Staffordshire Outlook - December Stafford edition

01 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013

December 2012/January 2013

Inside This Issue: Hednesford War Memorial Feature, Recipe of the month, Puzzles, Eating out at The Harrows review, local entertainment, plus lots more!

Delivered to: Stafford, Penkridge, Acton Trussell, Little Haywood, Great Haywood, Forebridge, Hixon, Western Downs,

Parkfields, Walton-on-the Hill, Haughton, Gnosall, Littleworth, Rowley Park, Derrington, Castlefields, Acton Trussell.

Local magazine delivered to 20,000 selected homes and businesses*

Great Prizes to be won inside this issue:The Grand Theatre – win tickets for Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Win a meal for two at The Kings Repose

Win a deluxe Morphy Richards Accents colour kettle with Webbs


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A Message From The Editor

Hello readers,

Welcome to the December/January edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine. We want to wish all of our advertisers and readers a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We hope you’re enjoying reading the magazine with this edition featuring our eating out review at The Harrows, Hednesford War memorial feature, puzzles and lots more!

Don’t forget to enter the competitions with the winner being published

in the next Stafford edition of the magazine, good luck.

The winners of the Grand Theatre competition, Severn Valley Railway and Cruise Show from the October /November edition are below. Well done to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered.

If you belong to a local group or charity and would like forthcoming events published in this magazine please email [email protected]

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

Remember to keep this magazine at hand as we publish a useful numbers page at the back.

We would like to thank all of the businesses for supporting this magazine in 2012 and continue to support us in 2013 and hope that our readers will use these reputable companies when the need arises, and don’t forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook if using any of the advertisers!

All that’s left to do is relax and enjoy your local magazine, with a glass of sherry and a mince pie!

Enjoy your read…

Mal

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.

Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Ltd

30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford TF7 4PZ

Tel: 01952 321334

Staffordshire Outlook Magazine is published by Staffordshire Outlook Magazine Limited

www.staffordshireoutlook.co.uk

Advertising enquiries

Sharon Caldwell - Sales Manager Email: [email protected]

Editorial/What’s on information

Mal Caldwell - EditorEmail: [email protected]

Cover shot: Winter at The Moat House, Acton Trussell

Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk

ContentsThe Nuffield - Wolverhampton Hospital 4A fresh new look at TA Henn 6Indulge Interiors 8RB Windows 9Help for Heroes 10The Grand Theatre competition 12Love Lane Interiors 13Craftsmen that manufacture just for you! 14For all your planning needs 16Darard Forestry 16Where beautiful bedrooms begin 20Keys with a difference 21Care for Christmas Trees 22A big cheque, for a big bounce 22Perfect Party Shoes at Lily’s of Shifnal 25Creating your dream cake 26Win a meal for two at The Kings Repose 27Recipe of the month 28Charity day at the Blue Ginger Cannock 29Eating out review at The Harrows 30/31The Virtues of a Virtual PA 32DSN Accountants 33Hednesford War Memorial by Robert Van Der Does 34/35Webbs Cookers and win a luxury kettle competition 36Ismail’s Story 38,39,40,41Puzzles 42Trudy’s Trust 44Going for Evoque by Rob Taylor 46/47Fresh Start Friendship Group 48Toms Tip 48Useful Numbers 49Index of advertisers 50Puzzle Solutions 50

Severn Valley Railway Candy Guest - Penkridge, Nick Bratt - Hixon, Stephen Harlow - LittleworthThe Grand Theatre Joy Smith - Little Haywood, Mrs E W Frewer - Acton TrussellThe Telegraph Cruise ShowGerard Proudman - Castlefields, Christine Sinclair-Wellings - Penkridge, Richard Wilkes - Stafford, Harry Bancroft - Forebridge


Treatment for varicose veins is increasingly restricted on the NHS. We look at who’s likely to qualify and your options if you don’t.We’re all familiar with them – swollen, lumpy veins that are blue or purple and usually appear on the legs. In fact, varicose veins are very common, affecting around three in 10 adults and women more than men.

They develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. Normally the valves open to let blood through then close again to stop it flowing back, but if they become weak or damaged, the blood can flow backwards, collecting in the vein and causing that telltale bulging.

Consultant vascular surgeons at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, explain: “You’re more likely to develop varicose veins as you get older, especially if they run

in your family. You’ll also have an increased risk if you’re obese because excess weight puts more pressure on your veins, making the valves more inclined to leak. People who’ve had a deep vein thrombosis may be more likely to get them too.”

Varicose veins can be painful or achy and the skin over the vein can be discoloured or inflamed. In the meantime, compression stockings, which encourage blood to flow up the leg, should help relieve pain but may not stop veins getting worse. The good news is that despite being unsightly, varicose veins don’t usually cause problems. The not so good news is that if they’re not causing problems, budget restrictions mean you probably can’t get them treated on the NHS.

There are several techniques to treat varicose veins but not all are appropriate for every situation. Liquid sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical into the affected veins, sealing them, but this is only suitable for very small veins. Foam sclerotherapy, which involves injection

under the guidance of an ultrasound scan, can treat larger veins but only as advised by your consultant.

The traditional surgical treatment for bigger varicose veins is a technique called ligation and stripping, which involves tying off the vein in the affected leg and then removing it with a thin flexible wire. It requires a general anaesthetic but you’ll probably be able to go home the same day, though you may be off work for up to two to three weeks.

A newer technique, VNUS Closure treatment removes varicose veins through ‘key-hole’ heating and closes the vein from the inside, using radiofrequency energy. Treating varicose veins this way is less invasive and painless than other treatments and has a much faster recovery time.

If you would like further information about varicose vein treatments call us today for a swift consultation on 01902 793259 or visit our website at www.nuffieldhealth.com/wolverhamptonhospital

Nuffield Health Group Awards

• 2012 Laing and Buisson’s Independent Healthcare Award for Excellence in Risk Management

• 2012 NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) level three

• Winner of 2011 Health Investor Private Hospital Group of the Year

• 2010 Laing and Buisson Award for Management Excellence

• 2010 Health Investor Social Enterprise of the Year

Help For Varicose Veins


For rapid access For rapid access For rapid access to Varicose Veins to Varicose Veins to Varicose Veins to Varicose Veins to Varicose Veins to Varicose Veins to Varicose Veins to Varicose Veins to Varicose Veins Treatments.Treatments.Treatments.Treatments.Treatments.Treatments.Don’t just go private, go personal.

For further information on varicose veins surgery or general surgery please call 01902 267645 or go to nu� eldhealth.com/wolverhamptonhospital

Nu� eld Health Wolverhampton HospitalWood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE

For more information, scan this code with your smart phone*:

* Terms and conditions apply. App/download may be required which will be charged at the standard network rate. Other service charges may apply check with your operator.

wolverhampton_140x128_ad.indd 1 05/10/2012 11:52:26


T.A. Henn38 - 41 Princess StreetWolverhamptonWV1 1HD

Tel: 01902 [email protected]

Find us on Facebookwww.tahenn.com

Come and see our New Collections...

Come and see a fresh new look at T.A. Henn…From this November, T.A. Henn will welcome you with a brand new window giving the store a completely different and exciting look. The family-run business, celebrating its 165th anniversary

this year, is keen to continue offering the finest quality precious jewellery whilst bringing to you the latest fashion brands.

T.A. Henn already gathers a number of fashion names such

as Pandora, Ti Sento, Tresor Paris, Coeur de Lion, Clogau Gold, Bering and Ice Watches, from soldier to soldier and there are many more coming from this November....

Still more fashion to come at T.A. Henn from this November

Exclusive New Watches Collection

The invention and innovation that started it all, Nomination’s Composable Link Bracelet is made up of from a series of links that can be interchanged with different decorative designs to communicate everything from initials and astrological signs to special interests, passions, memories and emotions.

Made in Italy at the Nomination atelier studios near the Renaissance city of

Florence, the bracelet links are made of the highest quality stainless steel to

ensure your bracelet is hypoallergenic, will not tarnish and is strong enough to be worn everyday. Today this powerful communicative relationship continues

with Nomination fans around the globe.

Your story around your wrist


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Don’t Compromise, Indulge!

In 2009 Adrian Smith and his son Kenny ignored all sensible advice about not working with family and established Indulge Interiors.

Building on Adrian’s 20 years of experience of installations, they now offer elegant solutions for kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms from their Gnosall showroom.

Adrian established the Indulge showroom with a clear vision. “I felt there was space in the market for a different approach - I didn’t want to be just another company trying to convince customers that they needed what we had to offer” he told us. Instead, Indulge sets its stall out to provide customers with more than they thought they could afford, throughout a purchasing process that’s as hassle-free as possible. The

focus here is on creating beautiful, bespoke designs that are right for each individual and each space. Whether it’s a timeless classic that’s required, or something with a more contemporary aesthetic, the majority of Indulge’s cabinetry is made-to-measure and offers an almost limitless choice of material, colours, fittings and styles.

Taking a short break from his latest design, Kenny expanded further: “We’re an open, down-to-earth, family business and everything we do is inspired by design. Every project is unique - the space we have to work in is different and no two customers have exactly the same tastes. From creating a design brief, to signing off the project, we work closely with you to ensure the overall plan, item specification and finishing detail are spot-on.”

UNIT 1 GREYFRIARS WAY, STAFFORD ST16 2RF

01785223309

25% OFF ALL BATHROOM SUITES AND TILES WHEN BOUGHT

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Are you experiencing the age old problem of needing to expand your home but worrying about the costs!!! Well BE INSPIRED by the next generation of house extensions for your home.

COME and visit our newly refurbished showroom, where you can take a look around our NEW orangery and be inspired. Along with this we have a home accessories corner, with unique yet stunning items that will beautifully furnish your home. We have a variety of cane furniture designs ranging from classic to contemporary, small to large, and a comprehensive range of furniture fabrics and frame colours to choose from. We have over 20 cane suites on display, together with a range of cane accessories and occasional furniture. We believe that you will be able to choose the perfect combination of cane conservatory furniture, cane orangery furniture and cane dining room furniture for your home.

Over the years RB has expanded from a simple small double glazing company into the thriving business it is today. Not only do we supply orangeries but we provide many services such as installing upvc windows, doors and conservatories. We have an in house building team who can complete all kinds of building works from extensions to garage conversions to simple garden walls. We are the complete Home Renovation company.

