J'AIME December 2020

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0

J’A ME

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

Kitchen

disco style:

MAKE YOUR

OWN FESTIVE

STAFFORDSHIRE

OATCAKES

YOUR FESTIVE

FASHION SORTED

Win

a cast

iron griddle

THE PANTO

WILL GO ON

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 breads, cakes, tarts and pastries, whilst also exploring

different flavours using high quality ingredients and local

produce.

OPENING HOURS

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:30am till 4:00pm.

Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am till 2:00pm

Christmas Giveaway

Between 16th - 20th December, we

will be hiding 3 Christmas cards in the

driveway. Two cards will have £5 off

when spending £15. One card will have

FREE bread & a treat bag that will be

waiting for you to pick up that day.

During this time we will be open

9:00am till 4:00pm

We serve on a first come first served basis.

Social distancing & face masks are a must when visiting.

Hillcrest Farm, Worcester Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 5QS

Tel: 07506 780066 Email: onthebreadline95@gmail.com

onthebreadline

onthebreadline

Welcome to J’AIME

There’s no escaping the fact that Christmas 2020

will be a Christmas like no other. After a character

building year we could all do with a festive season

packed with friends, family and fun. Yet here we are,

at the beginning of advent calendar season, with

no real clue of what our world will look like come

December 25.

Here at J’AIME we aim to be positive and uplifting.

We want to give you everyday inspiration and

hopefully add a little sunshine to your life in the

process. We hope the December edition will do just

that - whatever your month has in store.

At the time of going to press the national lockdown

was due to end on December 2, so within our pages

you’ll find ideas for days out, festive fun to be found

and shops to visit for everything you need to prepare

for Santa’s arrival.

If lockdown should continue after December 2 most

of those businesses will continue to trade online,

offering their goods and services via click and collect

or mailorder. Others will be seeing clients via online or

socially distanced appointments. Visit their individual

websites for more details.

It’s so important to support local independent

businesses right now, and every single item in our

Christmas gift guide is from a business in our patch.

When you buy from a small business you’re supporting

your community and helping to keep people in

jobs. Buy your gifts locally and you’re helping to put

presents under the tree for the people employed by

those businesses.

As well as being delivered to homes in selected

postcodes J’AIME is now available to pick up free of

charge in major supermarkets around the Midlands.

You can also read a digital version of the magazine

free of charge at https://read.jaimemagazine.com

Whether your Christmas will involve getting out to

see the Lichfield Garrick panto or dressing up for a

kitchen disco with your nearest and dearest, we hope

we have something for you this month. There’s also

a chance to win a cast iron griddle worth £75 so that

you can make your very own Staffordshire oatcakes -

ideal for Boxing Day.

From everyone at J’AIME, have a wonderful

Christmas. We’re looking forward to sharing 2021

with you.

EDITOR: AMY NORBURY

EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM

ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY

ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM

07388 335 931

DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM

CONTRIBUTORS: JENNY AMPHLETT, OLIVER

BROAD, 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 The show will go on - Meet the stars of the

Lichfield Garrick panto

10 Property - Properties of the month

14 Interiors - Christmas decorations

18 Interiors - Festive dining

24 Food and drink - Make your own festive

Staffordshire oatcakes

26 Food and drink - Win a cast iron griddle

worth £75

27 Travel - Make your bucket list for 2021

32 Santa Claus is coming to town - and here’s where

you can see him

34 Fashion - What to wear for your kitchen disco

36 Music - The Royal Philharmonic Christmas

album created in Lichfield

38 What’s On - Great ideas for the month

ahead

40 What’s On - Lichfield Cathedral this Christmas

42 Shopping - Why you need to shop local

this month

43 Shopping - Your completely local Christmas gift

guide

48 In the news - A new showroom for Broadway

Kitchens

50 Beauty - Skincare for men

SPONSORED BY

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F E AT U R E

The show will go on

LICHFIELD GARRICK IS STAGING ONE OF THE FEW PANTOS STILL SET TO TAKE PLACE IN

THE REGION THIS CHRISTMAS. JENNY AMPHLETT MET THE SOCIALLY DISTANCED CAST

All pantomimes are cancelled this Christmas. Oh no

they’re not. That plucky lot at the Lichfield Garrick

have found a way for the show to go on this festive

season. Oh yes they have.

They’ve put together a slimmed down cast of five

for a production of Jack and the Beanstalk, some of

whom will be back on stage for the first time since

restrictions first started in March.

They will be socially distanced from one another,

the audience will sit in household bubbles and there

will be no intervals - but most importantly of all the

magic of Christmas will still be there.

Panto-lovers of all ages can join Jack and Jackie on

their adventure of a lifetime as they are tricked by

arch-villain Flesh Creep, climb a giant beanstalk to

a giant’s lair and pick up a monkey named Gordon.

Will the siblings be able to work together and will

Dame Trott ever find the man of her dreams?

The bite-sized panto is a condensed version of the

famous fable. It has a shortened run time of 75

minutes so that audience members don’t mingle

during an interval and to allow three shows to be

delivered each day.

Karen Foster, the theatre’s chief executive, said:

“We are full of beans here at the Garrick as we have

managed to bring a wonderful, fun show, with a

smaller, safer cast size, to fill the festive season with

laughter and cheer, a full spectrum of COVID-safe

6

measures to reassure our patrons, and even some

brand new jokes.

“After a most unusual year, we look forward to

spending two weeks bringing the very best antidote

to your seasonal blues, right here in Lichfield, right

here in your local theatre and right here in your very

own bubbles. We look forward to celebrating with

you.”

Sam Rabone, from just down the road is Streetly, is

returning for his fifth Lichfield Garrick panto. He

will be back in a dress as Dame Trott and is also

directing the production this time.

He said: “I’m so excited to be back at the Garrick for

what is going to be a huge treat but with a bite-sized

feel. With very few pantomimes in the Midlands, it

is amazing to be part of one of the few festive shows

that are happening.

“The Garrick along with Evolution smash it every

year, and this year is going to be no different. With

audiences chomping at the bit to get in, we cannot

wait to entertain them, bring laughter and make it

feel like Christmas...all in a COVID-secure way.

“It’s going to be the smallest panto that Lichfield

has ever seen, and we can’t wait. We’ll all have

been spending the lockdown socially distanced

and isolated from one another and then going into

rehearsal once the lockdown is lifted.

“It’s going to be great to be back on a stage in front

of a proper audience - it’ll be my first proper theatre

show since January 5.

“I do feel very proud that Lichfield Garrick was one

of the first theatres in the country to announce that

it would be staging a panto as long as it’s legal to do

so.”

Sam’s co-stars will include ventriloquist Max

Fulham, as Jack, and his talking monkey friend

Gordon, who will be playing himself in the show.

Max will be a familiar face to some of the youngest

audience members as he’s appeared on TV in

CBBC’s Crackerjack.

“It’ll be my first time working in Lichfield, but not

my first panto,” he said. “I’m looking forward to

spending some time in the area after lockdown in a

bubble with Gordon the Monkey.

“I do feel very lucky to be part of one of the few

pantos taking place this year. People need the chance

to have a smile and a laugh more than ever.”

It’ll be the first ever panto performance for Lorraine

Brown, who is more used to travelling around

the world as a singer than dressing up as Fairy

7

Sugarsnap. But she says she’s quickly realised how

important pantomimes are for children.

“I sprinkle fairy dust everywhere I go anyway, but

as soon as I put my fairy costume on I realised that

children would see me as a real life fairy.

“At the panto launch I was standing outside the

Garrick having my photo taken and some little girls

walked past. Their mouths dropped open and they

started waving. I wondered why for a moment and

then realised it was the costume.

“I know that lots of little girls will be asking me

where I got my fairy dress from and I will do my very

best to be a magical Christmas fairy for them.

“Pantomimes are really important for so many

people. It’s important that the show goes ahead in

this wonderful venue.”

Counterbalancing the kind fairy will be Tim Hudson

as the evil Flesh Creep. I’ll whisper this, but he was

actually very nice indeed.

“This will be my 21st panto but my first in Lichfield.

It’s been a bleak year in some respects, certainly with

working as an actor, but I’ve been able to do a lot of

home schooling with my 12-year-old son.

“The whole cast are very grateful to have this chance

to be back on stage in front of an audience. Panto is

so important. It’s the first experience of theatre for so

many children.

“Everybody needs something to smile about after

this year - it’s been a desolate time in so many other

respects. When they come to the theatre people can

let their hair down, celebrate the season and have a

really well deserved laugh.”

