J'AIME April 2021

A P R I L 2 0 2 1
J’AIME
Y O U R L O C A L L U X U R Y L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E
Between
the lines:
SPRING’S MOST
STYLISH PRINT
J O I N O U R
#LOVE
LOCAL
C A M PA I G N
SERENE SPA
VIBES FOR YOUR
BATHROOM
MASTERCHEF’S BART
VAN DER LEE COOKS UP
A STORM IN LICHFIELD

P R E P
All our parents have one thing in common – they do not want their children to grow up too fast.
Childhood is the precious time when imagination knows no bounds.
Repton Prep is set in 55 acres of Derbyshire countryside. It is a magical place where children can
be children and yet learn at the same time. A den in the woods and an English lesson, a picnic in the
bluebells and a Science class – at Repton Prep, all of these experiences are learning opportunities.
Our co-ed community of 440 happy pupils welcomes full and flexi-boarders from age 7-13 and day
children from age 3-13.
“ WE WANT OUR
CHILDREN TO
STAY CHILDREN
FOR LONGER.”
reptonprep.org.uk
To arrange your personal virtual tour for you and your child please
call us on 01283 707112 or email registrar@repton.org.uk

Welcome to J’AIME
April has all the makings of a month to remember. It’s set
to be the month when we can finally get a haircut, enjoy
lunch outside a cafe or shop in person for things that aren’t
just the absolute essentials.
Here at J’AIME we couldn’t be more excited about
getting some of our freedoms back and seeing some of
our favourite local businesses opening their doors once
again. That’s why we have chosen this month to launch
#LoveLocal, a campaign to highlight some of the
amazing independents based right across our patch.
Over the next six months we will be celebrating local
businesses as they reopen and life starts to return to
something a little more like normal. In this month’s
#LoveLocal coverage you can read about pubs investing
in their outdoor spaces, read about the plans of three
local food and drink businesses, hear more from a hair
salon owner about her reopening plans and read about
three Lichfield businesses. Keep an eye out for more
#LoveLocal content next month.
You’ll see the address of our website across the bottom
of each page in this magazine and that’s because we’ve
given www.jaimemagazine.com a wonderful revamp.
You can visit the website to read everything you see in the
magazine plus much, much more. The website is updated
each day and includes positive, uplifting lifestyle articles
from right across the Midlands.
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, flick-through version of the magazine free of charge
at www.jaimemagazine.com
Within the April magazine you can read our interview with
MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Bart van der Lee
and read about an award-winning artist who paints mobile
phones into his masterpieces.
Add to that our usual mix of interiors, property, fashion,
beauty, travel, fitness and food and we hope we have
something for everyone.
We hope our upbeat, positive content will bring a little
added cheer to your life.
Please don’t forget to support your local independent
businesses. When you buy from a small business you’re
supporting your community and helping to keep people in
jobs.
From everyone at J’AIME, may we wish you a happy, sunny,
cheerful April.
EDITOR: AMY NORBURY
EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY
ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
07388 335 931
DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTORS: JENNY AMPHLETT, NATHAN
COLLINS, DEBORAH MITCHELL, RAUL ROMERO
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

CONTENTS
InsideJ’aime this month...
6 Feature - MasterChef: The Professionals
finalist Bart van der Lee
8 Feature - Meet the award-winning artist who
paints mobile phones into his masterpieces
10 Property - Could this be the home of your
dreams?
12 Interiors - Go green
18 Interiors - Bathroom inspiration
22 #LoveLocal - Lichfield independent businesses
24 #LoveLocal - Hospitality businesses prepare to
reopen
26 Food and drink - The new rum made using
Staffordshire honey
28 Travel - Exciting new destinations and
itineraries to look forward to
32 Fashion - Stripy style
34 #LoveLocal - Hair and beauty businesses
prepare to reopen
36 Beauty - Finding the right moisturiser for you
38 Fitness - Squat hard or go home
40 Health - The health benefits of owning a
dog
42 In the news - Anniversary celebrations for a
community group
SPONSORED BY
4

FEATURE
A work of Bart
TV CHEF BART VAN DER LEE HAS BEEN COOKING UP A STORM IN
LICHFIELD, SO J’AIME SENT JENNY AMPHLETT TO MEET HIM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECKY TRANTER
MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Bart van
der Lee usually spends his days working as the
private chef for a wealthy family in Chelsea,
creating healthy daily meals and catering for
the glittering parties they held pre-coronavirus.
But the 33-year-old runner-up in the 2020
series of the TV show took a week out from
cycling around the capital in search of the
best quality seafood to cook for people in the
Midlands instead.
Bart, who is originally from the Netherlands
and runs his own recipe website, spent a week
in Lichfield creating exclusive dine at home
boxes with Sauce Supper Club.
The three course meals were based on the recipes he
cooked in the final of MasterChef: The Professionals,
including a starter of scallops and a beef sirloin
main.
“The dine at home boxes were a real hit and they
all sold out very quickly,” he says. “I was cooking for
around 250 people, so very different to my day to
day life when I’m mostly cooking for one family and
their private parties.”
Bart found himself faced with no less than 45 kilos of
sirloin steak and 35 kilos of oxtails.
“I looked at all those oxtails and thought how
on earth am I going to pull it all off the bones.
Thankfully I had a couple of great guys working with
me in the kitchen.”
It was the first time Bart has visited Lichfield or
even the Midlands, and he says he enjoyed a bit
of sightseeing as he cycled between his hotel and
Thyme Kitchen, where Sauce Supper Club is based.
“It’s been lovely to cycle past the cathedral and the
pools, to get to know the area a little bit,” he says.
“I’m usually down in Chelsea making breakfasts,
lunches and dinners for one family. It’s incredibly
personalised; I’ve known the family for more than
10 years so I have a very good idea of what they
do and don’t like to eat. Before that I’ve worked in
restaurants and been a private chef on a yacht.
“When you’re a private chef you know all about
every individual dietary requirement but also need to
be able to create big dinners for parties.
“The last year hasn’t involved any parties though,
just mainly lots of very healthy seafood and fish.
“So I usually spend my days cycling around West
6 www.jaimemagazine.com

London going to markets to buy the best produce
and then preparing a delicious lunch.
“The family never tell me what I have to cook so
I’m completely free to be creative and use the best
ingredients I can find.”
Bart says the opportunities he’s been given as a result
of appearing on MasterChef: The Professionals have
been ‘amazing’.
“I’ve been given the chance to do things I could
never have imagined,” he says. “I was a simple and
humble chef and I still try to be that, but people
want to celebrate and have offered me the chance to
do all sorts of new things.”
Bart has a recipe website and an online shop and is
currently working on ideas for a television series.
“I have an idea for me and my family to go on a
culinary world tour, traveling to different countries
and trying different cuisines,” he says. “I’m trying to
get it televised.
“I had no idea quite how exciting life would become
after appearing in MasterChef: The Professionals.”
To find out more about Sauce Supper Club and
Dine at Home visit www.saucesupperclub.co.uk
www.jaimemagazine.com
7

FEATURE
Art for the smartphone generation
AWARD-WINNING ARTIST PETER DAVIS LIKES TO CAPTURE HIS PORTRAIT SUBJECTS
USING THEIR ELECTRONIC DEVICES. JENNY AMPHLETT MET HIM TO FIND OUT MORE
Like a Renaissance painter capturing women with
flowing locks and enigmatic smiles or a pop artist
depicting tins of soup, Peter Davis is representing
a moment in time when he has his portrait subjects
pose with their mobile phone in their hand.
Peter, who was born and raised in Birmingham,
is keen to stress that he isn’t passing judgment on
people for using devices, merely including devices as
they are now as integral a part of a person’s being
as the clothes they wear or the style they choose for
their hair.
“Most of my work has a person on their phone
or using a technological device of some kind. It’s
something that we stop seeing when we look at other
people, it’s just become so normal, but when we see
it depicted in art we do see it because it’s unexpected
in art. The role of an artist is to put a mirror up to
society. I’m enjoying doing that.
“If you went back 20 years and said everyone was
going to have this thing they’d be glued to and
that they’d be living a digital life we wouldn’t have
thought that would happen.
“The rate at which society has changed is fascinating,
but I don’t see it as a negative. I see it as a moment in
time and it’s lovely to document it.”
The 50-something has just had his work selected
for the John Moores Painting Prize exhibition at the
Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, the equivalent of
receiving an Oscar nomination in the art world.
It’s the UK’s most celebrated and well-known
painting competition, with past winners including
Patrick Heron, David Hockney, Euan Uglow and
Peter Doig.
“I’m thrilled to have been selected,” he says. “There
were more than 3,000 entries this year and only 67
paintings were selected for the show.
8
www.jaimemagazine.com