RB is now offering great deals on triple glazing, which is becoming ever popular with the rising energy bills.

Three reasons to choose triple glazing:

1. Save more on your energy bills

2. Maximum comfort – thermal efficiency is better than that of a normal double glazed unit – ensures cold spots are eliminated.

3. Enhanced Security – that extra pane of glass ensures your windows are less easy to break.

RB Windows is based on the Walsall Road in Bridgtown, Cannock, Staffordshire.

Visit our showroom or call for a free no obligation quotation on 01543 467146, alternatively you can visit our website on www.rbwindows.co.uk

Whatever your requirements our friendly staff are available to offer help and advice.

RB Windows


We need more volunteers to support us in your area.“It’s about the ‘blokes’, our men and women of the Armed Forces. It’s about Derek, a rugby player who has lost both his legs, it’s about Carl whose jaw is wired up so he has been drinking through a straw. It’s about Richard who was handed a mobile phone as he lay on the stretcher so he could say goodbye to his wife. It’s about Ben, it’s about Steven and Andy and Mark, it’s about them all. They are just blokes but they are our blokes; they are our heroes. We want to help our heroes.”

When Help for Heroes (H4H) was launched in 2007, we just wanted to support those who had become injured while in the service of our country. This caught the public‘s imagination and became a focus for a huge demonstration of support by the public for the Armed Forces.

The response the Charity received turned into a genuine national phenomenon and allowed us to grow from a single-mission charity whose sole aim was to provide a swimming pool at Headley Court to a service-delivery charity which is committed to providing 360° holistic support for life. Through a network of newly created Recovery Centres, Help for Heroes now acts as a central hub to those who have been wounded. We provide direct

services, or work with partner charities, to enable an individual to excel along their chosen life path. This is dramatically improving the long-term care for those who have been wounded and it is needed for life.

Our challenge is to continue providing this support. The injuries won’t go away: Derek will always be a double amputee on prosthetic legs; Carl can now talk, but he will always be in pain; Richard is alive, but one day he may need a phone to talk to someone in the middle of the night about his experience.

H4H supports veterans and serving personnel who have been wounded, injured, or become sick as a result of serving their country. Additionally we support their families and dependents as they care for their loved one, and adapt to the new challenges that they face. The money raised is used in all sorts of ways, from big projects like the H4H Rehabilitation Complex at Headley Court to the smaller provision of goodie bags for wounded personnel returning to the UK. Individuals and their families can receive financial aid from H4H to relieve some of the added stresses. Improvements to housing, paying for specialist equipment, travel expenses for family members visiting hospital and financial assistance for those forced into giving up work to care for loved ones are just some of the ways in which the Charity can and is helping our heroes.

Our holistic approach is all about ‘mind, body and soul’; providing a launch pad to life through education and employment; getting the wounded back to being fit and healthy through sport and activities; ensuring there is someone to turn to in difficult times or whenever encouragement is needed. H4H is taking the lead role in the delivery of the Recovery Centres in Catterick (Phoenix House), Colchester (Chavasse VC) and Tidworth (Tedworth House) and delivery of new facilities to enhance those already in existence in Plymouth.

Our wonderful community of volunteers ensure as much of the money raised as possible goes directly to the ‘blokes’, the men and women of the Armed Forces. Our volunteers are very important to us – representing the public face of the Charity throughout the country and providing that personal link and support to the British public in their fundraising efforts. Volunteering with H4H is a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience and by ‘doing your bit’ you really can make a difference.

Help for Heroes needs you

If you are interested in volunteering with Help for Heroes please email Steve Parker, Central England Regional Coordinator at [email protected] or

visit our web site at www.helpforheroes.org.uk/regional_team_coordinators


Three lucky winners can each win 4 tickets to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Tuesday 12th February 2013 at 7.30pm.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is on stage at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th February 2013.

Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s “Amazing”, “Superb”, “Wonderful” and “Brilliant” production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance.

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door to Me and One More Angel.

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly and email your answer to [email protected] or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number, to arrive by the 20th January 2013.All winners will be notified by telephone.

What is the song in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ‘any dream will…’A DoB Don’tC BeCompetition Terms and Conditions

Winners to collect tickets from the box office on the night. Tickets cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative prize nights available. Winners may be required to partake in relevant publicity.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - Competition

Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Office for more information on 01902 42 92 12 or online at:

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

13

Love Lane Interiors specialise in GLASS SPLASHBACKS, GLASS WORK TOPS, WINDOW CILLS, GLASS BALUSTRADING and GLASS SHOWER SCREENS all made to fit your space.

Give Your Home Some L ve...Based in the middle of Staffordshire and West Midlands borders we aim to keep overheads down and prices competitive so the coloured glass can be viewed in selected kitchen and bathroom showrooms in the area. Offering a stylish alternative to tiles and grout, whether you have a full kitchen wrap or just a hob splashback and upstands, the glass will dramatically change your room giving your old kitchen a new contemporary lift or your new kitchen the classy wow factor it deserves. For bathrooms the glass can replace tiles in the shower area giving you a stunning transformation with a hygienic surface and no grout to attract debris for you to clean! Adding a glass window cill will also reflect the light giving you a sleek and shiny surface. Love Lane interiors also provide solutions for shower enclosures and wet rooms by giving you that made to measure glass door or partition that is made to fit your space perfectly.Love Lane staff are a friendly approachable team who offer a service to suit the customer, whether that is SUPPLY ONLY or TEMPLATING AND FITTING service.

For more interior ideas and FREE QUOTE just call Louise on

01922 411077

www.lovelaneinteriors.co.ukemail: [email protected]

For more interior ideas & free quote

Call Louise 01922 411077

Glass splashbacks

Glass Window Cills- Reflective and Hygenic

1000`s of colours to choose from

Made to measure shower screens

Templating & Fitting service



Craftsmen That Manufacture Just For You!

Craftsmen that manufacture any type of design you are looking for from stark modern, classy traditional, stylish contemporary, we manufacture it all our factory showroom which is based in Cannock Staffordshire, making and delivering a very wide range of our country.

If what you are looking for is well made, something different, with a personal approach to customer relations, then please feel at home with us and look around our site or even extend your desire, visit us at work in our Cannock based business.

Ralvern Ltd was first established in 1946 by Ralf Collis, his grandsons & identical twins Simon & Chris now run this well established family business their helpful and welcome approach, that will exceed your expectations in build quality and one to one relations. We really are all of the above and only communicate with all of our customers ourself! Cutting out the salesman hassle or pressure, creating a more personal and relaxed approach to having a stunning home.

Ralvern Ltd also offer a top quality reupholstery service that has had people talking about our attention to

detail, customer service, large fabric & leather range and overall quality.

Lounge suites, sofas, settee’s, chairs, unique designs, concept ideas, bedrooms occasional pieces, headboards,pelmits curtains,throws,cushions,stylish Walls discreet & professional, or even if you are after some new fillers for an old sofa we can supply and fit them, everything you need that stands your house out from the next.

If you have an idea that we don’t list please feel free to ask and I’m sure we will be able to for fill what you are after.

The Secret of True Quality is in the Fine Detail

For those seeking quality craftsmanship, unique design and an array of choice from traditional to stark modern styles, we offer a stunning collection of furniture, all manufactured at our factory based showroom.

We also offer a top quality re-upholstery service and a large fabric and leather range to choose from. Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock,

Staffordshire - WS11 7XN

01543 505539www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk

Bespoke Sofa Manufacture & Re-Upholstery Specialist


Fitting of Gas Fires & Solid Fuel StovesIf you are looking for gas, electric or solid fuel fires and fireplaces,

our highly experienced staff at fireside gallery can do it all.

Professionally fitting your fireplaceAs registered Gas Safe and HETAS fitters, our work is carried out in a professional

and safe manner. For your peace of mind, if you experience any problems with your fire or fireplace, we provide an excellent after-care and repairs service.

Bespoke fireplaces created to your specificationAll of the fireplaces we fit are made to measure and created to your specifications.

For example if you see a marble fireplace and want it in granite, we can change it for you. If you have a specific design in mind, we can either get a quote based on your design or draw a plan from your directions. If you would like to discuss

your fireplace ideas, please contact us and speak with one of our experts.

Call Fireside Gallery to arrange a free site survey on

01543 503 321or call in to our large showroom

Bridge Works, Walsall Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 [email protected] www.firesidegallery-cannock.co.uk

FIRESIDEGALLERYWe don't do problems we do solutions

We have something for everyone

01543 503 [email protected]

Fitted WardrobesLots of storage space at a fantastic price!

Our ‘Space Saver’ full width interiors is FREE with every

wardrobe.Made-to-measure and then fitted

by us in a day.

Please ring

0800 612 0932FREE brochure & price list

Lots of designs of beautiful floor to ceiling fitted wardrobes to fit any size or shape of room

Covering the whole of

Staffordshire


Darard Forestry Ltd

Darard forestry ltd was formed in 1996 by brothers Darren & Richard Allen.We have been successfully trading as a reliable trustworthy family company since then gaining many clients along the way, including Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust & many other local authorities. We work very closely with the authorities and comply with current legislation with regard to Trees BS 3998. We carry out all aspects of tree management from advice to planing applications to local authorities for tree preservation trees (TPO), recommended works tree pruning, removal, stump removal and replanting. We pride ourselves on our work and treat your property with respect and care. We also carry out tree surveys in

the form of general condition, mortgage surveys, hazard tree surveys and development surveys which comply to BS 5837. We also provide firewood logs for open fires or log burner’s bagged or loose loads for the coming cold winter nights! So if you have a tree problem Darard Forestry is one stop shop to resolve your problem.

Please call us: 01543 572914 Mob: 07970684052 Email: [email protected]

Darard Forestry LtdProfessional Tree Surgeons

and ConsultantsLocal Family Business

Established over 17 years

Please call us:01543 572914 / 07970684052

email: [email protected]

www.darardforestryltd.co.uk

• All operators NPTC qualified/ CRB Cleared

• Covering all aspects of tree work to BS 3998 (2010)

• Hedge Cutting

• Stump Removal

• Logs supplied bagged - Large and Small orders

• Wood Chip

• Tree reports and surveys BS 5837

• Full liability insurance 5m

• Free quotes

Need Planning Permission? •Houseextensionoroutbuilding.

