staffordshire outlook february edition

01 STAFFORDSHIRE OUTLOOK | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013

February/March 2013

Inside this issue: Local stories, 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

Cadfael -The Virgin in the Ice

Win a meal for two at The Harrows

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.


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

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

Open Day Saturday 2 February 2013, 11am to 3pm.Parents are also welcome to visit the school at any convenient time outside of the normal school open days.To arrange an appointment and view the school please contact Karen Anderson, School Secretary.

0301952 321334 | WWW.STAFFORDSHIREOUTLOOK.CO.UK

A Message From The Editor

Hello readers,

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

We hope youre 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!

Dont 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 December/January 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 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 dont forget to mention Staffordshire Outlook if using any of the advertisers!

All thats 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]/Whats on information

Mal Caldwell - EditorEmail: [email protected]

Cover shot: Fallow Deer Stag on Cannock Chase courtesy of www.ronevans.co.uk (c)

Magazine design: www.s28.co.uk

ContentsKeep A- Breast of your health 4TA Henns 6Market Initiative for local businesses 8Service with a smile 9The Grand Theatre competition 10Tiles with style - Tile Choice 14Are you looking for unique lighting 15For all your planning needs 16Royal British Legion 16Welcome to our sofa company 17Bentley Ceramics established since 1988 20Willenhall Bathrooms & Kitchens 21Keys & much more 24DSN Accountants 25Puzzles 26Win 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 34/35Webbs - Great news for bargain hunters 36Local man donates a kidney to a stranger 38/39P-LAY Get fit for 2013 41A sign of the times 42Why Independent Education 42Girl Guides get top award 44Toms Tip 44Honda Civic by Rob Taylor 46/47Puzzle Solutions 48Index of advertisers 49Useful Numbers 49Concero UK The solution to your IT troubles 50

Congratulations to:Winner of the Webbs Deluxe Morphy Richards Kettle CompetitionBarry Knox - CastlefieldsWinner of The Kings Repose CompetionTom Hingley Acton TrussellWinners of The Grand Theatre CompetitionCliff Reid Haughton, Gill Latimer Gnosall, Sally Lever - Penkridge


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 wont 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, dont wait!

Most changes wont 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 its 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

It is not just a question about colourWhite metals for wedding rings are very popular but they are not all white.

Choosing the right metal for you: white gold, palladium or platinum?

By definition gold is yellow. White gold is bleached yellow gold and is in fact grey with yellow undertones. Generally white gold wedding rings are plated in rhodium giving this white effect.

There are now new white gold alloys using gold and palladium and the end result is whiter than a traditional alloy. Whilst white gold is fine for jewellery items,

the plating wears off on wedding rings due to their extensive wear. So if white gold is your preferred choice, make sure that you buy this latest alloy.

However, the most recent white alloy is palladium quality 950 and 500. Both are white and no plating is required. It has only been re-introduced into the selection of white metals available to us and is now hallmarked in the same way that the white and platinum are. It is a good alternative to white gold, price-wise.

The finest white metal of all is platinum 950 of purity per thousands. Watch out

for the lower qualities of platinum as some alloys are more complicated to adjust and work with than others.

It is good to have an understanding of metal purities when looking at wedding rings however the quality of the manufacturing is equally as important for your lifetime purchase. This is why buying it from a place you trust is crucial. There is so much more to explain on this subject but the space is limited so if you would like to find out more the T.A. Henn team would be very happy to take the time to tell you all about it.

A few ideas for Valentines Day!


*Offer valid until 28th February 2013


Penkridge Market has announced today their plans to help new entrepreneurs and local businesses in 2013.

They are offering any new or existing business in the Parish of Penkridge the opportunity to take a free stall on the Market, for one day, to help test their business idea or to promote their existing business to new customers.

The Market, which attracts up to 5,000 people each Market day, draws people in from around the Region, including people from as far as Telford, Stoke and Walsall. It is therefore a great place to test a new business idea or to promote an existing business to new visitors to the area.

Matt Williams, Manager at Penkridge Market said: From our Market Research we have realised we are attracting a large number of people from outside the area and who are unfamiliar with the businesses in Penkridge. We therefore want to help businesses promote themselves to a new audience and to hopefully gain new customers, as we know how tough it is for any business during this difficult economic climate.

