J'AIME SEPTEMBER 2020

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0
J’AIME
Y O U R L O C A L L U X U R Y L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E
Layers
of style:
WORK YOUR
TRANSITIONAL
WARDROBE
It’s vintage:
THE ART OF TIMELESS FASHION
FROM A BIRMINGHAM BOUTIQUE
EMBRACING THE
DARKER SIDE OF
INTERIORS
Your
favourite
glossy is
back!

Best of British SALE
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made furniture Sale, offering fantastic
deals throughout the showroom. With
a reputation of providing customers
with fine quality furniture and giving
exceptional value for money, there’s
something to suit all tastes, from classic
to modern and latest trends.
To compliment our own prestigious bespoke furniture
range, they are also stockists of leading manufacturers
including Sherborne, Alstons, Parker Knoll and David
Gundry amongst others.
At Sofa Gallery bespoke quality products are
manufactured using the finest materials that are all
UK-sourced. Once you have chosen your piece of
furniture from a wide selection of models, you can
select your fabric from an extensive range of over
2000 luxury examples from renowned fabric houses
such as Warwick, Jim Dickens and Romo.
You are able to specify the firmness of the seating
from soft, medium or firm and can make alterations
to the width, depth and height of the furniture
guaranteeing your total comfort.
As it can be difficult to visualise the furniture in your
own home, samples of fabrics can be provided and
you can even borrow pattern swatches to take home
making sure you have the perfect colour match.
You can view all of Sofa Gallery’s
products online via our website –
www.sofagallery.co.uk
Our Cannock showroom is open
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Buy the BEST of British Manufacturing
Cannock Showrooms Units 4, 5 & 6 Exchange Business Estate, A5 Watling Street,
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Telephone: 01543 505 696 Website: www.sofagallery.co.uk
Open: Mon to Fri 9.30am - 5.30pm, Sat 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm. Open Bank Holidays

Welcome to J’AIME
Well, the past six months have certainly been a
bit of a rollercoaster for everyone, with the global
coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns
affecting daily life for all of us. It’s been an
undoubtedly tough time in particular for many
businesses which have felt the brunt of forced
closures and drastic changes to the ways they
operate. But as we head into autumn there’s a sense
of a return to some semblance of normality, with
restrictions easing as the months pass by.
And here at J’AIME we are delighted to be BACK!
That’s right, after a five-month hiatus from printing,
you can now once again enjoy your favourite glossy
lifestyle magazine in the flesh as well as online at
read.jaimemagazine.com. We’d like to thank all of
the advertisers who supported us with the onlineonly
editions, allowing us to continue to produce
J’AIME throughout the difficult lockdown period,
and we would urge all of our readers to get out and
use your local independent businesses - now, more
than ever, they need your support.
Sticking with the theme of ‘getting back’, in this
issue we take a look at the imminent return to
school for pupils across the area, as well as the
increasing entertainment and leisure activities
which are opening up. If lockdown has seen your
fitness efforts slide, then Lichfield personal trainer
Raul Romero has some top tips for getting back
into exercise.
Elsewhere, we chat to a Birmingham boutique
owner who has created a thriving business from
all things vintage, and we check out an Abbots
Bromley restaurant which is putting a fine dining
spin on traditional Indian cuisine. We hope there’s
plenty here for you to enjoy!
EDITOR: AMY NORBURY
EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY
ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
07388 335 931
DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTORS: JENNY AMPHLETT,
ALEX KELLER, RAUL ROMERO, DEBORAH
MITCHELL, HOLLY THOMSON
J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY
PUBLICATIONS LIMITED AND PRINTED BY KEP
LIMITED, TAMWORTH.
Check us out online at:
WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
Find us on
/JAIMEMAGAZINE
@JAIMEMAGAZINE
@JAIMEMAGAZINE
SPONSORED BY
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CONTENTS
InsideJ’aime this month...
6 Gingermegs Vintage - A thriving vintage fashion
boutique in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter
10 Property - Property of the month
12 Interiors - The dark side of bathrooms
16 Interiors - Back to school
22 Richard Winterton - Looking at house
clearances with Lichfield’s auction experts
26 Food and drink - Reviewing The Infinitii,
Abbots Bromley
28 Food and drink- A tasty treat from Dishoom
30 Health - Getting back into fitness with Lichfield
personal trainer Raul Romero
32 Travel - A sub-tropical paradise in New Zealand
36 Education - How local schools are creating a
safe learning environment for the return to
school
40 What’s On - A round-up of this month’s
exciting events
44 What’s On - Leisure activities in Covid-19
times
46 Fashion - Embrace transitional layering
48 Beauty - Feel your best during menopause with
Heaven Skincare’s Deborah Mitchell
50 Business - Jane Galvez of Ripple HR
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FEATURE
Timeless style
FROM A LONGSTANDING PERSONAL PASSION, VINTAGE FASHION HAS BECOME A
THRIVING BUSINESS FOR GINGER EWART, OWNER OF GINGERMEGS VINTAGE IN
BIRMINGHAM’S JEWELLERY QUARTER. JENNY AMPHLETT DISCOVERS MORE
Ginger Ewart has always been a bit different. As a
12-year-old she went to lessons at her Birmingham
high school wearing a 1940s suit and a fit and flare
coat. Department store nylon skirts were never going
to cut it for her.
By her early teens she was buying her clothes from
vintage stalls on the rag market and learning how to
repair, restore and alter items to suit her frame.
What has now become a full-time business for Ginger
was all sparked by a chance find at a jumble sale in a
local church.
“I bought a 1950s black velvet coat and rarely took it
off,” she says. “That was the start for me.
“That was the fashion era that really captured my
interest to begin with. I also had a thing for the
Avengers at one point and started buying 1960s
clothes too as I wanted to look like Emma Peel.
“Buying vintage clothes is definitely more
mainstream than it was. When I was a kid I didn’t
know anyone else who bought their clothes that way.”
Apart from underwear and vintage reproduction
jeans, the 44-year-old, who still lives in Birmingham,
tries to ensure that everything she wears was made at
least 60 years ago.
Many fashion lovers are currently opting to avoid
fast, disposable clothes in favour of reusing and
repurposing existing pieces or buying second hand
items.
For Ginger this isn’t a new way of looking at clothes,
this has been her way of life for decades.
“There are a number of reasons why clothes made
in the past are just so much better than the sort of
things you could pick up in the average high street
today,” she says.
“The quality of the fabric is a key reason for me. I
hate synthetic fabrics. I don’t want polyester and I
don’t want nylon. I don’t want to wear those fabrics
myself and I don’t want to sell them to other people.
“The construction of older clothes is just beautiful
and I find that things fit so much better. If you spend
GINGER HAS LONG
HAD A PASSION
FOR VINTAGE
FASHION
£50 on a vintage dress you’ll often find you have a
dress that feels like you’ve spent £500.
“Vintage clothes often have hand finished details and
other touches that you just don’t tend to get today.”
The desire to stand out from the crowd and express
some individuality is also a factor for Ginger and
many of the customers of her business, Gingermegs
Vintage.
“I don’t want to dress the same as everybody else,”
she says emphatically. “I don’t want to buy a £10
dress that a million other people in the UK have
got. I don’t want to buy things and know I’m going
to have to throw them away because they’re falling
apart, or to know that they’ve been made cheaply in
a sweatshop.
“It’s not cost effective to buy cheap and disposable
clothes and it isn’t environmentally sound or ethical.
“If I buy modern gym clothes I know that they’ll
only be good enough to last for a few months. They
just don’t have any longevity. Who wouldn’t rather
6