•Newhouseinyourgarden.

•Changeofuseoflandorbuildings.

•Listedbuildingwork.

•Generaladviceonplanningissues.

Then secure experienced and professional help.

MB PLANNINGTel: 01785 226511

[email protected]

For All Your Planning Needs

It’s not every day that you need the services of a planning consultant, but here are some examples of when you might and that’s when MB Planning can help.• Extending your home or

building a new garage.• A new property on a

building plot or your garden.• A change of use of buildings

or land, for instance a barn conversion or extending your garden.

• New stables or pool in your paddock.

• A new shop front or advert for your business.

• New commercial projects or industrial buildings.

We will talk through your ideas with you, design and draw up the proposals and apply for Planning and other permissions as required. We will guide you through the sometimes difficult planning process to ensure that your proposals have the best chance of succeeding.

In addition the consultancy can help you with planning appeals, planning enforcement work and Local Plan allocations.We specialise in Listed Building, Conservation and historic building work, undertaking relevant applications.Established five years ago Francis Biard provides a thorough and professional service. He has over 35 years local experience in the field and is a corporate member of The Royal Town Planning Institute and of The Institute of Historic Building Conservation.If you need planning permission, have a planning issue or wish to develop your ideas for your property of whatever nature MB Planning is always happy to help.


Open: Monday to Saturday 9-6pm, Sunday and bank holidays 11-4pm


79a Darlington Street Wolverhampton WV1 4JD Tel: 01902 428489 Email: [email protected] www.interiorsitalia.co.uk

3 Amazing floors of style and choice Create the wow factor with our beautiful ranges

of bespoke furniture and accessories


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

01543 426425 [email protected]

Roll-A-Robe fitted mirror wardrobes will enhance the decor of any bedroom by adding light and the impression of doubling the room size.

Sliding doors that move aside without the intrusion of hinged doors and so giving more 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!

Roll-A-Robewww.roll-a-robe.com

Where beautiful bedrooms begin… fitted mirror wardrobes will enhance the decor of any bedroom, hallway, and bathroom by adding light and the impression of doubling the room size.Hand made to order in our factory, we fit our own bedrooms we mix and match up to five different glass/woodgrain panels in each sliding door to create a look that’s unique to you, or keep it plain and understated the choice is yours!

Large range of frame colour options including wood grain effects can be used with both safety backed glass and mirrors inserts or wood panel inserts.

Our specialist team at Roll-a-robe offers customers the best possible product coupled with excellent customer care!

We have learned that people are individuals with individual tastes, so with this in mind we offer a broad range of styles with our wardrobe doors.

We can accommodate requests for the majority of glass colours and specialist glass products currently on the market, superior running gear for effortless movement, colour coordinated top and bottom tracks.

Our sliding doors move aside without the intrusion of hinged doors so giving more living space.

So with the addition of planned wall to wall, floor to ceiling storage, you will find that you have more useful storage than you thought!

Create an elegant appearance with Roll-a-robe to your room with over 40 panels to choose from including mirrored or coloured glass finishes.

Call us now on 01543 426425.

Where Beautiful Bedrooms Begin

•Costeffectiveslidingdoorsolutions•Cutoutthemiddleman•Dealdirectwithwithus•Bespokecustommade


House Keys from £3

Funkeys from £4

Plain Car Keys from £7.50

Spare Car Keys with Transponder from £30

Remote car keys as from dealer from £70

Car KeysKey cuttingEngravingSecurity productsKey accessories

Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm Sun 10am-4.45pm

Hyde's Key LockerHollybush Garden Centre (New Extension)

Warstones RoadShareshill WV10 7LX

Tel: 01922 411210 / 07581 [email protected]

“Hyde’s Key Locker” is a small family run business located in the heart of the Hollybush Garden Centre.We are open 7 DAYS a week 9am-5:30pm Mon-Sat and 10am-4:45pm Sundays. We do all house keys, Cylinder, Mortice, Safe blanks and locker keys with a huge range of key blanks in the shop. If we do not have the key you require we will do our best to source it for you within 2 working days. If the plain “boring” house keys are not good enough you can choose from a big range of funkeys from colourful, glow in the dark to Betty Boo, Football teams or Disney Characters.

Our Engraving service is mainly used for pet tags and memorial plaques but we do a whole range of engraveable products trying our best to do every job the customer requires each as personalised as the last with no letter restriction and

always open to ideas. A whole range of engraveable items are available to hand such as trinket boxes, Zippo lighters, compact mirrors and card holders are but to name a few.

We recently started doing car keys, ranging from plain keys with no

transponder, spare car keys with transponder to start the engine also, to the fully remote car keys with transponder as from dealer. Due to the flexible times to suit you the customer, friendly reliable service and prices set to beat any competitor it has taken off with force.

The selection of locks and padlocks comes free with any advice needed on size or type along with our fire safety equipment and shoe care products. If a lock fitting service is required it can also be catered for with ease, just ask in the shop for details.

As a whole Hyde’s Key Locker aim to keep undercutting our rivals and provide a better, friendlier and more reliable service. If there are any problems or you require something out the ordinary do not hesitate to ask.

The free parking offers convenience and all services are carried out while you wait including car keys and engraving so this will give you chance to have a look around and enjoy what Hollybush has to offer.

Keys With A Difference


A Christmas tree should be treated like any cut flower or plant being brought into a warm, dry atmosphere.Real Christmas TreesIt is essential that cut trees should be fresh when purchased. The needles should not be dull and dried up. The branches should not be brittle. • If you are not putting

up your Christmas tree immediately, store your tree in a cool, wind-sheltered spot

• As soon as possible after this, stand the Christmas tree in plain water, not soil or sand, in a bucket or a water holding stand.

• Try to place your Christmas tree in its water-holding stand away from any direct heat.

Keep the Christmas tree stand topped up with water every day. Christmas trees may drink 2-3 pints of

water a day. It is essential to keep doing this as once the water drops below the trunk, sap will reseal pores in the tree’s bark and prevent the tree from taking up any more water.Potted Christmas trees these are Christmas trees that have been grown in the field and placed in pots especially for the Christmas period. These Christmas trees should be watered and cared for as for any house plant but do remember to place a tray under the pot to protect your carpet/floor.For all your real Christmas Trees this year call into Treeway Fencing.

01543 425893

Unit 9, Cannock Wood Industrial Estate, Cannock, Wood Street, Hazelslade, Hednesford WS12 5PL

Mon / Sun 8.00am - 5.00pm

www.treeway.co.uk

We have thousands to choose from 4ft to

40ft including Nordman Fir, Non shed pines,

Potted Trees, Wreaths and lots more!

Christmas only comes once a year…

So make it one you won't forget with a real tradional tree from Treeway!

Care Of The Christmas Tree

A Big Cheque For The Big Bounce

The money was raised over the year with non-uniform days but the key event was in July when 100 children took part in the Big Bounce sponsored event in July during our Olympic celebrations. Children bounced on space hoppers round an obstacle course made all the more challenging by the torrential rain. The figure is a record breaking amount as Martine said it is the most money raised by school children taking part in the Big Bounce in the West Midlands Region. The money raised will go towards helping people with this life threatening disorder.

Mrs Linda Davis from Chase Academy said that the school are very proud of the children’s achievements.

Martine Grainger from The Cystic Fibrosis Trust collected a cheque for an amazing £3,489.22 from children at Chase Academy.


trading hoursWe will be open as normal during the Christmasperiod with the exception of the following dates:Sat 17 November 9am - 6.30pm

Sat 15 December 9am - 8pm free car parking after 4.30pm

Sat 22 December 9am - 8pm free car parking after 4.30pm

Christmas Eve 8.30am - 4.30pm

Christmas Day Closed

Boxing Day 10.30am - 4.30pm free car parking

New Years Day Closed

MarkEt SquarE, StafforD St16 2BB tel 01785 223107 www.guildhallstafford.com

www.staffssaferroads.co.uk/gameoverDRINK DRIVING is a criminal offence

The problem with drinking and driving is...the MOURNING after Fact - You may feel fine but still be over the limit in the morningFact - 1 in 5 drivers found drink driving are caught in the morningPenalty - Disqualification for at least 12 monthsPenalty - Up to £5,000 fine and up to 6 months imprisonment

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OVER THE LIMIT, UNDER ARREST

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38 - 41 Princess StreetWolverhamptonWV1 1HD01902 429 409www.tahenn.com


We stock: Riva, Lotus, Bronx, Irregular Choice

plus many more

Celebrating

5 years New Autumn & Winter Ranges Now

in Stock!

The Christmas party season is here and there’s never been a better time to visit Lily’s of Shifnal.Packed full of those all important fashion buys - that are certain to make you sparkle this season - Lily’s has shoes, bags and accessories that are perfect for a party.

“We have some great ranges that are ideal for Christmas get-togethers. If you’re looking for something special to team with your dress or outfit, we can help you find it,” explains owner, Jo Shotton.

There’s exclusive and stylish designs from top brands at the boutique, including Irregular Choice, Bronx, Riva, United Nude Blackmail Lotus and Fiona Mcguinness.

And, with a fantastic choice of bags and accessories as well, you don’t need to look anywhere else for those finishing touches.

Lily’s is so well stocked in fact, that Jo even has just the thing for post-party feet too:

“Redfoot shoes are a must at this time of year. They’re small, foldable and just the right size to squeeze in to your handbag. Slip them on after a night spent dancing in heels for maximum comfort. We’ve got a great selection of sizes and colours in stock.”

A visit to Lily’s doesn’t just ensure that you find your perfect pair of party shoes though, you can also find a great selection of girly presents that are just right for the females in the family, not to mention gift vouchers too.

And that’s not all, there’s a completely hassle-free shopping experience

waiting for the guys, thanks to the boutique’s ‘wish list’ service.

“Ladies can come in and try on shoes that they’d like to receive as gifts from their partners. We make a note of the details, so that when their partners come in they only have to pick something from the list. We even offer a completely free gift wrap service too.”

Make every part of this season perfect with a visit to Lily’s of Shifnal.

Perfect Party Shoes at Lily’s of Shifnal


Would you like to reach over 20,000 readers in Cannock, Stafford and surrounding areas?

