J'AIME MARCH 2020

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J’AIME

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13 PAGES OF WEDDING

INSPIRATION

SUTTON COLDFIELD’S

ORIGINAL MOD GIRL ON SIX

DECADES OF STYLE

TOTALLY

TROPICAL!

A spring interiors refresh

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Welcome to J’AIME

With spring in the air it’s the start of wedding

season, and after Christmas, Valentine’s and

Leap Year proposals there are plenty of couples

just starting to plan their big days. Our wedding

special features a whole host of inspiration,

advice and ideas to help you on your way to the

wedding of your dreams. Our featured styled

shoot, courtesy of The Moat House at Acton

Trussell, is particularly gorgeous.

March also means Mother’s Day, and as well

as our gift guide we’ve got an extra special

competition courtesy of Allen Brown Jewellery

at Heart of the Country, where one lucky reader

will win a beautiful heart necklace for their mum

to cherish. If you think your mum deserves to

win this fantastic treat, then get entering!

Elsewhere, we chat to incredible award-winning

Sutton Coldfield fashion designer Gill Evans -

better known as the Original Mod Girl - about

her six decades in the fashion industry and being

Birmingham’s answer to Mary Quant, while

jewellery expert Heather Callaway takes a look

at some breath-taking pieces coming up for

auction at Richard Winterton Auctioneers this

month and chooses her personal favourites - and

what girl wouldn’t want the stunning 5-plus carat

diamond sparkling away on her finger?

Add in all of your usual favourites from our

expert columnists, who bring you the lowdown

on all things food and drink, interiors, health,

motoring and more each month, and we hope

you’ll agree it’s another packed issue we have for

you. So put your feet up and enjoy!

EDITOR: AMY NORBURY

EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM

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CONTRIBUTORS: MARTIN PLOWMAN, CLARE

BUCKLEY, LISA PIDDINGTON, THE GINTLEMAN,

PREET ANAND, RAUL ROMERO, JILL HARTLEY,

HEATHER CALLAWAY

J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY

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CO N T E N T S

InsideJ’aime this month...

6 Fashion designer Gill Evans - We chat to the

original Mod Girl and Birmingham’s very own

Mary Quant about her six decades in fashion

10 Property - Property of the month

12 Interiors - Totally tropical

17 Interiors - Sutton Coldfield interior designer

Preet Anand answers your design dilemmas

18 Mother’s Day - Thoughtful tokens for Mum

20 Competition - Won a Mother’s Day treat courtesy

of Allen Brown Jewellery

22 Richard Winterton - Exciting jewellery lots

coming up for auction

24 Food and drink - Reviewing The Red Lion at

Newborough

26 Food and drink - The Gintleman gets ready for

spring

30 Weddings - An inspirational styled shoot from The

Moat House at Acton Trussell

34 Weddings - Dress shopping advice from Nero e

Bianco

38 Weddings - Supplier news

39 Weddings - Dream destinations for your nuptials

from RB Collection

43 What’s On - The best events from around the

area

44 What’s On - Goings-on in Birmingham this

month

46 Fashion - True blue

48 Beauty - Beauty boosters from Harvey Nichols

Birmingham

49 Competition - Win a microblading or semi

permanent brow treatment from Cathy Brown

50 Health - Advice from Lichfield personal trainer

Raul Romero

52 In the news - Watches of Sutton; and a masked

ball for charity

54 Motors - Martin Plowman checks out the Aston

Martin DBX

SPONSORED BY

4

F E AT U R E

Enduring style

SUTTON COLDFIELD FASHION DESIGNER AND ORIGINAL MOD GIRL GILL EVANS

CATLING CHATS TO AMY NORBURY ABOUT HER SIX DECADES AS A PIONEER OF STYLE

She was the Original Mod Girl; a pioneer of the

classic 60s style which became synonymous with

Mod culture all around the world. And now, after

more than six decades in the fashion industry, Sutton

Coldfield fashion designer Gill Evans Catling is

proving she’s as relevant as ever.

Last year, the vivacious 75-year-old was named

Birmingham Fashion Designer of the Year at the

Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards - an honour

which cements her status as Birmingham’s very own

Mary Quant.

“It was a fantastic accolade, and lovely recognition

for all the years I’ve been doing this,” said Gill when

we caught up at her Little Aston home, which houses

the studio for her ModTogs and Gill Evan Designs

labels.

Fantastic as the accolade may be, it was one Gill very

nearly missed out on; she ignored initial emails telling

her she’d been nominated and inviting her to send in

a portfolio of her work for consideration.

“Every day I look through emails for the business,

and I saw that I’d been nominated for a corporate

award back in May last year,” she explains.

“But sometimes you just don’t know if these things

AN ICONIC SHOT OF GILL

FROM THE 1960S

are real, so I ignored it.”

The awards team tried contacting Gill again, and

then again, to no avail. And it was only when Gill

and her husband Stuart decided to investigate further

that they discovered it was genuine.

“They asked for details about the business, and

I put a portfolio together of all my work over 50

years. I sent it off to them and they said it was very

interesting and they would be putting me forward to

the panel of judges,” Gill says.

Happily, Gill’s efforts paid off and she was presented

with the award at a ceremony in October, with Stuart

by her side.

Stylish and polished, Gill is a walking beacon of Mod

style and a true icon of the fashion industry. With

her trademark black bob and classic 1960s dress, she

remains as much a masterclass of the Mod look now

as she was 60 years ago.

Mod fashion was creative and innovative, bold and

brash; an antithesis to the elegant and restrained

post-war fashion of the late 1940s and 50s, as

6

exemplified by Dior’s New Look. The 1960s ushered

in an attitude of ‘anything goes’ and the shifting

politics of the day were reflected in the outlandish

new fashions, with jaw-dropping hemlines and

colorful prints making a serious statement.

Mostly, the Mod look was iconically British; where

the UK led, the rest of the world followed.

And Gill was at the forefront of the revolution, one

of the original creators of the modernist style.

Fashion has been a huge part of Gill’s life for as long

as she can remember. Her mum was a designer and

dressmaker, while her father ran a sewing machine

shop in Birmingham, as had generations of the

family before him. A Singer sewing machine took

pride of place on Gill’s bedroom floor.

After winning a scholarship to art school in Moseley

in 1957 at the tender age of 13, Gill undertook a

three year course where she studied Dress Design

and Dressmaking, Pattern Cutting and the History

of Costume.

“In late 1958 I started to become very interested in

the Italian and French style of clothing, which was

very simplistic and very stylish,” she says. “I started

doing some designs, and by 1960 when I was leaving

art school I’d put together this look, which I called

the Continental look, and I put together a collection

of clothes which I designed and made up for myself.”

Long before Twiggy broke onto the scene, Gill had

already created the first mini dress in 1959. So short

that stockings were completely out of the question,

she also fashioned the first pair of tights by sewing

thick black stockings to matching black knickers, a

throwback to the doublet and hose of Elizabethan

times and a creation she dubbed “stockings-onknickers”.

“I started wearing my designs and people used to

think I was really odd, because I was wearing clothes

that nobody else was wearing. People used to stop

my mum in the street and ask if I was all right in the

GILL COLLECTING HER

BIRMINGHAM FASHION

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

AWARD WITH HUSBAND

STUART

SOME OF GILL’S ORIGINAL

DESIGN SKETCHES

head,” laughs Gill.

“But I found it very exciting when people stared at

my outfits and passed remarks about them, even if

they weren’t complimentary. I wasn’t bothered as I’ve

always been very confident and believed my ideas

were right.”

Shortly after leaving art school Gill met her first

husband, Del Evans, hanging around in the jazz

clubs and cafes of Birmingham, brought together by

their mutual obsession with style and music.

“Del was into that beatnik art student look, he was

very stylish,” says Gill. “He’d come up with designs

for suits and I’d sketch them out so he could have

them made-to-measure in tailor’s shops.

“For my own clothes, I’d always be cutting out things

and making them up on the Singer hand machine.

We became known as The Continentalists, before

the term ‘Mod’ was ever coined, because we were

interested in French and Italian styling.”

It wasn’t long before Gill built up a following for

her designs, first advertising with a card in the

local newsagents, before designing and selling to

boutiques.

“On a Saturday Del and I would set out with bags

of clothes and just go and sell them all,” says Gill. “I

had regular customers who owned these boutiques,

and they’d often say, well we sold out everything so

7

come back next week with some new designs.”

After teaching herself to crochet, Gill started a line

of crochet dresses which proved to be immensely

popular.

“I couldn’t keep up the pace, I was forever

crocheting!” laughs Gill. “The owner of one

boutique I made stuff for had been a croupier at a

casino in Edgbaston and she knew singers in groups,

so she used to get me orders from them.

“I developed the crochet business; I started with

berets, which I still do now, and I used to sell them

for a pound. I could sell loads of them, and back in

the early Sixties a pound was a lot of money!

“I came up with other ideas, like crochet halterneck

jumpsuits with bootcut legs, and when hotpants

became a thing I did them, and these little tops with

fringes that hung off the arms. I was forever coming

up with new designs and I just kept making and

selling to lots of shops.”

Suddenly, the designs which had seemed so

outlandish just a few short years previously had

become the defining styles of the decade.

Gill and Del married in 1966, and continued their

reign as pioneers of style throughout the Sixties and

beyond. As one of the foremost experts on Mod style,

Gill has featured in numerous books on the subject,

notably Sawdust Caesars by Tony Beesley, which

chronicles Mod subculture throughout the decades

and features an iconic shot of Gill in one of her

GILL WITH

HUSBAND STUART

original designs on the back cover.

After diversifying her design skills over the years

into bridalwear and prom designs - Gill ran her own

bridal and promwear shop, Gill Evans Designs, in

Four Oaks for many years - about ten years ago,

she decided to set up her ModTogs label, bringing

back her original Mod designs and creating new

collections based around sketches from the Sixties.

“There’s still a huge market for original Sixties style,”

says Gill. “ModTogs’ core look is simply, classic

styling - the original Mod style.”

As immersed in Mod culture as ever, Gill is a firm

fixture at prestigious Mod events around the country

and beyond, and has a following which spans the

globe. After the death of her first husband - and

Mod inspiration - Del, Gill even found love again

through the Mod scene, meeting Stuart at a big Mod

weekender in Brighton in 2014.

A second-generation revivalist Mod, 55-year-old

Stuart was into the more underground aspects of

the scene so was unaware of Gill’s influence as the

Original Mod Girl - until he spotted her on a TV

programme about Mods.

Bumping into her at the Brighton weekender

he introduced himself, and the couple hit it off

immediately, with Stuart making the journey from

his hometown of Ipswich to visit Gill in the Midlands

before making the move permanently.

The couple tied the knot in 2015 - Gill, naturally,

wearing one of her own designs - and now Stuart

helps Gill with the ModTogs business, making his

own line of accessories, which he ships around the

world.

As a proud alumnus of Moseley Art School - now

refurbished and reopened in 2018 as the Moseley

Community Hub following its closure in the 1970s

- Gill’s alumni board telling her story has pride

of place among those of other celebrated former

students, including Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter

Christine McVie, advertising guru Trevor Beattie

and artist and IKON Gallery founder David

Prentice.

And even after six decades in the industry, Gill has

no plans to retire.

“I just love it; the style, the events, the friendships - I

love it all,” she says. “I think I have survived in the

industry because what I do is a niche thing, and

people still love the look.

