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J'AIME December 2020

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0<br />

J’A ME<br />

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<br />

Kitchen<br />

disco style:<br />

MAKE YOUR<br />

OWN FESTIVE<br />

STAFFORDSHIRE<br />

OATCAKES<br />

YOUR FESTIVE<br />

FASHION SORTED<br />

Win<br />

a cast<br />

iron griddle<br />

THE PANTO<br />

WILL GO ON


OnTheBreadLine<br />

Sebastian Clough, a former student of University College,<br />

Birmingham, and the French Pastry School in Chicago,<br />

has now perfected his baking skills, to produce the highest<br />

quality breads, cakes, tarts and pastries, whilst also exploring<br />

different flavours using high quality ingredients and local<br />

produce.<br />

OPENING HOURS<br />

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:30am till 4:00pm.<br />

Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am till 2:00pm<br />

Christmas Giveaway<br />

Between 16th - 20th <strong>December</strong>, we<br />

will be hiding 3 Christmas cards in the<br />

driveway. Two cards will have £5 off<br />

when spending £15. One card will have<br />

FREE bread & a treat bag that will be<br />

waiting for you to pick up that day.<br />

During this time we will be open<br />

9:00am till 4:00pm<br />

We serve on a first come first served basis.<br />

Social distancing & face masks are a must when visiting.<br />

Hillcrest Farm, Worcester Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 5QS<br />

Tel: 07506 780066 Email: onthebreadline95@gmail.com<br />

onthebreadline<br />

onthebreadline


Welcome to J’AIME<br />

There’s no escaping the fact that Christmas <strong>2020</strong><br />

will be a Christmas like no other. After a character<br />

building year we could all do with a festive season<br />

packed with friends, family and fun. Yet here we are,<br />

at the beginning of advent calendar season, with<br />

no real clue of what our world will look like come<br />

<strong>December</strong> 25.<br />

Here at J’AIME we aim to be positive and uplifting.<br />

We want to give you everyday inspiration and<br />

hopefully add a little sunshine to your life in the<br />

process. We hope the <strong>December</strong> edition will do just<br />

that - whatever your month has in store.<br />

At the time of going to press the national lockdown<br />

was due to end on <strong>December</strong> 2, so within our pages<br />

you’ll find ideas for days out, festive fun to be found<br />

and shops to visit for everything you need to prepare<br />

for Santa’s arrival.<br />

If lockdown should continue after <strong>December</strong> 2 most<br />

of those businesses will continue to trade online,<br />

offering their goods and services via click and collect<br />

or mailorder. Others will be seeing clients via online or<br />

socially distanced appointments. Visit their individual<br />

websites for more details.<br />

It’s so important to support local independent<br />

businesses right now, and every single item in our<br />

Christmas gift guide is from a business in our patch.<br />

When you buy from a small business you’re supporting<br />

your community and helping to keep people in<br />

jobs. Buy your gifts locally and you’re helping to put<br />

presents under the tree for the people employed by<br />

those businesses.<br />

As well as being delivered to homes in selected<br />

postcodes J’AIME is now available to pick up free of<br />

charge in major supermarkets around the Midlands.<br />

You can also read a digital version of the magazine<br />

free of charge at https://read.jaimemagazine.com<br />

Whether your Christmas will involve getting out to<br />

see the Lichfield Garrick panto or dressing up for a<br />

kitchen disco with your nearest and dearest, we hope<br />

we have something for you this month. There’s also<br />

a chance to win a cast iron griddle worth £75 so that<br />

you can make your very own Staffordshire oatcakes -<br />

ideal for Boxing Day.<br />

From everyone at J’AIME, have a wonderful<br />

Christmas. We’re looking forward to sharing 2021<br />

with you.<br />

EDITOR: AMY NORBURY<br />

EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM<br />

ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY<br />

ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM<br />

07388 335 931<br />

DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM<br />

CONTRIBUTORS: JENNY AMPHLETT, OLIVER<br />

BROAD, DEBORAH MITCHELL<br />

J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY<br />

PUBLICATIONS LIMITED AND PRINTED BY KEP<br />

LIMITED, TAMWORTH.<br />

Check us out online at:<br />

WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM<br />

Find us on<br />

/JAIMEMAGAZINE<br />

@JAIMEMAGAZINE<br />

@JAIMEMAGAZINE<br />

SPONSORED BY<br />

3


CO N T E N T S<br />

InsideJ’aime this month...<br />

6 The show will go on - Meet the stars of the<br />

Lichfield Garrick panto<br />

10 Property - Properties of the month<br />

14 Interiors - Christmas decorations<br />

18 Interiors - Festive dining<br />

24 Food and drink - Make your own festive<br />

Staffordshire oatcakes<br />

26 Food and drink - Win a cast iron griddle<br />

worth £75<br />

27 Travel - Make your bucket list for 2021<br />

32 Santa Claus is coming to town - and here’s where<br />

you can see him<br />

34 Fashion - What to wear for your kitchen disco<br />

36 Music - The Royal Philharmonic Christmas<br />

album created in Lichfield<br />

38 What’s On - Great ideas for the month<br />

ahead<br />

40 What’s On - Lichfield Cathedral this Christmas<br />

42 Shopping - Why you need to shop local<br />

this month<br />

43 Shopping - Your completely local Christmas gift<br />

guide<br />

48 In the news - A new showroom for Broadway<br />

Kitchens<br />

50 Beauty - Skincare for men<br />

SPONSORED BY<br />

4


Next year is on us!<br />

12-months mortgage paid<br />

This season is a time for new adventures and more spacious<br />

settings. Get moving with our new buying option that will help<br />

give you some security and make your next move a reality.<br />

We have 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes from £199,995<br />

For more information<br />

please call:<br />

01785 788 312<br />

or search:<br />

Bovis Homes Mercia<br />

Appointment visits and virtual tours available!<br />

Don’t worry if you don’t feel comfortable to visit us just yet,<br />

you can still talk to us over the phone or via a virtual call.<br />

Mortgage Paid for 12 months offer is available on selected homes only, not in conjunction with any other offer. Paid as a cash lump sum upon legal completion and calculated as the cash equivalent of monthly mortgage repayments<br />

of £600 per month for the period of 12 months from legal completion. Cash lump sum capped at a maximum of 3% of the purchase price, subject to lender’s criteria, qualification and acceptance of cash incentives. Not applicable<br />

to second homeowners or investor purchasers. We reserve the right to withdraw the incentive at any time without prior notice. ^Flooring is provided from our standard range unless otherwise specified. Photograph depicts a typical<br />

Bovis Home exterior/interior. Elevation may differ to that shown. Internal images may include optional upgrades at an additional cost. Price & availability correct at time of going to print/broadcast. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED<br />

IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE ORANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Ask our sales advisor for details. 5-star home rating based on the independent. Offer ends 31-12-<strong>2020</strong>. 5-star home rating based on<br />

the independent annual home owner survey conducted by the Home Builders Federation. GDD57556