The cast is completed by Victoria McCabe as Jackie.

Tickets for the panto are selling fast – oh yes they are

– and can be purchased from

www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the box

office on 01543 412121.

8

0121 362 7878

astonknowles.com

GUIDE PRICE £1,495,000 GUIDE PRICE £2,500,000

GUIDE PRICE £1,695,000

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

KNOWLES DRIVE - Four Oaks Estate BRACEBRIDGE RD - Four Oaks Estate KEEPERS ROAD - Little Aston Park

GUIDE PRICE £925,000


WALSALL ROAD - Pipehill

SOLD

SOLD

STONEHOUSE RD - Sutton Coldfield

GUIDE PRICE £875,000 GUIDE PRICE £770,000

Sophie Bullock MRICS

Director

2020 has been a year like no other.

We hope you are keeping safe and

staying well.

We feel greateful that throughout

this year we have been able to

continue selling beautiful properties

and helping people find their dream

home.

WYVERN ROAD - Four Oaks

SOLD

GUIDE PRICE £1,050,000

The property market remains

buoyant and we are hopeful for the

new year.

We look forward to sharing our

listings with you in 2021.

We remain open as usual, but with

some special guidelines in place to

keep both you and our team safe.

We would like to take this

opportunity to say goodbye to

2020 and wish everybody the very

best for the new year ahead.

SOLD

JORDAN ROAD - Sutton Coldfield


CHARLEMONT ROAD - Walsall

SOLD

ANDERTON CLOSE - Four Oaks

SOLD

ASTON KNOWLES 8 High Street, Sutton Coldfield B72 1XA 0121 362 7878 enquiries@astonknowles.com

www.astonknowles.com @astonknowles

P R O P E RTY

Properties of the month

EACH MONTH WE SHOWCASE THE MOST LUXURIOUS PROPERTIES CURRENTLY ON

THE MARKET IN THE MIDLANDS. THIS MONTH WE LOOK AT FOUR HOMES ACROSS

THE FOUR OAKS ESTATE AND LITTLE ASTON PARK

W E L O V E :

THE SECRET DOOR LEADING TO A

HOME CINEMA

Pinewood, Roman Road, Little Aston Park: £2,500,000

THE AGENT SAYS: Pinewood offers exceptional family living on one of the most well-regarded roads in the West Midlands.

Occupying a private position on a stunning plot on Little Aston Park, the six-bedroom, two-storey family home has recently

been fully renovated to the highest of standards.

The present owners of this stunning residence have combined their desire for beautiful contemporary decor with exceptional

living space to offer a home of outstanding finish and attention to detail.

Beautifully finished, both inside and out, the property is approached through wrought iron gates providing access into a block

paved driveway with ample parking for numerous vehicles.

W E L O V E : THE BILLIARDS ROOM

Acer House, 6D Hartopp Road, Four Oaks Estate: £2,500,000

THE AGENT SAYS: This stunning and immaculately presented family home is set back on a private plot of approximately

2/3 acre on the prestigious Four Oaks Estate and offers the possibility for further development. The property is accessed

from the private gated driveway flanked on both sides by the mature trees and shrubs and a spacious front lawn, and features

decorative iron, hand forged security railings between decorative stone pillars, as well as an original stone-carved rampant lion

front entrance. The extensive frontage leads to the lovely oak front door, which opens up into the truly spectacular reception

hallway featuring oak flooring, a multi-fuel log burner, and exposed brickwork and timbers, which are a classic feature found

throughout the home. A mahogany staircase leads up to the galleried first-floor landing.

10

W E L O V E : THE VIEW OF LITTLE ASTON HALL

16 Squirrel Walk, Little Aston Park, £2,250,000

THE AGENT SAYS: This exceptional property occupies a private position and has the most exceptional and rare open

outlook onto the grand hall and lake at Little Aston Hall.

Having recently been designed and built within the last 5 years, the contemporary property offers spacious, modern family

living and within its half acre plot, is situated in the idyllic Little Aston Park, one of the finest neighbourhoods in the area.

Approached from the in-out driveway, and neat front garden is the entrance to the property framed with a central glass

frontage with double oak doors that open up to a double height grand reception hall. To the centre of which is a grand oak

staircase leading to a glass balustrade gallery landing.

The large reception hall provides access to all of the principle reception rooms, the guest cloakroom as well as benefiting from

a lift to the first floor proving easy access to all five double bedroom suites. Underfloor heating provides warmth underfoot on

arrival and is installed throughout the majority of the ground floor accommodation.

W E L O V E :

THE OUTDOOR HEATED

SWIMMING POOL

18 Hartopp Road, Four Oaks Estate, £2,800,000

THE AGENT SAYS: The home is beautifully presented and benefits from a spacious front garden leading up to the

handsome arched stone porch entrance opening on to the reception hallway via a further door with leaded lights.

The impressive hallway features some stunning original features including the restored original oak herringbone parquet floor,

handsome open fireplace with stone surround and oak wall panelling. The entrance hall opens up into a sitting area towards

the rear, ideal for receiving guests.

Also accessed from here is the first-floor accommodation via the feature oak staircase with unusual twisted balusters. A guest

cloakroom is located off to the side with additional cloak cupboard discretely located within the panelling.

ALL FOUR PROPERTIES ARE ON THE MARKET

WITH ASTON KNOWLES: 0121 362 7878

11

Should Lockdown be extended into

December, our showroom will remain

closed but we will still be open for online

& telephone orders. Home delivery and

Click & Collect will also be available.

It is the

Season

To Sparkle

@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)

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I N T E R I O R S

Festive

traditions

DECK the halls, trim those trees and hang the stockings;

the festive season is once again upon us so it’s time to

spread some Christmas cheer throughout our homes.

After the unprecedented uncertainty that has been 2020,

this year it’s time to take comfort in the familiar. And

no matter how many Christmas decor trends emerge

year after year, there’s something just that little bit more

magical about traditional decorations.

The reds and greens, the holly and the ivy, the twinkling

fairy lights and the glittering baubles; it’s reminiscent

of the Christmases of our childhoods, eschewing recent

trends of adorning our trees with Christmas pineapples

and festive llamas in favour of more classic motifs.

So grab the tinsel, adorn your fireplace with garlands and

choose a wreath for the door; 2020 is a year for embracing

tradition.

RED VELVET STOCKINGS, £18 EACH,

WREATH, GARLANDS AND DECORATIONS

FROM A SELECTION AT JOHN LEWIS.

WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM

£49.99 £12.50

TRADITIONAL RED BERRY WREATH,

LIGHTS4FUN. WWW.LIGHTS4FUN.CO.UK

STEIFF CHRISTMAS TEDDY BEAR

ORNAMENT. WWW.STEIFFUK.COM

FURRY FELT DEER, COX AND COX.

WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK

£35

£89.90

DEER IN THE FOREST SNOWGLOBE, COX

AND COX. WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK

£15

SOUTHWOLD STOCKING IN FOREST

GREEN, GARDEN TRADING.

WWW.GARDENTRADING.CO.UK

14

£25

SOPHIE ALLPORT PARTRIDGE IN A

PEAR TREE CHRISTMAS,

WWW.SOPHIEALLPORT.COM

FELT REINDEER, JOHN LEWIS.

WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM

£6

£12

KURT S. ADLER TREE ON A SLED TREE

DECORATION SET OF 2, AMARA.

WWW.AMARA.COM

£15.50

SOPHIE ALLPORT HOME FOR

CHRISTMAS FELT BAUBLE,

WWW.SOPHIEALLPORT.COM

RED CHRISTMAS TREE BAUBLE,

JOHN LEWIS. WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM

£26.99

£7

£6

£40

GISELA GRAHAM LORRY ADVENT CALENDAR,

WWW.HOMECHRISTMASDECORATIONS.CO.UK

TARTAN MOUSE, JOHN LEWIS.

WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM

PACK OF 12 DOT AND STRIPE BAUBLES,

COX AND COX. WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK

RUSTIC CHRISTMAS PINE GARLAND WITH RED BERRIES,

£61.99, LIGHTS4FUN. WWW.LIGHTS4FUN.CO.UK

12FT LIT WINTER BERRY GARLAND,

£35, MARKS AND SPENCER.

WWW.MARKSANDSPENCER.COM

LIGHTS FROM A SELECTIONAT LIGHTS4FUN.