uy something that they know they can keep for
decades?”
Clothes from the 1980s and 90s are particularly
sought after at the moment, but Ginger’s own
personal preference is for pieces that are considerably
older than that.
She specialises in items spanning Victorian times to
the 1950s, both to wear herself and for her business.
“I find clothes from that time the most interesting,
although I do occasionally buy and sell later pieces.
If I am going to buy something that was made
later then it has to be good quality and not mass
produced.
“When the 1960s came along there was a move to
mass production for clothes and the quality changed
so much, so for me to delve into that era or later it
really has to be a good label that was well made.”
Clothes from Ginger’s era of choice weren’t designed
to be washed every day, so that’s a principle that
Ginger tries to live by with her own wardrobe.
“I don’t wear and then wash,” she says. “If it doesn’t
smell and it hasn’t got marks or stains on it then I
don’t wash it. I certainly don’t take my clothes off at
the end of the day and automatically drop them into
the laundry basket.
“I wash my knickers every day, but most other things
can be worn more than once before being washed.
It’s just not necessary to put them through the
washing machine so often.”
It was around eight years ago that Ginger’s love of
vintage clothes started to become a business rather
than a private passion.
She was working as a primary school teacher at
the time and started off by selling some of her own
wardrobe.
GINGER EWART, OF
GINGERMEGS VINTAGE
“To begin with it was nothing more than a hobby
really. Selling some of my own things was something
to do. Then I decided to try it as a business.
“I switched to doing supply teaching then woke up
one morning and decided that making a go of a
business selling clothes was what I really wanted to
do. Fortunately it worked.”
She opened a Gingermegs Vintage shop in the
Custard Factory, trading there for around six years
before moving the business to the Jewellery Quarter.
Gingermegs Vintage has survived during lockdown,
largely because Ginger already had a strong online
presence and didn’t have to start launching a new
business model in the middle of a global pandemic.
She sells items through her own website and also
through Etsy. The Jewellery Quarter shop has now
reopened, but by appointment only.
That’s not to say that things have been easy for
Ginger and her business in this strange new world we
are living in.
“At the beginning it was awful,” she says. “Then a
month into lockdown it seemed to go nearly back to
normal. Now things have started to quieten down a
little bit again.
“Some people just don’t have the disposable income
to spend at the moment and for others the future is
feeling uncertain.
“A majority of my customers are international, a lot
of them are in America, and they have been having
things very bad. It hasn’t helped that postage prices
have gone up too.
“I have to say that business is not as bad as I initially
7

thought it would be, despite not being as good as I
would like it to be.
“Up until COVID-19 it was going really well too.
I’m still doing better than clothes businesses on
the high street though. If I didn’t have an online
presence then I’d have had a problem.”
Her friends in the vintage clothes industry have
experienced similar trends during the pandemic,
despite selling clothes from different eras.
Ginger isn’t revealing the trade secret of where she
tracks down all those period pieces, but says her
favourite way to buy items is when she’s contacted by
someone selling a private collection.
Everything is carefully cleaned and restored if
necessary. Ginger is careful to use vintage items for
any restoration – so a 1930s dress will have 1930s
buttons rather than modern buttons with a period
look.
“My mum is quite good at sewing. She taught me
quite a lot of the techniques that I use and other
repairs can be quite simple such as replacing a
button or stitching.”
She avoids dry cleaning clothes wherever possible
due to the harshness of the chemicals, preferring to
stick to a more gentle and traditional hand wash.
Her customers range from people trying to track
down a unique piece that they know no one else will
be wearing to people who fully embrace a vintage
way of life.
“I’ve got customers that only wear vintage, even
down to their underwear and stockings, and wouldn’t
consider wearing anything else. And I’ve got
customers who are just looking to mix their wardrobe
up a bit and introduce some vintage things to wear
alongside modern items.”
They’ll often send
photographs of themselves
wearing their buys, which is
particularly nice for Ginger
if it includes items she’s
carefully tracked down or
personally restored.
The most expensive item
Ginger has ever sold is a
1920s jacket by a couturier
for £1,500, which she says
would have been expensive in
its own time too.
The price of items is dictated
by rarity and quality and
can often be comparable to
the price of modern clothes,
OLDER CLOTHES COMBINE
QUALITY CONSTRUCTION WITH A
BEAUTIFUL FIT, SAYS GINGER
despite the fabric quality and cut being superior.
Items currently available on the Gingermegs Vintage
website range from a 1930s blue lame evening dress
for £360, to £52 for a 1950s polka dot seersucker
house dress.
Ginger has somehow tracked down a corset cover
from 1910 (selling for £98), a 1940s swimsuit (£90)
and a pair of 1930s suede shoes (£70).
An impressive jewellery collection includes a 1940s
bakelite sword brooch (£160), a 1940s cowboy
brooch (£80) and a carved bakelite bangle (£65).
Running a business like Gingermegs Vintage may
seem a dream for anyone interested in fashion, but
Ginger is quick to stress that it’s been built up by
sheer hard graft.
“It can be flexible and fits in well around walking my
dog for example,” she says. “But I do work every day
and I do work a lot of hours.”
One perk, of course, is never being short of
something to wear for any occasion; although
Ginger says she does try to keep her own collection
of vintage clothes separate from the stock for the
business.
“I try to have a one in and one out policy with my
own wardrobe,” she says. “And I try not to keep too
many of my finds for myself. That said, I did sell off
quite a lot of my own personal collection and have
started building it back up again.
“I’ve got customers who have asked me to let them
know if I’m selling off any of my own clothes. I can’t
imagine that happening with modern clothes.”
You can visit Ginger’s online shop at
www.gingermegsvintage.com
8

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BLACKBROOK
INTERIORS
WE ARE A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS HOME TO AN IMPRESSIVE
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London Road (A38) Weeford, Nr. Lichfield WS14 0PS
www.blackbrook-interiors.co.uk

PROPERTY
City vs country
EACH MONTH WE SHOWCASE SOME OF THE BEST PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET. THIS MONTH,
WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH A SLEEK CITY APARTMENT VERSUS A
PALATIAL COUNTRY PILE
CI T Y
Apartment 5 Hillcroft House, The Glade, Kenelm Road, Sutton Coldfield: £450,000
On the market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878
THE AGENT SAYS: This exemplary two-bedroom
penthouse apartment is ideally located for quick access to the
amenities in Sutton Coldfield while enjoying the privacy of
being tucked away at the end of a private road.
The apartment is accessed via the communal entrance but
features direct lift access into the apartment’s reception
hallway with a code. The reception hallway leads on to the
spacious drawing/dining room. Double doors lead out to the
private south-east facing balcony. There is ample space for a
dining area to the side.
The kitchen features plenty of storage space and stunning
black granite worktops.
The master bedroom features various built-in wardrobes and
direct access onto the balcony, as well as a high-spec en-suite
bathroom. The second double bedroom also features built- in
wardrobes and the apartment further features a shower room.
C OUNTRY
Haselour Hall, Haselour Lane, Harlaston, Tamworth: £2,995,000
On the market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878
THE AGENT SAYS: This remarkable home is steeped in
history, dating back to the 16th century. With over 19,000
square foot in area, the hall boasts extensive living, sleeping
and working accommodation complemented throughout by
magnificent original features dating back to c1550.
Within the grounds of the hall are a number of outbuildings,
including stables, garages and storerooms, as well as a
self-contained three bedroom annexe and beautiful private
chapel, still in use today.
Stunning original features include the oak panelled reception
hall and dining room, a fabulous Norman oak front door,
stained glass leaded windows and magnificent oak fire
surrounds depicting scenes from the battle of Hastings. The
property is set over four storeys with 11 main bedrooms. The
hall is beautifully grand, having been well maintained by the
current owners.
10

Jaime Mag_Ad_AW.indd 1 18/08/2020 08:21
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The dark
side
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Combine dark walls with bright white sanitaryware and
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Going dark can give an opulent feel within the space; opt
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12

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HOME IS WHERE THE WARMTH IS
“Fantastic
service and
great products.
Thanks Kieran”
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Whitaker
Heath
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DARK TROPICAL LEAVES MURAL, £29/M2,
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14

INTERIORS
Smart
studying
WITH so many of us turning to working from home over
the past few months, creating a home office space has
been top of many an interior wishlist. The importance
of having a space dedicated to productivity has been
demonstrated time and again during the Covid-induced
‘work from home’ revolution, helping us to both properly
get into work mode, and creating a division between the
work day and our home living space.
And with children around the country venturing back to
school this month, perhaps you feel it’s time the youngest
members of the family get to benefit from a study space of
their own?
Whether that’s a desk area in a corner of their bedroom,
a clever nook in an underused area - think under-thestairs
- or, if you’re lucky enough to have the space, their
own dedicated study room, having a place to retreat to
makes catching up on homework that bit easier. And with
so many stylish options available, it’s never been easier to
create the perfect study space for everyone, from little ones
to teens.
MODA CHAIR IN WHITE, £69, CULT FURNITURE.
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£699
£23.50
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16

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Let’s find out together how HR can ripple
positively through your business.
07771 780 146
jane.galvez@ripple-hr.co.uk
ripple-hr.co.uk

