Staffordshire Outlook January edition

01 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

January/February 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

January/February 2013

Inside this issue: Cannock Chase feature, Recipe of the month, Puzzles, Eating out at Padma Lounge review, local entertainment, plus lots more!

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 Harrows

Delivered to: Cannock, Burntwood, Cheslyn Hay, Hatherton, Shoal Hill, Hawks Green, Heath Hayes Norton Canes, Wedges Mills, Wimblebury, Hednesford, Huntington


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.

Chase Academy - Grammar Stream - Preparatory Department - Day Nursery - BoardingCannock, WS11 0UR - www.chaseacademy.com - 01543 501800

0301952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

A Message From The Editor

Hello readers,

Welcome to the January/February edition of the Staffordshire Outlook magazine.

We want to wish all of our advertisers and readers a Happy New Year!

We hope you’re enjoying reading the magazine with this edition featuring our eating out review at The Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant, Cannock Chase 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, The Kings Repose and Webbs competitions from the November/December 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.

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]/What’s on information

Mal Caldwell - EditorEmail: [email protected]

Cover shot: Winter at Cannock Chase courtesy of Ron Evans @ Ron Evans Photography

Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk

ContentsKeep A-Breast of your health 4The £1 Million Sale Returns at T.A.Henn 6Traders Celebrate 40 years 8The Grand Theatre competition 10Are you looking for unique lighting 14Welcome to our sofa company 15Bentley Ceramics – established since 1988 20Willenhall Bathrooms & Kitchens 21For all your planning needs 22Keys with a difference 24DSN Accountants 25Fashion Factory Re-opens its doors! 27Win a meal for two at The Harrows 29Eating out review at Padma lounge bar & restaurant 30/31Recipe of the month 32Awards night at the Blue Ginger Cannock 33Cannock Chase by Robert Van Der Does 34/35Washing machines at Webbs 36Ismails story 38-41Puzzles 45Trudy’s Trust 42Natasha Marie 42Puzzles 44Going for Evoque by Rob Taylor 46/47Puzzle Solutions 48Toms Tip 48Useful Numbers 49Index of advertisers 49Concero UK – The solution to your IT troubles 50

Congratulations to:Winner of the Webbs – Deluxe Morphy Richards Kettle CompetitionKatherine Phillips – BurntwoodWinner of The Kings Repose CompetionDebra Carpenter – Cheslyn HayWinners of The Grand Theatre CompetitionEric Ellis – Burntwood Vicki Clayton – Heath Hayes


Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK.Each year over 40,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with the condition and, although it is rare, approximately 300 men in the UK get breast cancer each year.

As women get older, their risk of developing breast cancer increases. Nearly half of all cases are diagnosed in people in the 50-69 age group.

The estimated risk of developing breast cancer according to age is:

• Risk up to age 29, 1 in 2000





• Lifetime risk, 1 in 8

The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 8. This means that 1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer at some point in their life, but this also means that 7 out of 8 women won’t develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Breast cancer can be diagnosed at different stages of development and can grow at a different rate which means that people can be given different treatments, depending on what will work best for them. Because there are better treatments now available more and more people are living long and full lives.

Being breast-aware is part of caring for your body. Being conscious of how your breasts look and feel and regularly checking them is vital.

What changes to look out for:

• Changes in size of the breast or if one breast is noticeably larger than the other

• Inverted nipples or a change in nipple shape

• A rash on or around the nipple

• Discharge from one or both nipples

• Puckering or dimpling of the skin of the breast

• A swelling under the armpit or around the collar bone

• A lump or thickening of the breast

• Constant pain in the breast or your armpit

It is easy to check for any changes as you are getting dressed or in the shower. You should feel all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone.

There are many reasons for changes to occur in the breasts. Cysts can easily develop – these are fluid filled sacs and are usually harmless. Some women will experience lumpy breasts just before their period, which is a normal response to changing hormones and often the lump or lumpiness disappears after the period, however if these lumps do not disappear of if you have a persistent breast lump that feels unusual, it is important to get this checked out by your doctor, don’t wait!

Most changes won’t turn out to be breast cancer, but if they are, the sooner this is diagnosed the more effective treatment can be.

Because breast cancer is more common in women who are over the age of 50, women aged 50 – 70 are invited for routine NHS breast screening (mammogram) every three years.

A mammogram which is a breast x-ray is used to screen for and detect breast cancer and other breast conditions at a very early stage so they can be treated as soon as possible increasing the chance of a successful recovery.

At the Nuffield Wolverhampton we offer a ‘self-referral’ breast screening mammography service for women aged 40 years and over and who are symptom free but if you do have any symptoms you need to seek advice from your GP who if necessary can refer you to the hospital for a mammogram or to one of our breast clinics where you will see one of our highly experienced breast consultants.

Early diagnosis is likely to improve long-term outcomes, so it’s important not to ignore symptoms, but to always get checked out by your doctor.

Remember - A few minutes once a month is all it takes to check if your breasts are healthy!!

If you would like to find out more about the breast clinics and/or screening service that we offer, please contact us on 01902 793259.

www.nuffieldhealth.com

Other statistics from: www.breastcancercare.org.uk

Keeping A-Breast Of Your Health


Did you know that Did you know that Did you know that 1 in 9 women will be 1 in 9 women will be 1 in 9 women will be 1 in 9 women will be 1 in 9 women will be 1 in 9 women will be 1 in 9 women will be 1 in 9 women will be 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with diagnosed with diagnosed with breast cancer?breast cancer?breast cancer?breast cancer?breast cancer?breast cancer?Be Breast Aware.