“It’s an honour to participate as it showcases the
best of what British contemporary painters are
doing.”
The selected painting, Wetin Dey, is a portrait
of Solomon Onaolapo, a music producer
and co-founder of Rising Stars North West, a
community project that provides support for
aspiring young musicians who are disadvantaged
and unable to afford a rehearsal and recording
space themselves. Wetin dey is a Nigerian
greeting meaning “Hey, what’s going on?”
It isn’t Peter’s first experience of art awards.
He won first prize in the Three Counties
Open Exhibition in 2017 with Golden Girl, his
portrait of Joyce Richards from Walsall. The
same painting won a prize at the RBSA Gallery
in Birmingham in 2018.
Peter studied at Manchester Polytechnic School
of Art before a career as an art director in the
advertising industry.
“As time went on, more and more of the work
I was doing in advertising was aimed at people
accessing it on their devices and on phones, by
using technology,” he says.
“As I migrated into becoming a fulltime professional
artist the idea of people using technology became
a fascination for me. 10 to 15 years ago there was a
seismic shift with technology.”
A contemporary portrait painter, Peter’s work
became more difficult when the pandemic prevented
him from having sittings with his subjects.
So instead he started to develop a new series
capturing urban landscapes, including in Life is
Too Short to be Unhappy, which features a brightly
coloured panel on a derelict building in Hanley,
North Staffordshire.
“I walked past one day and saw this wonderfully
uplifting statement and Mondrian-style pattern
and just felt compelled to capture it in a
painting.” he says.
“My urban landscapes look at our communities,
towns and cities. They also usually have
somebody in there on their device.
“They’re very ordinary scenes that people might
look at and say ‘that’s just life’, but for me it’s
like looking at amazing photographs from the
1950s and 60s. I’m documenting it because I
think it’s amazing.
“As an artist it’s up to me to look at these things
with a fresh set of eyes. I’m looking at modern
life and documenting it.”
You can visit the John Moores Painting Prize
exhibition virtually at
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/jmpp/
john-moores-painting-prize
Peter is represented by Barewall Gallery and
you can see more of his work at
www.barewall.co.uk
9

PROPERTY
Property of the Month
EACH MONTH WE SHOWCASE ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS PROPERTIES
CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET IN THE MIDLANDS. THIS HOUSE IS IN ONE OF
THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER SPOTS IN THE REGION
Cherrywood Way, Little Aston. £1,995,000.
On the market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878.
THE AGENT SAYS: This beautiful modern family home
is located off a privately gated road and features extensive
living and entertainment accommodation. The block-paved
driveway leads up to the porch entrance and front door and
into the welcoming reception hallway with stunning walnut
hardwood flooring that comes back throughout the ground
floor. Double doors lead off to the right to the drawing room
and to the left to the games room. A guest cloakroom is
located further along the hallway. A spacious and carpeted
study is also located off the hallway with rear aspect bay
window overlooking the sizeable garden and offering a perfect
space for working from home. This space could alternatively
be used as a playroom. The drawing room with bay window
to the front offers great scope for relaxing and entertaining,
with an amazing feature Stovax log burner set in an exposed
brick surround. Double French doors lead out to the garden.
The games room is located on the opposite end of the
hallway and is a truly breathtaking entertainment space with
wooden flooring and a feature bespoke walnut cabinetry with
lighting and two built-in wine fridges. Double French doors
lead out to the garden, offering the opportunity to open the
space up in summer and a door to the side leads into the
laundry room. The laundry is finished to a beautiful standard
with bespoke cabinetry, sink, and further work and storage
space as well as a washing machine, space for a tumble dryer,
and access to both the garage and the garden.
W E L O V E :
THE HUGE GAMES ROOM WITH ITS
BUILT-IN WINE FRIDGES.
10 www.jaimemagazine.com

FOUR OAKS
FOUR OAKS
SOLD IN
2021
GUIDE PRICE £2,500,000 GUIDE PRICE £1,325,000
ONE OF A KIND
ASTON KNOWLES
Here at Aston Knowles, we are committed to providing the best service possible to our clients.
This means treating every client individually and tailoring our approach
to meet your specific needs.
Our focus is on client care and communication. This, together with our skill at combining the
right people with the right property, positions us perfectly to achieve the best results
over and over again.
The property market in Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas is currently experiencing an
imbalance in supply and demand, with a strong interest in premium property from proceedable
purchasers. If you are considering selling your home, now is the ideal time to book
a no-obligation market appraisal.
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR TEAM | Book your FREE Sales/Lettings Appraisal today!
ALDRIDGE
SUTTON
COLDFIELD
GUIDE PRICE £1,050,000 GUIDE PRICE £1,050,000
HAMMERWICH
DRAYTON
BASSETT
GUIDE PRICE £795,000
GUIDE PRICE £550,000
0121 362 7878
enquiries@astonknowles.com
www.astonknowles.com
@astonknowles

INTERIORS
Sage
advice
AS we head into spring proper, it should come as no
surprise that we’re taking more and more inspiration
from nature and the outside world when it comes to our
interiors.
Greens are considered to be calming, peaceful hues so
after such a tumultuous year it seems only right that
they’re coming to the fore.
Moving away from the deep dark forest hues of autumn
and super-sweet pastel shades, the greens of choice for
spring are a sophisticated bunch. Muted midtones of sage
and the slightly deeper and richer olive work perfectly in
any room and with a plethora of design schemes, from
pared-back freshness when mixed with whites and pale
woods, to beautifully bold when teamed with darker hues
and warm metallics.
For a spring style statement, sage is fast becoming one of
the hottest colours for kitchens; opt for the same shade for
both cabinetry and walls for a seamless transition which
makes the most of the hue.
BRINDLE SMALL SIDEBOARD, £479.99, OAK
FURNITURELAND. WWW.OAKFURNITURELAND.COM
ORIGINAL BTC TITAN SIZE 5 PENDANT,
OLIVE GREEN WITH VISOR.
WWW.ORIGINALBTC.COM
£79
£38
£439
BALTIMORE LOW STOOL IN SAGE GREEN
VELVET, CULT FURNITURE.
WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM
£36
OLIVE GREEN CERAMIC VASE SET,
MARQUIS AND DAWE.
WWW.MARQUISANDDAWE.CO.UK
SAGE GREEN LUCY VASE, ELLA JAMES.
WWW.ELLAJAMES.CO.UK
12 www.jaimemagazine.com

£89.99 £79
£750
GEORGETTE ROUND FOOTSTOOL
IN OLIVE PURE COTTON MATT VELVET,
WWW.SOFA.COM
ICON INDOOR OUTDOOR BEANBAG
ARMCHAIR, BAZAAR GROUP.
WWW.BEANBAGBAZAAR.CO.UK
STELLA BAR STOOL IN SAGE
GREEN VELVET, CULT FURNITURE.
WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM
SELKY BEDSPREAD,
WWW.MADE.COM
£59
£720
PIRO PENDANT, SWOON EDITIONS.
WWW.SWOONEDITIONS.COM
£49.99
SAGE ADVICE EMULSION AND EGGSHELL
PAINT, DOWSING & REYNOLDS.
WWW.DOWSINGANDREYNOLDS.COM
£1,395
£99
MARGAUX BAR STOOL IN OLIVE,
WWW.SOFA.COM
SLIM JIM SOFA IN CLEAN GREEN BRUSHED
COTTON FABRIC, LOAF. WWW.LOAF.COM
PUDDING SOFA IN THYME GREEN VINTAGE
LINEN, £1,395, LOAF. WWW.LOAF.COM
14 www.jaimemagazine.com