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FEATURE
Making things clear
WHETHER DOWNSIZING OR DEALING WITH A LOVED ONE’S ESTATE, CLEARING AN ENTIRE PROPERTY
READY FOR SALE CAN SEEM LIKE A DAUNTING TASK. BUT THE EXPERTS AT LICHFIELD’S RICHARD
WINTERTON AUCTIONEERS ARE ON HAND TO HELP, AS ALEX KELLER EXPLAINS
We spend decades filling our homes with
furniture, mementos and collections. But
– as has been brutally demonstrated by
coronavirus – life is full of uncertain twists
and turns.
Perhaps you need to downsize for personal
reasons or maybe a loved one has passed
away. Things happen, and they frequently
happen fast.
Fortunately, a helping hand you can rely on
in the most difficult of times is ready and
waiting.
Richard Winterton is a familiar figure
on television through his appearances as
auctioneer on programmes such as BBC
Bargain Hunt and Dickinson’s Real Deal on
ITV.
Indeed, the Winterton name has been
synonymous with auctioneering in
Staffordshire for an amazing seven
generations since 1864 – Richard’s wife
Jan and two of his sons, Tom and Ben, also
work at The Lichfield Auction Centre, the
company’s large, purpose-build HQ.
But when he’s not bringing the gavel down on lots
ranging from jewellery and watches to coins, medals,
rare whisky and even vehicles, Richard spends a
good deal of time out on the road giving advice and
personalised quotes for estate clearances and probate
services in Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Lichfield and
across the Midlands.
“Whatever the reason for the situation, having an
entire property to sort through can seem daunting to
say the least,” says Richard.
“Add to that an upsetting emotional backdrop and it
can so often become an overwhelming circumstance.
“From the moment we receive that initial call or
email, we never forget that this is someone else’s
home and belongings.
“Whether it’s a house, bungalow, flat, office, school
RICHARD WINTERTON IN
ACTION ON THE ROSTRUM
or any other building large or small, we’re proud to
offer a bespoke, sympathetic, clearance service.
“Whether you are an executor clearing a
deceased estate, investigating downsizing options,
administering probate, emigrating or just tired of
clutter, we are happy to jump into action.”
Richard’s team works at a variety of houses and
flats every week. Recent jobs include the complete
clearance and subsequent auctions for properties as
diverse as a double glazing factory, a record shop and
Abbots Bromley School.
“Whatever the potential job, it’s always worth
checking with us first – we’ll give you an honest
opinion and quotation up front,” he says.
“We offer complete and part house clearance
services, starting with a free home visit to explain all
costs.
22

THIS ROYAL DOULTON ‘BOY ON A
CROCODILE’ WENT ON TO SELL AT
AUCTION FOR £7,000
“All items pass through The Lichfield Auction
Centre where our regular sales feature anything from
household ornaments and cars to jewellery, fine art,
coins, toys, medals and vintage whisky.
“Anything which cannot be sold – for example
items which do not meet current fire or electrical
regulations – are properly disposed of and we will
leave the property clean and ready either for new
occupants or to go on the market.”
The family firm has also recently become the
National Association of Jewellers’ newest approved
member for auction services and all members of the
jewellery department are certified gemmologists and
diamond graders.
“Whatever the items in question, we can handle
probate valuations and estate clearances in their
entirety,” Richard adds.
So why choose the auction process? Richard has
dozens of examples, including this quirky crocodilian
anecdote.
“At a local property we were clearing, the ceramics
and pots and pans were spread out and I spotted
something unusual in one corner,” he remembers.
“Our research team jumped into action and
confirmed this ceramic was in fact a very rare Royal
Doulton ‘Boy On A Crocodile’ and we went on
to sell it at auction for £7,000 – our clients were
overjoyed!”
He adds: “Unlike many auctioneers, we do not
cherry pick or farm out items of lesser value to other
firms, we handle the entire clearance.
“That’s crucial to what we do. We leave nothing to
chance so, if it’s there, we’ll find it.
“Now ‘it’ might not be – but our way of working
banishes any nagging doubt in the future; did we
throw something away that could have been huge?”
The firm’s large, meticulously-catalogued sales are
the key here.
“To us, everything is important,”
Richard explains.
“Instead of throwing away items
such as fridge freezers, we sell
them at auction. Every single thing
sold, be it for a tenner or tens of
thousands, is of benefit to our
clients.
“Be it lead statues in the
undergrowth of a garden or tools in
the garage, sheds, cellars and attics
are great hunting grounds for us!”
The 2020 pandemic has seen every
business evolve to incorporate
COVID-19 secure practises and
Richard Winterton Auctioneers is no exception.
The firm has moved all its auctions online and
big auctions are now scheduled from 10am every
Monday until Christmas bar two.
Other stringently observed coronavirus procedures
include protective equipment, social distancing
measures, deep cleaning and sanitiser to keep
staff and clients safe and premises and vehicles
disinfected.
“Our background is one of more than 150 years of
family experience,” says Richard.
“We have worked hard to evolve through the covid
crisis and I’m delighted our new way of working is
working so well.
A RARE FIND FROM A
HOUSE CLEARANCE
23

to specialist militaria, coins, stamps,
THE LICHFIELD AUCTION comics – you name it!
CENTRE IN FRADLEY
“There’s now a lot more detail with
extra photos for every lot so people
can buy in confidence and they are
doing so from all over the world.”
He adds: “We have received some
fab comments about our packing
service too and clients have been
very positive about all the measures
we have implemented with regard to
coronavirus.
“In fact I’d like to say a big thanks
to all my staff for all their hard work
and positivity.
“Some great feedback recently
commented on how what could have
“Pre-lockdown we were averaging £75 per lot and
been a stressful situation was ‘greatly
now we’re at £108.68 per lot. Coming off the back eased by the professional and caring team’ – I can’t
of our online-only Fine Arts sale – which attracted tell you how proud this made me of our clearances
more than 3,000 internet bidders – and subsequent team.
record-breaking auctions, it is so encouraging. “You cannot get better than to hear that from a client.”
“These figures include everything which passes For more information, contact The Lichfield
through here at The Lichfield Auction Centre, from Auction Centre on 01543 251081, email
house clearances to consignments from valuations. office@richardwinterton.co.uk or visit
“Everything from boxes of mixed lots and ceramics www.richardwinterton.co.uk
24

Sandwiches
and pastries
now back!
OnTheBreadLine
Sebastian Clough, a former student of University College,
Birmingham, and the French Pastry School in Chicago, has
now perfected his baking skills, to produce the highest quality
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flavours using high quality ingredients. Using fresh local
produce, his customers most loved products include;-
Green Olive and White Truffle Sourdough Focaccia
Dark Chocolate and Chilli Sourdough
Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Fudge Brownies
Cruffins
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onthebreadline
onthebreadline

F O O D & D R I N K
To Infinitii and beyond
NEW INDIAN RESTAURANT THE INFINITII HOPES TO PUT
ABBOTS BROMLEY ON THE MAP AS A DESTINATION FOR
FINER DINING, AS AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS
When The Infinitii opened in the picturesque village
of Abbots Bromley back in February, the restaurant
had grand designs on changing the perceptions of
Indian cuisine. With French-trained chef Indrajit
Lahiri at the helm in the kitchen, embracing the
concept of molecular gastronomy and bringing a
modern style of cooking to authentic Indian flavours,
and an impressive menu which couldn’t be further
from your typical curry house offerings, all the
ingredients were in place to make their mark.
But then, disaster struck in the form of the
coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants were forced to
close, and after little more than a month of trading,
The Infinitii’s promising journey was stopped in its
tracks.
Determined not to let their hard work go to waste,
the ambitious team quickly set about offering
takeaway meals to showcase a little of what they had
to offer, waiting for the day when they could unleash
the full Infinitii experience once again.
And it was definitely worth the wait.
Since reopening at the earliest opportunity in July
The Infinitii has garnered rave reviews from diners,
quickly earning a reputation as a dining destination.
Which is no mean feat for a restaurant still in its
infancy.
After hearing recommendations from several friends,
we were delighted to be invited over to sample The
Infinitii for ourselves.
The restaurant is super stylish, offering an elegant yet
relaxing space in which to enjoy not only top class
dining but the array of specialist gins and mouthwatering
cocktails available from the impressively
stocked gin bar.
In these Covid times, there are safety measures
in place to protect both staff and diners including
contactless hand sanitising on entry and plenty of
space between tables, while the staff themselves wear
masks during service.
And what better way to fully immerse ourselves
EXECUTIVE CHEF
INDRAJIT LAHIRI
in the restaurant’s unique take on Indian dining
than with a five-course tasting menu chosen by the
head chef himself. A quick conflab determined that
we were fuss-free diners willing to give anything
a try, although the restaurant prides itself on
accommodating myriad dietary requirements, with
plenty of tasty options to suit vegan, gluten-free and
keto diets among others.
A little amuse bouche to start proceedings comprised
three dainty numbers; a pickled rhubarb cube, a
pickled onion with smoked chicken and yoghurt
spherification, and a cucumber cream cheese with
heirloom tomato and honey glaze. They were tasty
morsels, and couldn’t be further as an appetiser
from the ubiquitous poppadoms usually offered -
something that, incidentally, The Infinitii steers clear
of.
Our first round of starters comprised two dishes
which had caught our eyes on the menu; the aloo
brie tikki and the Goan crab cake. The crab cake
26

