I&A Mag Mar16 by In and Around Magazine

Your Local Monthly Magazine - delivered to 30,000 homes in and around Telford

Connecting Local Businesses with Local People

magazine WWW.INANDAROUNDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ISSUE 134 - MARCH / APRIL 2016

TEAL Design & Print

GLOSS LEAFLETS

BUSINESS CARDS

250

150GSM

A5 DOUBLE SIDED other quantities and sizes available, call for a quote...

“You need to ‘stand out in business’ now, more than ever” Talk to Teal about innovative print ideas to help you acquire new customers or retain existing ones. We can help you plan your next campaign – ask us for details.

• • • • • • •

Leaflets & Flyers Business Cards Letterheads Compliment Slips Booklets/Brochures Scratch Cards Pop up Banners and much more...

IMPROVE YOUR COMPANY BR AND

Graphic Design (Adverts, Leaflets, Invitations, Posters etc...)

• Corporate ID

(Logo’s, Business Cards, Stationery etc...)

SPECIAL OFFERS

A4 Folded Leaflets (150gsm gloss)

Perfect for menus or price lists!!

(please enquire for any other print requirements)

• All Types of Design

Price includes VAT Design services available

Teal will help you!

How are you going to stand out?

£ 46

from

5,000 £150, 15,000 £360 & 30,000 £600

400GSM Double Sided

5,000 = £2 10,000 = £431 15,000 = £592 Artwork charges not included

Limited period only

SOFT TOUCH

High Quality Business Cards

(Colour both sides, 450gsm)

A super soft suede feel card provides a great first impression!

500 = £75 1,000 = £110 Includes artwork design

CALL KATE ON:

07854 470343 CALL FLEUR ON:

01952 603457

C A LL FO R A QUOTE

w www.tealdesignandprint.co.uk e sales@tealdesignandprint.co.uk

For all your

landscaping needs GARDENS

WALLING

DRIVEWAYS

FENCING

Participating Indian Sandstone Paving branches • All stone is hand finished • Ethically sourced • Must be purchased in project packs

Telford (Watling Street)

.14 £19 per m

Wellington TF1 2NJ Call: 01952 641 199 grey Multi

Buff Multi

Brown Multi

lakeland

Only

Inc. VAT

£15.95

Exc. VAT

Heather

Harvest

codes various, not all colours available in all branches – check with your local branch.

Available at our Telford branch: Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 2NJ Call: 01952 641199 Promotional prices valid until 30th June 2015. All offers are subject to availability and promotional prices are available at Jewson Watling Street, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 2NJ. For full terms and conditions visit jewson.co.uk

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT 10 Iced Orange Bundt Cake 13 Beauty Gifts for Mothers Day

BEAUTY & FASHION 14 Mad March Hair

PROPERTY 19 How to Launch Your Property

GARDENS & OUTDOORS 28 Vertical Cover With Climbers 30 Gadgets for the Indoor Gardener 32 Go On, Grow Your Own

HOME INTERIORS 36 Planning a Master Bedroom

Welcome to the latest edition of ‘In and Around’. Your LOCAL magazine, helping you to find businesses and services in and around your area.

EDITOR Fleur Abel

T: 01952 603457

This year we are celebrating our 11th Year in business as the very first In and Around Magazine was produced back in February 2005. The magazine has grown and changed a lot since that very first issue. Although the magazine has changed the ethos behind it hasn't - the magazine was started to help local residents find the local businesses in this area and over the years it has helped many businesses to grow with the responses they have had from their advertising and the support from local residents.

E: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING SALES Sarah Kent

M: 07889 762 689 E: sarah@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Kate Dalgliesh

Please continue to support our LOCAL 38 Planning For The Time When businesses by using their services where Indepdendence Ends possible.

MOTORS & LEISURE 42 Range Rover On Test 44 The Fiat 500 - Remastering an Icon

Enjoy your read...

Fleur

50 Sugar, Not So Sweet and Innocent 56 Should You Be Wary of Wheat? 58 Racing Legend Signs Up For Bike4Life Ride Out 2016 59 2016 Resolution to be Stronger, Braver & Pinker

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL 62 Dividend Taxation and Other Changes to Tax Laws in 2016/17

AREA A Edgmond

Tibberton

Shawbirch Bratton

A5223

Ketley J7

M54

Oakengates

The Rock

Lawley Village A5223

Old Park Lawley Bank

WIN a copy of a new Children's book

Birmingham's NEC - See page 24 which has been written by a Local Author in Telford - See page 86

92 Health & Fitness Classes

www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

A464

Shifnal

Stirchley

Delivered Door to Door

Aqueduct

Madeley

COMPETITIONS THIS MONTH

A464

A4169

Ironbridge

A41

A442

Horsehay

95 Free Admission for Mothers on Mothering Sunday at Blists Hill Victorian Town

M54

Dawley Bank Dawley

Lightmoor Village

Priorslee J5

WIN Tickets to the Gadget Show at

90 Whats On

homes

St Georges

Red Lake

Lawley & Overdale

Booking/Copy deadline for the APRIL 2016 issue is Wednesday 17th March 2016

30,000

Trench Hadley A442

Wellington A5

Muxton Donnington Wood

Apley Leegomery

Admaston

Total distribution

A518

Donnington

94 Job Box and the Army Announce The Apprenticeship Show

88 Movies - Coming Soon

Lilleshall

The Humbers A442

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & SERVICES

COMMUNITY & WHAT’S ON

A41

Distributio

64 Don't be Taken in by the Pension Scammers

66 Make The Most Of A Small Kitchen

Newport Church Aston

ine’ und Magaz ‘In and Aro reas

46 Life in the Fast Lane: A Wake-up Call for Older Drivers?

HEALTH & FITNESS

M: 0785 44 70 343 E: kate@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

A442

Great Hay

AREA B

Total distribution to 30,000 homes across 2 months. 15,000 copies are delivered to Area A one month and then the next month to another 15,000 homes in Area B, so each area receives the magazine once every other month. PRINTED BY: Precision Colour Printing Ltd, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in In and Around 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. 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. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written consent of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views expressed by contributors, or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.

Mothering Sunday

Easter Sunday Lunch

Afternoon Tea with Bubbles!

27th March 2016

Sunday 6th March 2016

Why not spoil your Mum, Grandma, Step-mum, Auntie, Godmother or a special lady with a delicious Shropshire Afternoon Cream Tea?!

Enjoy a special 3 course Easter Sunday Lunch – and Easter Egg treat! Our talented team of award-winning Chefs create a delicious Sunday Lunch using ingredients that are mainly sourced locally such as delicious Staffordshire Beef or Shropshire-reared Pork.

£18.95 per person

Available from 4pm – 6pm. Booking essential

£21.95 per person

Lunch

including 3 course Sunday Lunch with Easter Egg treat. Under 12’s half price.

Sunday 6th March 2016

Let that special lady put her feet up for the day. Come for Sunday Lunch – and there’s no washing up!

Early Bird Menu Between 6 & 7pm

£26pp for 3 course lunch

15% OFF Total Bill

with coffee – including a gift for mum.

Includes Easter Egg treat.

Under 12’s half price.

Hadley Park House Telford TF1 6JQ

• 01952 677269 •

•

info@hadleypark.co.uk

www.hadleypark.co.uk

THE

WHITE HOUSE HOTEL MUXTON

Wellington Road, Muxton, Telford TF2 8NG Food Served: 12pm - 9:30pm 7 days a week

T: 01952 603603 LUNCHTIME SAVER 15% off ALL Food in the Bar or Restaurant

(12-4pm Mon-Sat)

Visit our website to view our latest menu

www.whhotel.co.uk 6

2 Steaks & Wine for ONLY £25 (available everyday)

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Many of our readers love to eat out and try new restaurants - they could be booking a table with you! Be seen in 30,000 homes across Telford, Newport & Shifnal areas and entice some NEW customers to your restaurant!

For further details call Fleur on 01952 603457 or email: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

New Spring Menu ÂŁ5 OFF VOUCHER (WHEN 2 DINE AT LUNCHTIME) Please present this voucher on arrival, not valid with any other offers, minimum total spend ÂŁ30, valid Wed-Sun until 30-04-16

Restaurant Review

FINDING THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN AND AROUND SHROPSHIRE

TASTE OF PARADISE

rear of 2-4 High St, Newport TF10 7BH

T: 01952 875505

Taste of Paradise Indian restaurant can definitely be described as one of Newport’s hidden gems; the building is tucked away beyond an intriguing Indian styled archway just off the bustling high street. The restaurant has been in Newport for 15 years, which is a testament to its popularity and success in the area. In addition to the dine in restaurant they also offer a popular takeaway service with free delivery offered within a four-mile radius, ideal for those nights when you just can’t face cooking! The restaurant is large and airy with a fresh modern décor, the addition of some clever mood lighting gives the room a relaxed ambience. Parking is readily available either on the high street during quieter periods or on the Co-operative Supermarket car park, which is just behind the building. Like many Indian restaurants the Taste of paradise is unlicensed, so you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic drinks to enjoy with your meal, there is of course a wide selection of soft drinks, teas and coffee available on the menu. On arrival at the restaurant were welcomed by owner Raja and shown to a quiet table near to the bar. We ordered some soft drinks and a couple of poppadoms to enjoy while we looked through the menu. The poppadoms were really fresh

and crisp and the accompanying condiments were delicious, they included fresh onion salad, mango chutney, a hot and spicy tamarind sauce and a refreshing mango yoghurt raita. Needless to say both of the poppadoms and most of the sauces were gone by the time we were ready to order. To start my husband Aaron ordered the stuffed pepper with Chicken (£3.95) and I decided to try a vegetarian starter for a change and so went for the spiced potato with garlic mushroom (£2.50). The char-grilled green pepper was filled to the brim with a tasty spiced chicken filling and was served with a fresh side salad. Aaron commented that the chicken filling was tender and delicious and had just the right amount of spice to give it flavour and warmth. The char-grilled green pepper was perfectly cooked and complemented the chicken and spices well. My spiced potato and garlic mushroom starter was scrumptious, the potatoes were perfectly cooked in a thick and rich sauce with plenty of tender garlic mushrooms throughout, it was really moreish and a dish that I would highly recommend and work well either as a starter or a side dish. For mains we just couldn’t decide as there was so much to chose from, so we asked Raja for his recommendation, he told us that the new chicken Rajastani (£9.95) was proving to be very popular and from the description it sounded mouth wateringly good, so we happily opted for that, we also ordered the butter chicken (£6.50), with a portion of egg fried rice (£2.30) and a peshwari naan bread (£2.30).

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT After a short interlude our main meal was delivered hot and fresh from the kitchen to our table, the presentation of all of the dishes was well thought out and everything smelled incredible. The Chicken Rajastani was indeed a winning recommendation; it came beautifully presented with a dome of fluffy pilau rice, fresh salad and some artistically carved tomatoes to garnish. It was a medium hot, rich red curry with tender strips of tandoori chicken, topped with crunchy matchstick potatoes. This curry was super tasty, it had just the right level of spice to give it some punch without blowing your head off, the chicken was perfectly cooked and the crispy fried potatoes on top were amazing, they were so crisp and crunchy and really added a lovely texture to the dish, it was so good I would even go so far as to say that the Rajastani is my new favourite curry. The Butter chicken was everything a butter chicken should be, mild and creamy with generous chunks of tender chicken tikka in a thick golden sauce. In my opinion Butter Chicken is a great choice for anyone wanting a milder curry, as it still has plenty of flavour without the kick of some of the spicier dishes, this was always my favourite curry when I was a child and this one certainly lived up to expectation! The egg-fried rice was very tasty and made a pleasant change to my usual go-to side order of pilau rice. The peshwari naan bread was just divine; hot, fluffy and fragrant with a sweet coconut, almond and sultana filing, it even came drizzled with honey which I’ve never experienced before, but believe me it really worked! After all of that delicious food we literally had no room left for dessert so we ordered some coffee, which came freshly brewed and served with cream and sugar and was the prefect end to a great meal. We both thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Taste of Paradise, the atmosphere was warm and friendly and the food was seriously good, so next time you are contemplating a curry, please do pay a visit to Newport’s very own hidden gem and experience a taste of paradise for yourself.

Reviewed by Charlie & Aaron Scott

Quality Balti Restaurant & Take Away

REFURBISHED & FULLY AIR CONDITIONED Open: Sun-Thu: 5pm - 11.30pm Fri & Sat: 5pm - Midnight

rear of 2-4 High Street, Newport TF10 7AN

We are not licensed bring your own alcohol

01952 825505

www.thetasteofparadise.co.uk

FREE Home Delivery within a 6 mile radius (minimum order of £10) 10% DISCOUNT ON COLLECTIONS ONLY

20%OFF with this Advert EAT IN ONLY - Valid Sun-Thu until 30-4-16 Book NOW for Mother's Day - 6th March & Easter Sunday - 27th March 9

Recipe - Cake & Bake

ICED ORANGE BUNDT CAKE

Serves 10 Ready in one hour 30 minutes

This delicious citrus flavoured sponge is made in a classic ring-shaped bundt tin. You’ll find them in most good cook shops and larger supermarkets, or you can use an ordinary 1.5L capacity ring mould tin instead.

(plus cooling and setting times)

Ingredients: • 300g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting • 200g caster sugar • 3 large eggs, beaten • 1/2 tsp baking powder • Finely grated zest of 1 large orange • 100ml fresh orange juice • 100-150ml milk

FOR THE ICING • 100g icing sugar • Approx 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

. reheat the oven to 170C, 325F, Gas 3. Thoroughly grease a P 22-23cm Bundt tin (measured across the top) with butter then lightly dust with flour, tipping out the excess.

2. P . ut the butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat together until pale and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs, then sift over the flour and baking powder and fold in along with the orange zest and juice. Fold in enough of the milk to give a soft dropping consistency. 3. S . poon the cake mixture into the prepared tin and gently level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes then carefully turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 4. For the icing, sift the icing sugar into a bowl then beat in the orange juice to make a smooth and thick icing. Drizzle the icing over the top of the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides. Leave in a cool place until set.

TIP Make sure to grease and flour the bundt tin thoroughly or you may find it tricky to turn the cake out. Use the tip of a small palette knife or silicon spatula to gently loosen the edges of the cake first.

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Pop-in and see us at:

Fruit & Veg Boxes delivered to your door from £10

Open 7 days a week

(Weekly or Fortnightly)

FIRST BOX 1 /2 PRICE

Donnington

Station Road, Donnington, Telford TF2 8JY • T: 01952 677345

Priorslee

Woodhouse Lane, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9UR • T: 01952 200696 @shopgreenfields

Green Fields Farm Shop

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD Across

Down

7. Unscrupulous person who knows how to circumvent difficulties (7,6)

1. Elegant and stylish (4)

8. Selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas (8) 9. River which flows through Bristol (4) 10. Russian artificial satellite, the first to orbit the Earth (7) 12. Text of a song (5) 14. Capital of Bolivia (2,3) 16. Sidney ___, star of the 1967 film To Sir, with Love (7) 19. Basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music (4) 20. Water ice on a wooden stick (8) 22. Window screen made of horizontal strips that overlap when closed (8,5)

2. One who rules during the absence of a monarch (6)

• Wenlock Edge, Fordhall Farm, Malcolm Wickstead’s & Buttercross Meats • Vegetables, Herbs, Salads, Fruits & Nuts • Home Made Cakes & Goodies

• Fresh Bread • Milk, Tea & Coffee • Huge Range of Cheese and Deli Products • Beers, Wines & Ciders • Rice, Pasta and Sauces • Special Dietary Products & much more...

3. Positive (7) 4. Bring out or develop from latent or rudimentary existence (5)

13 14

5. Yellow songbird (6) 6. Racial extermination (8)

18 19

11. Component of blood, essential for clotting (8) 13. The Netherlands (7)

15. Deer’s horn (6) 17. Dessert of sponge, jelly, fruit and custard (6)

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

18. Tony ___, former prime minister (5) 21. Utter a pig-like cry (4)

Beauty

GIFTS FOR MOTHER'S DAY

Treat mum this Mother’s Day, with a luxurious beauty gift that she’d probably never dream of buying for herself. Clarins’ make-up palettes are some of the best on the market in my opinion, and their latest offering is no exception. The Natural Glow Eye Shadow Palette, £33, features five very wearable shades, from light beige to warm brown, all housed in an attractive rose-gold coloured compact. They’re easy to apply, and the palette is perfect for keeping in a handbag to transform a natural day time look into night time glam. Get it quick though; it’s a limited edition, and if previous incarnations are anything to go by, it’s likely to sell out pretty fast. If you’re looking to earn some serious brownie points, perfume is the way to go. Connock London‘s Kukui is brimming with floral notes, including gardenia, Moroccan rose, white jasmine and calla lily, but it’s given a grown-up, oriental twist with notes of sandalwood, vetiver, white amber and warm vanilla. The result is a truly gorgeous fragrance, and the bottle looks rather lovely sat out on display as well. There’s a very good chance this could become her new favourite scent. At £75 for 100ml, it’s not cheap, but consider it part-payment for all that teenage angst she had to deal with. Buying a treat for a mum-to-be? Neal’s Yard Remedies Mothers range has been specially formulated to nurture women during pregnancy. The range includes a balm, massage oil and bath oil. The balm and massage oil can help to prevent stretch marks, while the bath oil aids relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, as well as softening skin. (It also smells rather lovely too.) Prices start from £15, so the range is great value, as a little goes a long way and each bottle is packed with high quality, natural ingredients, such as lavender oil, neroli and mandarin essential oils. The Eco Chic Body Lotion and Shower Gel gift set by Green Energy Organics is ideal if you’re on a budget this Mother’s Day. Priced at £14.95, this is luxury on a shoestring. Not only are the shower gel and lotion packed with skin friendly oils, such as avocado and jojoba, but they smell divine, with notes of blackcurrant, rose, myrrh, jasmine, tonka bean, vanilla, and white musk. They’re also very gentle, as they don’t contain any dyes, sodium lauryl sulphate or parabens. Available from millabaci.com Dashing out last minute to buy a gift? Head to Marks and Spencer and check out their Pure Relaxing range. Team the body wash, body lotion and hand & nail cream with either the candle or diffuser to create an at-home spa experience. Products are scented with lavender, geranium and other oils to help mum relax, unwind and de-stress. Throw in a glass of prosecco and some music, and there’s little doubt you’ll be seen as the favourite child. Prices start from £6.

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Mad March Hair Whether you’re trying a bold new look or just trying to tame tangles, gadgets can help and some of them promise to do everything from straightening to styling. Take the Oprahrecommended InStyler Wet 2 Dry, for example: it looks like a typical curler but its rotating barrel means it can straighten, curl and add volume and shine while it dries your hair. At £79.99 it’s quite pricey for a styler and some users found it a bit awkward to use, but if you get the hang of it it promises to style and dry five times faster than other devices.

THE HIGH-TECH GADGETS FOR EVERY KIND OF HAIR Men will also find all kinds of gadgets for manscaping their body hair. One of the best is Braun’s Cruzer 6 Body (£33), a showerproof trimmer with attachments ranging from 0.6mm to 8mm for every conceivable location and a Gilette blade for when you want to shave everything off. If you’d rather just take care of your beard and bonce, the Cruzer Beard&Head is currently £25 online and comes with two sets of blade guards: 1-11mm and 10-20mm.

If you’re a fan of hair straighteners you’ll know that some models are smoother and less snaggy than others. The £44.95 Glamoriser reckons it has the answer: its ceramic floating plates are designed to glide over your hair, and something called Black Diamond Oil in the plates apparently helps keep every strand nice and shiny. We’re not entirely sold on those claims, but as a straightener the Glamoriser works really well and is a great buy. Fancy spending a bit more? The £165 T3 SinglePass X uses a microchip to constantly measure and adjust the temperature of the plates so that you can smooth and style without frazzling your hair. It’s particularly good for very long or coarse hair and it styles very quickly, although the price tag is likely to put plenty of people off. Another Oprah recommendation is the Bed Head Deep Waver, which is currently the number 1 best-selling hair waver on Amazon US. Over here it’s called the Toni & Guy Deep Waver, and the £25 styler offers 25 heat options for the perfect wave. Sometimes hair needs to be removed rather than restyled, and technology has a place there too: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removals promise to remove unwanted hair without the discomfort or outright pain of traditional hair removal. It isn’t very effective on light hair colours but it does a good job on dark hair, and while £225 for a Philips Lumea Precision Plus sounds pricey, it’s a lot cheaper than getting a course of IPL treatment at a beauty salon. Just one word of warning: don’t use it if you’ve been tanning. Like any kind of light therapy, IPL can have side-effects on skin that’s been exposed to the sun or to self-tanning products. So far we’ve concentrated on products for women, but there are gadgets for the boys too. The rise of the hipster hasn’t escaped the notice of grooming device manufacturers, and dull old clippers have been eclipsed by all kinds of male grooming products. There’s even a hairdryer designed specifically for blokes: the BaByliss Pro Italia Brava (£120), which has been developed in association with Ferrari so it goes round your head faster. Joking aside it does differ from normal unisex dryers as it can be set to run much hotter than traditional dryers.

Images top to bottom: Glamoriser hair straightener; Toni & Guy Deep Barrel Waver; Philips Lumea IPL hair remover; Braun Cruzer body trimmer.

BEAUTY & FASHION

Celebrate in style

WEDDINGS FROM £1999 Based on 50 day guests and 70 evening guests all inclusive. Offer exclusive to In and Around magazine readers subject to terms and conditions. Call for details &

quote In & Around Wedding Offer.

Hadley Park House Telford TF1 6JQ

• 01952 677269 •

Do You Need Help to GROW Your Business? Advertise in the In and Around Magazine and we can help local residents find YOU!

LEAP YEAR Wedding SHOWCASE

Sunday 28th February 2016 11am – 3pm

A wide selection of around 30 wedding professionals to provide inspiration for the big day including cars, cakes, photographers and favours.

Free admission Free car parking

info@hadleypark.co.uk

•

www.hadleypark.co.uk

Beauty by Jude

ALL IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

CND Shellac goes on like a polish but wears like a gel. A 14 day glorious high gloss shine with zero dry time, no nail damage and can be Shellac removed in around 10 minutes. Nails £18 per set ALSO AVAILABLE... • Full Leg, Half Leg, Bikini, Underarm & Facial Waxing • Lash & Brow Tinting • Back & Shoulder Massage • Indian Head Massage • Manicure & Pedicure • Facial Treatments

Ladies

Prices from just

Call Fleur on 01952 603457

£45

fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk • www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

Pamper Evenings Available from £10 Per Person Call for details

CALL JUDE INGRAM ON 07814 671 848 15

Model wears - Pink One Shoulder Body £18, Lilac Split Skirt £25, Suede Clutch £30, Tassel Heels £35. All Dorothy Perkins

Model wears - Top £26, Croc Split Skirt £30, Earrings £8.50. All Dorothy Perkins.

Model wears - Pink Suede Utility Dress £90, Necklace £18. All Dorothy Perkins.

Seriously Stylish Spring Fashion Spring fashion is all about fresh hues and pretty prints, that’s why it’s the perfect time of year to re-think your style and treat yourself to a new look. And, because there’s so many flattering and feminine pieces to choose from there’s no doubt that you’ll be spoilt for choice when you hit the high street.

By Helen Taylor

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for 2016’s hottest trends for a real fashion-forward look; denim, suede, Spanish-inspired ruffles, romantic floral patterns and off the shoulder tops are all big news this season.

13 09

07 12

08 11 14

01. Floral Knit £69. Phase EIght. 02. Handbag £301. Michael Kors at House of Fraser 03. Dress £42 River Island. 04. Giles Edition Dress £75 Debenhams. 05. ‘Cami’ Heels £79. Dune. 06. Dress £45 River Island. 07. Ruffle Detail Blouse £38. Michelle Keegan at Lipsy.

08. Trousers £35 Wallis. 09.’Lizzie’ Floral Dress £130 Phase Eight. 10. Printed Dress £65 River Island. 11. ’Carey’ Wedges £65. Dune. 12. Tie Waist Dress £35 Wallis. 13. Handbag £55 Nica at House of Fraser. 14. Model wears - White Top £14, Camel Suede Pinny Dress £75, Caged Sandals £55. All Dorothy Perkins. 17

2 Horsehay Court, Horsehay

Formerly Horsehay Works, this Grade II listed building is undergoing tasteful redevelopment to provide stylish and spacious high quality mews homes. The accommodation of No 2 (approx 120m2 / 1300sqft) briefly comprises 3 bedrooms, bathroom with shower, a spacious open plan living area, fully fitted kitchen with built in dishwasher and washer/dryer. Original character features, gas fired heating throughout, allocated court yard parking for two cars. £179,950

TO LET

For FREE “Buy to Let’ advice Old Rodney, The Wharfage

£550 pcm

Situated in the idyllic location of Ironbridge. A spacious two bedroom maisonette with own entrance and parking. Energy rating – E.

67 Pepper Mill, Lawley Village

£169,950

10 Highgate Drive, Priorslee

£263,000

A modern three bedroom link detached family home with garden to rear and allocated parking. Energy rating – B.

A spacious four bedroom detached family home in a popular location. Energy rating – D.

Willow Dean, Kynnersley

1 Simpsons Walk, Horsehay

TO LET

Contact Dawn Clarke and see how we can help you today:

01952 290163

30 Bluebell Coppice, Ketley

£695 pcm

A well presented 3 bedroom detached house in a pleasant residential development with, gardens to front and rear and garage. Energy rating - D.

£354,950

A spacious three bedroom mews barn conversion within an enviable village location. Energy rating – C.

Telford 01952 292 300 PROPERTY AGENTS | VALUERS | SURVEYORS | AUCTIONEERS

£364,950

A well presented, spacious four bedroom detached family home with detached double garage. Energy rating – D.

Newport 01952 570 222

Ironbridge 01952 432 533

www.nockdeighton.co.uk

PROPERTY

How to Launch Your Property Estate agents in Shropshire are reporting a strong start to 2016 with plenty of new homes coming onto the market.

“Secondly, write a headline. Come up with a strapline which highlights the best features of your house and talk it through with your agent who will be able to guide you to make sure it’s spot on.

Michael Nettleton, sales and marketing director at Nock Deighton, said demand for property was so high that now was a good time to get your house ready for sale.

“It needs to be snappy, concise and grab people’s interest. Try something different like ‘Calling all aspiring authors’ or ‘The perfect home for dog lovers’. “Finally, we come to the big day itself. Make sure you’re available for viewings, not just on the launch day, but for the weekend. Make sure your house looks absolutely perfect - buy fresh flowers, change bedding, and open a few windows but keep the heating on low, so it feels warm but aired.

But whenever you put your house on the market, the launch of a property can be crucial to getting an early offer, as Mr Nettleton explains. “Understandably, people have high expectations of lots of viewings when they first put their house up for sale, and there are a few things you can do to maximise that early interest.