F E AT U R E<br />

The show will go on<br />

LICHFIELD GARRICK IS STAGING ONE OF THE FEW PANTOS STILL SET TO TAKE PLACE IN<br />

THE REGION THIS CHRISTMAS. JENNY AMPHLETT MET THE SOCIALLY DISTANCED CAST<br />

All pantomimes are cancelled this Christmas. Oh no<br />

they’re not. That plucky lot at the Lichfield Garrick<br />

have found a way for the show to go on this festive<br />

season. Oh yes they have.<br />

They’ve put together a slimmed down cast of five<br />

for a production of Jack and the Beanstalk, some of<br />

whom will be back on stage for the first time since<br />

restrictions first started in March.<br />

They will be socially distanced from one another,<br />

the audience will sit in household bubbles and there<br />

will be no intervals - but most importantly of all the<br />

magic of Christmas will still be there.<br />

Panto-lovers of all ages can join Jack and Jackie on<br />

their adventure of a lifetime as they are tricked by<br />

arch-villain Flesh Creep, climb a giant beanstalk to<br />

a giant’s lair and pick up a monkey named Gordon.<br />

Will the siblings be able to work together and will<br />

Dame Trott ever find the man of her dreams?<br />

The bite-sized panto is a condensed version of the<br />

famous fable. It has a shortened run time of 75<br />

minutes so that audience members don’t mingle<br />

during an interval and to allow three shows to be<br />

delivered each day.<br />

Karen Foster, the theatre’s chief executive, said:<br />

“We are full of beans here at the Garrick as we have<br />

managed to bring a wonderful, fun show, with a<br />

smaller, safer cast size, to fill the festive season with<br />

laughter and cheer, a full spectrum of COVID-safe<br />

6


measures to reassure our patrons, and even some<br />

brand new jokes.<br />

“After a most unusual year, we look forward to<br />

spending two weeks bringing the very best antidote<br />

to your seasonal blues, right here in Lichfield, right<br />

here in your local theatre and right here in your very<br />

own bubbles. We look forward to celebrating with<br />

you.”<br />

Sam Rabone, from just down the road is Streetly, is<br />

returning for his fifth Lichfield Garrick panto. He<br />

will be back in a dress as Dame Trott and is also<br />

directing the production this time.<br />

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

what is going to be a huge treat but with a bite-sized<br />

feel. With very few pantomimes in the Midlands, it<br />

is amazing to be part of one of the few festive shows<br />

that are happening.<br />

“The Garrick along with Evolution smash it every<br />

year, and this year is going to be no different. With<br />

audiences chomping at the bit to get in, we cannot<br />

wait to entertain them, bring laughter and make it<br />

feel like Christmas...all in a COVID-secure way.<br />

“It’s going to be the smallest panto that Lichfield<br />

has ever seen, and we can’t wait. We’ll all have<br />

been spending the lockdown socially distanced<br />

and isolated from one another and then going into<br />

rehearsal once the lockdown is lifted.<br />

“It’s going to be great to be back on a stage in front<br />

of a proper audience - it’ll be my first proper theatre<br />

show since January 5.<br />

“I do feel very proud that Lichfield Garrick was one<br />

of the first theatres in the country to announce that<br />

it would be staging a panto as long as it’s legal to do<br />

so.”<br />

Sam’s co-stars will include ventriloquist Max<br />

Fulham, as Jack, and his talking monkey friend<br />

Gordon, who will be playing himself in the show.<br />

Max will be a familiar face to some of the youngest<br />

audience members as he’s appeared on TV in<br />

CBBC’s Crackerjack.<br />

“It’ll be my first time working in Lichfield, but not<br />

my first panto,” he said. “I’m looking forward to<br />

spending some time in the area after lockdown in a<br />

bubble with Gordon the Monkey.<br />

“I do feel very lucky to be part of one of the few<br />

pantos taking place this year. People need the chance<br />

to have a smile and a laugh more than ever.”<br />

It’ll be the first ever panto performance for Lorraine<br />

Brown, who is more used to travelling around<br />

the world as a singer than dressing up as Fairy<br />

7


Sugarsnap. But she says she’s quickly realised how<br />

important pantomimes are for children.<br />

“I sprinkle fairy dust everywhere I go anyway, but<br />

as soon as I put my fairy costume on I realised that<br />

children would see me as a real life fairy.<br />

“At the panto launch I was standing outside the<br />

Garrick having my photo taken and some little girls<br />

walked past. Their mouths dropped open and they<br />

started waving. I wondered why for a moment and<br />

then realised it was the costume.<br />

“I know that lots of little girls will be asking me<br />

where I got my fairy dress from and I will do my very<br />

best to be a magical Christmas fairy for them.<br />

“Pantomimes are really important for so many<br />

people. It’s important that the show goes ahead in<br />

this wonderful venue.”<br />

Counterbalancing the kind fairy will be Tim Hudson<br />

as the evil Flesh Creep. I’ll whisper this, but he was<br />

actually very nice indeed.<br />

“This will be my 21st panto but my first in Lichfield.<br />

It’s been a bleak year in some respects, certainly with<br />

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

home schooling with my 12-year-old son.<br />

“The whole cast are very grateful to have this chance<br />

to be back on stage in front of an audience. Panto is<br />

so important. It’s the first experience of theatre for so<br />

many children.<br />

“Everybody needs something to smile about after<br />

this year - it’s been a desolate time in so many other<br />

respects. When they come to the theatre people can<br />

let their hair down, celebrate the season and have a<br />

really well deserved laugh.”<br />

The cast is completed by Victoria McCabe as Jackie.<br />

Tickets for the panto are selling fast – oh yes they are<br />

– and can be purchased from<br />

www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the box<br />

office on 01543 412121.<br />

8


0121 362 7878<br />

astonknowles.com<br />

GUIDE PRICE £1,495,000 GUIDE PRICE £2,500,000<br />

GUIDE PRICE £1,695,000<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

KNOWLES DRIVE - Four Oaks Estate BRACEBRIDGE RD - Four Oaks Estate KEEPERS ROAD - Little Aston Park<br />

GUIDE PRICE £925,000<br />

GUIDE PRICE £750,000<br />

WALSALL ROAD - Pipehill<br />

SOLD<br />

SOLD<br />

STONEHOUSE RD - Sutton Coldfield<br />

GUIDE PRICE £875,000 GUIDE PRICE £770,000<br />

Sophie Bullock MRICS<br />

Director<br />

<strong>2020</strong> has been a year like no other.<br />

We hope you are keeping safe and<br />

staying well.<br />

We feel greateful that throughout<br />

this year we have been able to<br />

continue selling beautiful properties<br />

and helping people find their dream<br />

home.<br />

WYVERN ROAD - Four Oaks<br />

SOLD<br />

GUIDE PRICE £1,050,000<br />

The property market remains<br />

buoyant and we are hopeful for the<br />

new year.<br />

We look forward to sharing our<br />

listings with you in 2021.<br />

We remain open as usual, but with<br />

some special guidelines in place to<br />

keep both you and our team safe.<br />

We would like to take this<br />

opportunity to say goodbye to<br />

<strong>2020</strong> and wish everybody the very<br />

best for the new year ahead.<br />

SOLD<br />

JORDAN ROAD - Sutton Coldfield<br />

GUIDE PRICE £980,000<br />

CHARLEMONT ROAD - Walsall<br />

SOLD<br />

ANDERTON CLOSE - Four Oaks<br />

SOLD<br />

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

www.astonknowles.com @astonknowles


P R O P E RTY<br />

Properties of the month<br />

EACH MONTH WE SHOWCASE THE MOST LUXURIOUS PROPERTIES CURRENTLY ON<br />

THE MARKET IN THE MIDLANDS. THIS MONTH WE LOOK AT FOUR HOMES ACROSS<br />

THE FOUR OAKS ESTATE AND LITTLE ASTON PARK<br />

W E L O V E :<br />

THE SECRET DOOR LEADING TO A<br />

HOME CINEMA<br />

Pinewood, Roman Road, Little Aston Park: £2,500,000<br />

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

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

been fully renovated to the highest of standards.<br />

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

living space to offer a home of outstanding finish and attention to detail.<br />

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

paved driveway with ample parking for numerous vehicles.<br />

W E L O V E : THE BILLIARDS ROOM<br />

Acer House, 6D Hartopp Road, Four Oaks Estate: £2,500,000<br />

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

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

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

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

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

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

throughout the home. A mahogany staircase leads up to the galleried first-floor landing.<br />

10


W E L O V E : THE VIEW OF LITTLE ASTON HALL<br />

16 Squirrel Walk, Little Aston Park, £2,250,000<br />

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

outlook onto the grand hall and lake at Little Aston Hall.<br />

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

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

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

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

staircase leading to a glass balustrade gallery landing.<br />

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

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

arrival and is installed throughout the majority of the ground floor accommodation.<br />

W E L O V E :<br />

THE OUTDOOR HEATED<br />

SWIMMING POOL<br />

18 Hartopp Road, Four Oaks Estate, £2,800,000<br />

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

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

The impressive hallway features some stunning original features including the restored original oak herringbone parquet floor,<br />

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

the rear, ideal for receiving guests.<br />

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

cloakroom is located off to the side with additional cloak cupboard discretely located within the panelling.<br />

ALL FOUR PROPERTIES ARE ON THE MARKET<br />

WITH ASTON KNOWLES: 0121 362 7878<br />

11


Should Lockdown be extended into<br />

<strong>December</strong>, our showroom will remain<br />

closed but we will still be open for online<br />

& telephone orders. Home delivery and<br />

Click & Collect will also be available.<br />

It is the<br />

Season<br />

To Sparkle<br />

@peppermillinteriors<br />

Shop Online At:<br />

www.peppermillinteriors.com<br />

Visit Our Showroom:<br />

Unit 6, Ring Road, Zone 2,<br />

Burntwood Business Park, WS7 3JQ<br />

(Sat Nav use WS7 3JG)


...achieve your<br />

perfect home<br />

with Peppermill Interiors<br />

From the most comfortable armchairs and sofas to high quality dining<br />

tables and chairs, Peppermill Interiors have everything from statement<br />

industrial lighting to show-stopping vintage items for your home.<br />

Shop now to spruce up your space in time for Christmas!<br />

Contact us on: 01543 375 872 | sales@peppermillinteriors.com


I N T E R I O R S<br />

Festive<br />

traditions<br />

DECK the halls, trim those trees and hang the stockings;<br />

the festive season is once again upon us so it’s time to<br />

spread some Christmas cheer throughout our homes.<br />

After the unprecedented uncertainty that has been <strong>2020</strong>,<br />

this year it’s time to take comfort in the familiar. And<br />

no matter how many Christmas decor trends emerge<br />

year after year, there’s something just that little bit more<br />

magical about traditional decorations.<br />

The reds and greens, the holly and the ivy, the twinkling<br />

fairy lights and the glittering baubles; it’s reminiscent<br />

of the Christmases of our childhoods, eschewing recent<br />

trends of adorning our trees with Christmas pineapples<br />

and festive llamas in favour of more classic motifs.<br />

So grab the tinsel, adorn your fireplace with garlands and<br />

choose a wreath for the door; <strong>2020</strong> is a year for embracing<br />