Matt is kindly offering local businesses a 10 foot pitch on the Market on either a Wednesday or a Saturday. Each business can use the pitch for one day, per year, on a first come first served basis.

The pitch can be used to sell your products or to simply promote your business by handing out leaflets, running a competition or raising money for charity. If you do not have the necessary equipment the Market will even provide a table.

Penkridge Market is situated in the centre of Penkridge, and is signposted off the A449 (postcode ST19 5AP). Admission and parking is free!

For further information and to book a stall on the Market please call Matt Williams on 01785 714221. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Market Initiative for Local Businesses


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Cloudy2Clear Windows Service With A Smile!Its been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Brian Stanley feels that its all about service. Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But its not

just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didnt focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didnt expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole. Cloudy2Clear service the Cannock

and Stafford areas and Brian is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. The truth is that its not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends

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Three lucky winners can each win 2 tickets for Cadfael: The Virgin in the Ice on Wednesday 6th March at 7.30.Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd presents A classic medieval murder mystery CADFAEL: The Virgin in the Ice By Ellis Peters Adapted, designed and directed by Michael Lunney. On Stage at the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton from Wednesday 6th to Saturday 9th March.

Starring Gareth Thomas, Rupert Baker, Christopher Berry, Hannah Burton, Paul Hassall, Tom Kanji, John Langford, Adam Lloyd-James, Jenny-May Darcy, Daniel Murray, James Morley, James Palmer, George Telfer and Richard Walsh

Middle Ground Theatre Company proudly presents the World Premire Stage Adaptation of Ellis Peters famous medieval sleuth CADFAEL: The Virgin In The Ice.

It is winter 1139 and raging civil war has sent many refugees fleeing north from Worcester, among them an orphaned boy, his beautiful 17 year old sister, and a young nun. But they seem to have disappeared somewhere in the wild winter landscape of frost and snow and Brother Cadfael embarks on a dangerous quest to find them... The search will lead him to discover a chilling and terrible murder, and a tale of passion gone astray.

Ellis Peters Cadfael novels sold millions of copies globally, and this World Stage Premire celebrates the centenary of her birth. Veteran actor Gareth Thomas,

twice BAFTA nominated in a career which spans 50 years and includes the title role in the cult classic sci-fi series Blakes 7, leads a quality cast of fifteen, including Richard Walsh (Londons Burning), James Palmer (River City) and Rupert Baker (Londons Burning).

Featuring film projections, lavish settings and bespoke music, this stunning new production is produced by Middle Ground Theatre Company, who this year mark 25 years of bringing quality drama to the stage.

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

www.grandtheatre.co.uk

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 24th February 2013.Winners will be notified by telephone.

With which Midlands City are the Cadfael mysteries associated?A Worcester B HerefordC ShrewsburyCompetition 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


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.

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For more interior ideas & free quote

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Glass splashbacks

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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

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Tile Choice Limited is an independent tile & natural stone retailer, which wasestablished in 1991, and has 15 individually designed stores throughout thecentral regions of the UK.

Tile Choice prides itself on selling the highest quality products, sourced from someof the worlds leading manufacturers at competitive prices, along with exceptionallevels of customer service ensuring that we have remained at the head of the tileindustry.

Tile Choice currently have a stock holding of 1.5 million pounds with 95% of ourstock being imported directly from manufactures into our 30,000 square footcentralised Warehouse and Distribution centre.

We make sure we stay up to date with all the latest developments and trends in thisfast moving fashion-led industry, by investing in new displays throughout all of ourstores. This way we're always one step ahead of the competition, and we canprovide our customers with the best available choices. We cater for all types ofcustomers, whatever they have in mind whether a stylish timeless bathroom, a coolcontemporary ensuite, or a traditional homely kitchen.

All of the Tile Choice staff are fully trainedand knowledgeable in all aspects of theceramic wall and floor tile trade and arehappy to offer sound and practical advice,including how to plan your room layoutproperly, how to prepare your walls andfloors, how to choose the right tiles and toolsfor the job, and how to make light work ofcutting, fixing and grouting. Alternatively, oneof Tile Choices recommended tilers willvisit the customer at home and give aNO- OBLIGATION quotation.