For further information on the screening, management and surgical options available please call 01902 267521 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. nu� eldhealth.com

wolverhampton 218x140 breast-awareness_ad.indd 1 01/10/2012 09:56:42


T.A. Henn38 - 41 Princess StreetWolverhamptonWV1 1HD

Tel: 01902 [email protected]

Find us on Facebookwww.tahenn.com

T.A. Henn has it all…

£1 Million SALE returns at T.A. Henn!T.A. Henn launches their Winter sale on Friday the 28th of December 2012 so get ready! Hundreds of beautiful jewellery pieces and watches will be showcased at up to 50% off.

The sale includes fabulous items such as:• Breitling watches (until the

31st of December 2012 only)• Other watch brands such as

Oris, Longines, Rotary, Seiko, Citizen, GC, Ice watches etc…

• Diamond jewellery

• Pearls jewellery• Coloured stone jewellery:

Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst, Opal, Peridot & many more…

• Fashion brands such as Ti Sento, Kit Heath, Chaos & other silver jewellery...

• Silverware, Clocks, Gifts...

A few examples...18ct Gold Cluster Diamond RingWas £8,120Now £4,872

14ct White GoldCultured Pearl &Diamond EarringsWas £215Now £129

18ct White GoldPink Sapphire &Diamond EarringsWas £1,012Now £607

18ct White GoldPink Sapphire &Diamond PendantWas £3,840Now £2,304

18ct White Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond RingWas £3,230Now £1,938

18ct White Gold Tennis BraceletWas £10,111 Now £6,066

£330 £210

£95 £145

£75

£95

The Rose Collection, a very feminine design combining silver and fresh water pearls.

A few ideas for your wedding jewellery...

*Please note that all the items on sale haven’t been displayed in the shop at full retail price for the last 28 days. Our normal opening hours will start on Friday the 28th December 2012 - 9.00am - 5.30pm however we will close on the 1st

of January 2013. For more details please check our holding page (www.tahenn.com) and our Facebook page. .

T.A. Henn Winter sale - 2 Weeks Only: Friday the 28th December 2012 - Saturday the 12th January 2013


*Offer valid from the 28th of December 2012 to the 31st of January 2013.


Market traders turned the clocks back to 1972 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Cannock Market in style.Traders donned 1970s clobber to mark the big anniversary on Friday 23rd November and welcomed back the first market superintendent who was in charge when the market opened its doors for the first time in November 1972. Harold Pritchard, now 91, met current market officer Tony Griffiths at the celebrations, and was joined by many former traders from over the decades, including Arthur Biddulph, who retired in 2009 after 50 years’ service at the current market site and its previous location in the town.

Town crier Peter Taunton was on hand to let everyone in the town know what was going on, and students from Walton Hall School in Stafford – who have received thousands of pounds from the traders’ fundraising efforts over the last few years – performed songs for the crowds.

Cllr Bob Todd, Chairman of Cannock Chase Council, presented a competition prize to Lesley Hall from Hednesford, who won a London weekend theatre trip for two after entering a free prize draw organised and funded by the traders in the build-up to the big anniversary bash.

Lesley said: “I’ve been a customer at Cannock Market since I moved to the area 35 years ago. It’s a lovely place – the town just wouldn’t be the same without it.

Everyone’s so friendly, everyone knows each other – and you can get some great bargains!”

Margaret Lavender, secretary of the traders’ committee, said: “I’ve been here at Cannock market since the day it opened. Our motto is ‘Cannock market traders: caring for you’ and we really wanted to give something back to our customers for their support over all these years. That’s why we did the prize draw, which has come out of committee funds. We had a great celebration and it was lovely to see so many customers old and new who had some cake and a drink with us.”

Cllr Gordon Alcott, Cannock Chase Council Economic Development Leader, said: “Our markets at Cannock and Rugeley are staples of our communities and offer a huge range of goods and services for local people. Congratulations to everyone at Cannock market on their 40th anniversary.”

Traders Celebrate Market Anniversary In Style

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 201308

Competition winner Lesley Hall, centre, with (from left) traders Julie Last and Margaret Lavender, market officer Tony Griffiths, Cannock

Chase Council Chairman Cllr Bob Todd and trader Joan Farr

Harold Pritchard, aged 91, the first market superintendent when Cannock Market opened in

1972, with current market officer Tony Griffiths Trader Julie Last gets ready to celebrate

Council Chairman Cllr Bob Todd with traders Julie Last and Joan Farr

Trader Julie Last with town crier Peter Taunton Competition winner Lesley Hall with Council Chairman Cllr Bob Todd


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


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

12 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013beyond expectation www.cousinsfurniture.co.uk

sofas. carpets. beds. dining. bedroom. homewares.

Cousins in Birmingham, Dudley and Manchester are three of the Biggest and most inspirational furniture stores in the UK

• TheUK’swidestchoiceoffurnitureforeveryroomofyourhome – displayed in beautiful room settings.

• Unrivalledquality,choiceandsalevalue.

• Expertadviceinafriendlyenvironment.

• LeadingbrandnamesincludingDerwent,Duresta,G-Plan, Stressless,Skovby,RestAssured,HarrisonBeds,Nolteandmanymore.

• Allthreestoresarewelllocatedandeasytofind.

• Thefinishingtouch–withitshomeaccessories,lighting, flooring, soft furnishing and picture departments.

• Thehighestreputation-withahighvolumeofrepeatbusiness andpeopleregularlytravellingfromallovertheUK.

• Customerrestaurants–toallowyoutorelaxandcontemplate your decisions.

• Freecarparking.

Everythingreducedtoafractionoftheprice Cousins boast three of the largest and most inspirational furniture stores in the UK.

Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional, modern or classical, Cousins have the answer. The choice is enormous, all beautifully displayed in inspirational room settings.