tradition.<br />

RED VELVET STOCKINGS, £18 EACH,<br />

WREATH, GARLANDS AND DECORATIONS<br />

FROM A SELECTION AT JOHN LEWIS.<br />

WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM<br />

£49.99 £12.50<br />

TRADITIONAL RED BERRY WREATH,<br />

LIGHTS4FUN. WWW.LIGHTS4FUN.CO.UK<br />

STEIFF CHRISTMAS TEDDY BEAR<br />

ORNAMENT. WWW.STEIFFUK.COM<br />

FURRY FELT DEER, COX AND COX.<br />

WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK<br />

£35<br />

£89.90<br />

DEER IN THE FOREST SNOWGLOBE, COX<br />

AND COX. WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK<br />

£15<br />

SOUTHWOLD STOCKING IN FOREST<br />

GREEN, GARDEN TRADING.<br />

WWW.GARDENTRADING.CO.UK<br />

14


£25<br />

SOPHIE ALLPORT PARTRIDGE IN A<br />

PEAR TREE CHRISTMAS,<br />

WWW.SOPHIEALLPORT.COM<br />

FELT REINDEER, JOHN LEWIS.<br />

WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM<br />

£6<br />

£12<br />

KURT S. ADLER TREE ON A SLED TREE<br />

DECORATION SET OF 2, AMARA.<br />

WWW.AMARA.COM<br />

£15.50<br />

SOPHIE ALLPORT HOME FOR<br />

CHRISTMAS FELT BAUBLE,<br />

WWW.SOPHIEALLPORT.COM<br />

RED CHRISTMAS TREE BAUBLE,<br />

JOHN LEWIS. WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM<br />

£26.99<br />

£7<br />

£6<br />

£40<br />

GISELA GRAHAM LORRY ADVENT CALENDAR,<br />

WWW.HOMECHRISTMASDECORATIONS.CO.UK<br />

TARTAN MOUSE, JOHN LEWIS.<br />

WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM<br />

PACK OF 12 DOT AND STRIPE BAUBLES,<br />

COX AND COX. WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK<br />

RUSTIC CHRISTMAS PINE GARLAND WITH RED BERRIES,<br />

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


12FT LIT WINTER BERRY GARLAND,<br />

£35, MARKS AND SPENCER.<br />

WWW.MARKSANDSPENCER.COM<br />

LIGHTS FROM A SELECTIONAT LIGHTS4FUN.<br />

WWW.LIGHTS4FUN.CO.UK<br />

PACK OF SIX FESTIVE CAR BAUBLES, £36,<br />

COX AND COX. WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK<br />

FESTIVE EXPRESS PRESENT TRAIN, £125,<br />

COX AND COX. WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK


アパート<br />

夀 䔀 䄀 刀 匀 伀 䘀<br />

䈀 䔀 匀 倀 伀 䬀 䔀 䘀 䤀 一 䔀 䨀 䔀 圀 䔀 䰀 䰀 䔀 刀 夀 ꀀ<br />

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<br />

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<br />

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<br />

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<br />

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I N T E R I O R S<br />

Best laid<br />

plans<br />

WITH seemingly endless rounds of eating and drinking,<br />

the dining room often becomes the focus of the home over<br />

the festive season. And as we’re likely to while away hours<br />

around the table with our nearest and dearest, it might be<br />

the time to give your dining space a festive update.<br />

A beautifully laid table really helps to set the scene for the<br />

festive feasting; a pristine dinner service, sparkling cutlery<br />

and glassware and, of course, a magnificent centrepiece<br />

will pull your festive table together nicely. Giving<br />

your table a theme will help to refine the look; opt for<br />

traditional reds and greens for a classic look, or go ultrasparkly<br />

with metallics and glitter for extra festive flair.<br />

And when it comes to festive dining, a spacious table and<br />

comfy chairs are a must so if your dining furniture needs a<br />

bit of an update there’s no better time to get them sorted.<br />

GARLAND, £15, CUTLERY, £20, PENDANT LIGHT, £30, DINING<br />

CHAIRS, £100, ARGOS HOME. WWW.ARGOS.CO.UK<br />

£125<br />

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STAR CERAMIC SERVING DISH, MATALAN.<br />

WWW.MATALAN.CO.UK<br />

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ISOBELLA BAR STOOL IN JADE GREEN,<br />

PEPPERMILL INTERIORS, BURNTWOOD<br />

BUSINESS PARK.<br />

WWW.PEPPERMILLINTERIORS.COM<br />

AVIE AURA GOLD CUTLERY 16 PIECE, HOMEBODY<br />

DECOR. WWW.HOMEBODYDECOR.CO.UK<br />

£135<br />

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18<br />

ARRIS 4 PIECE SET, WEDGWOOD.<br />

WWW.WEDGWOOD.COM<br />

SET OF FOUR SILVER PLATED STAG NAPKIN<br />

RINGS, £35, AT HOME IN THE COUNTRY.<br />

WWW.ATHOMEINTHECOUNTRY.CO.UK


BAYLISS<br />

creating bathroom envy since 1929...<br />

Visit our extensive prestigious bathroom and tile showroom....<br />

regarded as one of the finest in the Country!<br />

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T: 0121 362 1800 www.baylisslimited.co.uk<br />

Proud to be a family run business for over 35 years<br />

HOME IS WHERE THE WARMTH IS<br />

“Fantastic<br />

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Thanks Kieran”<br />

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Heath<br />

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Installers and suppliers of gas fires, bespoke limestone<br />

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Showroom viewing strictly by appointment only<br />

Christmas Opening Hours:<br />

Closed 22nd Dec. Re-open 7th January<br />

1/7 High Street, Erdington B23 6RG Next to Highclare School<br />

Telephone: 0121 384 5251 - www.abbeyfirecentre.co.uk<br />

Open: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed Wednesdays), Sat: 10am - 2pm<br />

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DUTCHBONE STALWART WINE RACK,<br />

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SYLVIA VELVET DINING CHAIR, CULT FURNITURE.<br />

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MULTIPLE DIFFERENT PATTERNS AVAILABLE IN EITHER STAINLESS STEEL<br />

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PRICES START FROM £249 FOR 44 PIECE CANTEEN<br />

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20


Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy<br />

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

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• Investment Planning<br />

• InheritanceTax and Estate Planning<br />

• Pre and Post-Retirement Planning<br />

• Care Fees Planning and Funding for Care<br />

Telephone: 01543 417342<br />

Website: www.jeanlamb.co.uk<br />

Email: jean.lamb@sjpp.co.uk<br />

Office: 6A Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LH<br />

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)<br />

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.


ALL DECORATIONS FROM £2, TABLEWARE FROM<br />

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RUG, £35, BENCH, £40, LEATHER DINING CHAIR, £45,<br />

VELVET DINING CHAIRS, £100, DINING TABLE, £200,<br />

ARGOS HOME. WWW.ARGOS.CO.UK<br />

PILLAR CANDLE HOLDER 24CM, £12, PILLAR CANDLE<br />

HOLDER 30CM, £14, CHEERS SIDE PLATE, £3.50,<br />

GLASS BEADED CHARGER PLATE, £10, EMBROIDERED<br />

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A SELECTION AT JOHN LEWIS. WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM<br />

22


Woodburning &<br />

multifuel stoves<br />

t he heart of t he home...<br />

Visit our showroom to be amazed by the choice -<br />

from traditional to modern<br />

With such a wide range of fires, fireplaces and stoves<br />

there is sure to be a style to suit you & your home<br />

WE OF F ER<br />

A C OMP LE T E<br />

INST ALLA T ION<br />

SERV ICE<br />

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!<br />

5 Stafford Road, Lichfield WS13 7BZ - Tel: 01543 263 383 • www.thefireplacelichfield.co.uk • Email: sales@thefireplacelichfield.co.uk<br />

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<br />

Make festive oatcakes -<br />

and win a cast iron griddle<br />

ARTIST MEGAN FITZOLIVER HAS DESIGNED A CAST IRON STAFFORDSHIRE<br />

GRIDDLE, PERFECT FOR COOKING HER OWN RECIPE FOR FESTIVE OATCAKES<br />

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

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

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

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

to beat. This recipe gives the classic a little festive twist.”<br />

Ingredients<br />

1tsp dried yeast<br />

7oz strong wholemeal flour<br />

7oz oatmeal (you can make<br />

your own by whizzing<br />

porridge oats in a blender)<br />

2oz chestnut flour<br />

a pinch of salt<br />

1 pt of semi-skimmed milk<br />

half a pint of water.<br />

• Add all of the dry ingredients to a large, flatbottomed<br />

pottery bowl and stir to blend.<br />

• Make a well in the mound of dry ingredients<br />

and pour the milk into the well. Stir in the well,<br />

which then smoothly draws in the surrounding dry<br />

ingredients.<br />

• When you have a smooth batter with all the dry<br />

incorporated, thin it down with the water.<br />

• Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel. I put a cooling<br />

rack over the bowl first to stop the cloth dropping<br />

in. Leave to prove until the surface of the batter is<br />

covered in a foamy froth. This will take an hour or<br />

two depending on the temperature of the room.<br />

• Lightly oil then heat the griddle. When it is hot, pour<br />

a ladleful of oatcake batter onto the centre. Swirl it<br />

round with the back of the ladle to cover the griddle,<br />

or lift the griddle and swirl (making sure you use oven<br />

gloves). Cook on that side until the visible surface of<br />

the oatcake looks matte. Flip over with a spatula and<br />

cook on the other side.<br />

• Cool on a rack before stacking. This resting stage is<br />

important. You should have enough batter for about<br />

16 oatcakes.<br />

• Layered between greaseproof paper, these oatcakes<br />

freeze well, so you can prepare ahead.<br />

24


Christmas may be a little different this year and at this<br />

moment we are uncertain to what this may mean for many<br />

of our Christmas events and dining. However, Christmas is not<br />

cancelled at Moor Hall! We have adapted our events so you<br />

can celebrate this most wonderful time of the year at our<br />

country house hotel safely and comfortably.<br />

FAMILY PARTY NIGHTS | CHRISTMAS CAROLS & AFTERNOON TEA<br />

AFTERNOON TEA WITH SANTA<br />

FAMILY LUNCH WITH SANTA | BREAKFAST WITH SANTA<br />

Christmas may be a little different this year and at this<br />

moment we are uncertain to what this may mean for many<br />

of our Christmas events and dining. However, Christmas is not<br />

cancelled at The George! We have adapted our events so<br />

you can celebrate this most wonderful time of the year at our<br />

Lichfield city centre hotel safely and comfortably.<br />

FESTIVE CARVERY LUNCH | FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA<br />

FAMILY LUNCH WITH SANTA | FESTIVE DINNER<br />

CHRISTMAS CAROLS & AFTERNOON TEA | 1920s PARTY NIGHTS<br />

Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN<br />

0121 308 3751 www.moorhallhotel.co.uk<br />

Visit our website for more events, menus and to book<br />

Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR<br />

01543 414822 www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk<br />

Visit our website for more events, menus and to book<br />

PLAN YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY<br />

& NEW YEAR EVE CELEBRATIONS WITH OUR<br />

SEASONAL MENUS FROM TOM SHEPHERD<br />

...ENSURE YOUR FESTIVE DINING IS SAFE & STRESS FREE!<br />

AVAILABLE TO BOOK ONLINE | DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR<br />