“The first weekend is crucial, and getting it right will give you the best possible chance of grabbing the attention and getting an early offer.”

“Firstly, decide on a launch date and make sure you are prepared. I find the best launch days are Thursdays and Fridays, so your property hits email inboxes in time for people to book weekend viewings.

Michael Nettleton

Has your home’s value increased? Larkfield, Donnington

360 Holyhead Road, Wellington

£269,950

A spacious three bedroom detached family home within walking distance of Wellington Town centre. Energy rating – D.

A surprisingly spacious three/four bedroom detached bungalow with conservatory and gardens. Energy rating – C.

April Cottage, Horton

Linnet Lodge, Kynnersley

£419,950

A spacious well presented three bedroom detached period cottage set in gardens of approximately one acre. Energy rating – D.

Telford 01952 292 300

£279,950

£525,000

A superbly presented four bedroom detached property, situated within an enviable position with views towards the Wrekin. Energy rating – E.

Newport 01952 570 222

www.nockdeighton.co.uk

37 Dorchester Drive, Muxton

£349,950

A well presented five bedroom detached family home with gardens and detached double garage. Energy rating – D.

31 Donnerville Gardens, Admaston

£649,950

A superbly spacious detached six bedroom family home in an exclusive gated development. Energy rating – B.

Ask James Carlon and see how we can help you today:

01952 292300

Ironbridge 01952 432 533 PROPERTY AGENTS | VALUERS | SURVEYORS | AUCTIONEERS

Old versus New? With all the new developments in and around Newport and Telford now really starting to take shape, I am constantly chatting to customers about their thoughts on new-builds and whether they would consider purchasing one.

There are pros and cons to owning a brand new home but a recent survey by the HomeOwners Alliance has found that twice as many people desire an old home over new one, citing poor building quality, rooms and gardens that are too small and a lack of character as their main reasons. Only one in five (21%) would prefer to buy a newly built home, whereas nearly a half (47%) would prefer an older home (built ten or more years ago). The survey’s findings throw down the gauntlet to both the house building industry and the new government as it looks at how it will meet their promise of building 200,000 new starter homes by 2017. On the plus side, new homes are expected to have lower ongoing maintenance and energy costs (51% see this as an advantage of new homes). These are high on the wish list of potential buyers as 72% of UK adults say they would be interested in having information at the point of sale about the estimated annual cost of their energy bills and more than half would be interesting in having the estimated annual cost of maintaining the property (56%). I do ask sellers of “second hand homes” what their

average energy costs are, prior to marketing a property, and although it can vary depending on how many occupants there are, it gives potential buyers a good idea on what to expect. New homes are also thought by some to offer the best chance of getting on the housing ladder as schemes like Help to Buy are seen to be more widely available. In addition, the theory is that a newly built home will have no hidden problems such old pipes or wiring which may need to be replaced. Also, there is normally a builder’s warranty in case of any teething problems. The advantage to an older property is that there may be more potential to improve it and add value in the long run. If a house or bungalow is in need of modernisation, it is often possible to make a small profit if money is spent wisely on alterations, extensions or improvements. It is also sometimes more comforting to buy in an established area where your surroundings are already a known entity – you can meet your neighbours to be and see in advance if there are any issues with parking etc. Finally, for those amongst us who like character properties and period features, these simply cannot be found in a new-build.

If you need any help or advice on buying, selling or lettings, contact Barker Healey Property on 01952 813625 or visit www.barkerhealey.co.uk

PROPERTY

Moooooving...?

Choose Barker Healey Property to sell your home and make sure your property stands out from the crowd!

WA N T E D PROPERTIES TO SELL

10 High Street, Newport TF10 7AN

1% ISSION

01952 813625

COMM

www.barkerhealey.co.uk Being located near the end of an unadopted lane, this picturesque detached cottage has been extended to provide spacious accommodation which includes three double Bedrooms, a separate Re-fitted downstairs Shower Room, 15ft Lounge with inglenook fireplace and a large Detached Garage. Offering views over open countryside, you will find plenty of character and charm, together with all the peace and tranquillity you could ever wish for! Briefly comprising Breakfast Kitchen, Utility Room, Downstairs Shower Room, Lounge, Dining Room, 3 Bedrooms and Bathroom, there is a Detached Garage, driveway parking and gardens to the front and rear. Oil C.H. and uPVC D.G. throughout. No Upward Chain!

“Briar Cottage”, Bromstead Heath

£339,995

Guide Price £339,995

SALES • Experience of over 30 years • Professional Photography • Energy performance certificates and floor plans prepared • Expert sales software • Good feedback after viewings • Plenty of client contact • Advice on Solicitors • Financial advisors available

RENTAL Properties

WANTED For RENT or For SALE

“Service with a smile and a cup of tea”

• ARLA Agreements • Attended Move ins with pictures taken • Rent guarantee • Repairs programme in 40 different languages • Three monthly reports from our Happy Inspector • Monthly statements • No hidden charges or add ons • Client money protection • Accredited by Telford and Wrekin Council • Experience in Court Procedures • Pet Friendly Agent

Come and relax in our friendly office or call us and chat about your requirements

Tel: 01952 246622 or 01952 246633 • Fax: 01952 616677 Email: julia@juliaweston.co.uk • www.juliaweston.co.uk Julia Weston Estate Agents, The Stables, 43 Market Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1DT

PROPERTY

LAST CHANCE TO BUY!

Images include optional upgrades at additional cost

SHOW HOME NOW LAUNCHED! Our impressive townhouses at Lightmoor Green are is the perfect place to call home. Entertaining family and friends is effortless, with a spacious kitchen/family room and warm formal lounge offering the perfect post-dinner retreat. You won’t be short on space for guests this year with three bedrooms and a study/fourth bedroom on the ground floor. Be surrounded by breathtaking rural landscapes with plenty of space to explore, making Lightmoor Green the ideal home! Take advantage of the Government scheme, Help to Buy* and buy yourself in to a bigger and better home with just a 5% deposit. 3 & 4 bedroom townhouses from £170,000 Just £136,000 with Help to Buy*

Lightmoor Green www.crestnicholson.com/lightmoorgreen

Wellington Lane | Telford | Shropshire | TF4 3QF Marketing Suite open from Thursday – Monday 10am to 5pm

01952 455 840

*Help to Buy is available on the purchase of your primary residence up to the value of £600,000. You must fund a minimum of 80% of the purchase price. The equity loan will need to be repaid when the property is sold or after 25 years i.e. up to 20% of the property’s total sale price. You will also require adequate funds to cover legal costs and moving fees. To be eligible you must meet the criteria set down by this Government scheme, details of which are available from the Crest Nicholson sales advisor. The amount of deposit required may vary depending on the scheme rules and the lender for the mortgage finance. If you are in any doubt about this scheme please seek independent advice. Crest Nicholson does not provide mortgages and cannot give any financial advice. Pricing correct at time of going to press. Show Home photography at Lightmoor Green. Crest Nicholson South West, a division of Crest Nicholson Operations Ltd, Crest House, Lime Kiln Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8ST. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT.

See, Try and Buy

THE TECH OF TOMORROW TODAY

Britain’s biggest consumer tech show – Gadget Show Live – returns to Birmingham’s NEC this Easter from Thursday 31 March to Sunday 3 April and 75,000 tech fans are expected to flood through its doors. Tickets are on sale now at gadgetshowlive.net and start at under £10. In The Lab, visitors can hear gadget reviews from our experts in the Connect Theatre, see the tech of the future in the British Inventors’ Project and Innovation Theatre, and make their own gadgets in Engineer Your Future. The Arcade – this is the place for gamers to become truly immersed in the very latest titles on the market, compete against friends (and even against the pros) in the Competition Zone and Minecraft Zone, check out innovative?? in the Indie Mobile & Gaming Pod and take a trip down memory lane with some fine vintage flashbacks.

The show features four fantastic new areas this year – Better Life, Power Up, The Lab and The Arcade – making it the perfect day out for everyone from early adopters to silver surfers and tech-fanatic families. Better Life – visitors to Better Life will discover tech that’s been engineered to enhance their everyday lives, whether that’s tech that seamlessly integrates different areas of their lives, or aesthetically irresistible products to beautify the home.

Of course, everyone’s favourite, The Super Theatre will also make a powerful return featuring all four Gadget Show presenters - Jason Bradbury, Jon Bentley, Ortis Deley and Amy Williams – in a brand new, never before seen, hour long performance overflowing with tech and treats. It’s an unmissable experience teeming with first class stunts, audience participation and the chance to win the latest, most sought after technology on the high street. For the first time ever, the Super Theatre will be filmed live for The Gadget Show television programme and visitors will be surprised by some very special guests.

Sitting at the heart of Better Life is the House of Sound and Vision. Playing host to a truly cinematic experience, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the latest home cinema technology on the market. They can test out a cinema style experience in a purpose built living room kitted out with the latest audio, TV and surround sound tech to try before they buy. Power Up – visitors will find technology with the power to drive their lives forward, everything from mobiles to wearables, fitness devices and in-car kit. Test drive very cool cars in the Car Experience and the latest personal transport devices on the Gadget Wheels Test Track. The Lab - concept and innovation are integral to modern day tech and at Gadget Show Live visitors can discover inspirational tech for the future as well as advice and education on how the tech of tomorrow can change their lives.

Tickets on sale now at www.gadgetshowlive.net

COMPETITION!

In and Around Magazine has teamed up with The Gadget Show Live to offer a free pair of tickets to The Gadget Show on the opening day (31st March 11am-6pm). To be in with a chance of winning email: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk with your name and address (please put ‘Gadget Show’ in the subject) 24

PROPERTY

* ee ts Fr pe ar C

A new home for just £7,000 down!

Now you can afford a home of your own... With a Help to Buy interest free loan, you can buy a new two bedroom semi-detached home at Heritage View in Hadley with just a 5% deposit - here’s how it works:

The purchase price is: Get a 20% interest free loan of: Get a 75% mortgage for:

£140,000 £28,000* £105,000

Pay a 5% deposit of only:

£7,000

Example based on plots 15 and 16, priced at £140,000

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes available

Heritage View, Sommerfeld Road, Hadley, Telford, TF1 5RY

Help to Buy

Showhome open 10am to 5.30pm daily. Telephone: 07496 244146 or 0845 873 2893†

www.lioncourthomes.com †Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details. Photographs show a typical Lioncourt home interior. *All offers are subject to terms and conditions. £7,000 deposit is based on a purchase price of £140,000 and is for example purposes only. There is no fee charged on the equity loan for the first 5 years. At the start of year 6 a fee is collected of 1.75% of the market value of the property at the time the loan is entered into multiplied by the outstanding percentage under the equity loan, the annual fee of 1.75% will be uplifted by RPI +1% p.a. Conditions apply and mortgage is subject to status. Please speak to our sales negotiator for more information..

Online Prices

WITH A PERSONAL SERVICE

World Travel Lounge is a small team of travel professionals here to make your next dream holiday a reality. We have a collective 105 years experience in making peoples dreams come true, whether that's a 3 night trip to Disneyland Paris or a round the world cruise. Take a look at our amazing deal to Florida this month - we work closely with hundreds of hotels in Florida through the exclusive Co-operative Florida Holidays allowing us to bring you amazing deals such as this.

Take a look at our latest deals and give our team a call. Don't forget, we sell all types of holidays so if you're burning to get away on your next trip give us a call today!

Booking with our small independent team doesn't necessarily mean we're more expensive than the internet, in fact we can usually beat online prices hands down because of our skill and sourcing the best offers and deals for you. We are a member of The Co-operative Travel Consortium which is a part of The Midcounties Cooperative and all air holidays we sell are ABTA and ATOL Protected giving you complete peace of mind for your holiday.

For bargain holidays and last-minute offers, give our friendly UK team a call on

01952 780545 26

TRAVEL

FLORIDA

Enjoy the delights of Florida with this AMAZING deal. 14 Nights at the Monumental Movieland Hotel in Orlando for 2 adults & 2 children just

CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

£550pp

Direct flights and transfers included. HURRY LIMITED OFFER!!!!

Destination

The Details

How much?

Sri Lanka

Explore this stunning destination including flights with Qatar and private transfers. 10 Nts, B&B

£954pp

Cyprus

7 Nights at Aphrodite Hills Villas with FREE car hire

£558pp

Thailand

13 Nights at the beautiful Centara Seaview Resort. B&B

£813pp

Canada

11 Nights by Niagra Falls. Flights with British Airways. Room Only

£990pp

Costa del Sol

7 Nights Half Board in the sunshine of Fuengirola

£366pp

We have 1000’s of deals available from your local airports in Manchester, Birmingham and East Midlands Call our friendly UK based team on 01952 780545 today

world travel lounge

CALL NOW: 01952 780545 Baggage

Transfers

UK call centre

ATOL protected

Your contract will be with World Travel Lounge which is a member of The Midcounties Co-operative and The Co-operative Travel Consortium. All air holidays are ATOL protected. All prices quoted are for one specific date and subject to availability, include baggage and transfers where applicable and based on maximum occupancy of the accommodation type. Payments by Credit Card are subject to a 1.9% surcharge. All prices are correct at time of print (02/2016). Full terms available at www.worldtravellounge.co.uk ABTA No: P6825. E&OE.

Vertical Cover

WITH CLIMBERS

Take a look at the boundaries of your garden; are they rather uninteresting, drab or perhaps even downright boring? It is time to start thinking about doing some vertical gardening - don’t just concentrate on beds, borders and beautiful containers, but think about all those upright surfaces just itching to be clothed in glorious climbers or wall shrubs. If you have several vertical surfaces then so much the better. A visit to your local garden centre will reveal a plentiful supply of suitable plants. Start by taking a look at the surface you have to offer, get a rough idea of the size of the area to be covered, the direction it faces and the amount of sun or shade the plants growing on the wall or fence are likely to receive. Check your soil type too – discover whether it is sandy and free-draining, sticky and full of clay or somewhere in between - as the plant you choose must be suited to the site. Some climbers are quite quick growing and will look good later this year, and then go from strength to strength as the years pass. Many provide strong colour and others will be a useful backdrop for the garden as a whole. Don’t forget that most buildings can have climbers grown against them, so if you have an unsightly shed, garage or even a fairly uninteresting looking back to your house, then consider erecting some sort of support system on which you can grow your climbers. If you have a long stretch of wall you can break up its monotony by planting up with several different plants. If you grow a wide range of plants and only allow them to reach the height of the first floor, it will make a tall, narrow building seem somewhat broader. A climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris, or selfclinging plants such as ivies are ideal for this situation, but make sure the mortar on your wall is in good shape before planting. Climbers are best planted in open ground, as they tend to have sizeable root systems. However, you can grow them in containers if you get really stuck, but make sure that you repot regularly and that you have enough space to ultimately use a really good sized container such as a half barrel. You will need to use a loam-based potting compost and add extra grit to ensure that the compost continues to drain freely. It is also essential to place a really deep layer of crocks at the base of the container so that the drainage holes are loosely covered and will not become clogged by the compost. I always add some controlled release fertilizer granules to the compost, as this will help to ensure that plants get adequately fed at least for the first few months. If you plant the container up using a triangular or V-shaped trellis panel inserted at the back surface, this will give the plant an initial support and it can then climb up this before moving on to your wall or fence. You will, of course, need to tie the top section of the trellis into the wall or fence, so that it does not rock about.

Once you have decided where to plant the climber, dig a really good sized planting hole, making sure that it is at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the wall or fence. This may sound like a long way, but it ensures that the plant receives adequate moisture and does not suffer any adverse effects from the proximity of the nearby wall. Incorporate plenty of planting compost, well rotted manure or garden compost, and then once you have soaked the root ball of the plant you can place it in the hole. Ideally you should position it at a 45 degree angle, so that it is already leaning towards the wall. Once you have checked that the levels are right you can spread the root system out and plant in the normal way. If your climber is already attached to some sort of support system, such as bamboo canes, it helps if you gently untie the stems from any central stake and then choose the best looking shoots and train these towards your new support system. You can use the existing bamboo canes to help it on its way. It is essential to keep climbers really well watered, particularly if they are on or near a sunny wall. Any good garden centre will have a range of plants available, but here are some suggestions for some of those tricky sites: Vigorous climbers for a quick effect: Actinidia chinensis, Akebia quinata, Clematis Clematis montana ‘Rubens’, Vitis coignetiae

montana,

Climbers for clay soils: Campsis, Celastrus scandens, Clematis, Ivies, Golden hop, Climbing hydrangea, Honeysuckles (most), Vitis coignetiae Climbers for an alkaline or chalky soil: Actinidia kolomikta, Akebia quinata, Clematis, Ivies, Climbing hydrangea, Jasminum officinale, Honeysuckles, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Wisteria

by Pippa Greenwood Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa, Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, signed books and lots more besides.

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

Why pay Garden Centre prices? Buy direct from the Grower!

Onion Sets & Seed Potatoes Now Available

IF YOU LOVE PLANTS - YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE Large Selection of Nursery Grown Perennials Shrubs & Conifers Seasonal Bedding Plants, Fruit Trees, Herbs etc... Ornamental Trees Hanging Baskets & Filled Planters

Tue to Sat 9-5 Sun 10-4 Open All Bank Holidays (10-4)

Stoneware Ornaments Range of Composts

Primroses 79p each

OPEN

BLOOMSBURY GIFT VOUCHERS MAKE A GREAT GIFT!

WE GROW QUALITY PLANTS FOR YOU!

£9.99 for tray of 15

Special Varieties 99p each

Plug Plants available End of March

£12.99 for tray of 15

MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS

Come and view our quality products and be amazed at our fantastic prices... Bloomsbury Nursery Ltd, Weston Heath, Bloomsbury TF11 8RT

01952 691203 • www.bloomsburynursery.co.uk

www.holtstreecare.com 10m

Hard wood LOGS supplied Nets, half or full loads

FREE DELIVERY

3 Woolpack Close Shifnal Shropshire TF11 8HP

T: 01952 463419 or M: 07800 986690 29

Gadgets

FOR THE INDOOR GARDENER

You don’t need to get dirty to grow great things Spring has spring and it’s gardening season. But not everybody has a garden or access to decent growing space - and even if you do have the space, the recent stormy weather has been enough to keep all but the most determined gardener indoors. Don’t despair, though: there are plenty of gadgets that enable you to grow great things indoors or when you have limited space for green things. There are even tools to design gardens that don’t exist.

There’s another type of digital gardening you can do, and that’s to create a virtual one in your computer - something you can do just for fun, or to plan what you’ll do to a real garden space. There are many garden planning apps to choose from, including My Garden (free from www.gardena.com/uk) and Marshalls Garden Visualiser (free from www.marshalls.co.uk). Happy gardening!

If you’re also a keen cook, you’ll like the Indoor Allotment (£24.99, currently on pre-order at Firebox.com): it’s a miniature herb garden complete with picket fence and storage shed. It includes basil, coriander and oregano along with everything you need to get your herbs growing - and it’s small enough to fit in the corner of a windowsill. If you fancy something a little bit more ambitious, IKEA’s Socker miniature greenhouse is just £12 with an assembled size of 45cm wide, 22cm deep and 35cm high, which is more than enough for all kinds of plants. You can also keep the roof vents partly open to improve air circulation for plants that don’t like it too hot. While you’re in IKEA, it’s worth checking out their self-watering plant pots too. The Sötcitron and PS Fejö pots (from £6 to £16) are designed for those of us who don’t always remember to water our plants, and do a superb job for very little money. Fancy something a little more high-tech? The Click and Grow (¤59.95 from clickandgrow.com) describes itself as a “smart garden” and uses a NASA-inspired combination of hydroponics and electronics to ensure that your plants get the right combination of water, oxygen and nutrients without you doing anything. It includes a LED lamp for maximum germination, and because it’s LED the running costs are microscopic. The creators suggest growing petunias, tomatoes, chillies, basil or thyme but it should be able to handle anything that isn’t too large. If you’ve got green fingered children, the Chuppon selfwatering animal planter (£9.99) should delight them: it’s a ceramic animal with a herb basket on its back and a straw that sips from any glass or mug. There are four animals and four herbs to choose from, although of course you can put your own herbs in instead. Even the smartphone has made its presence felt in the world of gardening, and there are lots of apps and devices for indoor and outdoor gardening. One of the cleverest devices is the Parrot Flower Power, a wireless device that sits in your plant pot and monitors the plant’s health, sending alerts to your phone. It’s available for Apple and Android phones, measures sunlight, temperature, fertiliser and moisture, and it currently costs £42. That’s probably a bit steep if you’re growing cress, but if you’ve got something exotic or temperamental it could be a very wise investment indeed.

Images Top to Bottom: Indoor Allotment; Chuppon self-watering animal planter; Parrot Flower Power; Click and Grow Smart Garden.

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

THE PERFECT FINISH

Driveway & Landscaping • Block Paving • Tarmac • Slab Laying • Brickwalls • Decking and Fencing • Garden Make Overs • Jet Washing & Sealing

FREE QUOTES - No payment until 7 days after completion

Approved Supplier

Contact Roy T: 01952 407838 M: 07976 458123 E: centralpaving@hotmail.co.uk • www.centralpavingtelford.co.uk “The Rocklands” Church Road, Trench TF2 7HG

Go On

GROW YOUR OWN! put them into their final positions: having been raised and grown on inside (either in a greenhouse or on a warm, sunny windowsill) they will be a little ‘soft’ and tender, and easily damaged by cold, wind or rain. Hardening off isn’t difficult, just put the trays or pots of young plants outside on warm days once the weather has stabilised, and bring them back under cover at night. Do this for a week or so and then leave them outside, covering them with some fleece at night. The resulting plants will now have had the chance to acclimatise to ‘real’ conditions and will grow far better, whilst also being much less likely to suffer from weather damage.

Enjoying a delicious meal which includes some home grown ingredients is a wonderful feeling – it fills you full of just the right sort of pride (and maybe even a little bit of smugness!). That meal might be a dinner party, a family supper or even a quick sandwich grabbed whilst you go about your daily work; it makes no difference, it simply feels good to indulge in a bit of Grow Your Own and then reap the rewards. If you’re a hardened vegetable grower you may well have been sowing and potting on for a while now, but if you’re a bit behind schedule or if you’ve simply not dared to venture into vegetable production to any extent before, don’t panic – there’s still time to grow just about any crop in your plot this year. If you want to raise some plants from seed yourself then most could be sown now, but there are a few that are likely to produce a much better yield if given an earlier start. I’d give seeds of crops such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilli peppers, melons and aubergines a miss now, but buy in a few plants over the next month or so and you’ll be going great guns in no time at all. Some vegetables can be directly sown now (i.e. just sow the seed into a well-prepared area of garden soil in a suitable spot) in all but the coolest gardens – beetroot, lettuce, beans, peas, carrots, rocket, spinach to name but a few. Other slightly more tender crops such as sweetcorn, squash and courgettes would fare better if given a bit of extra heat when you are germinating the seeds. That’s where an electrically heated propagator comes into its own, and you will also find it really useful if you are trying to make up for lost time as it will speed up germination of many seeds by several days. The seedlings may then need pricking out and potting on until they are sturdy enough to live in the great outdoors. With these more tender crops, try to ‘harden off’ the young plants before you

If you find seed sowing and the subsequent pricking out and potting on too much when juggling with a job or other commitments, then buying in some small plants is a great plan as it gets you past the high-input bit at the beginning and allows you to just get on with the growing on, maintaining…and eating! You will get a good range from seed merchants or garden centres, but if you like the idea a bit of at-your-elbow-advice from me to ensure great results, don’t forget that you can still order garden-ready plants, accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails specific to the vegetables you’ve chosen to grow. There are more details at www.pippagreenwood.com/grow-your-own and if you use the code 12419-E7SPS at the checkout, you’ll also get £4.00 discount, whichever pack size you choose. Garden-ready plants can be planted out as soon as you get them and, provided you follow the instructions, keep them well-watered during drier weather and apply feed at regular intervals, it won’t be long until you will be harvesting crops such as climbing French and runner beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn, sugar-snap peas, peppers, chillies, onions, melons, butternut squash, beetroot and courgettes. Most vegetables need a good fertile soil and a sunny or only partly shaded spot if they are to perform well, so choose your growing area with care. If space is short or your garden is limited to a paved back-yard, patio or balcony, there is no need to go without the delights of Grow Your Own – most vegetables will do well in good sized containers (minimum 30cm x 30cm x 30cm) with good-quality compost. If you can manage even bigger pots, then maintenance will be easier as they will need watering slightly less frequently. But, whether you plant and sow vegetables in pots, tubs, greenhouses or open ground, the end result will be gorgeous tasting, superfresh vegetables to be enjoyed on your own or with company. So go on, get growing!

by Pippa Greenwood

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa (don’t forget your offer code 12419-E7SPS for a £4 discount), Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, signed books and lots more besides.

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

Transform Your Garden

WITH A TIMBER FEATURE

Decking and Pergolas Ltd is owned by Chris Nichols who has recently relocated to Telford from Solihull.

Chris has been transforming gardens for a few years now, having aquired a range of skills from his previous professions. Chris orginally studied in Oxford to become an Architect before lifes rich path led him to leave his chosen professional career many years ago. Following some time working on various reclaimation and heritage sites for the West Mids County Council, as it was then, he was fortunate in adding commercial trading to his experiences, working in the bullion industry in Hockley, Birmingham. Chris ended up working in steel for over 20 years, ultimately becoming the Operations Director of a multinational manufacturing company serving the petrochemical industry. He developed many transferable skills, which he still uses and applies today. When Chris was presented with an opportunity to establish his own business doing work he really enjoyed; designing and building beautiful garden decking and pergolas, he jumped at the opportunity and hasn't looked back since. Decking and pergolas are popular choices for creating a feature within in a garden or landscape. With Chris's expertise he can custom design and build a decking system or pergola to suit any property and its surroundings. The above images show how Chris turned a very boring and untidy corner of garden into an

Before

After

amazing beautiful and relaxing spot to laze away summer days or entertain your family and friends. A professionally constructed decking system can extend a house into a garden and add value to your property. It also has the ability to enhance a garden visually and provide an outside living area perfect for relaxation and entertaining. There are a wide range of additional extras to choose from including balustrades, pergolas, arbours, archways and privacy screens. Decking is a very effective way of making use of sloping or level ground. With the use of stilts and steps, different levels can be created giving the impression of uniformity and will make a garden much easier to navigate. Chris aims to create timber features that blend beautifully with your home and the garden. Quality, creativity and trust to deliver a great job are Chris's trademarks, he is always happy to provide potential customers with references if required. Chris would be delighted to talk to you about your decking and pergolas requirement, so give him a call on 07739 546167.