“I’m proud to be the Original Mod Girl, and part of

Mod culture history.”

For more information about Gill’s designs, find

ModTogs on Facebook and Instagram.

8

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P R O P E RTY

Property of the Month

WE TAKE A SNEAKY PEEK AT SOME OF THE HOTTEST PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET IN THE

AREA EACH MONTH. THIS MONTH’S SELECTION IS A SPACIOUS PERIOD PROPERTY COMPLETE

WITH SWIMMING POOL IN ONE OF SUTTON COLDFIELD’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER LOCATIONS

Wyndcroft, Four Oaks Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield: £1,950,000

On the market with Knight Frank: 0121

THE AGENT SAYS: Wyndcroft is a handsome 1930s

period property of just under 6,000 sq ft set in Four Oaks

with beautiful gardens and privacy set behind electronic

gates. The property has been lovingly refurbished and

extended by the current owners to give a fabulous flow to the

space.

The entrance doorway is set in a lovely arched stone mullion

porch and opens to a bright reception hall. The eye is drawn

to the French doors, which provide views of the rear garden.

Stairs rise to the first floor galleried landing area, which

provides access to all six/seven bedrooms, and doorways

radiate off to the kitchen/sitting room and drawing room.

The kitchen/breakfast/sitting room is large with French

doors to the sitting room flooding the space with light and

providing wonderful views to the rear garden. The kitchen

is very well fitted with a range of wall and floor mounted

wooden finish cupboards including a large, floor to ceiling

larder style cupboard. There is a good range of integrated

appliances including a Rangemaster cooker with induction

hob. The work surfaces are pale quartz adding a splash of

sparkle.

The accommodation flows onwards to the hallway, which

provides access to the dining room, family room and cellar.

There is a step down to the formal dining room at the front

of the house and bifold doors providing plenty of light. The

large family room is light and bright with two sets of bi-fold

doors opening up to the rear gardens.

Completing the ground floor accommodation is the luxurious

drawing room. Left off the reception hallway this fabulous

space has the benefit of a large stone fireplace with in set log

burning stove, perfect for those cooler winter evenings. This

is a light room with its dual aspect and French doors to the

front sheltered loggia.

W E L O V E :

THE SWIMMING POOL IS A

FANTASTIC FEATURE

10

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I N T E R I O R S

Softly

tropical

AS we move into spring, we’re seeing a celebration of

nature creeping into interior style. And with storms raging

on the home front, perhaps it’s not surprising that the most

trending decor motifs are reminiscent of far-flung shores

and exotic getaways.

This season’s favourite iteration sees a more sophisticated

take on tropical favourites. From muted tropical hues to

stylish rattan furniture, this trend is an update from the

brighter tropical trends we have seen over the past few

years. Injecting calm energy and modern vibes, it’s an

ideal way to refresh your home for spring 2020.

Pastel greens and yellows, and pale peach and coral

tones take the place of the neon bright hues which have

formerly been the hallmarks of the tropical trend, while

bold prints are replaced by quieter watercolour styles.

Pineapples and palm trees are still strong design points,

albeit in a less gaudy way than previously seen, while

flamingos have been ousted by big cats as the wildlife of

choice.

CLARENDON DINING TABLE,

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HANGING BASKET PLANT HOLDER, ROSE & GREY.

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GOLD RESIN PINEAPPLE ORNAMENT,

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PINEAPPLE POUFFE, SWEETPEA & WILLOW.

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12

Woodburning &

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t he heart of t he home...

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With such a wide range of fires, fireplaces and stoves

there is sure to be a style to suit you & your home

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PRINTED PALM CUSHION WITH

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EICHHOLTZ GINKGO SIDE TABLE,

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DODO LAMPSHADE, MINT & MAY.

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DUTCHBONE RUMOUR ROOM DIVIDER,

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VINTAGE LINEN CUSHION IN

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GOLD PALM TREE SIDE TABLE, MELODY

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BLOOMINGVILLE RATTAN LOUNGE

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LENE BJERRE FLORA TARO ARTIFICIAL PLANT, £50,

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14

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OUR SHOWROOM IS OPEN BY APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR FREE ONE TO ONE DESIGN CONSULTATION

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THE PALM LARGE CURVED CORNER SOFA, £5,999,

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NOSTALGIC COCKATOO MURAL BY ANDREA HAASE,

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16

Preet on interiors

I N T E R I O R S

SUTTON COLDFIELD INTERIOR DESIGNER PREET ANAND, OF MOOD INTERIORS,

TACKLES SOME NEW DESIGN DILEMMAS FOR SPRING

Spring into action! Hello people, the dark wintery

mornings and early evenings are coming to a close as

we openly welcome the clocks going forward and new

season trends blooming into our high streets.

The interior design industry is buzzing with fresh

ideas, one of which is the latest bathroom interior

trends for 2020. Yes, the somewhat underrated room

of the house, which often becomes our destination for

sanctuary. Whether, its calm or energising opting for

bold through colours, tiles or taps is the way forward.

Think terrazzo, black and brass, supersize mirrors or

blush tones. The bathroom is taking centre stage, and

isn’t looking likely to be subtle about it.

I don’t have anywhere to store my things,

and I find my space is so cluttered. How can I

make the most from my room?

Address your mess! Yes, that’s right clutter is looking

to make a comeback - luckily for you! Now there’s

method in the madness when it comes to displaying

your things, to avoid them looking unruly. Consider

open shelving, where you organise your books to

add colour to your space, or opt for low shelving to

add accessories to the top and inside. Ottomans with

storage units, which double up as an extra seat, or

even open shelving to act as a room divide between

two spaces, which happens to have your collection of

snow globes strategically placed. Don’t be shy with

storage solutions; just ensure what and how you’re

displaying is considered.

I love black, but my partner is scared I will

darken the room. He isn’t keen but I think it’s

classic. How can we work this out?

Compromise is a key to any relationship. Strongly

applied with interior decision making too; black

is a dominant colour, but done correctly can add

big impact and create a lasting impression. For

compromise, consider adding black accessories,

a large piece of furniture in black or even black

trimmings to soft furnishings. In order to have a black

and white scheme, it doesn’t mean the walls need to

be black. Balance the black with the secondary colour

and hopefully this will help create the scheme you’re

both looking for.

I am designing a bedroom for my three-yearold

and have seen a very busy wallpaper

which I love. It’s full of colourful animals but

what colour do I paint the other walls? Would

bright yellow be too much with a busy paper?

I feel rooms need only a few focal points in order

to make them still the focus of a space. It is a little

difficult without seeing the paper, but I think if the

paper is already packed with pattern and colour, you

may want to consider a more subtle wall colour in

order to ensure nothing is taking over the paper. Or

have you considered just wallpapering all the walls?

Send your questions on interiors to

info@moodinteriors.net and you might

find Preet answering your dilemma in

next month’s issue.

SPONSORED BY MOOD INTERIORS

0121 809 7333 - WWW.MOODINTERIORS.NET

INFO@MOODINTERIORS.NET

17

G I F T G U I D E

Make time for Mum

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR WHERE WE CELEBRATE OUR MUMS AND WHAT THEY DO FOR US ALL

YEAR ROUND; YES, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 22, MAKE YOUR MUM’S MOTHER’S DAY WITH A

THOUGHTFULLY CHOSEN TOKEN TO REMIND HER JUST HOW MUCH YOU CARE, EVERY DAY

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WILLIAM MORRIS GOLDEN LILY GREEN

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LARGE MULTICOLOURED TAHITIAN PEARL

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AQUAMARINE PENDANT PRICED AT

FROM ALLEN BROWN JEWELLERY.

WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK

18

baby tate

luxury baby showroom in lichfield

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hello@baby-tate.co.uk unit 1, europa way, britannia enterprise for a personal park, lichfield, consultation

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Based in the heart of Staffordshire in the picturesque village

of Alrewas, our shop is packed with ideas and inspiration for

your home. Incorporating Jo Raybould Interior Design within,

for those who require the services of a professional designer.

needwoodliving.co.uk

136 Main Street Alrewas, DE13 7ED

01283 711 272

info@needwoodliving.co.uk

SHOP

DINE

RELAX

ENJOY!

FREE PARKING

www.heartofthecountryvillage.com

Swinfen, Lichfield. WS14 9QR 01543 481612 2 MILES SOUTH OF LICHFIELD ON THE A38

CO M P E T I T I O N

Win a treat for mum

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY IN STYLE ON MARCH 22 WITH THE CHANCE TO

WIN A HAND-MADE WHITE GOLD PENDANT, COURTESY OF ALLEN BROWN

JEWELLERY AT HEART OF THE COUNTRY SHOPPING VILLAGE

Show your mum just how much you care

this Mothers’ Day. J’AIME has teamed up

with Allen Brown Jewellery to celebrate

Mother’s Day by offering readers the

opportunity to win a ‘Within My Heart’

pendant from the leading Midlands

jewellery designer, located at Heart of the

Country Shopping Village near Lichfield.

This pendant is handmade and designed

in Allen Brown’s onsite workshop. This is a

duo and interlocking pendant which means

the mother has one heart and the daughter

has the other. It is made from 9ct white

gold with 0.40ct of diamonds.

Allen Brown Jewellery are experienced in

the exceptional. Visit their gallery to view

their collection pieces, discuss having a

commission piece made, or why not take in your old

jewellery to look at remodelling ideas with the team?

With an onsite workshop along with a viewing

gallery, customers also have the opportunity to view

beautiful jewellery being created. The workshop

is a hive of activity everyday. Located in beautiful

surroundings at Heart of the Country Shopping

ALLEN BROWN IN THE

WORKSHOP

Village, it is a lovely place to spend the day.

“Heart of the Country has been a perfect location

for my business, creating a stylish and relaxed

environment for our customers,” explains Allen.

For more details call 01543 481 948 or visit

www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk and follow

them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all

the latest news and collections.

THE COMPETITION

J’AIME HAS TEAMED UP WITH ALLEN

BROWN JEWELLERY TO OFFER READERS

THE CHANCE TO WIN THE BEAUTIFUL

‘WITHIN MY HEART’ MOTHER AND

DAUGHTER PENDANT IN TIME FOR

MOTHER’S DAY.

TO ENTER, SIMPLY TELL US WHY

YOUR MUM DESERVES TO WIN.

THE WITHIN MY

HEART PENDANT

Send your answer, along with your name, address and telephone

number, by email to competitions@jaimemagazine.com with Allen

Brown Mother’s Day competition as the email subject. Entries must

be received by 5pm on Friday, March, 13 and our winner will be

notified by Wednesday, March 18. Terms and conditions apply. The

prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable and not redeemable for

cash or other prizes. Visit www.jaimemagazine.com for further details.

20

Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy

My offices are situated in the historic city of Lichfield and I have been providing personal

wealth management advice to my clients for more

than 25 years.

I specialise in the following key areas

and welcome your enquiry:

• Investment Planning

• InheritanceTax and Estate Planning

• Pre and Post-Retirement Planning

• Care Fees Planning and Funding for Care

Telephone: 01543 417342

Website: www.jeanlamb.co.uk

Email: jean.lamb@sjpp.co.uk

Office: 6A Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LH

Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority)

for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

Based in the Jewellery Quarter we buy and sell most prestigious watch brands including

Rolex, Breitling, Omega, TAG Heuer, Cartier, Panerai, IWC and look forward to meeting

you for a pre-arranged appointment to view the watch of your choice.