PREPPED READY FOR YOU TO HEAT & SERVE | £60 PER HEAD<br />

PLEASE EMAIL TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE MENU<br />

OR VIEW ONLINE AT SAUCESUPPERCLUB.CO.UK<br />

T 01543 264050<br />

E beth@saucesupperclub.co.uk<br />

www.saucesupperclub.co.uk


Serving suggestions:<br />

Savoury for a Boxing Day brunch:<br />

Bacon wrapped sausage with cheese. If you want the<br />

cheese melting, assemble and then warm through on the<br />

griddle. Serve with homemade brown sauce.<br />

You may have bought some bacon-wrapped sausages<br />

from the butcher and have some leftover from Christmas<br />

Day. If you’re preparing ahead but starting from scratch,<br />

for each portion, cut a rasher of streaky bacon in half<br />

and holding one end, stretch the bacon on a board using<br />

a stroking movement (away from you) with the back of<br />

a large knife. Wrap each bacon piece around a chipolata<br />

sausage.<br />

Roast in a hot oven (200C) until cooked through and the<br />

bacon is crispy (about half an hour)<br />

Homemade brown sauce:<br />

Half a leek, washed, shredded and sautéed in a knob<br />

of butter until softened. Add a handful of cranberries<br />

and then, as they’re beginning to pop, two tablespoons<br />

of muscovado sugar, a glug of cider vinegar and 100ml<br />

water. Simmer, stirring all the while, until it is thick and<br />

glossy.<br />

Sweet for a decadent dessert:<br />

Roasted chestnuts (you can buy these pre-prepared) and<br />

a chocolate sauce with a spoonful of thick double cream.<br />

To prepare, place an oatcake on a paper towel in the<br />

microwave, put three or four chestnuts on one half of<br />

the oatcake and fold it over to enclose them. Microwave<br />

at 600w for 30 seconds, check and repeat if needed. Put<br />

on a plate, add chocolate sauce and cream.<br />

To make the chocolate sauce:<br />

Put equal quantities of butter, dark chocolate and honey<br />

in a jar. Microwave at 600w for 20 seconds then stir and<br />

stand for 10 seconds. Repeat one or more times until<br />

melted. This will harden as it cools but if you’ve made<br />

ahead, can easily be warmed in the microwave. Best<br />

used slightly warm when the consistency of thick cream.<br />

COMPETITION<br />

WIN A CAST IRON<br />

STAFFORDSHIRE<br />

GRIDDLE<br />

WORTH £75<br />

Inspired by the legend of Æthelflæd tying<br />

the Staffordshire knot with her girdle belt to<br />

unite her people, this cast iron griddle was<br />

designed by Megan Fitzoliver and each is<br />

hand-crafted at Taylormade Castings in the<br />

heart of The Potteries, home of the oatcake.<br />

Delivered fresh cast, with instructions for<br />

seasoning, it soon turns that beautiful and<br />

classic rich black, an heirloom in the making.<br />

For the chance to win a Staffordshire<br />

griddle, simply answer the following<br />

question: What quantity of chestnut flour<br />

does Megan use to make festive oatcakes?<br />

Send your answer, along with your name,<br />

address and telephone number via email to<br />

competitions@jaimemagazine.com with<br />

Staffordshire griddle competition in the email<br />

subject box. Entries must be received by<br />

5pm on Thursday, <strong>December</strong> 17. Terms and<br />

conditions apply. Visit www.jaimemagazine.<br />

com for further details.<br />

Staffordshire griddles can be ordered from:<br />

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

to your door for £75 plus postage (postage<br />

is free during lockdown). The last order date<br />

for delivery before Christmas is <strong>December</strong> 14<br />

for the UK. Staffordshire griddles will also be<br />

on sale at Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent<br />

during the first two weekends of <strong>December</strong>.<br />

26


T R AV E L<br />

Make 2021 a bucket list year<br />

WITH THE MAJORITY OF HOLIDAY PLANS PUT ON PAUSE IN <strong>2020</strong> MANY OF US ARE LOOKING FORWARD<br />

TO A HOLIDAY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS IN 2021. OLIVER BROAD, JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF<br />