Tile Choice have their own vehicle fleet toservice the stores on a daily basis, along witha customer delivery service available viaevery store.

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF WALL & FLOOR TILES

THROUGHOUT THE MIDLANDS

www.tilechoice.co.uk


Are You Looking For Unique Lighting & Mirrors

?

If you are looking for unique lighting and mirrors that are eye catching, something different, thats 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, thats 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 419442

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

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Need Planning Permission? Houseextensionoroutbuilding. Newhouseinyourgarden. Changeofuseoflandorbuildings. Listedbuildingwork. Generaladviceonplanningissues.

Then secure experienced and professional help.

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For All Your Planning Needs

Its not every day that you need the services of a planning consultant, but here are some examples of when you might and thats 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.

Penkridge branch members recently held a tree planting and dedication as a tribute to two long serving members who both died last year.The ceremony was held at The Burial Ground, Pinfold Lane with Reverend Sheila Finn officiating. Percy Lovell, who originated from Yorkshire, moved to Penkridge around ten years ago, was a Second World War veteran of the Burma Star and was the Legions most decorated member. Mike Bailey was

a former newspaper editor and member of the Parish Council. The ceremony was attended by Chairman Peter Jones, other members of the Royal British Legion, Chris McGhee daughter of Mr Lovell and Sandra Bailey, Mr Baileys widow. A Weeping Pear tree was planted in memory of Mr Bailey and a Mountain Ash tree in memory of Mr Lovell.

The family of Mr Philip Gollings, another member who sadly died earlier this year, have dedicated a stole bearing the emblem of The Royal British Legion to Reverend Sheila Finn for church ceremonies and also Badges of office for the officers to wear.

Royal British Legion

Mrs S Bailey, widow of Mike Bailey, with Mr Peter Jones, Chairman of the Penkridge branch.

Mrs Bailey in the dark coat on the far left, Mrs Chris McGhee the lady in the centre in the light coat is the daughter of Percy Lovell. Reverend Sheila Finn far right.


The Secret of True Quality is in the Fine DetailFor 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.

Bespoke Sofa Manufacture & Re-Upholstery Specialist

Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire - WS11 7XN

01543 505539www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk

Welcome To Our Sofa Company & Upholstery Sp

ecialist 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 Im 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.


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

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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 havent 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

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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 its 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 well 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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call Fireside Gallery to arrange a free site survey on

01543 503 321or call in to our large showroom

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

FIRESIDEGALLERYWe don't do problems we do solutions

We have something for everyone

01543 503 [email protected]

Fitted WardrobesLots of storage space at a fantastic price!

Our Space Saver full width interiors is FREE with every

wardrobe.Made-to-measure and then fitted

by us in a day.

Please ring

0800 612 0932FREE brochure & price list

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

Covering the whole of

Staffordshire


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]

Hydes Key Locker have added another new service to the business.We now offer number plates made up to suit your taste (legal spec) with or without flags or borders and plain, 3D or Carbon lettering.

At the best price as always while you wait. In addition house signs, acrylic photos and other signs all can be designed by the customer exactly how they want it in the shop.

We are open 7 DAYS a week 9am-5:00pm 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 Hydes 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.

Hydes Key Locker for keys and much more!


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-ups

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]


Across

8 German for Mrs (4)9 Composure (10)10 Two-piece bathing suit (6)11 A Chinese dialect (8)12 Angelic headgear (4)13 Excessive (10)17 Excavates (4)18 Permit (5)19 Modern day Persia (4)20 Sniggering (10)22 Dogfish (4)23 A type of quail (8)27 A type of strong liquor (6)28 Oversimplify (10)29 Require (4)

Down

1 Supplying dry land with water (10)2 Radiant (8)3 Valid (10)4 An island in the Marianas (4)5 In a little while (archaic) (4)

6 Mar (6)7 Pocketbook (4) 14 Prefix meaning more than one (5)15 Rated lower (10)16 Traded or exchanged (10)19 Integral (8)21 Hooded (6)

24 Mineral-bearing rocks (4)25 Formerly Saddams country (4)26 Heroic (4)

CROSSWORD

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

Sackful slumber slather

S S

S

1 76 1 9

2 64 7 9

8 13 6

9 33 5 8 2

7 5

Sudoku

Each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 just once. This can be done by applying logic -you dont have to guess!


