J'AIME NOVEMBER 2020

N O V 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
Tightly
knit:
CLOTHES YOU’LL WANT
TO SNUGGLE UP IN
THE BEE-AUTIFUL
NEW GIN MADE WITH
LICHFIELD HONEY
Your
local gift
guide
LUXURY FLOORING
INSPIRATION

Expert care
every step
of the way
With Spire Little Aston you’ll see a leading
specialist in a hospital where safety comes
first. When you book an appointment with
us, you can be sure that you’ll receive expert
care in a secure environment.
Safety first
We screen our patients and colleagues for
COVID-19 symptoms and have extensive
protection protocols in place.
Fast access to diagnosis and treatment
You can see one of our specialists quickly,
because less waiting means less worrying.
Advanced technology
We use the latest technology and techniques
wherever possible to get the best outcome
for you.
Book to see an expert today
Search ‘Spire Little Aston Hospital’
Call 0121 514 7034
Interest free finance – 0% representative APR available
Credit is subject to status. Spire Healthcare Limited is acting as a credit broker, Omni Capital Retail
Finance Ltd is the lender. All named parties are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct
Authority. Spire Healthcare’s registered address is 3 Dorset Rise, London, EC4Y 8EN.
28152_1280472 - Q4 J’aime Mag Nov Advert 280(h) x 190(w)mm_FA.indd 1 14/10/2020 13:07

Welcome to J’AIME
Here at J’AIME we aim to bring you positive,
uplifting articles that will not only give you everyday
inspiration but also help to put a smile on your face
in the process. We hope the November edition will
do just that.
We bring you the story of a family who spent
lockdown keeping bees in their garden and have
now turned the honey into a brand new range of
gin - The Apiarist. The husband and wife team
have been unable to run their usual business due
to COVID-19 but have put their time to very good
use. We were inspired and we hope that you will be
too.
If it feels like you’ve been spotting more
mushrooms than usual during your daily walks then
that’s because we’re in the midst of wild mushroom
season. We chatted to two experts to find out the
dos and don’ts of picking your own - and how not
to poison yourself in the process!
For interiors we look at luxury flooring options and
show you how you can include the colour of the
season into your home.
Fashion is all about snuggling up in cosy knitwear
- from slouchy jumpers to glitzy knits with a bit of
sparkle. We’re loving the knitted trousers that we’ve
spotted, and can’t wait until it’s cold enough to
wear a bobble hat.
Also this month we celebrate the reopening of
Harvey Nichols (we’ll race you to the cocktail bar),
review Staffordshire’s newest eaterie and find out
more about the future of travel.
If you’re planning to start your Christmas present
shopping then you may find our gift guide useful.
Please try to shop local and support independent
businesses wherever you can in the run up to the
festive season and beyond - it’s never been more
important.
If you want to get out and about this month then
we have some great suggestions for you in the
what’s on section - including an evening of wine
and classic cinema in Birmingham and guided
walks around Lichfield. We may be living through
very unusual times but there’s still lots going on that
you can take part in safely with your family. Enjoy!
EDITOR: AMY NORBURY
EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY
ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
07388 335 931
DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTORS: JENNY AMPHLETT, OLIVER
BROAD, RAUL ROMERO, DEBORAH MITCHELL
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
3

CO N T E N T S
InsideJ’aime this month...
6 Mushrooms - expert advice on what you should
and shouldn’t pick during wild mushroom
season
12 Property - Property of the month
14 Interiors - Luxury flooring
18 Interiors - The colour of the season
26 Food and drink - Review of Thyme Kitchen,
Lichfield
28 Food and drink - The new gin distilled in
Lichfield using garden honey
32 Shopping - Welcome back Harvey Nichols
33 Travel - The future of holidays
36 Health and fitness - How to give your legs a
workout at home
38 Beauty - Tips for healthy winter skin
40 Gift guide - Ideas for him, her and the home
44 What’s On - Great ideas for the month
ahead
46 Fashion - Get knitted
48 In the news - Buzzards Valley
50 In the news - A new interiors showroom
SPONSORED BY
4

HERE TO GUIDE YOU
THROUGH LIFE’S COURSE
At QSDavisons we have specialists in all areas of law ready to guide you through life,
whether you encounter family troubles, employment problems, settling disputes,
planning for the future or moving home. We are trusted and relied upon to deliver for
our clients and will work with you to provide the solution you need.
PRIVATE CLIENT
l Declaration of Trust
l Wills
l Wealth Protection
l Powers of Attorney
l Probate
FAMILY LAW
l Divorce
l Pre-nupital Agreements
l Child Arrangements
l Separation Arrangements
l Matrimonial Finances
PROPERTY LAW
l Residential Conveyancing
l Re-mortgage
l Equity Release
SPEAK TO YOUR LOCAL LEGAL
EXPERT TODAY: 01217 564 989
Rebecca Parys
Director
Property team
Jane Flemming
Associate Solicitor
Family team
Angela Craig
Head of Private Client, Senior Associate,
Chartered Legal Executive
Lisa Shocker
Civil Litigation Legal
Executive
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
l Employment Claims
l General Civil Claims
l Commercial Litigation
l Debt Recovery
l Personal Injury
l Medical Negligence
l Professional Negligence
*
YOUR LEGAL CADDIE AWAITS
01217 564 989 www.qualitysolicitors.com/davisons
Offices in l Colmore Row l Cotteridge l Edgbaston l Solihull l Stratford-upon-Avon
Sutton Coldfield l Weoley Castle l Wolverhampton

F E AT U R E
Celebrate the fungus among us
WHETHER YOU BUY THEM FROM A DELI OR GROW YOUR OWN, AUTUMN IS MUSHROOM SEASON.
JENNY AMPHLETT SPOKE TO FORAGING INSTRUCTOR MARLOW RENTON AND FOREST SCHOOL
TRAINING OFFICER DUNCAN COLEMAN FOR SOME EXPERT TIPS
LEWIS CURRENTLY HAS 18 CHICKENS
IN HIS FLOCK AT HOME
If I told you there was a mushroom that costs about
the same as a piece of fillet mignon steak you might
not believe me. But I’d be right.
Chicken of the woods is one of the most prized
cheffy ingredients - a wild mushroom that not
only looks phenomenal in any dish but also tastes
remarkably like poultry.
I’ve never been lucky enough to find or eat one but
Duncan Coleman, forest school training officer with
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, has not only cooked
chicken of the woods he grows them in his own back
garden.
The 40-year-old, who spends his days out in the
Staffordshire countryside, is no stranger to spotting,
identifying and occasionally eating wild fungus.
“Autumn is typically seen as mushroom season as
many species tend to fruit at this time of the year but
of course mushrooms are around throughout the
year, you just might not be able to see them,” he says.
Duncan explains that when he’s teaching forest
school techniques, whether that’s to children or
adults, his general advice is to not pick mushrooms
and definitely not to destroy them.
“There’s a lot of fear of mushrooms because some
mushrooms are poisonous and some are fatal,” he
says. “But you have to injest them for them to be in
any way dangerous to you. Mushrooms don’t bite
you or hunt you down. If you leave them alone
they’re harmless.
“They make a beautiful autumn setting and we’ve
really only just started to understand the importance
of the symbiotic relationship between fungi and
trees. When you see a mushroom you’re seeing a
flower, the fruit that the fungi sends up. The fungus is
still there even when you can’t see a mushroom, but
it’s under the ground or in dead wood.
“What we’re starting to discover is that a network
of fungi join up lots of different trees. Fungi is
important for various different tree species.”
Duncan gives the example of fairytale red and white
mushrooms (which are really called fly agaric) which
typically grow near silver birch trees.
“If you value the trees in your garden then leave
any mushrooms that you see exactly where they are,
they’re doing a job.
“Similarly if you value your lawn then try to leave
fungus alone. If you’ve got mushrooms in your lawn
it can indicate you have healthy flora, fauna and
aeration.”
Incidentally if you do have mushrooms in your lawn
then the chances are that they’re waxcaps, some of
which are protected.
Many people have reported seeing more mushrooms
this year, but Duncan says there aren’t necessarily
more out there, it could just be that we’re more
attuned to finding them.
6

CHICKEN OF THE WOODS,
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
DUNCAN COLEMAN.
“People are noticing more about the natural world
because it’s become quite important for stress relief
to get outside the home. We wouldn’t necessarily
have been doing that before COVID-19.
“Now people are using the outdoors for recreation
more and more they’re noticing the little things that
may have been there all along but gone unseen.
“I don’t think this year is a particularly good fruiting
year overall, although individual species like different
conditions.”
Species that Duncan has come across in Staffordshire
include curry scented milk caps, which smell like
curry and contain a milky substance if a small piece
is broken off.
He’s also found giant puffball mushrooms, which can
grow as large as beachballs. He says it’s hard to go
out looking for them - you just stumble across them
by accident.
You may really need to keep your eyes peeled when
out mushroom spotting on your daily walk though as
Duncan says some varieties can shoot up within one
day and then be gone just three or four days later.
Rather than foraging for mushrooms, Duncan
recommends people literally grow and pick their own
by introducing carefully selected species of fungi into
their own garden.
“You can buy infused shitake logs or dowel rods with
spores on them. That way you can grow your own
crop - you’ve put them in there so you know what
you’re picking. I have king oyster mushrooms and
chicken of the woods growing in my back garden.”
He says chicken of the woods tastes so like meat that
last year he turned some into a mushroom version of
KFC.
He may advise people against doing it, but if you’re
intent on foraging for mushrooms then Duncan
says you should always make sure you seek the
landowner’s permission first and should check out
any local by-laws put in place to stop foraging.
“It’s always a good rule of thumb that if you find a
group of mushrooms you shouldn’t take more than
a third of them,” he says. “Leave plenty behind for
nature as they’re a valuable food sourse for slugs and
small mammals.”
Duncan stresses that you need to be 100 percent
certain that you know what you’re picking before you
pick it, preferably by doing some sort of training.
“Even if you’ve picked something that you know is
an edible species, only try a small amount of it at
first, because people have different immune systems
and allergies.”
He says that most mushrooms you’ll come across
while you’re out walking wouldn’t taste very nice, but
there are a handful of species that will kill you if you
eat them.
“There’s the Deathcap and the Destroying Angel -
the names pretty much say everything you need to
know about them.
“The Deathcap mushroom leads to a particularly
cruel death as people suffer incredibly but then get
better before their organs go into failure.
“There’s nothing that medical science can do about
either of those mushrooms.”
Duncan says statistically it isn’t children who tend to
be poisoned by mushrooms, it’s adults who haven’t
identified the type correctly or who have eaten lots of
mushrooms that don’t agree with their body in one
sitting.
But he says he does understand the allure of foraging
in the days of food accountability, where we like to
be able to know where our food comes from.
* In his role with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Duncan
delivers accredited forest school courses and provides
forest school programmes for schools and other
clients.
DUNCAN COLEMAN
WITH A GIANT PUFFBALL
MUSHROOM.
7