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
Refreshingly Different
A new door for the new decade
Visit our Stylish Showroom
11 Belwell Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4AA - Tel: 0800 996 1241
Visit our fantastic website www.jmiwindows.co.uk - enquiries@jmiwindows.co.uk
Windows | Doors | Bi-Fold Doors | Garage Doors | Conservatories | Orangeries | Secondary Glazing | Window Repairs

HAZE FREESTANDING BATH IN TRANQUIL DAWN,
£2,495, ELEMENTS COLLECTION, WATERS BATHS
OF ASHBOURNE, AVAILABLE FROM BATHART,
MITCHELLS CENTRE, SUTTON COLDFIELD.
WWW.BATHART.CO.UK
EGYPTIAN COTTON TOWELS IN FOREST
AND SAGE GREEN, FROM £5, DUNELM.
WWW.DUNELM.COM
SANTINO ACCENT CHAIR IN SAGE GREEN,
£679, SOFOLOGY. WWW.SOFOLOGY.CO.UK
SCINTILLA OLIVE GREEN STAR PATTERN
TILES, £24.95/SQM, WALLS AND FLOORS.
WWW.WALLSANDFLOORS.CO.UK
16

For safe, professional care at
home, contact Givecare on
0182763560
Because there is nothing
like home.
Find out more about our
services by visiting
givecare.co.uk
Part of Bosworth Homecare.
ANGLIA RANGE IN BLANCO
CALIBRATED TO 20MM
605MM X 605MM £25.93
PER M 2 PLUS VAT(£9.49 PER TILE)
EUROPA WAY, LICHFIELD, WS14 9TZ
01543 440000 TIPPERS.COM
MON-FRI
7:30AM - 5:00PM
SATURDAY
8:00AM - 2:00PM

INTERIORS
Small space,
big impact
WHEN it comes to interior makeovers, it is one of the
smallest rooms which can have the biggest impact. That’s
right; the bathroom can make or break a property.
We want our bathrooms to be smart, luxurious and, above
all, rooms we can retreat to - a miniature haven where we
can relax and unwind from the stresses of the day.
After the chaos that was 2020, it’s unsurprising that
bathroom trends for 2021 centre around the trend for
creating a home spa; a cocooning space which offers a
sense of quiet luxury. From mood lighting to oversized
baths, massage showers to luxurious fittings, bathrooms
today are so much more than purely functional rooms.
Moving away from clinical white and polished ceramics
with their clean, contemporary - and, dare we say it,
boring - feel, bathrooms are becoming more and more a
space where we can be bold and expressive, playing with
colour and texture to create a seamlessly blended space.
When it comes to styling, vintage meets modern with
Victorian rolltop baths pairing perfectly with modern tech
for a fabulous fusion.
BREEZE FREESTANDING BATH, £2,495, WATERS BATHS OF
ASHBOURNE. AVAILABLE FROM BATHART, MITCHELL CENTRE,
SUTTON COLDFIELD. WWW.BATHART.CO.UK
£65
£89
VASILO BATHROOM 3 LIGHT CEILING
LAMP, WWW.MADE.COM
£325
FABULOUS FEATHER MIRROR, JOE BROWNS.
WWW.JOEBROWNS.CO.UK
WYE VALLEY BATHROOM PENDANT
LIGHT, FRITZ FRYER LIGHTING.
WWW.FRITZFRYER.CO.UK
£75
NOBLE ISLE FIRESIDE GLOW 3 WICK CANDLE,
AMARA. WWW.AMARA.COM
18
www.jaimemagazine.com

£45
£870
£400
LUXE MARBLE LOOK VANITY TRAY AND
BATHROOM ACCESSORIES, AMARA.
WWW.AMARA.COM
MENU NIMBUS MIRROR BRONZED BRASS,
AMARA. WWW.AMARA.COM
£120
MENU MARBLE SHOWER TRAY, AMARA.
WWW.AMARA.COM
MENU TOWEL LADDER, NEST.
WWW.NEST.CO.UK
STRAIT BATH IN MINT GREEN, WATERS BATHS OF
ASHBOURNE. AVAILABLE FROM BATHART, MITCHELL
CENTRE. SUTTON COLDFIELD. WWW.BATHART.CO.UK
QUARTZITE GREY MATT TILES, £17.49, TILE MOUNTAIN.
WWW.TILEMOUNTAIN.CO.UK

MILANO BARQ WET ROOM SHOWER ENCLOSURE,
FROM £309.99. BIG BATHROOM SHOP.
WWW.BIGBATHROOMSHOP.CO.UK
DRIFT FREESTANDING BATH, £1,895 - WATERS BATHS
OF ASHBOURNE. AVAILABLE FROM BATHART, MITCHELL
CENTRE, SUTTON COLDFIELD. WWW.BATHART.CO.UK
ADELPHI CABINET, £265, ADELPHI MIRROR, £75, AND
ADELPHI TOWEL LADDER, £90, GARDEN TRADING.
WWW.GARDENTRADING.CO.UK
MILANO DALTON DOUBLE BASIN WITH BLACK
WASHSTAND, £299.99, BIG BATHROOM SHOP.
WWW.BIGBATHROOMSHOP.CO.UK
LINEAR GEO TOWELS, FROM £8, NEXT.
WWW.NEXT.CO.UK
LAYERED BATHROOM LIGHTING WITH LUCCA
UPLIGHTS, OSLO FLOOR WASHERS AND POLESPRING
DOWNLIGHTS, FROM A SELECTION AT JOHN CULLEN
LIGHTING. WWW.JOHNCULLENLIGHTING.COM

Advanced technology
for superior hearing
Offering the latest in hearing technology, award winning local audiologists
Steven Hale Hearing are one of the very few hearing specialists qualified
to fit Lyric, the world’s only 100% invisible hearing aid.
MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW AND
FIND OUT HOW LYRIC WILL TRANSFORM
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#LOVELOCAL
J’AIME
#LoveLocal Lichfield
OVER THE COMING MONTHS WE WILL BE CELEBRATING SOME OF THE BRILLIANT INDEPENDENT
BUSINESSES FROM ACROSS OUR PATCH. HERE ARE THREE FROM THE LICHFIELD AREA
ALLEN BROWN
These gorgeous 18ct white gold earrings with 0.24ct multi coloured
sapphires are priced at £1,420 and available online from Allen
Brown Jewellery at www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk
Formed in 1986, Allen Brown Jewellery is renowned for its
contemporary classic designs that draw on Allen’s love of coloured
diamonds, gems, platinum and other precious metals. Timeless
favourites, his collections are both beautiful and practical.
The business is based within Heart of the Country Shopping Village,
Swinfen, Lichfield but has been trading online during the lockdown.
ROSEMARY LODGE
A residential care home for elderly ladies and gentlemen, Rosemary
Lodge aims to provide levels of care, community and comfort that
are second to none.
Based in Walsall Road, Lichfield, Rosemary Lodge is open to new
residents and remains COVID-19 free.
It is situated just a short distance from the bustling centre of Lichfield
and is set in landscaped gardens. The care home offers respite care,
holiday stay and limited day care in addition to residential care.
Visit www.rosemarylodgecarehome.co.uk to find out more.
RIPPLE HR
Run in Lichfield by Jane Galvez, Ripple HR has been operating
throughout the pandemic to help businesses navigate human
resources issues.
Jane set up and ran a successful e-Learning business and moved into
HR within that business. After several years she then worked in a
variety of SMEs, always taking responsibility for HR. She became
Head of HR in an international automotive business, then set up
Ripple HR.
Visit www.ripple-hr.co.uk to find out more.
22 www.jaimemagazine.com

アパート
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O N L I N E S H O P
N O W O P E N
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Specialists in designing
and making, remodelling
and refurbishing
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We make it happen
Moving House
Family Matters
Wills
Cannock
01543 466 660
Lichfield
01543 263 456
Halesowen
0121 550 0010
Sutton Coldfield
0121 716 3716