WWW.LIGHTS4FUN.CO.UK

PACK OF SIX FESTIVE CAR BAUBLES, £36,


FESTIVE EXPRESS PRESENT TRAIN, £125,


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I N T E R I O R S

Best laid

plans

WITH seemingly endless rounds of eating and drinking,

the dining room often becomes the focus of the home over

the festive season. And as we’re likely to while away hours

around the table with our nearest and dearest, it might be

the time to give your dining space a festive update.

A beautifully laid table really helps to set the scene for the

festive feasting; a pristine dinner service, sparkling cutlery

and glassware and, of course, a magnificent centrepiece

will pull your festive table together nicely. Giving

your table a theme will help to refine the look; opt for

traditional reds and greens for a classic look, or go ultrasparkly

with metallics and glitter for extra festive flair.

And when it comes to festive dining, a spacious table and

comfy chairs are a must so if your dining furniture needs a

bit of an update there’s no better time to get them sorted.

GARLAND, £15, CUTLERY, £20, PENDANT LIGHT, £30, DINING

CHAIRS, £100, ARGOS HOME. WWW.ARGOS.CO.UK

£125

£55

STAR CERAMIC SERVING DISH, MATALAN.

WWW.MATALAN.CO.UK

£5

ISOBELLA BAR STOOL IN JADE GREEN,

PEPPERMILL INTERIORS, BURNTWOOD

BUSINESS PARK.

WWW.PEPPERMILLINTERIORS.COM

AVIE AURA GOLD CUTLERY 16 PIECE, HOMEBODY

DECOR. WWW.HOMEBODYDECOR.CO.UK

£135

£35

18

ARRIS 4 PIECE SET, WEDGWOOD.

WWW.WEDGWOOD.COM

SET OF FOUR SILVER PLATED STAG NAPKIN

RINGS, £35, AT HOME IN THE COUNTRY.

WWW.ATHOMEINTHECOUNTRY.CO.UK

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

Suppliers of: Contura, Jotul, Gazco, Paragon, Scan, Town

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20

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22

Woodburning &

multifuel stoves

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

Make festive oatcakes -

and win a cast iron griddle

ARTIST MEGAN FITZOLIVER HAS DESIGNED A CAST IRON STAFFORDSHIRE

GRIDDLE, PERFECT FOR COOKING HER OWN RECIPE FOR FESTIVE OATCAKES

Megan Fitzoliver doesn’t do things by halves. Not content with devising her own recipe for Staffordshire oatcakes she

has also designed and commissioned cast iron Staffordshire-made griddles bearing the county’s knot to cook them on.

“For those who haven’t tasted Staffordshire Oatcakes, you’re missing out,” she said. “For those who are familiar, you’ll

know they are made then filled with what you fancy, although the classic sausage and cheese or bacon and cheese is hard

to beat. This recipe gives the classic a little festive twist.”

Ingredients

1tsp dried yeast

7oz strong wholemeal flour

7oz oatmeal (you can make

your own by whizzing

porridge oats in a blender)

2oz chestnut flour

a pinch of salt

1 pt of semi-skimmed milk

half a pint of water.

• Add all of the dry ingredients to a large, flatbottomed

pottery bowl and stir to blend.

• Make a well in the mound of dry ingredients

and pour the milk into the well. Stir in the well,

which then smoothly draws in the surrounding dry

ingredients.

• When you have a smooth batter with all the dry

incorporated, thin it down with the water.

• Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel. I put a cooling

rack over the bowl first to stop the cloth dropping

in. Leave to prove until the surface of the batter is

covered in a foamy froth. This will take an hour or

two depending on the temperature of the room.

• Lightly oil then heat the griddle. When it is hot, pour

a ladleful of oatcake batter onto the centre. Swirl it

round with the back of the ladle to cover the griddle,

or lift the griddle and swirl (making sure you use oven

gloves). Cook on that side until the visible surface of

the oatcake looks matte. Flip over with a spatula and

cook on the other side.

• Cool on a rack before stacking. This resting stage is

important. You should have enough batter for about

16 oatcakes.

• Layered between greaseproof paper, these oatcakes

freeze well, so you can prepare ahead.

24

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.

FAMILY 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 | 1920s PARTY NIGHTS

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

Serving suggestions:

Savoury for a Boxing Day brunch:

Bacon wrapped sausage with cheese. If you want the

cheese melting, assemble and then warm through on the

griddle. Serve with homemade brown sauce.

You may have bought some bacon-wrapped sausages

from the butcher and have some leftover from Christmas

Day. If you’re preparing ahead but starting from scratch,

for each portion, cut a rasher of streaky bacon in half

and holding one end, stretch the bacon on a board using

a stroking movement (away from you) with the back of

a large knife. Wrap each bacon piece around a chipolata

sausage.

Roast in a hot oven (200C) until cooked through and the

bacon is crispy (about half an hour)

Homemade brown sauce:

Half a leek, washed, shredded and sautéed in a knob

of butter until softened. Add a handful of cranberries

and then, as they’re beginning to pop, two tablespoons

of muscovado sugar, a glug of cider vinegar and 100ml

water. Simmer, stirring all the while, until it is thick and

glossy.

Sweet for a decadent dessert:

Roasted chestnuts (you can buy these pre-prepared) and

a chocolate sauce with a spoonful of thick double cream.

To prepare, place an oatcake on a paper towel in the

microwave, put three or four chestnuts on one half of

the oatcake and fold it over to enclose them. Microwave

at 600w for 30 seconds, check and repeat if needed. Put

on a plate, add chocolate sauce and cream.

To make the chocolate sauce:

Put equal quantities of butter, dark chocolate and honey

in a jar. Microwave at 600w for 20 seconds then stir and

stand for 10 seconds. Repeat one or more times until

melted. This will harden as it cools but if you’ve made

ahead, can easily be warmed in the microwave. Best

used slightly warm when the consistency of thick cream.

COMPETITION

WIN A CAST IRON

STAFFORDSHIRE

GRIDDLE

WORTH £75

Inspired by the legend of Æthelflæd tying

the Staffordshire knot with her girdle belt to

unite her people, this cast iron griddle was

designed by Megan Fitzoliver and each is

hand-crafted at Taylormade Castings in the

heart of The Potteries, home of the oatcake.

Delivered fresh cast, with instructions for

seasoning, it soon turns that beautiful and

classic rich black, an heirloom in the making.

For the chance to win a Staffordshire

griddle, simply answer the following

question: What quantity of chestnut flour

does Megan use to make festive oatcakes?

Send your answer, along with your name,

address and telephone number via email to

competitions@jaimemagazine.com with

Staffordshire griddle competition in the email

subject box. Entries must be received by

5pm on Thursday, December 17. Terms and

conditions apply. Visit www.jaimemagazine.

com for further details.

Staffordshire griddles can be ordered from:

www.ko-fi.com/s/9b80ddb578 and delivered

to your door for £75 plus postage (postage

is free during lockdown). The last order date

for delivery before Christmas is December 14

for the UK. Staffordshire griddles will also be

on sale at Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent

during the first two weekends of December.

26

T R AV E L

Make 2021 a bucket list year

WITH THE MAJORITY OF HOLIDAY PLANS PUT ON PAUSE IN 2020 MANY OF US ARE LOOKING FORWARD

TO A HOLIDAY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS IN 2021. OLIVER BROAD, JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF

RB COLLECTION, LOOKS AT BUCKET LIST IDEAS FROM CLASSIC TRIPS TO UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

UNDERWATER RESTAURANT, ANANTARA

KIHAVAH MALDIVES VILLAS, MALDIVES

We Brits love to escape our long winters for tropical

island getaways. This is a perfect time to visit the

Caribbean and Indian Ocean as they enjoy perfect

temperatures whilst we freeze at home! The Maldives

continues to be THE dream beach holiday for many,

it is easy to see why.

Choose from beach villas or those on stilts over

the shallow waters and you’ll be transported to a

paradise setting on one of the many islands. This

is one of the challenges with the Maldives, there

are so many islands to choose from! With choice

comes competition and it’s this which means the

resorts are constantly evolving. Innovation is key and

many are always expanding their amazing choice

of accommodation and services. From underwater

restaurants to family sized over-water villas with

their own water slides to vegan and healthy lifestyle

programmes, the selection is vast.

Here lies the problem. With such a large selection

it can be a needle in a haystack to choose which

island to enjoy. Resorts come in all shapes and sizes

and there are a host of practical considerations

to take into account, not to mention working out

which is suitable for your budget. You definitely need

some professional advice when selecting the most

appropriate island.