Marlow Renton used to live in London and
run a web development company. Then
when the country spiralled into recession
after the banking crisis he decided to give it
all up to become a foraging instructor.
Now the 43-year-old runs foraging courses
across the country through Wild Food UK,
a business he founded, and has written a
bestselling book about foraging.
“It started nine years ago and was a hobby
to begin with really, then grew quite
naturally into something bigger than that.
When the recession hit I started doing more
foraging to get away from London and the
office.”
It was initially a personal interest, but then
Marlow’s friends started asking him to take
them out foraging and he realised it could be
a business opportunity too.
The turning point was when someone paid
for him to stay in Cardiff purely to lead a
group of people on a foraging expedition.
He says: “I was becoming bored of my old
life and realised I could make a new job
from teaching people to forage. It’s a wonderful skill
to teach people, a skill for life that connects people
with nature.”
It definitely helped that Marlow’s web developer past
meant he knew a lot more about the internet than
your average forager. Run an internet search for
foraging in the UK and it’s Marlow’s business that
jumps out first.
He now has a team of five foraging instructors,
COURTESY OF WILD
FOOD UK
MARLOW RENTON LEADS
A FORAGING SESSION.
including one in the Birmingham area, and a
YouTube channel with 16,000 followers. He’s also
written his own book, The Wild Food UK Foraging
Pocket Guide.
“We teach around 2,500 people per year about
foraging and nature, and it’s growing,” he says.
“My original plan was that I’d travel around Britain
during spring, summer and autumn then take the
winters off to have some fun. But I’m married
now and have a child so it’s more a case of having
instructors in
different areas.”
Marlow feels
he is helping to
reintroduce skills
that people would
have had in days
gone by.
“The average
person can identify
a blackberry, a
raspberry and an
apple while they’re
out walking but
there’s just so much
more to find out
about. It makes
walks so much more
interesting if you
8

know what you’re looking at.”
He stresses that he and his fellow instructors are very
ecologically minded, and says that when he takes a
group out they pick things purely to make a meal at
the end of the session. He teaches strict guidelines
and sticks to them himself.
“It isn’t a case of coming home with enough to stock
up the fridge. That said, one of our venues has so
much wild garlic they consider it a weed and almost
ask us to take it away.”
Marlow asks his pupils to use their new found skills
wisely and to perhaps put their knowledge to use in
their own garden.
“At the beginning of lockdown I did a series of four
back to basics videos showing people what they could
find during their daily exercise. I had lots of people
saying it had helped them to start a new life.”
When it comes to mushrooms he says there is more
to choose from in autumn, but also more varieties to
make mistakes with.
For Marlow the first rule of foraging is to not pick
anything unless you know exactly what it is.
“You can find out from photos, books, the internet
and from asking knowledgeable people like ourselves.
We get emails every day from people asking us to
help them identify things they’ve found and asking
whether they’re edible and common.
“It’s important that people know not to just pick
things willy nilly because some things are rare.
“I always advise people to go on a course to learn
how to forage respectfully. We also always teach
people to follow the Countryside Act. As long as they
follow that and don’t pick things unless they know
what they are then they’ll stay safe.”
* To find out more about Wild Food UK and
Marlow’s book visit www.wildfooduk.com
9

GET YOUR ORDERS IN FOR CHRISTMAS
One of the UK's leading suppliers of furniture. Whatever you're looking for to make
every room as festive as possible, Peppermill Interiors will have the furniture for you.
For a truly magical
Christmas...
@peppermillinteriors
Shop Online At:
www.peppermillinteriors.com
Visit Our Showroom:
Unit 6, Ring Road, Zone 2,
Burntwood Business Park, WS7 3JQ
(Sat Nav use WS7 3JG)

...achieve your
perfect home
with Peppermill Interiors
Brittany French Style Velvet Chair £155.
Available in four colours.
Monastery Reclaimed Pine Dining Table From £750
Arlington Leather
Breakfast Bar
Stool £135
Available in 66cm
& 76cm height and
in five colours.
Matching
Arlington Leather
Dining Chair £99
Professor
Leather
Armchair £450
Bespoke Oversized X
Frame Dining Table
From £1000
Renoir Velvet Bar Stools
Set of Two for £150
Available in 66cm &
76cm height and in four
colours.
Keaton Coffee Table £295
From the most comfortable armchairs and sofas to high quality dining tables and
chairs, Peppermill Interiors have everything from statement industrial lighting to showstopping
vintage items for your home. Shop now to spruce up your space in time for
Christmas! Contact us on: 01543 375 872 | sales@peppermillinteriors.com

P R O P E RTY
Property of the Month
EACH MONTH WE SHOWCASE ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS PROPERTIES
CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET IN THE MIDLANDS. THIS HOME ON THE FOUR OAKS
ESTATE HAS A CINEMA ROOM AND EVEN AN INDOOR SWIMMING POOL
Longridge, 2 Hartopp Road, Four Oaks Estate, Sutton Coldfield: Price £1,895,000
On the Market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878
THE AGENT SAYS: The home is a substantial period
residence planned over two floors. The property retains
many original features and has the benefit of a leisure suite
and secluded gardens. The property has been refurbished to
an exceptional standard including contemporary kitchens,
bathroom and en suites.
The property is approached from Hartopp Road via a private
gated entrance, which leads to the original oversized oak
entrance door. The well-laid out ground floor has a large
reception hall - an ideal entertaining space - drawing room
with feature fireplace, family snug, re-fitted kitchen with high
gloss cupboards and complementary Quartz work surfaces,
and dining room.
A spacious utility room is accessed from the family room and
also provides access to the double garage.
The leisure suite offers excellent further accommodation
including a refurbished indoor swimming pool with bi-fold
doors opening out onto a deep paved terrace creating a
fabulous outdoor entertaining space. Above the swimming
pool, accessible from the main house, is the spacious selfcontained
annexe, which features its own en-suite shower
room.
The oak staircase from the reception hall leads to the firstfloor
accommodation, which features a master bedroom with
an en-suite shower room. There are three further double
bedrooms, bedroom two with en-suite shower room together
with the large family bathroom.
All bathrooms and en-suite shower rooms are fitted with
Porcelenosa white suites and complementary Porcelenosa
tiling adding to the high standard finish.
W E L O V E :
WE’D LOVE TO TAKE A DIP IN THAT
INDOOR POOL.
12

LICHFIELD EXCLUSIVE
ONE OF A KIND
ASTON KNOWLES
SHARES A SNEAK PEEK AT ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING
PROPERTIES TO COME TO MARKET THIS YEAR
Wall House is an outstanding Grade II listed Georgian country house located in the
sought after hamlet of Wall, adjoining the village of Shenstone & city of Lichfield.
This impressive country mansion with circa 8000 square feet of spacious living accommodation is set
in over 4 acres of grounds including formal gardens, tennis court, woodland area and paddock.
Additional planning has been granted for a 1,900 square feet leisure complex with swimming pool.
TO BOOK A VIEWING AT THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME | CONTACT OUR DIRECTOR SOPHIE BULLOCK
0121 362 7878
sophiebullock@astonknowles.com
www.astonknowles.com
@astonknowles

I N T E R I O R S
Best laid
plans
FLOORING can make or break any interior space. From
retro tiles to modern wood, opting for a luxurious floor
covering is a surefire way to give your home a fresh update.
So often, flooring gets a bit overlooked as one of the
aspects of our homes that gets changed once in a blue
moon, but when it comes to interior style you shouldn’t
underestimate the power of a new floor to completely
change the look and feel of a room.
Evoke pared-back Scandi chic with stripped wood, or add
a touch of Victoriana into a period home with classic tiles,
while the cosiness of carpet comes into its own during
these winter months.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to update your
flooring options, then investing in a quality rug will work
wonders with your space. Don’t be afraid to go big, so that
the rug sits under your main furniture pieces and covers
most of the floor space - the difference it will make is well
worth the investment.
HARLEM ICONIC CARRARA BIANCO VINYL
FLOORING, £13.49, LIFESTYLE FLOORS
WWW.LIFESTYLE-FLOORS.CO.UK
NARCISA RUG, £259.99, MY FURNITURE
WWW.MY-FURNITURE.COM
PALM SPRINGS TURQUOISE PORCELAIN TILES,
£66/SQM, PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE
WWW.PORCELAINSUPERSTORE.CO.UK
TANGIER ANTIQUA DECOR PATTERN FLOOR
TILES, £39.95/SQM, WALLS AND FLOORS
WWW.WALLSANDFLOORS.CO.UK
GAMBOL VINTAGE PATTERN FLOOR TILES,
£25.95/SQM, WALLS AND FLOORS
WWW.WALLSANDFLOORS.CO.UK
MAJOLICA BELLFLOWER TILES,
£25.95, WALLS AND FLOORS
WWW.WALLSANDFLOORS.CO.UK
PALM SPRINGS PINK PORCELAIN TILES,
£66/SQM, PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE
WWW.PORCELAINSUPERSTORE.CO.UK
14

discover
Staffordshire’s
best kept
secret
WWW.BLACKBROOK-INTERIORS.CO.UK
Discover the finest selection of interior furnishings
in Staffordshire’s most magical emporium. Our
unique collections carry elegant furniture, decor and
accessories that are perfect for any home...
Closed Mon & Tues Blackbrook • Open Wed Interiors, - Sat 9am London - 5pm. Sun Road -11am (A38), - 5pm Weeford, • London Road Staffordshire, (A38) Weeford, WS14 Nr. 0PT Lichfield WS14 0PS
Tel: 01543 t: 01543 481010 010 • Email: • e: info@blackbrook-interiors.co.uk blackbrook@aol.com • fb.com/blackbrook.interiors
• www.blackbrook-interiors.co.uk
Blackbrook Coffee House now open Friday, Saturday and Sundays.