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!

SaleContinues...


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 5th March 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 31st March 2013. Booking is required and date is subject to availability. No cash or alternative prize available. All entry details will be forwarded to The Harrows.

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

Book now for Valentines Day.

Great Value, Great Atmosphere!

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.


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 poppadums 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 Chakmas 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, its 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 Chase

By Robert van der Does

Cannock Chase is a mixture of natural deciduous woodland, coniferous plantations and open heathland set amid the remnants of Staffordshires 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, theres 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

Courtsey of www.ronevans.co.uk


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 Webbs sale carries on throughout February due to massive demand. There are huge savings in store with up to 50% off normal prices. Virtually every category of product has items reduced, from large screen LED televisions to DAB radios from cookers to toasters.Just as important as the great deals on offer, indeed maybe more importantly the superb traditional Webbs service remains just as strong as ever. Owner Steve Webb says our customers expect a really good price from us, particularly at sale time, but they dont want to compromise on the level of service on offer, and why should they? We know its that service that they appreciate and come back to us for, thats what makes us different.

We have a great team of people who are genuinely nice, helpful and who care. That makes for a warm inviting atmosphere in the store, people feel welcome. We dont work at that its just natural. Of course this extends to our installation teams as well. They are always respectful, courteous and friendly too. Our customers dont want surly and unhelpful people in their homes, as often happens with our competitors, sadly.

What we do work on very hard indeed is our products. Firstly

we buy from just a few suppliers. We have to be convinced that the products they make are technically excellent, well engineered, offer good value for money and that the manufacturer will offer us a good level of service should anything go wrong so that we in turn can help our customer promptly and efficiently. In short we always ask ourselves whether we would be happy to have the product in our own homes.

We then learn our products thoroughly, all the features and benefits that they offer. We attend all the training courses available, and manufacturers send trainers to the store too. We spend lots of time playing with the products so that we know exactly how they function so that in turn we can show our customers. This is vitally important because we try to ensure that the customer always gets the right product for their needs and

that its then installed properly and demonstrated correctly so that they get the best performance possible and they are comfortable using it.

All our televisions and sound systems are set up for demonstration in store including smart functions. Our customers can experience the products before they buy. We offer unique services too such as delivering two TVs to a customer who cant decide between screen sizes. As soon as they see the sets in their home, theyre sure. Our customers love this service, and if they feel theyve made a mistake and tell us within a week well even swap the set for a different one.

So the Webbs sale really is different, great deals on great products, but also with a truly great level of service unbeatable.

Great News For Bargain Hunters

Sale

Sale


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

SALE CONTINUESLAST FEW WEEKS, DONT MISS OUT

Unbeatable deals with up to 50% off

and many many more

Extra 5% off with prEsEntation of this vouchEr

until thursDaY 28th fEBruarY


For years we have been doing and advocating / encouraging others to do Random Acts of Kindness. It feels really good to give and it can make a positive difference in the world too.

Proactive kindness (random or otherwise) can be the small things: making a point of thanking people who dont get noticed and thanked very often, paying for the person behind you in a queue (egs at a toll road booth or at the petrol station or at a drive through takeaway etc), leaving an appreciation card for someone you see helping someone, affixing coins to a parking meter or a vending machine, carrying someones shopping or their bags, leaving a great book for someone in a waiting room or on a train, dropping by to check on a an elderly neighbour and so on. Some acts of kindness may be bigger than others and they all count! Imagine if everyone had proactive kindness on their day-to-day agenda the world would definitely be a better place to live!