#LOVELOCAL
J’AIME
#LoveLocal
Hospitality
STAFFORDSHIRE-BASED INDEPENDENT PUB OPERATOR PUNCH PUBS HAS SPENT
£1 MILLION PREPARING ITS VENUES FOR OUTDOOR REOPENING THIS MONTH
Outdoor spaces such as beer gardens, patios and
courtyards have never been so important in the world
of pubs.
Punch Pubs, based in Burton upon Trent, has
invested in a million-pound Inside|Outside
programme to help publicans make the most of
trading safely outside while also complying with
Government guidance.
The success of the scheme will allow many pubs to
open outdoors on April 12, including plenty that
previously would have not had the capacity.
This means 662 (72%) Punch pubs in England are
now set to welcome guests back to their local this
month.
Andy Spencer, managing director of Punch Pubs,
says: “Working together with hundreds of our
publicans, we have breathed new life into many of
our pub gardens and outdoor spaces. Creating safe,
warm, and welcome environments to give our guests
fantastic experiences when we reopen and for the
future.
“Like all of our publicans able to reopen, we are
excited to welcome our customers back in April.
However, it remains vitally important to remember
that pubs will be operating at a significantly reduced
capacity.
“We need restrictions to continue to be relaxed
during the reopening period to ensure the long-term
survival of the Great British pub.”
Punch and their publicans have been working in
tandem to create solutions from new furniture to
stretch tents, festoon lighting, cosy huts, and allimportant
outdoor heating.
The scheme has already seen hundreds of projects
completed across the country.
24 www.jaimemagazine.com

#LOVELOCAL
J’AIME
AS PART OF OUR #LOVELOCAL CAMPAIGN, OVER THE COMING MONTHS WE WILL CELEBRATE
SOME OF THE BRILLIANT HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES ACROSS OUR PATCH AS THE WORLD
GRADUALLY OPENS UP ONCE MORE
THYME KITCHEN
Waffles with crispy bacon, fried eggs and maple syrup is just one of
the recipes chef Susie Mandleberg is trying out ahead of the planned
official reopening of Thyme Kitchen on May 18.
The head chef of the breakfast, brunch and lunch venue, at
Curborough Countryside Centre, Lichfield, is currently developing a
new menu ahead of the reopening.
Thyme Kitchen is also the base for Sauce Supper Club and its Dine
at Home boxes.
Sauce Supper Club events are set to resume on May 29 with a six
course dinner prepared by chef Tom Shepherd.
To find out more about Thyme Kitchen visit
www.thymekitchen.co.uk
MOOR HALL
The terrace at Moor Hall Hotel and Spa, in Four Oaks, Sutton
Coldfield, will reopen for outside dining on April 12.
Afternoon teas, graze and laze boxes and pizzas are just some of
the options that will be available between 8am and 8pm each day.
There will be screens, blankets, parasols and heaters to help keep
things cosy and people are invited to take along their own picnic
blankets if they wish.
Tables should be booked in advance and diners are asked to
mention when they book if they would like to order afternoon tea.
For more information visit www.moorhallhotel.co.uk
THE GEORGE HOTEL
The George Hotel’s city centre courtyard will be the perfect place to
enjoy outdoor dining in Lichfield when it reopens on April 12.
Food will be served between 8am and 8pm every day and there is
no need to book in advance, but diners are asked to pre-book if they
would like to order afternoon tea.
Heated canopies mean that guests will be able to enjoy their alfresco
dining experience whatever the good old British weather decides to
throw at them.
The menu will include lunches, evening meals, light bites and hot
drinks.
For more information visit www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk
www.jaimemagazine.com
25

F O O D & D R I N K
Gin Rummy
A STAFFORDSHIRE FAMILY WHO LAUNCHED THEIR OWN GIN AFTER COVID-19
STOPPED THEIR BUSINESS FROM OPERATING HAVE NOW CREATED A BRAND
OF RUM AND STARTED A PROJECT TO HELP BEES
When Alex and Natalie Conti’s arts and travel
business was grounded by coronavirus the Lichfield
couple were determined not to waste their newfound
free time.
The keen beekeepers installed a vast new apiary as
a lockdown project then, when faced with kilos of
surplus honey, masterminded a new brand of honey
gin.
Just a few months later they have two varieties of gin,
a newly launched honey rum and have brought an
historic beekeeping site back to life with an adopt a
hive scheme.
“We wanted to install more hives to produce more
honey so we found a beautiful spot,” says Alex.
“We’d already chosen it when we discovered that
it actually used to be an apiary around 150 to 200
years ago.
“Staffordshire County Council and our local
councillor have been incredibly helpful and we have
all kinds of plans on the go including planting huge
swathes of wild flowers to go alongside new hives
we’ve commissioned.”
Alex is making 12 hives available for
adoption by people who love the idea of
safeguarding the future of honeybees,
having a regular supply of locally-produced
honey from their own colony and helping a
small, independent business along the way.
Adopting a hive for one year for £250
buys people the chance to visit and handle
their own bees during the summer, regular
updates, a welcome pack with honey plus
honey gin or honey rum and then 10 pots of
honey from their very own bees.
It’s an innovative project which Alex
believes may be one of the first of its kind.
“It’s very exciting and just the start of
lots of ideas we have for the future,” he
says. “We’re very much looking forward
to welcoming people to the site once
coronavirus restrictions have lifted so that
we can share our enthusiasm for bees and
honey.”
The honey rum was a natural progression for the
business.
“We’d always been thinking of other spirit types in
the background,” says Alex. “Spiced honey rum is
already a thing but we couldn’t find a honey rum on
the market in the UK that interested us.
“My wife used to live in Cuba, where honey rum is
very popular, and I’ve travelled to Cuba a lot over the
years so this is exciting for us both.
“Our honey rum is Cuban in spirit but it’s entirely
made in the UK, right down to the base spirit, and
uses our own Staffordshire honey.
“We realised very quickly that our own honey was
never going to be plentiful enough for us to keep
pushing the Apiarist brand forward, which is why we
had to think about extending the apiary.
“Being able to bring an historic apiary back to life
along the way has been a wonderful byproduct of
that.”
Apiarist products are available from
www.theapiaristgin.com
24

Experience informal outside dining with
fantastic views at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa
in Sutton Coldfield this Spring!
Our Terrace reopens on 12th April
for outside dining every day between
8am and 8pm.
AFTERNOON TEA*
NEW GRAZE & LAZE BOXES* FOR PICNICS
COFFEE REPUBLIC HOT DRINKS
FULL DRINKS MENU
BRUNCH | SANDWICHES | SALADS
PIZZAS | MAIN MEALS
* Please pre-book
Our Lichfield city centre courtyard is the
perfect spot for a hot drink, light bite,
lunch or evening meal this spring!
Our courtyard reopens on 12th April for
outside dining every day between
8am and 8pm.
AFTERNOON TEA* | SOUPS & SANDWICHES
JACKET POTATOES | MAIN COURSES
HOT DRINKS
* Please pre-book Afternoon Tea
Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN
0121 308 3751 www.moorhallhotel.co.uk
Visit our website for menus and to pre-book your table
Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR
01543 414822 www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk
Visit our website for menus and to book your table
DINE AT HOME | APRIL
AS NEW SHOOTS START TO CREEP
THROUGH, iT’S TiME TO SWAP
THOSE HEARTY ROOT VEGETABLES
FOR SPRiNG iNGREDiENTS!
LiGHTER, CRiSPER & DELiCiOUS!
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
PREPPED & READY TO REHEAT,
PLATE AND ENJOY!
SEE WEBSITE FOR ALL APRIL MENUS AND TO
BOOK YOUR DINE AT HOME EXPERIENCE!
#staysafe #dineathome
T 01543 264050
E hello@saucesupperclub.co.uk
www.saucesupperclub.co.uk