was light, flavoursome and packed with crab meat,
topped with burst-in-the-mouth mango pearls and
encased in a light foam - the molecular gastronomy
well in evidence here. But it was the aloo brie
tikki which was the surprise hit; spiced mashed
potato stuffed with brie and coated in a crisp fine
breadcrumb, it was certainly moreish.
Now, rabbit isn’t something you find on many a
menu - and it’s almost unheard of when it comes to
Indian fayre. And while the rabbit varuval perhaps
isn’t a dish either of us would have ordered, this
beautiful presentation of marinated wild rabbit and
vegetables, was a standout offering of the evening.
Beautifully balanced and perfectly spiced, it was a
triumph.
As was the gin-cured salmon with pickled vegetables
which completed the second round of starter dishes.
Marinated in local Nelson’s gin, this exquisitely
presented dish is highlighted as one of the menu’s
healthy options.
A palate cleanser of organic vegan mango sorbet
from local Dalton’s Dairy Farm offered a little light
refreshment before the main events.
The tasting menu usually serves up two main dishes,
but chef Indrajit decided to throw in an extra
taster to ensure we made the most of the Infinitii
experience.
The three dishes on offer couldn’t have been more
different, so it was difficult to pin down a favourite.
The smoky lal mass offered up a bit of culinary
theatre, served under a smoking cloche which
imparted a delicate smoky hit to the dish of superbly
tender lamb loin, accompanied by a silky smooth
rustic mash and a tomato chilli gravy which offered a
nicely creeping heat.
At the other end of the flavour spectrum, the Kerala
fish molee was a South Indian feast of pan-seared
stone bass and coconut rice in a rich, indulgent
coconut sauce, while the Chettinad chicken served
up tandoor-cooked chicken breast on the bone with a
sage pilau and a spicier coconut-based sauce.
They were three excellent dishes, and we’d happily
order any one again.
While the portions aren’t overwhelming, they are
certainly generous enough to satisfy, so we were
pleased to move onto the fifth and final course. And
with the sweet offerings, crafted by The Infinitii’s inhouse
pastry chef, we were certainly saving some of
the best ‘til last.
The cinnamon chocolate mousse was a real dark
cocoa-powered treat, with a warming hint of spice,
but it was the gulab jamun cheesecake which stole
the show. Using traditional Indian sweet fried dough
balls as a base, the cheesecake was a revelation - light
and creamy, topped with macerated strawberries,
it was a slice of heaven. And that’s coming from
someone who’s not a particular cheesecake
fan.
Priced at just £30 per person, the tasting
menu is an absolute steal, and the perfect
way to embrace The Infinitii’s unique
culinary concept. The seasonally changing
menu, on the whole, offers superb value
for money, with starters from just £5 and
mains from £10.
Excellent food alongside exemplary,
considerate service made our first dining
out experience post-lockdown a hugely
memorable one - and one we can’t wait to
repeat.
27

F O O D & D R I N K
Twist on a classic
DISHOOM BRINGS A TASTE OF BOMBAY’S IRANI CAFES TO BIRMINGHAM, WITH THE RECENT
OPENING OF THE GROUP’S FIRST RESTAURANT IN THE MIDLANDS. HERE, CHEFS SHAMIL THAKRAR,
KAVI THAKRAR AND NAVED NASIR SHARE A DELICIOUS DESSERT FROM THEIR BOOK, DISHOOM
Pineapple and Black Pepper Crumble
This is Dishoom’s take on a British classic. You can
serve it warm or cold, on its own, or with custard or
a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The tang
of pineapple and spice of pepper work wonderfully
together.
You can prepare the crumble topping in advance, but
don’t apply it until you’re ready to bake.
Ingredients - serves 4-6
For the filling:
1 large, fresh ripe pineapple (you need
around 750g flesh)
1 vanilla pod or 2 tsp vanilla extract
100g granulated sugar
A few twists of black pepper
For the crumble:
100g plain flour
100g rolled oats
100g granulated sugar
100g salted butter, cubed, at room
temperature
To serve:
Vanilla ice cream or custard
Trim the pineapple of its skin, prising out the “eyes”,
and cut into 2cm chunks, discarding the hard core.
Place the pineapple chunks in a saucepan and add
200ml water. If using a vanilla pod, split in half, run
a knife down the length to remove the seeds and
add the seeds and pod to the pan. (If using extract,
it goes in later.) Simmer over a medium-low heat for
20–25 minutes, or until the pineapple is soft, stirring
occasionally. If the pan starts to become dry, add a
little more water.
Meanwhile, make the crumble. Mix the dry
ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the butter
and rub in with your hands until fully incorporated;
there should be no loose flour left.
Heat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Once
the pineapple is soft, add the sugar and simmer for
a further five minutes. Add the black pepper and
vanilla extract, if using. Turn off the heat and set
aside.
Spread the pineapple mixture in a medium baking
dish and top with the crumble mix. Bake for 30–40
minutes, until the topping has formed a lovely golden
crust.
Allow to stand for five minutes then serve, with
vanilla ice cream or custard.
Extract taken from Dishoom by Shamil Thakrar,
Kavi Thakrar & Naved Nasir (£26, Bloomsbury)
Photography © Haarala Hamilton.
28

with
DINE IN WITH
RESTAURANT
QUALITY DISHES
We have teamed up with
Chef Tom Sheperd to bring
you a restaurant experience
in your own home.
We will deliver a luxurious box containing
3 courses prepped, ready for you to heat,
stir and bake to create your own plates
of delicious food by following the clear
instructions provided for a serious treat.
Tom changes his menu weekly using seasonal,
local produce. Deliveries take place every
Friday and Saturday free of charge* to Lichfield
and surrounding area. We can also courier
nationwide so you can have virtual dinner
parties with family and friends further afield.
If you have an anniversary, a postponed
wedding day, birthday celebration or just fancy
a weekend treat this is perfect for you!
*£5 deliver charge applies to wider area outside of Lichfield
ORDER ONLINE
www.saucesupperclub.co.uk
or call 01543 415855

H E A LT H
Getting back to self care and fitness
THIS MONTH, LICHFIELD PERSONAL TRAINER RAUL ROMERO TALKS POST SUMMER HOLIDAY
FITNESS AND HOW TO GET BACK TO BEING THE FITTEST VERSION OF YOURSELF, DESPITE THE
BUSY DAILY GRIND AND CHALLENGES OF THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
It has been a tumultuous year which has seen many
of us having had to take a break from our usual
training and self care routines and adapt to the
situations we have faced. Many of my clients have
risen to the challenge and adapted their training, be
it virtually online or in the park in rain or shine, in
the hope of maintaining and developing their fitness
levels.
For some, it has been logistically near impossible
to continue with their training, but they are now
ready and raring to take off where they left off and
concentrate on self care and building their fitness
back again.
So how can you ‘get back on the wagon’ and become
the fittest version of yourself, as well as balance the
normal daily grind?
Well, one quick and highly effective way of training
to get those endorphins flowing and leave you feeling
amazing, is HIIT training.
HIIT: What is it and why is it so popular?
HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It
is literally what it says on the tin; a training protocol
in the form of interval training, alternating short
periods of intense exercise with less intense recovery
periods.
It is a way of working your body to burn hundreds
of calories and increase fitness in a short space of
time, which is so key when we barely have time to
stop and think in our busy daily lives.
There is no universal HIIT session duration. These
intense workouts typically last under 30 minutes, but
can last longer depending on intensity and fitness
level. So, just taking out 30 minutes a day to focus
on yourself and your fitness by completing a HIIT
session, can get those endorphins going and leave
you feeling great, while also increasing your fitness
levels.
A common formula involves a 2:1 ratio of work to
recovery periods, for example, 30–40 seconds of
hard sprinting alternated with 15–20 seconds of
jogging or walking, repeated for as long as you can
AMBITION PERSONAL
TRAINING FOUNDER RAUL
ROMERO
do, which can then be built up by a few minutes at a
time. Sprinting is just one example; there is a whole
array of exercises to choose from that can form the
HIIT training.
Proven Benefits:
So apart from making you feel great, what are the
benefits of HIIT training?
Well, it has been proven to improve endurance and
cardiovascular fitness. The intensity also helps burn
a substantial amount of calories, even after you have
finished the workout.
It is super sustainable as it takes such little time to
do from our busy lives and can be done from the
comfort of your own home, without any specialist
30