RB COLLECTION, LOOKS AT BUCKET LIST IDEAS FROM CLASSIC TRIPS TO UNIQUE EXPERIENCES<br />

UNDERWATER RESTAURANT, ANANTARA<br />

KIHAVAH MALDIVES VILLAS, MALDIVES<br />

We Brits love to escape our long winters for tropical<br />

island getaways. This is a perfect time to visit the<br />

Caribbean and Indian Ocean as they enjoy perfect<br />

temperatures whilst we freeze at home! The Maldives<br />

continues to be THE dream beach holiday for many,<br />

it is easy to see why.<br />

Choose from beach villas or those on stilts over<br />

the shallow waters and you’ll be transported to a<br />

paradise setting on one of the many islands. This<br />

is one of the challenges with the Maldives, there<br />

are so many islands to choose from! With choice<br />

comes competition and it’s this which means the<br />

resorts are constantly evolving. Innovation is key and<br />

many are always expanding their amazing choice<br />

of accommodation and services. From underwater<br />

restaurants to family sized over-water villas with<br />

their own water slides to vegan and healthy lifestyle<br />

programmes, the selection is vast.<br />

Here lies the problem. With such a large selection<br />

it can be a needle in a haystack to choose which<br />

island to enjoy. Resorts come in all shapes and sizes<br />

and there are a host of practical considerations<br />

to take into account, not to mention working out<br />

which is suitable for your budget. You definitely need<br />

some professional advice when selecting the most<br />

appropriate island.<br />

With so many dreaming of the Maldives experiences,<br />

the islands command a high price and so if these<br />

are out of your reach do not fear. A good alternative<br />

is Mauritius which offers some of the world’s most<br />

luxurious and interesting resorts, plus the island is full<br />

of life, culture and great scenery.<br />

My family enjoyed a trip to the national park on<br />

quad bikes for an alternative stag do and were even<br />

joined by zebras running alongside us! Compared to<br />

the Maldives you can sometimes save around 20%<br />

so it is really worth considering for a tropical island<br />

bucket list escape.<br />

The Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is also worth<br />

considering, famous for where William and Kate<br />

27


PHOTO BY ASAF KLIGER © ICEHOTEL<br />

took their honeymoon. The islands in the Seychelles<br />

have a more exclusive feel to those in Mauritius and<br />

are perfect for the ultimate treat.<br />

Our favourite Caribbean choice for a stunning long<br />

sandy beach with a very high standard of luxury<br />

hotel would be Cap Juluca in Anguilla. This resort<br />

oozes elegance which of course you would expect<br />

from the owners Belmond who also operate the<br />

Venice-Simplon Orient-Express.<br />

Just off the coast of<br />

Antigua is the exclusive<br />

island retreat of Jumby<br />

Bay. For those who may<br />

have experienced the<br />

Caribbean a number of<br />

times and are looking<br />

for the ultimate private<br />

getaway, my fellow Joint<br />

MD Nathan suggests this<br />

is a great choice. They<br />

also have larger<br />

villas to accommodate<br />

multi-generational<br />

holidays with your own<br />

private pool and plenty<br />

of space.<br />

If you are short on<br />

time and in need of a<br />

once-in-a-lifetime WOW experience, a trip to see<br />

the Northern Lights in Scandinavia is just the ticket.<br />

Combine a trip to see this natural phenomenon with<br />

a unique experience at one of the most unique hotels<br />

in the world… Sweden has three to choose from!<br />

The Ice Hotel has established itself as a real marvel.<br />

They have one building which melts every year and<br />

is rebuilt and another which is open all year round.<br />

This means you can even visit in the summer and<br />

still sleep on ice! This is a great opportunity for those<br />

who want to experience the hotel but are not too<br />

keen on it being too cold for the whole trip.<br />

You can also go white water rafting in the summer<br />

months too as I did a few years ago. We found out<br />

afterwards the rafting guide was none-other than<br />

Yngve Bergqvist, owner of the Ice Hotel who first<br />

arrived in the area in the 1970s. Who better to take<br />

us down the famous Torne River and grill us the<br />

tasty fish for our scenic lunch stop! The Northern<br />

Lights also start coming out in September so you can<br />

combine lots of opportunities for a special trip. Visit<br />

www.IceHotels.co.uk for more details.<br />

Another unique Swedish hotel is the Tree Hotel<br />

which became famous overnight a few years ago after<br />

being featured on a documentary about architectural<br />

wonders. Husband and wife team Kent and Britta<br />

run a snuggly guest house on the same land where<br />

you take your meals which adds a real home-away<br />

from home feel. Accommodations vary from a UFO<br />

to a Birds Nest and Mirror Cube! They are really<br />

relaxing, and the Seventh Room is larger and perfect<br />

for families.<br />

Kent and Britta’s latest project is the Arctic Bath,<br />

a floating construction on the nearby river. This<br />

certainly got some attention when it opened in<br />

February <strong>2020</strong> and quickly became one of the<br />

MONACO<br />

28


‘Must-stay’ hotels in Scandinavia.<br />

For a more classic bucket-list trip, the Venice-<br />

Simplon Orient-Express (VSOE) is truly magnificent.<br />

I was lucky to enjoy this art-deco icon a few years<br />

ago and I have to say it was superb. The whole<br />

experience was like stepping back in time. It was so<br />

luxurious but with a real sense of adventure and fun<br />

at the same time.<br />

The carriages on the VSOE have their own butler,<br />

are very elegant and luxurious with separate dining<br />

and bar cars. For more space why not opt for one of<br />

their Grand Suites which feature a full double bed<br />

and free flowing Champagne!<br />

The typical journey will start in London onboard<br />

the British Pullman which takes you to Folkestone.<br />

Here you travel under the channel where you will<br />

meet the VSOE for the main event. The beautifully<br />

restored carriages transport you to Paris where fresh<br />

provisions are collected for your dinner. The next<br />

morning the journey resumes south through the Alps<br />

to Venice where you arrive over the bridge in real<br />

style.<br />

Most clients will then enjoy a few nights in Venice<br />

after the journey of a lifetime (I suggest the Cipriani<br />

in a pool-side room). Others may choose to select<br />

a journey which takes in Verona or continues to<br />

Istanbul. You can also do the journey in reverse by<br />

flying to Venice first and returning on the train.<br />

Still in Italy, a popular event to attend is the annual<br />

concert by possibly the most loved tenor in the<br />

world, Andrea Bocelli. Every year he performs near<br />

the village where he grew up called Lajatico. The<br />

productions vary from year to year but are always<br />

spectacular in a unique open-air setting. The venue<br />

is located in the centre of Tuscany so you can stay<br />

in Florence or if you have been there before why<br />

not visit Siena further south. We know the area well<br />

so can help advise and create the perfect trip for<br />

you. We especially love the hilltop village of San<br />

Gimignano and medieval town of Lucca near Pisa<br />

which are both worth a visit too. Visit rbcollection.<br />

com/andreabocelli for details.<br />

Multi generation holidays continue to become<br />

more popular and what better way to create special<br />

moments together than on Safari. In the new<br />

socially distanced world we can arrange for your<br />

family bubble to have their own private safari lodge<br />

and enjoy your game viewing on a private basis<br />

altogether too. I enjoyed my first safari in South<br />

Africa which is perfect if you have not done this type<br />

of trip before. We enjoyed a few days in Cape Town<br />

before driving the Winelands and Garden Route and<br />

ended with the wildlife.<br />

My business partner Nathan has experienced a<br />

number of other safari destinations and from hearing<br />

about his experiences they all vary. From tented<br />

camps in Botswana where you can enjoy thrilling<br />

walking safaris to the great open plains of Kenya.<br />

Nathan has also visited Tanzania where you can<br />

combine Victoria Falls for a real WOW factor.<br />

VENICE-SIMPLON ORIENT-EXPRESS<br />

29


One thing to seriously consider when thinking about<br />

a safari is the time of year. As specialists we can<br />

advise on this to get the most out of your wildlife<br />

experience. If this would be your first safari, why<br />

not add on a few days at the beach at the end so you<br />

can digest all the new experiences you’ll encounter.<br />

There are a number of options depending on where<br />

you safari and we can help with the best option.<br />

For sports fans, plans are well underway to bring<br />

many of the popular spectator sports back in 2021<br />

and interest has already increased. Formula One<br />

Grand Prix for example are for many a real bucket<br />

list trip. Monaco in May tops the list and early<br />

booking is vital. We have experienced the thrill and<br />

noise of this electric race first-hand. The unique city<br />

circuit can be challenging to navigate but there are a<br />

few tricks we can offer to maximise your opportunity.<br />

Whatever or wherever is on your bucket list, we do<br />

suggest planning early. Keep an eye out for special<br />

flexible booking terms which will offer reassurance<br />

should circumstances change after you book. More<br />

70% of our clients traveling in <strong>2020</strong> postponed<br />

their trips to 2021 which means it is already a busy<br />

departure year. If it’s a dream holiday idea, book<br />

early with flexibility and then when the date comes<br />

around you won’t be disappointed.<br />

Our team have visited and experienced all of these<br />

suggestions so do contact us for first-hand knowledge<br />

and experience. It is never too early.<br />

Call RB Collection on 01543 258631 or email<br />

vip@rbcollection.com to book your bucket list<br />

trip.<br />

J’AIME<br />

READER OFFER<br />

Mention ‘J’AIME Magazine’ for a<br />

complimentary VIP departure package<br />

including security fast passes and VIP<br />

Lounge when booking one of the trips<br />

mentioned before January 31, 2021.<br />

BELMOND CAP JULUCA, ANGUILLA<br />

30


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Rosemary Lodge Care Home is a family<br />

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Our commitment to offering just the<br />

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For more information please contact<br />

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01543 415223 - Email: roselodgehome@aol.com<br />

www.rosemarylodgecarehome.co.uk


W H AT ’ S O N<br />

Santa Claus is coming to town<br />

DECEMBER MAY BE THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR FATHER CHRISTMAS BUT HE STILL<br />

FINDS TIME TO SHARE WITH CHILDREN THE WORLD OVER. HERE ARE SOME OF THE WAYS<br />

YOU CAN GET AN EXCLUSIVE AUDIENCE WITH HIM THIS MONTH<br />

WHERE: ALTON TOWERS RESORT<br />

WHEN: DATES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER<br />

Alton Towers Resort is hosting Santa sleepovers on selected dates this<br />

month, which include an overnight stay in a themed hotel or woodland<br />

lodge.<br />

Guests will also enjoy a festive evening meal, a visit to Santa’s woodland<br />

grotto, a gift from Santa and a souvenir family photograph with Father<br />

Christmas.<br />

New for <strong>2020</strong>, families can also experience two new outdoor attractions<br />

each afternoon and into the evening: an illuminated walk through the<br />

gardens and a lantern trail.<br />

Each stay also includes one-day entry into the theme park offering selected<br />

family rides including CBeebies Land on the day of arrival, as well as a visit<br />

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

round of Extraordinary Golf.<br />

For more details visit www.altontowers.com<br />

WHERE:DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK<br />

WHEN: DATES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER<br />

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

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

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

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

children invited into Father Christmas’ study for a photo opportunity.<br />

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

For more details visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk<br />

32


WHERE: THE SNOWDOME, TAMWORTH<br />

WHEN: DATES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER<br />

Santa’s Winter Wonderland is back at the SnowDome for the 16th year,<br />

amd has been specially adapted this year to be a COVID-safe experience<br />

for all the family.<br />

Each wonderland experience lasts around an hour and a half, including 30<br />

minutes of playing in the snow and 30 minutes in the Christmas village.<br />

Families can slide around in real snow and even throw snowballs before<br />

settling down to watch a theatre show starring Santa and his red-nosed<br />

reindeer.<br />

In the Christmas village children can write a letter to Santa, take a photo<br />

with Santa’s own Christmas tree and ride a carousel.<br />

For more details visit www.snowdome.co.uk<br />

WHERE: NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE FARM, TATENHILL<br />

WHEN: DATES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER<br />

The National Forest Adventure Farm has a whole string of festive<br />

attractions planned, including a show starring Father Christmas himself<br />

during which every child receives a present.<br />

There will also be an interactive, reindeer-themed show which will be<br />

personalised to include the names of the children watching.<br />

Children will be given a gingerbread man to decorate and can go on a<br />

tractor ride with an elf to visit some snowmen.<br />

The admission price also includes a free warm drink per person and<br />

a free carousel ride for children.<br />

For more details visit www.adventurefarm.co.uk<br />

WHERE:AMERTON RAILWAY<br />

WHEN: EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY IN DECEMBER<br />

PLUS CHRISTMAS EVE<br />

You can board a train at Amerton Station this month, travel to Toyland and<br />

choose your own present from Santa’s workshop.<br />

Everyone also receives a festive goody bag as the train winds its way through<br />

the picturesque Staffordshire countryside.<br />

To help keep it a safe experience for everyone this year passengers are asked<br />

to book an entire carriage for their family group, rather than sharing with<br />

other families.<br />

The railway is staffed by volunteers with all proceeds from the festive train<br />

service going to charity.<br />

For more details visit www.amertonrailway.co.uk<br />

WHERE: DOBBIES, SHENSTONE<br />

WHEN: DATES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER<br />

Dobbies staff have been working with Santa and his elves to ensure that the<br />

garden centre’s popular grotto can still open this Christmas.<br />

Families can still take their children to the Winter Wonderland to meet<br />

Father Christmas and receive a special gift. It’s even possible for mums<br />

and dads to select a suitable toy in advance to make sure there is no<br />

disappointment on the day.<br />

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

For more details visit www.dobbies.com<br />

33


FA S H I O N<br />

Festively fabulous<br />

DON’T LET LOCKDOWN DAMPEN YOUR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT; ADD A TOUCH OF<br />

SPARKLE TO YOUR FESTIVE WARDROBE AND SHIMMER YOUR WAY THROUGH<br />

KITCHEN DISCO SEASON, SAYS AMY NORBURY<br />

LET’S just get it out there; it’s safe to say that Christmas<br />

celebrations are going to look very different this year. The<br />

endless round of glamorous work parties, festive drinks with<br />

friends and bustling family gatherings which usually make up<br />

the whirlwind that is <strong>December</strong> are probably going to be far<br />

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

So it should come as no surprise that this season’s hottest trends<br />

can be summed up by the mantra ‘all dressed up with nowhere<br />

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

a little sparkle into your festive wardrobe; after all, if you look<br />

good, you feel good, and getting dolled up might just be the<br />

thing to lift your spirits - even if you’re confined to your living<br />

room.<br />

So grab your party shoes, don your sequins, and get ready to<br />

rock out at your kitchen disco.<br />

Lockdown life has all been about dressing for comfort, and that<br />

still stands. Wide-legged trousers and voluminous midi skirts<br />

- with the necessary elasticated waistband, of course - team<br />

perfectly with cosy knits for effortless style whether you’re out to<br />

dinner with your designated bubble or indulging in a festive feast<br />

at home.<br />

If you fancy upping the style stakes, wrap dresses and Seventiesstyle<br />

jumpsuits are chic choices for keeping things comfy.<br />

Sequins are back in a big way, adding an instant touch of<br />

glam to any outfit. A sequin jacket is perfect for throwing<br />

over your casual leggings and cami top combo, while sparkly<br />

embellishment can add a much-needed lift throughout your<br />

wardrobe.<br />

When it comes to hues <strong>2020</strong> has, perhaps understandably,<br />

been dominated by black, black and more black, and that still<br />

stands for the festive season. If you want to take a more dazzling<br />

approach, glitzy gold dominated the AW20 catwalks while<br />

opting for a seriously bold shade will help to add a touch of<br />

festive cheer.<br />

MISS S: GOLD METALLIC DRAPE DETAIL MINI DRESS,<br />

£29.99, AALIYAH SHOULDER BAG, £18, AND BLACK<br />

SPIRIT HEELS, £29, ALL MISS SELFRIDGE.<br />

WWW.MISSSELFRIDGE.COM<br />

34


£45 £60<br />

£65<br />

£32<br />

PEGGY PLEATED PU MIDI SKIRT,<br />

MONSOON. WWW.MONSOON.CO.UK<br />

FELIX JUMPER, DANCING LEOPARD.<br />

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M&S COLLECTION RELAXED<br />

RUCHED SLEEVE SEQUIN BLAZER,<br />

MARKS AND SPENCER.<br />

WWW.MARKSANDSPENCER.COM<br />

FAUX LEATHER JEANS, WALLIS.<br />

WWW.WALLIS.CO.UK<br />

£19.50<br />

£44<br />

£930<br />

ZIGZAG STRIPED KNOTTED<br />

HEADBAND, OLIVER BONAS.<br />

WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM<br />

HAPPEN BOOTS, OFFICE.<br />

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FRINGED TOP, NEXT.<br />

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SUSANNA STUDDED LEATHER BOOTS,<br />

CHLOE AT HARVEY NICHOLS.<br />

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£69<br />

AUTOGRAPH CASHMERE JUMPER, £79,<br />

AND M&S COLLECTION SEQUIN MIDI<br />

SKIRT, £39.50, MARKS AND SPENCER.<br />

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BOBBLE JUMPER, £35, AND PU<br />

JEANS, £28, DOROTHY PERKINS.<br />

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35


LO CA L A R E A<br />

Dreaming of a Royal<br />

Philharmonic Christmas<br />

A WORLD RENOWNED ORCHESTRA RELEASES A NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM<br />