All of our watches are meticulously prepared by an experienced watchmaker and come

with either the manufacturer’s warranty, or our 12 months warranty. Additionally we offer

a 14 day money back guarantee on all online orders for your peace of mind.

WATCHES OF SUTTON LTD, BRANSTON COURT, BRANSTON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B18 6BA

ALL VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

TEL: 0121 405 4055 - EMAIL: SALES@WATCHESOFSUTTON.CO.UK

WEB: WATCHESOFSUTTON.CO.UK

WATCHESOFSUTTON

WATCHES_OF_SUTTON

F E AT U R E

Shine bright

JEWELLERY EXPERT HEATHER CALLAWAY TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE EXEMPLARY

JEWELLERY ITEMS UP FOR SALE IN RICHARD WINTERTON AUCTIONEERS’ FINE ARTS

AND SPECIALIST SALE LATER THIS MONTH

Looking over the catalogued lots is rather

like trying to choose your most favourite

chocolate from the most delicious aweinspiring

Christmas selection box! Very

hard to choose from indeed. However,

if I had my choice and deep pockets I

would choose these three for my private

collection.

First up is an impressive large sapphire

and diamond centre piece necklet,

centring on a principle oval mixed cut blue

sapphire, double claw set, enclosed within

a double diamond border. This pendant is

accompanied by a gemstone report from

the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF).

The report states the whopping 18.04ct sapphire

THIS LADIES ROLEX

IS 18CT GOLD AND

BOASTS A MOTHER OF

PEARL DIAMOND DOT

DIAL

THE CENTRE 4.46CT

DIAMOND IS

COMPLEMENTED BY

A FURTHER 1.25CT OF

SMALLER DIAMONDS

to be natural and ‘no indications of heating’ with a

colour ‘blue of medium strong saturation’.

Sapphires in this large size category are regarded

as rare; rarer still is the fact that this large sapphire

has had no intervention of heat treatment to induce

the mesmerising strong blue colour. Most people

are unaware that almost all sapphires are heated

at extremely high temperatures to ‘enhance’ their

colour and clarity. The beauty of this stone is entirely

natural; the only intervention has been to cut and

facet the stone to show its true splendour and beauty.

This, coupled with gemstone report from one of the

leading and most prestigious gemstone laboratories

in the world, certainly instils confidence.

The necklet has a estimated price of £30,000-

£40,000.

My second - a very close second - is a piece which

has adorned the hand of nearly all the female

employees here at Winterton’s! It is a stunning,

modern bespoke large diamond ring, centring on a

huge 4.46ct transitional round brilliant cut diamond,

enclosed within a micro-paved cushion diamond halo

border.

This really is a ‘wow’ ring and sure to capture the

attention from admirers from a distance. Again, we

are proud to ensure buyers’ confidence as this ring

22

is accompanied by a diamond jewellery report from

AnchorCert gemstone laboratory. The report states

the centre natural diamond weight 4.46ct, colour

K, clarity SI1, as well as the smaller micro-paved

modern round brilliant cut diamonds totalling

1.25ct. That’s an astonishing total diamond weight

of 5.71ct!

The ring has an estimated price of £20,000-

£30,000.

Thirdly, we have a quality original timepiece - a

stunning lady’s Rolex. The 18ct gold Rolex Oyster

Perpetual Pearlmaster, mother of pearl diamond dot

dial, and diamond bezel and signature Pearlmaster

bracelet exemplifies a delicate balance of elegance

and style. Model number 80318, serial number

A658334. Circa 1999. Together with the original

box, papers, red silk handkerchief and red leather

wallet, it is a beautiful watch in pristine condition.

The Rolex has an estimated price of £7,000-£9,000.

This terrific trio are among a huge selection of

jewellery and watches in Richard Winterton’s Fine

Arts and Specialist Sale in March. The two-day event

at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane,

Fradley Park, WS13 8NF, is to be held on Tuesday

and Wednesday, March 24 and 25, with a 10am start

both days.

As well as fine jewellery and watches, the auction

features silver, works of art, wine, whisky, antique

THIS STUNNING

DIAMOND RING HAS

AN ESTIMATED PRICE

OF £20,000-£30,000

paintings, modern pictures, decorative design,

porcelain, glass, cabinet toys, coins, medals and fine

furniture.

Viewing is on Saturday, March 21, from 9.30am-

12noon, Monday, March 23 from 10am-4pm and on

the mornings of sale from 8.30am.

For more information telephone 01543 251081,

email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or visit

www.richardwinterton.co.uk

THIS BEAUTIFUL

NECKLET FEATURES A

RARE LARGE SAPPHIRE

AT ITS HEART

23

F O O D & D R I N K

Just roarsome

WITH QUALITY FOOD AND EXEMPLARY SERVICE, THE RED LION AT NEWBOROUGH HAS

ALL THE HALLMARKS OF A GREAT DINING PUB, AS AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS

As discerning diners, we’re always

on the lookout for quality when it

comes to eating out; whether that

be at a Michelin starred eatery, a

gastro pub or even a street food

vendor. Quality is, after all, what

keeps people coming back for

more.

Tucked away in the picturesque

east Staffordshire village

of Newborough, The Red

Lion is a great example of a

thriving country pub - and one

of the latest acquisitions for

the company behind Sutton

Coldfield’s prestigious Moor Hall

Hotel.

At the helm are general managers

Gail Williams and Ryan Wheeldon, who have moved

over from the Moor Hall to take on the rather

different challenge of running a country pub, while

head chef Andrew Murkin has joined the team from

well regarded Burton restaurant The Dial.

And it’s not only a new team on board; the pub itself

underwent a substantial refurbishment last year to

give a fresh new look, creating a stylish and relaxing

bar and restaurant.

J’AIME was invited over to The Red Lion to

experience the new-look pub - and menu - first hand.

And first impressions were certainly favourable.

We were greeted by general manager Gail, who

showed us to a cosy table for two in the main

restaurant area. Chunky wooden tables and open

fires give a nicely homely feel complemented by a

modern palette of cool greys, while swathes of fairy

lights adorn the ceilings - a very pretty touch indeed.

Our drinks were swift to arrive, alongside a carafe

of water for the table, and we set about perusing the

evening’s offerings.

The menu is a relatively small affair, championing

fresh, local and seasonal produce, and all meat on

offer is Red Tractor assured from

Russell’s butchers of Shenstone.

Seafood dominates the specials

board - unsurprisingly, since

seafood is a particular passion for

head chef Andrew - while there

are also daily changing pie and

soup options.

To kick things off, I was torn

between the two starter specials,

with the crayfish, salmon and dill

cocktail, £6, just edging ahead of

the scallops and pea puree, £7.

It was a winning take on a

classic, with the juicy crayfish in

a rich Marie Rose sauce nicely

complemented by thick ribbons

24

of smoked salmon, and a couple of hunks of soft,

crusty bread to ensure everything got mopped up.

My husband opted for the beetroot and goats’ cheese

arancini with red pepper coulis and basil pesto, £6.

It was a very pretty dish, however I can’t possibly

comment on the taste since I didn’t get a look in -

I’m assured that means it was a success.

For the main event I was tempted by the sea bass

special, served with lemon and caper butter, crushed

potato, kale, spinach and parsley, £14.50, and the

signature rotisserie style chicken with homemade

coleslaw, from £6 - until I spied a parade of burgers

making their way to a neighbouring table. And so

it was The Red Lion beef burger, £13.50, with the

bacon and stilton topper - there are also cheddar and

chorizo, or spiced halloumi options.

The burger was a true behemoth; a

gloriously meaty patty adorned with

thickly sliced bacon, a generous helping

of stilton and the obligatory salad, all

sandwiched between a soft brioche

bun and topped with a wedge of pickle

for good measure. The meat itself was

wonderfully flavoursome and deliciously

juicy which made it difficult for the

brioche to contain all the component

parts but no bother, not when it tasted

as good as it did. Not an elegant dish

by any stretch of the imagination, but

certainly a most satisfying one.

The accompanying chips were

generously portioned and beautifully

crisp with a nicely fluffy interior, while

a side order of corn on the cob, £3,

was a thinly veiled attempt to offset the

calorific damage by adding in one of

my five-a-day - and a rather futile one,

slathered in garlic butter as it was.

My husband’s 8oz fillet steak, £24,

was another thing of beauty;

perfectly cooked to the requested

rare, it was richly flavoured with

a wonderful hint of chargrill,

and so tender that the knife slid

through it like butter - the real

hallmark of a good steak. As

someone who’s eaten his fair

share of steak, both good and

bad, he’s not an easy man to

impress in such matters - but

impressed he was.

The accompanying stilton sauce,

£2, was perfect for dipping the

hand-cut chips, and the rest

of the rest of the trimmings

went down a treat too; tomato,

mushroom and a sizable pile of

enormous onion rings coated in a beautifully light

and crispy batter.

The Red Lion’s portions are certainly on the

generous side, so no one would blame you if you

didn’t have room for dessert; although that would

mean missing out on classics like jam roly poly,

chocolate fudge cake and banana split. While my

husband stuck to coffee, I found the mixed berry

pavlova with raspberry sorbet, £6, was the perfect

way to end the meal; light, refreshing and the perfect

balance of sweet and tart.

With a crowd-pleasing menu offering quality food,

plus a seriously warm welcome and exemplary

service, The Red Lion is everything a good village

pub should be.

53

F O O D & D R I N K

Spring in your step

THE GINTLEMAN, THE MIDLANDS’ LEADING RACONTEUR AT HOUSE PARTIES AND VENUES ACROSS

BIRMINGHAM, GETS IN THE MOOD FOR SPRING WITH SOME EXCITING GIN DEVELOPMENTS

CHERRY blossoms or Sakura ( 桜 ) to give them

their Japanese name are the symbolic blooming

barometer signifying spring. A mild spring will

see them bloom in early March and they are

traditionally seen as offering hope, beauty and new

life. The trees by the Birmingham’s Ikon gallery

are a wonder, or ‘Yozakura’, when viewed at night.

Don’t expect a cherry flavour though; why not go all

out to celebrate their arrival with a Ginology Cherry

Blossom Gin Copa glass, Kokomo Cherry Blossom

Gin liqueur and Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom

tonic with fresh blossoms as garnish.

Another seasonal tradition in a sparse fruit and

citrus pantry after blood oranges say their farewell is

rhubarb. Helping to redefine the flavoured gin and

coloured drinking landscape, most gin companies

will have a rhubarb expression; however, why not

think outside the box as to how to flavour-match it

with tonic or the crowd-pleasing ginger ale/beer

or Raspberry Crabbies. For those of you wanting

a quick tuck shop treat, mix with Advocaat for an

instant rhubarb and custard. Additional flavour

matches to try are honey, rosemary, pink pepper,

TANQUERAY TEN HAVE LAUNCHED

A NEW CITRUS EXPRESSION

EXCLUSIVE TO TRAVEL RETAIL

CELEBRATE CHERRY BLOSSOM

SEASON WITH THE PRETTY GIN

COPA GLASS FROM GINOLOGY

chilli, cinnamon, apple juice and goats’ cheese.

In terms of the G&T, Bombay Sapphire have finally

joined the train journey ‘gin in a tin’ ready-to-drink

revolution.