equipment needed. Many also perceive it to be a
lot more enjoyable than traditional cardio exercises,
especially seeing as it can be done in groups and with
friends.
HIIT training is a great training method to improve
and sustain fitness levels. It can be combined with
other training methods to achieve even further
benefits. To give an example, everyone knows
broccoli is good for us, however typically broccoli
isn’t the only veg we eat, we mix it up with other
healthy veg! The exact same example can be applied
to training; HIIT doesn’t have to be the only thing
you do, it can be mixed up with other training
methods depending on what you enjoy. Of course, if
you prefer to ‘just eat broccoli’/just to HIIT training,
it will still be effective and help you feel great and get
in shape.
The 3 HIIT exercises I love are:
Burpees
Running man
Star Jumps
So, are you ready to try a HIIT workout? If you
want to give it a go and can find a spare ten minutes,
log onto Youtube and check out one of the short,
intense yet effective HIIT sessions on my Youtube
channel Hola Healthy Life. I’d love to hear how
you get on!
For any further fitness advice or questions, please feel
free to get in touch with me at
raul@ambitionpt.co.uk or via and social media
channels @ambitionpersonaltraininguk.
Good luck!
ALTERNATE SPRINTING
AND WALKING FOR AN
EASY HIIT BLAST
31

T R AV E L
A sub-tropical paradise
HOLLY THOMSON, FROM LICHFIELD LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERTS RB COLLECTION,
EXPLORES NEW ZEALAND’S STUNNING BAY OF ISLANDS
HIKING AT URUPUKAPUKA,
BAY OF ISLANDS NEAR PAIHIA,
NEW ZEALAND
Sitting far above the rest of the country just before
the great expanse of the Pacific sea, the Bay of
Islands is a sub-tropical paradise. The region is well
known for its fantastic lush scenery, large variety of
wildlife and never-ending list of activities. It is also
home to New Zealand’ s historical roots and was the
place where I first felt a real connection with New
Zealand’s people, culture and legends.
I have been to the Bay of Islands twice. The first
was Christmas 2018, when I joined a three-day trip
which coincided with Christmas Day. The second
was for a long weekend road trip, this time with my
friend Steph.
The most popular area of the Bay of Islands is
Paihia. This small tourist town is around a threehour
drive from Auckland and sits snugly in between
many of the popular tourist sites this region has to
offer. The town itself is small and cute, with a lot of
Kiwi charm. There is a lot of accommodation to
choose from, from hostels to luxury condos.
I stayed at the Peppertree Lodge and the Haka
Lodge. While the Peppertree Lodge was quite basic,
we loved the Haka Lodge for its good location, really
comfy beds and dorms, and sociable atmosphere.
The town boasts a small high street which offers
everything a tourist may need. I particularly
enjoyed my visit to Ella’s Fudge Bar where I treated
myself and my housemates to a variety of delicious
homemade fudge!
The high street also had several great eateries and
bars for any budget. For pizza, the Pizza Shack
is a great option, with views of the sea from the
restaurant and huge pizzas to share. On the wharf
are even more places to eat and drink. Me and Steph
32

JUMPING DOLPHIN NEAR
PAIHIA, NEW ZEALAND
particularly liked Charlotte’s Kitchen which had
great cocktails. The menu was limited but the view
and ambiance made up for it.
The things to do in Paihia were numerous and suited
every traveller. The most famous is the cruise to the
Hole in the Rock. This two-hour ferry ride takes you
out in the Bay of Islands harbour, on the search for
dolphins along the way. As you near the mouth of
the bay and the open sea, you will come across the
famous Hole in the Rock which, on a good day, the
ferry can sail through.
On my first trip, the weather was closed in. We
enjoyed a presentation from the staff about the
different animals that lived in the area. Of course,
since the weather was so closed in, we didn’t see any
this time around! On arrival to the Hole in Rock,
although impressive, it was a scrabble to get a photo
without getting too wet from the rain! If you don’t
see dolphins on your trip to the Hole in the Rock,
the company offers another trip free of charge. Of
course, since most of the clients are tourists, they
most likely would have to go out of their way to take
up this offer. Luckily, I was able to keep the voucher
safe and redeem it a few months later.
The second time around the skies were clear and
we had a much more enjoyable experience. We saw
dolphins and they showed off a few tricks to our
ferry as we sailed past. The Hole in the Rock was
surrounded by calm waters this time and we were
able to successfully sail through the rock, the boat
blasting the horn as we went through which made for
an amazing echo.
I was also amazed by the lone house sitting on the
cliff face opposite the Hole in the Rock. Covered
in clouds the last time I had taken the cruise, my
second time around it was an intriguing sight and I
wondered who, if anyone, was brave enough to live
there.
Linking to the Hole in
the Rock cruise, the
company also offers you
the opportunity to take a
one-way trip to Russell, the
town on the opposite side
of the bay. Known for its
raunchy history, the town
was popular with pirates and
whalers at the beginning of
New Zealand’s European
history. The town gained a
reputation for debauchery
and gambling, but these
days it is a lot sleepier and
is best accessed by boat.
Although it does have road
access, it can take many
hours to make your way around to the small town.
On our first trip to the area, we decided to take up
the offer for a cheap trip to the town and went over
to explore.
Unfortunately, on this day the weather was still
closed in and as we landed on the opposite shore,
the heavens opened. We took refuge in The Duke of
Marlborough Hotel which, in New Zealand, is well
known. A few of our other travel friends did decide
to hike Flagstaff Hill that day but were disappointed
with a lack of views and a whole lot of cloud.
On a better day, this town is great for a walk and a
KNOWN AS THE PROTECTORS OF
THE FOREST, KAURI TREES ARE
SIGNIFICANT IN MAORI CULTURE
33

RB COLLECTION’S
HOLLY ON A TRIP TO
THE BAY OF ISLANDS
visit to the historic museums which detail the town’s
interesting history.
Other popular tourist attractions in the area include
the Waitangi Treaty Ground, which is the site of
the first accord between the British Crown and the
Maori people. Here, history has been preserved
and you can learn about why there were issues
with this treaty and why Maori representation and
preservation of the culture is so important. Many
visit this site for a Maori demonstration, but if you
are travelling to Rotorua at any point in your trip
it is better to save your money for this experience
down there. I didn’t visit this attraction due to money
constraints, but it is a great spot for travellers in New
Zealand who wish to learn a little more about Maori
and European history.
Another popular attraction in Paihia is the range of
water sport activities. My trip kayaking and paddle
boarding to a waterfall was one of the highlights of
my visit to this region. We first met on the wharf and
hopped in a boat to travel inland towards Haruru
Falls. On the way, our guide told us stories of the
river and we enjoyed watching the birdlife on the
riverside. As we got closer to the falls we transferred
into kayaks. As we reached the falls, we were
encouraged to go underneath them. This was huge
fun and we tried many times to do this and see how
long we could stay under the water.
The last time I had visited this waterfall it was a wet
cold day and I had watched the kayaks with remorse
for them. This time, on a warm summer evening it
was a great experience and we stayed in the water
longer than we needed to. A few of us opted to kayak
or paddle board back while others warmed up in
the boat. We paddle boarded all the way back to the
river mouth as dusk fell. This led to an incredible
moment. As it got darker, we started to notice the
water around our paddle boards
glowing. Intrigued, I put my hand
in the water and was amazed when
the water around my hand started to
glow. This was the elusive glowing
plankton I had heard so much about
from other travellers all over the
world.
Every time we paddled the whole
area around our boards glowed
and it was a truly magical moment.
None of us wanted to get out of
the water after this and were so sad
to get back to dry land. I would
recommend this trip even without
the plankton as it was a great way to
spend the evening.
Aside from Paihia, the Bay of Islands
region has a lot more to offer. On
the long drive to Paihia from Auckland there are a
couple of places which stand as great stops along the
way. The first is Whangarei Heads, around halfway
to the Bay of Islands. This peninsula has an amazing
beach, breath-taking views from the cliffs and a great
sub-tropical climate and landscape.
We stopped here for an afternoon and really enjoyed
our walk up the cliff to amazing views over the whole
area. Looking to the left, we watched as the cliffs fell
into the Pacific Ocean. On our right we had a view
of the rolling fields leading back to Auckland. The
area also has fantastic surfing beaches and is worth a
THE FAMOUS HOLE
IN THE ROCK
34