COUNTRY NUT FLOOR TILES, £19.99, TONS
OF TILES WWW.TONSOFTILES.CO.UK
DOLLYMIXX PLUM BLUSH PINK TERRAZZO
EFFECT TILES, £29.95, WALLS AND FLOORS
WWW.WALLSANDFLOORS.CO.UK
ORIGINAL STYLE BOREAL MIX
WOOD-EFFECT TILES, £49.95
WWW.ORIGINALSTYLE.COM
GALLERIA RUG, £250, TATLOW CARPETS,
BRITANNIA ENTERPRISE PARK, LICHFIELD,
WWW.TATLOWCARPETS.CO.UK

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
爀 攀 洀 漀 搀 攀 氀 氀 椀 渀 最 愀 渀 搀 爀 攀 昀 甀 爀 戀 椀 猀 栀 椀 渀 最 昀 漀 爀 アパート 礀 攀 愀 爀 猀
䄀 䰀 䰀 䔀 一 䈀 刀 伀 圀 一 䨀 䔀 圀 䔀 䰀 䰀 䔀 刀 夀
䠀 攀 愀 爀 琀 漀 昀 吀 栀 攀 䌀 漀 甀 渀 琀 爀 礀 匀 栀 漀 瀀 瀀 椀 渀 最 嘀 椀 氀 氀 愀 最 攀
匀 眀 椀 渀 昀 攀 渀 Ⰰ 䰀 椀 挀 栀 ǻ 攀 氀 搀 Ⰰ
匀 琀 愀 昀 昀 漀 爀 搀 猀 栀 椀 爀 攀 圀 匀 㐀 㤀 儀 刀
㔀 㐀 アパート 㐀 㠀 㤀 㐀 㠀
眀 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
アパート 夀 䔀 䄀 刀 匀 伀 䘀
昀 椀 琀
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
爀 攀 洀 漀 搀 攀 氀 氀 椀 渀 最 愀 渀 搀 爀 攀 昀 甀 爀 戀 椀 猀 栀 椀 渀 最 昀 漀 爀 アパート 礀 攀 愀 爀 猀
Specialists in designing and making, remodelling and refurbishing
ALLEN 䄀 䰀 䰀 䔀 一 BROWN 䈀 刀 伀 圀 一 䨀 JEWELLERY
䔀 圀 䔀 䰀 䰀 䔀 刀 夀
䠀 Heart 攀 愀 爀 琀 漀 of 昀 吀 The 栀 攀 䌀 Country 漀 甀 渀 琀 爀 礀 Shopping 匀 栀 漀 瀀 瀀 椀 渀 最 Village 嘀 椀 氀 氀 愀 最 攀
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

WOVEN SAND WOOD EFFECT TILES,
£39.95/SQM, WALLS AND FLOORS
WWW.WALLSANDFLOORS.CO.UK
SCINTILLA SAPPHIRE STAR PATTERN TILES,
£24.95/SQM, WALLS AND FLOORS
WWW.WALLSANDFLOORS.CO.UK
K.SLATE IN SILVER, £58.84 INC VAT/SQM,
TIPPERS, EUROPE WAY, LICHFIELD,
WWW.TIPPERS.COM
18

BAYLISS
creating bathroom envy since 1929...
Visit our extensive prestigious bathroom and tile showroom....
regarded as one of the finest in the Country!
Bayliss Limited, 23 Gate Lane, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield B73 5TR
T: 0121 362 1800 www.baylisslimited.co.uk
Proud to be a family run business for over 35 years
HOME IS WHERE THE WARMTH IS
“Fantastic
service and
great products.
Thanks Kieran”
Sam McD,
Whitaker
Heath
1/7 High Street, Erdington B23 6RG Next to Highclare School
Telephone: 0121 384 5251 - www.abbeyfirecentre.co.uk
Open: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed Wednesdays), Sat: 10am - 2pm
Suppliers of: Contura, Jotul, Gazco, Paragon, Scan, Town
& Country Fires, ACR Heat Products and many more
Installers and suppliers of gas fires, bespoke limestone
surrounds, and gas and woodburning stoves, since 1981.
For your safety and to observe social distancing we are
asking that you telephone or email to arrange a personal
viewing of our showroom.
abbeyfirecentre @abbeyfirecentre abbeyfirecentreltd

I N T E R I O R S
Breaking
new ground
DIVE into the new Dulux Colour of the Year for 2021,
Brave Ground. This earthy beige hue connects us to
nature and will bring a sense of warmth to our interior
space. Brave Ground is a versatile new neutral that
will work perfectly when paired with darker browns,
cinnamon, light beige hues and caramels.
Marianne Shillingford, creative director, Dulux UK, says:
“The colours on our walls are the backdrop to how we live
our life. For many of us, lockdown has served to emphasise
how important our home environment has become, it has
been the place where we work, learn, relax. It can lift us
up, nurture us, comfort us.
“We continue to live through uncertain times. In 2021, the
warm and grounding tones of Brave Ground will allow
us to find certainty in the strength from the very ground
beneath our feet, emboldening us to go forward and begin
to live again and giving us the flex to adapt to the ever
changing circumstances we face.”
MONTREUX PENDANT LIGHT IN SAND BY ITS ABOUT ROMI,
£269.95, LIME LACE WWW.LIMELACE.CO.UK
£225
£895
BUTTONED VELVET SOFA, NEEDWOOD
LIVING, MAIN STREET, ALREWAS,
WWW.NEEDWOODLIVING.CO.UK
SANDRINE ARMCHAIR IN BEIGE,
CUCKOOLAND WWW.CUCKOOLAND.COM
£30
FERM LIVING BALANCE CANDLE HOLDER
IN MACAROON, ROSE & GREY
WWW.ROSEANDGREY.CO.UK
DULUX BRAVE GROUND, FROM £16.42/LTR
WWW.DULUX.CO.UK
20

Curtains | Blinds | Wallpaper
Refresh your home with
soft furnishings from our family
owned and run business
3 year guarantee
Expert fitting service
Best of Lichfield «««««
Top brands across all price ranges
Lichfield
Showroom
NOW OPEN
Interior Choice
1st Floor
Sure Store
WS13 6UY
By appointment only. FREE parking. Please book in
online: www.interiorchoice.net or call 01543 406162
SYMPHONY SALE
ALTA DUSKY PINK KITCHEN
50%
OFF
B O O K A N A P P O I N T M E N T
APPOINTMENTS.TIPPERS.COM
EUROPA WAY, LICHFIELD, WS14 9TZ
01543 440020 | SHOWROOMS.TIPPERS.COM
WEEKDAYS
7.30AM - 5.00PM
SATURDAY
8.00AM - 2.00PM

£1,218
£255
DULWICH MIDI SOFA IN SAHARA ROPE,
DARLINGS OF CHELSEA
WWW.DARLINGSOFCHELSEA.CO.UK
LARGE FULL LEATHER FOOTSTOOL, PEPPERMILL
INTERIORS, BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK,
WWW.PEPPERMILLINTERIORS.COM
BEIGE FRILLS CUSHION, ROSE & GREY
WWW.ROSEANDGREY.CO.UK
SET OF FOUR STONEWARE CUPS AND
SAUCERS, NEEDWOOD LIVING, MAIN STREET,
ALREWAS, WWW.NEEDWOODLIVING.CO.UK
£495
£45
£30
BLOOMINGVILLE NATURAL ZIGZAG
SEAGRASS BASKET, BEAUMONDE
WWW.BEAUMONDE.CO.UK
£31 £375
FELIX LOUNGER BEANBAG IN TAUPE, LIME LACE
WWW.LIMELACE.CO.UK
ARMCHAIR, PEPPERMILL INTERIORS,
BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK,
WWW.PEPPERMILLINTERIORS.COM
ENZO SOFA, £449.99, FURNITURE CHOICE
WWW.FURNITURECHOICE.CO.UK
18

07815 460786
01827 892952
Hand Problems
Be Your Own Hand Detective
Do you feel symptoms of pain, clicking, numbness or tingling in your
hands? Have you noticed any signs of hand lumps, swellings, or
muscle wasting?
Common Hand Conditions
Carpal Tunnel – Common symptoms include tingling and
numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger, with occasional
thumb muscle wasting.
Trigger Finger – Signs of finger locking and clicking
are seen - the finger may flick up from a bent position.
Dupuytren’s Contracture - A thickening of skin in the palm and
fingers are experienced, along with a fixed bending of the fingers
meaning hands cannot be placed comfortably flat on a table.
Arthritis of the Thumb – Signs include a general dull
ache around the thumb base, which may mean sufferers
struggle to open tight jars. The thumb position may change.
The Midland Hand Clinic have been safely
treating patients through face to face or virtual
consultations. We understand that access to
healthcare can be challenging at the present
time but let us help you in the best way we
know how, by looking after your hands.
Midland Hand Clinic lead by
Mr G Shyamalan FRCS NHS
consultant hand surgeon.
All patients welcome whether
you have private medical insurance
or you are self-paying.
Ask us about our self funding
prices for minor hand surgery.
Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany
Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com
Call: 07815 460786 - 01827 892952
www.midlandhandclinic.com
25/02/2019 09:55

BREEZE COUNTERTOP BASIN IN BESPOKE BRAVE
GROUND, £365, WATERS BATHS OF ASHBOURNE
WWW.WATERSBATHS.CO.UK
COCO THREE SEATER SOFA, £749, SOFOLOGY
WWW.SOFOLOGY.CO.UK
24

tatlowcarpets
& flooring
Quality flooring at affordable prices
Abingdon, Adam’s, Associated Weavers, Axminster, Brintons, Brockways,
Cormar, Crucial Trading, Penthouse, Ulsters, Karndean & Project Floors
Free advice ✔ Free quotations ✔
Furniture moved ✔ Our own regular fitters ✔
20% OFF
ALL LUXURY VINYL FLOORING!
THESE FLOORS PROVIDE YOUR HOME WITH A STYLISH AND
FULLY WATERPROOF SURFACE, PERFECT TO HELD ALL
CONDITION ALL YEAR ROUND. BRANDS SUCH AS KARNDEAN
AND DISTINCTIVE FLOORING AMONG MANY MORE.
Woodburning &
multifuel stoves
Please see our website for further details www.tatlowcarpets.co.uk
Finance facilities available
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
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
t he heart of t he home...
Visit our showroom to be amazed by the choice -
from traditional to modern
With such a wide range of fires, fireplaces and stoves
there is sure to be a style to suit you & your home
WE OF F ER
A C OMP LE T E
INST ALLA T ION
SERV ICE
Visit our showroom and be amazed by the choice! With such a wide range from traditional to modern, there’s sure to be a style to suit you!
5 Stafford Road, Lichfield WS13 7BZ - Tel: 01543 263 383 • www.thefireplacelichfield.co.uk • Email: sales@thefireplacelichfield.co.uk
Opening hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm. Closed Sundays, Monday’s and bank holidays . FREE ON-SITE PARKING.