The mothers and fathers of the modern

‘ginaissance’ Martin Millers and Hendricks,

along with Tanqueray TEN, have been busy

evolving. While Millers marginalised itself

in recent years with aged whiskey style oak

aged gin statements, all round Victorianainspired

oddballs Hendricks have continued

with their own unique marketing approach,

recently launching Lunar as its latest creative

expression.

If you’re lucky enough to be passing through

global travel retail for your spring break

(and I don’t mean Cancun!) at Heathrow,

Dubai or Madrid among others, pay close

attention to the Art Deco cocktail shaker

bottle ginspired signature green branding

of the aforementioned Tanqueray TEN,

as for the first time it has a brand new

expression the Citrus Heart Edition (45.3%

ABV). Currently available as a one-litre

bottle, it features the fresh, sweet and juicy

26

Become a member of Moor Hall Leisure Club & Spa and

you’ll enjoy the best in fitness and relaxation facilities

coupled with comprehensive support and guidance from

friendly, professional and well-trained staff.

NO JOINING FEES MEMBERSHIP STARTS AT £45 A MONTH

FRIENDLY CLUB FOR ALL AGES & FITNESS LEVELS

INDOOR POOL SAUNA, STEAM ROOM & SPA BATH

REFURBISHED GYM & VARIED FITNESS CLASSES

QUALIFIED STAFF PERSONAL TRAINERS

SPA TREATMENT DISCOUNTS

PLUS DISCOUNTS ON DINING AT MOOR HALL & MORE

Call to arrange a free no obligation show round.

Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN

0121 334 2323 www.moorhallhotel.co.uk

TOM SHEPHERD

AHEAD OF HIS NEW RESTAURANT

OPENING IN LICHFIELD

ST JOHNS HOUSE, LICHFIELD

SATURDAY MARCH 28TH | £75

Book online saucesupperclub.co.uk

Meet

Paul James

On

Fri 20th March

From 7pm onwards

&

Sat 21st March

From 12 – 5pm

At

Heart Galleries

Coppice Garden Centre

(Fig & Olive)

Coppice Lane, Middleton

B78 2BU

sales@heartgalleries.co.uk

www.heartgalleries.co.uk

0121 308 1563

taste of pink and white

grapefruit, balanced with

notes of juniper before

finishing with subtle hints

of woody rosemary. Expect

to see its wider distribution

in the summer, but as it’s

exclusive to travel retail at

the moment make a beeline

as this will shift quicker than

Whitley Neill gooseberry

from the shelf at Asda!

I do enjoy a good marketing

spin to assist in telling a

brand story and looking

through the craft56.co.uk

website for something

unrelated, I stumbled across

The Four Marys gin series

named after Mary Queen of Scots’ four ladies in

BOMBAY

SAPPHIRE HAVE

LAUNCHED GIN

IN A CAN

waiting with Mary Fleming featuring on the label for

the Zesty Sherbet edition. Mary Fleming, AKA ‘the

lively one’, was renowned for her dazzling presence

and skills in entertaining the Court with music and

dance. With a botanical ingredients list showcasing

kaffir lime, yuzu, star anise and galangal, the PR

says it will ‘create a flavour sensation in your mouth!’

Allegedly.

Now I’ve tried sherry, port, vermouth tonic, Stevia

as a sweetening agent and tonics with no quinine

- say what? Green Stem, however, have launched

three 250ml canned flavours online priced at £3 a

can – Rhubarb and Rose, Citrus, and Elderflower,

the added extra being that the drinks are made using

hemp oil and contain 10mg of broad-spectrum

CBD per can.

They also contain extracts of quassia, a bitter

wood the brand said

was known for its zesty

flavour, and cinchona

bark, which contained

a ‘higher’ level of

digestion-aiding quinine.

Green Stem said it was

“among the first” to

use botanically-infused

quinine instead of

chemical extraction. We

will wait to see if CBD

products will still be on

the shelves by the end of

the year.

To finish, I do love

giving you lovely J’AIME

readers exclusives. As we

move majestically into

gin festival season, I’ve

partnered with the lovely people at the arts centre

of St Mary’s Church Hub smack bang in Lichfield’s

Market Street to put on one of my infamous gin

speed-dating events. On Bank Holiday weekend,

Saturday May 23 from 6-10pm, a selection of

Midlands gin brands will be the aforementioned

dates and over the course of the evening with a

mix of banter, charm and baby G&Ts they will

aim to convince you that their gin is your perfect

match. Ideal for a group night out out, tickets are

limited to 130 and available direct from www.

thehubstmarys.co.uk. The £15 entrance

includes a ginspired cocktail on arrival, mini G&Ts

from participating brands plus a chance to win a

hamper of gin goodies or gin cruise vouchers, live

music, a stunning backdrop and the chance to hear

my compering skills. Gin it to win it!

28

The

Boat Inn

Lunch Menu

Enjoy a 500ml carafe of house wine with

the lunch menu for an additional £10

Sample menu

Starters // 4

Fishcake, poached egg + butter sauce

Butternut squash soup

Cured salmon, creme fraiche + radish

Mains // 14

Pork belly, roasted carrot, Roscoff onion + wild garlic

Battered haddock, chips, pea puree + tartare sauce

BBQ turnip, broccoli + lentil

Sides // 4

Spiced carrots + chervil

Hand cut chips

Hispi cabbage + smoked almonds

Cauliflower + stilton

Dessert // 4

Sticky toffee pudding, salted caramel + brown butter ice cream

Yoghurt panna cotta + rhubarb

British cheese, chutney + crackers // 7

Filter coffee or tea included

Served Thursday - Saturday 12:00 - 14:30

Rosemary Lodge Care Home for elderly ladies and gentlemen offers a level

of care, community and comfort that is second to none. Situated a short way

from the bustling City Centre of Lichfield and set in landscaped gardens,

Rosemary Lodge is light, spacious and beautifully decorated, offering residents

just the right combination of activity and relaxation. Residents are encouraged

to retain their independence and individuality whilst being fully supported to

live a fulfilled and enjoyable life.

Call for details - 01543 361692 - Open Wednesday (evening) - Sunday

www.theboatinnlichfield.com - Walsall Road, Lichfield WS14 0BU

A family run concern that has been a highly regarded part of the community

for almost 30 years. Offering 24- hour care, fully trained staff work together

to communicate with residents to ensure that personal care needs are met in

a fully person-centred approach, thus building an important relationship of

trust and friendship.

Two qualified chefs offer a nutritionally balanced and varied menu, catering

for any dietary requirement, using fresh, locally sourced produce, served in

a spacious dining room that offers views out towards the Orangery and the

gardens and fountain.

The Orangery offers the perfect space for residents, family and friends to

meet up, chat enjoy coffee and snacks at any time of the year.

Second Sunday of the Month from

March to December 2020

All rooms are en-suite, and are designed to comfortably accommodate

individuals and couples. Full wi-fi throughout to allow residents to keep in

touch with family and friends through video link or FaceTime.

Regular activities and entertainment include movement to music, musical

theatre groups, pet therapy, pub lunches, and visits to local events are regularly

organised. However, privacy and peace and quiet is also ensured. There is also

an on-site hairdressing and beauty salon.

Rosemary Lodge also offers respite care, holiday stay and limited day care.

Rosemary Lodge Residential Home

191 Walsall Road, Lichfield. Staffs. WS13 8AQ.

In the first instance please contact Jane Evans - Registered Care Manager

or Shirley Kent - Administration Manager.

01543 415223 - Email: roselodgehome@aol.com

www.rosemarylodgecarehome.co.uk

CQC RATING GOOD

W E D D I N G S

Wed in style

IF YOU’RE NEWLY-ENGAGED AND LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION FOR

YOUR BIG DAY, OUR 13-PAGE WEDDING GUIDE IS PACKED WITH IDEAS

Christmas, Valentine’s

Day and Leap Year

proposals aplenty means

many couples are just

starting to plan their

special days, and if you’re

looking for some breathtaking

inspiration, then

we’ve got a gorgeous

woodland shoot from The

Moat House at Acton

Trussell which oozes

romantic style.

Newly engaged couples

looking for a venue in the

West Midlands will be

interested to find out that

The

Moat House is launching

exclusive use weddings.

Exclusive wedding parties at The Moat House will

have the freedom of the whole property, with plenty

of space for as many as 200 evening guests as well

as the capacity to host quieter and more intimate

celebrations. With a limited number of dates

remaining for 2020, available dates in 2021 and 2022

are expected to fill fast.

Steeped in history, the Grade II listed manor house

dates back to the 1500s and has had a number of

extensions and additions over the centuries, including

The Orangery Restaurant which has held two

AA rosettes for 21 years. Couples will have the

opportunity to sit with the head chef to craft a

uniquely personal menu for their wedding breakfast.

When it comes to food and drink, the tastes of

modern brides and grooms looking for more

personalised and informal dining experiences have

been considered - so whether it’s a four course fine

dining meal or an interactive, carve-at-the-table roast

dinner couples want, they’ll be

well-catered for. Relaxed grazing

tables and feasting platters are

expected to be a popular choice for

less traditional couples.

Emily Lewis, Moat House director,

says: “Tradition is important

to us, but the needs of modern

couples are changing and we want

to reflect that. We believe every

couple is unique and every couple

deserves to feel extraordinary on

their wedding day. With exclusive

use we are offering the chance to

make The Moat House completely

yours for 24 hours.”

30

S E C R E T W O O D L A N D S H O OT

CO L L A B O R ATO R S

PHOTOGRAPHY:

French Connection Photography @ianfranceweddings

VENUE:

The Moat House, Acton Trussell @moathouseweddings

CATERING:

The Moat House, Acton Trussell @moathouseweddings

STYLING:

Laura Loves @laura_loves___ / GemmaCherry

@gemmacherrystyling

FLOWERS:

Myrtle, Fox & Maude @myrtlefoxandmaude / Gemma

Cherry Styling @gemmacherrystyling / The Contented

Florist @thecontentedflorist

DRESS:

Rebecca Jayne’s Bridal @rebeccajaynesbridalwear

HAIR:

Hair by Hannah Wallbank / @hairbyhannahwallbank

MAKE UP:

Niamh Davies Beauty @niamhdavies_beauty

MODEL:

Kayleigh Ross @misskayleighross for RMG Models

@officialrmgmodels_

32

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QUOTE: Jaime295

www.nothingbutweddingcars.co.uk

T: 07950 233240 - E: info@ nothingbutweddingcars.co.uk

W E D D I N G S F O R C O U P L E S W I T H S T Y L E

M A K E I T Y O U R S

EXCLUSIVE

To make The Moat exclusively yours for

your wedding, all you have to do is ask.

M O A T H O U S E W E D D I N G S . C O . U K

W E D D I N G S

Say ‘yes’ to the dress

JILL HARTLEY, FOUNDER OF LUXURY BRIDAL AND FASHION BOUTIQUE NERO E BIANCO, AT

BARTON MARINA, OFFERS SOME EXPERT ADVICE ON SHOPPING FOR YOUR DREAM WEDDING DRESS

THE BRIDE-TO-BE

Shopping for your wedding gown is a momentous and

special occasion that is to be treasured.

It is usually the first step for any bride-to-be in their

exciting wedding planning journey.

Here at Nero e Bianco Bridal we hope to give you

an experience to be remembered with joy, sometimes

tears, and with lasting happiness. We appreciate all

forms of wedding and civil ceremonies, and hope to

support your particular choice.

Our aim is to help you find the wedding gown

that makes you feel special, look stunning and be

everything you want it to be, whatever your age, size

and shape; you are one very special person and we are

honoured to be part of your journey.

Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions that can

give you a little bit of an insight into Nero e Bianco

Bridal before you pay us a visit…

“Should I make an appointment, or can I just

drop in if I’m passing by?”

We recommend you book an appointment with us so

that one of our Bridal Consultants

can ensure there is enough time allocated to cater

to your needs on a one-to-one basis. Booking an

appointment can be done via our website, by

telephoning the store or in person.

However, if you are just passing by do feel free to

pop into store; it may be possible, if we don’t have

a booking, to browse and possibly try on a wedding

gown.

“I have had a bad experience in previous

bridal shops I have been in. How can you help

me relax?”

We’re sorry you have had a bad experience elsewhere;

no bride-to-be should ever be made to feel like

34

w w w . n e r o e b i a n c o . u k

Nero e Bianco

Exclusive Fashion & Bridal

Barton Marina

Burton upon Trent

DE13 8AS

01283 346704

anything less than the special person they are. We have

refreshments – including prosecco – on hand to help

you feel relaxed, as well as the knowledge that you

have the entire bridal boutique to yourself. We aim

to make all our brides feel as comfortable as possible;

we understand how important choosing your wedding

gown is.

“What if I don’t like anything?”

Every bridal store is different with various styles and

price ranges, so it goes without saying that some things

may not suit your taste. You can take a look at our

bridal look book to get a sense of what we offer here at

Nero e Bianco Bridal. It is always interesting as some

brides-to-be have very fixed ideas of what they want

their gown to be like, then they try different styles on

and can completely change their mind. Therefore,

when trying on, being a little open minded is very

important to ensure the right style gown suits you.

“What shall I wear to the appointment?”

If you already have your bridal underwear, we suggest

you bring that along to the appointment. Nude or

white briefs are recommended, however don’t worry

too much about a bra, as you will most likely be taking

it on and off throughout the appointment. We have

robes to help modesty as you try on different gowns;

on the whole, staff are needed to help you in and

out of the gowns so if you are anxious about getting

undressed, just let us know and we will happily step

outside of the dressing room and pop back in to fasten

the gown.

“I want to lose weight before my wedding day.

When is the best time to try on dresses?”

This will depend on the amount of weight you wish

to lose. If you’re planning on dropping more than

two dress sizes, we suggest that you wait until you are

closer to your goal before visiting us as dresses can look

completely different on varying body shapes.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate

to drop us an email or give us a call!

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OR GROOM

It may surprise you but choosing the outfit for mother

of the bride-to-be and mother of the groom-to-be can

be quite stressful. Thinking about the colour scheme,

venue, style of wedding, what the bride-to-be will like,

can be a worry, and no one wants to upstage the brideto-be

or have a problem with respective mothers.

We are here to help. Again, you can make an

appointment via the website, in person or by phone

or you can just pop in. You will have a dedicated

specialist consultant one to one who will welcome you

with refreshments and take time to understand all your

wishes and concerns before helping you to find the

outfit that will give you confidence, feel special and

look amazing to stand beside your daughter or son.

Our bridal boutique is on the first floor of Nero e

Bianco Fashion at Barton Marina, Barton under

Needwood. For more information and to browse

further go to www.neroebiancobridal.co.uk

36

Moor Hall Hotel is the perfect venue for your civil ceremony,

outdoor wedding and wedding reception for up to 180 guests.

Our beautiful country house hotel is full of character

and our sweeping lawns, sunken garden and newly refurbished

banqueting suite make a great backdrop for your photos.

The George offers a delightful setting for civil ceremonies &

wedding receptions for up to 110 guests, in the heart of the Lichfield.

Our charming 18th century coaching inn and the nearby picturesque

backdrops of Minster Pool and Beacon Park set the perfect scene.

Includes welcome drink, 4 course wedding breakfast with coffee,

glass of house wine per person and glass of sparkling wine for the toasts,

evening finger buffet, room hire, overnight stay for the couple and

much more! Available on selected dates in 2021.

Includes welcome drink, 3 course wedding breakfast with coffee,

glass of house wine per person and glass of sparkling wine for the toasts,

evening finger buffet, room hire, overnight stay for the couple and

much more! Available on selected dates in 2020.

Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN

0121 308 3751 www.moorhallhotel.co.uk

Bird Street, Lichfield WS13 6PR

T: 01543 414822 W: www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk

Ask about our NEW

Millarde Fashions

of Sutton Coldfield

Mother of the

Bride/Groom outfits

FROM CONDICI, MICHAELA LOUISA, GLITZ & GODSKE

396 Birmingham Road, Wylde Green,

Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B72 1YJ

0121 373 4834 - www.millardefashions.co.uk

enquiries@millardefashions.co.uk

W E D D I N G S

National wedding win for Midlands car company

Following their win at the West Midlands finals of

The Wedding industry Awards 2020 (TWIA2020),

Sutton Coldfield-based Nothing but Wedding Cars

received the ultimate accolade by winning The Best

Wedding Transport Supplier 2020 at the national

finals of The Wedding Industry Awards in January

at the Cafe de Paris in London. This is the first time

since the awards began that the transport category

has been won by a company from the West Midlands

- recognition indeed.

The TWIA are the only regional and national

awards in the wedding industry that are voted for

solely by the people that matter - the clients - and

so are extremely useful for anyone organising

a wedding, to help them make better informed

decisions when looking for and selecting their

suppliers.

Nothing but Wedding Cars attribute their success to

their friendly, customer-focused approach, their fleet

of exceptional wedding vehicles and their unique

package of extras, provided at no additional cost.

Owners Julie and John Beresford said: “We are

delighted to be recognised with such a prestigious

award, our aim is to consistently provide our couples

with an outstanding and totally unique experience.”

The other big news from Nothing but Wedding Cars

is that they have just added a new wedding car to

their fleet, a 1920s vintage style Regent Landaulet

which can carry up to six passengers and is partially

convertible, making it the perfect wedding car.

For more details visit

www.nothingbutweddingcars.co.uk

Luxury wedding stationery made for you

Sutton Coldfield wedding photographer Annerley

Johnson has added another string to her bow -

luxury, bespoke wedding stationery designed and

made to order.

As a photographer, Annerley specialises in a natural,

documentary style and offers a range of packages to

suit all sizes and types of wedding. Under her ‘Made

of Honour’ brand, Annerley also provides a graphic

design and print service creating bespoke wedding

stationery and marketing materials for businesses

involved in the wedding and events sectors.

Annerley says: “Before becoming a photographer

and graphic designer, I spent 14 years as a

marketing manager and director in the leisure and

events industries. After a successful career I went

back to university and attained an MA in Visual

Communications.

“Through Made of Honour I offer a tailor-made

service for your special occasion. I design and create

bespoke stationery for clients across the UK from my

studio in Sutton Coldfield.

“Preparing to get married is a very special time

in anyone’s life and it is to be enjoyed as much as

possible. Sending out your stationery in a methodical

and planned manner will help your wedding

planning run smoothly.”

For more details visit

www.annerleyjohnsonphotography.co.uk and

www.made-of-honour.co.uk

38

T R AV E L

A new era for celebrations

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START WORKING ON YOUR ‘BUCKET LIST’ SAYS CLARE

BUCKLEY, LUXURY TRAVEL CONSULTANT AT RB COLLECTION IN LICHFIELD - AND

A WEDDING CELEBRATION GIVES YOU THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY

THE GREEK ISLAND OF SANTORINI IS

A POPULAR WEDDING DESTINATION

From indulgent, luxury escapes to unique cultural

experiences - special occasions abroad are a great

opportunity to start working on your bucket list

whatever the age!

Celebration trends

The modern traveller is seeking much more than

kicking back on a sun lounger, even if just for a

moment. We’ve noticed a trend for recognising the

importance of travel which can enrich one’s life and

also benefit the communities we travel to. This isn’t a

fad either, it is a new way of travelling and one which

we are very much in tune with.

The more traditional honeymoon where we fly off

to tropical island paradise is today often combined

with a city break on the way for shopping or culture,

or maybe a unique experience. A good example is

combining Muscat in Oman with Mauritius. Enjoy

the bustling souks and bazaars in Muscat, with

handicrafts, unique creations and great mountain

scenery with the picture-perfect Indian Ocean island

of Mauritius. Don’t be fooled by Mauritius though;

it is much more than just a beach destination, with

great national parks bursting with wildlife, large flat

areas which are good for cycling plus lots of waterbased

sports to keep you busy. It is definitely one of

our top tips for a beach holiday where one of the

party may worry about getting restless.

Celebrating with the family

Maybe you are a family and need to combine the

celebration with a trip together. A young family

recently asked for suggestions to marry abroad. They

wanted their children to have a ‘real’ life experience

that would pull them away from their iPads and keep

them stimulated, whilst allowing Mum and Dad to

have some romance too as they had decided to renew

their vows. We arranged a family-friendly safari

experience in a malaria free camp in South Africa.

The children were super excited about the prospect

of seeing the animals in the wild, and we arranged

a special candlelit dinner for two after the ceremony,

while the little ones did activities with the animal

spotters.

Keeping everyone happy

It is very common for couples to have varying ideas

of the ‘dream trip’; whether this would be the

39

COMBINE THE

MALDIVES WITH THE

UAE FOR A DREAM

TWIN CENTRE TRIP

destination to actually marry abroad, the honeymoon

or another celebration. This is where combining two

or more places is the perfect solution. One of you

may love the idea of relaxing on the beach, but the

other may worry about getting bored. A popular

combination is the UAE and the Maldives. Within

the UAE you could choose Dubai if you like glitz

and glamour, or Abu Dhabi if you want somewhere

a little more laid back and with more culture. Both

are easily combined with the Maldives which, for

many, would be a number one romantic getaway

dream destination.

Closer to home and keeping the romantic paradise

factor high, we could send you to Mykonos and

Santorini in Greece. The islands are close to each

other, and Mykonos is a great start with more

nightlife and atmosphere, contrasting nicely with

Santorini which is much quieter and scenic. They

offer great food, luxury small hotels and the freedom

to explore at your own pace if you feel a little restless.

In Mykonos you can hire your own quad bike, while

Santorini offers stunning sunsets which we can

arrange by private boat hire in the evening.

unique to offer you, and for our clients we

want to push them outside of their comfort

zone a little. It sounds cheesy but this is

usually where the magic happens. It can be

wonderfully satisfying to know you have tried

something new and gained from it.

A big investment, choose wisely

For many, a celebration trip will be a once

in a lifetime opportunity. With so many

channels of information available to us

it can be confusing. Review websites, TV

shows, magazines and newspapers and the

endless dream destinations photos on social

media mean it can be tricky to know exactly

what is right for you. While we are confident

we get to know our clients in a unique way

to make the right suggestions, we appreciate

you will also do your own research too.

Quite often we find couples have a focus

on one place or the of honeymoon and I

would suggest keeping an open mind. Are

you getting married at the right time of year for

where you are convinced you want to honeymoon,

for example? There are so many factors that can

influence where you go and so many places to choose

from, it would be wise to take expert advice and

ensure you are spending your money wisely, even if

it does mean not going to where you initially dreamt

of. After all, you want to have the best experience

- which may be something you had not originally

thought of.

SICILY HAS PLENTY TO

KEEP YOUR WEDDING

GUESTS ENTERTAINED

Ageless

This idea of authentic travel is not just restricted to

young couples. We find the modern traveller of any

age is more interested in an authentic experience.