longer stop for the keen surfer.
On my first trip to the Bay of Islands, we stopped
off at a slightly different beauty spot, the famous
Hundertwasser toilets of Kawakawa. These public
toilets were created by the Austrian-Kiwi artist
Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who commissioned
and designed the unusual tourist attraction. It is the
only public toilet in the world which is seen as a work
of art. We spent a short toilet break enjoying the
uniqueness of this ‘work of art’.
One place that stands out to me is Hokianga, a
small town on the left of the peninsula. The area
is surrounded by tropical rainforests and across the
bay from the community are amazing sand dunes.
We stayed at a local hotel here, which was a nice
change from a hostel. On our first evening here, the
power went out and we had to go to sleep early by
candlelight. It made for a memorable Christmas
Eve and when we woke up on Christmas morning,
we were greeted by a buffet breakfast and sunshine.
The dunes across from the town are popular for sand
dunning and we got in a small boat to go
experience the fun.
The unique thing about these sand dunes
is that they go into the water. We spent a
few hours here getting braver and braver,
eventually trying out the steepest and
longest dune for a more exciting ride.
The area is also known from its kauri
trees, and we joined a local Maori
representative for an informative evening
about the trees and their significance to
Maori culture. The kauri are known as
protectors of the forest and in the past
have been heavily logged from their good
bark. Even Buckingham Palace features
a lot of kauri. Unfortunately, this heavy
logging means that there are not many
left and the species also has to contend
with kauri dieback, a disease that is
attacking the remaining few.
It is therefore important to disinfect your
shoes before you enter a kauri forest.
Our guide shared this information and
more as we took a twilight walk among
the huge trees. We finally got to visit Tane
Mahuta, known as the God of the Forest.
He is featured in the Maori creation
story as the child of Ranginui (the sky)
and Papatūānuku (the earth). It is said
that his parents were wrapped in an
eternal embrace, leaving their children in
darkness. Tired of this, Tane pushed his
parents apart bringing life to the world.
What is amazing is that Tane is the only
living God in the world at more than 2,000 years old.
When we went to visit this huge tree, our guide led
us to him and directed our attention in the opposite
direction. When we then turned around it was a
pretty amazing and impressive sight. The tree is so
huge that it has a whole ecosystem on it, with other
trees growing on the top. This experience was a great
way to connect with Maori culture and heritage and
is well worth doing when visiting Northlands and the
Bay of Islands.
The Bay of Islands has more than many may first
think and therefore is a great destination for a longer
holiday or a trip which encompasses more than just
the beach. I really enjoyed both of my trips up to
this region and think it shouldn’t be overlooked when
planning your own trip.
To plan and book your trip to New Zealand contact
RB Collection on 01543 258631 or email
vip@rbcollection.com.
Read more of Holly’s travel reports at
www.everydaygetaway.co.uk
THE HUNDERTWASSER TOILETS
OF KAWAKAWA ARE CONSIDERED
A WORK OF ART
35

F E AT U R E
Getting back to school
WITH SCHOOLS AROUND THE AREA LOOKING TO REOPEN TO ALL PUPILS THIS MONTH
- WITH SOME RETURNING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SIX MONTHS - WE TAKE A LOOK AT
WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO CREATE A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL
Schools across the UK have been
putting plans in place ahead of
reopening their doors to all pupils
this month.
For some children and their
parents this will be their first
time in a classroom environment
since March, and for some it’s an
intimidating prospect.
Safety measures are being
introduced to help keep pupils,
school staff and their families safe
from infection.
These include bubbles being
created for year groups, with
youngsters prevented from having
contact with pupils in other years.
Measures adopted by many schools include separate
entrances for different year groups, staggered arrival
and end of day times and lunch breaks spent in
classrooms.
Some schools have created play area zones for each
school year, others have asked that bags, pencil cases
and other items are not brought into school from
home.
Here are some of the safeguards being introduced by
schools in our area:
The Blue Coat School, Edgbaston
The school will reopen for all pupils on Monday,
September 7 with some changes to arrival and home
times to keep year group bubbles separate and to
accommodate deep cleaning.
A school spokesman said: “The classrooms have
been configured so that each bubble can be socially
distanced. We have implemented a range of
protective measures including increased cleaning
regimes, marking of social distancing points for
children to line up, installation of hand sanitisers
around the site plus signage to remind the children to
wash their hands, allocation of different drop-off and
collection points at the start and end of the day and
demarcated areas for break and lunch time play.
“An isolation room has been set up for any child with
a suspected fever or displaying other COVID-19
symptoms. They will wait there until they are
collected by a parent or guardian. Additional
isolation rooms will be set up as required.”
The school has created an enhanced programme
of online learning, which it plans to share with
pupils and their families in the event of a second
coronavirus peak. It has also said that it plans to
remain open for the children of key workers should a
second wave happen.
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Pupils from every year group are due to return on
Wednesday, September 2, with an earlier start time
planned for year sevens.
The school staged its first ever virtual open evening
during lockdown.
Girls due to join the school for the first time are
usually invited in for a new intake day during the
school summer holidays but were instead shown
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a recorded introduction video and asked to join a
specially created website.
St Dominic’s Grammar School, Brewood
Unlike the majority of schools across the country,
St Dominic’s was able to welcome back all primary
aged pupils before the school summer holidays
started.
In a message to parents, School Head Peter McNabb
said: “Our small size and large spacious areas mean
we can take more children back and follow all the
required guidelines. We are uniquely placed in this
respect and have been working hard, making plans to
bring this to reality.
“Miss Hovland, our head of lower school and
logistics, has worked incredibly hard to make St
Dominic’s safe with increased hand washing areas,
removal of soft furnishings, cleaning in the middle
as well as the end of the day and specific ‘safety
bubbles’ for students.
“However, it still feels very much like St. Dominic’s
and we have been careful to undertake all these
measures in a sensitive manner. The response from
all the children and parents who have already
returned has been very positive.”
He said that plans were in place for pupils from all
year groups to return in September and added: “We
are confident that although some secondary schools
might struggle to open in September, like primary
schools, our small size will enable all our year groups
and classes to return.”
The school reopens on Wednesday, September 2 and
is offering virtual tours via Zoom for potential new
pupils and their families.
Elmhurst Ballet School, Edgbaston
Along with other ballet schools around the country,
Elmhurst Ballet School has taken the decision to
delay auditions for 2021 admission to the school until
January 2021.
A school spokesperson said: “Collectively the schools
understand the impact COVID-19 has had on
training and applications so this will help shape their
next round of auditions to allow students to feel
supported and prepared, especially as they secure the
next important stage of their dance training.”
The school has, however, been staging three-day
online ‘back to dance’ masterclasses delivered by
Elmhurst teachers and Birmingham Royal Ballet
dancers accompanied by the school’s resident
pianists. There were separate timetables for 10 to
13-year-olds and 14 to 19-year-olds.
Maple Hayes Hall, Lichfield
The school is reopening for all pupils on Wednesday,
September 9, following on from a phased return for
pupils from some year groups in June.
The latest advice for parents is that any pupil who
is presenting symptoms of coronavirus should not
attend school for 10 days and that parents should
contact the school office.
SOME CHILDREN ARE RETURNING
TO THE CLASSROOM FOR THE
FIRST TIME IN SIX MONTHS
38

LO CA L A R E A
What’s On Local
YOU MAY NEED TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING
THINGS TO KEEP YOURSELF AND THE FAMILY ENTERTAINED THIS MONTH
WHAT: BONSAI DEMONSTRATION
WHERE: BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, EDGBASTON
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 13
Birmingham Botanical Gardens is back open to the public, although
you will need to book tickets and time slots in advance.
Visitors can stroll around its four glasshouses, including a tropical
house where you can pretend you’ve been whisked away to
somewhere exotic. The children’s playground is now open daily and
the tea room is serving takeaway drinks and snacks.
Many of the garden’s upcoming events have been postponed or
cancelled but you can still go along to a demonstration by the
Midland Bonsai Society. They’ll be talking about the best care and
practice for bonsai trees, and you can even take along your own
bonsai tree for the experts to look at.
Visit www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk for the latest
information.
WHAT: SAFARI PARK AND THEME PARK RIDES
WHERE: WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI AND LEISURE PARK
WHEN: EVERY DAY IN SEPTEMBER
You’ll need to book your tickets in advance, but West Midlands
Safari and Leisure Park has now reopened its doors to the public.
The adventure theme park and its rides have reopened, with some
ride vehicles being left empty to help people stay socially distant.
Feeding of some animals is being allowed again and the lemur
woods and goat walk have been reopened, with visitors asked to
wear a face covering as they stroll through amongst the lemurs.
Visit www.wmsp.co.uk for more information.
WHAT: BEER GARDEN AND STREET FOOD MARKET
WHERE: WARWICK CASTLE
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 3, 4 AND 5
Digbeth Dining Club has joined forces with Warwick Castle to turn
the castle into a beer garden and street food market.
The Open Arms sees an array of tasty food options from some of
the best street food vendors around. You can enjoy your food and
drink outdoors while listening to music courtesy of DJs.
Tickets must be booked in advance and you’ll be allocated your
own table which you can share with up to four adults, or up to six if
you’re all from the same household. Visit
www.digbethdiningclub.com/theopenarms for details
40

