild gym trail’. Archery and clay pigeon shooting are available too (booking required). In the morning, we decided to have a wander up and get some fresh air and exercise and were so glad we did. Aside from a fly past from a couple of RAF tornadoes, it was as peaceful and tranquil a place as I’ve ever known. As we’d had a drop of snow during the night, it made it very Christmas postcard like and we had a really pleasant hour and a half enjoying the walk.

Despite the snow, the roads were completely clear, so we decided to have a drive around Lake Windermere, which is around 11 miles and a mile wide. We tend to think of some of the so called more exotic lakes of Europe, like Como, Garda and Lucerne as having everything. Trust me; When the sun shines, our lakes, especially this one, are every bit as beautiful and a lot nearer.

We planned to have a look at what remains of the area that Beatrix Potter grew up in, but my navigation skills decided otherwise, but it’s still a nice drive and some of the lakeside properties are to die for – well almost.

We had lunch at the Low Wood Bay Resort, the sister hotel of the Wild Boar, and took advantage of the spa facilities, which my wife claims are better than Hoar Cross Hall – I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been invited. She also enjoyed the infinity pool overlooking the lake. Possibly due to the outside bar have Prosecco on tap. Who knows. Maybe next time, we can stay there, and I can enjoy the same, without having to drive.

Coincidentally, our evening meal was at Low Wood Bay’s W Restaurant, due to the Wild Boar Inn hosting a works Christmas Party, which took over the restaurant.

I won’t start offending chefs by saying which of our evening meals was the best, so I’ll just say both were outstanding. They were. The W is a much more modern, vibrant restaurant and beautifully decorated, with a real Christmassy feel. We were two of only four dining on that night as they also had a Christmas function on upstairs, so the service was amazing, although I suspect it always is.

My chicken and ham ballotine slightly edged my wife’s wild mushroom soup, while the jury was out on the main courses of her roasted cod fillet and my Cumbrian Lamb, but I think I triumphed on the desserts with my ‘The W Crème Brulé’, although her sticky toffee pudding took some beating. I do have words for this meal. Food porn! The menu has such an array of mouth-watering dishes, we were hard pressed to decide. However, as that was the only downside to a thoroughly enjoyable evening, we’ll probably cope.

A drop more snow had fallen by the next morning, but again, we could see the roads were perfectly clear, so we could enjoy our final breakfast before heading for home.

A word on the breakfasts. As someone who is fortunate to travel and stay at some nice hotels, I always judge the breakfast by the sausage. This one was up there. Right up there!

The two- or so-hour drive back was quite pleasant. The M6 behaved itself, for once and we landed back home, batteries thoroughly recharged and ready for the festive season.

The Wild Boar, Crook Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NF

Visit www.englishlakes.co.uk for more general information on the resort.

Telephone bookings: 0333 2203 108 / General enquiries: 015394 45225

Rooms and Tariffs: from £121 per room per night, based on 2 adults sharing a twin / double room and inclusive of bed and full English breakfast.

Please tell the businesses where you saw their advert.

Top Walks from the National Trust

The National Trust cares for hundreds of trails in beautiful locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

including herons, swans and geese. There’s a number of walks including the popular Mile Walk which is suitable for pushchairs and mobility trampers, which are available to hire.

Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd

Here in the Midlands, blow away the cobwebs with invigorating countryside walks or follow inviting paths through frost-sprinkled parkland and historic gardens. Walkers can immerse themselves in striking winter scenery; the stark beauty of frost-gilded trees, new vistas of wide landscapes and dramatic winter sunsets.

Winter and Spring is a great time to go outdoors and see wildlife. Birds arrive and woodland residents can be seen more easily in the bare trees, so why not combine a walk with some great nature-spotting opportunities?

National Trust tea-rooms and cafes make the perfect pit-stop after a ramble to warm up and refuel with a hot drink, comforting warm lunch or a well-earned sweet treat.

Here are some of the best trails close-by to enjoy during the next couple of months:

Shropshire

Attingham Park

Upon entering Attingham’s gates, the views open across 200-year old parkland to the Shropshire hills and the impressive Regency mansion emerges against silhouettes of cedar trees. Historic trees cluster in woodland glades and the River Tern meanders through the parkland attracting an abundance of wildlife

With amazing views to be had on a variety of way-marked walks, the beautiful scenery at the Long Mynd is perfect for a bracing winter walk. The Chalet Pavilion offers the perfect pitstop for a warming drink and tasty treat.

Comer Woods, Dudmaston EstateMulti-use trail

Trails crisscross Comer Woods, including the Explorer Trail a multi-use circular trail which begins and ends at the car park. Designed for everyone, including walkers, runners, cyclists and adapted wheelchair users. Stop off halfway along the trail at the Scout Camp. It’s a great place to pause for some outdoor games. A little further along the route, there's a great spot for den building. Challenge your family to build the best woodland shelter before continuing on your way. Follow the tree stump stepping stone path as you head out for more adventures.

Staffordshire

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Winter walk at Kedleston credit National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

Winter walk at Kedleston credit National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

Italian Garden at Ilam Park in winter sunshine Image Credit Lucy Cook

Blow away the cobwebs with a bracing walk on Kinver Edge. Climb to the top of the hillfort and take in a late winter sun rise or early sunset. On crisp, clear days enjoy panoramic views across three counties Staffordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

Shugborough Estate

On clear, crisp days a stroll around the pleasure grounds is great for admiring the views across the whole estate. For frosty trees, the purple sheen of silver birch and wild deer walking through the mist, you can’t beat a climb up to the Triumphal Arch and onto Satnall Hills.

looks particularly lovely after a dash of frost or a sprinkling of snow.

Warwickshire Charlecote Park

Pull on your walking boots, wrap up warm and escape to a winter landscape inspired by ‘Capability’ Brown with views across the river Avon at Charlecote. Follow the mown pathways through the parkland along the rivers and lakeside and enjoy picture perfect winter scenes. From fallow deer in the early morning mist, to frost glinting on the long grass, there's lots of beauty to be found in nature this season. Pick up one of the popular tree walks to see some of the oldest and most interesting trees in their winter states.

Packwood House

With the dieback of undergrowth, it’s easier to spot some of the mammals which normally use it for cover. In early evenings, it can be easier to spot foxes skulking between hedgerows while barn owls patrol the parkland looking for their prey. For those in search of early blooms, head to the arboretum for winter aconites, and Lichfield Plantation for snowdrops.

West Midlands

Wightwick Manor and Gardens

Winter is the perfect time to see the structure of the garden, the evergreen geometrical yew hedging appears bolder and the architectural lines of the terraces and balustrades are clearer. Pick up a warm drink from the tea-room and take a brisk walk across frosty lawns, past frozen pools and through crisp woodland.

Moseley Old Hall

Wrap up warm and enjoy a gentle stroll through our garden and woodland. The Knot Garden

Explore the wider estate on a winter walk at Packwood. Blow away the cobwebs along blustery canal paths or take a frosty stroll through the fields. Winter is one of the best times to wrap up warm and explore the Warwickshire countryside on our five-mile circular walk which starts at either Packwood or nearby Baddesley Clinton. Take a stroll through what was once the great Forest of Arden, walk along the Stratford-upon-Avon canal and stop off at Packwood’s café or Baddesley’s restaurant for a steaming bowl of soup and a warming drink. This is a great opportunity to visit two beautiful places.

For more walks and further details visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/walking

Red berries in the snow at Shugborough - David Goacher

Red berries in the snow at Shugborough - David Goacher

Winter walk in Comer Woods credit National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

Winter walk in Comer Woods credit National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

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