THIS MONTH - AND IT WAS CREATED BY MUSICIANS RIGHT HERE IN LICHFIELD<br />

A Staffordshire music company has recorded an<br />

album of popular Christmas songs with the Royal<br />

Philharmonic Orchestra.<br />

Cathedral city-based Swan Music is behind the<br />

recording. The team has previously worked with the<br />

likes of Imelda May, Brian McFadden and Boyzlife<br />

alongside working on film and TV projects.<br />

A Royal Philharmonic Christmas includes orchestral<br />

versions of festive hits such as Wizzard’s I Wish<br />

It Could Be Christmas Every Day, Slade’s Merry<br />

Christmas Everybody and classics including White<br />

Christmas.<br />

Swan Music musical director and producer Danny<br />

McCormack said: “I am very excited about working<br />

with such a fabulous orchestra and bringing some<br />

Christmas cheer at the end of what has been a very<br />

difficult year.<br />

“The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra versions of<br />

these great Christmas songs are bright and powerful -<br />

we hope people enjoy them.”<br />

To enable social distancing the recording took<br />

place at St John’s Smith Square, a former church in<br />

London’s Westminster which is now used as a concert<br />

hall.<br />

Danny created the sheet music for the production.<br />

“Instead of traditional Christmas songs we decided<br />

to feature modern Christmas hits, something that<br />

The Royal Philharmonic has not done before,” he<br />

said.<br />

“We found St John’s Smith Square which is a<br />

beautiful venue in London. We were supported<br />

by Floating Earth, a brilliant outside broadcasting<br />

company, in making a studio out of this former<br />

church.”<br />

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recordings consultant<br />

Ian Maclay said: “We have done many crossover<br />

albums in the past. It is always enjoyable for the<br />

players to let their hair down and recording some<br />

classic Christmas tracks that are familiar to everyone<br />

allows them to do that.<br />

THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC<br />

ORCHESTRA<br />

“If more people get to hear the Royal Philharmonic<br />

Orchestra through this album, that would be<br />

brilliant.”<br />

Swan Music managing Director Iain Kerr added:<br />

“Following on from our recent success with Brian<br />

McFadden and Keith Duffy’s debut album, Strings<br />

Attached, we had a couple of epic projects in the<br />

pipeline.<br />

“However, because of Covid these have been pushed<br />

back to next year, so we are very excited to be able<br />

to pull together this unique independent production<br />

with the Royal Philharmonic and really hope it is<br />

well received.<br />

“Like most music releases nowadays it will be<br />

available internationally on all digital stores but we<br />

are also pressing a limited number of CDs and vinyl<br />

copies.<br />

“We have been burning the midnight oil and think<br />

this album will be something special.”<br />

A Royal Philharmonic Christmas is due for release<br />

on Tuesday, <strong>December</strong> 1.<br />

Earlier this year Swan Music, which specialises<br />

in music production and composition, launched<br />

YourSong where anyone who loves to sing can go<br />

along and make a record, just like at Sun Studios in<br />

Memphis, USA, where Elvis Presley made his first<br />

recordings.<br />

36


07815 460786<br />

01827 892952<br />

Passionate motorcycle rider John Brown hits the road<br />

again thanks to successful hand surgery<br />

Motorcycle paramedic John Brown has been passionate about motorcycles from an early age. His<br />

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

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

a big part of my life” explained John.<br />

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

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

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

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

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

opportunity.<br />

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

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

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

frustrating that it was becoming so difficult” explained John.<br />

A family member recommended John should speak with hand and wrist specialist Mr<br />

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

pandemic so I was unsure what was possible. However, Mr Shyamalan conducted a video<br />

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

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

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

Six weeks after his hand surgery, when the travel<br />

restrictions had been lifted, John was able to enjoy a 4000<br />

mile bike tour around Europe. John is really happy with the<br />

results of his treatment and he is busy planning his next<br />

biking adventure.<br />

Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany<br />

Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com<br />

Call: 07815 460786 | 01827 892952<br />

www.midlandhandclinic.com


W H AT ’ S O N<br />

What’s On Local<br />

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

TIME OF GOING TO PRESS ALL OF THESE EVENTS WERE STILL DUE TO TAKE PLACE<br />

WHAT: ARTISAN MARKET<br />

WHERE: BUZZARDS VALLEY, SHIRRALL DRIVE, DRAYTON<br />

BASSETT, TAMWORTH<br />

WHEN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13<br />

Buzzards Valley’s regular artisan markets have become the place to go if<br />

you want to pick up locally produced food and drink or crafted objects.<br />

This month’s market will be extra special as the November event had to be<br />

postponed due to the national lockdown.<br />

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

up on foodie treats to keep for yourself.<br />

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

scent of pine already.<br />

WHAT: PANTOMIME<br />

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK<br />

WHEN: DECEMBER 18 TO JANUARY 3<br />

The Lichfield Garrick’s annual panto is believed to be the only live panto still<br />

currently due to take place in front of a theatre audience in the Midlands this<br />

Christmas.<br />

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

from one another and their carefully seated audience.<br />

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

deliver three shows each day.<br />

Read our interview with the cast to find out why Jack and the Beanstalk is not<br />

to be missed.<br />

WHAT: BALLET<br />

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM REP<br />

WHEN: DECEMBER 14 TO 22<br />

What could be more magical than watching classic Christmas fairytale The<br />

Nutcracker in the run up to the big day itself ?<br />

Birmingham Royal Ballet and Birmingham Repertory Theatre have<br />

joined forces to put together a specially adapted production which is set to<br />

be performed in a covid-safe environment for performers and household<br />

bubbles alike.<br />

The full-length show has been shortened to 80 minutes but will still feature<br />

award-winning choreography originally put together for the Royal Albert<br />

Hall.<br />

As well as the Birmingham Royal Ballet company the show will include<br />

students and recent graduates from Elmhurst Ballet School and the<br />

Royal Ballet School whose career beginnings have been impacted by the<br />

pandemic.<br />

38


WHAT: DRIVE-IN CINEMA<br />

WHERE: NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE<br />

WHEN: DATES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER<br />

So many of the entertainment venues we love have struggled<br />

to reopen in a covid-safe way, but drive-in cinema has<br />

experienced a renaissance this year.<br />

Like so many families, we’ve loved having the full cinematic<br />

experience again, but without having to leave the safety of the<br />

car.<br />

The Luna drive-in cinema is due to return to the NEC once<br />

the national lockdown has ended.<br />

Films are due to include festive favourites such as Love<br />

Actually, Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Holiday<br />

and Elf.<br />

WHAT: MURDER MYSTERY EVENING<br />

WHERE: THE GEORGE HOTEL, LICHFIELD<br />

WHEN: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3<br />

Lichfield’s George Hotel is planning to get the festive season<br />

off to a roaring start by staging one of its popular murder<br />

mystery evenings.<br />

Guests will tuck into a three course dinner while trying to get<br />

to the bottom of whodunnit.<br />

The story of ‘Trouble at Mill’ will gradually unfold during<br />

the course of the evening and it will be up to the guests<br />

themselves to question the characters and look for clues.<br />

The venue has a number of other covid-safe events planned<br />

including lunch with Santa and an afternoon tea combined<br />

with Christmas carols.<br />

WHAT: ILLUMINATED TRAIL<br />

WHERE: NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM<br />

WHEN: DECEMBER 9 TO 19<br />

You may have been to the National Memorial Arboretum<br />

before, but you won’t have seen it as you will this month.<br />

An illuminated trail has been set up through the gardens and<br />

woodlands so that visitors can enjoy the true majesty of the<br />

site after dark.<br />

The route has been changed for this year and is suitable for<br />

visitors of all ages.<br />

To keep the event covid-safe the number of tickets has been<br />

limited and tickets must be booked in advance.<br />

39


W H AT ’ S O N<br />

A very cathedral Christmas<br />

EVEN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC CAN’T STAND IN THE WAY OF LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL<br />

BEING THE FOCAL POINT OF THE REGION’S FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS - WITH SOME<br />