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with either the manufacturer’s warranty, or our 12 months warranty. Additionally we offer
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WHAT: FLOATING CINEMA
WHERE: MYSTERY LOCATION NEAR BIRMINGHAM
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 9 TO 13
An events company is staging a floating cinema near
Birmingham, with the audience made up of up to 24 mini
boats, each holding up to eight cinemagoers.
The organisers are keeping the details such a closely guarded
secret that they haven’t yet revealed the location or the films
due to be shown.
What they will say is that people who attend need to purchase
an entire boat’s worth of tickets and that everyone attending
will receive free popcorn.
People who are interested in taking part can pre-register their
details and then receive an email once tickets sales are open.
You can sign up for information here: www.zip-tickets.
com/event/show/floating-boat-cinema-europetour-1547170
WHAT: KITTY CUDDLES
WHERE: KITTY CAFÉ, GRAND CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE
WHEN: EVERY DAY IN SEPTEMBER
The Kitty Café at Grand Central had to postpone its first
birthday celebration due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s
now back open every day for people in need of feline cuddles.
You need to book a day and time in advance on the website,
before going along to enjoy some furry company with your
refreshments.
The website includes names and photos of the cats, so that
you can find out more about them before your meal. Check
out www.kittycafe.co.uk
WHAT: LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE
WHERE: KING EDWARDS ROAD, BIRMINGHAM
WHEN: SELECTED DATES IN SEPTEMBER
The second city’s Legoland Discovery Centre is back open to
the public, and includes all the rides plus the 4D cinema that
visitors are used to. Tickets need to be bought in advance.
The Lego brick pits are currently closed, but every guest is
given their own bag of Lego to play with during their visit.
This is then returned at the end and deep cleaned before
other people are allowed to use it.
The centre is still planning its adults-only events, with
the next due to take place on September 9. Visit www.
legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk for details.
42

OPEN
FOR NEW
RESIDENTS
WE
REMAIN
COVID
FREE
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.
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.
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
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

LO CA L A R E A
Getting out and about
WHEN IT COMES TO GOING PLACES AND DOING THINGS, 2020 HAS BECOME THE YEAR
OF CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONEMENTS. BUT THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF THINGS
YOU CAN GET OUT AND DO SAFELY. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR TOP PICKS
Visit an open-air market
There are so many wins when you visit an openair
market at the moment. You can support local,
independent business, stock up on essentials, stay in
comparative safety outdoors and surely it even counts
towards your daily exercise tally.
There are so many markets to choose from in our
area, from farmers markets to bric-a-brac stalls. You
can stay close to home or travel a bit further afield to
sample the delights of a neighbouring town.
Our favourite markets include the Buzzards Valley
Artisan and Local Business Market at Buzzards
Valley Vineyard in Tamworth, where there’s
free parking and free entry. The next will be on
September 13.
Take to the greens
Golf can be for everyone, regardless of their age,
gender and bank balance. If you can hold a golf club
then you can learn to play golf.
Golf is great exercise (although electric buggies are
available) and a brilliant way to spend a few hours
outdoors. The necessity to steer clear of flying balls
also helps to ensure people will abide by social
distancing rules too.
The J’AIME patch is blessed with so many brilliant
golf courses that we couldn’t possibly choose a
favourite. However you might want to give The
Belfry Hotel and Resort a try – spa treatments and
BEAUTIFUL SUTTON PARK IS
THE PERFECT SPOT FOR SOME
RELAXING LEISURE TIME
afternoons teas are also available if you’ve earned
one after all that walking.
Anyone for tennis?
Tennis was one of the first sports to resume after
lockdown restrictions began to be eased.
Contrary to what some people may believe it can be
a year-round activity, and not just for warm days in
the middle of summer.
There are numerous clubs to choose from in the
area, including Four Oaks Tennis Club which was
established in 1906.
The bowl of strawberries and cream you may want
to indulge in afterwards is purely optional.
Park life
We’ve all had months of strolling around our own
neighbourhood as part of our daily exercise, so why
not stretch your legs slightly further afield and see
what else the second city and surrounding areas have
to offer?
There are literally dozens of parks and green spaces
to be uncovered, if you fancy taking in some different
trees and flowers for a change.
Choose the right park and you could combine your
exercise with an ice cream or a takeaway coffee from
a café, and do your bit to help support the local
economy.
44

The
Boat Inn
tatlowcarpets
& flooring
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Furniture moved ✔ Our own regular fitters ✔
Owned by the mighty talented and award winning
chef Liam Dillon, The Boat Inn won best newcomer
in the esteemed 50 Best Gastropubs award at
the end of last year and also this year won the
highest new entry. It’s no 20 on the list.
Inevitably, Liam has had a challenging time during
lockdown however, he has really come back
fighting and used the time to pivot his business
and focus on the restaurant interiors and
garden.
Extensive refurbishment works has meant that
The Boat Inn has a brand new feel both inside and
outside with the new glass lantern roof over the
chefs table, renovated toilets and a new floor
throughout. In the garden a poly tunnel has been
built and the finishing touches are being made
to Liam’s aquaponics system which will allow the
team to have an abundance of fruit, vegetables
and herbs throughout the year moving towards
organic produce wherever possible. This all serves
to prove that Liam is serious about where he is
guiding The Boat and has put plans in place to be
the best it can be.
The restaurant will be back open on Friday
September 4th with tables from midday until
9.30pm. Bookings are now being taken for each
weekend in September and the diary is open for the
rest of the year too. Regulars and newcomers alike
are sure to be thrilled by Liam’s British Classics
with creative, modern flair that is distinctive of
his style.
Liam has also made available takeaway Afternoon
Tea which celebrates great produce and packaged
individually for social distancing purposes. These
can be ordered, collected and enjoyed anywhere
....in the garden at The Boat or taken away home or
to meet friends and enjoy in a park or gardens.
The Boat Inn is fast becoming Staffordshire’s most
sought after foodie idyll and is a really exciting
offer for the area, with nothing else like it in the
immediate vicinity.
Call for details - 01543 361692 - Open Wednesday (evening) - Sunday
www.theboatinnlichfield.com - Walsall Road, Lichfield WS14 0BU
AUG/SEPT
SALE!
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Finance facilities now available
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Please see our website for further details
www.tatlowcarpets.co.uk
Tel: 01543 264766
Open to the public. Mon-Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm. Sat: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Unit 4, Europa Way, Britannia Enterprise Park, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9TZ

FA S H I O N
Layers of style
AS THE UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER VEERS FROM SUMMER SUNSHINE TO
AUTUMNAL CHILLS, AMY NORBURY TAKES A LOOK AT THAT HERO OF
TRANSITIONAL DRESSING - LAYERING
EARLY autumn dressing can be a bit of a minefield. After all,
it’s that time of year where we regularly see chilly downpours
one minute, blazing sunshine the next.
A hefty coat might seem like a good idea when it’s see-yourbreath
cold as you leave the house, but feels like a wardrobe fail
when you’re sweating through the rush-hour commute, while
bright blue skies can fool you into thinking outerwear is an
unnecessary extra - until the heavens open, that is.
And therein lies the conundrum; how do we dress for all
weathers at once?
The simple answer? Layering. The number one rule for having a
great transition weather wardrobe is learning how to work layers
to your advantage.
Opting for a few light layers, rather than one bulky one, makes
dressing - and undressing, in the case of a surprise midday
heatwave - a breeze, whatever the weather.
Once the epitome of granny chic, the cardigan has made a huge
comeback in recent seasons for its stylish versatility. Cardis were
a firm favourite all over the autumn/winter 2020 catwalks, with
Miu Miu, Chanel and Gucci all showcasing the new knitwear
hero. And when it comes to layering, cardigans are a key player;
throw over a dress to keep the chills at bay, team with jeans and
a shirt for casual cool or add under a lightweight jacket for an
extra layer of protection against the elements.
The biggest dilemma of the transitional season is often whether
or not to leave the house without a coat; you don’t want to be
carting around a heavy winter number ‘just in case’ nor do you
want to be caught unawares when the thermometer dips. A
trusty trench is probably the most versatile outerwear option for
all seasons, while a longline blazer can be layered with a shirt
and fine knit for added warmth without the bulk.
While the days of sandal weather may just be behind us, it
doesn’t mean ditching the floaty dresses and skirts of summer
entirely just yet. Switching out your summer footwear for a pair
of trusty boots will mean you can eke out that section of your
wardrobe a little while longer; layering your summer dresses
with light knits and knee highs will see you well into autumn.
DENIM DUNGAREES, £50, KITTY
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CARDIGAN, £299, LUISA CERANO
33