With so many dreaming of the Maldives experiences,

the islands command a high price and so if these

are out of your reach do not fear. A good alternative

is Mauritius which offers some of the world’s most

luxurious and interesting resorts, plus the island is full

of life, culture and great scenery.

My family enjoyed a trip to the national park on

quad bikes for an alternative stag do and were even

joined by zebras running alongside us! Compared to

the Maldives you can sometimes save around 20%

so it is really worth considering for a tropical island

bucket list escape.

The Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is also worth

considering, famous for where William and Kate

27

PHOTO BY ASAF KLIGER © ICEHOTEL

took their honeymoon. The islands in the Seychelles

have a more exclusive feel to those in Mauritius and

are perfect for the ultimate treat.

Our favourite Caribbean choice for a stunning long

sandy beach with a very high standard of luxury

hotel would be Cap Juluca in Anguilla. This resort

oozes elegance which of course you would expect

from the owners Belmond who also operate the

Venice-Simplon Orient-Express.

Just off the coast of

Antigua is the exclusive

island retreat of Jumby

Bay. For those who may

have experienced the

Caribbean a number of

times and are looking

for the ultimate private

getaway, my fellow Joint

MD Nathan suggests this

is a great choice. They

also have larger

villas to accommodate

multi-generational

holidays with your own

private pool and plenty

of space.

If you are short on

time and in need of a

once-in-a-lifetime WOW experience, a trip to see

the Northern Lights in Scandinavia is just the ticket.

Combine a trip to see this natural phenomenon with

a unique experience at one of the most unique hotels

in the world… Sweden has three to choose from!

The Ice Hotel has established itself as a real marvel.

They have one building which melts every year and

is rebuilt and another which is open all year round.

This means you can even visit in the summer and

still sleep on ice! This is a great opportunity for those

who want to experience the hotel but are not too

keen on it being too cold for the whole trip.

You can also go white water rafting in the summer

months too as I did a few years ago. We found out

afterwards the rafting guide was none-other than

Yngve Bergqvist, owner of the Ice Hotel who first

arrived in the area in the 1970s. Who better to take

us down the famous Torne River and grill us the

tasty fish for our scenic lunch stop! The Northern

Lights also start coming out in September so you can

combine lots of opportunities for a special trip. Visit

www.IceHotels.co.uk for more details.

Another unique Swedish hotel is the Tree Hotel

which became famous overnight a few years ago after

being featured on a documentary about architectural

wonders. Husband and wife team Kent and Britta

run a snuggly guest house on the same land where

you take your meals which adds a real home-away

from home feel. Accommodations vary from a UFO

to a Birds Nest and Mirror Cube! They are really

relaxing, and the Seventh Room is larger and perfect

for families.

Kent and Britta’s latest project is the Arctic Bath,

a floating construction on the nearby river. This

certainly got some attention when it opened in

February 2020 and quickly became one of the

MONACO

28

‘Must-stay’ hotels in Scandinavia.

For a more classic bucket-list trip, the Venice-

Simplon Orient-Express (VSOE) is truly magnificent.

I was lucky to enjoy this art-deco icon a few years

ago and I have to say it was superb. The whole

experience was like stepping back in time. It was so

luxurious but with a real sense of adventure and fun

at the same time.

The carriages on the VSOE have their own butler,

are very elegant and luxurious with separate dining

and bar cars. For more space why not opt for one of

their Grand Suites which feature a full double bed

and free flowing Champagne!

The typical journey will start in London onboard

the British Pullman which takes you to Folkestone.

Here you travel under the channel where you will

meet the VSOE for the main event. The beautifully

restored carriages transport you to Paris where fresh

provisions are collected for your dinner. The next

morning the journey resumes south through the Alps

to Venice where you arrive over the bridge in real

style.

Most clients will then enjoy a few nights in Venice

after the journey of a lifetime (I suggest the Cipriani

in a pool-side room). Others may choose to select

a journey which takes in Verona or continues to

Istanbul. You can also do the journey in reverse by

flying to Venice first and returning on the train.

Still in Italy, a popular event to attend is the annual

concert by possibly the most loved tenor in the

world, Andrea Bocelli. Every year he performs near

the village where he grew up called Lajatico. The

productions vary from year to year but are always

spectacular in a unique open-air setting. The venue

is located in the centre of Tuscany so you can stay

in Florence or if you have been there before why

not visit Siena further south. We know the area well

so can help advise and create the perfect trip for

you. We especially love the hilltop village of San

Gimignano and medieval town of Lucca near Pisa

which are both worth a visit too. Visit rbcollection.

com/andreabocelli for details.

Multi generation holidays continue to become

more popular and what better way to create special

moments together than on Safari. In the new

socially distanced world we can arrange for your

family bubble to have their own private safari lodge

and enjoy your game viewing on a private basis

altogether too. I enjoyed my first safari in South

Africa which is perfect if you have not done this type

of trip before. We enjoyed a few days in Cape Town

before driving the Winelands and Garden Route and

ended with the wildlife.

My business partner Nathan has experienced a

number of other safari destinations and from hearing

about his experiences they all vary. From tented

camps in Botswana where you can enjoy thrilling

walking safaris to the great open plains of Kenya.

Nathan has also visited Tanzania where you can

combine Victoria Falls for a real WOW factor.

VENICE-SIMPLON ORIENT-EXPRESS

29

One thing to seriously consider when thinking about

a safari is the time of year. As specialists we can

advise on this to get the most out of your wildlife

experience. If this would be your first safari, why

not add on a few days at the beach at the end so you

can digest all the new experiences you’ll encounter.

There are a number of options depending on where

you safari and we can help with the best option.

For sports fans, plans are well underway to bring

many of the popular spectator sports back in 2021

and interest has already increased. Formula One

Grand Prix for example are for many a real bucket

list trip. Monaco in May tops the list and early

booking is vital. We have experienced the thrill and

noise of this electric race first-hand. The unique city

circuit can be challenging to navigate but there are a

few tricks we can offer to maximise your opportunity.

Whatever or wherever is on your bucket list, we do

suggest planning early. Keep an eye out for special

flexible booking terms which will offer reassurance

should circumstances change after you book. More

70% of our clients traveling in 2020 postponed

their trips to 2021 which means it is already a busy

departure year. If it’s a dream holiday idea, book

early with flexibility and then when the date comes

around you won’t be disappointed.

Our team have visited and experienced all of these

suggestions so do contact us for first-hand knowledge

and experience. It is never too early.

Call RB Collection on 01543 258631 or email

vip@rbcollection.com to book your bucket list

trip.

J’AIME

READER OFFER

Mention ‘J’AIME Magazine’ for a

complimentary VIP departure package

including security fast passes and VIP

Lounge when booking one of the trips

mentioned before January 31, 2021.

BELMOND CAP JULUCA, ANGUILLA

30

OPEN

FOR NEW

RESIDENTS

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Our two qualified chefs offer a

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W H AT ’ S O N

Santa Claus is coming to town

DECEMBER MAY BE THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR FATHER CHRISTMAS BUT HE STILL

FINDS TIME TO SHARE WITH CHILDREN THE WORLD OVER. HERE ARE SOME OF THE WAYS

YOU CAN GET AN EXCLUSIVE AUDIENCE WITH HIM THIS MONTH

WHERE: ALTON TOWERS RESORT

WHEN: DATES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

Alton Towers Resort is hosting Santa sleepovers on selected dates this

month, which include an overnight stay in a themed hotel or woodland

lodge.

Guests will also enjoy a festive evening meal, a visit to Santa’s woodland

grotto, a gift from Santa and a souvenir family photograph with Father

Christmas.

New for 2020, families can also experience two new outdoor attractions

each afternoon and into the evening: an illuminated walk through the

gardens and a lantern trail.

Each stay also includes one-day entry into the theme park offering selected

family rides including CBeebies Land on the day of arrival, as well as a visit

on either day of the stay to the resort’s Caribbean-themed waterpark and a

round of Extraordinary Golf.

For more details visit www.altontowers.com

WHERE:DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK


Discover falling snow, enchanting decorations, a dazzling 30ft symphony tree, cheeky elves frolicking around the

park and more than 25 child-friendly rides and attractions at Drayton Manor this Christmas.

New for 2020 is a Tales with Father Christmas experience. This fun family adventure is hosted by elves and takes

you and your group through the Castle of Dreams whilst being entertained with a festive tale. The finale sees

children invited into Father Christmas’ study for a photo opportunity.

Father Christmas will also be joining his elves for photo opportunities around the park during the day.