For further details on promoting your venue Call Sharon Caldwell on: 01952 321334

Now is the ideal time to promote your seasonal menus, special offers

or forthcoming events in

Contact: Yvonne01543 270615 or 07941 806805

[email protected] us on facebook

Occasion Cakes

w w w. e m m e r s ons c a ke s . c o. u k

Creating Your Dream Cake

Every special occasion deserves a dream cake!

At Yvonne Emmerson Occasion Cakes we believe that every special occasion deserves a special cake, whether a spectacular four tier wedding cake with cascading sugar roses for your dream day, or a dozen luxury triple chocolate cupcakes for your best friend’s birthday.

With over 20 years’ experience in designing and creating beautiful wedding,

Christening, anniversary and birthday cakes, we can put the finishing touch to your celebration by creating the perfect cake for you.

We use only the finest, freshest ingredients. Fresh butter, free range eggs and Fairtrade ingredients go into all of our cakes.

Between now and Christmas, we’ll be creating the finest Christmas cakes made with plump fruits soaked in brandy, and traditional Scandinavian gingerbread houses complete with fluffy sugar snow and icicles. They will be on display at the Christmas Gift Fair at the Lichfield Guildhall on Saturday 1st December

Why not contact us to have a chat about your cake? We’d be delighted to help!


This month we have teamed up with The Kings Repose to give one lucky winner the chance to win a fabulous meal for two with a bottle of wine.

The Kings Repose is a well-established, fully licensed Indian restaurant and takeaway which has been serving excellent food for 16 years and is situated in a countryside location in Featherstone near Wolverhampton.

At the helm since 1996, hosts Misbah and Lee successfully brought

it to a standard that won ‘Rate My Place’ which is a prestigious five star award, awarded by the local council for the outstanding achievement and contribution to the pursuit of excellent food and service which monitors food hygiene and general standards.

For your chance to win please answer the following question correctly:

How long has The Kings Repose been serving food?

Email your answer to: [email protected] or on a postcard to 30 Swinburne Close, Sutton Heights, Telford, TF7 4PZ with your name, address and telephone number, to arrive by Friday 28th December 2012.

The only indian restaurant to have been awarded a 5 star award from rate my place for Kitchen Hygiene.Misbah the master chef can cook anything to suit customers requirements.All of the superb mouthwatering dishes being freshly prepared at the time of ordering, using only the finest produce.

Described by many customers as a culinary experience of a lifetime.

Open from 5.30pm - Midnight (7days a week)

Indian Cuisine

New Road Featherstone Nr. Wolverhampton WV10 7NW

Eat in or take away

01902 307846 01902 738299

Christmas Bookings now being taken!

Competition Terms and conditions - To enter readers have to be at least 21 years of age. Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries and notified by telephone. Prize is a 3 course meal for two people with a bottle of house wine. Prize must be redeemed by the 31st January 2013 excluding 31st Dec/1st Jan. Booking is required and date is subject to availability. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to The Kings Repose.

Win A Meal For Two With The Kings Repose


INGREDIENTS•12 Fresh scallops•1 shallot finely chopped•1 stick celery finely chopped•1 clove crushed garlic•150grams risotto rice•100grams butter•100 ml dry white wine•600 ml veg stock• 1 cauliflower broken into florets (keep 1/4 for garnish)•Onion Bhajee

1 onion finely sliced salted in 10gr of salt for 20 mins, gram flour (enough to make a thick batter) , 5 gr cumin, 5 gr of turmeric, 5gr garam massala, 50 gr fresh coriander.

•Curry Oil50 grams of butter, 50ml ground nut oil, 5 grams of curry powder, 5 grams of garam massala, 1 lemon grass stalk, 5 curry leaves, 1 brown sugar cube, juice of 1/2 lime.

METHODRisotto1. Sauté vegetables in butter until soft, add rice,

salt and pepper and cook for 1 minute until translucent, deglaze with white wine then gradually add stock for 20 minutes until cooked.

Puree

2. Cook cauliflower florets in butter for five minutes then add half a pint of water, half a pint of cream and cook for a further 15 minutes until soft. Season with salt and pepper and blend in a blender until smooth.

Onion Bhajees

3. Mix onions, spices, coriander, flour and water.

Curry Oil

4. Put all ingredients in a pan and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and pass through a fine sieve.

To finish

5. Reheat risotto and puree in vegetable stock adding florets.

6. Deep-fry tablespoons of bhajee mix at 180c for 2 minutes.

7. Pan-fry scallops for 1 ½ minutes on one side, turn over, turn off heat and let rest for 2 minutes.

Assemble

8. Put a pool of risotto in centre of plate, add scallops, onion bhajees and finish off with curry oil and fresh coriander.

Serves 4Roast Scallops, cauliflower risotto, onion bhajees, sweet curry oil.

Recipe Of The Month

Recipe kindly provided by Stuart Plant from the Six Ashes, Bobbington.

Image courtesy of [email protected]


SUNDAY BUFFETDine in onlyEat as much as you like from a wide rangeof our exquisite dishes. 1pm-10.00pm

Adults £7.95/Child £4.95

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN12.30-2.30 - 2 Sittings English or Indian dishes

Adult £24.95/Child £11.95

Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 4NU 01543 500 300

Named best Indian restaurant in Cannock & surrounding areas by MBA (Midlands Balti-association) award is for 2012-2013

20% DISCOUNTon all foodorders collected

2 FOR 1 MEAL On all dishes including specialsMonday to Thursday - Dine in only

FREE HOME DELIVERYWithin 5 mile radius andon orders over £10.00

FREE BOTTLE OF WINEwith every takeaway order above £25.00

OPENING HOURSSunday:1pm-10pmMon-Thurs: 5.30pm-11.30pmFri-Sat: 5.30pm-Midnight

The Blue Ginger Huntington Charity Day organised and funded by the MBA (Midland Balti Association).This amazing day, organised by the MBA, was a fund-raising event for the Cannock Chase Chairman of the Council’s Official Charity Cancer Research.

Cllr Bob Todd opened the event at 2pm which featured a host of locally based professional entertainers who gave their services for free. David St John (comedy/vocal/M.C) compared the evening. There was a variety of artistes throughout the afternoon and evening. Natasha Marie (vocal and belly dancing spots), Mick -of Arcade Music (vocal/guitar), Tony Holyman -Completely Hooked (Dr Hook) Tribute member (comedy), Rachel Stone (vocal), Anthony Cox (vocal), Amanda Stone (vocal), Neil Collins (vocal), Kathy Stone (vocal), Bobbie Stone (vocal), Marvin (vocal).

Following the highly successful charity fundraising day (Cancer Research) at the Blue Ginger, a cheque for £600 was presented to the Chairman of Cannock Chase District Council Bob Todd. He thanked the Blue Ginger Restaurant and the entertainers who provided their services throughout the whole day. Cllr Todd also expressed his gratitude to the Midland Balti Association who

organised and funded this great day which raised a very high amount as 50% of the day’s proceeds.

Cllr Bob Todd wishes to thank the MBA, Blue Ginger and following entertainers who provided a day of great music, comedy etc.

There was some fantastic news for Blue Ginger having been presented on the 12th September with a five star award, awarded by the local council for the outstanding achievement and contribution to the pursuit of excellent food hygiene and general standards. This five star award is now displayed in the Blue Ginger, so congratulations to Abdul and all of his staff! So with this great award and the Midlands Balti Association award for the Best Indian in the Cannock & Surrounding area for 2012-2013, make sure you pay Blue Ginger a visit!

Charity Day


The Harrows - Great Value, Great Atmosphere

The Harrows opened its doors at the beginning of September after an extensive refurbishment throughout. Situated on the Stafford Road in Coven and with a new owner, The Harrows offers an excellent range of beers and wines, home cooked food and a very friendly atmosphere.

With the night’s drawing in and the temperature dropping both my partner

and I said that we fancied some traditional home cooked English food, to which we both said “The Harrows”

Upon entering we were greeted by Justine who was our wonderful waitress for the evening. We were shown to our table and given the menu with our drinks order also being taken. I was happy that they served my favourite “Peroni” on draught, so we both opted for this.

The menu was exactly what we wanted and with starters priced from £3.85 -£4.50 and mains from £7.50 - £14.00 we both said what great value this was!!

All food on the menu is locally sourced and all meat is from the well-established Roger Aston Butchers in Coven.

Justine asked if we were ready to order to which we both nodded enthusiastically. For starters we

ordered the seafood cocktail and the deep fried brie, and for our main course we chose the 8oz sirloin steak with chips, mushroom, onion rings and salad and the beer battered cod with chips and minted peas.

Whilst waiting for our meals we both said how the refurbishment was to a very high standard, with light walls, oak beams and wooden flooring throughout we were very impressed!

Our starters arrived and tasted and were presented beautifully, these were polished off very quickly, and when our main course came we could not wait to tuck in. The steak was presented on a board rather than a plate which looked and tasted divine! The beer battered cod was so light and the fish flakes so tasty and we both commented on how much we loved the homemade chips.


We were both feeling very full once our main courses were finished and we both said that we were not sure if we could fit a desert in, however, once we saw the deserts board that thought went straight out of the window! We ordered the lemon cheesecake and the bread and butter pudding with custard, again the presentation was beautiful and all homemade and very tasty!

Once we had finished eating we met Brendan Wordley the new owner of The Harrows who explained that’s the pub still remains a traditional English pub but with a modern feel, and how they are getting busy with new and old customers every day. The bar area was busy and buzzing on this evening which I thought was great being a cold, dark Tuesday night! Being a family pub Brendan added that the children’s park area outside had been very popular. When mentioning how much we had both enjoyed our meal Brendan explained that the menu changes every two weeks and that they also serve a Sunday Lunch.

My partner and I said that we would definitely be returning soon and that we will recommend The Harrows to all family and friends.

Open for Food at lunch times, Bar food 5.00pm-8.30pm, Lounge 6.00pm - 9.00pm, Sunday Lunch is served 12.00 - 4.00pm

For a 3D tour of The Harrows just type in “The Harrows Coven” on Google maps.

The Harrows, Stafford Road, Coven WV9 5AW. Tel no: 01902 790055. Free car park to the side of the pub.

Join our facebook page for forthcoming attractions.