I was attending Shrewsbury Folk Festival in August 2011 with my partner (Julie) and friends and amongst the bands playing there, a new band Bad Anna were showcasing. The lead singer and fiddle player, Anna Esslemont, spoke of her personal journey where she had massively benefitted from a bone marrow transplant and one of her songs was about how a stranger (the donor) had in effect given her her life back. It was very moving. I can remember at that point feeling determined to look into becoming

a bone marrow donor myself. Soon after, I went to the Anthony Nolan website to check whether I would be a suitable donor and unfortunately (due a previous bout of sciatica) I was rejected as unsuitable on the sites questionnaire. I was disappointed that I could not help in this way.

Around October / November 2011, I was driving whilst listening to BBC Radio 2 and the Jeremy Vine show was on. The feature was about Altruistic Kidney Donation and there was a Doctor speaking about the great need for kidney transplants and how people were dying whilst waiting for one and that it was now possible and legal to donate to a stranger (not just to close family). He was speaking about how healthily people can go on to live with just one healthy kidney. There were also people speaking on the show who had been directly affected or had relatives that had been directly affected by successful transplants (or in some cases how they had been affected by the lack of one). Again it was moving and inspiring. If I couldnt donate bone marrow, perhaps I would be a suitable kidney donor?

I sent an email via a website that listed regional transplant centres and asked how I could find out more about becoming an altruistic kidney donor. Soon after, I was sent information and a DVD and the name of a local transplant co-ordinator based at the hospital in Newcastle-under-Lyme. I discussed it with my partner (Julie French) and she was supportive of my intention to look into it further.

By March 2012 I had agreed to go through the quite lengthy process of being thoroughly checked out to see whether I was suitable for kidney donation. Even at this early stage, we tentatively set aside in our diaries the week beginning 10th December as a target date to have the operation (the operation at that time was looking like it would happen at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth hospital). Julie and I run our own business and because I knew that I would be unable to drive for 5 or 6 weeks after the operation, we thought December would be a good period so that I could get much

of my healing done over Christmas and New Year so that the effects would be minimal on the business.

The following months involved a lot of scans, tests and hospital appointments and in late November 2012 it became clear, unfortunately, that although I was almost certainly suitable as a donor, there was no longer availability to provide the surgery in December at Birmingham QE hospital. I was hugely disappointed because to delay things to January or February would have a much more significant impact on our business and also all I could think of was some poor person that might die waiting on the register. I pushed for alternative options and they transferred me to Coventry (Walsgrave) hospital and they said they would be able to do the surgery on 21st December. Although not perfect timing (Christmas being so close) I thought my kidney donation would make an amazing early Christmas present for someone and so we went ahead and had the final checks and appointment with the Human Tissue Authority (who give final permission for the surgery to go ahead). On 17th December, the most suitable match was found from the national transplant register and I was told that the recipient would be a 55 year old man. Now I had someone to imagine as the beneficiary and it all became even more meaningful for me.

Until Summer 2012 I had originally intended for this to be a private journey, only telling family and close friends of my intentions. As we got

Local businessman Tony Burgess

- donates a kidney to a stranger!


into the second half of 2012 however, a few people said to me that they thought that being a bit more public about what I was doing may inspire others to do similar or at least to consider other acts of kindness that they could carry out. I liked the idea that there could be such positive ripple effects and if just one person were to be inspired to also become an altruistic kidney donor as a result of my choice then that would be such a bonus and make the whole thing even more worthwhile. So I started to post about it on social networks (facebook and twitter etc) and on 5th December 2012 we made a video capturing my thoughts about it all and posted it on youtube: http://youtu.be/AEdncVkOlhQ

This prompted lots of responses and so many people were supportive and encouraging and also inspired to consider what they themselves could do. Quite a number of people that have given a kidney, received a kidney, know someone who has benefitted from receiving one (or died waiting for one) contacted me with their personal stories and reinforced what an important difference this was going to make and I felt more ready that ever to go ahead! (As an altruistic donor, I did actually have the opportunity to back out of having the operation all the way through to the day of the operation itself although I never had any doubts

about my decision). Two people have personally contacted me saying that they are seriously considering becoming kidney donors as a result of watching my video and hearing of my own story (Wow how amazing!!!). Another person has committed to becoming a bone marrow donor (brilliant!!!). At least 4 people have now contacted me saying they have signed up to become blood donors (fantastic!!). Others have contacted me to say that it has got them thinking carefully about how they can step up their proactive kindness in 2013. I have been SO pleased with these positive ripples that may turn into positive waves that grow and grow! It confirmed for me that it had been the right decision to be more public about my choice to become a kidney donor.