Bright ideas for your home and garden

“Detail by Design” Timber Decking Pergolas & Gazebos Water Features Lighting Garden Landscaping Bespoke Design & Build Service Repairs & Maintenance Fully Insured

To arrange a FREE quotation call Chris Nichols on 07739 546167 www.diggersdeckingandpergolas.com | chris.nichols@btconnect.com

Books

FOR MOTHER'S DAY

It’s not always easy to get five minutes to yourself when you’re a mum, particularly if you have young children demanding your attention. So if you’re looking for a gift this Mother’s Day, why not combine a book with the promise of free time? Take the kids to the park for a couple of hours, plough your way through the ironing pile, or make her dinner, so that mum can collapse on the sofa to read in peace.

Neal’s Yard Beauty Book – Susan Curtis, Fran Johnson and Pat Thomas A fantastic resource for anyone who’s interested in skincare and make-up, the Beauty Book provides a wealth of advice on everything from treating dry skin to make-up application. The benefits of a huge range of ingredients are listed, from almond oil to black pepper, and there are step-by-step recipes for making a wide range of beauty products, including bath soaks, massage oils, cleansers and moisturisers.

The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal for Mothers – Gretchen Rubin

According to Yes – Dawn French Rosie Kitto is one of those characters it’s pretty much impossible not to like. Ever optimistic, slightly eccentric and warm-hearted to boot, primary teacher Rosie sets off from England to work as a nanny for the rigidly upper-class Wilder-Binghams in Manhattan. While there, she helps them to learn to stop living by their social conventions, and start saying yes to new possibilities. At times funny, at times poignant, and with a fair few sex scenes to liven things up, According to Yes is an easy, light-hearted read that just may leave you questioning some of your own conventions.

While it can seem that the days of sleep deprivation and explosive nappies will never end, children grow up pretty quickly. This lovely journal asks mums to just write one or two sentences each day, about their children, work, or life in general. It’s set out for one date per page, but with room for five years’ of memories, so the diarist can then look back to see what thought was top of their mind that day a few years ago. Each page also has a reflective quote from Rubin, which are well worth a read in themselves.

The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy – Fiona Neill

Dear Mum, From You To Me

Eating Well Made Easy – Lorraine Pascale

We’ll admit, this is as much of a gift to you as it is to her. Unlike a normal journal, Dear Mum, From You To Me uses prompts to help your mum record her memories. The idea is that she’ll pass the book back to you when she’s finished writing in it, so that you can get to know her better and have a record of her life to treasure. Some of the prompts are great conversation starters; not only will you learn more about your mum, but you’ll have an awful lot to talk about.

As a Newsnight Producer, Lucy Sweeney had it all under control, but her life as a stay-at-home mum is anything but orderly. From trying to dodge the yummy mummies and alpha mums at the school gates, to fantasising about Sexy Domesticated Dad, Lucy bounces from one hilarious mishap to the next. A great gift for mums of young children who sometimes wonder if everyone else’s life is quite as chaotic as their own.

If mum’s harking after a new cookery book this Mother’s Day, Lorraine Pascal’s latest endeavour should be top of your shopping list. While it focuses on healthy eating, these recipes are far from bland. They’re also (as the name implies) straightforward to follow and use ingredients you can pick up from your local shop. Most can be prepared pretty quickly, although there are some more time-consuming recipes for when the mood suits. Recipes include Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken, Mushroom and Chestnut Lancashire Hotpot, and No-Cook Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake Squares.

GARDENS & OUTDOORS

Home & Interiors Your bedroom is a highly personal space, but if you are considering selling, or simply want to enhance your property’s value in the long term, you’ll also need to design it so it has general appeal, says Katherine Sorrell. Your first consideration when planning a master bedroom, large or small, should always be comfort. Zone the space according to how you use it – sleeping, dressing, exercising, checking your laptop, reading – and, if it helps, draw a scaled plan of the room so you can play around with the layout. It’s nice to have your bedhead opposite the window, for example, with a bedside table each side; remember to allow enough space (experts recommend at least 450mm) around the bed to give you room to change the sheets. To create calm and order while minimising clutter, try to include as much storage as you can squeeze in. A whole wall of fitted wardrobes, with well thought-out internal drawers and divisions, is a great option, and you can add free-standing pieces such as chests of drawers and blanket boxes for character and flexibility. Given enough floor space, it may also be possible to create a separate dressing area, using a tall bedhead, a bookcase or wide wardrobe as a partition. We can’t escape technology anywhere, and although watching TV is not necessarily conducive to a good night’s sleep it is still a lovely idea to include a TV in the bedroom – ideal for a languorous Sunday morning lie-in with croissants, coffee and a newspaper. If you don’t want to look at a blank screen the rest of the time, fitted furniture manufacturers can provide cupboards from which TVs pop up or slide out, while music specialists offer all sorts of sleek and good-looking speakers and sound systems. You will probably also want a place to connect and site a landline

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PLANNING A MASTER BEDROOM

phone, a small desk on which to pop your computer, e-reader or tablet, and somewhere to plug in a charger for your mobile. Even in a bedroom, you can’t have too many plug sockets. Luxurious, wall-to-wall carpet is always a good idea for a master bedroom, and pure new wool has just the right warm, soft, snuggly-toe feel. Choose a high quality underlay for extra bounce and softness. That said, you could combine underfloor heating with engineered wooden boards and beautiful rugs for a more traditional look with plenty of character – and still enjoy warmth underfoot. The latter option, though only possible if you are undertaking major renovations, will also save the space that would have been otherwise taken up with a radiator. Well-designed lighting is an asset in any room, and the master bedroom is no different. A central pendant is fine for general, overhead light, but you can be more creative elsewhere by adding wallmounted reading lights beside the bed, a bright, adjustable light above your dressing table and perhaps a table lamp or two to create a gentle glow. Such layers of light will provide a pleasing ambience and give you great flexibility. Conversely, for restful darkness while you are sleeping, ensure your curtains have a good blackout lining, or else choose well-fitting shutters – which will help block out noise, too. The days of carefully matched bed linen and window treatments are long gone, yet it is still important to get this combination right. When the bed is plain, some pattern at the window is lovely, and vice versa – simply avoid two patterns that clash. Plain curtains can look absolutely beautiful if made from a generous amount of fabric, hung from a pole with pretty finials at the ends, and finished with an edging of ruffles or a contrast border. If privacy is a problem, it may be necessary to add sheer or lace curtains, either full-length or covering the bottom half of the window only. Considering adding an en-suite? Once a luxury, these days they are virtually a necessity, and will certainly make your home more saleable – and may even add value, too. If you have enough room for a walk-in wardrobe, there’s probably enough space to convert to an en-suite, though if you want a proper bath you’ll need to allow a little more room. Alternatively, you could knock through and steal a little space from an adjacent room. When space is tight, compact fittings can be effective, but do make sure they are practical for regular use. While any arrangement is possible in theory, the least expensive place to install an en-suite bathroom is close to other plumbing, particularly the soil pipe. And, because the room leads directly off the bedroom, install low-noise sanitaryware and lights on dimmers, with a high-powered extractor fan that’s controlled separately from the light.

by Katherine Sorrell

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Planning

FOR THE TIME WHEN INDEPENDENCE ENDS

It’s one of those life-changing moments. You’ve just received a phone call telling you that an elderly relative has been admitted to hospital with a fall injury or an illness from which they are unlikely to fully recover. You may have been anticipating this day for a number of years as you watched your loved one become less and less able to cope. But it can still come as a shock to realise that the normal things you did to help, such as popping round to do some housework or shopping, will no longer be enough. There are two options available to families facing this crucial moment. Either arrange for your relative to be admitted to a residential care home, where they can receive round-the-clock attention, or make space in your own house so they can live with you. Where a parent is concerned, there’s often a strong feeling of guilt associated with these decisions. It’s highly likely that you’ve never discussed what will happen when your mum or dad become unable to look after themselves, and there may have been an unspoken assumption that when the time comes, they will move in with you. But is your home actually suitable to shelter and care for a vulnerable older person with medical problems and/or limited mobility?

that could cause trip hazards. It’s particularly important that the area between the toilet and the bed is kept clear, and best to position any objects with sharp edges away from this route in case of falls. The use of bedrails is not recommended, as in recent cases they have caused injury and even death. If you have concerns about your relative’s welfare at night, install a baby alarm so you will hear if they need help.

Few houses are designed with disability in mind, so adapting your home needs careful thought. It’s also sensible to plan ahead, as someone who is reasonably mobile at the moment may not be able to move so freely in a couple of years.

A seat at normal height may be too low for somebody who has mobility issues, so you might want to consider buying raisers (around £40 for a pack of four) for the items of furniture they will use. As the name suggests, raisers simply fit onto the feet of beds and chairs to add height.

Will the stairs be a problem?

Adapting your furniture

Unless you happen to live in a bungalow, the first thing you’ll need to consider is whether or not your loved one will be able to use the stairs. Last year, Age UK commissioned research into the cost of installing a stair lift and found that the price varied between £4,940 and £5,469 for a straight staircase, with approximately £500 added for a curved stair lift.

A wing chair with arms – such as a classic Queen Anne fireside chair - is ideal for the lounge. Alternatively you can buy a specialist model, made with anti-bacterial fabric. This chair, available from: www.nationalofficefurnituresupplies.co.uk, is waterproof and stain-resistant with adjustable handrails and costs around £250.

The alternative to a stair lift is to reconfigure the ground floor of your house, although this can prove costly as you will not only need to find suitable space for a bedroom, but create toilet and bathing facilities as well.

If your relative is a wheelchair user you’ll also need to think about widening doorways and installing ramps. Don’t forget that some mobility devices may be available through the NHS, either free or at a reduced cost (although you may have to wait to obtain them).

Sleeping arrangements If mobility is a problem it’s essential that you provide a bedroom with an en-suite toilet (and preferably a shower, too). Most elderly people need to go to the bathroom several times in the night and the further they have to walk, the greater the chance they will trip or fall. Alternatively, you could consider providing a commode for night-time use, with various models costing between £25 and £180. A reasonably-sized bedroom is essential: at the very least you’ll need space for a single bed, a stable armchair with good back support and a small table, as well as storage for any equipment that might be required. Make sure there are no rugs or other obstacles on the floor

If all of this sounds daunting, you’ll find there are many agencies and voluntary organisations who can help. Go online to sites such as www.myagingparent.com, get in touch with Age UK (www.ageuk.org or call 0800 169 2081) or speak to your GP or local authority. Finally, if you sense that your relative is approaching the time when they will need constant support, don’t wait until things reach a crisis point. By putting sensible plans in place now you can ease the transition, saving you both a lot of worry and stress later on.

by Kate McLelland

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It's Time to Re-think

YOUR DRINKING HABITS

Why we shouldn’t ignore those warnings about drinking alcohol in old age. Almost every month the media announces new advice on drinking alcohol, and much of it seems to be contradictory. While one newspaper announces that drinking red wine is “good for the brain”, another states that even drinking within recommended limits can result in brain damage. There have been similar ‘for’ and ‘against’ announcements about drinking beer and spirits as well as differing claims about safe drinking levels and whether it’s good to drink alcohol in old age. It’s no wonder many of us ignore the warnings and go on as usual. If you’ve enjoyed drinking alcohol throughout your life it may be particularly hard to face the prospect of cutting down or giving up as you grow older. “I’ve got to have some pleasures in life”; “At least I’ll die happy” are just two of the time-worn excuses people use for continuing to consume alcohol as they have always done. Alternatively some may argue that as their body has adjusted to long established patterns of drinking, there’s little point in stopping now. The truth is that when people grow older, they become much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. As they age they carry less water in their bodies, meaning that there is less fluid to dilute the alcohol when they drink. This results in a higher blood-alcohol concentration that can lead to confusion and accidents. Another factor working against older drinkers is that the toxins in alcohol build up in the body over time, increasing their vulnerability to alcohol-related diseases such as heart and liver disease and some cancers. Other health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and memory loss may be made worse by drinking. If you are taking prescription drugs at the same time as drinking alcohol this may also lead to serious consequences. Most of us have a vision of how we would like to enjoy our retirement and later years and it probably doesn’t involve disease and disability. Yet alcohol abuse is highly likely to contribute to ill-health in later years. So why do we find it so hard to reduce our consumption when we know there are such strong reasons to cut down, or even stop, drinking? People enjoy alcohol because it elevates their mood, breaks down inhibitions and relaxes them – but there are other less compelling reasons for taking a drink. Sometimes we drink to relieve boredom and loneliness, because drinking at a certain time has become habitual, or because other people expect us to. Here are some tips to help you break out of those old routines and establish new ones:

We are creatures of habit. If you are used to pouring your first drink of the evening at 6.30pm, try to make it an hour later and have a non-alcoholic drink in its place. Gradually start to drink later and later until you’ve reduced the number of drinks you normally have by at least half. We all need a bit of help. It’s important to tell friends and family that you’re making an effort to cut down on drinking. Bring them into your plans so they can help you to avoid your usual drinking ‘triggers’. Don’t set yourself unrealistic targets. Avoid saying that you’re giving up alcohol forever. Start out with a plan to keep off the booze for a couple of days, then a week, then longer. If you drink to relieve boredom or loneliness, try to fill that space with another activity that will challenge you and bring you into contact with other people. Avoid temptation. Try not to keep alcohol at home where it is easily accessible. Buy individual bottles of wine rather than wine boxes. It’s much easier to keep track of how much you are actually drinking when you are pouring from a bottle. Don’t get trapped by routines. If you always meet friends in a place where alcohol is freely available – like a pub – meet them in a different location such as a coffee bar. If it has to be a pub, try to alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks or order a glass of water with your wine and drink both more slowly. We all need rewards for doing well. Estimate how much you would normally spend on booze and buy yourself something nice with the money when you’ve managed to cut down. Alternatively, save towards a better holiday or a must-have gadget. When you see how much you can save by not drinking, you’ll want to cut down even more! You may find it tough at first to break old habits, but feeling healthy, energetic, slimmer and better off financially should not only help you reach your goals, but allow you to look forward to the future with greater confidence.

by Kate McLelland

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Range Rover

It’s the dreaded question that anyone even remotely connected to cars fears more than any other: what’s your favourite car? It’s one many have pondered for many a minute. True car geeks need criteria, specifics and parameters before making a selection. I know I do. Without them I’ve often thought it impossible to answer – and I can’t even begin to think about it without an imaginary budget. But finally I might just have the answer – and it’s this: the Range Rover. Not the Sport, not an Evoque, the good old fashioned, full fat Rangie. With a family holiday looming and the perfect excuse to borrow a car for a 1,500-mile road test, there really was only one candidate on my list to make the trip. And after two 13-hour shifts behind the wheel I can honestly say there’s nothing else I’d rather have been in. Here’s why. First up it’s super comfortable. The front seats in our Range Rover were heated and cooled (not that we needed the latter) and had more adjustments than a home hi-fi amplifier from the 1980s. The huge armchair like seats, with cushioned headrests you could mould to fit your head, never dulled a muscle. There were no aches, no pain, which frankly these days is always a bit of a bonus.

ON TEST

running for the rear occupants while listening to Dad FM in the front. Then there’s the size of the thing. You don’t need me to tell Range Rovers are massive, but when it comes to getting a ski trip’s worth of luggage in it – especially a load that includes a wife’s not restricted by a budget airline’s 20kg limit – it coped admirably. Despite using up every last litre of boot space there was still a comfortable amount of room inside – easily enough to curl up for a snooze in the back and enjoy the equally cosseting rear seats when the driving baton had been passed on. Despite its size the Range Rover is no slouch. Our test car had the delightful 4.4-litre SDV8. Okay, so it might have only been returning 26mpg, but with a top speed of 135mph and a 0-60mph time of 6.8 seconds, it’s brisk enough for French Autoroutes. It piles on speed in a smooth and linear fashion, quietly and without fuss – all the time adding to the feeling of luxury travel. However, what really sets the Range Rover apart are the little touches; it’s all about the garnish that tops it off. Things like the soft-close doors that gently pull to, the illuminated logos that are projected onto the floor by the wing mirrors at night, and the padded armrests on the front seats that adjust to the perfect height. I love the fridge in the centre console, the cameras all around the car that make it a doddle to park, and the split tailgate that automatically opens and closes at the touch of a button.

But above all it’s the fact that despite all this luxury and Rolls RoyceWith a five-year-old on board, the £7,300 entertainment pack rivaling opulence, it’s still so utterly capable off road. (yes, you read that right) was a blessing. Two 10.2As we arrived in Villars, Switzerland, the snow was inch rear screens and wireless headphones meant The Knowledge falling heavily and cars were being abandoned up Finding Nemo could work his fishy magic at keeping Model: Range Rover the mountain as snow chains failed to do their jobs. the Are We Nearly There Yets at bay until at least Autobiography But not the Range Rover. A flick of the all terrain Dover. In fact the rear seat cinema did such a good Price: £109,710 (with response button to its Snow & Ice setting and away job that on the way back the miniature one wanted options) we went. It was particularly enjoyable passing a VW to do know if we ‘were back in our world yet’. Touareg that was slipping and sliding around on the Engine: 4.4-litre SDV8 Immersive, it must have been… ice as we breezed on by. Power: 339bhp / 740Nm The multimedia system might be showing its age 0-60mph: 6.8seconds So there you have it. What one car would I buy if I a little now but it works – and works well. It takes had to live it with it for the rest of my life? This one. seconds to hook your phone up for music streaming, Top Speed: 135mph Just as long as I could afford the £109,710 for the the satnav might look a little Commodore 64 in its CO2: 219g/km pleasure… graphics but it got us to France, Switzerland and Economy: 33.6mpg home without fail and it’s simple to set a DVD by James Baggott

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Call us on 01743 537233 to book your test drive. Drayton Group Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury Vanguard Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 3TG 01743 537233 www.draytonmercedes.co.uk Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the A-Class range: urban 30.7(9.2)-72.4(3.9), extra urban 50.4(5.6)-88.3(3.2), combined 40.9(6.9)-80.7(3.5). CO2 emissions 162-89 g/km. The above detailed information has been supplied by Mercedes-Benz. †1 free service per annum over 36 months eligible for A-Class (excluding AMG models) credit approved, ordered and registered between 01.01.2016 and 31.03.2016. *Finance based on a 3 year PCP at 10,000 miles per annum. Finance is subject to credit approval and vehicles must be credit approved, ordered and delivered between 01.01.2016 and 31.03.2016 and registered by 30.06.2016, subject to availability. Excess mileage charges apply. Models shown for illustration purposes only. Amount of retailer deposit contribution dependent on model. Finance available from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Ltd, MK15 8BA. Finance subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Drayton Group Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a credit broker. Drayton Group may receive payments for financial introductions.

The Fiat 500

Fiat’s whizzy runabout may have had a facelift but it still has bags of retro-chic. I heard it first-hand that some weeks the 500 is the only car Fiat dealers sell, and at other times it outsells all other models in their range combined. But who’s surprised really? Since its launch in 2007, Fiat have made 1.5 million 500s. And the reason is it’s simply a fun car to drive. The original reincarnation (‘scuse the pun) drew entirely on the original 1960s Cinquecento’s Italian style. This “remaster”, as Fiat calls it, is no different. Along with the BMW Mini and Vauxhall’s Adam, Fiat has plugged firmly into the “fashion car” sector, appealing to those buyers who like their runabout styled with their own individual and personal touches, but are still part of the chic set. The new version has received both a facelift and a tummy tuck. The sporty Abarth version aside, the 500 is now available in three trim levels, the names of which chime very well with its aimed-for sector: the Pop, Pop Star and Lounge. Three petrol engines provide the go. The mid-range, but tiny, 900cc turbo-charged two-cylinder TwinAir 85bhp version recently secured Fiat the Citycar award from eco-motoring website Next Green Car, but the other two are no gas guzzlers either. A second 105bhp turbo version of the 900cc engine is the most powerful whilst, surprisingly, the lowest powered of the trio is a 1.2 normally-aspirated 4 cylinder variant. 5-speed gearboxes are standard on the two lower powered engines, while the 105bhp engine has a 6-speed box. Standard features include LED running lights, heightadjustable steering wheel, USB and aux-in connections on the stereo, central locking and electric windows. The top of the range Lounge version augments this with, amongst other features, fog lights, rear parking sensors and a touchscreen based entertainment system.

REMASTERING AN ICON

The knowledge: Fiat 500 Price: from £10,890 Top speed: 107mph Fuel Economy: 74.3 mpg (combined cycle) CO2 emissions: 90g/km Where the facelift and the sector positioning really show is in the customisation, where the available combinations take up about three-quarters of the glossy sales catalogue. From wheel size (15”, 16” or 17”) through exterior styling to interior colours and gadgets, the list goes on. The options even extend to the style of 500 badge on the (optional, of course) side protection strips and the colour of the key fob cover! It’s in the driving that the 500 wins and wins again. With its small engines you’d think that the 500 would struggle to beat a snail - but it’s not so. The 85 horse powers of the midspec engine nip the car along to a very respectable 107mph and get it to 60 in 11 seconds. It’s frugal too: none of the three engines gives a combined cycle of less than 60mpg figures helped, no doubt, by being equipped with start/stop technology, which is ideal for the mainly city driving seen by most 500s. I was expecting the engine to be a little on the shaky side, being that it has only two cylinders on-board, but that is not the case - I couldn’t detect any lumpiness at all. After nearly 10 years of production, Fiat have remained wise and maintained both the lines and the size of the 500. Facelifts are sometimes more than cosmetic and can extend to lengthening of the wheelbase or widening of the body. Sure, it’s getting on for twice the size of the Cinquecento, but that didn’t come with airbags and air conditioning. Keeping the size the same means the remastered Fiat 500 is still the fun tippy-toes whizz-about it’s always been.

by James Baggott

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Greyfriars Bobby (1961)

The 51st State (2001)

The Full Monty (1997)

Brideshead Revisited (2008)

Tiger Bay (1959)

Kes (1969)

Rita, Sue And Bob Too (1987)

Comfort And Joy (1984)

The Theory Of Everything (2014)

Twin Town (1997)

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Life in the Fastlane

A WAKE-UP CALL FOR OLDER DRIVERS?

81-year-old retired florist Martha Harwood from Lancashire was driving home late at night after visiting a friend’s house when she discovered that a once-familiar road layout had changed. Momentarily confused, she took a turning she believed would get her back onto the M65 motorway. Unfortunately she failed to notice the huge ‘No Entry’ sign positioned over the entrance to what was, in fact, an exit slip road. Seconds later Martha found herself driving in the fast lane, going the wrong way down the motorway. She continued for over fifteen miles, forcing a number of terrified drivers to swerve out of her way. It wasn’t until she had almost reached the end of the motorway that police officers pulled her over, turning her car around to face the right direction. They then escorted Martha all the way back home. The pensioner later told police she had been aware she was travelling in the wrong direction, but “just kept going”. Thankfully no one was killed in the incident, although four drivers needed hospital treatment. The fact that no one was seriously hurt makes Martha Harwood’s case quite a rarity. Accidents caused by elderly car users frequently result in injury and death for the drivers and pedestrians involved, and the number of incidents is set to rise in future: by the year 2035 the number of older drivers on our roads will have increased to 21 million. However, the AA insists that despite the obvious concerns, it’s important not to pre-judge someone’s ability on the basis of their age alone, as statistically drivers aged over 60 cause fewer crashes than those in younger age groups. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is also against setting a maximum age for driving, but RoSPA does suggest that older drivers should undergo formal medical checks during licence renewal. Although it is mandatory to renew your driving licence once you have reached 70 and every three years thereafter, there is currently no legal requirement for a medical certificate: simply declare yourself fit and you’ll be back behind the wheel. In November last year the General Medical Council (GMC) published a public consultation proposing changes to the rules surrounding GP/patient confidentiality. One proposal was that GPs should inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if a patient continues to use a car after having been diagnosed as medically unfit to drive, with the consequence that they will almost certainly lose their licence. Although you are required by law to tell the DVLA if you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive, some individuals are reluctant to do so in case they are forced to give up their car. The new draft guidance from the GMC says doctors must disclose information if there is a need to protect individuals or the wider public from the risks of death or serious harm.

However, short of following patients out of the surgery to see if they drive away, doctors have no way of telling if a patient is still using their car and families and communities should continue to remain vigilant. The AA offers some simple tips to reduce risk: • Older people are more easily fatigued so they should avoid long journeys, especially if they are driving after meals or drinking alcohol. • Encourage them to talk to their GP to see if their medical conditions are likely to affect their driving, either now or in future. • Make sure they have regular eye tests. • Ask them to agree to a list of restrictions that might preclude them from driving in the following locations or conditions: »» On busy roads »» In the dark »» In town centres »» When the weather is bad • Older people are sometimes reluctant to take advice from family members: enlist the help of a mutual friend who shares your concerns. • Make sure they are driving the right car. One with larger windows, bigger mirrors and higher seats might improve allround vision. If you have tried everything and still believe that your elderly friend or relative is driving unsafely, it may be time to sit them down for a serious conversation. If they are heavily dependent on using a car, they may need to consider other lifestyle changes, such as moving to a different area. Alternatively, offering regular lifts or providing information about public transport may soften the blow. While it’s hard to tell a person who loves driving that it’s time to stop, it may help to remember that in the event of an accident a frail, older body is more likely to suffer serious injuries. Although it will be a difficult adjustment, this decision is as much for their own good as it is for those unfortunate, innocent road users who may become their victims.

by Kate McLelland

MOTORS & LEISURE

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Motoring

THAT'S MANS WORK, THAT IS

Iain Betson dreams that many TLAs make light work. Men! Ever washed your car? Vacuumed the inside? Waxed the paintwork or shampooed the upholstery? Of course you have, ever since the dawn of the motorcar, that’s what Sundays have been for. Now the same question to the ladies? I bet the answer is mostly in the negative. I was contemplating this question the other weekend as I gave one of our cars a bit of TLC. It usually goes through the local auto-wash but on occasion, as it’s not a big car, I give it a good manual clean, apply some elbow grease and spend time with a bucket, sponge and wax, on the drive. And when it comes to the interior it’s always me, bi-weekly, with the upright and the duster. To diverge slightly, we have moved around a fair bit, at the last count about 8 moves in 10 years; the tax man isn’t chasing us or anything, but I do sometimes think we would be better off in a motor-home. Anyhow, as a result my wife and I have made a fair number of house viewings. Sometimes I would leave a property saying, “That’s the one for us” only to evoke a response of “No way, did you see the colour of the bathroom”. On the surface, to a man, this seems quite baffling. I mean, in time, bathrooms can be replaced, so why the negative answer? Women, by nature I think, are more house proud, for some reason - genes, conditioning, peer pressure or whatever - they just are. Remember the stereotypical image of a single chap, happy to live on beer and a take-away, consumed in a chair in front of the telly, never cleaning the house and quite happy about it too? I’m pretty sure single woman just won’t do this – an ordered house and home is a must. Yet this is in stark contrast to the state of the cars the sexes drive. My wife will gladly drive around in a motor, the interior of which has more pebbles in the footwell than Brighton beach and wheels so soot blackened that they rival the cast of Oliver. Me, I look at the state of both inside and outside and think, “That’s a job for Sunday”. So why this clean car, clean house role reversal? Sorry to be so blunt but, in short, I don’t know, haven’t a clue, I’m a bloke you see. From my side I can see why cars should be clean, and if the toilet is in need of a makeover well that’s fine, but I’m darned if I can see it from a woman’s perspective; unless, of course, I suddenly develop a liking for chintz curtains and opera then, maybe, I will.