F O O D & D R I N K
It’s Thyme for brunch
BRUNCH MAY WELL HAVE JUST BECOME THE VERY BEST MEAL OF
THE DAY, AS JENNY AMPHLETT DISCOVERS AT THYME KITCHEN
Opening a new food business in the midst of a global
pandemic is either brave or ambitious. Staffordshire’s
newest eating place is both of those - and an inspired
move too.
Thyme Kitchen has opened in the former Mabel’s
Tearoom, a much-loved 30-year-old business at
Curborough Countryside Centre in Lichfield.
Mabel’s was looking unlikely to reopen after
lockdown so the owners of Sauce Supper Club
stepped in to take it on.
The airy, beamed eating areas will now host the
club’s monthly pop up events with guest chefs. The
award-winning Tom Shepherd cooked for the first.
The venue is also now the base for Dine at Home
with Tom Shepherd - a business that creates and
delivers restaurant quality three course meals for
people to serve up at home.
Alongside all that, Thyme Kitchen is open from
Tuesday to Sunday for breakfasts, brunches and
lunches created using locally-sourced seasonal
produce.
Thyme Kitchen is located on the outskirts of the
cathedral city. There’s lots of free parking and you
PANCAKES WITH
BERRIES
ONE OF THE EATING
AREAS AT THYME
KITCHEN
can combine your meal with a visit to the garden
centre or one of the other independent businesses on
the site.
We’d booked a table for midday on Sunday, when the
menus change from breakfast/brunch to breakfast/
lunch. It was bustling, with a mix of families and
small groups of friends.
The wood beams and log burner give a cosy feel and
the series of interconnected rooms mean that you
can almost tuck yourself away.
The tables are spaced well apart, so that you never
feel you are too close to anyone other than the loved
ones you’re dining with.
I took my 10-year-old daughter along and she was
immediately offered a colouring book and crayons to
help keep her entertained.
This is a family-friendly venue with a children’s
section of the menu, definitely designed with tiny
tastebuds in mind.
We started off by ordering drinks. My daughter had
great fun reading the alcohol menu. She very much
liked the idea of a Bloody Mary (£8) or a Dead
Man’s Finger (£4) before turning the menu over and
26

THE TABLES AT
THYME KITCHEN ARE
WELL SPACED.
spotting the option of a luxury hot chocolate (£4).
This is a hot chocolate and a half, and possibly
a meal in itself for some people. The vast mug
was piled high with cream and topped with
marshmallows and grated chocolate. I think my little
girl’s face may well have been the picture dictionary
definition of bliss.
I ordered the rather more sedate pot of Earl Grey
(£2.50) which comfortably gave me two cups of tea.
The children’s menu includes the
likes of homemade fish finger
sandwich (£4), boiled eggs and
soldiers (£5) and Little Thyme
Kitchen breakfast (£6).
My daughter ordered an adult
portion of pancakes with yogurt
and berries (but without the yogurt)
(£5). Her stack of three pancakes
topped with red berry compote
was beautifully served and came
complete with edible flowers.
I opted for the Persian eggs (£7)
and they were without doubt the
prettiest poached eggs I’ve seen, let
alone eaten.
The eggs were perfectly cooked and
oozed when I cut into them. They’d
been dusted in a Middle Eastern
spice mix called za’atar (I had to
look it up). The eggs sat on top of
Greek yogurt and a beetroot and
mint hummus. They were served
PERSIAN EGGS
with toasted sourdough and the plate was sprinkled
with pomegranate seeds.
I love poached eggs but tend to serve them on top
of asparagus or a good old slice of toast. Who knew
that poached eggs with yogurt and pomegranate
would be such a brilliant combination? I’d definitely
order Thyme Kitchen’s Persian eggs again, even
though there were several other dishes on the menu
that caught my attention too.
I had also been tempted by the Shakshouka-style
baked eggs (£10) served in a rich tomato, spinach
and chorizo sauce with toasted sourdough.
I also liked the sound of the sausage hash (£9) made
with Thyme Kitchen’s own recipe sausage, pumpkin,
rosemary, spinach, caramelised onions, harissa and
two poached eggs on toast.
If we’d have booked for the breakfast menu we could
have sampled the full English breakfast (£12) or the
vegan breakfast (£9.50).
There’s also no reason why you can’t indulge in
breakfast or brunch pudding. We were too full by
that point but we could have chosen lemon and
thyme loaf (£4) or even a warm hazelnut and
chocolate brownie (£5).
There is an old saying that you should breakfast like
a king. I reckon you should brunch like a king too.
Thyme Kitchen, Curborough Countryside Centre,
Watery Lane, Lichfield, 01543 264050,
www.thymekitchen.co.uk
27

F O O D & D R I N K
Honey I’ve made bee-autiful gin
A LICHFIELD FAMILY HAVE CREATED A NEW BRAND OF GIN USING HONEY
FROM THEIR OWN GARDEN. JENNY AMPHLETT WENT TO MEET THEM
Alex and Natalie Conti usually spend
their days running a business that
involves the arts and travel, so they’ve
ended up with rather a lot of time on
their hands this year.
The couple, who live in a rural spot
between Shenstone and Stonnall,
have been spending their days in the
garden with children Leo, six, and
Isabella, three.
Keen beekeepers for the past two
years, they installed a vast new apiary
as a lockdown project which left them
with kilos of surplus honey. Then they
had an inspired idea.
“My wife and I run a company
that specialises in making travel arrangements for
international art exhibitions, mostly for clients in
the US,” said Alex, 39. “We’ve been in business for
10 years and have been the market leader in a very
small niche for the last couple of years.
“We both usually travel
a lot and will be away
from home for around
four months of the
year or so. But then
COVID-19 happened.
“As of March the
company has been in
stasis because none of
our clients are travelling
and everything has
been postponed. So
we’ve been spending
more time than usual
with the kids and more
time than usual in the
garden.
“It’s a great way to
teach the kids about
nature and also to help
pollinate the fruit trees
that we have here,” said Alex. “It helps the local
environment and we get honey too.”
Early into lockdown he and Natalie, 38,
commissioned a local craftsman to build a large new
hive to their own specifications.
“Our first lockdown project was to get that built,
then we expanded the colony which meant we had
lots of honey.”
They eventually hit on the idea of using it to make a
honey gin - and worked out that their surplus honey
could create a 90 bottle batch.
Rather than setting up their own distillery at home
the Contis worked with Fifth Spire in Lichfield to
create the debut batch of The Apiarist Gin.
“We’ve been buying Fifth Spire’s gin for years.
They said they’d be happy to make something new
and different using our honey to infuse gin. We’ve
brought this to market together.”
Around four and a half kilos of the Contis’ honey
has gone into the first 90 bottles of gin. Alex has
worked out that equates to the nectar from 200,000
flowers in each bottle.
The family are reinvesting any profits they make into
their apiary. They now have two colonies and have
two more hives on the way.
It’s a fledgling business with the potential to expand
quickly, but Alex is keen to stress that it was really
28

Christmas may be a little different this year and at this
moment we are uncertain to what this may mean for many
of our Christmas events and dining. However, Christmas is not
cancelled at Moor Hall! We have adapted our events so you
can celebrate this most wonderful time of the year at our
country house hotel safely and comfortably.
PARTY NIGHTS | CHRISTMAS CAROLS & AFTERNOON TEA
AFTERNOON TEA WITH SANTA
FAMILY LUNCH WITH SANTA | BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Christmas may be a little different this year and at this
moment we are uncertain to what this may mean for many
of our Christmas events and dining. However, Christmas is not
cancelled at The George! We have adapted our events so
you can celebrate this most wonderful time of the year at our
Lichfield city centre hotel safely and comfortably.
FESTIVE CARVERY LUNCH | FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA
FAMILY LUNCH WITH SANTA | FESTIVE DINNER
CHRISTMAS CAROLS & AFTERNOON TEA
Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN
0121 308 3751 www.moorhallhotel.co.uk
Visit our website for more events, menus and to book
Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR
01543 414822 www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk
Visit our website for more events, menus and to book
PLAN YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY
& NEW YEAR EVE CELEBRATIONS WITH OUR
SEASONAL MENUS FROM TOM SHEPHERD
...ENSURE YOUR FESTIVE DINING IS SAFE & STRESS FREE!
AVAILABLE TO BOOK ONLINE | DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
PREPPED READY FOR YOU TO HEAT & SERVE | £60 PER HEAD
PLEASE EMAIL TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE MENU
OR VIEW ONLINE AT SAUCESUPPERCLUB.CO.UK
T 01543 264050
E beth@saucesupperclub.co.uk
www.saucesupperclub.co.uk

only intended as a side project alongside
his life’s work in the art world.
“We hope that when this year is over
we can go back to what we do best, but
this has been a fun and interesting side
project - and there may well be other
batches of gin.
“As with anything with nature, you
are at the mercy of it. If we have a
difficult year next year and don’t make
any honey then there won’t be any gin.
It’s all down to the weather and the
environment.”
Alex and Natalie’s neighbours are
happy to have gin makers on their
doorstep and say their fruit trees are yielding more
due to the bees - including a cherry tree that didn’t
bear a single fruit for 26 years until this year.
All four members of the family have their own
beekeeping suits, which means the children can enjoy
getting up close to the bees without risking being
stung.
“The children look really funny in their little suits.
My daughter isn’t so keen on having bees on her, but
my son is really inquisitive and loves it.”
Bees, honey and gin have brought some much
needed positivity to what could otherwise have felt a
very downbeat year for the family.
“Our company deals with travelling, events and the
arts - all of which are among the industries that have
suffered most - so it’s an unbelievable depressing
time. Clients are laying off staff and struggling.
“In that context it’s been nice to have something
that’s been able to be a really positive distraction for
us. We’ve boosted the bee population and had a bit
of fun with gin.”
The Apiarist Gin is available online from
www.theapiaristgin.com or can be bought
in Lichfield from The Spirit Works, 55 Wade St,
Beerbohm, The Trooper or The Boat Inn. It can be
bought in Birmingham from Purnell’s.
30

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.