I was admitted to hospital at 4pm on 20th December in readiness for a morning operation on 21st December. I was taken down for surgery (Mr Lam was the main surgeon) around 8:40am and I was awake and starting my recovery by 1:30pm.

Most of the work is done by keyhole surgery, so that means I have three small wounds where surgical tools and the camera had been inserted. There is also a larger wound along what they referred to as my bikini line where my left kidney was actually removed from my body. Although some dissolvable stitches have been applied to help my deeper muscle tissues to heal, the surface wounds were surgically glued and so I could wash and shower etc almost immediately.

During surgery, my body was deliberately inflated to allow the surgeons to have room to carry out the surgical procedures. This did lead to aches and pains throughout my upper body after surgery. There was also the soreness of the wounds. The trickiest bit was getting in and out of bed. On the Saturday morning (22nd) I passed out after managing with a struggle to get myself out of bed. This was all bearable though (compared to people living on dialysis I reckon this was all minor!) and every day it was becoming easier to deal with and healing and recovery was clearly going to be fairly rapid for me. By the afternoon of 22nd I was walking laps of the ward (albeit slowly).

I was very sleepy on and off for a few days, which I was told

was due to the after-effects of the general anaesthetic.

Unfortunately, I missed my daughter Sophies 8th birthday on 23rd December (although I had prepared a video message for her and my partner and family still made it a great day for her).

I was discharged from hospital just before 6pm on 24th December (Christmas eve) so I was home in time for Christmas!

At the time of writing (31st December) I am continuing to heal and recover well and I am taking a daily walk around our village (Derrington nr Stafford). I am looking forward to getting back to driving and also to being able to start my daily run again (not for another 5 or 6 weeks).

I have not yet been able to find out how successful the recipients surgery has gone. It may be another week before I can get that information.

I may never meet the recipient they have every right to remain anonymous. They are encouraged to write about 3 months after their operation to let the donor know how the transplant has made a difference for them. They are not obliged to and I am happy either way. Some donors do get to meet the recipient at some point in the future and Id be happy for that but only if it was what the recipient wanted.

So it is done! I am now a kidney lighter and someone else is a kidney richer!

I am now keen to embrace 2013 and will continue to find more ways to make a positive difference as I go through life.

Tony Burgess Tel: 07989 469 570


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P-LAY Fitness offers a great quality service of fitness training, nutrition, theory, massage and more, you will receive a service that is tailored to suit your needs.

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Why Independent education?

New gates and signs are on the cards for Chase Academy. After recently installing the impressive new gates complete with the school logo Chase Academy are going to have to make some alterations.It has been announced that the high achieving independent school in Cannock is now called Chase Grammar School. Mark Ellse the schools Principal for seventeen years says that the name change has been sparked by confusion caused by the governments programme of converting schools to academies. Academic achievements at our school are some of the best in the county with A level results being among the best in the country. We are independent and offer a different kind of education to the increasing number of academies in Staffordshire

Chase Academy was established in 1976 and was developed from the former convent school on the site dating back to 1879. The school has approximately three hundred students and retains a family feel

with all the students being known well, even by the Principal. The school has traditional values at its heart and the name Chase Grammar School reflects those values.

A sign of the times at Chase Grammar School

An education at an independent school is a significant investment by anyones standards. Many parents forego exotic holidays or new cars, preferring to spend the money on school fees.

So in this challenging economic climate why is it such a good idea to commit to a long term investment? In reality there is no better time to provide your child with the best education that you can.

A better education means greater choice and with fierce competition for the best University places and for jobs, every student needs to equip themselves with the best education and the best choices.

At Chase Grammar we focus on traditional subjects which are valued by Universities and employers. We do not follow educational fashions and our expectations are high for every child. We encourage students to complete as many qualifications as possible. We guide them to the best combinations of subjects which allow them to keep options open. In this competitive world it is vital that students have options that they set themselves apart.