Which brings me, via a hyper-jump, on to car press releases. The other day I had a test of the new VW Golf GTi and the accompanying press information contained well over ten TLAs (for the bewildered that’s Three Letter Abbreviations) for the features and functions this car boasts. HBA, ABS, ESP, TCS… I could go on. Anyway, most of the TLAs referred to the way these systems affected the going, the handling and the stopping. All well and good: a better responding car leads to a more enjoyable and safer ride, all good points well made. But, you know, I doubt whether the vast majority of drivers know or care about these features, or even realise that their car has them. They simply want to own and run a car that will get them safely from A to B with very little fuss or effort, and that’s about it. Now the way I look at it is this. If the manufacturers want to sell bucket loads of cars, here is one TLA feature I think they should pour millions into developing and immediately fit to their entire range. A sort of “killer app” as the phone industry would call it. A TLA that would be so close to all of our hearts I think the first manufacturer to provide it would clean up for good, forever, end of. In fact, as I thought of it, I may patent it myself. My TLA car feature would be called SCC - Self Cleaning Car… I’ll leave you dreaming, I’m off to the Patent Office!

by Iain Betson

MOTORS & LEISURE

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Living Room There is a subtle but definite shift going on in the way people use and drive their cars. Aids such as lane departure warning, self parking, adaptive cruise control and emergency stop systems are there to make the journey safer. But you’ll also see options in the brochures under the pseudonym of “comfort” or “leisure packs”; Bluetooth phone connectivity, in-car wi-fi and internet radio.

ON WHEELS

All sounds a bit “Joe 90”? After all, didn’t those sci-fi comics of the 1960’s have us all driving auto hover-cars, dressed in two-piece, one-colour leisure suits by now? Well, the 2015 Tokyo motor show saw concept cars with these features from Nissan and Mercedes, the latter being vigorous innovators in the motoring world. Mercedes were first to bring you such things as brakes on all 4 wheels (yes really!), fuel injection, traction control and airbags. Still, they have yet to introduce a range of one-colour two-piece leisure suits.

On average it takes five years for a model to go from drawing board to front drive, so by 2020 expect the family hatchback to be not simply a means of transportation but a place of relaxation too. It’s recognised that we are spending longer in our cars, so the makers are moving towards the car being as much a living as a driving space. Driverless technology is here already, albeit just past the embryonic stage. Soon we will see accident prevention systems as standard including innovative methods to control the car (steering wheels will seem very last year). Also we are likely to find the car thinking for itself, making route choices and driving decisions for you based upon external data, not just from the internet but in the immediate space that surrounds it.

Sugar

NOT SO SWEET AND INNOCENT Sugar by Any Other Name... Is Still As Sweet You scan the ingredients of your latest grocery purchase and punch the air in triumph; not a mention of sugar anywhere. However, the bad news is that sugar has a multitude of names. Glucose, dextrose, maltose, fructose (which naturally occurs in fruit) and lactose (found in cow’s milk) are all different forms of sugar, and the ‘proper’ name for the everyday sugar we usually use is sucrose. Honey, molasses, syrup and fruit juice concentrate are often included in supposedly nutritious, healthy-option cereal bars and flapjacks, but they all contain sugars, so look out for these on the ingredients list too.

The Unusual Suspects

Recently, sugar has been dragged from the shadows of suspicion into the spotlight of bad publicity, with evidence of its evils and the possibility of a sugar tax dominating the media. The Chief Executive of the NHS has even proposed a 20% NHS ‘sugar tax’ by 2020, to be levied on sugary drinks and foods sold in England’s NHS cafes, so that NHS staff can lead by example to tackle rising obesity levels. So why is sugar the new super-villain of nutrition?

Storing Sugar as Fat Sugar is a high calorie substance with no nutritional benefit. It’s most obvious risks are obesity, which costs the NHS around £6.4bn per year, and tooth decay. What’s less obvious is that when we don’t burn off the sugar we consume our bodies convert it to fat, storing it partly in the liver, which can lead to fatty liver disease, and partly in our fatty tissues. So those bingo wings may have far more to do with your cola addiction than the odd chunk of full fat cheese you snack on so guiltily. The Government estimates around a quarter of UK citizens are obese. A six year study of the development of visceral fat - the dangerous, hard-to-shift fat which is stored around the internal organs - showed that while it increased in all participants, it increased most in people who consumed sugar-sweetened drinks on a daily basis. High sugar intake, hand-in-hand with obesity, can also put us at higher risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gout, osteoarthritis, depression, respiratory problems, sleep apnoea, infertility problems and some forms of cancer, including breast and bowel cancer. Sugary foods can make our blood sugar levels seesaw too, so that when we come down off a sugar ‘high’ we become irritable and tired. However, experts are divided about whether a high sugar diet makes us prone to thrush, although it’s established that diabetics are at higher risk. There is anecdotal evidence of low sugar diets helping with recurring thrush, though, so you may find this is an added benefit of reducing your sugar intake if you’re a sufferer.

When we think of sugary foods, we tend to think of fizzy drinks, fruit drinks, sugary coffees, biscuits, cakes and chocolate. If we drink sugar-free drinks and avoid these foods, it’s easy to kid ourselves that we don’t consume that much sugar. But check the ingredients the next time you add ketchup, pickle, salad cream or barbecue sauce to your meal, eat a shop-bought soup, curry or pizza, or use a bottled cooking sauce. Many savoury foods and low-fat healthy options use large quantities of sugar to improve their taste, too.

How Much Is Too Much? Intrinsic sugars (those naturally occurring in milk or whole fruit) aren’t related to adverse health effects. It’s free sugars - those added to foods or naturally present in fruit juices, honey and syrup – that are the problem. Guidance issued by the World Health Organisation in 2015 advised us to reduce our intake of free sugars to 10% of our daily calories, and that reducing it to 5% would have further health benefits. The UK Government has now recommended this 5% limit, but what does this really mean? 5% of our calorie intake is equivalent to around 25-30g of sugar (around seven teaspoons). Had a can of standard Coke today? You’ve exceeded your daily sugar allowance. Eaten a Mars Bar or five Jaffa Cakes? You’ve done it too. Children aged 4-6 shouldn’t have more than 19g of sugar a day (around 5 teaspoons), and 7-10 year olds should have no more than 24g (6 teaspoons). Yet a standard 200ml Capri Sun pouch contains 20g of sugar.

Sugar Swaps and Drops • Swap cereals with added sugar or honey for unsweetened cereals with fruit. • Swap sugary desserts for fruit (preferably fresh, frozen or tinned), plain yogurts or homemade milk puddings. • Make the sweet calories count – if you’re going to eat a sweet treat, ensure it delivers nutrition too. Forget sugar-sprinkled doughnuts and choose malt loaf instead. • Addicted to fizzy drinks? Try sparkling water mixed with a no-added-sugar squash. • Gradually wean yourself off sugar added to tea and coffee, and reduce the sugar in your cooking and baking. Drastically reducing your sugar intake is tough, so start small and let your body (and taste buds) acclimatise.

by Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

HEALTH & FITNESS

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More roadshows are to be held in Telford and Wrekin highlighting how technology and devices can help people to continue to live independently in their own home. This type of support, known as Assistive Technology, is becoming increasingly important as Telford & Wrekin Council’s social care budget comes under increasing pressure due to cuts in Government grant.

Figures show that almost half of people aged over 65+ have a limiting long-standing illness that affects them in some way.

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People approaching older age are often unaware how assistive technology could help them remain independent and in their own home later in life. The roadshows follow a successful initiative late last year called AT Home which saw hundreds of people seek more information from the Council. As a result, the council is organising more events over the next few weeks where staff will be on hand to answer queries from people needing help to live at home or their carers or family. The next roadshow will be on Wednesday 16 March, Tesco Madeley, 9.30am–2pm.

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In many instances Assistive Technology, used as part of a wider package, can help maintain independence, enabling people to live longer in their own home, helping to avoid moving into specialist housing or a care home in later life.

The AT Home campaign raises awareness of simple technology that is available and to prevent people from relying on increasingly stretched public services. Councillor Arnold England, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “These events provide opportunities to come and talk to the AT Home team to learn how they can help loved ones stay at home and maintain their independence. “As we face at least another £30 million of cuts, we need to change the way we provide these services. “Using assistive technology is one of the easiest ways for people to get the support they need to remain independent.” You can also find out about Assistive Technology any time at www.Athome.uk.com or www.Telford.mylifeportal.co.uk/AT

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HEALTH & FITNESS

St George’s Park This month sees the brand new, state-of-theart Dementia Suite refurbishment unveiled at St George’s Park Nursing Home, School Street, Telford. Rotherwood Healthcare took ownership of the home in July 2015 with exciting plans to completely refurbish the home and facilities, in order to exceed the expectations of residents and their families through its delivery of care and nursing to them in comfortable and luxurious settings and phase one is now complete. The ground floor Dementia Suite is set to open its doors to

DEMENTIA SUITE

residents this month after a complete redesign, from the paint to lighting and from the furniture to the flowers. ‘We are confident we have achieved a model that will set a new standard in healthcare. Each bedroom, communal area, dining room to the reception and corridor areas have been meticulously designed to offer a comfortable, calming and sensory provoking setting for residents to call home. Particular attention has been given to creating a comfortable environment, that allows the nursing and care team to remain organised and operational whilst keeping its home-like feel, which is often overlooked.’ Richard Claridge, CEO ‘The focus of the new unit will be to offer a clinical service, managing service delivery on the Tom Kitwood model, as progressed through the Bradford Dementia Group at Bradford University. We will utilise these methods to ensure that residents are treated without the use of psychotropic medication. We believe that improvements in wellbeing will not only benefit the resident but will also improve the interaction between the resident and their respective families and friends.’ Terry Beverton, Operations Director The team at St George’s Park Nursing Home are extremely proud of the new suite and services offered to the residents at the home and welcome prospective residents and families to visit for a tour.

Sports Massage Sports Massage is a combination of deep pressure massage strokes, frictions and stretches to the muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is effective for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal system. Received regularly this may help prevent injuries, which might otherwise be caused by overuse. A constant build-up of tension in the muscles from regular activity may lead to stresses on joints, ligaments, tendons, as well as the muscles themselves. Many people assume that you have to be sporty in order to have a Sports Massage. This is not true! Sports massage is for anyone, who wants to receive the benefits that a Sports Massage can bring such as reduced stress and tension. It can help relieve many of the day to day problems that everyone experiences. Regardless of your experiences in sport or exercise, whether you exercise socially or compete to an international level – sports massage may have something to offer The benefits of Sports Massage include: • Improve circulation & lymphatic flow • Assist in the removal of metabolic waste • Sedate or stimulate nerve endings • Increase or decrease muscle tone • Increase or decrease muscle length

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HEALTH & FITNESS

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Health If you suffer from bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the answer may well be yes. Wheat allergy, wheat sensitivity, wheat intolerance and Coeliac disease are often used interchangeably and poorly understood. However, before we look at these conditions and how to deal with them, it’s worth emphasising that you should ALWAYS see your GP if your symptoms are severe and persistent, especially if you have blood in your stools, vomiting, excessive bloating or very painful stomach cramps, as these symptoms may be signs of other medical conditions, some of them serious.

Do You Have a Wheat Allergy? If you are truly allergic to wheat, eating wheat-based products will provoke your immune system into a rapid reaction, causing classic allergy symptoms such as itching, rashes, sneezing and wheezing. Tackling Wheat Allergy: If you are wheat allergic, you need to avoid wheat in any form to prevent symptoms and seek advice from your GP. If you have fatigue as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, then it’s worth asking:

Do You Have Coeliac Disease? Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects around 1% of people in the UK, but it’s likely that many more cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In Coeliac sufferers, the intestinal lining can become damaged because it can’t absorb gluten, a protein found in foods such as wheat, barley and rye. They may also encounter problems when eating other foods such as oats, which don’t contain gluten but are often prepared alongside foods that do. Besides bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, wind and constipation, which can all occur as a result of IBS or food intolerance too, Coeliac disease can also cause tiredness, hair loss, mouth ulcers, anaemia and sometimes unexpected weight loss. Tackling Coeliac Disease: It can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test, followed by a biopsy if the blood test indicates the possibility of Coeliac disease. These tests are only accurate if you are still eating foods that contain gluten, so if your symptoms make you suspect Coeliac disease specifically, go straight to your GP. If you’ve already put yourself on an elimination diet, be aware that your GP will ask you to start eating gluten-containing foods regularly again until the tests are complete. If Coeliac disease is diagnosed, you must eliminate all gluten permanently. If your symptoms don’t necessarily point to Coeliac disease:

Do You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? It’s not entirely clear what causes Irritable bowel syndrome, but stress and illness seem to precipitate attacks, making

SHOULD YOU BE WARY OF WHEAT? the working of the bowel erratic and so causing discomfort, bloating and sometimes diarrhoea and/or constipation. Tackling IBS: IBS attacks often seem to be worse after eating fatty or high-fibre foods, so avoiding these may help. Probiotic supplements or foods can help and your GP may recommend medication to prevent and alleviate symptoms.

Do You Have Wheat Intolerance/Sensitivity? Wheat intolerance or sensitivity is much more common than wheat allergy, potentially causing trapped or excessive gas in the intestine and preventing proper emptying of the bowel. Symptoms can develop some hours after eating wheat and this means the condition can be hard to pinpoint, particularly if you eat wheat regularly, and it’s not something your GP can test for. Try cutting out wheat for four weeks to see if your symptoms improve (ensuring you replace it with alternatives like rice, corn, buckwheat pasta and quinoa to ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients). Remember that wheat is a hidden ingredient in many foods, such as soy sauce and hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP), and also found in most breads, cakes, pastas, pastries, cereals, couscous, biscuits, and beers. Keep a food diary in case another food type, such as dairy, is the culprit – but don’t eliminate whole food groups long-term without consulting your GP. Reintroduce wheat slowly, in as pure a form as possible (such as 100% wheat cereals). If your symptoms reappear, it’s a good indication that you have wheat sensitivity; trial and error will tell you whether your intolerance is for all wheat products or just certain ones. Some people are fine with pasta but not bread, and vice versa; it can depend on the process the wheat has undergone. Some people can tolerate toast better than bread because the heating process makes the wheat more digestible, while others find supermarket bread less digestible than traditional bakery bread, probably due to the accelerated bread-making process supermarkets often use.

Tackling Wheat Sensitivity – and IBS: The FODMAP diet Designed originally for people with IBS, the wheat-free lowFODMAP diet eliminates Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols - types of carbohydrates that aren’t easily digested and may cause bacterial growth, leading to diarrhoea and bloating. The FODMAP diet should be followed under a dietician’s guidance to ensure you stay in good health and follow it correctly, as it’s quite complex. Your GP can give you a referral. Information and Support: Coeliac UK: Helpline 0333 332 2033 www.coeliac.org.uk The IBS Network: 0114 272 32 53 www.theibsnetwork.org Allergy UK (also has information on intolerances): 01322 619898 www.allergyuk.org

by Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

HEALTH & FITNESS

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Local Owners / Proprietors

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Racing Legend With three cycle racing Championship titles and five truck racing championships under his belt, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is proud to announce Steve Parrish has signed up to the charity’s 3,500-strong Bike4Life Ride Out 2016 on Sunday 8th May.

SIGNS UP FOR BIKE4LIFE RIDE OUT 2016 Out and Festival has grown year on year, so I’m honoured to be invited to join the Ride Out on behalf of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Thankfully I have never had to rely on an air ambulance, but in my line of work, I’ve seen several bikers who have. We really can’t afford not to support the charity that funds such a vital emergency service.

Parrish had a successful race career in the 1970s and 80s, and is now best known for his entertaining commentary on sports such as the world class MotoGP, Eurosport World Superbikes and the Isle of Man TT, making him a well known and much loved character in modern motorsport. Steve, who will join racing legends in the Bike4Life Ride Out including famed adventure motorcyclist and author Nick Sanders, is appealing to bikers to pre-register for the Ride Out on 8th May, which starts at Meole Brace in Shrewsbury, taking in 23 miles of the M54 before finishing at RAF Cosford, home to the Bike4Life Festival. In 2015 10,000 bikers, families, couples and general motorcycle enthusiasts from all across the UK took part in what has become one of the biggest and best biker days in the country. And whilst a great day out, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Bike4Life event is partnered with the Safer Roads Partnership to raise awareness of biker safety. On his support of Bike4Life, Steve comments: “Bike4Life Ride

“I hear the atmosphere on the Ride Out is electric with people lining the bridges over the motorway to watch the bikes pass by. I can’t wait, and as it is pre-registration only, if you’re a biker sign up now so you don’t miss out.” On arrival at the Bike4Life Festival, visitors will be treated to a host of activities and displays to watch, plus there will be live music and a range of refreshment stands, exhibitions, tutorials and stalls, making it a great day out for all. Those interested in further motorcycle training will also have chance to speak with a variety of organisations. As part of his support on the day, Steve will be hosting the main stage, interviewing further motorcycle racing legends who sign up to the event. Due to the popularity of the event, there are only 3,500 places available in the Ride Out, and pre-registration is a must. Tickets cost £10 for one biker and pillion for the Ride Out and entry to the Festival, while entry to the Festival only is £5 per person. All proceeds to towards the life saving work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. To register to get involved in the Ride Out led by Steve Parrish and Nick Sanders, simply visit www.bike4lifefest.com.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

2016 Resolution Shropshire women are being urged to get the year off to a great start by signing up now to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2016. The charity is calling on women of all shapes and sizes to show cancer who’s boss by choosing one of their events - Race for Life 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy – and committing to take part at Telford Town Park, The Quarry, Shrewsbury or Weston Park.

TO BE STRONGER, BRAVER & PINKER

Shropshire and raised a fantastic £308,421. This year, organisers hope to see the same level of support from local ladies. Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across England. To enter Race for Life today visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

The 5k and 10k events in Telford take place on Sunday, May 22, the 5k event in Shrewsbury, on Wednesday, June 15, and Pretty Muddy at Weston Park will take place on Saturday, April 30. “Race for Life events are non-competitive. Taking part is not about being fit or fast and participants can choose to walk, jog, or run around the course. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive. Emily continued: “We’re delighted to be able to bring Pretty Muddy back to Weston Park as it’s a fantastic addition to our Race for Life family of events. It has all the fun and camaraderie of our much loved 5k and 10k events but with added obstacles and, of course, mud. Plus, Weston Park is still the country’s only venue to host a 10k Pretty Muddy event. Last year, 5,193 women took part in Race for Life across

LAKE VIEW RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME ‘Ke e p i ng ki nd ness at th e h ear t of o u r care’ Our beautiful care home near Homer Lake includes all of the comforts you’d expect along with some special touches that make it a true home. Residents spend their time enjoying the things they love; catching up with friends and family, being pampered in the hair and beauty salon, taking part in activities or relaxing in the landscaped gardens. Carefully chosen for their kind and compassionate approach, our staff provide residential and dementia care. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

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Raynaud’s Phenomenon

IT’S NOT JUST COLD FINGERS

Raynaud’s Phenomenon (sometimes called Raynaud’s Disease or often just ‘Raynaud’s’) isn’t well-known, yet it affects around 20% of adults worldwide and ten million people in the UK - and it shouldn’t be ignored. That’s why February is Raynaud’s Awareness Month.

in people of any age, and seems to be hereditary in some cases. It is:

What Is Raynaud’s Phenomenon?

• More common in smokers (because smoking damages blood vessel linings and affects smooth muscle, causing spasm).

Named after its identifier, Dr Maurice Raynaud, Raynaud’s is a condition in which blood supply to the extremities is interrupted. Attacks are caused by over-sensitivity of the small blood vessels, and while fingers and toes are most commonly affected, it can affect all extremities, including the ears, nose, lips and nipples.

Triggers and Causes

Primary Raynaud’s The causes of primary Raynaud’s are unclear, although the NHS estimates that 1 in 10 people with Primary Raynaud’s go on to develop a condition associated with secondary Raynaud’s. However, attacks are often triggered by cold temperatures or, sometimes, anxiety, stress, hormones or smoking, which can all cause blood vessels to go into temporary spasm and restrict blood flow to your extremities. Secondary Raynaud’s Secondary Raynaud’s is often connected with autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, but can also result from other medical conditions including Hepatitis B and C infections. It may also be a side effect of illegal drugs, some medicines (including the contraceptive pill, betablockers, anti-hypertensives, HRT, anti-migraine medicines and decongestants), an injury, or use of a vibrating tool (‘vibration white finger’) .

Diagnosing Raynaud’s

If you recognise any of the symptoms below, visit your doctor, who can determine whether you have Raynaud’s and request blood tests to determine whether it is primary or secondary. They may suspect secondary Raynaud’s if you’re over 30 (as most cases of primary Raynaud’s appear between 20 and 30), if you’re experiencing severe pain or if only one side of your body is affected. It’s important to get secondary Raynaud’s Phenomenon correctly diagnosed, as in rare cases it can lead to serious complications such as gangrene or ulcers.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Raynaud’s can last a few minutes or a few hours, and while some people have regular symptoms, others have long symptom-free periods. Sometimes the condition goes away by itself. • The restriction of blood to extremities can cause them to turn white, then blue, and finally red as blood flow returns to them. • Sometimes there may be pins and needles, numbness, swelling, pain or stiffness.

Who gets Raynaud’s?

Secondary Raynaud’s can occur in anyone, as it is associated with other conditions and factors. Primary Raynaud’s can occur

• More common in females than males • Rare in young children • Common in teenagers (although sometimes, it disappears in their twenties)

• Usually mild, and more annoying than debilitating.

Treatment and Prevention

If you suffer from Raynaud’s, there are things you can do to help yourself. • Stay warm outdoors with scarves, gloves, hats, earmuffs, and heated hand warmers. Clothes and shoes can be warmed with a hair dryer, an electric blanket or in an airing cupboard before putting them on, and several thin layers are warmer than one thick one. Wear a thin pair of socks and gloves under thicker ones, and if your hands get very cold while you’re out, use hand driers in public toilets to warm them. You can buy special gloves and socks made with pure silver to reflect heat and minimise heat loss. • Try to breathe through your nose when outdoors, as your nose warms the air before it reaches the lungs. • Stay warm indoors by using hot water bottles and microwaveable heat packs, and pre-warm your bed with an electric blanket before climbing in. A hot bath before bed is a good idea too. • Stop smoking – smoking affects your blood supply and can reduce your temperature. • Eat for warmth – Hot cereal is a good choice for breakfast, and small regular meals, preferably hot, will help you stay energetic and warm throughout the day. Drink plenty of hot drinks too, and use oven gloves to remove things from the fridge. • Avoid heavy carrier bags – they can restrict blood flow to fingers. • Take regular exercise – providing it doesn’t make symptoms worse. • Find ways to relax to reduce stress. Sometimes medication is required if you develop ulcers, experience intense pain or have impaired finger function. There are also procedures available called sympathectomies, in which the nerves that cause the blood vessels to spasm are cut, but these are only recommended in severe cases. These can sometimes be performed by injection or laser rather than surgery, but they vary in permanency and efficacy. Remember: Don’t ignore Raynaud’s symptoms – they may seem mild, but could indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment. Support and information: The Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association: www.raynauds.org.uk/ Email: info@raynauds.org.uk T: 01270 872776 or 0800 9172494

by Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

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Dividend Taxation A change to the dividend taxation laws is to be implemented from April 2016. Pension and ISA dividends will not be affected by the new regime and will remain free of tax, but the new dividend rules are likely to have an adverse effect on directors and shareholders of small incorporated companies. The new proposals will reportedly bring in an extra £2.54 billion in revenue for the 2016/17 tax year, with smaller amounts continuing to bolster the public purse in future years. The changes are an effort by the government to equalise tax laws for those who run unincorporated businesses.

Here’s a summary of the changes to be introduced • A maximum annual Dividend Allowance of £5,000 is to come into force (after taking the personal allowance into account) • The existing 10% notional Dividend Tax Credit will be scrapped • Dividends over the £5,000 annual limit will be taxed at the following rates:

AND OTHER CHANGES TO TAX LAWS IN 2016/2017 harder for people in business to survive financially. This includes both individual contractors who have incorporated their businesses, and family-run companies. In conjunction with the introduction of auto-enrolment and the new minimum wage, abolishing the 10% Dividend Tax Credit could be the final straw for some small limited companies.

In fact, an online petition has been started, objecting to these new rules. Company directors/shareholders say that the rewards of low dividend taxation compensated for the long hours and risks they took when starting their business, and that their overall contribution to the economy needs to be more widely acknowledged by the government. The Telegraph reports that an additional £6.8 billion in tax will be paid by small business owners in the next five years, and that some are considering putting their business up for sale.

Are there any other changes to UK taxation in the forthcoming financial year? Other announcements made in last year’s Budget include:

>> 7.5% on dividend income in the basic rate band

• Pension tax relief changes

>> 32.5% (for the higher rate band)

Restrictions on pension tax relief for those with an income of £150,000 or more will come into force from April 2016. Currently, higher rate tax payers enjoy 40% tax relief on their pension contributions. A fixed rate of 33% will apply for all in the new tax year, regardless of the rate band they are in.

>> 38.1% (in the additional rate band) People with a low dividend income will see a reduction in their tax bill, but the new measures are likely to hit family-run small businesses the hardest. Any individual in receipt of more than £5,000 in dividends during a tax year will also be required to complete the selfassessment process from April 2016, as the tax on dividends will not be deducted at source.

So why has the Treasury decided to overhaul the current system? The government is attempting to discourage tax-motivated incorporation, which means setting up a business as a limited company simply to enjoy a lower rate of tax on income. In the past, directors/shareholders of a limited company have been able to take a small salary from their business, which attracted enough tax to maintain their entitlement to the state pension. The government’s objection, however, is that company profits are then used to extract a further dividend taxed at the much lower rate of 10%. Additionally, no National Insurance contributions are required on dividend income, and the Treasury felt the need to act to ensure greater equality for those who set up their own business without incorporation. The low taxation rate of 10% on dividend income had been introduced at a time when rates of Corporation Tax were much higher, and at the time, was an attempt to relieve the financial pressures being experienced by directors and shareholders.