T R AV E L
Holiday hot list
WE’RE GETTING EXCITED ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF FINALLY HEADING OFF ON HOLIDAY
AGAIN. NATHAN COLLINS, JOINT MD OF LICHFIELD-BASED RB COLLECTION, LOOKS AT SOME
OF THE EXCITING NEW DESTINATIONS AND HOLIDAY OPTIONS WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO.
Despite significantly fewer
holidays taking place over the
past 12 months many hoteliers,
destinations and cruise lines
continued to work on exciting
new properties, itineraries and
experiences in the background.
This means there are a lot of fresh
opportunities ready and waiting
for you.
Exciting new hotels
The Ikos brand has made a name
for itself in Greece, offering a fresh
approach to the all-inclusive model
in Kos, Halkidiki and Corfu. I
stayed at their Halkidiki resort a
couple of years ago with my wife
and two boys and was really impressed. Opening
this year will be their first resort outside of Greece in
Andalucía, Spain.
Their chic and stylish family-friendly resorts
effortlessly combine five-star service with the ease
and comfort of luxury all-inclusive. You won’t find
any wristbands or long queues at buffets here. The
quality of the food and beverages offered is superb
and it was certainly a cut above many other allinclusives
I have stayed at.
New hotels like these in familiar areas such as
the Marbella area don’t happen very often. It is
refreshing to see Ikos take on the challenge in such
a popular and vibrant resort. Just one hour from
Malaga airport, it will no doubt be popular with
British tourists who are already familiar with the area
but seek somewhere new to try.
Over in the Balearic Islands, Ibiza welcomes two
new luxury hotels this year. Famous for its nightlife
and party weekends, the island also has a more
sophisticated side with popular up-market beach
clubs, sunset bars and now more luxury hotels on
offer too. There are plenty of flights from the UK
but its popularity and small size does mean we
recommend booking early.
Six Senses are known for their resorts in Thailand,
Oman and the Maldives but recently expanded into
Cambodia, Portugal and China. This year the group
plans to open in Ibiza and Israel. Their hotels always
have dramatic locations and a real wow factor.
Their Ibiza hotel is located in the north east of the
island above the crystalline waters of Cala Xarraca
Bay. Like all their properties, the hotel is designed to
reflect its surroundings seamlessly. Design elements
are earthy and natural whilst comfort, wellness and
relaxation play an important role. The hotel will be
a unique sanctuary, away from the crazy wild side of
the island. As a small island however, everything is
within easy reach if you need a party fix.
Due to open this July, Six Senses Ibiza will be the
talk of the town and we are really looking forward to
visiting and showcasing it to our clients. We’ve stayed
at some of their Thailand properties and they are
really special indeed as they offer a unique take on
modern luxury.
Staying with the laidback luxury theme is the new
Oku Ibiza, just outside Sant Antoni. If you want to
be closer to the action this will be a great option. The
hotel continues the current luxury trend for moving
28 www.jaimemagazine.com

away from gold taps and marble bathrooms, instead
opting for earthy tones, inspired by Japanese design
like their original hotel on the Greek Island of Kos.
Oku Ibiza has one of the largest pools on the island
and 200 rooms which includes an ocean view
penthouse and private four-bedroom villa. This is
another unique new hotel for Ibiza. Combined with
Six Senses and the Kempinski 7Pines which opened
in 2018, we are reminded that Ibiza is one of the
most aspirational luxury places to stay in the world.
Staying in the Mediterranean, we are excited to hear
about the new Four Seasons San Domenico Palace
in Taormina, Sicily. This iconic hotel dates back to
1896 and was really popular with our clients as well
as famous names such as Oscar Wilde, King Edward
VIII, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia
Loren. Four Seasons has totally refurbished this 14th
century monastery. It’s close proximity to the town,
stunning infinity pool and Four Seasons luxurious
style and standards mean this hotel will no doubt
attract a lot of attention this summer.
The chic Greek island of Mykonos welcomes an
extraordinary ensemble of boutique villas that
overlook the turquoise Aegean Sea. The Myconian
Panoptis Escape has an exclusive, hilltop position,
surrounded by the wild, natural sun-caressed beauty
of Mykonos. This island sanctuary promises serenity
in every sense. Think soft breezes, soul-affirming
views, mesmerising sunsets and exceptional service.
Bound by imaginative contemporary architecture,
minimalist styling and artisan craftsmanship,
everything about Panoptis Escape is the definition of
less is more. I hope to visit Mykonos in June for my
wedding anniversary and look forward to comparing
it to our visit to the quieter Santorini a few years
back.
New Rail Route
Over the Atlantic, the famous Rocky Mountaineer
Railroad with its domed viewing cars has expanded
from Canada south into the USA. The new scenic
route from Colorado to Utah is a really exciting
development for the company and we expect this to
be popular. Many clients have already enjoyed the
stunning journey through the Canadian Rockies
and now have the opportunity to enjoy a different
view and country with the same level of service and
experiences.
The new itinerary is called Journey through the Red
Rocks and offers two days of varying landscapes
through Moab, Utah and Denver, Colorado. You
will witness vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural
archways and enchanting hoodoos, the famous rock
formations the area is well known for.
Many highlights best seen by train include Ruby
Canyon, Mount Logan and crossing the Continental
Divide. You can also add on pre and post extensions
with options to start or end your journey in Las
Vegas or Salt Lake City.
New Flights and Airline Innovations
Airlines have understandably been forced to reassess
their schedules following the pandemic. This has
resulted in a number of new routes too. Many of
these are in anticipation to holiday demand this
summer including Turkey, Cyprus and Greece, the
latter of which has a number of new flights later into
the autumn as holiday companies look to extend the
summer season.
Birmingham welcomes a new direct service to
Gibraltar as well as Athens which will be good news
to cruise lovers as many Mediterranean cruises
depart from the Greek capital. To fulfil demand
to the West Country, there is a new Manchester
to Newquay flight too. Long haul, Boston will be
connected to Heathrow with a new service from
United Airlines.
Emirates have responded to demand to allow
passengers to purchase empty seats around them
to have more free space if they wish. They are also
in the process of rolling out their new Premium
Economy cabin on select A380 services. Services
from Birmingham are due to continue as they prove
popular to connect holidaymakers to the Arabian
29

Peninsula and onwards to Asia and Australasia.
Additional flights are also being laid on from
Birmingham to Majorca from a number of airlines
including Eurowings who launch their first holiday
routes to the UK.
Finally, Aer Lingus are moving into the long-haul
market from Manchester with a direct service to
Orlando, Boston and New York.
Cruise holidays
Pre-pandemic, the cruise industry was literally
riding a wave of huge popularity. Despite the pause
in operations and some changes in fleets there
are still many new ships, itineraries and product
enhancements in the pipeline.
There are so many different types of cruise holidays
now on offer, from large ships with endless things
to do, to luxury liners offering more space per
passenger, luxury yacht cruises that can access
smaller ports and coastal routes to popular river
cruises which can book up very early (especially on
the Douro in Portugal).
The ultra-luxurious cruise line Regent Seven Seas
recently announced they will position one of their
ships in Barbados this winter instead of Miami.
This move will certainly be attractive to UK cruises
as they will be able to fly direct from the UK to the
Caribbean island, bypassing the USA where their
cruises usually depart from. I toured one of Regent’s
ships last year and was struck by the vast amount
of space onboard. The ships take around 700
passengers so a lot less than some of the larger lines.
Celebrity Cruises have adapted their board basis to
be all-inclusive as a minimum. They offer additional
packages to upgrade to, but all cruisers can now
relax knowing their drinks, WIFI and gratuities are
all included.
For those looking for a more adventurous cruise,
destinations such as the Galapagos and Antarctica
are seeing new ships and itineraries go on sale right
up to 2023.
These smaller vessels and unique
expert-led itineraries are always
popular and following a year of
paused operations it is no surprise
they are on sale so far in advance to
fulfil pent up demand. My fellow MD
Oliver visited the Galapagos so can
offer his take on the variety of ships
and itineraries.
One of these purpose-built
expedition ships is the Seabourn
Venture. The first of the line’s two
new Polar class vessels has only
132 suites with two custom-built
submarines, kayaks and 24 Zodiac boats.
Smaller still, luxury yachts allow you to cruise
smaller ports and coasts. In recent years these have
been popular in Croatia and Montenegro as well as
around the Greek Islands.
Emerald are well known for river cruises and are now
offering itineraries on their new purpose built, 110
metre long, 5* luxury yacht. You’ll be one of only
100 guests onboard with plenty of space and a really
personalised and intimate experience. Itineraries
commence in 2022 and will explore the Adriatic
Coast, Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, Western
Mediterranean and in 2023 the Black Sea.
Closer to home and more imminent (pending
government permission), a number of the large
cruise brands such as P&O, Princess, Hurtigruten,
Cunard and Fred Olsen have all announced plans for
UK cruises this summer. This is another example of
how the industry is adapting to consumer demand to
stay closer to home for now.
Other new ships on the horizon include Virgin
Voyages three new vessels: Scarlet Lady, Valiant
Lady and Resilient Lady. Due to launch just before
the pandemic, Virgin aims to disrupt the cruise
industry offering their own take on the large cruise
experience. Their uniquely designed ships offer a
younger vibe.
As you can see, there are lots of developments in
the world of travel and we are all gearing up for
an exciting time ahead. The pent-up demand will
no doubt mean many of the new offerings will be
popular and book up early. My advice is to secure
your places as far in advance as possible and at
the time check the flexibility and conditions when
booking which should now be much more favourable
than before the pandemic.
To discuss your next special holiday give
me a call on 01543 258631 or email
vip@rbcollection.com. Remember to
mention J’aime magazine when you call.
30 www.jaimemagazine.com