The Virtual Assistant and social media service with YOUR time in mind. From one-off projects to monthly retained secretarial and social media support,

free up some time to work on YOUR business, not in it!

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Newsletters

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Tel: 07891 711363

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.taobusinesssolutions.co.uk

@VirtualTao

Tao Business Solutions

The Virtual Assistant and social media service with YOUR time in mind. From one-off projects to monthly retained secretarial and social media support,

free up some time to work on YOUR business, not in it!

Web-based research Digital audio transcription

Mailshots

Newsletters

Lead generation

Typing services

Data entry

Proof reading

Copy writing

….. and much, much more!

Get In Touch …..

Tel: 07891 711363

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.taobusinesssolutions.co.uk

@VirtualTao

Tao Business Solutions

Calling all business owners... Are your business support tasks taking up far too much of your time?Do you need someone to take on secretarial support activities; but you don’t have enough to warrant employing somebody full time? Do you keep hearing about “social media” but have neither the time nor knowledge to manage it?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then help is at hand. Tao Business Solutions, the Cannock-based Virtual Assistant and social media management service, which was started by Cheryl Turner, can help you.

We recognise that everyone’s needs are different when it comes to business support. Many small businesses acknowledge the need for admin support but the cost and commitment of employing a member of staff or calling in an agency temp is often out of reach, financially.

“I moved to Cannock in 2010, and after spending 18 months very unhappy with my job I decided to do something about it and became self-employed”

explained Cheryl. “There are so many fantastic small businesses in the area that it seemed a natural progression to offer my secretarial and PA skills on a pay-as-you-go basis. I’ve got to know so many great people through networking and things are going from strength to strength”.

With a vast wealth of experience, we are happy to help. We have a range of options available and can assist with secretarial duties such as mail merge, database management, digital audio transcription and all “run of the mill” typing services – we’ll even save you time with our corporate Christmas card writing service. We can also take on event co-ordination, project research, proof reading and article writing/press releases.

And it doesn’t stop there! With so much buzz surrounding social media and its positive impact on business communications, Tao Business Solutions can guide you through the social

media minefields of Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn amongst others. We will work with you, either on a start-up basis to get you on the map, or on a monthly on-going arrangement, taking care of your day to day social media accounts on your behalf.

If you’ve never taken the plunge and outsourced before then now is the time to start: as business guru Raymond Aaron famously said “If you don’t have an assistant, you are one”.

The Virtues Of A Virtual PA


DSN Accountants Limited is a firm based in Staffordshire and offers a full range of accounts, taxation and business advisory and support services to a wide range of businesses and individuals.

DSN Accountants is an established Accountancy firm in the Staffordshire area serving clients throughout Staffordshire and the West Midlands. Drawing on the years of experience gained with top accountancy firms we offer the complete range of audit, accounting and taxation services for sole traders to small and medium sized businesses.

DSN Accountants offers the knowledge, expertise and service of the larger firms but with a more personal service at much lower rates.

DSN Accountants are a small friendly firm that can offer the quality services of the larger firms at just a fraction of the cost.

Services

• Statutory Accounts • Statutory Company Audits• Company and Personal

Tax Planning• Management Accounts • Bookkeeping• Tax returns • CIS refunds• VAT • Payroll • Business start-up’s

With a portfolio of clients in the local community that spans many industries and sectors such as, manufacturing, retail, investment, and, construction, we pride ourselves in offering a service that is specific to your individual needs.

At DSN Accountants we consider all clients equal and offer the same prompt, efficient and quality service to all our clients whether they be a local builder or plumber right up to the larger limited companies we service.

Your Local Accountancy Firm

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• StatutoryAccounts• PersonalTax• CorporateTax• ManagementAccounts• BookKeeping• Payroll• StatutoryCompanyAudits• CIS• VAT

DSN Accountants LimitedTopCornerOffices1&2MarketStreet,PenkridgeStaffordshire

Tel: 01785716658Mobile:07826840147Email: [email protected]


Hednesford War MemorialBy Robert van der Does

The Hednesford War Memorial and Gates are located within the confines of Cannock Chase District, on Rugeley Road. The memorial was originally conceived to commemorate the dead of Hednesford from the First World War and was unveiled in 1922. Since then a further stone plaque has been added to the base of the structure to also pay tribute to the fallen from the Second World War and the Korean War.

Passing through the main entrance double gates, which are fixed to two strong white stone piers and bear the name Hednesford War Memorial, the monument itself can be seen in the short distance ahead of you at the end of a tree-lined avenue. The ornate granite structure is situated on a prominent hill top and comprises a square tapering column rising about eight and a half metres in height above a large square plinth standing on a triangular base.

The column is crowned by a square capital featuring carved crosses on each of the four faces. On the front face of the shaft itself is an inverted bronze sword placed between sprays of olive and palm. Below this, immediately above the column base, are four bronze laurel wreaths upon which the First World War fields of action are listed: France, Belgium, Gallipoli, Jutland, Italy, Serbia, Palestine and Mesopotamia.

On each face of the plinth are cast bronze plates with the names of the 234 men who lost their lives in the First World War (1914-18) inscribed on them. The men are listed by surname and forename, or in some cases initials, e.g. BALL ALBERT, or BYFORD W.

The front face bears the following poignant inscription:

The plaque commemorating the dead from the Second World War (1939-45) and Korean War (1950-53) was later added at the foot of the plinth. The names are inscribed in surname and initial form, with rank detail also provided for the latter war.

The Remembrance Book of Hednesford and District War Memorial, written by Mac Wright to coincide with the raising of the war memorial, gives a wonderful account of Hednesford’s dutiful contribution to the British war effort and provides a detailed insight into how the monument eventually came to be.

Plans to acknowledge the war heroes by way of a memorial first arose soon after the Declaration of the Armistice in November 1918. A meeting was held at the Drill Hall in Victoria Street, Hednesford and a citizens’ committee was formed, headed by the chairman of the Urban District Council, Mr John Smithurst. There was much discussion as to what form the memorial might take, with a public hall and a monument seeming to be of equal favour. It was in

TO THE GLORIOUS AND IMMORTAL MEMORY OF THE GALLANT MEN OF

HEDNESFORD AND DISTRICT WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE

IN THE CAUSE OF LIBERTY1914-1918

THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE

Photos courtesy of Cannock Chase Council


fact the lack of unanimity that caused plans to be postponed and over a year went by without anything being done.

It wasn’t until 31 May 1920 that another meeting was convened with the aim of arranging plans for the provision of a war memorial. It took place in the Soldiers’ Institute, Anglesey Street and was instigated by Councillor M. Wright. A new committee which incorporated the old one was elected, with Walter Webster chosen as Chairman, J. W. Parker treasurer and Wright secretary. The raising of a monument on Hednesford Hills was again just one of a number of schemes that were discussed over a series of subsequent meetings as a means of paying tribute to the fallen heroes.

Other potential options, such as the erection of a public hall or the

conversion of the Old Pool site into a lake or park with an adjoining monument, were eventually deemed to be economically unfeasible and on 7 June 1920 it was decided: “That a public memorial be erected by public subscription, and such memorial take the form of a monument surmounted by a cross, and that the Marquis of Anglesey be approached for the necessary land on the hills.”

Three months later the Marquis agreed to donate two acres of land and at a cost of £1,215 plans were agreed with Messrs. W. F. Fraley & Sons Birmingham for the supplying and erecting of the grey, granite monument. The Duke of Westminster’s gardener was behind its design. The raising of the money proved to be a problem and delayed the monument’s construction. This was a result of a coal industry

stoppage in September 1921 and a bazaar was held in December of that year to make up for the shortage.

In November 1922 the war memorial was finally unveiled and by Princess Alice, Countess of Althone, and her husband the Earl of Althone no less. Fast forward to almost a century later, to 2007, and the monument has become listed as a Grade Two building, with plans to conserve, restore and clean the structure put into place by Hednesford Town Council.

It is clear that the Hednesford War Memorial still holds a strong cultural significance to the people of Hednesford and the surrounding area, many of whom are the relatives of the brave soldiers who gave their lives during wartime. A Remembrance Sunday service takes place annually at the memorial.



Cooking is for every family a daily activity and the kitchen is now very much at the heart of the home. The cooker is obviously an extremely important item which must function well and be reliable, and increasingly must enhance the look and feel of the kitchen. Most people only ever purchase five or fewer cookers so it’s important to make the right choice.Manufacturers now cater for every taste with gleaming stainless steel models giving a professional modern feel and there are a large number of retro styled farmhouse look cookers in a variety of colours. Many people would love to have a full size range cooker but have always been limited by the space available to them. Today, however, there are lots of mini ranges to choose from, styled just like the full size models.

The cooker market is fuelled by technological advances and engineering excellence. Today’s models are far more energy efficient

than those of even just a few years ago meaning purchasers of a new cooker can now expect to save a considerable amount of money on their energy bills, whether gas or electric.

Clever Engineering has also led to more useable space in many ovens, ideal for large family meals and Christmas gatherings.

Cookers are often easier to keep clean too with new materials used and removable glass door ‘windows’ making for easier cleaning.

Much of the innovation seen in today’s freestanding models has been transferred from that found in built-in ovens and hobs where new technologies such as pyrolytic cleaning and induction heating are often first introduced. Again with built-in ovens style is now considered as crucial and lots of new exciting colours and finishes are available.

So whatever your taste, budget and available space in your kitchen there’s sure to be a new cooker or oven available to whet your appetite.

Webbs

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 201336

Win a deluxe Morphy Richards Accents colour kettle

Competition Terms and conditions

Winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries and notified by email. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to Webbs.

For your chance to win please answer the following question correctly and email your answer to [email protected] with your name, address and telephone number, to arrive by the 31st December 2012.

How much does it cost to have your new cooker installed by Webbs?


Free Installationon cookers this winter

Open Monday to Saturday 9.00-5.30pmFree parking opposite store.