Put that alongside incredibly low sale prices on all items throughout the stores including all the famous brand names, you will have the ultimate shopping experience. Sale starts Boxing Day 9am.

expect much morethan a furniture store27celebrating

years

the

saleHALFPRICESAVINGS

winter

BirminghamWarwick Road, Tyseley. B11 2EW. T:01217653300

DudleyHall Street DY2 8NW. T:01384451500

ManchesterA57, Regent Rd, Salford. M5 4EA. T:01618754070

Open7daysaweek:LateNights:Tuesday&Thursdayuntil8pm(SubjecttovariationonBankHolidays)

Our price promise to you, we won’t be beaten on price! *PROMISE

PRICE

* See website for details

A stylish blend of luxury and innovation make Stressless® the world’s most

comfortable sofas and chairs.

Visit theStressless Studio

in your local Cousins

store now

See the complete range in store

All available at Cousins low sale prices.

IncredibleSaleSavingsThroughoutTheStores

WolverhamptonWestDPSWinterSale2012(245x170+3mm).indd 1-2 04/12/2012 09:06

13beyond expectation www.cousinsfurniture.co.uk

sofas. carpets. beds. dining. bedroom. homewares.

Cousins in Birmingham, Dudley and Manchester are three of the Biggest and most inspirational furniture stores in the UK

• TheUK’swidestchoiceoffurnitureforeveryroomofyourhome – displayed in beautiful room settings.

• Unrivalledquality,choiceandsalevalue.

• Expertadviceinafriendlyenvironment.

• LeadingbrandnamesincludingDerwent,Duresta,G-Plan, Stressless,Skovby,RestAssured,HarrisonBeds,Nolteandmanymore.

• Allthreestoresarewelllocatedandeasytofind.

• Thefinishingtouch–withitshomeaccessories,lighting, flooring, soft furnishing and picture departments.

• Thehighestreputation-withahighvolumeofrepeatbusiness andpeopleregularlytravellingfromallovertheUK.

• Customerrestaurants–toallowyoutorelaxandcontemplate your decisions.

• Freecarparking.

Everythingreducedtoafractionoftheprice Cousins boast three of the largest and most inspirational furniture stores in the UK.

Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional, modern or classical, Cousins have the answer. The choice is enormous, all beautifully displayed in inspirational room settings.

Put that alongside incredibly low sale prices on all items throughout the stores including all the famous brand names, you will have the ultimate shopping experience. Sale starts Boxing Day 9am.

expect much morethan a furniture store27celebrating

years

the

saleHALFPRICESAVINGS

winter

BirminghamWarwick Road, Tyseley. B11 2EW. T:01217653300

DudleyHall Street DY2 8NW. T:01384451500

ManchesterA57, Regent Rd, Salford. M5 4EA. T:01618754070

Open7daysaweek:LateNights:Tuesday&Thursdayuntil8pm(SubjecttovariationonBankHolidays)

Our price promise to you, we won’t be beaten on price! *PROMISE

PRICE

* See website for details

A stylish blend of luxury and innovation make Stressless® the world’s most

comfortable sofas and chairs.

Visit theStressless Studio

in your local Cousins

store now

See the complete range in store

All available at Cousins low sale prices.

IncredibleSaleSavingsThroughoutTheStores

WolverhamptonWestDPSWinterSale2012(245x170+3mm).indd 1-2 04/12/2012 09:06


We stock an extensive selection of Modern, Contemporary, Traditional Lighting and Crystal Chandeliers for your home,

If your looking for stunning lighting to suit all tastes call into see us...

Make your home a Manor!

Te l : 0 1 9 2 2 4 1 9 4 4 2

H o l l y b u s h G a r d e n C e n t r e ( n e w e x t e n s i o n ) Wa r s t o n e L a n e , S h a r e s h i l l W V 1 0 7 L X

Are You Looking For Unique Lighting & Mirrors?

If you are looking for unique lighting and mirrors that are eye catching, something different, that’s not found in your usual high street shops then come and see us at Manor Lighting.

New to the Hollybush garden centre at Shareshill, Manor Lighting Independent retail outlet are located in the Gift Area of the garden centre.

We stock an extensive selection of Modern, Contemporary, Traditional Lighting and Crystal Chandeliers for your home.

We are suppliers of lighting, hand finished quality mirrors, mirrored furniture and a bespoke furniture service available on request.

Choosing lights for your home needs to be done correctly, that’s where the experts at Manor Lighting can help

you, we specialise in lighting and we can help you all the way with years of experience in the lighting industry, we can help you make any room into a warm inviting space that will have all your friends envious! leave it to the experts at Manor Lighting. We will help make your home a manor!

Our sister company are the well established D+P Electrical and maintenance contractors, NICEIC approved. You can be assured that if installation of lighting is a requirement then it will be carried out by a qualified electrician.

There is something for everyone at The Hollybush Garden centre, and with free parking you can shop till you drop! So as part of a great day out come and see us at Manor Lighting you will be impressed with our bright light showroom.

We look forward to meeting you.

Manor Lighting, Hollybush Garden Centre, Warstones Road, Shareshill WV10 7LX - 01922 419422


Welcome To Our Sofa Company & Upholstery Specialist Service

Ralvern ltd manufacturers of sofas, settees, chairs, corner sofas, leather sofas, chaise lounge, occasional chairs and recliners ,all made in Cannock Staffordshire.

We have a manufacturers promise to produce the very best in all aspects of build quality, and your desire to create the perfect living space.

We include a lifetime frame, six inch coil springs, and exceptional build quality always. We have been renowned for our standard of finish and perfection for an outstanding sixty six years since 1946! Please take a look at our meticulous finish quality on our gallery

page at www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk our pictures speak louder than words.