OPEN
FOR NEW
RESIDENTS
WE
REMAIN
COVID
FREE
We are a trusted, local family, dedicated to providing
a truly personal service for those who need us
Burials, Horse-drawn Funerals, Bespoke
Funeral and pre-payment Funeral Plans available
The perfect ‘Home from Home’
at Rosemary Lodge in Lichfield
Rosemary Lodge Care Home for
elderly ladies and gentlemen offers a
level of care, community and comfort
that is second to none. Situated a short
way from the bustling City Centre of
Lichfield and set in landscaped gardens,
Rosemary Lodge is light, spacious and
beautifully decorated, offering residents
just the right combination of interest,
activity and relaxation. It is a place that
encourages residents to retain their
independence and individuality whilst
being fully supported to live a fulfilled
and enjoyable life.
Rosemary Lodge Care Home is a family
run concern, and has been a highlyregarded
part of the community for
almost 30 years. Offering 24 hour care,
our fully trained staff work together to
communicate with residents and ensure
personal care needs are met in a fully
person-centred approach, thus building
an important relationship of trust and
friendship.
Our two qualified chefs offer a
nutritionally balanced and varied
menu, (catering for any special dietary
requirements) using fresh, locally
sourced produce and served in a
spacious dining room that offers views
out towards the Orangery and to the
gardens and fountain. The Orangery also
creates a perfect space for residents,
family and friends to meet up, chat,
enjoy coffee and snacks and take
advantage of the sunshine, no matter
the season! The on-site hair and beauty
salon also ensures that little bit of
pampering is always available.
All rooms are en-suite, and are
designed to comfortably accommodate
individuals and couples. There is full
WiFi connectivity throughout to allow
residents the opportunity of keeping in
touch with family and friends through
video link or FaceTime.
Regular activities and entertainment
such as movement-to music, musical
theatre groups, pet therapy, pub lunches
and visits to local events are regularly
organised, but privacy and peace-andquiet
is also ensured in this beautiful
‘home from home’. Our close proximity
to Lichfield also means that shopping
trips and community activities are just
on the doorstep.
Our commitment to offering just the
right amount of care and support
has led to an excellent reputation
in the community and with the care
professionals who work with us. We
value our staff highly, and recognise that
their care and commitment are a great
part of our success.
We also offer respite care, holiday
stay and limited day care. To arrange a
visit or to learn a little bit more about
us, call Jane Evans, Registered Care
Manager or Shirley Kent Administration
Manager, please see contact details
below.
All-inclusive Funeral Packages for
Cremation with no hidden costs
Including Crematorium, Doctor and
Religious/Non-religious Celebrant
Simple - £2,300
Traditional - £2,650
(includes family car, service sheets and floral tribute)
16 - 20 North Street, Cannock, WS11 0BA
01543 529813 (Anytime)
Visit our web and Facebook sites to see our reviews
www.omalleyfunerals.co.uk • www.facebook.com/omalleyfunerals
CQC RATING GOOD
Rosemary Lodge Residential Home
191 Walsall Road, Lichfield. Staffs.
WS13 8AQ.
For more information please contact
Jane Evans (Registered Care Manager) or
Shirley Kent (Administration Manager).
01543 415223 - Email: roselodgehome@aol.com
www.rosemarylodgecarehome.co.uk

FA S H I O N
Between the lines
IT’S TIME TO EARN YOUR FASHION STRIPES IN THE MOST
VERSATILE PRINT FOR SPRING, SAYS AMY NORBURY
HORIZONTAL or vertical, diagonal or zig-zag;
when it comes to prints, there’s one particular
standout as we head into the warmer months.
Fashion’s love affair with stripes is welldocumented,
with this perennial favourite
popping up in multiple guises from season to
season. From the preppiness of the ultra-classic
Breton stripe to the playful rainbows which make
up fashion giant Missoni’s signature look, it’s a
look which we’ve turned to time and time again.
And perhaps that’s part of the message behind
some of the trends which have emerged for
spring and summer; in times of uncertainty,
there’s comfort to be found in sticking to what
you know and making the most of what you
have. After all, most of us will have some stripey
numbers lurking in our wardrobes which can be
resurrected and refreshed for 2021.
So, how to wear your stripes this season? Well,
the bigger, the bolder, the better was the message
from the SS21 catwalks, where everyone from
Burberry to Bottega Veneta was toeing the line
with stripes galore.
The freshest way to incorporate stripes was a
case of ‘more is more’, with head-to-toe and
rainbow brights emerging as the most impactive
iterations.
Elsewhere, monochrome magic came into
its own as the pared-back palette offered an
elegantly wearable take on the trend.
Team a classic Breton striped top with widelegged
trousers for instant casual chic, opt for a
striped blazer as your spring outerwear of choice
or feel spring fresh with a striped midi dress,
perfect for dressing up or down as the occasion
demands.
For a bolder touch, look to animal prints; zebra
and tiger stripes offer a playful take on the trend,
or add a stripey splash with striped detailing on
block colour.
STRIPED MIDI DRESS IN LINEN BLEND, £70, MONSOON.
WWW.MONSOON.CO.UK
32 www.jaimemagazine.com

£45
£39
£235
£65
STRIPED KNITTED TOP, KHOST
CLOTHING AT M&CO.
WWW.MANDCO.COM
STRIPED STRETCH MIDI SKIRT, VICTORIA,
VICTORIA BECKHAM AT HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
LINEN MIDI DRESS, KHOST CLOTHING
AT M&CO. WWW.MANDCO.COM
STRIPE SHIRT DRESS, MONSOON.
WWW.MONSOON.COM
£280 £45
STRIPED PURE VIRGIN WOOL YARN
JUMPER, MAX MARA AT HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
SIDE STRIPE GREY JUMPER, OLIVER BONAS.
WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM
CANPAR CANDY STRIPED DRESS, £179,
TED BAKER. WWW.TEDBAKER.COM
PINK AND RED SWAT TOP, £39.50, AND
JOGGERS, £45, OLIVER BONAS.
WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM
33

#LOVELOCAL
J’AIME
#LoveLocal Hair and Beauty
AS HAIR AND BEAUTY BUSINESSES PREPARE TO REOPEN THIS MONTH, WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE
OWNER OF AN INDEPENDENT SALON IN STAFFORDSHIRE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER PLANS
If you can’t wait to head back to the hairdressers to
have your unruly mop sorted out then just imagine
how frustrating it must feel for stylists who have been
waiting months to pick up their scissors once again.
Fringe, in Upper Brook Street, Rugeley, is one of
so many salons around the UK eagerly awaiting
reopening day on April 12.
“There are so many of us in this boat,” says business
owner Anna Waterworth. “We have four stylists,
three helpers and a beautician and we’re selfemployed.
“We’ve been doing this for a long time and all have
our own regular clients, who we can’t wait to see
again.”
For Anna, the stop and start nature of trying to trade
around three national lockdowns has been difficult
but she says she was pleasantly surprised when it was
announced salons would be amongst the first wave of
businesses to reopen.
“Hairdressers were amongst the last to reopen after
the first lockdown, but it worked out pretty good
for us this time. At this stage the opening date is still
provisional, but we’re going to carry on making plans
to reopen until we’re told otherwise.
Anna, who has owned the business for five years, has
put in place a number of safety measures including
dividing screens between customers. Staff will wear
both a mask and a visor, a plastic apron plus gloves
wherever possible.
“We have to ask clients to wait outside until it’s their
turn, rather than in an indoor waiting area, but
everyone has been very good about that,” she says.
Anna says she and the team are genuinely excited
about getting back to a job that they all love.
“Our job is so sociable, it’s a happy job,” she says.
“We all love what we do, we all love coming to work.
“Over the years our clients have become our friends,
in fact sometimes we end up seeing them more than
we see members of our own family.
“We’ve been getting lots of texts from people saying
they can’t wait to be back in the chair and having a
pamper session.
“Going to a salon is a treat for a lot of women. It’s
time out, something for them and they can’t wait to
get back to that.”
Fringe will reopen its phone line for bookings from
April 1 and Anna is expecting an initial surge of
interest.
She adds: “Like all salons, the pandemic has
definitely put us in a difficult financial situation, but
we just can’t wait to welcome people back.”
Fringe, Upper Brook Street, Rugeley,
www.fringe-hairsalon.co.uk
34 www.jaimemagazine.com