01543 505062www.webbselectricals.co.uk

201-205 Cannock RoadChadsmoor Cannock WS11 5DD

Belling 358WH

Blomberg HKN9310Z

Blomberg BEO9790X Beko HII64403T

Flavel EDF50S (Silver)

Electric Double Oven, Ceramic Hob, 50cm Wide

£399.993 YEAR WARRANTY

Electric Double Oven, Ceramic Hob, 60cm Wide

£499.99 (after £50 Cashback)

3 YEAR WARRANTY

Electric Built-in Oven, Pyrolytic Programme,

Multi Function £429.99

Built-in Hob, Induction,

Touch Control

£249.99

Electric Single Cavitiy,

50cm Wide

£169.99

Twin Cavity Gas cooker,

60cm Wide

£389.99

FREE Delivery and Installation* of your New Gas or Electric Cooker/Oven and Environmentally Friendly Disposal of your Old Cooker Worth £70.00

* cooker must be installed in the same location as existing cooker and to the same fuel type

"

"

SAME DAY DELIVERY

(Black)

(Stainless Steel)

5 YEAR WARRANTY

Flavel DCG61SP (Silver)


Lee Hickens is the King behind the well-established Kings Repose Restaurant. Lee and Monseur have run the restaurant since 1996. Lee and his wife Jan spend a lot of time in Northern Cyprus and this is where they have met the bravest young boy Ismail, here is Ismail’s story told by Lee.

In late February 2010 I saw a photograph in our local newspaper, Cyprus Today, and the story somehow stood out and the picture jumped out at me. It was a photograph of a little boy, Ismail, with his father and I think what struck me the most was the anguish apparent in the father’s face. It was a story of a little boy who at the time was aged 5, the family had come from Hatay near Syria in search of a better life here in North Cyprus.

Unfortunately just a few weeks after arriving, Ismail had followed one of his father’s friends to the bakery where his father worked and he had put his hand into some kind of dough making machine, this resulted in him losing his entire left arm. I just can’t imagine what the father must have gone through seeing his little boy’s arm on the floor, and also of course the pain and suffering Ismail would have gone through.

It is not like the UK or USA here, life and health here tends to be a bit of a lottery, if you have money you stand a chance of getting things done to a much higher standard. From what we gather, the hospital did not have much idea what to do with such a severe trauma, we do however know that there was a person present at the hospital, something to do with the Turkish Military, he got in touch with Turkey and managed to get a plane sent over immediately to transport Ismail to Turkey where there would have been much better facilities.

Unfortunately the plane could not land at our local airport, Ercan, due to fog.

Ismail had to wait until the next morning and went to Turkey on a normal flight, I think accompanied by his Uncle and with his detached arm. From what we gather unfortunately the limb had not been packed in ice so it could not be reattached when Ismail reached Turkey. We also learned that if surgeons here had tried to re-attach main arteries etc there is a possibility that his arm could have been saved.

So from reading the first article in the newspaper Ismail’s father was appealing for Ismail to receive a prosthetic limb. He did mention in the article that Ismail was being teased at school due to his only having one arm and he also said how much he would like his son to be able to do normal things like riding a bike, playing ball, all the normal things children with two arms can do. So my wife Jan and I felt the urge and desire to do something to help the family and the little boy.

We arranged to meet the family. We took a friend along with us who speaks perfect Turkish. I will never forget the first meeting, a very, very poor family with three young children, the Mum, Fatma, the father, Cemal, Ismail age 5, his little brother Yusuf was around 3 at the time and the baby, Fatom, was around one years old. I think Ismail’s father spent most of the meeting in tears, right away it was apparent the grief and the dreadful situation that his family were in.

I remember we took the children a few cheap colouring books and pencils and crayons, and I assured Ismail’s Dad that we would do everything possible to help. So I started off by going on a local internet forum, I am not particularly computer literate but I managed that, and I started an appeal – I called it NAFI – New Arm for Ismail – I hit lots and lots of problems and negativities in the process but also got a lot of support from people.

I got in touch with a prosthetic limb company in the UK to give me some idea, firstly about the cost of a standard prosthetic limb for a child of that age, things like how often we would need to renew it due to Ismail’s growth pattern, also to find out the feasibility of a prosthesis being attached to quite a small remaining stump and of course to give me some idea of cost to see what our target was we would need to raise. To make sure things ran properly, we got together a working committee.

I have done a lot of entertaining, singing etc for local fundraising events, so amongst my friends and acquaintances, several local musicians and artists, we decided to organise a musical event, Music for Ismail, for Sunday May 16th 2010. We had about 12 various artists on throughout the day, I donned my full white Elvis suit, wig, glasses and rings! Lots of people gave excellent prizes for a raffle, it was probably one of the first days of summer and the weather was good to us, the venue was extremely busy. A good friend of ours, Yasin, who is a local Turkish Cypriot but has spent a lot of his life in London, was acting as our interpreter at the time. Yasin

A Brave Little Boy Called Ismail

Lee, Ismail, Yusuf, Jan


very kindly brought the family along to the concert. They had never been to a function like this before, it may be hard for people outside of where we live to understand but Ismail’s family have a totally different culture and way of life. I will always remember the family turning up around 8 O’ Clock in the evening, they were overwhelmed

with the support, little Ismail bounded in, looking an absolute picture with his great big smile and proceeded to walk round with my wife Jan meeting people and helping to collect money. There are lots of photos and videos of the day I believe are still on YouTube. We raised just under a half of our target, the target being around 10,000 Turkish Lira which

at that time was approximately £3,600. We raised around 4,500 Turkish Lira with lots and lots of people giving their time and energy totally free of charge.

By August of that year, we had raised our target. Ismail was due to be assessed for his first prosthetic limb.

On the actual morning that the meeting was due to take place, I had a phone call from my interpreter, Yasin, in fact I would like to add at this time that without the help of Yasin Abdulla, a lot of what we have done would not have been possible, Yasin had had a call from Cemal, Ismail’s father to say they’d found a small lump in Ismail’s other arm while his Mum was washing him and Ismail said this was very painful, so his Dad was taking him to the local hospital and would be late for the meeting.

This was early days with regards to the lump in his arm so we didn’t show too much concern at first but we did have underlying worries. Around two weeks later we had the most dreadful news that this little boy who had already been through an awful lot in his short life had a cancerous growth in his remaining

Lee aka Elvis and Ismail

Ismail and friend


arm. We immediately decided to put the prosthetic arm on hold and now use the money to start to treat Ismail’s cancer. Ismail and his family were living in a little village called Beyermudu here in North Cyprus, where they had come to make a new life, living in a tiny little village house provided by Cemal’s employer. People who are reading this article in the UK or any other country which is wealthy or where social welfare is available it might be difficult to believe or take on board that poverty, the likes we have seen here over the last few years, exists and like I said earlier, even in the case of a child, money tends to decide the outcome of a situation such as this.

Within a very short time Ismail and his family had their lives turned upside down again and had to go back to Turkey for Ismail to start a long gruelling process, numerous tests and various treatments.

Ismail started his various treatments and chemotherapy late in 2010, this was of

course around the time we hoped he’d be having his first prosthetic limb. The family had originally gone back to Turkey in the August thinking it might be for a few weeks, this was not to be. You also have to be mindful of the effect now on the whole of the family, the other children and also the Mum, who was already weak from the trauma of Ismail losing his arm. Ismail’s Dad was also no longer able to work due to his constant commitment of taking his son too many different hospitals and the constant travelling. The chemotherapy was now beginning to hit Ismail quite badly and, from what we can gather, it was a particularly nasty cancer attached to the main artery. We believe that if it hadn’t have been for the case of Ismail only having one arm they would probably have removed part of his remaining arm.

Around February 2011 we received a phone call from our interpreter to say that Ismail had taken a very bad turn

for the worse and had suffered a brain haemorrhage and he was very ill and very weak. About a week later Jan, Yasin and myself flew to Hatay to see Ismail and the family, taking them some gifts people had given us for the children.

But this little boy is a fighter, talking of which we were able to take him lots of pictures, press cuttings and photographs, including one beautiful picture of David Haye, who also lived in Northern Cyprus and trained here for quite a while. Ismail is very proud of that photo of David Haye signing his boxing gloves for Ismail. I think those boxing gloves raised around £3,000 for the appeal, very kindly organised by another good friend and supporter here.

Ismail gradually started to improve, the treatment was ongoing, sometimes with a break in-between before he would be re-assessed. We were constantly having to keep some funds coming in because we now had fairly hefty travel bills and also hospital bills etc. Luckily enough we still had plenty of support and the media here did a very good job of keeping Ismail in the public eye.

In early 2011 we received some news, a little bit of a double-edged sword really, good news in one way but not good news about Ismail, the health authority in Turkey had decided that because Ismail was now classed as a very seriously ill child they would help us with a lot of his treatment costs. You will find it hard to believe but this is not like the UK where if you have a child who is very unwell they take him to hospital, he would normally then receive the best possible treatment, this really is a very different ball game here. The Government subsidy was a huge help to us, at the time we had to find around £1,000 or the equivalent in TL to put into the kitty. In a way it was almost like buying an insurance policy, I remember we were struggling on funds at the time and a gentleman I had got to know here in North Cyprus saw this on the local internet forum and I received a telephone call within the hour to say ‘don’t even worry about the money Lee, as we speak I’ve already arranged for it to be transferred to Ismail’s bank account’

We have had lots of peaks and troughs with Ismail’s health, many, many problems along the way, including the next major obstacle, my interpreter informing me that Ismail would more than likely require a bone marrow transplant. This being the case this would cost around 6,000 Turkish Lira.

Ismail, Yusuf & Fatom


When we asked about our medical insurance, or Government backing call it what you will, we were told that yes Ismail is covered but his little brother, Yusuf, who it had been decided was a suitable donor, was not covered. So one of our friends here (Looseboots) decided to run the Istanbul Marathon, he got lots of sponsorship and publicity and later that year he took part and completed it in an excellent time raising just over the 6,000 Turkish Lira we needed. He very kindly presented this to me around Christmas time last year and that was ring-fenced specifically for the bone marrow operation.

Around March 2012 we received some excellent news to say that the cancer had shrunk slightly and Ismail and his family were able to come back to North Cyprus, although Ismail would be due back in Turkey for more assessments and treatment in September of this year. His father was able to return to his previous job at the bakery, you must bear in mind that a job like his father has here in the local bakery pays very little money and he is expected to work extremely long hours with maybe only one day off a week. We have managed to help them settle back here, bearing in mind they had nothing at all to come back to. The family have rented a small village house, we have taken them over lots of useful bits and pieces from well-wishers and supporters.