Our experience as a master upholsterers, carpenters, frame makers, from a family of sofa manufacturers, we have made sofas and lounge suites for all sofa retailers even all the big retailers, but now only choose to make direct to the public, this way we can make and meet the standards that are instilled into us since we were children.

Our practice was to meet all the satisfaction that I’m sure you expect, as I do, we will take as long as it takes to meet perfection, so the sofa you receive is the very best you can buy! We offer a personal experience the craftsmen you speak to or see in our factory will be the person who will make the frame to your sofa, upholster to your requirements, in a fabric of choice, then deliver to you by us with no charge on delivery.

Our in house frame making gives you the option to create a lounge from concept, because all of our frames are made from scratch, using only the best materials, this gives you the freedom of sizes to fit your room and taste.

On top of all this we offer an exceptional reupholstery service that goes above and beyond recovering your choice of fabrics and leathers. We can recreate the original or even better than the standards of the suite or sofa, chairs that you already have and cherish. As standard we strip your lounge sofas back to the frame and start all over again using superior foams, fillings,springs,cushions,then finished by our highly experienced craftsmen to achieve a truly unique lounge setting.

You are most welcome to come and see us in the manufacturing process, as we do it all in our factory showroom.

Simon & Chris Edwards, Ralvern Ltd.

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


1st Floor Units 6/7 Norton Canes Business ParkNorton Green Lane, Norton Canes, Staffordshire WS11 9SS

www.firesidefactory-nortoncanes.webs.com

01543 277366

OFFERS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT JANUARY

Over 100 fire/fire

place displays

Surrounds Made to Measure

Delivery & Fitting Service

Open to the public Mon-Fri 9-5

Saturday 10am-4pm

*Choice of 45”-54” marble fireplaces

just £499or complete with 3.9kw gas fire

just £599

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

Your Local Solar Power Professionals

Please visit www.acesolarenergy.co.ukand see what our customers say

or ring Martin NOW on 01902 562440 for free EXPERT adviceemail: [email protected]

We will beat

any genuine quote by

5%No

sales people

• Free electricity

•Returns of up to 10% per year

•Tax free index quarterly payments guaranteed for 20 years

• Local family business

•Bespoke systems


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

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 by not having our own showroom, however samples of our glass can be viewed in selected kitchen and bathroom outlets 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


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

SALE NOW ON!


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

UP TO 60% OFF


Bentley Ceramics is a family run business established in 1988, with branches in Bentley, Walsall and main showroom and warehouse in Stonnall, Aldridge.

They emerged from over 20 years experience, trading as R J Wilkes Tiling Contractors, which is still thriving today.

The Bentley Branch was originally intended as a base for R J Wilkes Tiling Contractors, to allow their builders to make tile selections. However, so much interest was generated that they opened to the trade and public. Today both shops supply and fit ceramics to the trade and public and import and distribute all over the country to bathroom and tile showrooms, as well as to the housing industry.

Bentley Ceramics believe it is their origins that set them apart from their competitors, as their knowledge of the industry has been gained from first hand practical experience as ceramic tilers. Roger Wilkes is still a major presence on the shop floor at our main branch in Stonnall and is able to share his extensive knowledge with both staff and customers, from technical information, to advice on fitting and materials. They believe that the key to our success and longevity is our commitment and personal approach to our clients, many of which return time and again.

Bentley Ceramics are major stockists of ceramics; porcelain, glass, mosaics and natural stone, largely from Italy and

Spain, believing that you can still have quality at competitive prices. They also supply many familiar names, such as Laura Ashley, Original Style, Johnsons and Porcelanosa, as well as specialist commercial ranges ideal for shops and restaurants. There is also an extensive range of tools, materials and accessories, guaranteeing that everything that you need for your tiling project is under one roof.

Therefore, whether you know exactly what you are looking for or need that extra little bit of help, Bentley Ceramics guarantee to meet each customers individual needs, and if they haven’t got what you are looking for, they will try their hardest to find it!

Bentley Ceramics Established Since 1988

Stone, Glass, Marble, Slate, Granite, Porcelian, Natural Stone, Limestone & Travertine.We also offer a full Tile Installation Service.

Retail Outlet191 Wolverhampton Road WestBentley, Wallsall, West Midlands

WS2 0DUTelephone 01922 623018

Main Showroom & WarehouseUnit 6, Birch Lane Business ParkBirch Lane, Off the Chester Road

Stonnall WS9 ONFTelephone 01922 455532

M e n t i o n " S t a f fo r d s h i r e O u t l o o k " fo r a 1 0 % d i sc o u n t .

w w w. b e n t l eyc e r a m i c t i l e c e n t r e . c o . u k


& 6-7 Walsall Street Willenhall WV13 2ES01902 606400 | fitted-interiors.co.uk

Treat Yourself to a Luxury Bathroom Makeover in 2013...

Remove existing suiteReplaster where neccessarySupply & fit bathroom suiteWall tiles to ceiling - up to 18mFloor tiles up to 5mRemoval of all rubbish

Mon - Fri 9.30-5, Sat 10-4Large FREE Car Park to rear of showroom

Enhance the space, comfort and value of your home with a quality fitted bathroom or kitchen from a highly respected family run business. The staff at Willenhall Bathrooms & Kitchens will do their best to ensure they provide you with excellent customer service, price and a quality product you deserve - they will also beat any like-for-like quote.

In the current climate it’s neither practical nor affordable to move house, so the best way to maximise the space and comfort in your home, and to the value of one of the biggest investments you have, is with a new bathroom or kitchen. Willenhall Bathrooms provide you with an extensive range of bathroom sanitary ware, furniture, accessories and fitting with a choice of traditional and more contemporary designs to suit any style and budget. Their kitchen ranges include all the space saving features of fitted and made to measure furniture; in

addition to soft close doors, a range of worktops which include granite and other hard wearing options and a range of electrical appliances to help you complete the look. All are expertly designed using the latest computer design technology and expertly fitted, or provided on a supply only basis.