For more details visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk

32

WHERE: THE SNOWDOME, TAMWORTH


Santa’s Winter Wonderland is back at the SnowDome for the 16th year,

amd has been specially adapted this year to be a COVID-safe experience

for all the family.

Each wonderland experience lasts around an hour and a half, including 30

minutes of playing in the snow and 30 minutes in the Christmas village.

Families can slide around in real snow and even throw snowballs before

settling down to watch a theatre show starring Santa and his red-nosed

reindeer.

In the Christmas village children can write a letter to Santa, take a photo

with Santa’s own Christmas tree and ride a carousel.

For more details visit www.snowdome.co.uk

WHERE: NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE FARM, TATENHILL


The National Forest Adventure Farm has a whole string of festive

attractions planned, including a show starring Father Christmas himself

during which every child receives a present.

There will also be an interactive, reindeer-themed show which will be

personalised to include the names of the children watching.

Children will be given a gingerbread man to decorate and can go on a

tractor ride with an elf to visit some snowmen.

The admission price also includes a free warm drink per person and

a free carousel ride for children.

For more details visit www.adventurefarm.co.uk

WHERE:AMERTON RAILWAY

WHEN: EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY IN DECEMBER

PLUS CHRISTMAS EVE

You can board a train at Amerton Station this month, travel to Toyland and

choose your own present from Santa’s workshop.

Everyone also receives a festive goody bag as the train winds its way through

the picturesque Staffordshire countryside.

To help keep it a safe experience for everyone this year passengers are asked

to book an entire carriage for their family group, rather than sharing with

other families.

The railway is staffed by volunteers with all proceeds from the festive train

service going to charity.

For more details visit www.amertonrailway.co.uk

WHERE: DOBBIES, SHENSTONE


Dobbies staff have been working with Santa and his elves to ensure that the

garden centre’s popular grotto can still open this Christmas.

Families can still take their children to the Winter Wonderland to meet

Father Christmas and receive a special gift. It’s even possible for mums

and dads to select a suitable toy in advance to make sure there is no

disappointment on the day.

It’s important to book in advance and to take along a face mask to wear.

For more details visit www.dobbies.com

33

FA S H I O N

Festively fabulous

DON’T LET LOCKDOWN DAMPEN YOUR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT; ADD A TOUCH OF

SPARKLE TO YOUR FESTIVE WARDROBE AND SHIMMER YOUR WAY THROUGH

KITCHEN DISCO SEASON, SAYS AMY NORBURY

LET’S just get it out there; it’s safe to say that Christmas

celebrations are going to look very different this year. The

endless round of glamorous work parties, festive drinks with

friends and bustling family gatherings which usually make up

the whirlwind that is December are probably going to be far

smaller and more sedate affairs - that’s if they can happen at all.

So it should come as no surprise that this season’s hottest trends

can be summed up by the mantra ‘all dressed up with nowhere

to go’. But a lack of big parties doesn’t mean you can’t inject

a little sparkle into your festive wardrobe; after all, if you look

good, you feel good, and getting dolled up might just be the

thing to lift your spirits - even if you’re confined to your living

room.

So grab your party shoes, don your sequins, and get ready to

rock out at your kitchen disco.

Lockdown life has all been about dressing for comfort, and that

still stands. Wide-legged trousers and voluminous midi skirts

- with the necessary elasticated waistband, of course - team

perfectly with cosy knits for effortless style whether you’re out to

dinner with your designated bubble or indulging in a festive feast

at home.

If you fancy upping the style stakes, wrap dresses and Seventiesstyle

jumpsuits are chic choices for keeping things comfy.

Sequins are back in a big way, adding an instant touch of

glam to any outfit. A sequin jacket is perfect for throwing

over your casual leggings and cami top combo, while sparkly

embellishment can add a much-needed lift throughout your

wardrobe.

When it comes to hues 2020 has, perhaps understandably,

been dominated by black, black and more black, and that still

stands for the festive season. If you want to take a more dazzling

approach, glitzy gold dominated the AW20 catwalks while

opting for a seriously bold shade will help to add a touch of

festive cheer.

MISS S: GOLD METALLIC DRAPE DETAIL MINI DRESS,

£29.99, AALIYAH SHOULDER BAG, £18, AND BLACK

SPIRIT HEELS, £29, ALL MISS SELFRIDGE.

WWW.MISSSELFRIDGE.COM

34

£45 £60

£65

£32

PEGGY PLEATED PU MIDI SKIRT,

MONSOON. WWW.MONSOON.CO.UK

FELIX JUMPER, DANCING LEOPARD.

WWW.DANCINGLEOPARD.CO.UK

M&S COLLECTION RELAXED

RUCHED SLEEVE SEQUIN BLAZER,

MARKS AND SPENCER.


FAUX LEATHER JEANS, WALLIS.

WWW.WALLIS.CO.UK

£19.50

£44

£930

ZIGZAG STRIPED KNOTTED

HEADBAND, OLIVER BONAS.

WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM

HAPPEN BOOTS, OFFICE.

WWW.OFFICE.CO.UK

FRINGED TOP, NEXT.

WWW.NEXT.CO.UK

SUSANNA STUDDED LEATHER BOOTS,

CHLOE AT HARVEY NICHOLS.

WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM

£69

AUTOGRAPH CASHMERE JUMPER, £79,

AND M&S COLLECTION SEQUIN MIDI

SKIRT, £39.50, MARKS AND SPENCER.


BOBBLE JUMPER, £35, AND PU

JEANS, £28, DOROTHY PERKINS.

WWW.DOROTHYPERKINS.COM

35

LO CA L A R E A

Dreaming of a Royal

Philharmonic Christmas

A WORLD RENOWNED ORCHESTRA RELEASES A NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM

THIS MONTH - AND IT WAS CREATED BY MUSICIANS RIGHT HERE IN LICHFIELD

A Staffordshire music company has recorded an

album of popular Christmas songs with the Royal

Philharmonic Orchestra.

Cathedral city-based Swan Music is behind the

recording. The team has previously worked with the

likes of Imelda May, Brian McFadden and Boyzlife

alongside working on film and TV projects.

A Royal Philharmonic Christmas includes orchestral

versions of festive hits such as Wizzard’s I Wish

It Could Be Christmas Every Day, Slade’s Merry

Christmas Everybody and classics including White

Christmas.

Swan Music musical director and producer Danny

McCormack said: “I am very excited about working

with such a fabulous orchestra and bringing some

Christmas cheer at the end of what has been a very

difficult year.

“The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra versions of

these great Christmas songs are bright and powerful -

we hope people enjoy them.”

To enable social distancing the recording took

place at St John’s Smith Square, a former church in

London’s Westminster which is now used as a concert

hall.

Danny created the sheet music for the production.

“Instead of traditional Christmas songs we decided

to feature modern Christmas hits, something that

The Royal Philharmonic has not done before,” he

said.

“We found St John’s Smith Square which is a

beautiful venue in London. We were supported

by Floating Earth, a brilliant outside broadcasting

company, in making a studio out of this former

church.”

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recordings consultant

Ian Maclay said: “We have done many crossover

albums in the past. It is always enjoyable for the

players to let their hair down and recording some

classic Christmas tracks that are familiar to everyone

allows them to do that.

THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC

ORCHESTRA

“If more people get to hear the Royal Philharmonic

Orchestra through this album, that would be

brilliant.”

Swan Music managing Director Iain Kerr added:

“Following on from our recent success with Brian

McFadden and Keith Duffy’s debut album, Strings

Attached, we had a couple of epic projects in the

pipeline.

“However, because of Covid these have been pushed

back to next year, so we are very excited to be able

to pull together this unique independent production

with the Royal Philharmonic and really hope it is

well received.

“Like most music releases nowadays it will be

available internationally on all digital stores but we

are also pressing a limited number of CDs and vinyl

copies.

“We have been burning the midnight oil and think

this album will be something special.”

A Royal Philharmonic Christmas is due for release

on Tuesday, December 1.

Earlier this year Swan Music, which specialises

in music production and composition, launched

YourSong where anyone who loves to sing can go

along and make a record, just like at Sun Studios in

Memphis, USA, where Elvis Presley made his first

recordings.

36

07815 460786

01827 892952

Passionate motorcycle rider John Brown hits the road

again thanks to successful hand surgery

Motorcycle paramedic John Brown has been passionate about motorcycles from an early age. His

father was a bike enthusiast and John was the proud owner of his first bike by the age of 16. “My father

loved his bikes! I grew up surrounded by them so I guess it was inevitable that biking would become such

a big part of my life” explained John.