Milestone anniversaries and birthdays are a

wonderful opportunity to either escape the family

or bring everyone together for shared memories. We

like to think our clients are all young at heart and

approach each enquiry as an opportunity to all learn

something new. For us, we want to find something

40

Travel caters well for all sorts of celebrations,

from the traditional wedding to civil partnerships,

blessings, anniversaries and so on. Removing the

necessity for the legal element can be a sensible idea

as it then opens up many more options too.

TOP WEDDING DESTINATIONS

1. Mauritius

Do be careful when choosing a wedding package

abroad. You want it to feel special, of course, and the

thought of sharing your special day with others is not

a notion many couples realise may actually happen

when they plan to get married abroad. In Mauritius,

we work with specially selected hotels where you will

be the only couple getting married on that day; there

will be no conveyor belt weddings at these hotels!

Our MD’s brother chose Mauritius for his special

day and so we have first-hand experience!

2. Italy

Italy oozes romance and there are some beautiful

historic buildings to add class and sophistication to

your special day. One of these is a five star hotel we

know well in Sicily. The walls are full of history and

stories. Sicily is also a good all-round destination to

ensure wedding guests are happy too. Great scenery

and coastlines, opportunities for outdoor activities

such as hiking, cycling and golf, plenty to keep

families interested plus enough for those who want

to explore on a self-drive itinerary. Your celebration

can bring everyone together for a few days and

then allow them to venture off on their own Sicilian

adventure!

A SOUTH AFRICAN

SAFARI MAKES FOR THE

CELEBRATION TRIP OF A

LIFETIME

3. Cyprus

There’s a lot of choice in Cyprus and it is a firm

favourite wedding destination for the British. The

island is well known as a sunshine hotspot and

suitable for couples and families, with plenty of

regional flights from around the UK too. There’s

also a good variety of hotels for all budgets to ensure

everyone feels comfortable flying out for your special

day. You could even go wine tasting or visit the olive

groves in the countryside for a group day out away

from the resorts.

4. Canada

This is a great choice for those who want a wow

factor wedding with plenty of things to do. One

of our favourite combinations would be to visit

Vancouver, a great small city and also nearby

Victoria for a more historic experience. From

Vancouver you could catch a cruise to Alaska, or

enjoy the Rocky Mountaineer train for amazing

scenery and interesting stops along the way. If you

ski, venture to Whistler for some of the best runs in

North America. One of our favourite hotels is on

the west coast of Canada and offers unique storm

watching opportunities and is the perfect spot for a

wedding if you are seeking an exciting spot.

5. African Safari

Combine Cape Town with the Winelands and

Garden Route and then end with a safari in the

Eastern Cape, or in the Kruger National Park. South

Africa is bursting with opportunities but is also great

value for money too. My colleagues have visited

and can personally vouch for the high standards of

accommodation and experiences on offer.

EXCLUSIVE FREE WEDDING

PACKAGE FOR J’AIME READERS

WORTH UP TO £680!

Choose from one of our eight favourite hotels on

Mauritius and book your wedding before the end

of April 2020 with a minimum of 10 guests. This

wonderful package includes the following:

Exclusively one wedding per day

All legal costs, fees and documentation for getting

married

Civil status charges and transfers of/from the office

Dedicated wedding co-ordinator

Choice of wedding location with decorations

Separate room for the groom before ceremony

Ceremony music

Mention J’AIME magazine when you enquire.

Subject to availability, terms and conditions. Ask to

speak to Clare at RB Collection on 01543 258631.

41

Benefits of celebrating abroad

• It can be more cost effective

• Offers a more unique experience

• More control over friends and family who attend

• Not as traditional as marrying at home

• Wedding and honeymoon rolled into one

• Less stressful

TIPS FOR MARRYING ABROAD

Paperwork: We have good experience of what is

involved to advise you accordingly. However, it can

also sometimes be quite tricky to legally marry in

your dream destination. If you have your heart set

on a specific place but it transpires to be tricky, we

advise you consider a blessing as a great alternative

and then undertake the legalities quietly when you

are home.

Book in advance: For peace of mind book

early. It can also take time for the paperwork to be

completed.

beaches, temples and natural spots. The island is also

well known for its private pool villas which are great

for couples.

As I am sure you will agree having read this article,

the options are endless. The key is working out what

is right for you; when, where, how, who with, how

much, what will we do, what paperwork is required.

There are so many factors to take into account and

we look forward to guiding you through the process

and creating the perfect memories!

Contact RB Collection on 01543 258631 or visit

their luxury travel lounge just 1.5 miles outside of

Lichfield on Boley Park (free parking). Ask to speak

to Clare if you would like to marry abroad, RB’s

resident wedding specialist.

SWEDEN’S ICEHOTEL

MAKES A SERIOUSLY

ROMANTIC DESTINATION

Consider your guests’ needs: Is the destination

easily accessible for them and cost effective? If your

guests are happy, then you will enjoy the experience

even more.

Trust the wedding planner: You will have to

accept a lot of the planning is undertaken by the

wedding planner as they are abroad. So be prepared

to relinquish this control – a blessing in disguise

really as it will mean less stress for you!

Other great celebration combinations

Italy: Venice and the mountains; the romance of

Venice combined with serenity in the Italian Lakes.

Croatia: Hvar with its vibrant nightlife combined

with exploring the Croatian coast.

Sweden: The world-famous ICEHOTEL can also

be combined easily with the unique Tree Hotel and

now the amazing Arctic Bath! You could even throw

in Stockholm for another top to explore the city on

the way.

New York and Bermuda: Enjoy the buzz of

the Big Apple followed by the laid-back lifestyle on

Bermuda, with its charming communities and luxury

hotels - a good choice for summer trips.

Singapore and Bali: Start with one of the best

cities in the world with its interesting biospheres,

modern life and great food scene, followed by Bali’s

42

What’s On Local

LO CA L A R E A

YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OF WHAT’S ON IN AND AROUND

SUTTON COLDFIELD, LICHFIELD, WALSALL AND BEYOND

WHAT: SUNDAY ARTISAN MARKET

WHERE: BUZZARDS VALLEY, DRAYTON BASSETT

WHEN: MARCH 8

One of the most exciting regular events at Buzzards Valley has been the Artisan

Market on the second Sunday of every month, which returns for 2020 this month.

The market celebrates small local businesses, and features an array of stallholders

selling everything crafts, cheese, preserves and organic produce, to beautiful

affordable giftware. Pop along and you can pick up something unique that will mean

so much more to friends and family than generic high-street products - and know in

the process that you are supporting local businesses. There will also be live music to

entertain the crowds.

The market runs from 10am until 2pm on the second Sunday of the month for the

rest of the year, with free entry and plenty of free parking on site. The Loft Bistro

will also be open for refreshments and Sundays roasts - booking required. For more

details visit www.buzzards-valley.co.uk or find the Buzzards Valley Artisan

Market on Facebook.

WHAT: THE CAT AND THE CANARY

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK

WHEN: MARCH 9 TO 14

Building on the phenomenal decade-long success of The Agatha Christie Theatre

Company, The Classic Thriller Theatre Company presents their fifth production, with

an adaptation of the famous stage thriller The Cat and The Canary which comes to

Lichfield’s Garrick this month.

This much anticipated production is set 20 years after the death of Mr. West, on a night

where his descendants gather at a remote mansion to learn who will inherit his vast

wealth and the hidden family jewels. When the heir is revealed, the heritage hunters

turn into prey and a chain of macabre events is set in motion.

The Cat and The Canary features a spectacular star studded cast headed up by movie

icon Britt Ekland, Mark Jordon (Heartbeat, Emmerdale), Tracy Shaw (Coronation

Street), Marti Webb (Evita, Tell Me on a Sunday), Gary Webster (Minder), Ben Nealon

(Soldier Soldier), Nikki Patel (Coronation Street) and Eric Carte (Bouquet of Barbed

Wire). For more details call the box office on 01543 412121 or visit

www.lichfieldgarrick.com

WHAT: PAUL JAMES

WHERE: HEART GALLERIES AT COPPICE GARDEN CENTRE

WHEN: MARCH 20 AND 21

Heart Galleries, who have been situated at the Heart of the Country, Swinfen, near

Lichfield, for the last 20 years, are now celebrating their first year of trading with

their second gallery based at Coppice Garden Centre, on the site of the Fig and

Olive, at Middleton near Sutton Coldfield.

Heart are delighted that Paul James, well known for his unique paintings of wildlife

within urban settings, will be joining them on the evening of Friday, March 20 from

7pm onwards and on Saturday, March 21, between 12 noon and 5pm. Everyone

is welcome to come along to meet Paul, learn more about him and his work while

enjoying a glass of bubbly.

Heart showcase a diverse range of stunning artwork by Doug Hyde, John Horsewell,

Roz Bell, Stephen Hanson, Sherree Valentine Daines, Tom Butler and Hayley

Goodhead to name but a few. For more details call 0121 308 1563 or visit

www.heartgalleries.co.uk

43

LO CA L A R E A

What’s on Second City

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BIGGEST AND BEST

EVENTS TO COME TO BIRMINGHAM THIS MONTH

WHAT: THE BOOK OF MORMON

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

WHEN: MARCH 4 TO 28

The Book of Mormon is the outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South

Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Bobby Lopez, co-writer of Avenue Q and

Frozen, which follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent

on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get.

Now with sold out productions in London, on Broadway, North America and

Australia, The Book of Mormon has become a global sensation and comes to

Birmingham Hippodrome this month.

Since making its world premiere in March 2011 at New York’s Eugene O’Neill

Theatre, where it won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Book

of Mormon has been performed on three continents and won more than 30

international awards. The musical has smashed long-standing box office records in

New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney and cities across the U.S. For more details

visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com

WHAT: EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

WHERE: ALEXANDRA THEATRE

WHEN: MARCH 16 TO 21

Jamie New is 16 and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in.

Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation.

Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie

overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the

spotlight.

The smash-hit musical features West End star Layton Williams and EastEnders’

much-loved Shane Richie as Hugo/Loco Chanelle, both reprising their roles

from the critically acclaimed West End production. With an original score of

catchy pop tunes by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells

and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who), this brand-new musical will have

everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.

Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true. For more

details visit www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

WHAT: TABLE MANNERS WITH JESSIE WARE

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL

WHEN: MARCH 28

The award winning, smash hit podcast Table Manners will be embarking on a debut

live UK tour in March 2020, kicking off the tour in Birmingham on March 28.

Currently in the midst of its eighth series, Table Manners sees critically acclaimed

singer-songwriter Jessie Ware and her chef extraordinaire mum Lennie chat with a

guest from the worlds of music, culture and politics from the singer’s dinner table

over a three-course meal.

Oversharing guaranteed, Table Manners has seen a whole host of extraordinary

guests’ pop round for a natter and a bite to eat from Sam Smith, Sadiq Khan, Tom

Kerridge, Kiefer Sutherland, Nigella Lawson, Mark Ronson and Ed Sheeran.