They offer a wide range of bathroom suites, wet rooms, accessories, mirrors, cabinets, wall tiles and flooring - including the increasingly popular and energy saving under floor heating system - ensuring that they have the ideal look that fits in your space, your style and your budget. They also offer a full design and installation service which includes new layouts, plumbing, plastering, tiling, lighting, ventilation and flooring.

Managing Director, Adrian Nichols, is proud of the service he and his team provides: “we are happy to provide you with a free no obligation quote; either bring in your own measurements, or we’ll come to your home and do this for you. We pride ourselves on our no pressure sales.”

The quality of their work, commitment to fair and honest trading practice and good customer satisfaction is recognised by Walsall Trading Standards team who have included them in their trader register.

Willenhall Bathrooms & Kitchens


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.

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]


* Based on purchase price of £125,000, a 5% deposit, 15% shared equity loan, and 30 year repayment mortgage. Subject to status, terms and conditions and cannot be used in conjunctionwith any other incentive scheme/offer. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.

Tel: 01543 877708lovellnewhomes.co.uk

Monarch Park Limepit Lane, Cannock WS11 4RH Open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm.

*New homes from

just £459 a month

Make 2013 your lucky year!

Want to start the new year in the comfort of a brand new home?

Reserve now at this stunning development of 2, 3 and 5 bedroom homes and you

could be celebrating 2013 in style.

With Shared Equity, own 100% of your home but only pay a 5% deposit on 85% of the purchase price. We’ll lend you the other 15% with no interest or rent to pay. For example, a new home at Monarch Park could

be yours for as little as £5,313* deposit.

NewBuy and

Shared Equity

now available

Typical Monarch Park interior

Typical M

onarch Park exterior


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


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

w w w . d s n a . c o . u k

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

DSN Accountants LimitedTopCornerOffices1&2MarketStreet,PenkridgeStaffordshire

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


Be inspired at pandora.net

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

We stock: Riva, Lotus, Bronx, Irregular Choice

plus many more

Winter Ranges Now in Stock!

Sale Starts 28th December


After re-opening its doors in October, Cannock’s very own retail haven, Fashion Factory continues to go from strength to strength. Having undergone a shop floor transformation with the introduction of exclusive new lines.

Customers are able to browse through our extensive ranges of exciting brands which are up to 70% less than RRP.

For the fashion focused lady, the store stocks brands such as Roman, Klass, Tigi, CMD and many more. The men’s department boasts brands such as Skopes, Woodville, Regatta, Caribou, Pringle and much much more. Also in store are Paver’s shoes offering a wide range of styles designs for both men and women.

The Store now has a new Home ware department offering ranges of Bedding and Curtains from Rectella and for the

connoisseur we have a range of Cookware from Harbenware.

To make your house a perfect home the fragrant smell of Yankee Candle will help to create the perfect atmosphere

Why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping and relax in our Italian inspired Café Moda, which offers an extensive range of coffees’ teas and hot chocolate. To complement your drink why not try one of our delicious meal followed by one of many mouth-watering desserts.

Fashion Factory also offers its customers a Loyalty card giving Bonus Points to spend on future purchases. The loyalty card, as well as building points with every £ spend; we will keep you informed about our great and exclusive card holder offers.

You can follow Fashion Factory on their Facebook Page and also on twitter, or visit the website, where you can keep up to date with Store promotions and enter weekly competitions.

SAVE UP TO70% ON YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS

www.fashion-factory.co.uk

Open 9.30-17.30 Monday to Saturday and 10.30 to 16.30 Sunday

Tel: 01543 466000 Follow us on facebook and twitter

Please present this voucher for 50% off a Yankee Candle.

One voucher per customer - please present at till when paying for goods.

New Homeware Departments including

Wood Gifts and Yankee Candles.

Womens clothing including Roman,

Klass, CMD, Autonomy and much more.

Mens clothing including Scopes, Chums,

Woodville, Harvey Parker and much more.

Enjoy a coffee or a spot of lunch in Cafe Moda.

Fashion FactoryWyrley Brook Park

Vine LaneCannock WS11 0XF

Fashion Factory Re-Opens Its Doors!


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

The Kings Repose 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

Valentine Bookings now being taken


The Harrows - Competition

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

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

For your chance to win please answer the following question correctly and 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 the 31st January 2013.

When did the Harrows open its doors after the refurbishment?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 28th February 2013 excluding 14th February. Booking is required and date is subject to availability. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to The Harrows.

THEHARROWS

INN

The Harrows is a community country pub serving fresh locally sourced homemade food,

with a new fresh menu every 2 weeks!Evening Menu served in the bar area 5.30-8.30pm,

lounge area 6.00pm-9.00pm

Sunday Lunch is served from 12.00-4.00pm

For a 3d tour of the Harrows just type “the Harrows Coven” into Google maps. Join our Facebook page for forthcoming attractions.

Great Value, Great Atmosphere!

The Harrows, Stafford Road, Coven WV9 5AW 01902 790055

Book now for Valentines Day.


Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant was established in 1971.Padma Lounge was one of the first Indian restaurants in Cannock dating back to 1971 when they were situated at Walsall Road. Having moved 3 years ago to their town centre location Padma Lounge brings top quality, authentic Indian and Bangladeshi fine dining to Staffordshire!

This evening my partner and I decided that we wanted to dine out, and, as we were stuffed from all the traditional Christmas food we both said “Indian”.