Strong objections from the business community With the inherent difficulties facing small businesses, fears have been expressed that the government is making it much

• Savings interest Said to be an acknowledgement of recent poor returns for savers, George Osborne also announced in last year’s budget that savings interest of up to £1,000 will no longer be taxed. He said that around 95% of savers will no longer have to pay tax twice on their savings - once when the money was earned, and again when deposited in their bank account. • Digital tax accounts One of the biggest overhauls of the tax system in recent times, the introduction of digital tax accounts is relevant for anyone who has previously been required to complete a self-assessment tax return. The ‘account’ will be similar to online banking in that details on how much is owed will be available to view at any time, and taxpayers will be able to make payments throughout the financial year rather than meeting a specific deadline. These are all significant changes to taxation laws in the UK, and are set to bring in considerable sums for the Treasury, but the new dividend tax rules seem to be attracting the most concern and criticism. www.itcontracting.com/new-dividend-tax-april-2016/ www.rossmartin.co.uk/directors/tax-efficient-remuneration/1591summer-budget-2015-dividend-tax petition.parliament.uk/petitions/106525 www.gov.uk/government/publications/dividend-allowance-factsheet/ dividend-allowance-factsheet www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-3000721/Budget-2015Chancellor-scraps-tax-1-000-savings-income.html www.telegraph.co.uk/news/predictions/money/12049452/pay-morebeat-pensions-tax-changes.html moneyweek.com/the-summer-budget-what-it-means-for-you/

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BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

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Don't be Taken In

BY THE PENSION SCAMMERS

Since new pension regulations were introduced in 2015, conmen have been using the new freedoms to target people approaching retirement. One of the scams involves telling those under the age of 55 that a ‘legal loophole’ allows them access to their full pension, with no requirement to pay tax on the money withdrawn (in reality, a rate of up to 55%). Pension monies are then moved into an alternative scheme run by the fraudsters, with savings either being stolen or severely diminished after extortionate charges are made for the ‘service’. To make matters worse, HM Revenue and Customs has been sending out bills to reclaim tax on the amounts withdrawn, leaving victims of the scam with no pension savings and in large-scale debt in some cases.

How can the conmen operate so effectively? Although younger people are a clear target for pension scammers, those aged 55 and over are also under threat. With no restrictions on how pension savings can be used, unscrupulous individuals and criminal groups are taking advantage of a lack of regulation within the industry, plus an uncertainty about how best to invest such a large amount of money. Inefficient systems also form part of the problem, enabling conmen to set up these rogue pension schemes. HM Revenue and Customs are not pension regulators, but having introduced a ‘fit and proper person’ test in 2014, they have at least attempted to control the potential for fraudulent activity. HMRC has the power to de-register or refuse to register a new pension scheme, but some have said they should take more responsibility for what is happening to victims, rather than chasing them for tax payments.

What exactly are the new pension freedoms? There’s no longer a requirement to buy an annuity with your pension savings in order to fund retirement, although it is still an option. Some people choose a staged income drawdown, which involves purchasing stocks and shares and cashing them in over a period of time. Others prefer to invest in property at home or abroad, earning an income from renting out their investment, and benefiting from the increase in its capital value. People searching for the best return on their pension savings are now more vulnerable to conmen, however, especially in an industry with such complex products.

Watch out for these common phrases used by the scammers Specific phrases have been used by conmen to garner interest in their schemes, and to motivate their victims into taking action. They include: • ‘legal loophole’ to avoid paying tax on pension withdrawals if you’re under 55 • ‘sophisticated investor’ • suggesting you invest in an ‘alternative’ area or those ‘not traditionally available’ • ‘free pension review’ or a ‘free transfer of your pension pot’ By telling you about a free pension or government review, scammers may be attempting to obtain personal and financial information. ‘Guaranteed level of investment’ is also a phrase to watch out for, as are time-limited offers and any form of pressure to make you sign quickly, i.e. before you’re able to access other professional advice.

Project Bloom taskforce A new taskforce has been set up by the government and the National Crime Agency to combat the problem of pension fraud. A ‘perfect storm’ of new pension regulations, lack of awareness about where to reinvest, and the fact that large sums of money are involved, has enabled scammers to get away with too many sophisticated cons. It’s hoped that Project Bloom will bring awareness to the issue, however, and specific advice is offered to anyone concerned about their pension. You need to be wary of: • Anyone offering a ‘free pension review’ or access to your pension pot if you’re under the age of fifty-five • Offers of help to obtain a pension statement, or to provide a tracing service for lost pensions • An alternative investment product for your pension pot that seems too good to be true The Pensions Advisory Service provides free advice if you’re worried about potential scams, or to discuss your pension options in general.

A sophisticated approach One of the problems is that scammers set up sophisticated systems and procedures that include glossy brochures and polished, wellrehearsed speeches. This makes the entire con appear legitimate unless you’re aware that this type of fraud is taking place. Bringing awareness of what’s happening is key to combating crimes like this, and hopefully Project Bloom will help to prevent more people suffering the devastating loss of their retirement income. Those involved in Project Bloom include the National Crime Agency, Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, The Pensions Regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Watch out for fake websites Fraudsters are even setting up fake websites with names very similar to legitimate bodies offering free advice. They may be able to gain access to your personal information in this way, and then contact you directly via phone or email. It pays to check the web address you’re typing in very carefully, to ensure that the site is legitimate and not part of the fraudsters’ arsenal of tricks. http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/money/investing-pensions/pension-liberationscam-victims-facing-huge-tax-bills-11364036908047 http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article-3419232/Shouldpension-scam-victims-let-tax-bills.html http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article-3397828/Three-telltale-signs-duped-pension-fraudsters.html

by Ann Haldon

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

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Make the Most They may be small but they can be perfectly formed: the tiniest of kitchen spaces is often extremely efficient – you can wash, slice and cook almost without moving at all. And although the sky’s the limit when it comes to spending on kitchens – even diminuitive ones – if you’re on a shoestring you can create a practical and attractive galley kitchen for very little money, writes Katherine Sorrell. Planning The Room In a small kitchen every centimetre counts, and the first principle of design is the ‘work triangle’ – the movement between the three main areas of activity: cooker, sink and fridge. Each zone should be self-contained, with its own storage and worktop space, but it should also be easy to move between each one. The best way to ensure this is to draw a floor plan with lines connecting each point on the triangle, and avoid placing any obstructions (such as tall cupboards) between them. The theory goes that the most efficient length for each side of the triangle is a doublearm span or about two metres. In practice, however, it is rarely possible to create an absolutely equal triangle, and what matters more is that the three work centres aren’t uncomfortably close or too far apart. In a double galley, keep the sink and cooker on the same side, with the fridge pretty much opposite. In a single galley, you can’t create a triangle at all, but its linear shape means that it’s very easy to use anyway, as long as you don’t make the line too long. Aim to have tall cupboards at one end, then the hob nearby, and the maximum amount of worktop space between the hob and the sink, with the dishwasher next to the sink at the other end. Add a rubbish bin under the sink and, if you have room, add a pull-out larder to store food.

Eating and Entertaining Even in a tiny kitchen, it’s always a good idea to try fit in somewhere to eat and drink. Fold-down tables might work, or perhaps there is room for a small dining table – if it extends for extra guests, so much the better. Or you could add a breakfast bar by forming an ‘L’ shape at the end of a run of worktop, adding a couple of high stools that can tuck underneath when not in use. Bingo! An eat-in kitchen.

OF A SMALL KITCHEN

Choosing Units & Worktops Mixing textures and colours in the kitchen is a growing trend, and top fashion picks at present include metallics, marble and rough, tough industrial accents. Deep worktops and open shelving will update a kitchen of any size, but what matters most in any kitchen is quality. You can find more or less any look at more or less any price - but you do get what you pay for. Check the quality of the carcass: cheaper ones are made from chipboard, sometimes with just hardboard backs, which may be fine if all you want is a budget option. But for a wellused kitchen that you want to last a number of years, opt for plywood or MDF veneer, the thicker the better. Laminate worktops are the budget choice – choose high-pressure rather than low-pressure ones, as they’re more durable. Wooden worktops can also be inexpensive, but avoid ones that are too cheap or too thin, especially if you’re installing them next to a sink, as they’ll just warp and buckle. Splashbacks are often made from the same material as the worktop, though if cost is an issue you could opt for a cheaper alternative, such as ceramic tiles, tongue and groove painted with tough gloss, or a fashionable sheet of clear or coloured acrylic.

Make The Most Of Your Space With These Ideas • Fit wall cupboards that go right up to the ceiling, storing little-used items right at the top • Sliding doors are ideal as they don’t intrude into the room • Magic’ corner cupboards (with special mechanisms that let you get to the stuff at the back) allow you to fit more in • Wall-hung racking systems let you see what you’ve got while still storing it in an organised fashion • Pull-out shelving and slim drawers (eg in the plinth) all add extra storage space • Internal fittings help organise cupboards • When it comes to appliances, choose multi-functional, compact, slimline, built-in and stacking versions • Reflective and/or transparent surfaces and pale colours make the room seem bigger • Base cabinets on legs or recessed plinths allow you to see more floor • Avoid visual confusion by sticking to ultra-plain cabinet fronts with either no handles or very discreet ones • Larger-than-average floor tiles make the floor seem larger

by Katherine Sorrell

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LOCAL MANUFACTURER www.mcs-flintstone.co.uk Flintstone, Unit H7, Halesfield 19, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 4QT. Email: sales@mcs-flintstone.co.uk 67

Celebrating 33 Years in Business

Est 1982

Shropshire’s first choice for ‘A’ Rated Replacement Windows, Conservatories and Doors Approved Profiles

Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 4:30pm

01952 301062 Sunday & Evenings 01952 510595

www.trotfieldwindows.co.uk

PVCu Brilliant White, Woodgrain Replacement Windows • Doors • Conservatories Leaded, Stained or Georgian Glass Night Ventilation • Internally Glazed for Security 15 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee Manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO 9002

(Certificate No FM 30164 - Quality Assurance Scheme, severe Weather Rated to British Standards)

Impressive Showroom at: 1 Madeley Road, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7PP

A Kinetico Water Softener. The appliance that will not only save you money, it will save your other appliances too! Plus with the award-winning Kinetico 2020c Water Softener banish limescale forever! ✓ No more clogged showerheads ✓ No more crusty taps

Compact, non-electric design fits under a kitchen sink. Twin-tank system for soft water 24/7.

Spring Offer FREE installation worth over £250 ends 24/4/16 01952 276159 or visit www.rcowen.co.uk *Valid on 2020c with standard installation only. See www.kinetico.co.uk for T&Cs.

WATER SOFTENERS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Need More Security

Telford Security and Automation is a family run business with over 30 years experience within the industry. Their team of engineers provide HD IP CCTV solutions and automation, including lighting, heating, sound and vision - plus many, many more to domestic and commercial properties in Shropshire and surrounding counties. CCTV:

They only use professional equipment as used in Hospitals, Airports and Major Cities Worldwide; this allows them to offer extended guarantees on all of their installs whilst also providing excellent image quality on the recorder, your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. High Definition and 4K images provide clear images that can assist in the protection of your property, providing footage of any incidents that may occur, whether this is for health and safety purposes or security, every need will be considered in the CCTV system design. Design Flexibility is their specialism which allows them to provide bespoke systems to suit each property, where nothing is overlooked. This allows the customer to have exactly what they require without having the risk of over or under engineered systems. Within the flexibility of their systems they are able to put multiple sites viewable from one location, whether this is multiple stores, or simply your

FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS? home and office; expansion is simple with the systems they install. Their Accreditation with HIKVISION, the World’s Largest CCTV Manufacturer allows them to provide systems that are only limited by your imagination, with the knowledge and reassurance that they will always support them in years to come. By Using Hikvision equipment they are able to offer features such as face recognition, number plate recognition, people counting, intruder notification and motion sensing on all of their systems.

Property Automation:

Within their catalogue of projects they have been able to automate properties on a variety of scales. They can offer simple systems to assist you with your home energy monitoring and central heating control. They also have systems that provide remote control for your lighting within the property. They have a depth of experience in providing energy efficient lighting solutions through properties and are all controllable with your smartphone. Should you wish to have a more advanced system they have a demonstration property where they have integrated heating, lighting, home cinema, audio, CCTV and soon access control all under one system, providing flexibility and control of your property in the palm of your hand. Should you wish to have a demonstration or book a site survey, please do not hesitate to contact them where they can come and provide a free quotation for you. Call 01952 201180 or 07973 612222 for further details.

Security & Automation The Smart Way to Control Your Home With one touch, dim the lights, play music, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm the security system. Check in on your home from your smartphone, no matter where you are.

Is security a worry?

Your Home at Your Fingertips - Control

We supply only high quality professional equipment ensuring that you have clear images to help protect your property.

every aspect of your house from wherever you are, using your smartphone, tablet, PC, touch screen, remote or keypad.

Sleep better at night with the installation of a CCTV system.

• Security • Home • Home Audio Theatre • Lighting • Temperature

E: info@telford-security.co.uk • www.telford-security.co.uk 9 Colliford Close | Priorslee | Telford TF2 9RZ T: 01952 201180 | M: 07973 612 222 69

Recycling

CONTINUES TO RISE IN THE BOROUGH

Recycling continues to rise in the borough with the latest figures showing residents recycling over 2,000 tonnes more in 2015 than the previous year. This is an increase of 17 percent. As a result, the recently published national League tables for Local Authority recycling performance show Telford & Wrekin is significantly climbing the table, overtaking 25 other local Authorities since last year alone. This rise in the rate of recycling can in part be attributed to the introduction of the purple top bin. Veolia, the Council’s appointed Contractor, issued a purple top bin for glass, cans and plastic to residents in June 2014. The purple top bin replaced the previous small red box and orange net, reducing the requirement to separate waste and therefore making the option of recycling more attractive to local residents. A blue bag is also used to collect paper and card. The added benefit of the purple top bin being much larger also means that it is now easier to recycle larger quantities of waste. The benefits of recycling are immense. First and foremost, the more waste that is recycled, the less pressure there is on landfill. Therefore this significantly reduces the impact on the environment.

recyclable material each collection, this would equate to a further £210k saving per year, a figure worth noting! Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Business, Neighbourhood and Customer Service, said: “Our increase in recycling in the borough and our excellent surge up the league table in just one year is excellent news. I am sure that this increase is partly related to the introduction of the purple top bin from June 2014. “However, I am also sure that residents in the borough are continuing to become more savvy about recycling and all its benefits, I am hopeful that this year we will see a further increase in recycling, given that this will be the first full year that the purple top bins will have been in use.

Since the introduction of the new system, when comparing recycling collected in 2013/14, accumulatively over the last 2 years an additional 9,500 tonnes of recycling materials have been collected from residents.

“And we mustn’t forget about the savings that recycling can bring. We now know how much the Council must cut from its budget over the next three years. It might sound crazy, but if we each make an effort to recycle a little bit more we could help support vital Council services."

An example of the difference each family can make is immense. If each family recycled just 1kg more of both green waste and

To find out more about what can be recycled in Telford and Wrekin visit www.telford.gov.uk/recycling

A.P.H Windows 01952 680441 www.aphwindows.co.uk Manufacturers & Installers of High Quality • Fully Welded uPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories • Internally Glazed with high Security Locks • Composite Doors • Garage Doors • Fascias, Soffits & Guttering • Building Extensions

Family Run Business Est 1981

Why Choose A.P.H Windows? All uPVC products are made in our own factory Deal direct with the owner/ No pressure Salesmen Directly employed craftsmen / Full after sales service No deposit required Registered Company 16299

Our showroom is full of ideas to help you decide on the style & design of your windows, doors and dream conservatory

Open 9-5.30pm Mon-Fri & 10-3pm Sat Unit H1, Halesfield 19, Telford TF7 4QT 70

aphwindowsltd

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

W O N L L CA R U O Y T TO GE ER N R U B LOG ! D E T T I F

Installation of Fires & Stoves DDFlue Linings DDLog Burners DDOpen Fires DDChimney Cowls DDChimney Work

Hetas approved installer of Solid Fuel Chimney Systems The installation of all Wood Burning Stoves or other Solid Fuel Burning Appliances MUST comply with building regulations, HETAS installers are qualified fitters who can self-certify their own work, ensuring the installation is safe and legal.

As seen on C4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restoration Man

Call Lee at ALC on 01952 276417 or 07813 921907 E: lee.alpine@yahoo.co.uk

ARDINE CONSERVATORIES SPECIALISTS IN UPVC AND GUARDIAN WARM ROOFS

MARCH MADNESS

Windows from £185 fitted

ALL PRODUCTS ‘A’ RATED

MASSIVE SAVINGS on Guardian Warm Roofs on any order taken in March 2016

Doors from £475 fitted

✓ No Deposit ✓ No Salesman ✓ Composite Doors ✓ Conservatories ✓ Windows ✓ Doors ✓ Guardian Roofs

Phone Craig for FREE friendly no pressure, no obligation quote

01952 244 444

ap W Gua p a r Re rov rm dia g N ed Ro n o. in ofs GR st 25 alle 27 r 7

Conservatories from £4,895 ALL PRICES FULLY FITTED NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED

Shop 3, Tyrone House, Church Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1DR Open Mon-Sat 9am - 4pm

www.jardineintelford.co.uk

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Stylish Kitchens Dream Kitchens and Bedrooms are based in Oakengates, Telford, and have been established for 25 years. They have a newly refurbished showroom wth plenty of displays to help you choose your dream kitchen or bedroom. Whether you're looking for something completely new or you are just looking to update with a stylish reface/facelift then Dream Kitchens can provide you with a well configured layout plan and design solution, from cost controlled budget to Master class imperial. You'll be able to view your new kitchen or bedroom in full 3D visualisation created by our lady designer, Kay.

COMPLETELY NEW OR REFACE

gas and flooring, all completed to regulation requirements, they’re very courteous and respect your home." With the kitchen reface/facelift option you can simply have your old kitchen doors and worktops replaced. It’s hassle free and completed within 2-3 days. They supply and install everything from work-surfaces, taps, extraction hoods to flooring. You may request an initial home survey which will be personally conducted by Jay and can be organised during daytime or evenings which gives him an excellent opportunity to listen, absorb and peruse through your thoughts and ideas.

Recently completed kitchens

Showroom manager Jay said, "You’ll have a very different experience with us as we don't sell, instead we guide and assist you with your buying journey to achieve the most cost effective and affordably nice kitchen. Our philosophy is that we hope you’ll warm to us as you become assured of our services throughout the whole process from initial design to complete installation. We use reputable and trusted craftsman fitters that cover all aspects from tiling, plastering, electrical, plumbing,

You'll also have the opportunity to view their previous work and testimonials. Jay said, "We take immense pride of our work,service and quality products. "Call us on 01952 616166 to start your journey with a professional."

Dream Kitchens and bedrooms

You are welcome to visit to view the displays, touch, feel and explore the stunning kitchens and bedrooms. Become inspired and assured, There are so many clever new systems available including the sleek hidden bin system.

Reface or Totally New

• FREE Home Plan & Design Service • Complete project installation

tiling, plastering, electrics, gas, plumbing, flooring (certified to regulation requirements)

• Established 25 years • Kitchen reface specialist (Simply replace your old doors & worktops)

Granite / Quartz Stone Worktops Available

New Showroom: 33 Market Street, Oakengates, Telford TF2 6EL

FREE Designer LED Kitchen Lights with all complete kitchen orders booked by 31-3-16

worth £250 (T&C’s apply) Please present this advert

Tel: 01952 616166

www.dreamkitchens-bedrooms.co.uk 73

More than 4,000 Responses More than 4,000 views and responses on Telford & Wrekin Council’s budget proposals were made during a four-week public consultation on the Council’s most difficult budget ever.

Telford & Wrekin must make £30 million of cuts, as Government grant to the Council continues to be cut, next year by another 20%. This is against a background of the Council already making £80 million worth of cuts since 2010. The Council says that it must cut many services the community relies on, with a number of proposals due to come into force by April 2017 including the Council stopping running community centres, a number of children’s centres and many of its libraries. It is also talking to a range of organisations in the borough to seek new ways that community groups or partners could run these services. These discussions are progressing well and in areas such as Hadley and Dawley local town and parish councils have said already they would come forward and take on running some services. The Council received a total of 4,013 responses and comments during the consultation. The majority of these were made using the Council’s budget survey, while hundreds of people came and gave their views at a range of roadshow events across the borough at locations including supermarkets and Telford bus station.

Innovative Design. Bespoke Solutions. Affordable Prices.

IN BUDGET CONSULTATION

This feedback from people will help shape the Council’s decisions on whether it increases Council tax above the Government-assumed 2% increase for adult social care services and whether it alters any of its proposed cuts. More details on these will be published very shortly. Cllr Lee Carter, cabinet member for finance, said: “Given the cuts we have to make and that these threaten many services that the public greatly value, it’s no surprise that we have had this level of response. “We’re looking at people’s views in more depth and the public’s views will help us with decisions around the Council’s budget and council tax. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to give their views and came and spoke with me or my cabinet colleagues at the many events we held during the consultation. “My experience was that while people don’t like what we have to do, residents understand that, given the scale of cuts in Government grant, we have no choice.”

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

C O O L

Indulge Interiors Limited

01952 354615

112 Wharf Road • Gnosall • ST20 0DA

w w w. i n d u l g e i n t e r i o r s . c o . u k

kitchens • bathrooms • bedrooms

W A R M

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Don't move... improve!

Create that extra space for you and your family with a new conservatory or garage conversion

THE COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY At R & R Services we manufacture our conservatories and windows in-house so they really are bespoke. At R & R Services we have everyone under one roof so we can convert your garage into that extra space you've always wanted - playroom, bedroom, living room, study or den - with our own reliable plumbers, electrciains, brick layers etc...

• Bespoke Conservatories • Orangeries • High Quality Secure Windows • Doors & Distinctive Porches

Call Rob T: 01952 610999 M: 07703 270177

www.randrserv.co.uk

• Extensions & Garage Conversions • Facias Soffits & Guttering

Stoves, Fires, Surrounds & Accessories

Full fitting service for wood burners and gas/electric fires Authorised dealers for: Stovax, Woodwarm, Dean Forge, Hunter, Dimplex, Legend & Gazco

Admaston Firecraft Centre Visit our showroom: Est: 21 Years 6a The Merrythought Village, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7NJ FREE PARKING T: 01952 433355

NEW Stovax Inset Wood Burning Stove ~ 'The Elise' • High Efficiency • Compliant with new 2022 regulations • Come and view at our showroom

E: admastonfirecraft@mail.com

www.admastonfirecraftcentre.co.uk

Electrical Contractors A friendly family business offering a reliable and competitive service by fully insured NICEIC Registered Electricians

LIGHTS SOCKETS

• • • • • • • •

All Electrical Work Undertaken Fuse board upgrades House Rewires Security Alarms (Wired & Wireless) CCTV TV Aerial Upgrades Electrical Safety Reports Flat Screen TVs, Wall Mounted Installations “No Wires to be Seen”

01952 272382

SUDOKU’S

LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION Do you have leaflets or flyers that you would like delivered with this magazine?

Easy

Prices from £40 per 1000 WE CAN ALSO DESIGN AND PRINT THEM FOR YOU TOO! For further details please contact

Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 E: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

Hard

HOME SERVICES

Family Run Business

CONTINUES TO GROW

Telford Maintenance operates from Telford Maintenance formally their base in Telford and so can known as R. S. Builders has always be close to their customers who can be found across the whole built up a great reputation in of Shropshire. the Shropshire area with over They provide free quotations and 30 years of experience in the also carry out insurance work as building industry. Richard well as providing a professional and friendly service. Naturally, all Stokes has changed the name their work is fully guaranteed. of the company to Telford As Telford Maintenance has such Maintenance Ltd in order to a wide range of skills to offer it means they can do the whole job reflect more accurately the for you without having to call in focus of his activities and has New kitchen, lighting and design - all carried out other trades. The type of work they by Telford Maintenance Ltd cover includes fitted bathrooms now been joined by his son and kitchens, general property maintenance, Certified electrical Pete, who brings new skills with the introduction of and plumbing installations, CCTV, audio visual solutions, CCTV and much more. repairs and maintenance, plastering, carpentry, insurance work, Richard, Pete and their team put the success of the business down to having both the experience and expertise to make sure that everything they take on is completed to the highest standard of workmanship and professionalism. The company is a family run business providing a wide range of services to both domestic and commercial customers. Telford Maintenance is fully insured and can offer all risk assessments and method statements as well as meeting all commercial requirements.

decking, painting, slabbing, paving, locksmith work, ground works, roofing, brick and block work and much more.

Telford maintenance is also an authorised installer of Hikvision CCTV products, the world’s largest camera manufacturer, providing excellent security solution for your home or work at an affordable cost. You can view testimonials from satisfied customers and also photos of some of the work carried out by Telford Maintenance Ltd by visiting their web site: www.telfordmaintenance.co.uk

There’s no job too small so just call 01952 201180

We undertake any work around the House & Home We provide a reliable & friendly service at a competitive price All our work is fully insured and guaranteed Established for over 30 Years

Visit our website to view photos of some of our latest work

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Property Maintenance Fitted Bathrooms & Kitchens Electrical Work Slabing & Paving Plumbing Carpentry Decking Painting Ground Works Roofing Brick & Block Work Plastering & Insurance Work Home Audio Visual Solutions CCTV & Security

www.telfordmaintenance.co.uk

9 Colliford Close Priorslee Telford TF2 9RZ

T: 01952 201180

M: 07973 612 222

richard@telfordmaintenance.co.uk

Safely access your loft!

for ONLY

£399

Fully Fitted

This price is for a standard height ceiling with an 8ft drop, width 22-30” ♦♦ We provide a convenient and safe way to access your loft. ♦♦ Each ladder has a 10 year parts guarantee and can be installed in approx. 2-3 hours. Manufactured to ISO 9002 Standard

♦♦ We offer a loft boarding service if required at an additional cost.

The Local Distributor & Installer for

For more information visit: www.stira.co.uk

PHONE TO ARRANGE A FREE QUOTE

T: 01952 282152 or 07817 431505

DOMESTIC / COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL

OVER 39 YEARS EXPERIENCE SBS Torch on Felts Fibreglass Roofing with 15-20 Year Guarantee Repairs - All Work Fully Guaranteed Free Estimates All Guttering Work Undertaken uPVC Fascias & Soffits

T: 01952 677267 M: 07970 112261 E: mr.roofing@hotmail.co.uk

22 St Matthews Road, Donnington Wood, Telford TF2 7NT

Signs and Symbols 1. What is the only sign of the zodiac that has a symbol that isn’t a living thing or things? 2. In which Irish town might you see welcome signs saying “you’ve come a long way” in reference to a song written in 1912? 3. Released in 2011, Ed Sheeran’s debut album had a title that consisted solely of which mathematical symbol? 4. What symbol appears on the triangular road sign that warns of a hidden dip? 5. Derived from the fact that it looks like four Greek gamma letters fixed to each other, the gammadion cross is an alternative name for what symbol? 6. On a standard UK keyboard, the pound sign appears on the same key as which number? 7. What five letter word do you get if you put together the chemical symbols for the elements Tungsten, Silver and Einsteinium? 8. The ampersand symbol evolved from combining the two letters of which Latin word? 9. On British roads, what animal features on a road sign warning of wild animals? 10. Which famous sign had a letter “L” covered up briefly in 1987 due to a visit by Pope John Paul II?