John has had a very successful career in the emergency services, starting with the fire service before

training to become a motorcycle paramedic. John described that part of his career as a ‘dream come

true’! “To be riding my bike daily for work and helping people was amazing!” said John.

13 years ago when on duty as a paramedic, John was involved in a serious accident which

resulted in him losing his leg. However, this didn’t stop him getting back on his bike at the earliest

opportunity.

Earlier this year, John started developing symptoms in his hand. “It began with tingling and loss of feeling

in my fingers but it got so bad that I couldn’t even hold my knife and fork when eating. It also affected my

riding as I couldn’t turn the throttle. My bike is my main mode of transport, I use it every day and it was

frustrating that it was becoming so difficult” explained John.

A family member recommended John should speak with hand and wrist specialist Mr

Shyamalan to seek treatment. John described his experience “We were in the middle of a global

pandemic so I was unsure what was possible. However, Mr Shyamalan conducted a video

consultation and diagnosed carpal tunnel. The following week I had my surgery and within 48 hours I

had regained the use and feeling in my hand and the pain had gone. Mr Shyamalan and his team were

great and I was reassured by all the measures in place to keep me safe.”

Six weeks after his hand surgery, when the travel

restrictions had been lifted, John was able to enjoy a 4000

mile bike tour around Europe. John is really happy with the

results of his treatment and he is busy planning his next

biking adventure.

Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany

Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com

Call: 07815 460786 | 01827 892952

www.midlandhandclinic.com

W H AT ’ S O N

What’s On Local

WE’VE NEVER NEEDED SOME FESTIVE FUN MORE THAN WE DO RIGHT NOW. AT THE

TIME OF GOING TO PRESS ALL OF THESE EVENTS WERE STILL DUE TO TAKE PLACE

WHAT: ARTISAN MARKET

WHERE: BUZZARDS VALLEY, SHIRRALL DRIVE, DRAYTON

BASSETT, TAMWORTH

WHEN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

Buzzards Valley’s regular artisan markets have become the place to go if

you want to pick up locally produced food and drink or crafted objects.

This month’s market will be extra special as the November event had to be

postponed due to the national lockdown.

It’s the ideal opportunity to hunt down gifts for loved ones and also to stock

up on foodie treats to keep for yourself.

Fresh Christmas trees are also due to be on sale - we can almost smell the

scent of pine already.

WHAT: PANTOMIME

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK

WHEN: DECEMBER 18 TO JANUARY 3

The Lichfield Garrick’s annual panto is believed to be the only live panto still

currently due to take place in front of a theatre audience in the Midlands this

Christmas.

It has a pared down cast of five entertainers, who will all be socially distanced

from one another and their carefully seated audience.

It’s billed as a bitesize panto - with one act and no interval so that the cast can

deliver three shows each day.

Read our interview with the cast to find out why Jack and the Beanstalk is not

to be missed.

WHAT: BALLET

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM REP

WHEN: DECEMBER 14 TO 22

What could be more magical than watching classic Christmas fairytale The

Nutcracker in the run up to the big day itself ?

Birmingham Royal Ballet and Birmingham Repertory Theatre have

joined forces to put together a specially adapted production which is set to

be performed in a covid-safe environment for performers and household

bubbles alike.

The full-length show has been shortened to 80 minutes but will still feature

award-winning choreography originally put together for the Royal Albert

Hall.

As well as the Birmingham Royal Ballet company the show will include

students and recent graduates from Elmhurst Ballet School and the

Royal Ballet School whose career beginnings have been impacted by the

pandemic.

38

WHAT: DRIVE-IN CINEMA

WHERE: NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE


So many of the entertainment venues we love have struggled

to reopen in a covid-safe way, but drive-in cinema has

experienced a renaissance this year.

Like so many families, we’ve loved having the full cinematic

experience again, but without having to leave the safety of the

car.

The Luna drive-in cinema is due to return to the NEC once

the national lockdown has ended.

Films are due to include festive favourites such as Love

Actually, Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Holiday

and Elf.

WHAT: MURDER MYSTERY EVENING

WHERE: THE GEORGE HOTEL, LICHFIELD

WHEN: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

Lichfield’s George Hotel is planning to get the festive season

off to a roaring start by staging one of its popular murder

mystery evenings.

Guests will tuck into a three course dinner while trying to get

to the bottom of whodunnit.

The story of ‘Trouble at Mill’ will gradually unfold during

the course of the evening and it will be up to the guests

themselves to question the characters and look for clues.

The venue has a number of other covid-safe events planned

including lunch with Santa and an afternoon tea combined

with Christmas carols.

WHAT: ILLUMINATED TRAIL

WHERE: NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

WHEN: DECEMBER 9 TO 19

You may have been to the National Memorial Arboretum

before, but you won’t have seen it as you will this month.

An illuminated trail has been set up through the gardens and

woodlands so that visitors can enjoy the true majesty of the

site after dark.

The route has been changed for this year and is suitable for

visitors of all ages.

To keep the event covid-safe the number of tickets has been

limited and tickets must be booked in advance.

39

W H AT ’ S O N

A very cathedral Christmas

EVEN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC CAN’T STAND IN THE WAY OF LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL

BEING THE FOCAL POINT OF THE REGION’S FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS - WITH SOME

VERY SPECIAL PLANS IN STORE FOR THIS MONTH

Christmas may be different for all of us this year but

we can be sure of one thing - Lichfield Cathedral will

continue to be a focal point for celebrations.

For centuries the cathedral has formed the

centrepiece of many people’s festive season and this

year, whilst a little unusual, will still give us all a dose

of that Christmas cheer that we crave.

The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of

Lichfield, said: “Undoubtedly Advent and

Christmas are going to be quite different in

2020. Whatever happens between now and

December 25 in terms of public health and

national policy, we’re reimagining a plan for

Advent and Christmas with great ingenuity.

“Christmas is such an important moment in

the Christian calendar that we will find ways

to bring the atmosphere and spirit of the

season to the community we serve.”

Alongside a programme of services in the

run up to Christmas Lichfield Cathedral

will be hosting the award-winning The

Cathedral Illuminated in a different format

to create an enjoyable and COVID-secure

experience for all.

The Cathedral Illuminated 2020: The

Manger will run from December 16 to 22

with early showings from 5pm on into the

evening.

This year the event will be completely

outside with a safe one-way route created

around the Close and significantly reduced

numbers of time slots per evening.

The spectacular light and sound show will

be viewed facing the front of the cathedral,

where there is ample room for people to

enjoy the show while remaining safe and

socially distanced from other households.

“Christmas wouldn’t be the same

in Lichfield without The Cathedral

Illuminated,” said Peter Walker, from the

artistic collaboration Luxmuralis that creates

the light and sound show.

“Families from far and wide have made it part of

their Christmas tradition and we felt it was important

to rework the illuminations for our current situation.

“We have been working closely with the cathedral

over the last few months to create a truly festive

40

experience that is safe for people to attend.

“We have incorporated some really beautiful imagery

into the projection on the front of the cathedral to

create a special moment for everyone who visits.”

To mark the 150th anniversary of Charles Dickens’

A Christmas Carol, a special piece has been created

in collaboration with the Dickens Museum London

to kick off the illuminations.

Following this there will be a light and sound

celebration of all things festive - trees, presents,

carols, lights and Santa Claus.

The grand finale to the Cathedral Illuminated will

be a visual re-telling of the Christmas story using

footage of the inside of the cathedral as a backdrop.

This year’s Cathedral Illuminated is made possible in

part by the financial support of Richard Winterton

Auctioneers.

Richard Winterton said: “Each year The Cathedral

Illuminated brings so much joy and festive cheer to

the city and we fervently hope that this year it will

also serve as a beacon of light to a brighter future

built on the joy of Christmas.”

Lichfield Cathedral has also formed a partnership

with St Paul’s Cathedral in Minnesota, USA, which

will be projecting parts of the Cathedral Illuminated

show onto its own building during the first three days

of the illuminations in Lichfield as an international

display of solidarity.

The Cathedral Illuminated will run from December

16 to 22 with timed tickets from 5pm into the

evening. Tickets are £5.50 for adults, £4 for children

(under 5s are free) or £16 for a family. Tickets are

available from

www.lichfield-cathedral.org/illuminated

41

I N T H E N E W S

Shop local this Christmas

SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES HAS NEVER

BEEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN IT IS THIS FESTIVE SEASON

When you buy from a small independent business you

are directly helping the economy in the area where

you live. You’re helping to keep a business going and

you’re helping to keep people in employment. You’re

literally putting food on the table and presents under

the tree for people who may have been hard hit by the

effects of COVID-19.