LO CA L A R E A
Welcome back Harvey Nichols
BIRMINGHAM’S HARVEY NICHOLS STORE HAS
FINALLY REOPENED, AND WE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER
It’s been seven long months since it closed for
lockdown, but the Harvey Nichols store in The
Mailbox has finally reopened for customers.
It’s a massive shot in the arm for retail in the city,
and a welcome treat for those of us who love nothing
better than browsing the shoe department then
sipping a cocktail in the bar.
Various social distancing measures have been put in
place, but you can still expect retail therapy of the
highest order.
Harvey Nichols’ chief operating officer, Manju
Malhotra, said: “Together with our team members,
I am very much looking forward to our stores
reopening and welcoming customers back to Harvey
Nichols.
“Whilst we will be adhering to new health and safety
measures to protect both customers and staff, we will
be focusing on what we do best, which is providing
a high level of personal service and an exceptional
shopping experience, within a safe and comfortable
environment.
“Government guidelines are being fully met to
ensure health and safety of all in the store and we are
excited to, once again, bring our customers the very
best in new, niche brands across fashion, beauty, food
and wine.”
The bar has reopened and you can still try on shoes
and clothes, with items quarantined and/or sanitised
before being returned to the sales floor.
The beauty counters are open, although testers aren’t
available quite yet.
The new opening hours are 11am to 6pm from
Monday to Wednesday, 11am to 7pm from Thursday
to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
32

Travelling forwards
T R AV E L
OLIVER BROAD, JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RB COLLECTION, UPDATES US ON
THE LATEST TRAVEL NEWS AND LOOKS AHEAD TO A NEW WAY OF TRAVELLING
PRIVATE POOL VILLA, MAJORCA
It is fair to say we never expected to commemorate
our 35th year in business with a complete halt in the
world of travel! Whilst it has certainly been the most
challenging time for many, we continue to hear from
clients about how they miss their holiday and look
forward to travelling again when the time is right. And
when that time comes we will be here to help, whether
that’s now or in a few months’ time.
As we look ahead to the future we can offer some
updates, hints and tips based on what we have learnt
from this year.
This summer we managed to send clients away on
holidays to Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France and
Cyprus. For some, it was a race against time to enjoy
a much-needed break away before the government
adjusted their travel advice. At the time of writing this
article our most popular destination remains Cyprus
as clients escape the cold autumn months for warmer
days.
Let’s take a look at some of the key points surrounding
travel and how we see these affecting your future travel
plans:
COVID TESTING
Currently, some destinations such as Cyprus and Italy
require a negative Covid test before departure. We
have teamed up with a postal service which sends the
kit to you at home the next day and you then send
it back at the right time so that the result is provided
within the required time. For Cyprus for example you
need the result within 72 hours of going on holiday.
The rules can change regularly and so we talk these
through with clients as part of the booking process. It
is a really simple process and one which a handful of
clients have undertaken recently with no issues. There
are also clinics which offer an in-person service if you
prefer.
Airport testing is a hot topic and one which the travel
industry is campaigning for with the government.
It would help reduce the quarantine requirements
upon returning home for example and you may have
seen the news that Heathrow has already set up this
system and is just waiting for the government to make
a decision. Many airports abroad are offering arrival
testing. At certain destinations it is mandatory unless
you have your own test certificate on departure.
Whilst it may seem extra hassle, we have to remember
all these protocols can only make it safer for us all to
travel and, like many new things, once you do it for
the first time you will wonder why you were concerned
about it in the first place. We walk our clients through
the steps and help with the latest advice.
QUARANTINE & FCDO TRAVEL ADVICE
The government has now synced its travel advisory
with quarantine restrictions. Therefore if they
require you to quarantine when you return home
this will also mean the FCDO advise against travel
33

to that destination. It is important to note this travel
advice doesn’t mean you cannot visit that country.
For example, airlines continue to fly to destinations
where travel is not advised by the FCDO. For many
who need to visit family or to travel for work they can
continue to do so. Traveling against FCDO advice can
invalidate insurance (see below for more details). Many
clients are choosing to continue their travel despite
advice and do of course discuss all the necessary
requirements before proceeding.
At the time of the Spanish advisory change in the
summer, Spain had a much higher rate of infections
but at the time of writing this the UK had in fact
overtaken Spain. Travel advice is of course a hot
topic of discussion and there are ethics to take into
account also. The advice is reviewed every week with
announcements usually made on a Thursday evening.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
A number of insurance companies now offer Covid
cover including ABTA, Holiday Extras and Citybond.
Cover may vary so our advice is to read everything
very carefully and think of the scenario you are
concerned about and check if that would be covered.
There are also policies to cover when the FCDO
advises against travel from insurers such as Rock and
Battleforce.
If you have annual policies or cover via your bank,
we always suggest paying particular attention to your
cover and never presume you are insured for every
eventuality. Even before Covid some policies may
have exclusions you would presume are there, such
as winter sports not covering snowmobile trips or low
levels of cover for valuables.
Many destinations, hoteliers and airlines have started
to include some form of Covid cover when traveling
or staying with them. This is great news but do make
sure you have your own policy too which will ensure
you have cover for all areas you need.
THAILAND JUNGLE BUBBLES
MALDIVES
NEW HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITIES
This summer saw domestic tourism in the UK soar as
many decided to holiday closer to home. We launched
our own range of UK holidays including walking trips
and luxury private home rentals. Looking ahead, there
have been a range of new products being launched
onto the market. These include cruises around the
UK, smaller group tours and a real focus on private
villas whether as part of a large resort with facilities or
in remote locations. Destinations such as the Maldives
are proving popular with their over-water villas which
offer plenty of space and privacy.
Many hotels have been quick to innovate and either
promote their existing accommodations that are really
suitable to the new normal or have developed new and
exciting opportunities.
Whilst it is a challenging time, it is also an exciting
period for our industry. Entrepreneurs and business
owners are seeking to develop new products and
opportunities and to adapt to the new way of taking a
holiday. We look forward to being part of this journey
so we can stay at the forefront of these developments
and offer our clients the very best service.
OUR HOLIDAY TIPS & SUGGESTIONS FOR
2021…
JUNGLE BUBBLES – UP CLOSE &
PERSONAL WITH NATURE…
These transparent, air conditioned bubbles bring
guests closer to nature and provide the perfect
socially distanced, safe space with a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to be up close and personal with the 60
elephants living on the grounds. This luxury hotel
experience gives a new meaning to ‘close to nature’.
These special bubbles are part of a well-established 5*
34

hotel which commands the best in service and care for
its wildlife. These bubble style accommodations are
also available in other destinations such as the Wadi
Rum desert in Jordan for stargazing and the Maldives
for a unique overnight on the beach.
6* CRUISE AROUND THE UK…
For those who want to avoid flying why not rediscover
the UK on this luxury cruise next May. See subtropical
flora in Scilly, history laden 13th century
castles in Wales and the birth and resting place of the
famous Book of Kells. Ireland’s legendary hospitality
surely needs no introduction, while Scotland’s natural
heritage will give you something to talk about for years
to come. The full list of ports of call are: Guernsey,
Isles of Scilly, Milford Haven in Wales, Skomer Island,
Fort William, St Kilda, Lunga, Iona, Dublin, Isle of
Man, Waterford, Dartmouth and London.
PRIVATE VILLAS WITH POOLS (BOOK
EARLY)…
Private villas are already in huge demand for summer
2021 holidays as clients seek space, privacy and
independence. With many 2020 holidays already
rearranged for next year this does mean demand
outstrips supply in many destinations. Therefore
early booking is advised, especially if you need
to stick to school holidays and you are traveling
in a larger family or group. The Algarve in
Portugal is one of the most popular villa
destinations but do consider trying somewhere
new if the obvious spots are full. We can help
advise and find the right one for you and your
needs.
make a group or ‘bubble’ of your own with friends or
family.
DON’T BE AFRAID, JUST ASK…
Whilst the changing landscape may seem daunting
for some, we have managed to send clients away
on holiday this summer and the feedback has been
overwhelmingly positive. There are a few more hoops
to jump through and protocols to get used to, but once
overcome them you can relax and enjoy your trip.
Our final tip is to seek the advice of a professional.
You may have read horror stories in the press about
travellers booking online this summer and turning
up to a closed hotel or being denied boarding at the
airport as they didn’t have the right forms completed.
This is the perfect time to seek a professional to help
with the arrangements. Like you would seek a solicitor
for your mortgage, find a trusted, reputable travel
agent that is financially bonded, offers ATOL bonded
holidays and has easy methods of communication to
help. Of course, we are here to help so do get in touch
and we will be here to arrange your next trip when
you are ready to do so.
Contact Oliver or Nathan at RB Collection on
01543 258631 or email vip@rbcollection.com
ESCORTED TOURS DEVELOP THEIR
FORMAT…
Many tour companies have begun offering
their itineraries with smaller group numbers
but now also on a private basis or you can
join up with your favourite couple. Traveling
as part of a group can be a fun and sociable
experience especially with like-minded travellers
sharing experiences and stories. We saw tours
start again this summer and watched one in
particular visit Sicily albeit with less members in
the group. The feedback was excellent as clients
were so happy to once again explore and enjoy
a trip away. Group touring is diversifying, and
we are able to offer more flexible experiences.
The same itineraries for example can often
be taken on a private basis with just you, your
loved one and your guide meeting you for
excursions. This also gives you the flexibility
to add in rest days here and there. Or why not
35