VERY SPECIAL PLANS IN STORE FOR THIS MONTH<br />

Christmas may be different for all of us this year but<br />

we can be sure of one thing - Lichfield Cathedral will<br />

continue to be a focal point for celebrations.<br />

For centuries the cathedral has formed the<br />

centrepiece of many people’s festive season and this<br />

year, whilst a little unusual, will still give us all a dose<br />

of that Christmas cheer that we crave.<br />

The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of<br />

Lichfield, said: “Undoubtedly Advent and<br />

Christmas are going to be quite different in<br />

<strong>2020</strong>. Whatever happens between now and<br />

<strong>December</strong> 25 in terms of public health and<br />

national policy, we’re reimagining a plan for<br />

Advent and Christmas with great ingenuity.<br />

“Christmas is such an important moment in<br />

the Christian calendar that we will find ways<br />

to bring the atmosphere and spirit of the<br />

season to the community we serve.”<br />

Alongside a programme of services in the<br />

run up to Christmas Lichfield Cathedral<br />

will be hosting the award-winning The<br />

Cathedral Illuminated in a different format<br />

to create an enjoyable and COVID-secure<br />

experience for all.<br />

The Cathedral Illuminated <strong>2020</strong>: The<br />

Manger will run from <strong>December</strong> 16 to 22<br />

with early showings from 5pm on into the<br />

evening.<br />

This year the event will be completely<br />

outside with a safe one-way route created<br />

around the Close and significantly reduced<br />

numbers of time slots per evening.<br />

The spectacular light and sound show will<br />

be viewed facing the front of the cathedral,<br />

where there is ample room for people to<br />

enjoy the show while remaining safe and<br />

socially distanced from other households.<br />

“Christmas wouldn’t be the same<br />

in Lichfield without The Cathedral<br />

Illuminated,” said Peter Walker, from the<br />

artistic collaboration Luxmuralis that creates<br />

the light and sound show.<br />

“Families from far and wide have made it part of<br />

their Christmas tradition and we felt it was important<br />

to rework the illuminations for our current situation.<br />

“We have been working closely with the cathedral<br />

over the last few months to create a truly festive<br />

40


experience that is safe for people to attend.<br />

“We have incorporated some really beautiful imagery<br />

into the projection on the front of the cathedral to<br />

create a special moment for everyone who visits.”<br />

To mark the 150th anniversary of Charles Dickens’<br />

A Christmas Carol, a special piece has been created<br />

in collaboration with the Dickens Museum London<br />

to kick off the illuminations.<br />

Following this there will be a light and sound<br />

celebration of all things festive - trees, presents,<br />

carols, lights and Santa Claus.<br />

The grand finale to the Cathedral Illuminated will<br />

be a visual re-telling of the Christmas story using<br />

footage of the inside of the cathedral as a backdrop.<br />

This year’s Cathedral Illuminated is made possible in<br />

part by the financial support of Richard Winterton<br />

Auctioneers.<br />

Richard Winterton said: “Each year The Cathedral<br />

Illuminated brings so much joy and festive cheer to<br />

the city and we fervently hope that this year it will<br />

also serve as a beacon of light to a brighter future<br />

built on the joy of Christmas.”<br />

Lichfield Cathedral has also formed a partnership<br />

with St Paul’s Cathedral in Minnesota, USA, which<br />

will be projecting parts of the Cathedral Illuminated<br />

show onto its own building during the first three days<br />

of the illuminations in Lichfield as an international<br />

display of solidarity.<br />

The Cathedral Illuminated will run from <strong>December</strong><br />

16 to 22 with timed tickets from 5pm into the<br />

evening. Tickets are £5.50 for adults, £4 for children<br />

(under 5s are free) or £16 for a family. Tickets are<br />

available from<br />

www.lichfield-cathedral.org/illuminated<br />

41


I N T H E N E W S<br />

Shop local this Christmas<br />

SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES HAS NEVER<br />

BEEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN IT IS THIS FESTIVE SEASON<br />

When you buy from a small independent business you<br />

are directly helping the economy in the area where<br />

you live. You’re helping to keep a business going and<br />

you’re helping to keep people in employment. You’re<br />

literally putting food on the table and presents under<br />

the tree for people who may have been hard hit by the<br />

effects of COVID-19.<br />

So when you’re shopping for Christmas presents,<br />

please try to shop small and shop local wherever you<br />

can. That way you’re not only treating your loved<br />

ones, you’re helping your community too.<br />

Lichfield District Council has launched a #LoveLocal<br />

This Christmas campaign to encourage people to do<br />

exactly that.<br />

Councillor Liz Little, cabinet member for economic<br />

development, said: “Our city and town centres are<br />

the beating heart of our communities and we hope<br />

everyone will take this opportunity to show their<br />

support and shop locally.<br />

“From independent shops to high street stores, the<br />

district is packed with plenty of places to buy presents<br />

for family and friends.<br />

“Shopping for food and gifts in the district will help<br />

support the local economy, boosting the area during<br />

these challenging times.”<br />

The district council has been calling on people to buy<br />

from local businesses online, through click and collect<br />

services and by using food takeaways and deliveries.<br />

It has also put together an online directory of shops in<br />

Lichfield and Burntwood, including details of when<br />

they’re open and how you can buy items remotely. You<br />

can find the directory here: www.lichfielddc.gov.uk<br />

42


G I F T G U I D E<br />

All present and correct<br />

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT. EVERY SINGLE ITEM<br />

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

YOUR MONEY WISELY THIS CHRISTMAS AND YOU CAN BRING SOME CHEER TO YOUR<br />

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

GIFTING COULD WELL BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT THIS CHRISTMAS TOO. AS WE ALL SPEND<br />

MORE TIME AT HOME THERE IS LIKELY TO BE MORE OF AN EMPHASIS ON TREATS TO MAKE<br />

OUR LIVING SPACE MORE LUXURIOUS AND DELICIOUS FOODS TO EAT.<br />

£102<br />

£14<br />

KITCHENAID 2.1L FOOD PROCESSOR,<br />

TIPPERS, EUROPA WAY, LICHFIELD,<br />

01543 440020, WWW.TIPPERS.COM<br />

SILVER AND BLUE JOHN CUFFLINKS, ALLEN BROWN<br />

JEWELLERY, HEART OF THE COUNTRY SHOPPING<br />

VILLAGE, SWINFEN, LICHFIELD, 01543 481 948<br />

WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK<br />

9CT WHITE GOLD AND DOUBLET OPAL<br />

STUD EARRINGS, ALLEN BROWN JEWELLERY,<br />

HEART OF THE COUNTRY SHOPPING VILLAGE,<br />

SWINFEN, LICHFIELD, 01543 481 948<br />

WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK £960<br />

UNIQUE, PERSONALISED ARTWORK,<br />

FROM DESIGNS BY HOGAN ON<br />

FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND ETSY<br />

£155.99<br />

£240<br />

SILVER EARRINGS SET WITH BLUE TOPAZ,<br />

CRYSTAL AND FRESHWATER PEARLS,<br />

ALLEN BROWN JEWELLERY, HEART OF THE<br />

COUNTRY SHOPPING VILLAGE, SWINFEN,<br />

LICHFIELD, 01543 481 948<br />

WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK<br />

£164<br />

COLD CAST BRONZE RESIN BENGAL<br />

TIGER SCULPTURE BY MITKO KAVRIKOV,<br />

EDEN GALLERY, THE HEXAGON CENTRE,<br />

CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE,<br />

WATERY LANE, LICHFIELD, 01543 268393<br />

WWW.EDENARTANDFRAMING.CO.UK<br />

£289<br />

KITCHENAID 4.3L TILT-HEAD MIXER, TIPPERS, EUROPA<br />

WAY, LICHFIELD, 01543 440020, WWW.TIPPERS.COM<br />

£86.50<br />

£39<br />

THE APIARIST GIN,<br />

WWW.THEAPIARISTGIN.COM<br />

BEE VENOM MASK,<br />

HEAVENSKINCARE.COM<br />

43


INDIVIDUALLY-MADE CHRISTMAS DOOR<br />

WREATHS BY RUSTIC CHIC UK, ORDER VIA<br />

FACEBOOK.COM/RUSTICCHICBYCHRISSYJOAN<br />

OR VISIT BETTIE’S CREATIVE HOME EMPORIUM,<br />

BEAUCHAMP INDUSTRIAL PARK, WATLING<br />

STREET, TAMWORTH<br />

30 MINUTE SOCIALLY<br />

DISTANCED PHOTO SHOOT<br />

IN SUTTON COLDFIELD OR<br />

LICHFIELD INCLUDING<br />

THREE IMAGES, £95. J’AIME<br />

READERS CAN RECEIVE<br />

A 10% DISCOUNT.<br />

WWW.LISACARPENTERPHOTOS.COM<br />

PICK UP A VOUCHER FOR THYME KITCHEN,<br />

WATERY LANE, LICHFIELD, 01543 264050,<br />

HELLO@THYMEKITCHEN.CO.UK<br />

MULTIPLE DIFFERENT PATTERNS AVAILABLE IN<br />

STAINLESS STEEL OR SILVER-PLATED TO SUIT<br />

YOUR TABLE/DECOR.<br />

PRICES START FROM £249 FOR A 44-PIECE<br />

CANTEEN, WWW.ARTHURPRICE.COM OR<br />

FACTORY SHOP, BRITANNIA WAY, LICHFIELD<br />

44<br />

CATHEDRAL PRAYERS FOR ALL BOOK BY<br />

CANON IAN STOCKTON, £10, CAN BE<br />

ORDERED FROM ALL GOOD BOOKSHOPS<br />

USING THE ISBN CODE 1-9160-1528-9 OR<br />

DIRECTLY FROM THE AUTHOR BY EMAILING<br />

IAN.G.STOCKTON@GMAIL.COM


eyond the horizon<br />

Let’s create something to look forward to<br />

Luxury Interior Design Services:<br />

Colour Consultations, Handmade Curtains & Bespoke Upholstery,<br />

Furniture Specifying, Individual Room Design, Kitchens,<br />

Bathrooms & Full Home Design.<br />

Residential & Commercial Interiors.<br />

Email: Info@naomistarrdesign.com<br />

Website: www.naomistarrdesign.com<br />

Tel: 07950334063<br />

Nothing can beat personal advice when you’re looking to put<br />

the last few months behind you and make plans to look<br />

forward, whether that’s a last-minute getaway or you’re<br />

planning ahead to next year.<br />

You will always have the support of a real person,<br />

be it face-to-face, by video, phone or email -<br />

whenever you need me.<br />

Charlotte Mitchell<br />

Travel Counsellor<br />

0121 314 6650 or 07860 944207<br />

charlotte.mitchell@travelcounsellors.com<br />

www.travelcounsellors.com/charlotte.mitchell<br />

www.facebook.com/CharlotteMitchellTC<br />

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT?<br />

Based in the Jewellery Quarter we buy and sell most prestigious<br />

watch brands including Rolex, Breitling, Omega, TAG Heuer, Cartier,<br />

Panerai, IWC and look forward to meeting you for a pre-arranged<br />

appointment to view the watch of your choice.<br />

All of our watches are meticulously prepared by an experienced<br />

watchmaker and come with either the manufacturer’s warranty, or<br />

our 12 months warranty. Additionally we offer a 14 day money back<br />

guarantee on all online orders for your peace of mind.<br />

WE ALSO BUY MOST PRESTIGIOUS WATCH BRANDS<br />

• Fair prices paid<br />

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

• Sell with confidence and trust<br />

WE ARE TRUSTPILOT’S HIGHEST RATED WATCH COMPANY IN<br />

THE MIDLANDS, AND THE SECOND HIGHEST IN THE UK.<br />

FIND US IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER AT BRANSTON COURT, BRANSTON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B18 6BA<br />