With so many of our friends and family recommending Padma Lounge to us, we knew we were in for some top notch food and a great night!

Driving onto the fully secure car park which is free of charge after 18.30 we managed to park right outside of Padma Lounge which was perfect with it being such a chilly night.

Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted by the very helpful waiter who showed us to our table and tended to our drinks

order of two Cobra beers. The drinks menu had a great selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. There was also a different menu for pure fresh organic tea.

The restaurant is beautifully decorated throughout and very modern, spacious and contemporary, and once we were settled in our seats we began to look through the menu.

The dishes on the menu all sounding amazing with lots of choice and variety, and we both mentioned how there were lots of dishes that we had never come across before which was a great excuse to keep coming back to try them!

On each table in the Padma Lounge there is a wireless service call system, so when we were ready to order we simply pressed a button which we both said was an excellent idea. The call system is used when customers wish to order more drinks, to order their food and to even request their bill.

For starters I chose poppadum’s and chutneys with my partner opting for the Tandoori king prawns.

For our main course we eventually decided, after much deliberation

on Chicken Chakmi – Boneless chicken cut into long strips, stir fried with onions and green peppers, chilli, coriander and mushrooms then spiced with Chakma’s spiced sauce priced at £9.95 and the South Indian Chilli Chicken – Barbequed chicken cooked in a fresh garlic and chilli sauce with crisp red chillies, again priced at £9.95, and both served with Basmati rice.

When our starters arrived, we were very impressed with the presentation of the food and could not wait to taste what looked so good!

Our starters were polished off in no time and we eagerly awaited our main course.

Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant



Well, we were not disappointed, our main courses arrived and again the presentation of the food was excellent. Both dishes were delicious and cooked to perfection.

Once finished, our plates were cleared and we were offered desserts or coffee to which we both chose the latter.

Whilst relaxing with our coffee we chatted to the owner of Padma Lounge, Tarak who explained Padma is the name of a river in Bangladeshi.

Tarak also told us that Padma Lounge recently won a “Best Business” and a “Leisure/Entertainment service provider award for 2012.

He also mentioned that the team at Padma Lounge are deeply committed to providing an excellent and quality service and to offer all customers a wonderful dining experience with a taste of warm Indian hospitality.

Both my partner and I agreed that the evening had been very enjoyable with great food, great service and a warm friendly atmosphere.

We made sure that we booked another table for the following week to try out some more of the beautiful food that Padma Lounge offers.

Authentic Indian and Bangladeshi fine dining experience in the longest established Indian restaurant in Cannock since 1971.

The team at Padma Restaurant are deeply committed to selling standard in excellence and quality. At Padma we are offering our customers a wonderful dining experience with a taste of warm Indian hospitality.

Fully licensed and recently refurbished to a very high standard.

Valentines day bookings now being taken!

Padma Lounge Bar & Restaurant

8 High Green Court

Newhall Street

Cannock

Staffordshire

WS11 1GR

Tel: 01543 502 101 / 01543 572 040Email: [email protected]

www.padmalounge.co.uk

Sun-Thu5.30pm till Midnight

Fri-Sat5.30pm till 1.00am


Serves 4Braised Halibut & Baby Vegetables, Slow Cooked Oxtail, Marjarom Butter Sauce

Recipe Of The Month

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

Image courtesy of [email protected]

INGREDIENTS

•4x 6oz halibut fillets

•150 ml chicken stock

•8x baby leeks

•8x baby fennel

•8x baby turnips

•8x baby carrots

•4 oz butter

•1kg large oxtail joints

•1x carrot

•1x stick celery

•1x leek

•4x cloves garlic

•2 sprigs thyme, 2 bay leaves

•150ml red wine

•600ml beef stock

•150ml chicken stock

•100ml double cream

•150gr cold diced butter

•20 marjarom leaves

•salt, pepper & lemon juice to season

METHOD

1. Dust the oxtail in flour then fry in a little oil till caramalised on all sides. Drain in a colander then fry the chopped carrot, celery, leek, garlic & herbs till golden. Add the drained oxtail to the vegetables then pour in the red wine & reduce by half, add the beef stock and simmer for about 3 hours till tender. Take the oxtail out and keep warm, take the herbs out, then blend the vegetables and stock with a stick blender till you get a thick red wine sauce. Pick the oxtail meat off the bones and put into the sauce and keep warm.

2. Put each baby vegetable into a pan of salted water, add the butter and cook till tender then keep warm.

3. To make the butter sauce, reduce the chicken stock by 3 quarters, add the cream and reduce by half then add the diced butter 1 cube at a time until you get a thick glossy sauce. Add the marjarom leaves and season with salt, pepper & lemon juice.

4. Pan fry the halibut in a non stick pan in a knob of butter till golden, turn over then pour in the stock, cover with a piece of grease proof paper and cook for 3 - 4 minutes.

TO SERVE

To assemble the dish spoon the warm vegetables onto a plate, spoon on the oxtail, drizzle the butter sauce around, followed by some of the oxtail sauce then top with the halibut.


The Midland Balti Association (MBA) held an awards night on Sunday 18th November 2012 at the Blue Ginger Indian Restaurant in Huntington Cannock.

Sharon and Michelle Caldwell from the Staffordshire Outlook magazine were invited along to the evening and shared a table with the Chairman of Cannock Chase District Council Bob Todd, Councillor Irene Todd and Councillor Jeff Ashley which saw Sharon presenting Blue Ginger with an award for the MBA Best Chef in Cannock and the surrounding areas.

The night was compared by Mark Smith - Minxes Entertainments, Andy Plimmer (Vocals) and Kevin Soul (Vocals).