So when you’re shopping for Christmas presents,

please try to shop small and shop local wherever you

can. That way you’re not only treating your loved

ones, you’re helping your community too.

Lichfield District Council has launched a #LoveLocal

This Christmas campaign to encourage people to do

exactly that.

Councillor Liz Little, cabinet member for economic

development, said: “Our city and town centres are

the beating heart of our communities and we hope

everyone will take this opportunity to show their

support and shop locally.

“From independent shops to high street stores, the

district is packed with plenty of places to buy presents

for family and friends.

“Shopping for food and gifts in the district will help

support the local economy, boosting the area during

these challenging times.”

The district council has been calling on people to buy

from local businesses online, through click and collect

services and by using food takeaways and deliveries.

It has also put together an online directory of shops in

Lichfield and Burntwood, including details of when

they’re open and how you can buy items remotely. You

can find the directory here: www.lichfielddc.gov.uk

42

G I F T G U I D E

All present and correct

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT. EVERY SINGLE ITEM

IN THIS GIFT GUIDE IS FROM AN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS IN THE J’AIME PATCH. SPEND

YOUR MONEY WISELY THIS CHRISTMAS AND YOU CAN BRING SOME CHEER TO YOUR

LOCAL HIGH STREET AS WELL AS A SMILE TO THE FACE OF YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST.

GIFTING COULD WELL BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT THIS CHRISTMAS TOO. AS WE ALL SPEND

MORE TIME AT HOME THERE IS LIKELY TO BE MORE OF AN EMPHASIS ON TREATS TO MAKE

OUR LIVING SPACE MORE LUXURIOUS AND DELICIOUS FOODS TO EAT.

£102

£14

KITCHENAID 2.1L FOOD PROCESSOR,

TIPPERS, EUROPA WAY, LICHFIELD,

01543 440020, WWW.TIPPERS.COM

SILVER AND BLUE JOHN CUFFLINKS, ALLEN BROWN

JEWELLERY, HEART OF THE COUNTRY SHOPPING

VILLAGE, SWINFEN, LICHFIELD, 01543 481 948

WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK

9CT WHITE GOLD AND DOUBLET OPAL

STUD EARRINGS, ALLEN BROWN JEWELLERY,

HEART OF THE COUNTRY SHOPPING VILLAGE,

SWINFEN, LICHFIELD, 01543 481 948

WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK £960

UNIQUE, PERSONALISED ARTWORK,

FROM DESIGNS BY HOGAN ON

FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND ETSY

£155.99

£240

SILVER EARRINGS SET WITH BLUE TOPAZ,

CRYSTAL AND FRESHWATER PEARLS,

ALLEN BROWN JEWELLERY, HEART OF THE

COUNTRY SHOPPING VILLAGE, SWINFEN,

LICHFIELD, 01543 481 948

WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK

£164

COLD CAST BRONZE RESIN BENGAL

TIGER SCULPTURE BY MITKO KAVRIKOV,

EDEN GALLERY, THE HEXAGON CENTRE,

CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE,

WATERY LANE, LICHFIELD, 01543 268393

WWW.EDENARTANDFRAMING.CO.UK

£289

KITCHENAID 4.3L TILT-HEAD MIXER, TIPPERS, EUROPA

WAY, LICHFIELD, 01543 440020, WWW.TIPPERS.COM

£86.50

£39

THE APIARIST GIN,

WWW.THEAPIARISTGIN.COM

BEE VENOM MASK,

HEAVENSKINCARE.COM

43

INDIVIDUALLY-MADE CHRISTMAS DOOR

WREATHS BY RUSTIC CHIC UK, ORDER VIA

FACEBOOK.COM/RUSTICCHICBYCHRISSYJOAN

OR VISIT BETTIE’S CREATIVE HOME EMPORIUM,

BEAUCHAMP INDUSTRIAL PARK, WATLING

STREET, TAMWORTH

30 MINUTE SOCIALLY

DISTANCED PHOTO SHOOT

IN SUTTON COLDFIELD OR

LICHFIELD INCLUDING

THREE IMAGES, £95. J’AIME

READERS CAN RECEIVE

A 10% DISCOUNT.

WWW.LISACARPENTERPHOTOS.COM

PICK UP A VOUCHER FOR THYME KITCHEN,

WATERY LANE, LICHFIELD, 01543 264050,

HELLO@THYMEKITCHEN.CO.UK

MULTIPLE DIFFERENT PATTERNS AVAILABLE IN

STAINLESS STEEL OR SILVER-PLATED TO SUIT

YOUR TABLE/DECOR.

PRICES START FROM £249 FOR A 44-PIECE

CANTEEN, WWW.ARTHURPRICE.COM OR

FACTORY SHOP, BRITANNIA WAY, LICHFIELD

44

CATHEDRAL PRAYERS FOR ALL BOOK BY

CANON IAN STOCKTON, £10, CAN BE

ORDERED FROM ALL GOOD BOOKSHOPS

USING THE ISBN CODE 1-9160-1528-9 OR

DIRECTLY FROM THE AUTHOR BY EMAILING

IAN.G.STOCKTON@GMAIL.COM

eyond the horizon

Let’s create something to look forward to

Luxury Interior Design Services:

Colour Consultations, Handmade Curtains & Bespoke Upholstery,

Furniture Specifying, Individual Room Design, Kitchens,

Bathrooms & Full Home Design.

Residential & Commercial Interiors.

Email: Info@naomistarrdesign.com

Website: www.naomistarrdesign.com

Tel: 07950334063

Nothing can beat personal advice when you’re looking to put

the last few months behind you and make plans to look

forward, whether that’s a last-minute getaway or you’re

planning ahead to next year.

You will always have the support of a real person,

be it face-to-face, by video, phone or email -

whenever you need me.

Charlotte Mitchell

Travel Counsellor

0121 314 6650 or 07860 944207

charlotte.mitchell@travelcounsellors.com

www.travelcounsellors.com/charlotte.mitchell

www.facebook.com/CharlotteMitchellTC

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT?

Based in the Jewellery Quarter we buy and sell most prestigious

watch brands including Rolex, Breitling, Omega, TAG Heuer, Cartier,

Panerai, IWC and look forward to meeting you for a pre-arranged

appointment to view the watch of your choice.

All of our watches are meticulously prepared by an experienced

watchmaker and come with either the manufacturer’s warranty, or

our 12 months warranty. Additionally we offer a 14 day money back

guarantee on all online orders for your peace of mind.

WE ALSO BUY MOST PRESTIGIOUS WATCH BRANDS

• Fair prices paid

• Deal with a local company - (no need to send the watch away)

• Sell with confidence and trust

WE ARE TRUSTPILOT’S HIGHEST RATED WATCH COMPANY IN

THE MIDLANDS, AND THE SECOND HIGHEST IN THE UK.

FIND US IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER AT BRANSTON COURT, BRANSTON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B18 6BA

ALL VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

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

WATCHESOFSUTTON

WATCHES_OF_SUTTON

LUXURY FOOD HAMPER, £65,

WWW.LICHFIELDHAMPERS.COM

AND THEN THE SUN CAME OUT FRAMED LIMITED

EDITION BY SAM TOFT, £149, EDEN GALLERY, THE

HEXAGON CENTRE, CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE

CENTRE, WATERY LANE, LICHFIELD, 01543 268393

WWW.EDENARTANDFRAMING.CO.UK

FOOD AND WINE HAMPERS AVAILABLE FROM THE ARTISAN WINE AND GIFT SHOP AT

BUZZARDS VALLEY AT A VARIETY OF PRICES (AVERAGE £35 FOR A FOOD HAMPER AND £50

FOR A CASE OF SIX WINES). THERE IS A 10% DISCOUNT OFF SHOP PRICES ON HAMPERS

AND CASES OF WINE IF YOU TAKE ALONG THIS COPY OF J’AIME OR A PHOTOGRAPH ON

YOUR PHONE IF READING IT ONLINE. THERE IS FREE DELIVERY ON WINE WITHIN A FIVE MILE

RADIUS. OFFERS VALID UNTIL CHRISTMAS 2020. BUZZARDS VALLEY, SHIRRALL DRIVE, DRAYTON

BASSETT, 0121 308 1951, WWW.BUZZARDS-VALLEY.CO.UK

MAY N MAR LADY 2019 BY IAN TINSLEY POTTERY, £65,

BAREWALL GALLERY, WWW.BAREWALL.CO.UK

STAFFORDSHIRE GRIDDLE, £75,

WWW.KO-FI.COM/S/9B80DDB578

CERAMIC STARS, £12,

WWW.DENISEOSULLIVAN.COM

46

FOOD AND WINE HAMPERS AVAILABLE FROM THE ARTISAN WINE AND GIFT SHOP AT BUZZARDS

VALLEY AT A VARIETY OF PRICES (AVERAGE £35 FOR A FOOD HAMPER AND £50 FOR A CASE OF SIX

WINES). THERE IS A 10% DISCOUNT OFF SHOP PRICES ON HAMPERS AND CASES OF WINE IF YOU

TAKE ALONG THIS COPY OF J’AIME OR A PHOTOGRAPH ON YOUR PHONE IF READING IT ONLINE.