ALL VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.<br />

TEL: 0121 405 4055 - EMAIL: SALES@WATCHESOFSUTTON.CO.UK - WEB: WATCHESOFSUTTON.CO.UK<br />

WATCHESOFSUTTON<br />

WATCHES_OF_SUTTON


LUXURY FOOD HAMPER, £65,<br />

WWW.LICHFIELDHAMPERS.COM<br />

AND THEN THE SUN CAME OUT FRAMED LIMITED<br />

EDITION BY SAM TOFT, £149, EDEN GALLERY, THE<br />

HEXAGON CENTRE, CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE<br />

CENTRE, WATERY LANE, LICHFIELD, 01543 268393<br />

WWW.EDENARTANDFRAMING.CO.UK<br />

FOOD AND WINE HAMPERS AVAILABLE FROM THE ARTISAN WINE AND GIFT SHOP AT<br />

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

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

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

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

RADIUS. OFFERS VALID UNTIL CHRISTMAS <strong>2020</strong>. BUZZARDS VALLEY, SHIRRALL DRIVE, DRAYTON<br />

BASSETT, 0121 308 1951, WWW.BUZZARDS-VALLEY.CO.UK<br />

MAY N MAR LADY 2019 BY IAN TINSLEY POTTERY, £65,<br />

BAREWALL GALLERY, WWW.BAREWALL.CO.UK<br />

STAFFORDSHIRE GRIDDLE, £75,<br />

WWW.KO-FI.COM/S/9B80DDB578<br />

CERAMIC STARS, £12,<br />

WWW.DENISEOSULLIVAN.COM<br />

46<br />

FOOD AND WINE HAMPERS AVAILABLE FROM THE ARTISAN WINE AND GIFT SHOP AT BUZZARDS<br />

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

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

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

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

<strong>2020</strong>. BUZZARDS VALLEY, SHIRRALL DRIVE, DRAYTON BASSETT, 0121 308 1951,<br />

WWW.BUZZARDS-VALLEY.CO.UK


£34<br />

LICHFIELD ARTWORK BY CHRIS DAY. J’AIME READERS<br />

CAN CLAIM A 20% DISCOUNT BY USING THE CODE<br />

CHRISTMAS20 AT THE ONLINE CHECKOUT AT<br />

WWW.CHRISDAYDESIGN.CO.UK<br />

YOGA AND WELLNESS GIFT BOXES,<br />

WWW.KULAKARMABOX.COM<br />

ART FOR ALL<br />

Perfect Gift Ideas<br />

visit<br />

Eden Gallery<br />

at<br />

Curborough Countryside Centre<br />

and view our<br />

Diverse Range of Art and Sculpture<br />

Together with our large and varied range of art, we now<br />

stock a large range of sculptures with something for every<br />

price and pocket. From a delightful range of cold cast<br />

hand-painted bronze mice, a stunning collection of nickel<br />

resin animal sculpture and high-quality cold cast and<br />

cast bronze sculpture from across the UK.<br />

We Are Family – Framed Ltd Edition by Gary Walton<br />

(Framed Size 94cm x 55cm)<br />

Price: £265<br />

Eden Gallery, The Hexagon Centre, Curborough<br />

Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES<br />

Telephone: 01543 268393 - www.edenartandframing.co.uk<br />

Opening hours: Wed - Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm


I N T H E N E W S<br />

New showroom for Broadway<br />

BROADWAY KITCHENS HAS OPENED A LARGE NEW SUTTON<br />

COLDFIELD SHOWROOM TO COPE WITH INCREASED DEMAND<br />

Quality always speaks for itself, which is<br />

why Broadway Kitchens has moved to<br />

a much larger showroom to cope with<br />

increased demand in a year which has<br />

seen many other companies falter.<br />

The business was established back in 1974<br />

and has been run by three generations of<br />

the same family ever since.<br />

Kitchens of the highest quality are<br />

manufactured at the family’s own factory<br />

in Walsall then sold through showrooms<br />

in Sutton Coldfield and Essex.<br />

The attention to detail is meticulous<br />

and is part of the reason for Broadway<br />

Kitchens’ continued success over the<br />

decades. It is also known as a business run<br />

with traditional family values.<br />

The family have been overwhelmed with repeat<br />

business from their local community and say they are<br />

grateful for the word-of-mouth recommendations<br />

that have helped them so much.<br />

Moving to a larger showroom, in Hardwick Road,<br />

Sutton Coldfield, has enabled Broadway Kitchens to<br />

expand its range and offer additional services.<br />

It is now a La Canche cooker stockist with a wide<br />

range of models of various hob and oven types<br />

including built-in hob options, dual fuel options and<br />

cookers of varying shapes and sizes to suit all homes.<br />

When it comes to kitchen appliances you can<br />

browse the latest downward extractors, freezers and<br />

induction hobs in makes including Sub Zero, Wolf<br />

and Siemens.<br />

Broadway is planning to offer a full bathroom<br />

installation service as well as<br />

manufacturing home studies.<br />

The super-friendly staff are just a<br />

phone call away and are always happy<br />

to discuss the bespoke needs of each<br />

individual customer.<br />

They are looking forward to<br />

welcoming customers, both old and<br />

new, for a chat over a coffee and a<br />

browse of the stunning new displays.<br />

A separate business will also be<br />

opening a showroom within the<br />

premises for home cinema installations.<br />

Broadway Kitchens, 128-138<br />

Hardwick Road. Streetly, B74 3DP,<br />

0121 353 4999,<br />

enquiries@kitchensbybroadway.co.uk,<br />

www.bespokekitchensbybroadway.co.uk<br />

48


MANUFACTURER OF LUXURY BESPOKE KITCHENS<br />

WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW LARGER SHOWROOM<br />

BROADWAY KITCHENS<br />

BROADWAY KITCHENS<br />

BROADWAY KITCHENS<br />

MANUFACTURER OF LUXURY BESPOKE KITCHENS<br />

Family Business Est. 1974<br />

MANUFACTURER OF LUXURY BESPOKE KITCHENS<br />

MANUFACTURER OF LUXURY BESPOKE KITCHENS<br />

A photograph of one of<br />

our most recent installations<br />

Visit our Birmingham showroom to see and feel the quality.<br />

Call to discuss your kitchen project and book a FREE,<br />

no-obligation design consultation today!<br />

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B E AU T Y<br />

Tackling men’s winter skin woes<br />

ENSURING YOUR SKIN IS WELL FED AND LOOKED AFTER THROUGHOUT THE WINTER IS<br />

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

COMING MONTHS. ROYAL FACIALIST AND FOUNDER OF HEAVEN SKINCARE DEBORAH<br />

MITCHELL SHARES HER TOP WINTER GROOMING TIPS<br />

Many of my male clients say they don’t have the<br />

time for a daily skincare routine, so anything you can<br />

introduce into your current shaving ritual means you<br />

have no excuse but to take care of your complexion.<br />

Post-shave aftercare is vital when it comes to keeping<br />

your skin in tip top condition, especially at this time<br />

of year. My Post Shave Spray, £46, is quick<br />

and easy to use and is designed to close pores, and<br />

prevent shaving rash and hair getting trapped in<br />

follicles.<br />

Follow up with my SOS Shave Oil, £46, to<br />

protect and repair damage, improve texture and add<br />

nourishment.<br />

If you really are short of time then my<br />

all-in-one Shave, Shower, Shampoo,<br />

£37, cleans, moisturises and hydrates; you<br />

can use it as a shower gel, a shampoo and<br />

a shaving wash. It suits all skin types, does<br />

three jobs in one and contains organic<br />

essential oils. Win, win.<br />

As your skin ages its requirements change<br />

– you’ll find it becomes more dehydrated,<br />

while fine lines and discolouration start<br />

to appear. You can tackle this with a daily<br />

moisturiser that not only hydrates the skin<br />

but also tightens at the same time. My bestselling<br />

M4M Anti-Ageing Moisturiser,<br />

£64, feeds the skin and relieves stress,<br />

thanks to its combination of essential<br />

nutrients. It works to improves fine lines for<br />

a more youthful appearance; perfect for a<br />

winter boost.<br />

For so many of us it’s the skin around our<br />

eyes that shows those first tell-tale signs of<br />

ageing so it’s important to use products that<br />

are gentle enough and specifically designed<br />

for this delicate area. I created Heaven’s<br />

O2 Eye Cream, £37, to tackle fine lines<br />

and wrinkles while promote healthier<br />

looking skin. Its non-greasy solution is great<br />

for the morning after the night before,<br />

perking puffy and tired eyes.<br />

Cold days outdoors and central heating<br />

inside invariably leads to a whole host of<br />

complexion issues and while your everyday cleansers<br />

and moisturisers are great to keep the surface of your<br />

skin in good condition, adding a regular face mask<br />

to your weekly routine can help with dehydration,<br />

clogged pores, fine lines and break-outs. Blemishbusting<br />

masks – like my world renowned Black Bee<br />

Venom Mask, £163 – are designed to penetrate<br />

deeper into the layers of your skin, helping draw out<br />

impurities, remove the build-up of dead cells and<br />

increase hydration to give your face the TLC it really<br />

needs.<br />

You can shop the complete Heaven’s grooming range<br />

online at heavenskincare.com.<br />

50


Probate and formal valuations<br />

for inheritance tax purposes<br />

Our reliable and sympathetic<br />

team can assist all executors in the<br />

administration of deceased estates<br />

From jewellery and large collections<br />

to cars, furniture and household<br />

items, we handle everything<br />

Comprehensive, bespoke<br />

clearance service and<br />

downsizing solutions<br />

We handle clearance of an entire<br />

estate from houses, bungalows and<br />

flats to offices and all other buildings<br />

We specialise in:<br />

Antique and modern jewellery<br />

Watches<br />

Gemstones<br />

Silverware<br />

Coins, medals and militaria<br />

Works of art<br />

Whisky and wine<br />

Vintage toys<br />

Stamps and ephemera<br />

Cameras and record collections<br />

Scientific equipment<br />

Antique and modern furniture<br />

Record-breaking<br />

international sales<br />

More than 3,000 bidders from<br />

all over the world joined our latest<br />

online Fine Arts Sale<br />

Online services available<br />

Virtual estimates, online auctions<br />

and contactless collections.<br />

Valuations and viewing by<br />

appointment only<br />

Qualified<br />

All members of our jewellery<br />

department are certified<br />

gemmologists and diamond graders<br />

Established – Professional – Transparent<br />

The Winterton family name has been synonymous<br />

with auctioneering in Staffordshire since 1864<br />

01543 251081<br />

www.richardwinterton.co.uk<br />

richardwinterton@richardwinterton.co.uk<br />

The Lichfield<br />

Auction Centre,<br />

Wood End Lane,<br />

Fradley Park<br />

WS13 8NF<br />

NAJ A4 ad_August_<strong>2020</strong>.indd 1 08/07/<strong>2020</strong> 15:56

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