H E A LT H
Perfect your pins
LICHFIELD’S FAVOURITE PERSONAL TRAINER, RAUL ROMERO, EXPLAINS WHAT WE CAN ALL
DO FROM THE COMFORT OF OUR HOME TO ACHIEVE BEAUTIFUL, STRONG, TONED LEGS
Our legs are the biggest muscle group in our body
and we need to give them the importance they
deserve when it comes to training. This means
planning more than just one weekly ‘leg day’ if we
really want to get them in the best shape possible and
improve their strength and stamina.
There are various different ways to achieve those
perfect pins. Some of which include:
Strength training: either using your own body
weight or additional weights, strength training is
essential in developing shape and toning your legs.
I recommend planning one or two days of strength
training to pave the way for perfect pins. These
training sessions don’t have to be long and tedious, in
fact short and intense is often far more effective.
Squats and lunges: yes, as simple as these sound,
these two classic exercises are some of the best when
it comes to enriching your leg workout to achieve
those perfect pins. The great thing is you can mix
the variations to make your workout more interesting
and not get bored.
Unilateral exercises: in more simple terms, these
are single-leg or single-arm movements. The primary
benefit of including unilateral exercises in your
training program is that the exercise uses both sides
of the body equally. Some examples include single
leg squats, single leg deadlifts, lunges etc.
Core work: this is one of the most commonly
known techniques and the fab thing about core work
is that it has so many different benefits. Incorporating
core work into your weekly workout will significantly
strengthen posture and therefore brace muscles a
lot better for training other muscle groups - it will
without a doubt help to maintain correct form
and technique when it comes to leg workouts.
Additionally, training our core muscles is key in
protecting our legs from injury by providing extra
core support.
Healthy eating and Hydration: this is such
a simple concept yet one that many forget when
it comes to achieving those perfect pins. Eating a
healthy balanced diet with correct portion sizes will
help your body burn fat and remain healthy. Portion
control is key here - we need to fuel our body with
enough to enable us to function at an optimum level,
but not too much so as to make us feel sluggish and
overfull. The best types of food are whole, natural
foods and we should aim to drink plenty of water to
provide our body with all the nutrients it needs to
function at its best.
36

Here are my favourite five leg workouts to do from
the comfort of your home:
Squats: If there’s one exercise that has the ability to
challenge most of the muscles in your body, it’s the
squat. Quadriceps, gluteus, hamstrings, abductor, hip
flexor and calves are the muscles that are worked and
targeted in the legs with squats and the best thing is
that squats also target the core muscles.
How to achieve the perfect squat: Start by
standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, resting
your arms down at your sides.
While bracing your core and keeping your chest up
and neck neutral, bend your knees and push your
hips back as if you’re going to sit on a chair. Slowly
push from your heels and go back to the starting
position.
Static lunge: The static lunge gets its name because
the feet remain static, or in the same position,
throughout the exercise. This exercise targets your
glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings, but also works on
balance and stability.
How to achieve the perfect lunge: Begin by
standing in a split-stance with your right foot forward
and your left foot back. Engage your abdominal
muscles, straighten your back and look
straight ahead. Maintain this position
as you bend your legs to lower your hips
toward the floor. Continue down until your
left knee nears the floor then press through
your right heel to return to the starting
position. Complete the desired number of
repetitions then repeat the exercise with
your left leg forward.
Standing Leg lift: This is a simple yet
effective way to build strength in the outer
thighs and the hip abductors, which include
the gluteus medius and minimus.
How to achieve the perfect standing
leg lift: Stand straight with your feet
together. Raise your left leg to the side as
far as possible and return to the starting
position. Repeat until you complete the set
and then change sides. For more intensity
use a miniband.
Single leg deadlift: This variation of a
traditional deadlift involves lifting one leg
off the ground and extending it out behind
you. The more complex movement works
even more core muscles as well as the
standing leg, which help to improve balance.
How to achieve the perfect standing
leg deadlift: Stand with your feet together.
Lean forward from your hips, shifting your weight
onto one leg while your other leg engages and starts
to extend straight behind you. Lift your extended leg
and pitch your body forward until your body forms
a ‘T’ shape. Your arms should be hanging straight
down, holding onto the weight. Keep a slight bend in
your standing leg. Slowly bring in your extended leg
and return to the starting position.
Hip bridge: The best thing about the hip bridge
is that it works the entire back of your legs and your
glutes. Specifically, it fires up your hamstrings and
gluteus maximus.
How to achieve the perfect hip bridge: Lie with
your back on your mat, knees bent. Place your feet
flat on the mat. Now squeeze your glutes and lift
your hips, lower back, buttocks and thighs so they
form a straight line. Hold the position for one second
then lower to just above the floor.
As with any goal, in order to achieve the goal of
perfect pins we have to bite the bullet and make a
start then remain consistent in our training.
For more information on strengthening and toning
your legs, or any other health, fitness or nutrition
queries, contact Raúl at raul@ambitionpt.co.uk.
Happy training!
37

B E AU T Y
TLC For winter skin
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE MAY WELL BE FRIGHTFUL BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOUR SKIN HAS TO
BE. FROSTY MORNINGS COMBINED WITH RISING CENTRAL HEATING TEMPERATURES LEAVES YOUR
COMPLEXION FEELING DRY, DULL AND LACKLUSTRE. THERE ARE PLENTY OF PRODUCTS YOU CAN
INTRODUCE TO KICKSTART YOUR WINTER REGIME AT HOME; ONES DESIGNED TO PROTECT FROM THE
COLD, INTRODUCE MUCH-NEEDED HYDRATION AND IMPROVE ELASTICITY. WE ASKED ROYAL FACIALIST
DEBORAH MITCHELL TO SHARE HER TOP TIPS TO ENSURE GREAT-LOOKING SKIN ALL WINTER LONG.
TIP ONE: The most important thing you
can do for your skin is to ensure it is properly
cleansed every morning and every night
and, for me, the most effective way to do this
is to do it twice. The reason for this is the
first cleanse can simply move the dirt and
grease around your face and this can lead to
breakouts; repeating your cleansing routine
means you get deeper into your pores.
My Hydro Cleansing Milk (£37.91,
120ml) hydrates and removes daily
pollutants while it cleanses. Created with
delicate organic jojoba – the closest match to our own
natural oil – it helps to balance and condition while
being gentle enough for all skin types.
TIP TWO: Hydrated skin equals healthy
skin. If you feed and water your face every
day it not only feels amazing but looks
amazing too. Trouble is, during the winter
months a combination of cold days and
evenings curled up by the radiator means it
quickly becomes dehydrated, dry and dull.
For an instant beauty boost try Heaven’s
Chamomile Hydrogel (£37.91, 120ml)
which soothes skin while minimising redness.
The delicate chamomile and echinacea
act as an anti-inflammatory and are antiallergenic,
while organic witch hazel reduces
and controls sensitivity.
TIP THREE: Look after
the skin on your hands just as
you do the skin on your face,
especially at this time of the
year. I always find my hands
can become very dry during
the winter so ensuring I have
a nourishing cream nearby to
reach for after doing chores is
a must.
My Vanilla Pod Hand Cream (£19.91) instantly
nourishes, thanks to the addition of vanilla and
coconut; hydrating hands, nails and even cracked feet
to leave them feeling smooth and soothed.
TIP FOUR: While traditional
moisturisers sit on the surface of the
face, serums have smaller molecules
so can penetrate the epidermis and
deliver ingredients directly into your
skin. Opt for one that targets your
main concern – whether that’s ageing,
dryness or sensitive skin. Due to their
high concentration you only need a
small amount and you’ll find a few
drops go a long way.
I created my SOS Serum (£55,
30ml) to balance oil levels, hydrate
and feed the skin, while its vitamin content can help to
repair acne, scars and damaged skin. I like to add 1-2
drops to my favourite moisturiser or foundation.
TIP FIVE: Sleep is vital when it comes to repairing,
regenerating and restructuring the skin but you can
help this process with an effective regime before you go
to bed. However, piling on too many products in the
evening can confuse your skin, so choose a cream that is
designed specifically for night time that allows all those
great ingredients to get working while you get your
shut-eye.
Thanks to its vitamin B
content my Overnight
Success Oxygen
Cream (£91, 50ml)
releases oxygen to
detoxify and replenish
your complexion. Perfect
for dull or damaged skin,
its anti-ageing properties
help boost collagen
production.
Products featured are available online at heavenskincare.com
38

Why do you
need HR?
Is it because you want everything
to run smoothly, so you can
focus on the business instead
of working in the business?
If that’s true I can be on your team with you to
achieve that. I translate business strategy into HR
practices which make a great culture, with happy
people who achieve their best.
Let’s find out together how HR can ripple
positively through your business.
Why do you
07771 780 146
jane.galvez@ripple-hr.co.uk
need HR?
ripple-hr.co.uk
Is it because you want everything
to run smoothly, so you can
focus on the business instead
of working in the business?
If that’s true I can be on your team with you to
achieve that. I translate business strategy into HR
practices which make a great culture, with happy
people who achieve their best.
Let’s find out together how HR can ripple
positively through your business.
07771 780 146
jane.galvez@ripple-hr.co.uk
We are a trusted, local family, dedicated to providing
a truly personal service for those who need us
Burials, Horse-drawn Funerals, Bespoke
Funeral and pre-payment Funeral Plans available
ripple-hr.co.uk
OPEN
FOR NEW
RESIDENTS
The perfect ‘Home from Home’
at Rosemary Lodge in Lichfield
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 interest,
activity and relaxation. It is a place that
encourages residents to retain their
independence and individuality whilst
being fully supported to live a fulfilled
and enjoyable life.
Rosemary Lodge Care Home is a family
run concern, and has been a highlyregarded
part of the community for
almost 30 years. Offering 24 hour care,
our fully trained staff work together to
communicate with residents and ensure
personal care needs are met in a fully
person-centred approach, thus building
an important relationship of trust and
friendship.
Our two qualified chefs offer a
nutritionally balanced and varied
menu, (catering for any special dietary
requirements) using fresh, locally
sourced produce and served in a
spacious dining room that offers views
out towards the Orangery and to the
gardens and fountain. The Orangery also
creates a perfect space for residents,
family and friends to meet up, chat,
enjoy coffee and snacks and take
advantage of the sunshine, no matter
WE
REMAIN
COVID
FREE
the season! The on-site hair and beauty
salon also ensures that little bit of
pampering is always available.
All rooms are en-suite, and are
designed to comfortably accommodate
individuals and couples. There is full
WiFi connectivity throughout to allow
residents the opportunity of keeping in
touch with family and friends through
video link or FaceTime.
Regular activities and entertainment
such as movement-to music, musical
theatre groups, pet therapy, pub lunches
and visits to local events are regularly
organised, but privacy and peace-andquiet
is also ensured in this beautiful
‘home from home’. Our close proximity
to Lichfield also means that shopping
trips and community activities are just
on the doorstep.
Our commitment to offering just the
right amount of care and support
has led to an excellent reputation
in the community and with the care
professionals who work with us. We
value our staff highly, and recognise that
their care and commitment are a great
part of our success.
We also offer respite care, holiday
stay and limited day care. To arrange a
visit or to learn a little bit more about
us, call Jane Evans, Registered Care
Manager or Shirley Kent Administration
Manager, please see contact details
below.
All-inclusive Funeral Packages for
Cremation with no hidden costs
Including Crematorium, Doctor and
Religious/Non-religious Celebrant
Simple - £2,300
Traditional - £2,650
(includes family car, service sheets and floral tribute)
16 - 20 North Street, Cannock, WS11 0BA
01543 529813 (Anytime)
Visit our web and Facebook sites to see our reviews
www.omalleyfunerals.co.uk • www.facebook.com/omalleyfunerals
CQC RATING GOOD
Rosemary Lodge Residential Home
191 Walsall Road, Lichfield. Staffs.
WS13 8AQ.
For more information please contact
Jane Evans (Registered Care Manager) or
Shirley Kent (Administration Manager).
01543 415223 - Email: roselodgehome@aol.com
www.rosemarylodgecarehome.co.uk