HOME SERVICES

Clean up with

SUTHERLANDS CLEAN CARPETS

EMERGENCY FLOOD WATER EXTRACTION Available

NOW incorporating A1 Carpet Cleaning

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2 Bedroom Semi-House - All Carpets From £85 3 Bedroom Semi-House - All Carpets From £95 4 Bedroom Semi-House - All Carpets From £105 Single Room From £30 Additional Rooms From £18 Minimum Invoice £30

DELUXE CLEANING ALSO AVAILABLE For Product Information or for a FREE Estimate Call

STEWART or KEVAN SUTHERLAND on: 07454 017249 or 01952 403179 We offer a price promise to beat any ‘like for like’ quote on upholstery or carpets (economy or deluxe clean).

PLUMBER A Watson (ACIPHE) Registered Plumber

Home Improvements & Maintenance

Full Installation of Kitchens & Bathrooms - Including all Plumbing, Tiling (floor & wall), Electrics & Gas as required For a no obligation quotation

Andy on

01952 529765 68 Barn Road, Shifnal Email: mwats@blueyonder.co.uk

DARWIN GLASS & GLAZING

Complete Glass and Glazing Service ;; 24hr Boarding Up Service ;; Broken Glass Replaced ;; Same Day Repair ;; Replacement Double Glazed Units ;; Secondary Glazing ;; uPVC Windows & Locks ;; Window and Door Maintenance ;; Glass & Mirrors Cut to Size ;; Mirror Etching ;; Safety Filming for Glass

Broken

Glass?

19 Years Experience

1 Hour Response Time to Most Areas Misted Do uble Glaz Can be contacted at anytime ing? day or night - 24hr Response Will Beat any Genuine Like for Like Quote

Call Dave on 07974 499507 or 01952 780200 Email: darwinglassandglazing@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.darwinglassandglazing.co.uk

Easter Weekend Join the residents at Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge in Shropshire as they celebrate Easter in traditional Victorian style with egg dancing and rolling, plus an Easter chick trail, egg hunt and Easter bonnet parade, all taking place daily between Friday, 25th and Monday 28th March. A highlight will be the unusual pastime of egg dancing held opposite the town’s Print Shop at 11am every morning. Once blindfolded, the townsfolk will dance across the street without stepping on eggs that are carefully placed along their route. Have-a-go after the demonstration and win a yummy chocolate reward for completing the course without stepping on an egg! Then try your hand at decorating eggs in the Goods Shed between 11am and 1pm ready to compete in the egg rolling championship on The Green at 3pm, with more chocolate prizes for owners of the winning eggs. And remember to wear your best Easter Bonnet to join in the traditional parade at 2pm; the town’s milliner will be judging the finest creations in the Pleasure Gardens.

EGG DANCING, EGG ROLLING AND EASTER BONNET PARADE dipping - using Victorian techniques to make multi-coloured candles to take home; a lesson in the school house at 12noon and a ride on the horse-drawn bus between 1.30pm and 3pm, while a self-led Easter chick trail and Easter egg hunt will be on offer throughout each day. There’s also a sing-a-long in the New Inn between 1pm and 4pm. Tuesday 29th March – Sunday 10th April: Easter school holidays As the Victorians enjoyed Easter so much, they celebrated it beyond the core weekend so the fun will continue throughout the school holidays. Most of the activities will continue between Tuesday, 29th March and Sunday, 10th March plus egg and spoon races at 2pm on The Green (the Easter bonnet parade, egg decorating and rolling and Easter egg hunt will take place over the weekend only). For further information call the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk and www. tims.org.uk.

Other family activities include candle

WORDWHEEL

Painting & Decorating

W. E. Dunne Interior & Exterior Work No Job Too Big or Small Over 30 Years Experience City & Guilds Qualified FREE Estimates Contact: Will

Dunne

01952 610443 / 07774 766484 Email: wedunnedec@btinternet.com 4 Kingston Road, Trench, Telford TF2 7HT 80

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 65 or more words Good: 52 words Fair: 47 words

A P

B S

E M L

E H

HOME SERVICES

10% Discount with this advert

Simons Decor

Neil D. Rogers

PAINTING

Interior & Exterior

DECORATING PAPER HANGING COVING WORK

Over 25 Years Experience

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

32 Years Experience City of Guilds Qualified

Contact Neil on: 01952 933 702 07800 665 596

Local, Reliable & Friendly Service

E:neilrogers711@yahoo.com

Call Simon on: Tel: 01952 413337 Mobile: 07969 690149 20 Pool Road, Trench, Telford TF2 6RL

Painting & Decorating

12 Gresham Drive, Newdale Lawley, Telford TF3 5ES

FREE

ESTIMATES

Ten Tips

TO BRING YOUR TREASURES BACK TO LIFE • Some antiques are valued for their patina and certain items – such as old coins – should never be polished. • Very old items may be more fragile than they look and may break if you clean them too vigorously. • If in any doubt, do some research or ask an expert.

Here are ten tips for restoring your vintage bargains: 1. To remove general grime from old prints, gently roll a piece of doughy, fresh bread over the surface.

In the 1980s I used to live near London’s famous Portobello Market, and every Saturday I would get up bright and early in order to trawl the brica-brac stalls, looking for things I could restore and sell. My speciality was Art Deco lamps. I would pick up old chrome stands, usually dulled from age and dirt, and replace the old wiring and rusty fittings. Finally I would polish the stands, fit them with suitable antique glass shades and sell them on to eager buyers. Those were the days before Portobello Market became the tourist trap it is today, and you could find anything from an old bicycle seat to the marble bust of some Victorian grandee. One day I came across a grimy wooden box - about the size of a shoebox – with four little drawers. At first glance it didn’t look like anything special, but on closer inspection I could see that some fine veneer work was visible in places under the cakedon dirt. The stallholder spotted my interest and said: “Ten quid. A bit of wire wool and some washing up liquid straight out of the bottle, and that’ll come up lovely.” I looked at him incredulously, but he was insistent. “If that don’t do the trick, bring it next Saturday and I’ll give yer fifteen quid back.” Coming from one of Portobello’s hard-nosed old dealers, this was a truly remarkable offer, so I paid up. At home I nervously donned a pair of rubber gloves, grabbed a pad of steel wool and a bottle of washing up liquid and began to carefully rub away the dirt. Within minutes I discovered to my amazement that the box was covered with an intricate inlaid marquetry pattern, laid out in different wood veneers. After several hours of cleaning and polishing, the reward for my work was a beautiful antique that positively glowed in different shades of brown and yellow. Even today it’s still one of my prized possessions. While the experience of restoring my Portobello bargain was exciting, using detergent and steel wool on fine wood would probably make most experts tear out their hair. It may help to bear the following points in mind before you start out on your own projects: • Make sure you are not affecting the potential value of the object by using harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths.

2. To remove old, rusted-in screws, first clean around screw head edges, heat the screw head with a hot air gun, then turn the screw a little TIGHTER, before undoing (use caution with heat if the object has a varnished or painted finish). 3. Age marks on porcelain can be removed by soaking overnight in baby bottle sterilising liquid. 4. Use Steradent tablets to get rid of water marks in old glass vases. 5. For a bright shine, polish chrome with baby oil and cotton wool. 6. To clean a gilded object, use a clean white cotton cloth, cotton balls or Q-tips, and the barest amount of clean, cool water. After you have dampened the cleaning material, remove excess moisture on a dry piece of cloth before you apply it. 7. Rub undiluted household bleach into dirty hairline cracks in pottery and rinse off, to reduce the crack’s visibility. 8. Use half a lemon and salt to clean brass and copper items. This method is especially good for a flat surface, such as an antique tray. Apply, rinse off, dry carefully and clean with impregnated wadding, polishing finally with a soft cloth. Avoid polishing with man-made fibres as they may scratch the surface: a piece of old silk is ideal. 9. To repair a pottery item, clean the pieces with a mixture of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water and let them dry completely. Apply clear, slow-setting two part epoxy glue and hold the pieces in place with modelling clay so they don’t fall apart whilst drying. 10. Remove dust and dirty marks on old leather by dipping an artist’s paintbrush in methylated spirits. Use the meths sparingly and work on a small area at a time. Whenever you carry out a restoration project, you should decide whether you want to keep the item or sell it on before you get started. If you want to keep it, you can restore it to your personal taste. Should you wish to sell it, it’s wise to do some research on the current market before you start the restoration. Although it may seem strange, some buyers may actually want the rust stains and marks of use that show an item has been handled and loved for many years.

by Kate McLelland

HOME SERVICES

ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS, FASCIAS & CONSERVATORIES REPAIRED, REPLACED & CLEANED

NO JOINTS MEANS NO LEAKS

25 YEAR GUARANTEE NO VISABLE PLUS A 10 YEAR COLOUR-FAST GUARANTEE BRACKETS

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OR JOINTS

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Before

After

No Job too big or small we do it all!

A GREAT WAY TO IMPROVE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME! For more details and a no obligation estimate then call Clint on:

01952 406171 / 07973 333323

View our gallery of work on our Website and Facebook

e: info@telfordseamlessgutters.com www.tsgroofing.co.uk

SHAW CLEAN

TSG Roofing

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CHILDREN & ACTIVITIES

Local Writer

LAUNCHES HER DEBUT CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK

Would your child like to read a riveting horsey tale about friendship, making memories, and finding yourself at a sun-soaked, sea-tossed riding school? Then this is the book for them. Donnington local, South-African native, and mum-of-one Myra King has just launched her début children’s fiction book, Apley Towers: The Lost Kodas. The first book in the Apley Towers series for boys and girls aged 9+, The Lost Kodas follows the adventures of Kaela Willoughby and her friends at the Apley Towers riding school. According to Myra King: “Apley Towers is about girls who have grown up together and reach their teenage years to discover that they are going in different directions. The series is a dedication to the last great adventure with your childhood friends.” Just like the book characters, Myra spent her childhood days in the saddle in South Africa until a serious fall at the age of 19. After the accident, she took to writing and used her own riding experiences as inspiration.

Although Apley Towers lies over 7,000 miles away in the fictitious town of Port St. Christopher on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the riding school couldn’t be more familiar to the Telford natives. Apley Woods and the village of Apley inspired Myra when she first arrived in the UK. “The moment I set foot in Apley Woods, I knew I had found one of those truly magical places that poets spend all their lives searching for. I had to make it immortal.” In just a couple of weeks, Myra will be launching a box set of the first three books in the Apley series. To celebrate this release, we will be giving away a copy of the first book in the series.

TO WIN A COPY Please email us telling us the title of the new book, along with your name and address. Email: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk (please put Myra King in the subject) Closing date: 15-3-16

CHILDREN & ACTIVITIES

IRONBRIDGE MUSEUMS 01952 433424 email tic@ironbridge.org.uk The IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS Coalbrookdale Telford Shropshire TF8 7DQ

EASTER FUN ACTIVITIES

Join in fun workshops & activities from 25 March - 10 April

www.ironbridge.org.uk for details

Swim

Life

an d im pr ov er s s er nn gi be r fo s on ss le g in m m S wi Get your child to learn an essential skill which is fun, healthy and could save their life. Swimming opens the door to other sports and activities such as scuba diving, rowing and sailing and could even open the door to your child becoming the next Olympic or Paralympic champion! See your child grow in confidence - track their progress and achievements. New direct debit packages available.

Swimming Lessons are available at our fantastic four pools: • Abraham Darby Sports and Leisure Centre • Newport Swimming pool • Oakengates Leisure Centre • Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre

Book your child’s lessons today www.telfordandwrekinleisure.co.uk/ swim4life

MOVIES

DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT After the earth-shattering revelations of "Insurgent," Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known in order to find a peaceful solution for their embroiled city. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love. Release Date: 11th March 2016 Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction Cast Members: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller

ZOOTROPOLIS

In the city of ‘Zootropolis’, all animals live together peacefully – predator and prey. In this world where humans never existed, the first rabbit police officer must prove her worth. New to the city and to the job, Judy Hopps is as bouncy and enthusiastic as you’d expect. But her colleagues don’t take her seriously, and she’s assigned to parking duty. When Nick, a fast-talking fox, is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, he and Judy go on the run to uncover a conspiracy. From the creators of ‘Wreck-It Ralph’, ‘Zootropolis’ imagines a world where animals took over in our absence. Turns out it’s not so different after all! Release Date: 25th March 2016 Genre: Action, Adventure, Animated, Family Cast Members: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons

COMING SOON... BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE

Fearing the actions of Superman is left unchecked, Batman takes on Superman, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat Doomsday is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis. Release Date: 25th March 2016 Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Cast Members: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

With political pressure mounting to make the Avengers accountable to someone and rein in their collateral damage, ‘Captain America: Civil War’ brings our heroes to blows over the regulations. Tony Stark supports the idea of a governing body for the team. Steve Rogers wants them to be independent and able to help people without interference. Having saved the world together twice, these new rules drive a wedge between them and turn the Avengers against each other. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will never be the same again after ‘Captain America: Civil War’: it’s time for the Avengers to disassemble. Release Date: 29th April 2016 Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller Cast Members: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson Please note that release dates are subject to change and some previews may be shown earlier.

Admaston

at Admaston House Comm. Centre: Mon: Yoga; 6-9.30pm, Cubs 6.30-8pm, Bollywood Dancing 7.30-8.30pm. Tue: Pushchair people 9.30am-12pm, Guitar lessons 4.30-7pm, Brownies 5.30-6.45pm, Guides 7-8.30pm, Rangers 7-8.30pm, Men’s alpha 7-9pm. Wed: Painting 10-12, T.C.A.T. Public lunch 10.30-1pm, WI 2-4pm (1st Wed of mth), Weight Watchers 6-7.30pm, Beavers 6-8pm, T.C.A.T. Cooking around the world 6-8pm Thu: Coffee morning 10-12.30pm, Scouts 7-9pm, Explorers (age14-18) 7.309.30pm, Ladies alpha 7.30-9.30pm. Fri: Mini mud pies 10-12, Community cafe 9.30-2pm, Youth club 7.30-9pm If you would like further info. on above visit www.admastonhouse.org.uk or contact Derrick Powell on 01952 247908

Church Aston

Church Aston Gardening Club meets the 3rd Mon monthly 8pm, Church Aston Church Hall. New Members welcome. Sylvia 01952 812092 Crafty Sew and Sews - we meet for sewing, knitting and other crafts at the Church Hall, Church Aston on Tuesdays from 2-4pm. New members welcome. Church Aston Thursday Club meet fortnightly Thu afternoon 2pm till 4pm, speakers, outings. Contact Sylvia 01952 402744 or 812092 at Church Aston Village Hall: Mon: 10-11am Zumba, 11.30-12.30 Beg. Pilates, 2-4pm U3A Sewing/Craft Grp (alt.wks), 7-10pm Whist Tue: 10-12 Tai Chi, 6.30-9.30pm Line Dancing Wed: 9.30-10.25 Easy Tone, 10.30-11.15 Kettle Bell Class, 4.30-4.30 Kids Dance Classes, 7-10pm Whist Thu: 2-4pm Whist, 6-8pm Cubs Fri: 2-4pm Tea dance, 4.15-6 Twinkle toe dance, 6-7 Beavers, 7-8 Scouts Sun: 2nd Sun of Mth. Table Top Sale 11-1. Amanda 07905 528438 to book (No sale Aug and Nov is 3rd Sunday). From 7pm Ballroom Dance Lessons

Dawley

Dawley Traditional Market - Every Friday, Meadow Rd car park. Contact 01952 380934 Telford Christian Fellowship, Christian Worship & Prayer for Healing, Sun 10:30am-12pm at the Dawley Hse, 2 Burton St, Dawley TF4 2ES. Contact Giles Higgins 01952 272961 www. tcfonline.org.uk Dawley Christian Centre: Mon: 5-8pm Brownies & Rainbows, Tue: 9.30-11.30 - Stay & play groups for under 5’s Wed: Slimming World at 9.30am, Call Celia on 07575 123666 Fri: 2-4pm - Computer Club (3rd Fri each mth) 9am-12pm Table Top Sale

Donnington

Oakengates Rangers Colts U11’s Football Club - are looking to recruit male and female players for the 2014/2015 season - if you are currently aged 10-11 please feel free to come along.Training every Thursday, 6pm to 7:30pm at Donnington football pitches (near Little Theatre). Contact Nik: 07506 722488 or Saul: 07411 467341. Telford Sea Cadets – Tue & Thu nights 6.45-9pm, Cadets is for ages 12-18, Juniors 10-11. See website for details or contact us by email: Telford.seacadets@ yahoo.com Thu - The Creation Station ‘Little

Explorer’ pre-schooler arts & crafts sessions. Cordingley Hall, Wellington Road. 10.15 to 11.05 (term-time) Call to book your place 0844 854 9128. at Donnington Methodist Church: 2nd Sunday of every month - Messy Church (3-4.30pm). Everyone invited. If you are a child you will need to bring an adult with you! An hour of fun, games & craft activities, don’t wear your best clothes. Donations welcomed. We don’t expect you to belong to a church.

Edgmond

at Edgmond Village Hall (Contact Anne Green 01952 814312 or Denise Bishop 07718 424957 for further details): 7th Nov Talk and Tea at 3pm. Two interesting talks covering “World War 1 Battle Sites” and “My days in the RAF” with tea and scones during the break. 29th Nov Christmas Fair 11am-4pm. Numerous stalls and refreshments.

Hadley

Telford Hot Trax Radio Controlled Car Club - Meets every Wednesday at Hadley Learning Centre @ 7.30pm to 10pm. Contact: 07834 808943 Hadley Traditional Market - Wed every week, Hadley Local Centre. Contact 01952 380934 Telford Wine Making & Home Brewing Club - at Hadley Rest Rooms, (by the Sikh Temple) on the 1st Thu of month 7.45 to 8pm. For info contact Chris Hall on 01384 345408 or Sharon on sharon_ collins75@yahoo.com Wrekin and Telford Singers meet at Hadley Methodist church every Friday at 7.30pm. We are a mixed choir with no audition. Visitors wishing to come and listen in are most welcome.

Horsehay

Horsehay and District Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 3rd Mon of each month at Horsehay Village Hall at 7.30pm. Call 01952 503535 for more info. Horsehay Methodist Church - coffee morning on Wed 10.30-noon. Parents & toddlers on Fri mornings 10-11.30am. Youth group Fri 7-8.30pm (10 to 14 yr olds) National Organisation of the Widowed - meet every 4th Wednesday of the month at Horsehay Village Hall at 7.30pm. Anyone interested call Keith on 01952 598924 or Doreen on 01952 502551.

Lawley

Learn to Play Bridge - at Lawley Community Centre. For further information contact Peter Seager on 01952 419999 Lawley WI meet on the 1st Tue of every month at 7.15pm StJohn’s Church Hall at Lawley. For more info. call Jill Gould on 01952 597994.

Lilleshall

Lilleshall Women’s Institute - Open to all age groups - speakers, demonstrations, refreshments and raffle. At Lilleshall Memorial Hall 3rd Tue of month 7.30pm. Guests £2 per session. Contact Francis Taylor 01952 604718

Madeley

Madeley Art Club - meets every Mon (exc. Bank Hols), 9:30am-12 noon @ Jubilee Hall, Madeley - all over 55’s welcome. For more info call Aneita on 01952 590304. Madeley Traditional Market - Tue & Sat – every week, Russell Square. Contact 01952 380934 Life Drawing - every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm at Jubilee House, Madeley. Excellent tutor. For more info. call the WEA 01952 614451 or email telfordcentre@wea. org.uk. 1st Wed each month - Madeley

Townswomen Guild meets 7.30pm at the Common Room, Bridle Court, Bridle Rd. Madeley, TF7 5SG Contact 01952 878069.

Muxton

Muxton Movers walking group - meet on a Tue & Thu evening, 7.15pm at Muxton School for an hour of fairly flat walking. Sundays, at 6.30pm, cover approx. 7 miles, in 1.5hrs. New members are welcome! at St John’s Church Muxton: Mon: Painting Club 2-4pm (term time), 4.15om onwards Blue Branches Drama Academy Tue: Tiny Tots (10am, 1pm term time), Rainbows - followed by Brownies & Guides Wed: In Stitches 2pm (1st & 3rd Wed) Embroiderers Guild 8pm (every 4th Wed) Muxton Ladies 7.45pm (1st Wed each mth) Thu: Afternoon Fellowship 2.30-4pm monthly & Beacon 7.45pm Fri: Lunch Club Over 50’s (1st Fri of mth) Sub:Zero – Youth Cafe, yrs7+ 4-6pm Sat: Young Embroiderers (Mthly), Prayer Breakfast (bi-monthly) Available for hire for parties etc.. Sun: Church Services 11am Available for hire for parties etc.. If you would like further info. on the above activities - contact the church on 01952 670033

Newport

15th Mar (Tue) - U3A Newport - next meeting 2pm at The Royal British Legion Club, Audley Avenue, Newport. Carolyn Bailey will present "If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen" - a light-hearted look at life in the police force in the 1970's. Visitors are welcome. Admission £1. Newport (SALOP) and District Male Voice Choir - seeking new members for well established friendly choir, meet 7.30pm on Mondays at Trinity Church Wellington Rd Newport. Novices are welcome, come along for a taster session. You do not to be a Tom Jones, just someone who can hold a note and fit in to the choir. For more infor visit our website, or call 01952 813267. Shropshire WIldlife Trust (Newport) meet 7.30-9pm on 2nd Tue of month (exc. Dec), Church Aston Church Hall, Newport TF10 9JG. £2 members, £3 non-members, inc. refreshments. The Dalen Singers is a small, friendly, mixed voice choir founded 30 years ago in Newport. Rehearsals on Tue evenings, 7pm at Trinity Church, Wellington Road, Newport. If you would like to meet us just come to rehearsals, you will be very welcome, or ring secretary 01952 811741 for more information. Used Toner Cartridges - Shrewsbury Music Therapy Trust are collecting and recycling used printer ink-jet cartridges in order to raise funds to support children with learning difficulties. Drop off at Card n Play (High Street, Newport), box towards back of the shop. Dressmaking Classes at Cosy Hall, Newport on Thu’s - 10am-12.30pm and 7.30-9.30pm ‘Saturday Sewing Bee’ 2-5pm, monthly. Details and booking contact Catherine on 01952 276061. catherine@lovedressmaking.co.uk www.facebook.com/lovedressmaking Toy Library in Cottage Care Centre, Newport, every Friday 9.45-11.30, preschool age. Contact Steve Ravenscroft 01952 811935 or just call in. Newport RNA Club - Excellent venue with warm friendly atmosphere. Function room for hire. Mon - bridge club, Tue - open mic, Wed - pool, Thu bingo, Fri - dominoes/quiz nights/live entertainment, Sat - live entertainment. Pay on door. Non-Members £3. 07772 611540 Newport French Evening Classes For

Adults - At Adams` Grammar School - Conversational Classes Thursdays. For further info call Lynn on 01952 812944 or email lynnjones2@freeuk.com Serendipity Singles, 45+, established in Shropshire, now meeting in Newport. Full details from 07704 792610 Newport Scouts, Longford Road HQ. Beavers, Thu’s at 6pm; Cubs, Wed’s at 6pm; Scouts, Wed’s 7.30 pm. Contact: Liz on 07780 611260 Newport Flower Arranging Class - held every Thursday (starting 25th Sep14) 1:30-3pm at Newport Cricket Club. Qualified teacher, all welcome, inc. beginners. Contact Catherine Bentley on 01952 811989. The Guild of Silk Painters - meetings are held from 7-9.30pm on the third Monday of each month atCosy Hall, Water Lane Newport. Contact - Margaret 01785 254803, Diana 01785 223339 or Anethia 01952 813101. Female 77 - Meetings held every Wednesday during term time at Newport Cottage Hospital 8pm. Speakers,demonstrations and outings. New members welcome. Contact Chris 01952 811533 Newport Wine Appreciation Group meet from 7pm-9pm on Tue’s at Cosy Hall, Newport. Beginners and more experienced enthusiasts welcome. Contact Geoff on 01743 884658 Newport Life Drawing and Figure Sculpting Workshops – Saturday mornings at Adams’ Grammar School. For further information please call Michael on 07528489320 or email michaeljamespotter@hotmail.co.uk Newport Farmers’ Market – 3rd Thu of every month, The Square and The Buttercross, Newport – Contact Tel 01952 380934 Newport Town Brass Band rehearse at Harper Adams University every Wednesday. 7:30 - 9:30pm. All players welcome. Contact via: newportband@ blueyonder.co.uk Newport Trefoil Guild meets monthly on a Thursday at Cosy Hall, Water Lane. All members/ex members of Girl Guiding welcome. Contact Cris 01952 253960 for further details. Newport Photographic Club - meet 7.45pm on Tues (Sep-Jun) in the Baptist Church Hall in Water Lane, Newport. See www.newportphotoclub.com for details. Pitchcroft & Church Aston WI - Meetings held 3rd Wed of month in Church Hall, Church Aston at 7.30 pm. Variety of speakers & demonstrations. Guests admission is £3.50. Contact Sheila Johnstone 01952 820294 for further details.

Oakengates

Table top sale - first Saturday of each month, 10am -12pm at the Holy Trinity Church in Wrockwardine wood and Oakengates. Contact Tanya May 07990 767855 (visit our facebook page for events: Holy Trinity Church Wrockwardine Wood) Oakengates Traditional Market Saturday – every week, Limes Walk. Contact 01952 380934. The Telford & District branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society hold a Monthly Social on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Salvation Army Hall in Oakengates. There is a short chair based exercise session followed by refreshments & a chance to chat - open to anyone affected by MS. Branch Helpline number: 07866 628593. Boys’ Brigade - Tue at Oakengates United Church - 6pm Anchor Boys’, 7pm Junior Boys’ Brigade (Contact: 01952 608007). Fri 7pm Company Section open to boys and girls year 7+. (Alan Talbot on 01952 612075) Oakengates Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 4th Thu of each month at the United Reform Church at 7pm. Call 01952 261 207 for more info.