THERE IS FREE DELIVERY ON WINE WITHIN A FIVE MILE RADIUS. OFFERS VALID UNTIL CHRISTMAS

2020. BUZZARDS VALLEY, SHIRRALL DRIVE, DRAYTON BASSETT, 0121 308 1951,

WWW.BUZZARDS-VALLEY.CO.UK

£34

LICHFIELD ARTWORK BY CHRIS DAY. J’AIME READERS

CAN CLAIM A 20% DISCOUNT BY USING THE CODE

CHRISTMAS20 AT THE ONLINE CHECKOUT AT

WWW.CHRISDAYDESIGN.CO.UK

YOGA AND WELLNESS GIFT BOXES,

WWW.KULAKARMABOX.COM

ART FOR ALL

Perfect Gift Ideas

visit

Eden Gallery

at

Curborough Countryside Centre

and view our

Diverse Range of Art and Sculpture

Together with our large and varied range of art, we now

stock a large range of sculptures with something for every

price and pocket. From a delightful range of cold cast

hand-painted bronze mice, a stunning collection of nickel

resin animal sculpture and high-quality cold cast and

cast bronze sculpture from across the UK.

We Are Family – Framed Ltd Edition by Gary Walton

(Framed Size 94cm x 55cm)

Price: £265

Eden Gallery, The Hexagon Centre, Curborough

Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES

Telephone: 01543 268393 - www.edenartandframing.co.uk

Opening hours: Wed - Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm

I N T H E N E W S

New showroom for Broadway

BROADWAY KITCHENS HAS OPENED A LARGE NEW SUTTON

COLDFIELD SHOWROOM TO COPE WITH INCREASED DEMAND

Quality always speaks for itself, which is

why Broadway Kitchens has moved to

a much larger showroom to cope with

increased demand in a year which has

seen many other companies falter.

The business was established back in 1974

and has been run by three generations of

the same family ever since.

Kitchens of the highest quality are

manufactured at the family’s own factory

in Walsall then sold through showrooms

in Sutton Coldfield and Essex.

The attention to detail is meticulous

and is part of the reason for Broadway

Kitchens’ continued success over the

decades. It is also known as a business run

with traditional family values.

The family have been overwhelmed with repeat

business from their local community and say they are

grateful for the word-of-mouth recommendations

that have helped them so much.

Moving to a larger showroom, in Hardwick Road,

Sutton Coldfield, has enabled Broadway Kitchens to

expand its range and offer additional services.

It is now a La Canche cooker stockist with a wide

range of models of various hob and oven types

including built-in hob options, dual fuel options and

cookers of varying shapes and sizes to suit all homes.

When it comes to kitchen appliances you can

browse the latest downward extractors, freezers and

induction hobs in makes including Sub Zero, Wolf

and Siemens.

Broadway is planning to offer a full bathroom

installation service as well as

manufacturing home studies.

The super-friendly staff are just a

phone call away and are always happy

to discuss the bespoke needs of each

individual customer.

They are looking forward to

welcoming customers, both old and

new, for a chat over a coffee and a

browse of the stunning new displays.

A separate business will also be

opening a showroom within the

premises for home cinema installations.

Broadway Kitchens, 128-138

Hardwick Road. Streetly, B74 3DP,

0121 353 4999,

enquiries@kitchensbybroadway.co.uk,

www.bespokekitchensbybroadway.co.uk

48

MANUFACTURER OF LUXURY BESPOKE KITCHENS

WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW LARGER SHOWROOM

BROADWAY KITCHENS

BROADWAY KITCHENS

BROADWAY KITCHENS


Family Business Est. 1974



A photograph of one of

our most recent installations

Visit our Birmingham showroom to see and feel the quality.

Call to discuss your kitchen project and book a FREE,

no-obligation design consultation today!

SUTTON COLDFIELD 0121 353 4999

www.bespokekitchensbybroadway.com

Visit our Birmingham showroom to see and feel the quality.

Visit

Call

our

to

Birmingham

discuss Visit your new,

showroom

kitchen larger project

to

Sutton

see

and Coldfield

and

book

feel the

a FREE,

quality.

Call to

no-obligation

discuss your kitchen

design

project

consultation book

today!

Visit our Birmingham

showroom

showroom

to see and

to

feel

see

the

and

quality

feel the a FREE, quality.

Call no-obligation design consultation today!

Call

to discuss

to

SUTTON

discuss

your

your

kitchen

COLDFIELD

kitchen

project

project

and

0121 353

and

book

4999

book

a FREE,

a

no-obligation design consultation today!

FREE, no-obligation design consultation today

SUTTON COLDFIELD 0121 353 4999


128-138 SUTTON Hardwick COLDFIELD Rd, Sutton 0121 Coldfield 353 4999 B74 3DP


Tel: 0121 353 4999


www.kitchensbybroadway.co.uk

B E AU T Y

Tackling men’s winter skin woes

ENSURING YOUR SKIN IS WELL FED AND LOOKED AFTER THROUGHOUT THE WINTER IS

ESSENTIAL IF YOU DON’T WANT A DULL, DRY AND DEHYDRATED COMPLEXION FOR THE

COMING MONTHS. ROYAL FACIALIST AND FOUNDER OF HEAVEN SKINCARE DEBORAH

MITCHELL SHARES HER TOP WINTER GROOMING TIPS

Many of my male clients say they don’t have the

time for a daily skincare routine, so anything you can

introduce into your current shaving ritual means you

have no excuse but to take care of your complexion.

Post-shave aftercare is vital when it comes to keeping

your skin in tip top condition, especially at this time

of year. My Post Shave Spray, £46, is quick

and easy to use and is designed to close pores, and

prevent shaving rash and hair getting trapped in

follicles.

Follow up with my SOS Shave Oil, £46, to

protect and repair damage, improve texture and add

nourishment.

If you really are short of time then my

all-in-one Shave, Shower, Shampoo,

£37, cleans, moisturises and hydrates; you

can use it as a shower gel, a shampoo and

a shaving wash. It suits all skin types, does

three jobs in one and contains organic

essential oils. Win, win.

As your skin ages its requirements change

– you’ll find it becomes more dehydrated,

while fine lines and discolouration start

to appear. You can tackle this with a daily

moisturiser that not only hydrates the skin

but also tightens at the same time. My bestselling

M4M Anti-Ageing Moisturiser,

£64, feeds the skin and relieves stress,

thanks to its combination of essential

nutrients. It works to improves fine lines for

a more youthful appearance; perfect for a

winter boost.

For so many of us it’s the skin around our

eyes that shows those first tell-tale signs of

ageing so it’s important to use products that

are gentle enough and specifically designed

for this delicate area. I created Heaven’s

O2 Eye Cream, £37, to tackle fine lines

and wrinkles while promote healthier

looking skin. Its non-greasy solution is great

for the morning after the night before,

perking puffy and tired eyes.

Cold days outdoors and central heating

inside invariably leads to a whole host of

complexion issues and while your everyday cleansers

and moisturisers are great to keep the surface of your

skin in good condition, adding a regular face mask

to your weekly routine can help with dehydration,

clogged pores, fine lines and break-outs. Blemishbusting

masks – like my world renowned Black Bee

Venom Mask, £163 – are designed to penetrate

deeper into the layers of your skin, helping draw out

impurities, remove the build-up of dead cells and

increase hydration to give your face the TLC it really

needs.

You can shop the complete Heaven’s grooming range

online at heavenskincare.com.

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

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

Qualified

All members of our jewellery

department are certified

gemmologists and diamond graders

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 08/07/2020 15:56

J'AIME December 2020

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