G I F T G U I D E
Seriously gifted
THIS IS GOING TO BE A FESTIVE SEASON LIKE NO OTHER. WITH CAREFULLY CHOSEN PRESENTS YOU
CAN HELP TO MAKE SURE THAT CHRISTMAS 2020 IS MEMORABLE FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.
BUYING FROM INDEPENDENTS AND SMALL BUSINESSES WILL HELP TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL AREA AS
WELL AS PUTTING A SMILE ON THE FACE OF THE SPECIAL PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE.
£1,152
9CT WHITE GOLD, MOONSTONE AND
DIAMOND RING, ALLEN BROWN JEWELLERY
£30
FELT WOODLAND CRITTERS IN AN EGG
BOX, SHOP.NATIONALTRUST.ORG.UK
£2,160
£45
£80
9CT WHITE GOLD OPAL AND
DIAMOND EARRINGS, ALLEN
BROWN JEWELLERY
£88
SCENT DIFFUSER,
NEST.CO.UK
SILVER, QUARTZ, FREE FORM
PERIDOT AND MOONSTONE
EARRINGS, ALLEN BROWN
JEWELLERY, HEART OF THE
COUNTRY SHOPPING VILLAGE,
SWINFEN, LICHFIELD,
WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK
SILK CHEMISE,
FIGLEAVES
GIFT VOUCHERS FOR MOOR HALL SPA, FROM £10, CAN BE USED THROUGHOUT
2021. AVAILABLE FROM MOOR HALL HOTEL AND SPA, MOOR HALL DRIVE, FOUR
OAKS, SUTTON COLDFIELD, WWW.MOORHALLHOTEL.CO.UK
40

£180
£549
CASHMERE SWEATER,
PURE COLLECTION
BARBOUR SUPA-COMMANDER
WAX JACKET, BARBOUR.COM
RUGBY BALL WASHBAG,
WWW.GETTINGPERSONAL.CO.UK
£19.99
£25
GENTS TITANIUM RINGS, FROM £220 TO £350, ALLEN
BROWN JEWELLERY, HEART OF THE COUNTRY
SHOPPING VILLAGE, SWINFEN, LICHFIELD,
WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK
RASPBERRY AND HIBISCUS PINK
GIN, JOHN LEWIS
£21
£159
WOOL SOCKS,
WWW.FALKE.COM
£25
BELT, MARKS AND SPENCER
RECORD PLAYER TURNTABLE,
WWW.CUCKOOLAND.COM
41

£255
£55
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE HAMPER,
WWW.HOTELCHOCOLAT.COM
STAINLESS STEEL WARWICK CUTLERY DINING
SET, FROM ARTHUR PRICE FACTORY SHOP,
BRITANNIA WAY, LICHFIELD,
WWW.ARTHURPRICE.COM
STAFFORDSHIRE BUN TERRIER
PLATE, WWW.AMARA.COM
£125
INDIVIDUALLY-MADE DOOR WREATH
BY RUSTIC CHIC, £46.50 INCLUDING UK
DELIVERY. FROM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/
RUSTICCHICBYCHRISSYJOAN OR BETTIES
BROCANTE, BEAUCHAMP INDUSTRIAL
PARK, TAMWORTH B77
£25
£17.50
PETAL LEAF LAMP, NEEDWOOD LIVING,
MAIN STREET, ALREWAS,
WWW.NEEDWOODLIVING.CO.UK
OLIVER BONAS CHRISTMAS CANDLE,
WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM
CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA HAMPER,
WWW.CARTWRIGHTANDBUTLER.CO.UK
£60
£265
PORCELAIN CHRISTMAS TREE,
WWW.LUXDECO.COM
42

PORCELAIN AND WOOD
NORTHERN LIGHTS LANTERN,
FROM £48.99, CASA HOME,
BARTON MARINA, BARTON
UNDER NEEDWOOD,
WWW.CASAHOME.CO.UK
POCELAIN TEALIGHT HOUSES,
FROM £12.99, CASA HOME,
BARTON MARINA, BARTON
UNDER NEEDWOOD,
WWW.CASAHOME.CO.UK

LO CA L A R E A
What’s On Local
LIFE MAY BE A BIT DIFFERENT FOR ALL OF US AT THE MOMENT, BUT THERE ARE STILL
PLENTY OF THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY ENTERTAINED THIS MONTH.
WHAT: SPOOKY GUIDED TOUR
WHERE: LICHFIELD CITY CENTRE
WHEN: DATES TO SUIT YOU
Halloween may be over for another year, but that doesn’t mean the spooky
fun has to stop. Guided ghost tours are continuing to run in Lichfield, so
that you can enjoy thrills throughout November too.
Visit Lichfield is organising the tours for groups of up to five people, who
will be accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide. Tours can be tailored
to meet the needs of individual groups.
Expect to find out about spooky sightings in the city, Civil War battles and
gruesome burnings at the stake.
Tours cost £30 per group and last for 90 minutes. To book a tour call
01543 308924 or visit www.visitlichfield.co.uk/tours
WHAT: ART EXHIBITION
WHERE: BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
WHEN: WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY, 10AM TO 5PM
Benny’s Babbies, a two-metre-wide collage by artist Cold War Steve, is one of
the new pieces of work you can see for the first time at the recently reopened
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Launched digitally during lockdown, the collage includes notable Brummies.
Visitors are encouraged to see who they can spot before using a QR code to
discover everyone who features.
Birmingham Museums commissioned Cold War Steve to create the piece
using thousands of out-of-copyright images from the city’s collection.
Also new at the gallery following its reopening is a portrait of girls’ education
activist Malala Yousafzai, which is on loan from the National Portrait Gallery
and has never been on public display before.
WHAT: CINEMA AND WINE TASTING
WHERE: MILLENNIUM POINT, BIRMINGHAM
WHEN: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Imaging sitting back to watch one of the best-loved films of all time while
sipping no less than five glasses of carefully selected wine. Sounds perfect,
yes?
Millennium Point has joined forces with The Wine Events company to stage
this very special socially distanced screening of Back To The Future, which
will also include fun movie trivia throughout the evening.
Capacity has been reduced in the venue, all seats will be allocated in
advance and there will be hand sanitising stations throughout.
It sounds a perfect evening of escapism with Marty McFly.
44

WHAT: LIVE MUSIC
WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK
WHEN: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
It somehow feels so right that Tony Christie should be
performing one of the first live music events at the Lichfield
Garrick since its reopening.
The singer, who lives in the cathedral city, will be performing
all his classics in front of a socially distanced, limited capacity
audience.
He will be on stage alongside his own touring band rather
than the orchestra that had been originally planned.
It’s likely to be an emotional evening for all concerned, and
one not to be missed by fans.
WHAT: FIREWORK FESTIVAL
WHERE: WEST MIDLAND SAFARI AND
LEISURE PARK
WHEN: NOVEMBER 7 AND 8
There will be fireworks and late night rides at this annual
event, which is still set to take place this year.
Visitors can enjoy walk-through areas such as Ice Age, Land
of the Living Dinosaurs, Penguin Cove and Creepy Crawlies,
although the safari drive-through will be closed throughout
the weekend.
Tickets must be booked in advance as none will be sold on the
gate on the day and face coverings must be worn throughout,
both indoors and outdoors.
There will be food vendors and a licensed bar both before
and during the fireworks display.
WHAT: FAMILY FUN
WHERE: CADBURY WORLD
WHEN: THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER
Cadbury World is open with social distancing measures in
place, but you must pre-book your tickets before you go rather
than simply turning up on the day.
This month’s special attractions include a stage show called
DJ Freddo’s Disco Dance Party, which will be on selected
weekends.
Father Christmas arrives early at Cadbury World, so you can
start to see him in his stage show from November 21 onwards.
The attraction is largely a self-guided tour, which means you
can take your time and stay socially distanced from other
visitors.
45