On our first visit to them when they arrived back we had never seen children so excited, the family were so pleased and Ismail looked extremely well. It was the first time we’ve seen the Mum smile in probably two years. We are very privileged to have spent a day with the family at Bayram, which is the local equivalent of Christmas. The children’s’ present from the parents was literally a few sweets divided up in some crisp packets, so of course we turn up armed with gifts, colouring books and crayons, which they particularly love, a little indoor tent, new outfits for all of the children and shoes, we even managed to buy a pair of shoes for Mum and lots of other useful bits and pieces people had kindly donated. I can honestly say it made their day, and it made ours as well!

Ismail’s Dad has managed to find Ismail an old bicycle that works, I don’t think his Mum likes him having a bike but Ismail is a typical little lad and he goes off outside on his bicycle showing off riding up and down the street with his

one arm and then showing us how he can ride his bike with one arm and one leg up on the handlebars! We’ve been to visit the family around three times this year, they live quite a way from us but we’re due for another visit very soon.

Ismail went for his check-up in early September, about six weeks ago, he has had to spend his third consecutive birthday, September 9th, receiving cancer treatment. He was once again very unwell, he also suffered a further brain haemorrhage due to the chemotherapy and it was necessary to do the bone marrow transplant. His father tells me that Ismail’s little brother Yusuf, the donor, stood up to it very well with hardly any side-effects but Ismail was affected very badly, he couldn’t stand up, he was extremely weak, with very high temperatures and was generally unwell for several days. Towards the end of September however Ismail was deemed well enough to travel and the family are now back in Northern Cyprus, his father had to get back as soon as possible to continue his employment, Ismail has not returned to school yet because he hasn’t been well enough and also due to the risk of infection. From what we’re told now he may return to school soon and as I mentioned earlier we are looking forward to going to see the family within the next week or so.

We have several donated gifts and items to take to them, including a Sony Playstation, a couple of black bags full of clothes, also lots of colouring books, crayons and pencils and also a fairly old but working computer. With Ismail missing so much schooling we are hoping having a computer will be an asset to him as well as his brother and sister, particularly if in time we can find a local internet company willing to donate them an internet connection.

I think helping Ismail and his family has been extremely therapeutic and it’s also made us realise just how lucky we are, especially in countries such as the UK where there is a huge amount of help, the infrastructure, the care and general assistance for people in similar situations.

Hopefully now Ismail has a further few months free of treatment, we hope that the bone marrow transplant will help him on his way to recovery. It will be another few months before we know the outcome on the cancer and whether it can be removed.

Maybe in time there are possibly certain adaptions or similar we could help the family with to make Ismail’s life and their life easier. These are probably not the sort of things we can find here in North Cyprus but I know that in the UK there are several companies who specialise in this sort of equipment. Any ideas or suggestions would be gratefully received.

I’ve had an enormous of amount of help raising money for Ismail and people have thought of very innovative ways of raising money including a spritely pensioner who did 912 press ups at age 72!, a local musician cut a superb c.d. with all the proceeds going to the fund, a couple of people did paragliding off the North Cyprus mountains and just recently we auctioned a painting by a local artist.

We see this as an ongoing situation and we need to keep the fund open to be able to support this family and also hopefully help when Ismail is well enough to be reassessed for a replacement limb, in the meantime of course we have to carry on with his ongoing cancer treatments and this costs money. If anyone would like to help this appeal we do have an account with HSBC bank in the UK - Ismail’s Appeal Account No. 40079324 Sort Code: 40-10-39

I am contactable through this magazine and I would like to thank Sharon at Staffordshire Outlook for giving me the opportunity to tell you Ismail’s story.

Ismail


2 54 6

5 4 11 6 2

2 7 98 6 3

2 7 39 8

4 8 5

Sudoku 数独

Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you don’t have to guess!

Fit the words into the honeycomb. Each word begins with the letter shown and must surround that letter. Words can be either clockwise or anti-clockwise.

CATARRH CATHODE CATHEAD

C C

C

Across

1. Dismissal (7)5. Subtitle (7)9. Being on a very small scale (9)10. Stair part (5)11. The angle of a celestial body (7)12. French for “New” (7)13. Easily controlled (9)15. Move very slightly (5)17. Foreword (5)19. Cause to feel self-conscious (9)22. It browns bread (7)25. A number defining position or rank (7)26. Cuban dance (5)27. A formal entry into an organization (9)28. Insanity (7)29. Alleviate (7) Down

1. Abundant (7)2. Beggar (9)3. A type of bridge (7)4. Absurd (9)5. Not dirty (5)

6. Disquiet (7)7. Publish (5)8. Take under one’s wing (7) 14. Decorate with needlework (9)16. Waste pipe (9)17. Temporary (7)18. Righteous anger (7)

20. Revolutionary (7)21. The absence of sound (7)23. Directed (5)24. Sometimes it’s “pennies from heaven” (5)

CROSSWORD


Wolves West panto_Layout 1 06/11/2012 16:37 Page 1


Trudy was a 35 year old forensic psychologist, a wife and mother of three year old Phoenix. On 22nd October 2010 Trudy was officially diagnosed as having a Glioma brain tumour. Less than four months later she passed away.

Trudy’s Trust was formed in September 2011 by Trudy’s parents, Mark and Sue Leeson from Rugeley, after the loss of their daughter to the aggressive grade 4 Brain Tumour.

Family and friends of Trudy got together to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour research as an umbrella group of Brain Tumour Research, a National charity.

BTR is a group of Brain Tumour charities that not only raise funds for research but also support sufferers and their families in the local area of each charity.

After many fundraising events Trudy’s Trust donated a significant amount to BTR.

Trudy’s father, Mark Leeson explains: “We wanted to put something back

so that other people don’t have to suffer like Trudy did and, as a result, the rest of her family. Brain tumours are so savage. If it had been any other cancer at least we could have talked to Trudy, but the brain tumour took her ability to communicate.”

Trudy’s Trust decided that they also wished to concentrate on supporting families who had lost a loved one to a Brain Tumour and has recently become a registered charity with these aims in mind. Registered Charity status was achieved in September 2012 with the help of professionals who guided and advised them through the process.

The Trust is already helping families and aims to provide further support lines and family support days/weekends where they can get expert advice, talk to others who understand and where children who have lost a sibling or parent can get the help they need to cope with this dreadful loss. They also hold regular fundraising events locally.

Mark concluded by saying: “We are a strong family and we are pulling together and supporting Lea,

Phoenix and each other. Trudy will always be with us. We want to do all we can to help find a cure.”

Find out more about Trudy’s Trust and forthcoming events by visiting www.trudystrust.co.uk.

Trudy’s Trust – Raising Awareness For BTR


Get EnergisedWith Penkridge Leisure Centre

Get your FREE class in DecemberPlus JOIN US in December for just £15

Terms and Conditions: This membership offer is available from 1st December and can only be used during December 2012. This offer applies to exercise classes ONLY, offering you unlimited entrance into exercise classes. It does not include the use of any other leisure centre facilities. Exercise class programmes may vary and hours may be restricted slightly over

the Christmas period. Age restrictions may apply to some of the classes. This membership offer is a one off payment only of £15.00. Booking is advisable and places are limited. Sessions are also booked on a first come, first served basis. Please be aware that before participating in any exercise classes, you will need to read and sign the leisure centres Health Commitment

Statement. I agree to all of the terms and conditions set out in the normal membership and I agree to the additional terms and conditions set out above as part of this membership offer.

Indoor CyclingTai ChiKettle bellsPilatesCore Stability

Exercise classes for every age, every ability, everyone!Call Penkridge Lesiure Centre 01785 714152www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure

FREE EXERCISE CLASS VOUCHER

Customer Name: Signature:

Date: Class: Leisure Centre:

Terms and conditions: This voucher is valid from 1st – 23rd December 2012. 1 voucher per person only. Booking is advisable and places are booked on a first come first served basis.This voucher must be presented at reception upon booking and bookings can only be made in person with this voucher, they cannot be made over the telephone.

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013

Bringing prestige and privilege to the people in a popularly-priced package, the new Range Rover Evoque has buyers queuing up - as well as a new Jaguar/Land Rover engine-plant facility soon springing up in Wolverhampton - but is it all style and marketing guile? Rob Taylor finds out.“Nice wheels, pal,” proffered the inscrutable bloke in the ancient Land Rover Defender, before issuing the caveat: “careful you don’t scratch ’em off-road.” Keen to engage in a little impromptu market research, I enlightened him, imparting that this particular Evoque - the ED4 150 Prestige - is two-wheel drive and, as such, has no off-road pretensions whatsoever.

However, not to be outdone in this fuelling station stand-off, he quipped: “Does Posh Spice know you’re driving her car?”, chuckled, excited his prehistoric behemoth into life, and left.

Enveloped by and suffocating from the noxious black smoke released from his 19th Century chimney of an exhaust pipe and, staring blankly at the horse’s behind poking out of the trailer-box hitched up to the back of his Landie, I was at a loss to find a telling retort - confident that, as with every other such occasion in life, a choice one-liner would come to me later.

Going for Evoque By Rob Taylor



MOVING WITH THE TIMESThere have always been those of us who are scared of progress; reluctant to let go of the past and unwilling to appreciate the need to address new and more pressing concerns: those who burn their favourite bands’ CDs when they ‘sell out’ and boycott car manufacturers when they sully their bloodline with offerings like the Maserati Kubang and Porsche Cayenne.

Well, for the remainder of this review, they can keep to the country lanes and farmers’ fields and ‘keep off our property’ - the hottest property in car sales at the moment, in fact. Having driven the new Evoque, I can see exactly why it’s just so hot at the moment - and why Land Rover relented to customer demand and decided to build it.

This 3-door coupe version has an aesthetic appeal best left to photographers to describe, but suffice it to say that it’s among the most eye-watering and stylish soft-roaders ever. It drives, rides and steers well too and, although it’s not equipped with the optional MagneRide dampers, its handling is well controlled and quite rewarding.

The weight saving afforded by the simple front-wheel drive set-up helps both with its 0-60 mph time of 10.6 seconds and combined fuel economy figure of 57.6 mpg. The 2.2 litre four cylinder 150bhp diesel unit has all the

poise and refinement of a Swiss finishing school and this carries over into the Evoque’s cabin as well.