eyond the horizon
Let’s create something to look forward to
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
Spring is in the air...
is there a spring in your step?
Or are you concerned about your
profit because your people are not
performing well or just don’t ‘get it’?
Ripple HR can help with HR ISO9001 processes
which support your business through tough
times and good times.
Call us to talk about how Positive HR
can ripple through your business.
07771 780 146
jane.galvez@ripple-hr.co.uk
ripple-hr.co.uk
Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy
My offices are situated in the historic city of Lichfield and I have been providing personal
wealth management advice to my clients for more
than 25 years.
I specialise in the following key areas
and welcome your enquiry:
• Investment Planning
• InheritanceTax and Estate Planning
• Pre and Post-Retirement Planning
• Care Fees Planning and Funding for Care
Telephone: 01543 417342
Website: www.jeanlamb.co.uk
Email: jean.lamb@sjpp.co.uk
Office: 6A Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LH
Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority)
for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

B E AU T Y
Why you need a moisturiser
WHEN IT COMES TO LOOKING AFTER YOUR SKIN A MOISTURISER IS INVALUABLE, BUT
WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR YOU? WE ASKED CELEBRITY FACIALIST AND FOUNDER OF HEAVEN
SKINCARE DEBORAH MITCHELL TO TAKE US BACK TO THE BASICS
Put simply a moisturiser is used to protect,
hydrate and lubricate the complexion.
Because the skin on your face is thinner
than anywhere else on your body it can
become dehydrated; by not keeping skin
moisturised it quickly shows early signs of
ageing.
Think about it, you wouldn’t go a day
without drinking water, right? So don’t
go a day without hydrating your skin; the
benefits of using the correct moisturiser
will be visible years into the future.
HOW TO MOISTURISE
Apply a small amount of moisturiser onto
your face and gently massage with your
fingertips, not forgetting to cover the allimportant
neck area. Choose a product
that is designed for your skin type – for example, a
gentle formula for more sensitive skin – and opt for a
specific cream for your delicate eye area.
Some people make the mistake of only applying
moisturiser when their skin feels dry but you should
be applying it every day, morning and night. After
cleansing, exfoliating and toning your skin you
should then apply the correct moisturiser for your
skin type.
FOR DRY OR DAMAGED SKIN:
My signature Silver Bee Venom Mask works to
control facial muscles by tightening, firming and
lifting and at the same time penetrates fine lines for
an immediate anti-ageing effect. Apply after your
cleansing routine and combine with a serum for
long-term results.
FOR MATURE SKIN:
My Divine Cream contains organic mandarin and
orange, both natural sources of Vitamin C which
help boost collagen and elastin while working to
reduce pigmentation, acne scarring and blemishes.
It’s light on the skin, making it the perfect all-day
cream.
FOR NIGHT TIME:
Thanks to its vitamin B content, Heaven’s Overnight
Success Cream releases oxygen to detoxify and
replenish your complexion. Perfect for dull or
damaged skin, it can also be used during the day –
especially in the summer – and also helps keep acne
at bay and controls rosacea.
FOR EVERY DAY:
My Youthful Moisturiser is designed to bring all
skin types – even the most sensitive – back to a state
of equilibrium. It may feel light in the skin but its
innovative formula means it long-lasting too. It’s
great if you suffer from blackheads and enlarged
pores.
FOR YOUR EYE AREA:
My vegan Nettle Venom Eyes is designed to ease
puffiness and dark circles while relaxing fine lines
and wrinkles. It’s light enough so that it doesn’t
weigh down the area yet effective enough to really
make the eyes glow.
You can shop the complete range of moisturisers
exclusively online at heavenskincare.com
36 www.jaimemagazine.com

PUT YOUR HANDS IN OUR HANDS
DO YOU FEEL SYMPTOMS OF PAIN, CLICKING,
NUMBNESS OR TINGLING IN YOUR HANDS?
HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY SIGNS OF HAND LUMPS,
SWELLINGS OR MUSCLE WASTING?
If you answered yes - see below for some common hand conditions.
Carpal Tunnel – Common symptoms include pins and needles, numbness
and tingling in the fingers waking you from sleep.
Trigger Finger – Signs of finger locking and clicking in the fingers and
thumb.
Dupuytren’s Contracture - A thickening of skin in the palm and fingers
are experienced, along with a fixed bending of the fingers meaning hands
cannot be placed comfortably flat on a table.
Arthritis of the Thumb – Signs include a general dull ache around the
thumb base, which may mean sufferers struggle to open tight jars. The
thumb position may change.
If you detect any signs or symptoms of a hand condition, let the Midland
Hand Clinic help you to reach the correct diagnosis and receive the right
treatment.
More and more people are choosing to pay for their treatment and find
costs are often less than they had anticipated.
Online consultations are available as well as face to face appointments, if
you would like to be seen but would prefer not to attend a hospital setting.
For more information visit www.midlandhandclinic.com
Midland Hand Clinic lead by Mr G Shyamalan FRCS
NHS consultant hand surgeon.
All patients welcome whether you have private medical
insurance or you are self-paying.
Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany
Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com
Call: 07815 460786 - 01827 892952
www.midlandhandclinic.com

H E A LT H
Squat hard or go home
LICHFIELD PERSONAL TRAINER RAÚL ROMERO TALKS SQUATS
AND JUST HOW TRANSFORMATIONAL THEY CAN BE
For years, squats have been a firm favourite of
trainers to work out the lower body. They can
have a whole array of benefits that can truly
be transformational if performed correctly and
consistently. So what exactly are those benefits?
Strengthening and toning the muscles
Squats predominantly work our lower bodies,
specifically the quadriceps and glutes. The position
of the knees in particular, when bent to a 90 degree
angle or lower, helps activate these muscle groups
effectively. They also work the abductors, adductors,
hamstrings and calves. To top it off, they engage our
core muscles with stabilising the body during the
movement. They really are a win win in terms of
versatility in engaging so many muscles.
Burning calories and losing weight.
This is probably one of the most common goals I
hear from my clients and squats are a great way to
help make this happen. Squats, used as a strength
exercise, can be an important part of any successful
weight loss plan. Regular strength training helps
increase our metabolism and can decrease body fat.
The great thing is that squats work so many muscles
simultaneously. This ensures an extra boost of
calorie burning and increase of anabolic hormone
production, which is one of the main hormones
that help lose fat and build muscle.
Reduced risk of injury.
Squat movements strengthen the
tendons, bones and ligaments around
the leg muscles, and can help take
some of the load off our knees and
ankles, thus helping to reduce the
risk of injury. Of course, once we
lose weight (which again can be
accelerated by incorporating squats
into our workouts), there is a lower
load on our joints which in turn also
helps to reduce the risk of injury.
To reap all of these benefits, how can
we perform the perfect squat?
38 www.jaimemagazine.com