Our parents do not choose us because we are an independent school. They choose us for the small classes, the excellent behaviour and the fantastic results. They choose us because we expect more for and from their child. Probably what they like most about us is that we are a school of ordinary people doing extraordinary things and between us we are giving their children the best choices possible.


CONTACT:Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre: 01922 417790Codsall Leisure Centre: 01902 844032Penkridge Leisure Centre: 01785 714152Wombourne Leisure Centre: 01902 898202

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Toms Tip: My back is killing me!!!

Lower back pain can be related to abnormal foot function which can cause an imbalance in the skeletal framework, but not many people realise this.

Understanding Human Biomechanics:The joints and muscles of the body function most efficiently when they are in physical balance. During standing and walking, our bodies are subjected to natural forces and postures that can inflict mechanical stress and strain throughout the interrelated chain of joints and muscles.

When foot imbalance is present, there is a negative impact on the knees, hips, pelvis, and spine. Some patients must have these abnormal forces reduced before they can achieve improved spinal function.

Understanding Pronation:Pronation describes the rotation of a foot downward or inward (rolling in). It is actually a normal motion that occurs when walking; however, if it happens

excessively, pronation can cause global postural problems. The major cause of over-pronation is a decrease in the arch height.

Postural Effects from Imbalances in the Feet:A loss of arch height will cause a flattening and rolling in of the foot this is termed excess pronation and because everything is connected, the bones of the leg also inwardly rotate.

Excessive rotation of the bones of the leg (tibia and femur) will cause unnecessary stresses on the knee as well as twisting of the pelvis and spine. If the pronation is more prevalent on one side, there can be a resultant unlevelling of the pelvis and a functional scoliosis.

Tilting of the pelvis places tension on muscles and connective tissues, which can eventually lead to chronic back problems.

High levels of heel-strike shock can result from breakdown of the bodys natural shock absorbers. The shock wave then transmits up the kinetic chain causing painful symptoms all the way up to the head, slowed

recovery of leg and spine injuries, and aggravation of other conditions.

Benefits of Orthotics:Properly fitted orthotics/insoles support the foot to control excessive and unwanted pronation and supination. This helps to reduce unwanted stress on the body.

Improved shock absorption reduces repetitive stress on joints and muscles, permitting smoother function and decreasing arthritic symptoms.

If you think you have foot related back and neck problems, have an assessment with a Podiatrist/Chiropodist who can analyse your needs and provide custom orthotics/insoles where appropriate.

Thomas CaseyChiropodist/PodiatristHPC registered

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

Girl Guides Get Top Award

Congratulations to these four Girl Guides who have all completed their Baden Powell Challenge.They received their awards from leader Jackie Davies. The girls all started in Jackies Rainbow group when they were about 5 6 years old, progressed through Brownies and to Guides.

To complete the award they had to complete ten challenges in areas of Healthy Lifestyles, Global Awareness, Discovery, Skills and Relationships and in Diversity. For these challenges they made cook books for the brownies, designed posters on a current global issue, organised an evening for their pack to celebrate the Chinese New Year, complete the

agility badge, research information about Fairtrade Organisation and complete a collage about themselves. They also had to undertake a challenge weekend away from home.

Immee LeRue and Nicole Kelly now attend Rangers, Charlotte Cooper is a young leader with the Brownies and Becky Fisher still attends guides meetings.

Back L-R: Becky Fisher, Immee LeRue, Jackie Davies. Front: Nicole Kelly, Charlotte Cooper


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Riding the wave of diesel-mania which is sweeping across Europe at the moment, the new Honda Civic is back to its best. Rob Taylor explains.They say if a shark stops swimming, it dies. The same is true of car design and production, anything other than constant evolution is to egg on obsolescence. And in this respect, theres something fishy going on at Honda.

The screaming rev-tastic petrol engines familiar to Formula 1 in the late 1980s and so synonymous with the marques Type R heritage are today out of favour. Diesel is now in vogue in a big way.

People want gutsy low-down torque, mid-range overtaking punch, low emissions, improved fuel economy and they want it now. And Honda is listening.

Theory of Perpetual Motion By Rob Taylor



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