B E AU T Y
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organic vitamin C to restore balance and
help maintain the oil levels in the skin.
It’s the perfect anti-aging solution too,
as it helps to penetrate fine lines even
around the delicate eye area.
BEAT THE BREAKOUTS
During the menopause hormone levels
start to drop and you may find that you
develop spots and acne breakouts. It’s
essential to clean away pollution, dirt
and grime to keep your skin in tip top
condition.
My Bee Polish, £37 (30ml), extracts
toxins without harming the outer layer of
the skin and because it’s the first nonabrasive,
anti-ageing exfoliator to contain
the patented formula ABEETOXIN® it
also helps alleviate fine lines and wrinkles
as well as lighten pigmentation.
For an extra deep detox,
try Willowbee® Mask &
Cleanse, £55. It contains
bark from the willow tree, a
natural and organic alternative
to aspirin, and its antiinflammatory
and healing
properties make it ideal for oily
skin. Massage into your skin
after cleansing and leave on
for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Alternatively you can apply before bedtime, leave
overnight for an intensive treatment, and wash off the
next morning.
ENLARGED PORES
Anyone who has enlarged pores will
know just how frustrating they can be.
Introduce the “double cleanse” into
your daily skincare routine – the first
cleanse can move the dirt around your
face so doing it twice means you get
deeper into your pores.
Because my Cleanse and Foam
Wash, £37 (145ml), is a nonabrasive
exfoliator, toner and cleanser
in one it helps to balance oil levels
while repairing skin.
It improves elasticity levels while
balancing oil levels to reduce shine on
your T-Zone.
Once your face is fully cleansed apply
a few drops of Heaven’s Clarifying
Serum, £55 (30ml), either on its
own or combined with your favourite
moisturiser. Because it contains
naturally-occurring microbes it helps
kill off nasty bacteria and bring the
skin back to equilibrium. It also has
a soothing scent which can promote
relaxation and induce sleep.
All products featured are available online at www.heavenskincare.com
48

アパート
夀 䔀 䄀 刀 匀 伀 䘀
䈀 䔀 匀 倀 伀 䬀 䔀 䘀 䤀 一 䔀 䨀 䔀 圀 䔀 䰀 䰀 䔀 刀 夀 ꀀ
伀 渀 攀 漀 昀 琀 栀 攀 氀 愀 爀 最 攀 猀 琀 挀 漀 氀 氀 攀 挀 琀 椀 漀 渀 猀 漀 昀
挀 漀 渀 琀 攀 洀 瀀 漀 爀 愀 爀 礀 ǻ 渀 攀 樀 攀 眀 攀 氀 氀 攀 爀 礀 椀 渀 琀 栀 攀 唀 䬀
匀 瀀 攀 挀 椀 愀 氀 椀 猀 琀 猀 椀 渀 搀 攀 猀 椀 最 渀 椀 渀 最 愀 渀 搀 洀 愀 欀 椀 渀 最 Ⰰ
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䄀 䰀 䰀 䔀 一 䈀 刀 伀 圀 一 䨀 䔀 圀 䔀 䰀 䰀 䔀 刀 夀
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㔀 㐀 アパート 㐀 㠀 㤀 㐀 㠀
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アパート 夀 䔀 䄀 刀 匀 伀 䘀
昀 椀 琀
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Specialists in designing and making, remodelling and refurbishing
ALLEN 䄀 䰀 䰀 䔀 一 BROWN 䈀 刀 伀 圀 一 䨀 JEWELLERY
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匀 Swinfen, 眀 椀 渀 昀 攀 渀 Ⰰ Lichfield,
䰀 椀 挀 栀 ǻ 攀 氀 搀 Ⰰ
匀 Staffordshire 琀 愀 昀 昀 漀 爀 搀 猀 栀 椀 爀 攀 WS14 圀 匀 㐀 9QR 㤀 儀 刀
01543 㔀 㐀 アパート 481948 㐀 㠀 㤀 㐀 㠀
眀 www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk
眀 眀 ⸀ 愀 氀 氀 攀 渀 戀 爀 漀 眀 渀 樀 攀 眀 攀 氀 氀 攀 爀 礀 ⸀ 挀 漀 ⸀ 甀 欀
昀 椀 琀

B U S I N E S S
The Ripple effect
JANE GALVEZ, FOUNDER OF INDEPENDENT HR CONSULTANCY RIPPLE HR, SPECIALISES IN
WORKING WITH SME BUSINESSES TO OFFER A BESPOKE HR SERVICE TAILORED TO EACH CLIENT
Jane says: “In the last three years I have grown
Ripple HR, without any business contacts in
Lichfield to a business working with 30 clients over
various sectors in the West Midlands.
“The businesses I work with include manufacturing,
web design, print, charity, accountants, dentists,
recruitment, vehicle leasing, wine merchants, pubs,
IT, building supplies, PR, energy, legal and building.
“I have used my experience gained in various
boardrooms, in Private Equity and growing a tech
business from two employees to 50 with global reach
where I learned HR as it progressed, to help these
clients develop their businesses.
“Each business is unique but applying Ripple’s
positive approach, being part of the team on the
factory floor, in the offices or out on the road, has
given these clients the support they need when they
need it and built enduring relationships based on
solid practical, no nonsense advice.
“We have adjusted the structure of some businesses,
made redundancies, helped managers to develop
their own skills and develop their teams. I do
this with a smile, face challenges head on, roll up
my sleeves and find the most realistic solution.
This creates good HR practices which are visible
throughout the business and send ripples to others
as they create a positive culture to transform the
business – that’s why my business is called Ripple
HR.
“I have recently started working with individuals in
areas such as redundancy consultations, grievance
support, mentoring, coaching, and mental health. I
trained as a mental health first aider last year which
has given me the opportunity to bring this into the
workplace and provide an improved offering to my
clients and individuals alike.
“Supporting young people in their journey
from university or college into their first role is a
passion of mine, which I offer support for either
in a professional capacity or through my personal
contribution to the local community working with
South Staffs College developing the employability
JANE GALVEZ OF RIPPLE HR
skills of their students. The CIPD included this work
in their 2019 annual report which you can find on
the Ripple website.
“I have also been working with the HR software
support platform X-Pert HR to help them develop
their revised platform with their Head of UX who
has written a testimonial on the Ripple website.”
For more information visit www.ripple-hr.co.uk
or email jane.galvez@ripple-hr.co.uk and you
can also find Ripple HR on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/RippleHR
50

Probate and formal valuations
for inheritance tax purposes
Our reliable and sympathetic
team can assist all executors in the
administration of deceased estates
From jewellery and large collections
to cars, furniture and household
items, we handle everything
Comprehensive, bespoke
clearance service and
downsizing solutions
We handle clearance of an entire
estate from houses, bungalows and
flats to offices and all other buildings
We specialise in:
Antique and modern jewellery
Watches
Gemstones
Silverware
Coins, medals and militaria
Works of art
Whisky and wine
Vintage toys
Stamps and ephemera
Cameras and record collections
Scientific equipment
Antique and modern furniture
Qualified
All members of our jewellery
department are certified
gemmologists and diamond graders
Record-breaking
international sales
More than 3,000 bidders from
all over the world joined our latest
online Fine Arts Sale
Online services available
Virtual estimates, online auctions
and contactless collections.
Valuations and viewing by
appointment only
STARTING 3RD SEPT
Weekly Valuations
Every Thursday
For your Jewellery
and Watches
With Heather Callaway
FIRV FGA DGA AMEA
The Hub at St Mary’s
Market Square,
Lichfield City Centre, WS13 6LG
Thursdays 10am-4pm
Established – Professional – Transparent
The Winterton family name has been synonymous
with auctioneering in Staffordshire since 1864
01543 251081
www.richardwinterton.co.uk
richardwinterton@richardwinterton.co.uk
The Lichfield
Auction Centre,
Wood End Lane,
Fradley Park
WS13 8NF
NAJ A4 ad_August_2020.indd 1 07/08/2020 16:17