Hilarious and hugely lovable, Table Manners has hit more than 10 million listens

since launching in 2017 and continues to top the iTunes podcast chart series after

series. Don’t miss the chance to catch Jessie and Lennie live in Birmingham. Get

ready for special guests, lots of food and great fun - oversharing guaranteed! For

more details visit www.thsh.co.uk

44

Insta #cathybbeauty

WEDS 4 - THU 5 MAR

The

Glee

Club

by Richard Cameron

Directed by Kate Wasserberg

TUES 24 - SAT 28 MAR

SEMI PERMANENT MAKE-UP

MICROBLADING

HIGH DEFINITION BROWS (HD)

TUES 7 - SAT 11 APR

CALL 0121 308 3265 TEXT 07967 156782

VISIT cathy-brown.com

CAROLINE MARTINS

BRAZILIAN FINE DINING

ON YOUR DOORSTEP!

STRAWBERRY CABIN, HINTS

THURSDAY MARCH 10TH | £55

Book online saucesupperclub.co.uk

FA S H I O N

True blue

A PERENNIAL STYLE FAVOURITE, DENIM IS SMARTENING

UP ITS ACT FOR SS20, SAYS AMY NORBURY

DENIM never really goes out of style, does it? From

70s flares and 90s baggy grunge, to the decadeslong

reign of the skinny jean, there’s always been

a time and a place for denim in our hearts and our

wardrobes.

And it’s easy to see why. Timeless, ageless, genderless;

denim really is the everyman of the fabric world.

And in a world where sustainability and longevity are

finally taking precedence over fast fashion fads, surely

the classic nature of denim stands it in good stead?

Indeed, the spring-summer catwalks were awash with

true blue; the message being, if it ain’t broke, don’t

fix it.

So how were designers styling their denim for 2020?

The main thread saw the fabric workhorse

smartening up its act - super-refined denim making

everyday style a cinch? Yes, please.

We saw a move away from distressed, ripped styles

in favour of more enduring, classic cuts. The spring

collections delivered a bumper crop of blue jeans,

from summer-ready Bermuda shorts at Chanel to

’70s kick flares at Celine.

And where the styling was definitely more tailored,

the colours on show retained that smart-casual,

classic feel. Deep-dyed indigo reigned supreme across

the board, replacing the worn 80s look of acid wash

- think darker hues which will lovingly fade over time

while retaining their appeal.

While every wardrobe should contain a hero pair

of jeans or three, the denim dominance doesn’t

stop there. Tailored shirt dresses are fast becoming

a wardrobe staple, perfect for smartening up in the

office, or dressing down with simple sandals as we

head into summer. Denim pencil skirts, too, offer

a less casual option ideal for office days and postwork

drinks alike, while all-in-one jumpsuits are the

epitome of easy style.

Denim jackets are the outerwear backbone of any

spring and summer wardrobe, the perfect throwover

for when the weather requires a little more coverage

than T-shirt sleeves. There are smart styles aplenty to

look out for, from denim blazers to on-trend kimono

jackets; however, a vintage Levi’s trucker jacket will

always hit the mark - if you can get your hands on

one.

DENIM POPPER FRONT RUFFLE HEM

DRESS, £69, SOSANDER

46

£25

£28 £69

V BY VERY DENIM BELTED MIDI SKIRT,

WWW.VERY.CO.UK

V BY VERY PAPERBAG WAIST

DENIM SHORT,

WWW.VERY.CO.UK

INDIGO DENIM POPPER

DRESS, SOSANDER

£29.99

£265

HARLOW SLIM LEG JEANS,

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY AT

HARVEY NICHOLS

£185

DARK DENIM WASH

DRESS, M&CO.

LE MONDE BERYL DENIM

VENETIAN MULES,

HARVEY NICHOLS

BOILERSUIT, £45, AND

SHOES, £39, MISS SELFRIGE

BELLE STRAIGHT JEANS, £89,

HANNAH BLOUSE, £110, AND

KATYA SUEDE JACKET, £349,

HOBBS

47

B E AU T Y

Behind-the-scenes

beauty boosters

FROM LASH BUILDERS TO SCALP SAVIOURS, IT’S TIME TO UP YOUR BEAUTY GAME WITH THE

PRODUCTS THAT PRIME AND PERFECT. LISA PIDDINGTON INTRODUCES THE HARD-WORKING

HEROES FROM HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM

THE SKIN FOOD: Elemis’ new

antioxidant-rich Superfood Kefir-

Tea Mist, £26, feeds your complexion

with aloe vera, coconut water and natural

prebiotics. It not only tones, soothes and

primes, but also locks make-up in place

and revitalises the skin throughout the day.

THE ROOT

STRENGHTENER:

Looking for soft, shiny

and strong locks?

Sisley’s Regenerating

Hair Care Mask,

£71, uses shea,

macadamia, camellia and

hazelnut oils to rebuild

and intensely nourish the hair fibre.

Its fresh fragrance is designed to

complement the effectiveness of the

active ingredients.

THE MULTI-TASKER: With its

added benefits of organic neroli and

vitamin C, Heaven’s Orange Flower

Cell Renewal Hydrogel, £37, is

designed to restore balance and maintain

the oil levels in the skin. It’s ideal as an

effective anti-aging solution and makes

the perfect base for your foundation.

THE LASH

BUILDER: Marc

Jacobs Beauty

Velvet Epic Lash

Primer, £25, maximises the

benefits of your favourite mascara

for a fuller, more dramatic look.

The soft-beige colour makes it easy

to apply evenly from root-to tip

while the conditioning base leaves

lashes feel luxuriously soft and

healthy.

THE SCALP

RESCUE: Try ESPA’s

Pink Hair and Scalp

Mud, £34, for an

intensive mineral-rich

treatment mask that

deeply conditions and

nourishes. Vitamin

C-rich watercress and red clay soothe the scalp,

while apricot kernel oil conditions to help promote

stronger, manageable hair.

THE MAKEUP PRIMER: The oilfree

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant

Retouch Primer, £24, smoothes away

the look of pores, visibly evens tone

and texture, and instantly absorbs shine

without feeling dry or chalky. That means

smoother foundation application and

longer makeup wear. Win win.

THE LIP

PLUMPER:

Stila’s Lush

Lips Water

Plumping Primer, £16,

keeps your pout looking and

feeling full and fabulous.

Ultra-fine spherical powders

and mineral pigments ensure

lipstick stays true throughout

wear, while an anti-ageing

complex plumps for a more

youthful appearance.

ALL PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE

FROM THE BEAUTY HALL AT HARVEY NICHOLS

BIRMINGHAM, THE MAILBOX, AND ONLINE AT

HARVEYNICHOLS.COM.

48

Take a brow

CO M P E T I T I O N

J’AIME HAS TEAMED UP WITH ONE OF THE MIDLANDS’ LEADING SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP

ARTIST AND BROW SPECIALISTS CATHY BROWN TO OFFER READERS THE CHANCE TO WIN A

MICROBLADING OR SEMI-PERMANENT BROW TREATMENT WORTH UP TO £395

Imagine waking up every morning without having

to spend time to pencil in your eyebrows, perfecting

your eye liner, lip liner or covering a scar before you

go out and start the day.

When applied correctly, semi-permanent makeup is

designed to subtly enhance your natural features and

put back what Mother Nature has forgotten or taken

away over the years. Eyebrows can be brought back

to shape and sparse areas of growth filled in, with

individual strokes to imitate hairs.

Based at the Mitchell’s Centre in Sutton Coldfield,

Cathy Brown has a wealth of experience in helping

clients to restore their appearance and improve their

confidence with the help of semi-permanent makeup

and microblading.

Cathy offers a wide range of enhancements, from

hairstroke or powder ombre effect brows to lip

blushes and eyeliner, all of which give the added

confidence of knowing your makeup or brows will

stay in place all day long. Before any treatment starts,

Cathy will first draw on and agree the colour to

ensure the perfect result for each client.

Cathy is also an expert in medical tattoo treatments

such as areola reconstruction, scar camouflage and

vitiligo, carefully

selecting pigment

colours to blend with

the surrounding area.

Cathy says: “Many

people think of

tattooing as being

harsh and stark,

but with the latest

digital technology ,

CATHY BROWN

fine nanoblades and

a perfect pigment

range, my work is credited as being soft, natural and

timeless rather than being an on trend fashion look.

“Having been an elite trainer for many years

for Nouveau Contour, I’m delighted to be an

ambassador for the Italian brand Biotek, as well as

a master semi-permanent makeup trainer for the

BIrmingham academy Your Beautique training,

where I love helping students embarking on their

careers.”

For more information and to see examples of Cathy’s

work, find Cathy Brown SPMU on Facebook or on

Instagram @cathybbeauty

THE COMPETITION

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A MICROBLADING

TREATMENT OR SEMI-PERMANENT BROW

TREATMENT, SIMPLY ANSWER THE FOLLOWING

QUESTION:

WHICH ITALIAN BRAND IS CATHY AN

AMBASSADOR FOR?

Send your answer, along with your name, address and telephone number, by

email to competitions@jaimemagazine.com with Cathy Brown competition as

the email subject. Entries must be received by 5pm on Friday, March, 27 and our

winner will be notified by Wednesday, April 1.

Terms and conditions apply. The prize must be taken by August 1, 2020,

no alternative treatment offered and the prize is non transferable, and not

redeemable for cash or other prize. The treatment is only available at Cathy

Brown at Mitchell’s Centre, Sutton Coldfield. A patch test is required prior

to treatment. The winner should have no previous microblading or brow

tattooing carried out elsewhere, must be aged over 18 and with no medical

contraindications. Visit www.jaimemagazine.com for further details.

49

H E A LT H

Banish the ‘mum tum’

SPORTING A ‘MUMMY TUMMY’? GOT WHAT LOOKS LIKE A ‘HANGING POUCH’? THIS

MONTH, LICHFIELD’S SMILIEST PERSONAL TRAINER RAÚL ROMERO TALKS POSTPARTUM

FITNESS AND HOW SPECIFIC EXERCISES CAN HELP YOU LOSE THE ‘MUM TUM’

WITH TIME PRECIOUS,

SHORT, EFFECTIVE

EXERCISES CAN HAVE A

LONGLASTING EFFECT ON

POSTPARTUM HEALTH

This month, I would like to address a topic that

affects the majority of women after giving birth in

many different ways (and that I am also living first

hand at home after my wife gave birth a year ago!)

which is; the ‘mum tum’.

Yes, it is a symbol of the incredible strength and

courage that women show when giving birth and I

strongly believe that women should be immensely

proud of the changes to their bodies after bringing

a life into the world. Yet I have had countless female

clients who disfavour (to put it lightly!) the ‘mum

tum’ and would like to forever banish it from their

bodies.

To all these women, I’d like to say that contrary to

popular belief, the ‘mum tum’ is not only a cosmetic

issue, but is an actual real life medical condition

called ‘diastasis recti’ or ‘divarication’. Hopefully

in understanding how and why it appears, we can

be better informed in how to exercise it to help the

affected women feel great about their bodies.

During pregnancy, it is common for the two muscles

that run down the middle of your stomach - the

abdominals - to separate and stretch sideways,

therefore the connective tissue running down the

midline of the torso, called the linea alba, can

become overstretched and weak. This weakness is

what compromises the back and core, otherwise

known as ‘diastasis recti’. It is also linked to

pelvic floor health, can cause digestion issues and

contributes to urinary and stress incontinence.

This separation between the stomach muscles

should usually go back to ‘normal’ by eight weeks

postpartum; however for more than 30% of women,

this is usually longer. This is why abdominal exercises

50

are not recommended for the first few weeks after

giving birth, or better yet, until your postpartum GP

check to ensure everything is as it should be.