A great evening was had by all, with fabulous food and excellent service by Abdul and the team, it’s no wonder the Blue Ginger has another award to add to the collection.

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

VALENTINES BOOKINGSNOW BEING TAKEN

Stafford Road, Huntington, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 4NU

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

01543 500 300

Blue Ginger - Awards Night

Councillor Jeff Ashley, Mrs Ashley, Winning Chef Mizanur Rahman, Sharon Caldwell, Michelle Caldwell,

Abdul Karim, Councillor Irene Todd, Chairman of Cannock Chase District Council Bob Todd

Winning Chef Mizanur Rahman

and Sharon Caldwell


Exploring Cannock ChaseBy Robert van der Does

Cannock Chase is a mixture of natural deciduous woodland, coniferous plantations and open heathland set amid the remnants of Staffordshire’s coal mining past. It is largely confined within Cannock Chase Local Government District, which comprises the towns of Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley. Main roads crossing over include the A460 and the A513. The Chase was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1958 and is the smallest area to be recognised as such in mainland Britain, covering a distance of 26 square miles. It means it is protected by law and carefully managed by the Forestry Commission to maintain its special character.

Over 1.5 million people visit Cannock Chase each year. Considering its relatively small size the Chase is home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna, including an 800-strong herd of wild fallow deer. The deer enjoy roaming the still vast expanse of land the Chase offers, but are shy, secretive creatures and seldom spotted by casual visitors. They most likely descend from the original herd introduced for hunting during Norman times.

Cannock Chase boasts the largest surviving area of lowland heathland in the Midlands. This seriously threatened wildlife habitat supports scarcely seen birds such as hobbies, stonechats and nightjars in the area around Sherbrook Valley. The more expansive pine forest and woodland habitat nests bird species such as turtle doves, lesser spotted woodpeckers and redpolls, as well as birds of prey like sparrowhawks and long-eared owls.

For birdwatchers the feeding station at Marquis Drive is a must. It attracts bullfinches, yellowhammers and, in winter, large gatherings of bramblings and crossbills. Cannock Chase Visitor Centre is found at Marquis Drive and each day staff update a chalkboard chart notifying visitors of all wildlife recently seen in the area. The centre also publishes a free leaflet which lists a full programme of walks and events organised by Staffordshire County Council Countryside Service that take place across the area. It is open between 10am and 5.30pm in the summer but closes at 4pm in the winter.

From Marquis Drive begin a number of colour-coded walks across the Chase, with each colour indicating a different duration and/or difficulty level. Another popular destination point to start a woodland walk from is Birches Valley Forest Centre, which is located on Lady Hill. The Route to Health walk is ideal for a gentle stroll, while longer walks are outlined alongside the picturesque Fairoak and Sherbrook valleys.

Birches Valley is also an ideal starting point for adventure-seekers. Aside from an adventure play area, there’s now the recently opened Go Ape attraction. This high ropes course is open between February and November and offers 3 hours of tree-top excitement. This part of the Chase also affords the premier mountain biking destination in the West Midlands, with the Follow the Dog and Monkey trails particularly well renowned.

Orienteering, fishing and horse riding are other popular recreational activities at Cannock Chase. From a starting location at Seven Springs car park, in the Rugeley area, walkers can undertake an easy, but lengthy, trek across the Staffordshire Way and up to the fringes of the Chase

Pictures courtesy of Ron Evans at Ron Evans photography


and the Shugborough Estate, which contains the most significant country house in Staffordshire, Shugborough Hall, a National Trust site.

As well as forest and heathland, Cannock Chase encompasses areas of designed parkland, sand and gravel quarrying and mixed agriculture. The Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan has been put together by like-minded local people to help conserve and enhance the area in the face of amounting recreational and economical pressures.

Cannock Chase has always been a working environment. It has a mining and military history that dates back several hundred years. The Museum of Cannock Chase is situated on the edge of Hednesford Hills and highlights the rich industrial heritage of the area. The importance of coal to the local region can be seen at the Coal Mining Gallery and an exciting interactive experience can be enjoyed in the History of Toys and Coal Face Gallery.

Other Points of Interest

Cannock Chase Forest is a popular destination at Christmas, as people

arrive in their droves to pick their Christmas tree from the huge variety in size, species and shape up for selection. Santa Claus even has his woodland grotto here and real reindeer accompany him!

Since the nineteenth century there have been numerous reports of outlandish sightings on the chase, including big cats, black dogs, UFOs and Bigfoot! Unsurprisingly, none of these claims have been verified by conclusive evidence, meaning they have simply added to the folklore surrounding the Chase.

35

Since 2006 Cannock Chase has added another string to its bow by becoming an open air music venue as part of the Forestry Commission nationwide Forest Tour.



The market for home laundry has recently seen unprecedented innovation which is great news for consumers. Anyone looking for a new washing machine will have more choice than ever before with exciting new technologies to increase performance, make life easier and save both money and precious resources when in use.The main trend are for much larger drums meaning that families need do fewer washes saving time, money, and helping the environment. Of course the other benefit is that overloading, which can shorten the life of the machine, is much less likely. Many customers looking to replace their existing will only have a 5kg load. Hotpoint now produce their Aqualtis range with an 11kg load and eight or even nine kg loads are increasingly common.

Faster spine speeds are also more prevalent with 1,400rpm common and some machines capable of spinning at 1,600rpm. This means much dryer laundry and, of course, less need for tumble drying, so saving time and money. The Bosch WAP28360has a specially designed drum which spins at 1,400rpm but performs like a 1,600rpm machine and is particularly gentle.

Washing machines are becoming much more economical to run. Hotpoint Aqualtis range is now rated at A+++ in

terms of energy efficiency which shows signs very significant savings over the expected life of the machines. Another feature of these advanced products is the super silent operation, a benefit greatly appreciated by many, as people are spending more time in their kitchens.