SUPERIOR INTERIORLuxurious and well-appointed, the interior space (designed with input from Victoria Beckham - hence the earlier jibe and groping for a suitably pithy reply: “Don’t be an ass” just won’t cut it in polite society) exudes quality and is entirely befitting the Range Rover name: a full leather interior, camera-based reversing system, voice-guided sat-nav and climate control join metallic paint and bi-xenon LED lights as standard features. Not bad for just under £37,000.

Likewise is its reluctance to wither trees and melt the Fox’s polar bear’s glacier mint, spewing out as it does just 129 grams of Co2, despite its heady 280 lb ft of torque. In fact, irrespective of the limited rear-view visibility (style is always worthwhile and it’s a problem niftily negated by the parking camera) the Evoque stands up to scrutiny rather well.

It’s a vehicle for fashionistas not farmers. Approach it with the correct, progressive mentality and - being mindful that Land Rover still offer myriad hardcore off-road vehicles in their range - the rewards are legion. See: “Horses for courses”. Told you I’d think of something eventually.



Toms Tip: Excessive/Over Pronation

Fresh Start has been in the Cannock and Tamworth area for the past 3 years and has reached many single people over 50 looking to kick start their social life after bereavement or divorce.We meet weekly for a social event and organise a variety of events from weekends away to theatre trips, dancing, National Trust Visits, parties and BBQ’s, Ten Pin Bowling, Miniature Golf, Indoor Bowls, walking, canal trips and much, much more, including a Dinner Club for the more discerning diners.

We are a not for profit group which has been fortunate to obtain two grants in the past year, one from Staffordshire County Council and one from Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Council which have been used for the good of the group.

We meet every Monday at the Barns Hotel, Huntington and the Lea Marston Hotel, Kingsbury on a Thursday night and have a growing membership.

One of our members said about the group: “I have been a member of Fresh Start Friendship Group for single people over 50 for just over 15 months. My husband died leaving me a widow over 4 years ago and I struggled to come to terms with his loss even though my two children were very helpful. I had retired from work so had no other social outlet.

We had been man and wife for 34 years and we did everything together. After his loss I found it difficult to find what to do with my life, my children were really good to me and I was invited out with friends and their husbands but always felt that I was the odd one out and going out became difficult. I happened to see an advert

for the group and I thought it may give me an outlet and a way to get involved in something different and meet new friends. I went down for the first week and found a very friendly group of people who seemed to have gone through similar experiences to me and soon became a regular member and attended many events. I can’t thank the committee enough for their hard work and dedication to making sure that everyone in the group gets to benefit from being a member.”

Fresh Start Friendship Group For Single People

If you are interested in finding out more please contact either Margaret on 07821 054522 or Jenny on 01543 423193 or look at us on www.facebook.com/freshstartgroup

Why do my feet flatten when I stand up? One of the most common causes of foot and leg discomfort is a condition known as excessive/over pronation. Normal pronation, or “rolling inward” of the foot is necessary as the foot adapts to the ground. With excessive pronation/over pronation, the arch flattens, collapses, and soft tissues stretch. This causes the joint surfaces to function at unnatural angles to each other. When this happens, joints that should be stable now become very loose and flexible. This scenario occurs very frequently since we now walk on flat hard surfaces every day. Some people have no problems but many will identify with at least one of the following features and symptoms.

At first, excessive pronation may cause fatigue. As the problem gets worse, strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot and lower leg can cause permanent problems and deformities.

Symptoms Of Excessive Pronation 1. Hallux Abducto Valgus (bunions) 2. Hallux Rigidus (stiff 1st toe) 3. Arch Pain 4. Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) 5. Metatarsalgia (ball of the foot pain) 6. Ankle Sprains 7. Shin Splints 8. Achilles Tendonitis 9. Osteochondrosis 10. Knee Pain 11. Corns & Calluses

12. Flat Feet 13. Hammer Toes 14. Lower Back Pain(the above conditions will be discussed in forthcoming issues)

Treatment Excessive/over pronation occurs due to a biomechanical dysfunction (walking abnormality). This can be controlled via Insoles and Orthotics. See a Chiropodist/Podiatrist for an assessment if you are concerned. They can provide insoles/orthotics for your associated condition and is usually combined with some stretch exercises or manipulative therapy.

Thomas Casey Chiropodist/PodiatristHPC registered

See a Podiatrist/chiropodist for an assessment & treatment if you’re desperate, or call Tom Casey on 07828 613615


Useful Numbers

CHEMISTS

Asda Late Opening Pharmacy 01785 782010

Browning Street Pharmacy 01785 252541

Cornwell’s Chemist 01785 250151

Lloyds Pharmacy 01785 225851

Rowland’s Pharmacy 01785 212707

The Co-operative Pharmacy 0500 970348

White House Pharmacy 01785 712829

Wolverhampton Road Pharmacy 01785 258181

COUNCILS

Penkridge Parish Council 01785 714157

Staffordshire Borough Council 01785 619000

Staffordshire County Council 03001 118000

South Staffordshire District Council 01902 696000

Staffordshire Parish Council Association 01785 277499

EDUCATION

All Saints Church of England (VA) 01785 355540 Primary School, Bednall

Blessed William Howard Catholic School 01785 244236

Blessed Mother Teresa’s Catholic 01785 356405 Primary School

Brooklands School 01785 251399

Castlechurch Primary School 01785 356772

Chase Academy 01543 501881

Copsewood Primary School 01785 258482

Doxey Primary School 01785 356100

John Wheeldon County Primary School 01785

356636}King Edward VI High School 01785 258546

Marshbrook First School 01785 712780

Parkside Primary 01785 617205

Penkridge Middle School 01785 355545

Princefield First School 01785 714050

St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School 01785 663128

St. Austin’s R.C Catholic School 01785 356765

St. Dominic’s High School for Girls 01902 850248

St. Johns C.E (C) Primary School 01785 251960

St. Leonards Primary School 01785 356890

St. Michael’s C of E First School 01785 712344

St. Pauls C.E (C) Primary School 01785 356634

Stafford Grammar School 01785 249752

The Grove Primary School 01785 356412

& Nursery Units

Tillington Manor Primary School 01785 356880

Vernon Lodge Preparatory School 01785 850568

Wolgarston High School 01785 788400

Yarlet School 01785 286568

HOSPITALS

Stafford Hospital 01785 257731

Rowley Hall Hospital 01785 238600

POST OFFICES

Cannock Road Post Office 01785 661836

Charnley Road Post Office 01785 252624

Great Haywood Post Office 01889 881213

Highfields Post Office 01785 241799

Littleworth Post Office 01785 223769

Midlands Co-operative Post Office 01785 216880

Penkridge Post Office 01785 712201

Stone Road Post office 01785 252103

LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS

In an emergency always call 999

For general enquiries:

Staffordshire Police 0300 123 4455

Staffordshire Fire Service 08451 221155


50

Index of Advertisers

AccountantsDSN Accountants 33BathroomsLove Lane Interiors 13Indulge Interiors 9Beds & Bedroom FurnitureCRS 11Easy Living 15Indulge Interiors 9Interiors Italia 18/19Roll-a-robe 20Business SolutionsTAO Business Solutions 32CakesEmmersons Cakes 26Carpets (Supply & Fit)CRS 11Car SalesBrindley Volvo 52CharityA song for Lily-Mae 44Children’s ActivitiesSouth Staffs Leisure Centre 45The Grand Theatre 43Christmas TreesTreeway Fencing 22

EducationChase Academy 51Electrical StoresWebbs 37Entertainments and LeisureSouth Staffs Leisure Centre 45The Grand Theatre 43Wolverhampton Race Course 24Fire Place/StovesFireside Gallery 15Furniture/FurnishingsCRS 11Interiors Italia 18/19Ralvern Ltd 14Glass & Hardware SpecialistsLove Lane Interiors 13Hospital (Private)Nuffield 4Interior DesignersInteriors Italia 18/19Indulge Interiors 9Love Lane Interiors 13JewellersT.A. Henn 7 & 24Kitchens (Supply, Design & Fit)Love Lane Interiors 13Indulge Interiors 9

Ladies FashionLily’s of Shifnal 25

LocksmithsHyde’s Key Locker 21

Planning ConsultantMB Planning 17

RestaurantsKings Repose 25

Blue Ginger 29

The Harrows 30/31

Safer RoadsStaffordshire Safer Roads 23

Shopping CentresThe Guildhall Shopping Centre 23

Solar InstallationAce Solar 8

TilesTile Choice 2

Stafford Tile Centre 8

TheatreThe Grand Theatre 43

Tree WorkDarard Forestry 17

Windows and ConservatoriesRB Windows 9

Puzzle Answers

CROSSWORD SUDOKU HONEYCOMB



Are you looking for a Grammar School?Outstanding academic results, traditional values, high expectations, friendly, family atmosphere

Open Day Saturday 2 February 2013, 11am to 3pm.

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BRINDLEY STOURBRIDGE Tel. 08430 224295Grange Lane, Lye, Stourbridge DY9 7HH

www.brindley4volvo.co.uk CALLS CHARGED AT LOCAL RATE

Fuel consumption for the Volvo V40 D2 in mpg: Urban 70.6, Extra Urban 83.1, Combined 78.5.0, CO2 emissions 94 g/km. PCP based on annual mileage of 10,000 excess mileage charged at 14.9pence (plus vat) per mile for the fi rst 5000 miles, twice that rate thereafter. Prices supersede all previous offers and are correct at time of going to press. Picture for illustration only. Part of the Brindley Garages Group – keeping the West Midlands motoring since 1931.

volvo V40Don’t follow the crowd

£199per month

PCP fi nance example for Volvo V40 Diesel Hatchback D2 ES 5 door: Cash price of vehicle £19995.00, Deposit £5329.40, Amount of credit £14665.60, Interest £0, Total charge for credit £0, Interest rate 0% APR Representative, one initial payment of £199.00, 35 monthly payments of £199.01, Duration of agreement 37 months, one fi nal payment of £7501.25 (guaranteed future value), Total amount payable £19995.00

0% APRrepresentative personal contract purchase

78.5mpg combined fuel consumption, 94g/km emmission

Staffordshire Outlook - December Stafford edition

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Transcript of Staffordshire Outlook - December Stafford edition