FA S H I O N
Get knitted
AS THE THERMOMETER PLUMMETS, REACH FOR YOUR
COSIEST KNITS TO SEE YOU THROUGH WINTER IN STYLE,
SAYS AMY NORBURY
IT’S the time of year when swiftly plummeting temperatures will
have you sifting through your wardrobe for your cosiest options.
That’s right, as we head into the chilliest months, your knitwear
collection is set to become your daily style saviour so if it’s
lacking in any department then now is the time to stock up.
And with an array of knitwear trends hitting the high streets,
wrapping up warm has never been more cool.
Moving on from the fine, lightweight knits beloved of
transitional season dressing, it’s now a case of the bigger, the
better as winter approaches - instead of bemoaning the chilly
climes, the feeling is that we should embrace it. Heavy cable
knits and chunky ribbed numbers will become your seasonal gotos,
with an oversized element adding to that feeling of cosy.
Add a layer of luxury to comfort dressing with your fabric
choices; elevate the look of your classic jumper with merino,
cashmere and alpaca wool. Keep things pared back and
polished with neutral hues - beige, cream and camel spell
timeless elegance for any occasion, while a quality finish and
luxurious details like gold buttons will ensure your knitwear is
clocking up some serious style points.
While classic shapes always equal investment-worthy elegance,
for a seasonal twist look out for experimental silhouettes; draped
necklines add that little bit of sex appeal, while balloon sleeves
are an AW20 trend which is here to stay. Embellishments and
on-trend details like fringing and ruffles add a dynamic appeal.
A firm favourite among the street style set in recent seasons, the
cardigan has shrugged off its ‘librarian’ image to become a hot
pick across the biggest catwalks. Pair with Seventies-style denim,
as seen as Chloe, for casual cool or add a pencil skirt a la Fendi
and Christopher Kane for boardroom to bar dressing, winter
style.
But it’s not just about jumpers and cardis; no longer the preserve
of loungewear, knitted trousers have earned their spot as an
effortlessly easy-going option for contemporary comfort, while
you can pair your favourite cardigan with a knitted vest top to
create the new twinset.
DIAMANTE BUTTON CROPPED
CARDIGAN, £35, LIGHT BLUE MID
RISE SLIM JEANS, £29, AND QUILTED
CHAIN SHOULDER BAG, £25, ALL
MISS SELFRIDGE.
WWW.MISSSELFRIDGE.COM
46

£28 £35
£540
ONI TAUPE WIDE LEGGED RIBBED
KNIT TROUSERS, NANUSHKA AT
HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
BLACK PEARL EMBELLISHED
PUFF SLEEVE JUMPER, WALLIS.
WWW.WALLIS.CO.UK
£280
CAMEL CABLE BUTTON
CARDIGAN, DOROTHY PERKINS.
WWW.DOROTHYPERKINS.COM
IRIS MUSTARD ALPACA BLEND
JUMPER, ISABEL MARANT AT
HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
£35
£49.50
STAR BUTTON GREY CARDIGAN,
OLIVER BONAS.
WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM
£22
AUTOGRAPH LEOPARD PRINT
JUMPER, MARKS AND SPENCER.
WWW.MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
SALT AND PEPPER KNITTED
SNOOD, OLIVER BONAS.
WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM
BLACK NEPPY NEON KNITTED
HAT, OLIVER BONAS.
WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM
£99
GREY RIB HIGH NECK JUMPER, £26,
AND GREY RIB MIDI SKIRT, £24, BOTH
DOROTHY PERKINS.
WWW.DOROTHYPERKINS.COM
IVORY BATWING RIBBED JUMPER,
£18, DOROTHY PERKINS.
WWW.DOROTHYPERKINS.COM

LO CA L A R E A
Creating a Buzz
FROM WINE TO ARTISAN MARKETS AND NOW A FASHION BOUTIQUE,
BUZZARDS VALLEY OFFERS A UNIQUE SHOPPING AND LEISURE EXPERIENCE
With its vineyard, wine and gift shop, wholesale
florist and six coarse fishing pools, family-owned
business Buzzards Valley has long offered
something to appeal to all tastes and interests.
It is run by brother and sister Yvonne and Leon,
who have introduced a monthly artisan market
with around 60 traders offering a vast array of
diverse items. It has become so popular that
each market attracts around 1,000 customers.
The vineyard was planted in 2001 by Ivan
Jones and comprises 8,000 vines of seven
different grape varieties.
It has produced award-winning red, white and
rose wines, both still and sparkling, plus a range
of gins produced by distilling the wine.
At the time of planting Ivan created six coarse fishing
pools, which are very popular.
The shop is packed with products that have been
carefully chosen for their quality and, wherever possible,
are made by local British companies.
There is a vast array of artisan handmade goods which
include Buzzard Valley’s own wines and gins, various
cheeses, chocolate and lots of different gift items. All
products can be used in hampers that are now being
produced for individuals and companies looking for
fresh ideas on how to send love or thanks to family,
friends, staff or clients for being there when needed, or
even for just being there!
Buzzards Valley is the place to visit for your Christmas
gifts. There will even be real Christmas trees of all sizes
SHY TIGER BOUTIQUE HAS BEEN
DESIGNED FOR REAL WOMEN.
THE MONTHLY MARKET AT BUZZARDS
VALLEY ATTRACTS AROUND 60 TRADERS.
for you to choose from, arriving in late November.
The newest addition to the Buzzards Valley lineup is Shy
Tiger Boutique, launched by Becky Winter from Sutton
Coldfield.
A working mum of two, Becky has designed a boutique
for real women who multitask and want to look and feel
their best by wearing effortless style every day.
The location offers a spacious and relaxing shopping
experience with hassle free parking. The boutique
provides stylish, of the moment clothing at prices
that won’t leave you feeling guilty. There is a diverse,
affordable and eclectic mix of clothing and accessories,
all handpicked and with new lines added weekly.
Whilst Shy Tiger does stock some international
labels, the majority of the clothing and accessories are
manufactured in the UK.
Becky said: “We’re continually evolving and searching
for new, exciting brands. We have a
passion for what we do and aim to reflect this onto our
customers. Word is spreading and it’s going really well.
People are surprised at the reasonable prices.”
Shy Tiger Boutique, Buzzards Valley, Drayton Bassett,
open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, 0121 308
7711, www.shytiger.co.uk, Follow on Facebook:
shytigerchic and Instagram: @shytiger.co.uk
Buzzards Valley, 37 Shirrall Drive, Drayton Bassett,
Tamworth, B78 3EQ, 0121 3081951,
www.buzzards-valley.co.uk
48

BUZZARDS
VALLEY
WELCOMES SHY TIGER & PURPLE HIVE
STYLISH, OF THE MOMENT CLOTHING, AT PRICES THAT WON’T LEAVE YOU FEELING GUILTY
HOME ACCESSORIES AND ART WITH ATTITUDE. GREAT SELECTION AVAILABLE TO VIEW IN SHY TIGER BOUTIQUE
Our Wine and Gift shop offers a wide range of Artisan goods including Cheeses
and chocolates plus our own wine & gins as well as a variety of gift ideas. All
items from the shop can be used in hampers for individuals or companies alike.
Hampers available at a variety of prices. Average £35. Case of 6 wines is £50
10% OFF SHOP PRICES ON HAMPERS & CASES OF WINE
(RED, WHITE, ROSE OR A MIX)
FREE delivery on wine within 5 mile radius
(Offers only apply if quoting J’aime magazine.
Offers valid until Christmas 2020)
HOME TO A MONTHLY ARTISAN MARKET, WITH A FANTASTIC
& VARIED RANGE OF GOODS FROM AROUND 60 TRADERS.
NEXT MARKET ON 8TH NOVEMBER.
CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS: BUZZARDSVALLEYVINEYARD
REAL CHRISTMAS TREES ARRIVING LATE NOVEMBER!
Buzzards Valley, Shirrall Drive, Drayton Bassett B78 3EQ • 0121 308 1951 • www.buzzards-valley.co.uk
0121 308 7711 • www.shytiger.co.uk • facebook shytigerchic • Instagram: @shytiger.co.uk & @purplehive
Buzzards Valey open daily • Shy Tiger open Mon - Sat 10 - 5.

I N T H E N E W S
An excellent Choice
A FAMILY-OWNED INTERIORS BUSINESS HAS OPENED A LICHFIELD
SHOWROOM, AND IT’S ALREADY PROVING TO BE A POPULAR CHOICE
With more than 35 years of soft furnishings
experience and two-and-a-half years of running a
family business, opening a Lichfield showroom was a
natural next step for Interior Choice.
The first floor showroom above Sure Storage in
Eastern Avenue, Lichfield, stocks all the leading
fabric and blind brands as well as offering a design
and fit service if required.
Customers can choose from more than 6,000 options
across curtains, blinds and wallpapers with tracks,
poles, awning and automated blinds also available.
Interior Choice aims to have the largest selection in
the area and to compete with internet prices.
Key brands include Prestigious Textiles, ILiv, Bill
Beaumont, Curtain Express, Voyage, Villa Nova,
Romo, Luxaflex, Silent Gliss and ILiv Contract
collections.
All budgets are catered for, from entry-level express
curtain and roman blinds to machine-sewn and
bespoke hand-sewn products.
Everything comes with a three year warranty, subject
to fair usage rules, with a five year warranty on
certain Luxaflex lines. All blinds are fitted with child
safety devices as standard.
If you’ve just moved into a new home or need your
new purchases quickly then an express service means
that some blinds and curtains can be delivered and
fitted within seven to 10 days.
And if you’re looking for blinds or curtains for a
commercial premises then Interior Choice even has
ranges designed specifically with your needs in mind
which carry commercial grade specification.
Visits to the 512sq ft showroom are currently by
appointment only, which means that you can browse
the collections with peace of mind.
There is a seven day no-obligation booked
appointment system in place. When you arrive you
can park free of charge and will have exclusive use
of the showroom for up to two hours. No other
customers will enter the showroom during your slot
and refreshments will be available.
During the friendly and personal consultation you
will get to see lots of samples and will have all of the
options explained to you so that you can choose the
right option for your family and your home.
NHS track and trace systems are in place and
plentiful free hand sanitiser is available.
Late night appointments are available to fit in around
busy work and life schedules.
Interior Choice is a family-owned and family-run
local business with a reputation that is growing daily.
They have become a five star rated Best of Lichfield
approved supplier. If you’re looking for new soft
furnishings then they could be the right choice for
you. To find out more visit interiorchoice.net or
call 01543 406162.
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
Specialist
jewellery valuations
by appointment only
at The Lichfield
Auction Centre
on Tuesdays
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 3,800 bidders from
all over the world joined our
online auctions last month
Online services available
Virtual estimates, online auctions
and contactless collections.
Valuations and viewing by
appointment only
NEW TIMES
MEET US LOCALLY
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 9.30am -12 noon
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_Nov_2020.indd 1 05/10/2020 16:22