COMMUNITY & WHATS ON

Priorslee

Sewing Machine Classes - Every Tuesday at Priorslee Primary Academy, 7pm -9pm. All abilities welcome, beginners courses and led activities. Call Nicky on 01952 201502 for more details. Tea & Natter at St. Peter’s Church, Church Rd, Priorslee, 2pm-3pm, bring & buy with a draw. Every 4th Thu of the month. Come and join us for a chat with drinks & refreshments 50p – all are welcome. AgeUk over 60’s Pub Lunch Club at the Flaming Grill, Priorslee, meet 2nd Monday of each month. Please contact Pauline Comley for further details 01952 200359 Family Praise at St Peters Church, Church Rd, Priorslee: All-Age Worship, 2nd Sunday of each month, 1/2hour service, 10-10:30am, ideal for children! Contact Chris Harris 07941 961461 or email stpeterspriorslee@btinternet.com Priorslee Lions Chess Club - Monday nights from 7:30pm - The Lion, Shifnal Road, Priorslee www.priorsleelionschessclub.co.uk Whist Drive - Every Sat, at Priorslee Scout Hut, 7.15pm prompt - everyone welcome, Call 01952 242009 for details. Carers` Group meets every last Tue of month, 2.30-4.30pm at the Old Fire Station, Shifnal. Contact Ivy 01952 750228 (day only) for more details. at Redhill Primary School - more details from Tim Carter, tim.carter@podchurch. org.uk: GodStories: Families exploring Bible stories together – craft, drama, story telling, and cake. 1st Sunday of the month, 4:30–6pm. Alpha Cafe: Explore some of the big questions of life together over afternoon tea/coffee. Activities for children. Chilled family Sunday afternoon out. 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month, 4:305:30pm. Sunday Afternoon Thing: Relaxed, family friendly, church get together for worship, prayer and Bible teaching, with PeaPods group for younger children. 3rd Sunday of month, 4:30-6pm.

Shawbirch

Shawbirch Community Centre: Mon-Fri: Little Chicks Pre-School 9am - 3pm Mon: Youth Club 10-15 yrs (6–8pm) Wed: Bridge Club (7pm – 10pm) Fri: Telford Stage School - 5.45pm The community centre is available to hire evenings & weekends. For further info. call 01952 248538.

Shifnal

15th Mar - Shifnal Townswomen's Guild AGM. Sophie Thorpe will also speak briefly on her forthcoming trip to Nepal. For more details, please conact shifnaltg@hotmail.co.uk or 01952 460782. 22nd Mar (Tue) – Wrekin U3A. 2pm, Shifnal Village Hall. ‘The Walled Garden at Attingham Park’ by A member of staff at Attingham Park. 19th Apr (Tue) - Shifnal Townswomen's Guild meet in Shifnal Village Hall at 7-30p.m.; Jim Martin will be speaking on 'All Wills and Trusts'. Visitors very welcome (£2 fee). For more info, contact shifnaltg@hotmail.co.uk or 01952 460782. 26th Apr (Tue) – Wrekin U3A. 2pm, Shifnal Village Hall. ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’ by Wrekin U3A Groups. Shifnal Senior Citizens meet every Friday afternoon in the Social Club in Curriers Lane, Shifnal at 2-4pm Membership £6 per year. All Senior Citizens are welcome. Shifnal Tots and Toddlers meet every Thursday 9:15am til 11am in term time at the Youth Club, Bridgnorth Road. Children 4 years and under with their carers welcome. Shifnal Tennis Club - Social play every Mon & Wed 6.30 onwards. New

members always welcome including beginners or ‘back to tennis’ , junior coaching available throughout the week. Contact Merill Holt 07762 15270 or Head Coach Ian Gillespie 07761 970759 for juniors. LIVE AT HOME - Support for older people offering friendship and company, activities and entertainment, outings and visits, theatre trips and exercise. Contact Rachel on 01952 879873 Shifnal ART Group - Fri’s 10am-12. £5. Senior Citizens Hall, Curriers Ln. T&C. contact Jim 01952 463211. Get Shifnal On Line - Free computer lessons are on offer from local volunteers in Shifnal library. If you have no knowledge of computers, but would like to learn at your own pace, call 07805 632225. Shifnal Crime Prevention Panel meets on the 4th Wednesday each month at 8pm at the Park House. Anyone interested in keeping Shifnal’s crime figures low is welcome to attend. Contact 01952 462988 for details. Carers` Group meets every last Tue of month, 2.30-4.30pm at the Old Fire Station, Shifnal. Contact Ivy 01952 750228 (daytimes only) for more details. Shifnal Men’s Link - Meet 3 times a year (Feb, Jun & Oct) at Haughton Hall for a meal with a guest speaker. Contact Chris Blake on 01952 463171 or email: info@shifnal-mens-link.co.uk Shifnal Ladies Link - Meet 3 times a year (Feb, Jun & Oct) at Haughton Hall for a meal with a guest speaker. Contact Sue Blake on 01952 463171 or email: info@ shifnal-ladies-link.co.uk Stagekids of Shifnal - for 6–16s meet every Thu during term time at The Youth Club, Bridgnorth Rd, Shifnal, 6–11 yr olds meet at 6.45pm-8pm, 12–16 yr olds meet 8pm-9.45pm. Contact Sandra on 01952 462759 Shifnal Millennium Sensory Garden - The working party meets each month from March through to end of Nov on the 1st & 3rd Sat’s 9.30am-noon and the 2nd & 4th Thu’s 9.30am-noon. Enthusiastic helpers welcome as supervision given. Contact Pauline - 01952 460914 or Angela - 01952 462627 for more details or just turn up on the day. Shifnal Flower Club meet 4th Tue of every month at Shifnal Village Hall at 7.30pm. Professional Floral Art Demonstrations, Garden Visits & Outings, if you love flowers, come & join us. Call Sue Munslow on 01952 461076 Shifnal Flower Club Workshop is 3rd Tue of every month at Curriers Lane Room, Shifnal - 7.30pm. Learn how to produce your own floral arrangement. Members £2, non members £4. Call Chris Finlan on 01952 750312. Shifnal & District Male Voice Choir meet on Thu at 7.30pm at Idsall School (6th form common room). New recruits welcome. Contact Ged Heyes on 01952 586968, for further details. St Andrews Church, Shifnal - Every Tue 10am – 12 noon Coffee and a listening ear in the Brooke Room. Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal - Every Wednesday 10am - 12 noon all welcome to drop in for a drink & a chat. Ladybirds tots and toddlers meet every Friday from 10-11.30am at Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal. All children under 5 and their carers are welcome. St Mary’s Church Presbytery, Victoria Road, Shifnal - Coffee Morning every Thu. All welcome for a drink and a chat.

St Georges

3rd Mar - Wrekin Historical Group meets at St Georges Council Rooms at 7.30 - Gillian Reynolds discusses Telfords Emerging Heritage at St Georges Methodist Church: Mon - 4pm Rainbows / 5.45pm Brownies (Contact: 01952 293944) Wed - Snedshill & District Over 60’s Club - meet 1pm (T: 618221 - Lois Bull) 1st Wed of every month - St Georges WI meet in the Church Hall at 7pm - contact Ede Robinson 01952 251467 for further details.

Thu - 6pm Guides / 7.45pm Morningside Ladies Choir (Contact 01952 619347) Thu - 9:30-11:30am - Little Fishes under 5’s group. For all pre-school children and their carers. Meets in the St Georges Methodist Church Hall. £1.50 per family to include snacks and drinks. Contact Kate on 07976 460777.

Trench

ATC meet at TA Centre, Territorial House, Trench, Telford between 18.45 - 21.30 every Tue & Thu night. Contact number for Sqn 01952 670720

Wellington

5th Mar (Sat) - Community History Day to be held at Wellington Library, 10am-2pm - displays by family & local history groups and Wrekin Local Studies Forum. Start your family tree with the community history volunteers. 12th Mar Wrekin & Telford SIngers Wrekin College Chapel Wellington. 7.30pm £7. Hallelujah chorus. Sunnycroft, 200 Holyhead Road, Wellington. Winter opening, House, garden & tearoom open 10.30am to 2pm Sat-Sun. 9th Apr - Telford Stamp, Card and Coin Fair, Belmont Hall, Wellington Centre, Telford, TF1 1LU, 10am to 3pm, free entry, good range of stalls, free valuations, buy and sell, refreshments. Free adjacent car park, train station close by, bus via Telford Centre to nearby local bus station. Further details from Bob Hemmings, T: 01694-720192. (Tables may be available.) Telford Railway Modellers Group Meets Mon to Thu 7.30-9pm. To find out more about us, our activities and how to join us, contact John Mason-Morris 0798 312 7434, email morris741@btinternet. com, or visit The Old Church Hall, Severn Drive, Dothill, TF1 3JP. Telford Lions Club - Meet on 2nd & 4th Monday each month at 8pm, at the Whitehouse Hotel, Watling Street, Wellington. To find out more about us, our activities and how to join us, t: 0845 833 9585 or email telford.lions@yahoo. com Car boot sale – Every Sunday, Victoria Road and Nailors Row car parks – Contact Tel 01952 380934 U3A Wellington - 2nd Thu of each Month meeting at Belmont Community Hall, Wellington - 2pm. Just come along and see what’s on offer, or visit our website. S.T.A.G.s (Strategic Tactical Adventure Gaming Society) one of the biggest wargaming clubs in the country. Historical as well as Sci/Fanasty wargaming. Open every other Sun from 11am to 15.30pm, first visit is free, we meet at Belmont Hall in Wellington. www.freewebs.com/telford_stags/ T 01952 417417 Questing Knight Games Severn Harmony Ladies Barbershop Chorus meets every Monday from 7.30-9.30pm at Wellington Methodist Church,New Street,TF1 1LU for singing and fun.For more info.contact Debbie Skeates 01952 201582 or Jean Larkin 01952 276470. Craft Fair - First Sat of month, at Belmont Hall (top of New Street), 10am - 3pm. Good quality handmade items, refreshments and free entry. Wellington Jade Singers ladies choir, meet weekly on Thu evenings 7.30-9.30pm Union Free Church Hall, Constitution Hill, Wellington, TF1 3BA, contact Chris Harris 07941 961461 or email jadesingers@btinternet.com Wrekin Arts Photographic Club meets every Friday at 8pm at the Belfrey Arts Centre Wellington (Sep to Jun). Details from Sheila Thomas on 01952 617170 or www.wrekinartspc.com Eyton & Wellington WI meet 2nd Wed of every month, 7.30pm at Wellington Civic Centre. Belmont Community Hall in Wellington - meet every Fri 11.45am-4pm - Over 50’s, tea, raffle, speakers, bingo etc.. £1.50 entry, also lunch available at £3.50 at 12pm - cooked on the premises. All

welcome. For further details contact Margaret Atkinson on 01952 877409. The Wellington Girls’ Brigade meet every Tue in term time from 6-8pm at Wellington Methodist Church. All girls welcome from 5yrs+. For more info. call Tracey on 01952 405178. Wellington Evening Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 1st Tue of each month at 7.30pm at Belmont Community Hall, Wellington. Visitors welcome. Call 413686 for more info. Wellington Central Townswomen’s Guild meet on the 2nd Tue of each month at 2.15pm at the Belmont Community Hall, Wellington. For more info call 01952 255438.

Other Areas

17th Apr - A Very Vintage Craft and Handmade Fair with Pop Up Tearoom. Free entry, various stalls, free parking, Grovenor Centre in Gnosall. 11-4pm. Parkinson’s Telford & Wrekin Support Group - We offer support and friendship to people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers. Come along to our friendly group, meet other people affected by Parkinson’s and get involved in a range of events and activities. Ketley Community Centre, 1-3pm on the last Tue of every month. T: 01952 253877 Telford Sign Cafe - want to practice your signing or are you a Deaf Sign Language user who would enjoy helping us! Enjoy a coffee and a chat. All abilities welcome. Meet 3rd Fri of month from 7pm, at The Home Organisation Coffee Shop, Lightmoor. Contact Nikki: nikkibackhouse@googlemail.com, 07791 724827 Learn to Sing - Various FREE workshops available to the MALE voice. Whether you can or can’t sing, don’t know if you can or just like to try it out. Contact Geoff Avis (PRO – Telfordaires) on 0845 463 1618 Wrockwardine and District Garden Club - Meet on 1st Thu of each month at Wrockwardine Village Hall at 7.30pm. Little Wenlock WI - meet 1st Wed of every month - in the Village Hall at 2pm, new members welcome - contact Diana on 01952 244136 for further details. Severn Sisters WI - Meet every 3rd Wednesday, 7pm at Longdon On Tern Village Hall. For further info contact Paula Pierce 07841 528543 Volunteer and Make a Difference - if you could help Guide Dogs locally with fundraising, sighted guiding or other volunteer roles, please contact Valerie Jobes on 01189 838 756 or valerie. jobes@guidedogs.org.uk. Further info can be found at www.guidedogs.org.uk. Temponilla a small S.A.T.B. vocal ensemble meet weekly on Thursday evenings 8-9.30pm at Sutton Hill Church, please see web www.temponilla. co.uk for calender of this years events, and contact details. The Wrekin Decorative and Fine Arts Society meets at the Cold War exhibition hall at RAF Cosford Air Museum on the 3rd Mon of the mth at 2pm. Visitors £5. Contact: Louise Nixon 01746 783517 - www.nadfas-wm.org.uk/ wrekin.html Telford and Wrekin Ladies Circle is all about fun and friendship – trying something new, relaxing with friends, fundraising & great days out. If you are between 18-45 and want to know more contact us at: tandwladiescircle@ hotmail.com - 07961 961475 or find us on Facebook. Wrekin Writers meet 3rd Sat of month 9 till noon. Large friendly group that’ll help to motivate you with your writing. Visit www.wrekinwriters.co.uk or call Darren on 01952 405178.

To submit an entry to this feature please email your details to: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk please put subject as WHATS ON on the email. (Space is VERY limited, so brief details ONLY)

Local Health, Sport

Admaston

Restrooms. New members VERY welcome, free trial available. For more details contact Peter on 01952 242873. Gymnastics Classes - Monday to Saturday, for beginners - advanced gymnasts. Contact: 07905 956644 or email shootingstarsonline07@ yahoo.com Piloxing (Boxing, Pilates & Dance) - Mon 6.30-7.30pm. Zumba - Thu 6.30-7.30pm. Hadley Methodist Church, £3.50. All abilities welcome! Debbie 07891 686812

at Admaston House Community Centre: Mon: Yoga (evenings) Contact Janet Evans on 01952 245983 Wed: Weight Watchers 5.30pm & 7pm For further info. on above contact Derrick Powell on 01952 247908 or visit www. admastonhouse.org.uk

Horsehay

Church Aston

‘Tap into Health’ - EFT tapping workshops. Relief from stress, pain and more. Wednesdays 10.30 - 11.30 at The Gorge Therapy & Training Centre. £5 or whatever you can manage on the day. Caroline 01952 881151 www.carolinerolling. com Mindful Meditation - Sooth mind, body and spirit. £5. At The GorgeTherapy & Training Centre. For more info contact: Diane 01952 881151 www.you-in-mind.co.uk 17th & 18th Jan - Reiki second degree, 21st & 22 Feb - Reiki first degree at The Gorge Therapy & Training Centre. For more information contact Angela at info@gorgetherapycentre.co.uk

at Church Aston Village Hall: Mon 10am-11am Zumba Wed 9.30-10.25am Easy tone - over 50s & beginners Wed 10.30am-11.15 - Kettlebells Class - all over body workout using kettle shaped weight. Contact Kim on 07795 225017 Mon 10-11am Zumba (easy) @ Village Hall with Nikki 07967 343728

Dawley

Touch Rugby - Telford RFC, Hinkshay Road, Telford TF3 3BZ. Wed 7pm ages 14 to adult Men and Women no previous experience required. £free. Just fun and fitness to be had! Ballroom Social Dance Class - Dawley Town Hall, Sun 7.30-10.30pm. Call Donna on 01952 567920 Dawley Phoenix Badminton Club meets on Tues 7-9pm at the Hadley Learning Community, Crescent Rd, Telford, TF1 5JU. We support a good club standard of play using feather shuttles. New members and visitors are welcome. Please come along on Club Night or contact Clive Roscoe on 07552 761896. Pilates Mon 7-8pm at Pheonix School. £30 block of 6 or £6 pay-as-you-go. Call Beryl on 01952 462896 or email beryl.feely@gmail.com. Mons’ - 8-10pm - The Ironmen & Severn Gilders Morris dance team – great fun, all welcome, men and ladies, at Phoenix School, Dawley (TF4 3DZ) Call us on 01952 728179 or visit www. ironmenandseverngilders.org Dawley Christian Centre: Mon - GKR Karate 6.30-8pm Tue - Keep Fit 10-11am, Badminton Grp 7-9pm Wed - Zumba 8-9pm Thu 9am-12pm Help 2 Quit Smoking

Donnington

Adult Yoga Classes - Tue evenings, 6:30 7:30pm, Casey's Cordingley Hall, Donnington, £5 per class. All fitness levels/abilities welcome, suitable for complete beginners. Contact Gill on 07852 144119 or email iandglitttleford@ btinternet.com

Hadley

Daisy Birthing classes: Active Antenatal classes on Sat 10-11:30am at HLC. Suitable for all pregnant mums. Email: janette-davey@ thedaisyfoundation.com or phone 07808 066786. Thu mornings at Telford Thai Boxing, Hadley 10-11am Yoga and 11:15-12:15pm Pilates. All ages and fitness levels welcome, including complete beginners. Contact - 07852 144119 or email iandglittleford@btinternet.com. Indoor Bowls - Mon & Tue 2-4pm, at Hadley

Slimming World (Wed 9:30am and Thu 5pm & 7pm) at Horsehay Golf Club, Wellington Rd, Horsehay, Telford TF4 3BT Call Paula on 07791 743509

Jackfield

Ketley

Stretch & Tone Class - Sunday 9-10am at Ketley Community Centre on Holyhead Road. Class is aimed at increasing and maintaining flexibility and can help with joint discomfort too. Classes are £3.50 and MUST be booked in advance due to demand for spaces. Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982 Over 50’s Class @ Ketley Methodist church, Waterloo Road, Ketley. Thursday 10-11am. Suits all fitness levels and is a great place to meet new people. £3 per session. Contact Cheryl on 01952 371325 or email cheryljauncey@yahoo. co.uk Slimming World - Ketley Methodist Church on Tue at 5.30 & 7.30pm.

Lawley

Baby Yoga at St. Johns Church Hall, Lawley – Mon 1-2pm, Adult Yoga Mon 8.15 to 9.15pm. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch.co.uk. www.mitchytitch.co.uk Mummy Movers - St Johns Church Hall, Wed: 7.30-8.30pm & Thu: 10.15-11.00am. Call: Laura 07929 154 536 / laura@mummymovers.com Website: www.mummymovers.com Stretch & Tone Class - Wed - Lawley Village Primary Academy - 6:30-7:30pm Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982, or email vikkiburnell@ymail.com.

Lightmoor Village

at Oak Tree Centre, Lightmoor Village: Mon: Hatha Yoga 7-8.30pm, drop-in £4 per session. Call/text Emma on 07590 437712 or emabyoga@yahoo.co.uk Wed: Help to Quit Smoking 5.30-6.30pm - for app’s call Rachel 07979 540496 Sat: Dance Classes 9-10.15am (7yrs+), 10.1511am (3-6yrs)

Leegomery

Slimming World - Wed 5.30pm & 7.30pm at Leegomery Community Centre. Call Pam on 07854-896515 for more details.

Lilleshall

Adult Yoga class, Mon 10-11am at the Memorial

Hall in Lilleshall. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch.co.uk. www. mitchytitch.co.uk Lilleshall Village Tennis Club - Welcomes new members, Tues, Thurs evenings & Sunday mornings. Junior & Adult Coaching – Saturday afternoons. Complete beginners course for Adults - Tues pm. For further details contact Pauline Coffey on 01952 604757 Lilleshall National Sports Centre - Sutherland Badminton Club - Tue evenings 8.30 10.30pm New members welcome. Contact: Amanda Haselock - 01952 677590 Premier Badminton Club are seeking new members. Tue evenings from 7:30pm at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. Contact Anthony 01952 526520 or Rob 01952 840453 www.premier badminton.co.uk Lilleshall Hall Table Tennis Club - meets Mon 7.15-10.15pm in the Ford Hall, Lilleshall National Sports Centre, 12 tables - coaches for juniors & beginners. Sessions £5 adults, juniors. Call Vicky 810355 or Don 416048.

Madeley

Bootcamp/Interval training classes at Bridal Road, Bridal Court, Madeley. Every Tue & Thu 7-8pm. Suits all fitness levels and great fun. Contact Cheryl on 01952 371325 Abraham Darby Badminton Club - Social Play every Wednesday 7:15 to 9:15 at Abraham Darby Academy Sports Hall £4 per night. All welcome. Slimming World- Jubilee House, Madeley High Street, Wed at 3.30,5.30 & 7.30 and Sat at 8.30 & 10.30 am.

Muxton

at St John’s Church Muxton: Bumps n Babes (NCT) 1-2:45pm (fortnightly), sessions £1.50 Slimming World (9.30, 5.30pm & 7.30pm) Call Paula on 07791 743509 Wed: Over 50’s Aerobics (10am) Newport Little Dragons Karate 5.30-6.30pm Thu: Movement Matters (exercise class) Fri: Sequence Dancing 8pm If you would like further info. on the above activities - contact the church on 01952 670033

Newport

Body Blitz 6.15-7.15pm @ Burton Borough School Hall with Nikki 07967 343728 Clubbercise 7.30-8.30pm @ Burton Borough School Hall with Nikki 07967 343728 Junior Badminton Club - we have places available for U11’s who want to learn how to play badminton. It’s £4 per week and includes coaching by a Badminton England accredited Level 2 coach. Saturday (10-11am under 11’s and 11-12 under 15’s) in term time at Burton Borough School, Newport. Contact Des Machin on 07949 192038, E: desmachin@hotmail.co.uk Zumba Gold (easy) Fri 9.30-10.30am @ Cosy Hall Contact Nikki 07967 343728 Farmhouse Shotokan Karate Club, Moreton Millennium Community Centre and Burton Borough School, Newport - Tues, Fri & Sun. For all ages and abilities. Fully qualified and insured Instructors. First Lesson Free. Contact 07890 349451, email shropshirekarate@gmail.com or visit www.shropshirekarate.com Yoga Classes at Trinity Church, Wellington Rd, Newport: Mummy & Baby Yoga - Thu 1.30 – 2.30pm Dru Yoga classes - Fridays 7 - 8.30pm Contact Kate on 07989 514317, yogamebaby@ yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/yogame4families Pilates Thu 6.45-7.45pm & 8-9pm at the Back & Body Care Clinic. Small classes with increased individual attention. £42 block of 6 sessions. Call Beryl on 01952 462896 or email beryl. feely@gmail.com

& Fitness Classes Zumba @ Cosy Hall, Newport. Tue 6.30-7.30 Contact Nikki: 07967 343728. Salopian Skimmers Frisbee Club are looking for new Male & Female players of all abilities. Wed night at Adams Grammar Sports Hall. 18.30 to 20.00. First 3 sessions Free. For more info email drew.barlow@live.co.uk or join us on Facebook. Fit 4 the Future exercise classes (at the studio near Focus). Mon: Jump ‘n Pump 7-8, Tue: Energize 6-7, Bootcamp 7-8, Wed: Box ‘a’ Blast 7-8, Thu: Energize 6-7, Box ‘a’ Blast 7-8. £4.50 per session. Please call Craig for details 07796 426299.

Oakengates

Slimming World (Sat - 9.30am) at Oakengates Rest Rooms, Charlton Street, Oakengates, Telford TF2 6BD - Call Paula on 07791 743509 Martial Arts Club ( Aikido ) at Oakengates Leisure Centre. Mon & Fri 7.45 / 8.45pm Juniors ( 7yrs+ ). Mon & Fri 7.45 / 10.00pm Adults. New members always welcome. First lesson is free. If you would like more info contact us on: 07929761302. Email us on suekeithhayward@sky.com

Overdale

Zumba Classes (£4) - Mon - The Carpenter Centre, Oak Road, Overdale, Telford at 6.307.30 pm. Call/text Vikki Connell on 07510 186982, or email vikkiburnell@ymail.com.

Priorslee

Wellington Badminton Club - Sports Hall at Holy Trinity Academy, Priorslee. Club nights Tuesday 8 - 10pm. All welcome. Contact: Pete Green (Chairman) on 07952 679821 or Jerry Seymour (Treasurer) on 01952 261008 (email: jandmeseymour@talktalk.net). Website: www. wellingtonbadminton.co.uk

Shawbirch

Shawbirch Community Centre: Tue - Antenatal Yoga (5:30-6:30pm), Yoga (7-9pm) For further info. contact us on 01952 248538.

Shifnal

Thu 7-8pm Zumba at Shifnal Scout Hut with Nikki 07967 343728 Tue mornings at St Andrews Youth Club, - Yoga 9:30 - 10:30am and Pilates 10:45 11:45am. £5 per class or £8 for both classes. All ages and fitness levels welcome, including complete beginners. Contact Gill on 07852 144119 or email iandglittleford@btinternet.com. YOGA every Thu at Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal Adults - 7.10-8.10pm, Pregnancy 6-7pm, Baby Yoga at St. Andrews Church, Shifnal every Wed 1-2pm. Contact Michele on 07970 731174 or email info@mitchytitch.co.uk. www.mitchytitch.co.uk Laughter Yoga - The fun way to good health. Mon 7-8 pm. Tues 10.30 - 11.30 at Shifnal Seniors Club, Curriers Lane. All ages, all abilities. All welcome. £6 on the day or £24 for 6 weeks. Contact Caroline: 07868240605 info@gorgetherapycentre.co.uk Adult Fitness Classes at Idsall Sports Centre – METAFIT - Mon 6:30-7.15pm, YOGA - Tue 5.30-6.30pm, CIRCUITS - Wed 7.30-8.15pm, METAFIT - Thu 6.30-7.15pm. Everyone welcome! 1st Class FREE !!! 01952 460499 Shifnal Bowling Club - Social Bowling every Thu morning 10.30am-12.30pm. Junior Coaching Sat morning 11-12. All are welcome to our club young & old. Contact Graham McCarthy 01902 372 955 for details. Martial Arts Club (Aikido) - Shifnal Aikido at Idsall Sports Centre, Shifnal. Mondays 7.30 – 8.30pm - Beginners classes. Contact sensei@ albrightonaikido.co.uk or 0845 678 0091. www. shifnalaikido.co.uk

Wed - 10.30-11.30 Dance class - St Andrews Youth Club Hall. Exercises & short routines for fitness & pleasure, suitable 50+, £5. Contact Sally 01952 461768 or sallykinn@hotmail.co.uk for term dates. Pilates Tue 7-8pm at Kemberton Village Hall. £30 block of 6 or £6 pay-as-you-go. Call Beryl on 01952 462896 or email beryl.feely@gmail. com Shifnal Cricket Club - Junior cricket coaching - Mon 6.30 to 7.30 for boys aged 8-11, 7.30 to 8.30 for boys aged 12 and 13. Girls coaching and boys aged 14 and 15 Fri 6.30 to 7.30. For details please call Kevin Humphreys 07983 120061. Idsall Badminton Club meet at Idsall Sports Centre, Shifnal - Tue 7-9pm. All we ask is that you play to a reasonable standard. Ceroc Modern Jive and Salsa class nights at Shifnal Village Hall. Every Monday (exc Bank Hols) 7.45pm - 11pm. New members always welcomed and no need to bring a partner. Contact Mike on 07990 554459, email cerocmidlands@aol.com or visit www. cerocmidlands.co.uk

St Georges

Slimming World - St Georges Sports & Social Club. Thu 9.30am, 11.30pm, 5pm and 7pm. Contact Celia Powell on 07575 123666 at St Georges Methodist Church: Tue 5-7pm Synergy Dance Troop (Contact: 01952 612776) Wed - 10.30am Pilates (Tel: 412924) / 1.30pm Yoga Classes - St Georges Sports & Social Club. Fri 10-11am. Classes £3.75 each. Contact Paula: 07709 558017. Email: paularushton2011@gmail.com www.facebook.com/fitnessandflexibility

Stirchley

Have fun – keep fit. Short Tennis Prime Time Club (over 60’s). Tues 4.45-5.30pm and Sat 2-3pm at Stirchley Recreation Centre. Also Wed 7-8pm at Oakengates Leisure Centre and Fri 5-6pm at Phoenix Academy, Dawley. Novices very welcome. Call Kevin on 01952 825239, Tony on 07837 986059 or Vicki on 01952 618256 for further details.