Bosch have incorporated a new “wave” drop design drum to help protect delicate fabrics yet still giving a superior wash performance. Also the optimised paddle and drum design makes for precise textile movement, constant water flow and equal detergent distribution for perfect results every time.

The WAP28360 model incorporates this new drum design, a generous 9kg load, and a maximum 1400rpm variable spin.

Bosch washing machines also have a feature called “vario-perfect” which lets you decide whether you would like your laundry more quickly or more economically. The ecoperfect button saves an additional 20 to

30% more energy and with speed perfect you have the option to wash your laundry up to 60% faster.

As in the way with technology many advanced and desirable features that begin life purely at the top end of manufacturers’ ranges are now becoming available at much lower price points. Many mid priced washing machines are much more advanced than the top models of only three years ago.

It’s important when looking for a new washing machine to consider which developments matter most to you. At Webbs we have over fifty years of experience in matching customers needs to the right product it’s a responsibility we take really seriously.

So if it was ever true that washing machines were simply white boxes it certainly isn’t now.

They are feature packed with a machine to suit everyone.

Washing Machines At Webbs


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

01543 505062www.webbselectricals.co.uk

201-205 Cannock RoadChadsmoor Cannock WS11 5DD

SAME DAY DELIVERY

Opening Times:Thursday 27th Dec 9:00am-5.30pmFriday 28th Dec 9:00am-5.30pmSaturday 29th Dec 9:00am-5.30pmSunday 30th Dec 10:00am-4.00pmMonday 31st Dec 9:00am-5.30pmTusday 1st Jan ClosedWednesday 2nd Jan 9:00am-5.30pm

SALE STARTS27th December 9amUnbeatable deals with up to 50% offOpen Sunday 30th December10:00am - 4:00pm

and many many more

ExTra 5% Off wiTh

prEsEnTaTiOn Of This vOuchEr

unTil saTurday 5Th January


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


Natasha Marie

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

Natasha Marie has been belly dancing for 15 years all over the country. She trained in Birmingham at night school and has never looked back.

Her shows last for 15 minutes and the style of dance is Egyptian and consists of cane and veil work and lots of audience participation.

Having worked in several Greek and Indian Restaurants, hotels and

with the most recent being at The Hilton Hotel N E C, The Blue Ginger Cannock and The Dilshad

Restaurant Stourbridge.

Apart from performing belly dancing Natasha also teaches she recently did a workshop for the Women’s

Institute in Cannock.

Natasha’s talent does not stop here she is

also a Soul singer, her great talent has seen Natasha working all

over the country for the last 10 years. She’s worked for Military bases, Holiday Parks including Pontins and John Fowlers Holiday Park and was involved in BRMB

Christmas light switch on.

To see where Natasha’s next events are log onto www.tashamarie.com


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46 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 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

STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 201346


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.


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Toms Tip: Excessive/Over Pronation

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

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Always top of the class, Concero UK provide a bespoke IT support service for more than sixty primary and secondary schools in the West Midlands.Company founder and Director James Morris says: “Wolverhampton Girl’s High School, Smestow School, St. Peter’s Collegiate School and The King’s CE School, as well as sixty others, all benefit from what we have to offer at Concero.

“The majority of our work is in education, where we provide an all-round service that is designed specifically with the needs of schools in mind - we have over 13 years of experience in this field.

“We cover all aspects of IT from the basic day-to-day tasks right through to design, implementation and consultancy.”

“We’ve made sure that the services we provide meet with the specialised requirements of schools, such as ensuring that every member of our team is CRB checked. Many companies don’t understand the importance of these key aspects which make all the difference.”

And with classrooms becoming ever more reliant upon IT, the company has never been more relevant.

“Whether in person, remotely or by telephone, our team are ready to answer your technical and ICT-related questions in order to keep everything running smoothly.”

Cutting-edge technology allied to friendly staff is a proven recipe for success, which has seen the company establish tight bonds with every school they have worked with.

“Our continued success in education is due to the unique partnership that is formed with each school via our own dedicated team of technicians, who work to provide comprehensive solutions to all issues or problems.”

The service is good value too, as co-founder and Director, Brad Clegg explains: “We assist with the transformation of schools by harnessing the latest technologies and providing ICT improvements to fundamentally enhance the teaching and learning environment. For this reason, we are committed to meeting every schools’ requirements and maintaining our reputation as an affordable and effective service provider.”

With local authorities increasingly keen to outsource work to the commercial sector, the service is a necessity for every school.

Brad continues: “Historically schools have felt a sense of security in buying services from local authorities, but the role they play in education appears to be changing and, for this reason, schools are increasingly looking to commercial providers for services.”

“Our company is a service provider that shares the same moral imperatives that underpin the work of schools. Concero UK is built upon this foundation and our values are deep rooted in education.”

Even the company name - Concero - is taken straight from a lesson in Latin: this company has education close its heart.

But equally the business is not limited to schools, as private households and other businesses can also get the Concero treatment.

Considerable investment has been put into developing an efficient platform upon which to assist organisations in running their operations more smoothly and with improved IT facilities.

Home IT support is also available to anyone looking for minimum disruption and unusually low costs.

Ever committed to providing the best service for each and every one of their clients - whether in education, business or at home - the Concero team frequently review, update and improve their service to make it work perfectly with every individual requirement.

Concero UK: The Solution To Your IT Troubles

It’s this sort of treatment that makes Concero UK the only choice in IT.


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Longford Ind.EstLongford RdWS11 0DG

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Staffordshire Outlook January edition

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Transcript of Staffordshire Outlook January edition