From this information, it is crystal clear that

postpartum health and fitness is immensely

important, not only to help women feel great about

themselves aesthetically in losing the ‘mum tum’,

but also health wise; to ensure you are the fittest,

healthiest mama you can be.

Specific postpartum exercises:

Once okayed by your GP, regular pelvic floor and

deep stomach exercises can help to reduce the size

of the separation between the stomach muscles and

in turn, reduce any digestion or urinary and stress

incontinence issues.

Pelvic floor exercises:

No doubt your midwife will have told you to ensure

you are doing pelvic floor exercises and you may

or may not have been doing them. They are an

absolute must. There is no way around them;

pelvic floor muscle exercises strengthen the muscles

around your bladder, vagina and bottom. They are

essential in improving postpartum health (including

stopping incontinence and reducing the chance of

prolapse), not to mention can contribute massively in

improving intercourse!

The following exercises are recommended by the

NHS. You can do them lying down, sitting or

standing. With practice, they can be done anywhere

and at any time:

Squeeze and draw in your bottom as if you’re

holding wind.

Squeeze around your vagina and bladder (urethra)

as if you’re stopping the flow of urine or squeezing

during intercourse.

Long squeezes – hold for as long as you can, but no

longer than 10 seconds, then relax.

Short squeezes – quickly squeeze the muscles and

then let them go immediately. Do this until your

muscles get tired.

Aim to build up to 10 repetitions of each exercise, at

least three times a day.

It’s important to keep breathing normally while you

do these exercises. Make sure you don’t pull in your

stomach when you squeeze.

Sitting on the toilet can be a good reminder to do

your exercises. Just make sure you do them after

you’ve finished!

Postpartum health and fitness is such a massive point

of discussion that I look forward to touching on in

future editions. Once motherhood hits, suddenly

time becomes ever precious so doing short, quick, yet

effective exercises such as these pelvic floor exercises

can have such a big, long lasting effect in improving

your postpartum health.

For any questions on postpartum health and fitness,

or health and fitness in general, please don’t hesitate

to get in touch with Raúl at raul@ambitionpt.

co.uk, or find us on Facebook/Instagram

@ambitionpersonaltrainingUK

DURING PREGNANCY THE

ABDOMINAL MUSCLES CAN

SEPARATE AND STRETCH -

LEADING TO THE ‘MUM TUM’

51

I N T H E N E W S

Always on time

IF YOU’RE A WATCH ENTHUSIAST ON THE LOOKOUT FOR YOUR NEXT PIECE OF WRIST CANDY, OR HAVE

A PRESTIGIOUS TIMEPIECE YOU’RE LOOKING TO SELL, WATCHES OF SUTTON ARE ON HAND TO HELP

A long time lover of luxury timepieces, Sutton

Coldfield businessman Jas Kalsi set up Watches of

Sutton back in 2016, specialising in buying, selling

and restoring pre-owned high-end watches from

prestigious brands such as Rolex, Breitling, TAG

Heuer, Omega and Cartier.

After launching the business on eBay, where he

was already an established and experienced private

seller with 100 percent positive feedback, Jas opened

a showroom in Birmingham’s world renowned

Jewellery Quarter.

With viewings by appointment only, clients have the

opportunity to browse Watches of Sutton’s collection

of luxury timepieces, as well as discuss all things

watches with the experts. With nearly 20 years of

experience in the retail sector, the team has a genuine

understanding of what a great customer experience

should be.

Jas said: “At Watches of Sutton we pride ourselves

on delivering unrivalled customer service at all times.

The watches we retail are designed to give to you

many years of enjoyment and satisfaction and we

seek to develop equally long-lasting relationships

with our clients. Right from your initial enquiry

to our aftercare department, your satisfaction and

reassurance is of prime importance to us.

“As watch enthusiasts, we share your passion for

exclusive timepieces and all of our pre-owned

WATCHES OF SUTTON

SPECIALISE IN BUYING,

SELLING AND REFURBISHING

LUXURY TIMEPIECES

watches are meticulously prepared by an experienced

watchmaker who specialises in these timepieces.

All new watches will come with the manufacturer’s

warranty, while all pre-owned watches come with a

minimum of 12 months’ warranty. In addition we

offer a 14 day money back guarantee on all online

orders for your complete peace of mind.

“A pre-owned watch will make a great choice and

investment for the new owner. We take great care

during our preparation processes so you can rest

assured your new timepiece will be delivered to

you in the best possible condition. A meticulously

refurbished watch can look nearly new. Once it’s on

your wrist and looking great, does it matter if you’re

the second owner?”

If you’re looking to sell a luxury watch of your own,

Watches of Sutton offer competitive prices on all

makes and models, either through direct purchase or

on a commission sale basis.

They also offer watch servicing and refurbishment,

undertaking all types of repair work, ensuring that

your watch is returned to the best possible condition.

With a plethora of positive online reviews and an

impressive five star rating on Trust Pilot, clients can

rest assured of the best possible service.

For more details or to book an appointment, call

0121 405 4055 or visit

www.watchesofsutton.co.uk

52

I N T H E N E W S

Masked ball to raise charity funds

A BRAVE VOLUNTEER IS ORGANISING A MASQUERADE BALL TO GIVE BACK TO THE

CHARITY WHICH SUPPORTED HER THROUGH HER OWN BRAIN TUMOR DIAGNOSIS.

A brave volunteer is organising a masquerade ball to

give back to the charity which supported her through

her own brain tumor diagnosis.

Anna Moorcroft was just 30 when she discovered she

had a brain tumour, and turned to the charity Brain

Tumour Support to help her on the road to recovery.

Anna says: “I found out I had a brain tumour on my

30th birthday; not the gift I wanted or was expecting.

It was a huge shock and turned into the biggest

challenge I have ever faced when, three years later, it

turned into Grade 3 cancer.

“On my journey, and with my ongoing treatment,

I have had to overcome numerous hurdles and my

focus now is to now raise awareness of this increasing

common condition.

“Brain Tumour Support has helped me on my

road to recovery and their motto ‘Together WE

are Stronger’ really sums up how they help those

affected. Their messages of support, advice, meetings

and Facebook posts all make us feel that we are not

alone dealing with this.”

To raise money for the wonderful charity which

is so close to her heart, Anna is organising at the

Mayflower Masquerade, a black-tie masquerade

ball which will take place at the Premier Suite in

Cannock on May 16, and is looking for support from

local businesses to help with her fundraising efforts.

Anna says: “My goal is to arrange a fabulous night

out, while also raising funds for Brain Tumour

Support to continue their life-changing work helping

those dealing with brain tumours.”

Brain Tumour Support is uniquely dedicated to

providing support for anyone affected by any type of

brain tumour, at any point from diagnosis and for as

long as support is needed.

The origins of the charity lie in one family’s own

devastating experience of a brain tumour diagnosis.

A tough journey but one which resulted in a

pioneering support service which has developed

over the course of 15 years through the hard

work of its team and the dedication of supporters

and fundraisers. The charity now also works in

partnership with Macmillan which has enabled the

support services to further expand.

Anna adds: “There are a couple of ways in which

businesses can get involved. £200 would sponsor an

advert that will be used on all event publicity, both

printed and online, and in addition their artwork

would appear on screens on the night of the event.

“I will also be holding an auction and raffle, so I

am looking for exciting prizes to support this. Any

contributions would be hugely appreciated and

advertised on the screens on the night of the event.”

For more details of how to get involved

in the Mayflower Masquerade event

contact Anna on 07398 217310 or email

mayflowermasquerade2020@mail.com

ANNA MOORCROFT IS

ORGANISING A CHARITY BALL

IN AID OF BRAIN TUMOUR

SUPPORT, THE CHARITY

WHICH HELP HER THROUGH

HER OWN DIAGNOSIS

53

M OTO R S

Life in the fast lane

J’AIME MOTORING EXPERT AND RESIDENT RACING DRIVER MARTIN PLOWMAN

CASTS AN EXPERT EYE OVER THE NEW ASTON MARTIN DBX SUV

The Aston Martin DBX is finally here! The DBX is

Aston’s answer to the booming luxury SUV market.

They are late to the game, with even the likes of

Lamborghini beating them to market, but as they say,

it’s ‘better late than never!”

Some supercar purists might turn their nose up at

the latest luxury sports car brand to venture into the

petrol-chugging family wagon market. But for Aston

Martin fans, it will please them to see it stays true

to its styling, even if it does just look like an obese

Vantage. The rear curves are undeniably sexy like its

Vantage counterpart, and the front of the car has all

of the hallmarks of an Aston Martin.

It is common knowledge that Aston Martin has been

in financial difficulties lately, thanks in no part to

the ambitious Valkyrie Hypercar project going over

budget, but there is genuine hope that their DBX

SUV will literally and figuratively drag them out of

the mud.

So was it worth the wait? As far as performance

parameters go, it certainly ticks all of the right boxes;

with its 542bhp V8 Engine backed up with 700Nm

of torque, it will go toe-to-toe with SVR’s finest

Land Rover and Jaguar S-type. However, for its price

(starting from £150,000), you would hope to expect

something a little ‘extra’ for a car costing £50,000

more than a Range Rover SVR.

While the DBX may not blow the doors off its

competition in outright performance, it makes up

for it with the kind of luxury one would expect

of an Aston Martin. Engineers spent more than

six months refining the driver’s seating position to

ensure the most visibility and comfort. It is also kidtested,

and school-run approved with input from an

all-female advisory board to local school children

who were invited to the design studio to take part

in the analysis. The result is a car with class-leading

legroom, and that is ergonomically easy for people of

all shapes and sizes to get in and out of it.

The DBX is not just a flashy vanity SUV, either. It

is the first Aston Martin to include all-around air

suspension and active ride-control that allows the

car to adjust its ride-height by a massive 95mm,

thus being able to negotiate the rockiest of off-road

terrains or the lowest car parks that NCP has to offer.

The DBX is a champagne-sipping SUV, with a sports

car soul that has its sleeves rolled up to tackle every

day’s adventure.

THE ASTON MARTIN DBX SUV

54

Free Valuations

at our Head Office in Fradley

Every Tuesday 9.30am - 4pm

We’re ready to help you find that hidden

gem, be it jewellery, watches, silver,

bronzes, glass, ceramics, antiques,

a work of art, stamps, an old toy,

heirlooms and collectables…...

THE LICHFIELD AUCTION CENTRE

WOOD END LANE, FRADLEY PARK, WS13 8NF

01543 251081

www.richardwinterton.co.uk

office@richardwinterton.co.uk

Come and

meet our team

Medals & Militaria

Technology

FREE VALUATIONS

Sutton Coldfield

at The Trinity Centre

Church Hill, Mill Street, B72 1TF

Meet Richard and his team fortnightly

on Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm

See our website for dates

Wines & Spirits

Coins & Banknotes

More than just your local auction house

The Winterton name has been synonymous

with auctioneering throughout

Staffordshire since 1864.

INSURANCE VALUATIONS | PROBATE SERVICES

NO OBLIGATION HOME VISITS | HOUSE CLEARANCES

FIND US UPSTAIRS

Jewellery and watch

valuations every Monday

in the heart of Lichfield

St Mary’s in the Market Square

Lichfield City Centre, WS13 6LG

Mondays 9.30am-12.30pm (except bank holidays)

J'Aime Ad 190x280_Feb 2020.indd 1 31/01/2020 15:00

J'AIME MARCH 2020

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