Telford - Town Centre

AQUABABIES - Swimming lessons for children aged 12 weeks to 3 years. Lessons held at The Park Inn hotel on Mon, Tue, Thu and Sat from 10am. To book your FREE trial lesson contact Lisa on 07598 617442 or Stuart on 01543 572855

Trench

Interval Training class that suits any fitness levels - 6:30 to 7:30pm. At The Labour Club, Gibbons Rd, Trench. Proven to burn more fat than any other form of exercise. Also great fun too! Class costs £3.50. Contact Cheryl 07714 610591.

Wellington

KAPAP - Martial Arts Club held at TCAT, Haybridge Rd, Telford, TF1 2NP on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm. First session free trail. Contact Paul - paul@kapaptelford.co.uk or 07737 825263. Immerse School of Diving - we have a training and club diving session on a Friday evening at 8:30pm at Wrekin College pool. Call 0777 377 1619 or email: info@ immersediving.com; visit www.immersediving. com find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ immersediving. An active and friendly scuba diving club, we cater for beginners through to professional level divers, and charge no membership fees or surcharges on your club diving.

Slimming World - Wed at TCAT Haybridge Road, Wellington, 5.30 & 7.30. Thu at Wellington Pool, Tan Bank, 5.30 & 7.30. Call Heather on 01952 289386 or just pop along! All welcome. Piloxing - techniques of boxing and vertical pilates with some dance moves. Fridays 6-7pm at Charlton School - £4. For more info contact Annette on 07866 021030. Wrekin Tennis Club - Social play every Tuesday & Thursday evening starting at 7-9pm & Sunday 11am-1pm. Based at Oakengates Leisure Centre New players welcome, Contact Alan Pritchard at: alanp52@yahoo.co.uk or 07596 984442 or visit our website, www. wrekintennisclub.co.uk Telford Community Tennis Club, Junior tennis coaching lessons at Bowring Park, Wellington on Sun - 10-11am (4-7yrs), 11-12am (8-10yrs), 121pm (11-16yrs). We also have sessions for adult members of all abilities. www.telfordcommunitytennisclub.co.uk E: bob.kerr@telfordcommunitytennisclub.co.uk Friendly Badminton group playing 7-9pm every Thu at TCAT Sports Hall are seeking new players to join them. Come along and try a few taster sessions at £5 per night. Contact Jenny Varley (evenings 6-7pm) on 01952 249277. Wellington Badminton Club - Sports Hall at Holy Trinity Academy, Priorslee. Club nights Tuesday 8 - 10pm. All welcome. Contact: Pete Green (Chairman) on 07952 679821 or Jerry Seymour (Treasurer) on 01952 261008 (email: jandmeseymour@talktalk.net). Website: www. wellingtonbadminton.co.uk

Other Areas

Sutton Heights - Music4health singing for all ages and stages every Sat. Fee £10. 11am-12 and sound healing at 2pm-3pm please book before day. Contact Linda 01952 680232 or visit www.lindaangelis.com Telford Green Gym - Want to get and have Fun? Don’t like the Gym try the Green Gym. Improve your fitness and general well being by getting involved in practical conservation. The Telford Green Gym offers activities all over Telford On Tue, Wed and Thu. Contact The healthy Lifestyles Hub 01952 382582 Arriba Wellness Club - Community Weight Loss Challenge at Fitness First, Telford. Call Lisa Harris on 07580 434325. Yoga for Pregnancy in Albrighton - Weekly classes every Mon 8-9.15pm. Gentle exercise from weeks 15-40 of your pregnancy. Methodist Church Hall, High St, Albrighton WV7 3JA. Classes from £7. Call Rebecca Jenks on 07890 543 508.

To submit an entry to this feature please email your details to: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk - please put subject as CLASSES on the email. (Space is limited so brief details please)

Job Box and the Army

ANNOUNCE THE APPRENTICESHIP SHOW The Apprenticeship Show will feature hands on and interactive activities for those attending to try which will be related to a range of careers. People will be encouraged to speak to the employers to understand more about jobs in their sector and the career path they could take to access them.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Job Box programme and the Army will mark National Apprenticeship Week (14–18 March) this spring when they host The Apprenticeship Show.

The Apprenticeship Show is open to anyone who might be interested in finding out about apprenticeships.

The Apprenticeship Show will showcase opportunities in the Army and civilian sectors. The age range for apprenticeships has been removed and there is now no upper age limit, so all job seekers in the borough are encouraged to come along and take a look at what an apprenticeship can offer. The British Army, which has over 40 different apprenticeship schemes for specialists including catering, IT, bricklaying, logistics, construction, engineering and animal care, gives paid training to all its apprentices and offers a clearly defined career path, with a good salary and regular opportunities for promotion. It also has unparalleled opportunities to travel with work and offers challenge and excitement. Over 5,500 Army apprentices are set to complete their training this year alone and around 20,000 are currently going through the Army’s apprenticeship programmes. Local businesses already signed up for the event include The Wrekin Housing Trust, Epson, CapGemini, NHS, Jaguar Land Rover, Carillion, TDS Academy, Fabweld, Ricoh and Grainger and Worrall.

The Job Box has hosted a jobs fair for the past two years and last year hosted a skills festival as well and welcomed more than 7,000 job seekers and young people to these events. Councillor Gilly Reynolds, cabinet member for employment and skills, said: “This is a great opportunity for the Job Box to work with the Army to host this event, we’re hoping that the event will help to dispel some of the misconceptions around apprenticeships, for example that they are only for 16 year olds. The Army offers apprenticeships up to 32 years and many firms will consider anyone, regardless of age. “We will have lots of local and national employers at the Apprenticeship Show with 100s of opportunities for people to apply for and find out more about.” The Apprenticeship Show is a partnership event between Telford & Wrekin Council’s Job Box service and the Army. The Apprenticeship Show is on Thursday 17 March 2016, at The International Centre, Telford from 10am – 7.30pm. Follow The Job Box on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates on who is attending the Show.

PUZZLE - ANSWERS SUDUKO (EASY)

SUDUKO (HARD)

QUIZ - FILM SETTINGS 1. Edinburgh 2. Liverpool 3. Sheffield 4. Oxford 5. Cardiff 6. Barnsley 7. Bradford 8. Glasgow 9. Cambridge 10. Swansea

CODEWORD

QUIZ - SIGNS AND SYMBOLS

Across: 7 Wheeler dealer, 8 Eclectic, 9 Avon, 10 Sputnik, 12 Lyric, 14 La Paz, 16 Poitier, 19 Beat, 20 Lollipop, 22 Venetian blind.

1. Libra (the symbol is “scales”)

Down: : 1 Chic, 2 Regent, 3 Certain, 4 Educe, 5 Canary, 6 Genocide, 11 Platelet, 13 Holland, 15 Antler, 17 Trifle, 18 Blair, 21 Oink.

6. Three

There are 11 shiny coins on the page.

2. Tipperary (after the song “It’s A Long Way To Tipperary”) 3. A plus sign 4. An exclamation mark 5. The swastika 7. Wages (W, Ag, Es) 8. Et (which means “and” in Latin) 9. A deer 10. The Hollywood sign (becoming “Holywood”)

WORD LADDER Here is one possible solution (others may exist)

COOL wool wood word ward WARM

WORDWHEEL BLASPHEME

KIDS PAGE CROSSWORD

TRIAL

3 Letters 5 Letters FRANK ARK NARKS ASK RANKS FAN FAR 6 Letters 4 Letters FRANKS ARKS FANS NARK RANK SANK

HIDATO

COMMUNITY & WHATS ON

Free Admission for Mothers Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge, is inviting all mums to come as their guest on Sunday, 6th March when they can enjoy a Victorian-style Mother’s Day. Admission to the Victorian Town will be free for mothers, when accompanied by another full-paying adult, on that day. Find out how the wonderful Victorian costumes worn at the recreated Town are made and chat to one of skilled seamstresses on a tour of our Costume Department. You can also practice your origami skills and make your mother a paper flower along with a Mother’s Day card you’ve coloured yourself. Visit the cottages and see how this special day was celebrated in Victorian times. Watch the townsfolk demonstrate traditional Victorian crafts such as ragrugging and the beautiful art of decoupage.

ON MOTHERING SUNDAY AT BLISTS HILL VICTORIAN TOWN Earl Grey tea for an additional £14.95 per person. Afternoon tea must be pre-booked by calling 01785 252247 or at sales@ jenkinsonscaterers.co.uk Other family activities include candle dipping – you can use Victorian techniques to make multi-coloured candles to take home; take part in a lesson in the School House at 12noon and join-in a sing-a-long in the New Inn at 1pm and 3pm. In Victorian times Mothering Sunday was a special day when children working away in domestic service could return home to visit their mother and families. Although celebrated during Lent, fasting was relaxed and families could indulge in delicious rich foods and celebrations. Children were encouraged to bake a Simnel cake or pick flowers as a gift for their mothers; hence the evolution of present giving on Mothering Sunday. Open 10am to 4pm Blists Hill is one of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Some activities carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee. For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit www. ironbridge.org.uk.

To make the day extra special, prebook mum a decadent Victorian High Tea, including a glass of Prosecco, delicious sandwiches, pastries and cream-filled scones along with a pot of

Citizen Advice Telford

CALLS ON VOLUNTEERS TO GET INVOLVED

Citizens Advice Telford (CAT) is calling for new recruits to join their volunteers, get a taste of working life and make a difference in the local community. We rely on volunteers to help people solve problems about money, benefits, housing and employment and more. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and include recently retired, students, people preparing to return to work and those with time to devote helping the local community. Volunteering with Citizens Advice Telford (CAT) can offer a range of opportunities to train as an adviser, help with administration duties and reception. CAT gives you the chance to help make the lives of people in your local community better. CAT cannot function without the time and dedication of our volunteers. As demand for our service continues to grow, we need more volunteers than ever to make sure that our clients get the help they need. If you would like to get involved with Citizen Advice Telford, then come and see us at 40 Tan Bank, Wellington or get in touch via e-mail on valerie.graham@telfordcab.co.uk

Notes from your local Ironbridge Gorge Councillor Telford & Wrekin Council claim to be seeking clarity on the redistribution of future housing growth as part of our involvement in the West Midlands Combined Authority. As it has become apparent that our Borough may have to support in meeting a housing shortfall in Birmingham and the Black Country. Therefore, it is essential we are provided with more information on this as it could have a significant influence on our green spaces, urban/ rural setting, as well as our infrastructure and employment opportunities for local people. The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Steering Group is currently

drafting a Management Plan for Ironbridge. This influential document will have a substantial affect on our WHS and wider Borough. Therefore, the Steering Group aim to take this to Public Consultation this summer and are very keen to hear your views. The final version of the draft Local Plan continues to include the H5 Beeches hospital, but it is encouraging to see a reduction in size of the site allocated. Whilst the local community is keen to ensure this site is restored, careful consideration must be given to procure an appropriate developer, as there is still a concern surrounding the amount of housing proposed.

Cllr. Nicola Lowery (Ironbridge Gorge Ward) T: 01952 380 718 M: 07583 041 568 E: nicola.lowery@telford.gov.uk @Nic_Ironbridge

Nic.Ironbridge

Cllr Nicola Lowery

GARDENHAND

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plumbing bathrooms repairs painting / decorating garden work CALL OUTS Lettings approved

•• Lawn mowing & care •• Weeding & pruning •• Tree surgery •• Path & driveway clearance •• Hanging baskets •• Soft garden design •• Border development •• Plant selection & Call Jack Wells on placing •• Grass cutting 07792 556479 •• Weeding of flowerbeds 01952 402647 •• Strimming E: enquiries@wellsgardenservices.com •• Garden Clearance www.wellsgardenservices.com •• Garden tidy up •• Ground care

No job too small

CKN Property Maintenance Call today for your free quote.

call Karl on: 07914 492367 E: cknhomeservices@gmail.com

JBO Services

Quality uPVC IN WHITE/WOODGRAIN/OAK

Full security features on all products

10 YEAR INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEE Optional full installation service Family business with over 75 years experience.

Fully fitted windows from

£195

Fully fitted Doors from

£440

Professional, Friendly & Reliable

www.windowright.co.uk Unit 35 • Hortonwood 33 • Telford

Tel: (01952) 677 232

• TV Aerials, Satellite Installations • Plasma LCD TV Installations • Multi-Room Video (HD) Distribution • High Definition FreeView / FreeSat • Surround Sound System Setup • Full Home Cinema Installations

Audio Visual Installations Expert Help & Advice FREE Quotations

Call Jeremy on 01952 228936 or 07860 577169 E: jbo.services@yahoo.co.uk

All work carried out is guaranteed for 12 months

FIND US AT LOCAL EVENTS

Home Inspirations

Giving your loved one award winning care and help in their own home Services Include:

Last Sat of every month we are at The Telford Town Centre Farmers & Craft Market (outside Primark)

Home Help · Personal Care · Companionship and Conversation · Transportation · Shopping · Meal Preparation · Light Housework · Sleepovers · Specialist Dementia Care · Post Operative Care · Respite · Cancer Care · Long Term Conditions & Disability Support

Call Michelle on 01952 670067 or 07961 848467

E: michelle@homeinspirations.biz www.homeinspirations.biz

www.homeinstead.co.uk/eastshropshire

Are you interested in delivering this magazine? Contact us to join our waiting list for delivery people? Call Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 or email: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk

R K FAN S You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 4 4 letters: 5 5 letters: 3 6 letters: 1

MASALA

Need help with Grammar School or Independent School Entrance Exams?

INDIAN RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

2016 Mock Exams and Intensive Tuition Courses

T: 01952 820085

Adams House, 7 High Street, Newport TF10 7AR *

20% OFF MAIN COURSE WHEN DINING IN - PRE BOOKING ONLY

FEEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS *Please present this voucher. Valid until 30-04-16. Excludes Easter Sunday & Mothers Day Not to be used with any other offers.

Meeting Point House, Southwater Square, Telford TF3 4HS Herjinder Bansi - 07749 479147 E: info@infinity-tuition.co.uk www.11PlusDIY.co.uk 11PlusDIY Quality Promise Professional exam booklets Exam papers and answers to view online Strong analysis and performance reports Quality DBS approved tutors

TEL: 01952 604285

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Service Reliable, honest & friendly staff Let us do the jobs you hate Hours to suit you Daily, weekly or monthly cleans

Ironing Service also available

www.wychwoodkennels.co.uk

Competitive Hourly Rates References Available Fully Insured

General Cleaning Internal Windows Landlord Cleans

T: 07985 772256 Is your furniture looking old and worn? Don’t throw it out - have it re-upholstered! Grandfather, Father & Son - over 135 years of experience in the Upholstery Trade

PROMPT AND PERSONAL SERVICE

NTC

NEWPORT TEST CENTRE

Timing Belts / MOT Repairs / General Repairs / Servicing / Head Specialist Clutch Replacement

MOTs for Diesel and Petrol Vehicles

01952 814666

600 + Rugs On Display

NEWPORT REPAIR CENTRE

Call Mick Parkes

Specialist Tools and Expert Fitting

Also commercial work - pubs, clubs, hotels etc..

NRC

Residential & Commercial

Free Home Visits and Quotes

07802 491651 • 01952 610828 Pjsreupholsteryservices@outlook.com www.pjsreupholsteryservices.co.uk

All Floors ‘n’ Rugs All Our Lifestyle Carpets Come with Free Delivery and Fitting

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Unit 2, St Georges Rd Ind, Est, Telford TF2 7QZ

Kynnersley Drive, The Hincks, Lilleshall, Newport TF10 9HS

BRING YOUR FURNITURE BACK TO LIFE!

BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY

•• Antique or Modern •• Sofas & Chairs •• Dining Chairs •• Caravans & Boats •• Springs & repairs •• Loose Covers •• Headboards •• Scotch Guarding

d o o w h c Wy

4 Wheel Laser Tracking Family Run Businesses Call Craig Parkes

01952 820717

Unit 3, Springfield Industrial Estate, Newport, TF10 7NB

Contact: 01952 840869/07445 286435

CutMyKey.com • Car/Van/Truck - All makes covered • Fully mobile service - 24/7 • Keys cut on-site while you wait Please present • Professional Vehicle Entry this advert • Qualified Locksmith • Affordable Pricing

£5 OFF

www.cutmykey.com • sales@cutmykey.com

NOW AT: 27 Market St, Oakengates, Telford, TF2 6EN

T: 01952 618191

www.allfloorsnrugs.com

FIX-UR-DENT SAME DAY DENTURE REPAIRS (usually about an hour)

Express Denture Repairs ‘Good as New’ Renovations, Copy Dentures

NEW Home Tooth Whitening System!! 8-10 Haygate Rd, Wellington TF1 1QA T: 01952 253522 NOW Open in Bridgnorth - 27 Castle St, WV16 4AD T: 01746 764334

YOUR business could be advertising in this space from just *£45 per month.

30,000

Reach homes across select areas of Telford, Newport & Shifnal. The ONLY magazine in the area to deliver ALL magazines directly door to door! Call Fleur Abel on 01952 603457 or email: fleur@inandaroundmagazine.co.uk www.inandaroundmagazine.co.uk * Based on a booking for 12 months. 15,000 copies delivered each month, delivery rotated between 2 areas to reach a total of 30,000 homes over a 2 month period,

Index of Advertisers

YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE...

Audio / Visual Goods & Services JBO Services.................................................. 96

Dry Cleaners Shifnal Laundry/Madeley Laundry..........61

Loft Ladders/Boarding Jakes n Ladders.............................................78

Bathrooms A. Watson Home Improvements.............79 Indulge Interiors............................................74

Electricians Buzz Electrical Contractor........................76 Del Corley Electrical Services...................76

Logs Holts...................................................................29

Beauty Beauty by Jude...............................................15 Heaven...............................................................13

Estate Agents & Property Barker Healey..................................................21 Crest Nicholson..............................................23 Julia Weston....................................................22 Lioncourt Homes...........................................25 Nock Deighton.......................................... 18-19

Bedrooms Dream Kitchens & Bedrooms...................73 Easy Living......................................................37 Indulge Interiors............................................74 Builder/Construction Telford Maintenance Ltd.............................77 CCTV Telford Security & Automation............... 69 Carpet, Rugs & Floor Coverings All Floors n Rugs...........................................97 Oakengates Carpets....................................37 Cars (Parts/Repairs/Servicing/MOT) N R C / N T C..................................................97 Priorslee Motor Service............................. 45 Cars Sales (New/Used) CD Car Sales.................................................. 49 Greenhous Vauxhall.....................................47 Mercedes Benz of Shrewsbury............... 43 Car Hire / Executive Travel Image Luxury Car Hire .............................. 45 Care Home Sambrook House...........................................57 Sanctuary Care...............................................59 St Georges Park Nursing Home...............53 Children’s Parties/Family Activities Gaming 2 U..................................................... 86 Ironbridge Museums....................................87 Weston Park....................................................85 Chimneys / Installation of Log Burners ALC Chimneys.................................................71 Chiropractic Newport Chiropractic..................................52 Cleaning Active Cleaning...............................................81 Shaw Clean - Tim Shaw..............................83 Sparkles............................................................97 Sutherlands Clean Carpets........................79 Councillors Local Councillors...........................................95 Curtains, Blinds & Interiors PJ Blinds............................................................41 With Love Interiors.......................................37 Decorating Neil Rogers.......................................................81 Simon’s Décor ................................................81 WE Dunne....................................................... 80 Dentist Fix-ur-dent.......................................................97 Design & Print ETAK Creative................................................63 TEAL Design & Print...................................... 2

Optician Tim Vanes Opticians.....................................51 Oven Cleaning Active Cleaning...............................................81

Fascias & Guttering Telford Seamless Gutters...........................83

Physiotherapy SB Sports Injury & Physio. Clinics.......... 54

Farm Shop/Markets/Food Fayre Green Fields Farm Shop...............................11

Plumbing & Heating A. Watson Home Improvements.............79

Fireplaces, Fires & Stoves Admaston Firecraft Centre........................75 ALC......................................................................71 Grate Ideas..................................................... 99 Footcare PM Orthotics....................................................51 Telford Footcare............................................52 Funeral Directors L. Tranter & Sons............................................61 Furniture Supersavers Cash & Carry.........................39 Garden, Plants & Building Supplies Bloomsbury Nursery....................................29 Jewsons.............................................................. 3 Huws Gray........................................................35 Gardening/Landscaping A J Landscapes..............................................29 Decking and Pergolas.................................33 Gardenhand.................................................... 96 Garden Maintenance................................... 96 Jack Wells....................................................... 96

Printing TEAL Design, & Print..................................... 2 Property Maintenance CKN................................................................... 96 Telford Maintenance Ltd.............................77 Restaurants/Pubs/Cafes Hadley Park House......................................... 6 Masala................................................................97 Taste of Paradise.........................................8-9 The Orchard...................................................... 7 The White House Hotel................................. 6 Roofing M & R Roofing & Son...................................78 TSG - Roofing.................................................83 Solicitor Parry Carver Solicitors................................65 Terry Jones Solicitors..................................65 Swimming Lessons Swim 4 Life......................................................87

Glass & Glazing Darwin Glass & Glazing...............................79

Taxis / Executive Travel Go Carz............................................................ 49 Image Luxury Car Hire .............................. 45

Golf Club Telford Hotel & Golf Resort.......................55

Tool Hire Jewsons.............................................................. 3

Granite Worktops Dream Kitchens & Bedrooms...................73 Flintstone.........................................................67 Granite Transformations............................... 5

Travel - Holidays World Travel Lounge....................................27

Health & Fitness Forever Living.................................................58 Ideal Fitness....................................................55 Supple Fitness................................................55 Telford Hotel & Golf Resort.......................55

Tree Care Holts Tree Care...............................................29 Tuition Courses Infinity Tuition.................................................97 Upholstery PJ’s Re-Upholstery Services......................97

Home Accessories & Gifts Home Inspirations........................................ 96

Water Softeners R C Owen........................................................ 68

Home Care Home Instead................................................ 96 Supreme Home Care....................................57

Websites ETAK Creative................................................63 Kalidescope.....................................................63

Ironmonger & Hardware Store The Forge Ironbridge...................................41

Weddings Hadley Park House Hotel............................15 Image Luxury Cars...................................... 45

Kennels & Cattery Wychwood.......................................................97

Doors The Door Store...............................................72

Kitchens (Supply & Fit) Dream Kitchens & Bedrooms...................73 Kitchen Depot............................................. 100 R & R Kitchens................................................67

Driveways & Patios Central Paving.................................................31

Locksmiths Cut My Key......................................................97

Marketing ETAK Creative................................................63

Window Cleaning Aqua Sheen.....................................................83 Windows/Doors/Conservatories APH Windows............................................... 70 Jardine Windows & Conservatories.......72 R & R Services................................................75 Trotfield Windows........................................ 68

A range of Solid Fuel Stoves are NOW available

Choose from a wide range of Fires and Surrounds Authorised Dealer for: • Paragon Fires • Montpellier Marble • Gazco and Stovax • Worcester Marble • Esse and many more... • Wonderfire Premier

www.grateideas.co.uk

One of the finest Showrooms in Shropshire

FULL FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

Castle Trading Estate, Holyhead Road, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9NP

T: 01952 620189

Email: enquiries@grateideas.co.uk 99

Kitchen Recipe

Take some... Traditional values and service Established in 2003, The Kitchen Depot is a family-owned and run business that remains true to our founding values of honesty, integrity and sheer professionalism. We take immense pride in our reputation for service and commitment to our customers, with more than half of our business coming from customer recommendations to their family and friends.

...add a dash of… Quality and Value

All of our kitchens are manufactured to an exceptionally high German specification, on site, in our own factory and by our own people. That way, we have total control over the product quality, the production timescales AND the manufacturing costs. With no middle-man – you buy direct and we are able to pass these time and cost savings directly onto our customers.

…then a big chunk of…

Ownership and Responsibility

Unusual in this insincere world, admittedly. But we mean it. We are totally committed to providing you with the best kitchen, at the best price, installed with the highest level of service and professionalism. And on the exceptionally rare occasion that something could have been done better – we hold our hands up – and put it right. Fast. No fuss. No hassle. No argument. Just sorted.

...a soupçon of…Harmony At The Kitchen Depot, we know that we are only as good as our people. They ARE The Kitchen Depot brand. That’s why we look after our staff every bit as well as we look after our customers. Because we know that happy workers, pulling together in harmony, make for happy customers.

THE KITCHEN DEPOT Global House, Horton Road off Trench Road, Telford TF2 6PD

BRANCHES ALSO AT Ennerdale Road, Shrewsbury SY1 3NP & Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Glasgow

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS

LOW, LOW PRICES ALL YEAR ROUND! Fictional Sales, factory clearances, scoop purchases and all that gimmicky nonsense has no place at The Kitchen Depot. We’ll leave that to our envious competitors. All you get from us is good, honest advice, a top-quality product that we manufacture ourselves, responsibly and professionally installed, guaranteed for a full twenty five years, and at the lowest , most competitive price on like-for-like quality that you’ll find anywhere. In other words – sheer value.

www.thekitchendepot.co.uk

WHY NOT COME IN TO O UR SHOWROOM AND TASTE THE E XPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF? 100

THE KITCHEN DEPOT  FOR THE PERFEC T KITCHEN RECIPE