• Stand up straight with your feet shoulderwidth
apart and your chest facing forward.
• Bend the knees and hips, sticking your bottom
out as if you’re sitting down on a chair.
• Squat down until your thighs are parallel to
the floor. Then squat a bit lower so your hips
are below parallel. Your knees from above
should be behind your toes.
• Pause for a second. Your back should be
straight, not curved at all.
• Press into your heels and straighten your legs
to return to the upright, standing position.
For more detailed instructions and to check your
technique it’s always best to contact a qualified
personal trainer in order to avoid injury from
incorrect technique.
Variations
Variety is the spice of life. There are a whole
range of different types of squats that can be
incorporated into workouts to help keep them
fun and varied. It’s so easy to get bored of
always performing the same old exercises so
adding variety to our workouts will really help
with maintaining motivation and not getting
bored and giving up. Different squats also
target the muscles slightly differently, for
example squatting with the legs further apart
works the inner thighs and glutes a little more
than the quads.
If a squat variation includes an upper-body
movement, like an overhead press, our upper
bodies will then also be worked (in this case
some shoulder and arm work).
Squat variations that include plyometrics,
like a jump, can increase our heart rate
quickly, making them great for combining
cardio training as well as lower body strength
training.
Equipment can be used to vary squat
workouts, such as dumbbells, kettlebells,
barbells and resistance bands.
My clients’ firm squat favourites are: sumo
squats, single leg squats, prisoner squats, front
squats, squat pulses, squat jumps, narrow
squats and overhead squats. There are many
more to choose from and enjoy in your
workouts.
For more information on squats, squat
techniques or anything else fitness related,
contact Raul at raul@ambitionpt.co.uk
or via social media. Happy squatting!
39

H E A LT H
Your health’s best friend
THEY’RE MAN’S BEST FRIEND, BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT DOGS CAN ALSO HELP IMPROVE OUR
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH? JENNY AMPHLETT HAS BEEN FINDING OUT MORE
When Cheryl Beaumont’s husband was
left disabled after an accident their GP
made a surprising recommendation to
improve family life - getting a pet dog.
Cheryl, who was in her mid-20s at the
time, had recently lost her mum and was
in the midst of grief as well as dealing
with her husband’s health issues.
“Our doctor recognised that we both
needed something else to focus on,” says
Cheryl.
“My husband suffered a back injury
and still has a lot of pain from that. The
advice was that a dog would give him
something else to focus on, that it would
get him out of the house and help to
keep him active.
“I needed something else to focus on too,
something that would bring a little bit of
happiness and joy back into my life.”
Fast forward nearly two decades and
Cheryl, now 43, and husband Simon, 49,
are devoted dog owners.
They have two dogs, a patterjack called
Ozzy and a jackapoo called Star. Cheryl
says she and Simon both feel the mental
and physical health benefits of being dog
owners.
“My husband is able to work full time but
he still suffers with a lot of pain and his
condition is progressive. Having the dogs
gets him out of the house to walk them.
When you have dogs you don’t really
have a choice in the matter.”
Cheryl’s job involves delivering health
and social care training at care homes across the East
Midlands.
She was furloughed for four weeks at the beginning
of lockdown while key worker Simon left the house
each day to work in mental health. Cheryl says the
dogs helped to get her through that difficult time.
“Having dogs gives you a focus and a reason to get
up and get dressed in the morning, because the dogs
need a walk.
“Having dogs forces you to get out and about, to get
exercise and to see people.
“Then there’s the unconditional love you receive
from dogs. They’re always happy to see you - you
can’t be in a bad mood when you come home and
see your dogs.
40 www.jaimemagazine.com

“You could be gone for five minutes but to them it’s
as if you’ve been gone for hours. There’s so much
affection from them.”
Cheryl’s job has also given her an insight into
the role animals can play in a care environment,
particularly with elderly patients or patients with
Alzheimers.
“I’ve observed a pet activity, where a carer brought
in her cat from home for elderly residents in a care
home to spend time with. People could touch and
stroke the cat and have it sitting on their knee.
“It worked fantastically. The residents who took
part thoroughly enjoyed it and got a lot out of the
experience.
“I think for some of them it brought back memories
of their own pets. Being able to play with an animal,
to touch and cuddle it, meant such a lot to them. It’s
an activity that would work particularly well with
patients with dementia.”
For Cheryl, the many benefits of dog ownership far
outweigh the financial costs involved.
“Dogs aren’t very expensive really, not when you
think of the happiness they bring to your life.
“They give you a purpose - you’ve got to walk, clean,
bath and feed them. They also give you so much love
and can do wonders for your wellbeing.”
Dog ownership has soared during
lockdown, with extra time at home
prompting many families to consider taking
on a pet.
According to research by Ipsos MORI, nearly
half of families who already owned a dog
introduced at least one new animal to their
family during lockdown.
Around 80% of dog owners credit their pets
with helping them to stay fit and active and
around 40% say they are now taking their
dogs for longer and more frequent walks.
Around 37% of people who worked from
home during lockdown say they feel they
now have a stronger relationship with their
animals than they did before the pandemic.
According to the RSPCA the physical
benefits of dog ownership include improved
cardiovascular health, increased physical
activity, fewer visits to the doctor and
reduced risk of allergies for children.
Mental health benefits can include a more
structured life, enforced exercise and fresh
air, stress relief, reduced loneliness and
unconditional love.
www.jaimemagazine.com
41

F E AT U R E
A supportive start
A LOCAL ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP HAS BECOME AN INVALUABLE SOURCE OF ADVICE,
COMFORT AND LISTENING FOR NEW PARENTS STRUGGLING THROUGH AN UNPRECEDENTED
START TO THEIR PARENTHOOD JOURNEYS. AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS MORE
When mum-of-two Helen Campbell spotted a
Facebook post on a Lichfield community group by a
new mum, it got her thinking about just how much
the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown restrictions
were affecting pregnant women and new parents at
one of the most incredible - and yet daunting - times
of their lives.
With women facing scans and hospital appointments
alone and new parents left with limited contact from
health professionals, new rules meaning extended
families were unable to meet new additions, and
the closure of face-to-face baby groups which many
parents rely on in those early days, the journey into
new parenthood had suddenly become a lonely one.
“When my first, Toby was born I depended upon a
support network, new friends, old friends, meeting
mummy friends, so much to get you through those
first few months that is the amazing whirlwind of
having a newborn,” says Helen.
“At the point of the first lockdown being announced,
I couldn’t stop thinking about all those poor new
parents, this whole section of the community, who
were going to be completely without that support
network.
“Then I saw a post from a new mum on the
Facebook Lichfield community group looking for a
takeaway recommendation because she had a daysold
baby and wanted somewhere that was going to
be safe to collect from. I remember those early days
when you just need food bundles being delivered to
your house by your friends and family, so I contacted
her and asked if I could take some food around to
her.
“Later I messaged her to ask that if I set up a
Facebook group to put pregnant ladies and new
parents in touch with each other, would that be
helpful, and she said yes. So I did.”
Now, a year later, the Lichfield 2020 Babies and
Beyond Facebook group is celebrating its first
anniversary with some 1,100 members, having
become a lifeline for local parents and parents-to-be
THE LICHFIELD 2020 BABIES AND BEYOND FACEBOOK
GROUP HAS BEEN AN INVALUABLE SUPPORT FOR LOCAL
PARENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC
at a time when many traditional forms of support
have been unavailable.
“I’m immensely proud how everyone within the
group has made it into such an amazing community,”
says Helen. “Everyone is so genuine and so kind. I’m
overwhelmed with how much support, love, care and
thoughtfulness there is in the group, with people who
haven’t even met each other.
“When you’re a new parent and you’re flustered
by everything, having other mums and dads come
forward to help out is just the best thing.”
The group has also attracted the attention of local
healthcare professionals, with many health visitors
joining so they can be on hand to share their wisdom
and offer advice directly.
Local businesses offering everything from baby
classes to buggy refurbishment to breastfeeding
support have also joined, able to offer their services
straight to the people who need them.
“Going forward, there are so many ideas as to what
we can do,” says Helen. “It’s great that we can help
local businesses as well as local mums and dads who
are desperate for these services.”
And between lockdowns, the group has spilled over
from online friendships to real-life support, with
buggy walks, meet-ups and baby groups arranged.
“Just knowing that we, as a group, have helped
people through this time is amazing,” says Helen.
“Hearing that people have made friends for life,
or met people that, in that moment of need, have
helped them, feels really special. I’m so proud of
what this group has become.”
42 www.jaimemagazine.com

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44 www.jaimemagazine.com