J'AIME May 2021

M AY 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 

Jump to it: 

BRING THE 

INSIDE OUT 

TO CREATE A 

GARDEN OASIS 

SPRING’S HOTTEST 

WARDROBE STAPLE 

J O I N O U R 

#LOVE 

LOCAL 

MEET THE PEOPLE 

GETTING MIDLANDS 

THEATRES OPEN FOR 

BUSINESS 

C A M PA I G N

EQUILIBRIUM PILATES ROOM 

INSPIRE - LEARN - GROW 

“The mind, when housed within a healthful body, 

possesses a glorious sense of power” JOSEPH PILATES 

Over the past 20 Years we have seen and felt the life 

changing impact of Pilates and Yoga and we aim to 

share that with everyone who walks into our Studio. 

Our goal is to inspire you to reach higher, help you 

learn about your body, how it works, how it moves 

and ultimately empower you to grow in both mind 

and body. 

Our Client base is extremely diverse and there is no 

“typical” client here at Equilibrium. We welcome 

people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. So why 

not get in touch and start planning your journey 

today! 

OUR CLASSES: 

• Mat Pilates 

• Reformer 

• Cadillac 

• Yoga 

• Barre 

• HIPP (High Intensity Power Pilates) 

• Private sessions (Solo, Duet, Trio) 

CLASS PRICES FROM £12 

www.eqpilatesroom.co.uk 

hello@eqpilatesroom.co.uk 

0121 323 4663 

Equilibrium Pilates Room, 

Coppice Garden Centre, Coppice Lane, 

Middleton B78 2BU

Welcome to J’AIME 

We have sunshine, a renewed sense of optimism and 

hopefully, this month, we will finally be able to step foot 

inside restaurants, pubs and theatres once again. 

Here at J’AIME we couldn’t be more excited about getting 

more of our freedoms back and seeing some of our 

favourite local businesses opening their doors once again. 

That’s why we are delighted to continue our #LoveLocal 

campaign, which highlights some of the amazing 

independents based right across our patch. 

Throughout 2021 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 independent businesses in Lichfield and 

Sutton Coldfield. 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 the 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 May magazine you can read interviews with 

some of the people helping to get the Midlands arts scene 

back on track and meet a Tamworth violist who has written 

a book for young culture vultures. 

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 May. 

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, 

SUSIE MANDLEBERG 

J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY 

PUBLICATIONS LIMITED AND PRINTED BY KEP 

LIMITED, TAMWORTH. 

Check us out online at: 

WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM 

Find us on 

/JAIMEMAGAZINE 

@JAIMEMAGAZINE 

@JAIMEMAGAZINE 

SPONSORED BY 

3

CO N T E N T S 

InsideJ’aime this month... 

6 Feature - Meet the people helping Midlands 

theatres to reopen 

10 Feature - A new book for young culture 

vultures 

12 Property - Could this be the home of your 

dreams? 

14 Interiors - Take the inside out to transform 

your garden 

20 Interiors - Kitchen inspiration 

24 Food and drink - A recipe to try at home 

26 What’s On - Ideas for things to do this 

month 

28 Local area - The Deer Park at Hoar Cross 

30 Travel - Could a cruise around the UK be the 

answer for your summer holiday 

34 #LoveLocal - Lichfield independent businesses 

38 Fashion - Our pick of the best jumpsuits 

40 Beauty - Exfoliators v peels 

42 #LoveLocal - Sutton Coldfield independent 

businesses 

43 Health - One of the region’s longest 

established pilates businesses moves home 

44 Health - Cycling 

46 Health - The benefits of robot-assisted 

surgery 

SPONSORED BY 

4

F E AT U R E 

Arts for art’s sake 

AS MANY OF THE REGION’S THEATRES AND VENUES PREPARE TO 

REOPEN THIS MONTH, JENNY AMPHLETT MET SOME OF THE PEOPLE 

HELPING TO BRING THE ARTS BACK TO LIFE 

CATHERINE O’REILLY, ACTRESS AND 

WRITER 

When the new play written and produced by 

Catherine O’Reilly and Tim Churchill opens in 

Staffordshire on May 25 it is likely to be one of the 

first theatre productions in the UK post-lockdown. 

The Turnip Field will also be directed by Tim, whose 

usual day job is resident director of the national 

touring production of Blood Brothers. 

The couple, who live in Stone in Staffordshire, have 

attracted two West End veterans to star in the show 

at Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Theatre. 

They’ve also commissioned an original score from a 

musician with experience of West End productions. 

“As far as we’re aware it could be the first play 

to open after restrictions lift on May 17,” says 

Catherine. “It’s a very quick turnaround.” 

The couple were able to stage another of their 

plays, Closure, at the same venue last September, in 

between national lockdowns. It was a sell out. 

“We had social distancing in place last time and 

we will again,” says Catherine. “We were really 

pleased with how smoothly it went last time. We had 

a fantastic team who worked with us on health and 

safety.” 

The cast of two will include Sean Jones, who played 

Mickey in Blood Brothers for 21 years, and Josh 

Capper, who was part of the international touring 

cast of Mamma Mia. 

“We’ve got fabulous actors on board,” says 

Catherine. “Everybody has had such a bad year. This 

is really a story about life, a celebration of life. 

“It’s a joy to create something and to put it into the 

hands of two actors that are so strong. We’re very 

lucky to have this team.” 

The cast have been having readings and rehearsals 

over Zoom and won’t actually get together in person 

until theatre restrictions are lifted this month. 

The play will run straight through, without an 

interval, to help social distancing during the five 

performances. 

Audience members will sit in bubbles, wth seats left 

CATHERINE O’REILLY AND TIM CHURCHILL 

empty between each group and empty rows in front 

and behind. 

Making a profit is not the motivation for Catherine 

and Tim. 

“You can’t make money out of theatre at the 

moment, and of course we’re paying the actors,” 

says Catherine. 

“We’re doing this show for a number of reasons. It’s 

a story that we really wanted to write - it’s been in 

our minds for years. It’s really important for both of 

us to encourage the theatre industry and get people 

back into the theatre. 

“Prior to the first lockdown Tim was touring with 

Blood Brothers and was the resident director of that. 

Then overnight, that was it. His work completely 

dried up. 

“Now there’s a glimmer of hope we want to do what 

we can to encourage people back through theatre 

doors. 

“This certainly isn’t going to make us any money, 

probably the opposite, but we feel passionately about 

getting venues back open.” 

Tickets, priced £14, are available from 

www.ticketsource.co.uk 

6 www.jaimemagazine.com

ERICA LOVE, DIRECTOR OF CULTURE 

CENTRAL 

As the director of an organisation that speaks on 

behalf of the entire cultural sector of the West 

Midlands, Erica Love is well placed to understand 

the impact COVID-19 has had on the arts. 

In her role as director of Culture Central she speaks 

out for organisations, individuals and freelancers 

across all forms of arts, culture and heritage. 

Erica’s job was always going to be a big task, but 

became even more so when the pandemic hit and 

Culture Central, which was originally just for the 

Birmingham area, widened its remit to cover the 

whole of the region. 

“We’re a cultural sector support organisation, a 

collective voice for the sector,” says Erica, a former 

project director of the Appetite programme in North 

Staffordshire. “We lobby for support for the sector 

and bring people together to collaborate, for example 

on ideas around reopening strategies. 

“We were one of the first sectors to have to close our 

doors and one of the last to be able to reopen again 

on any scale.” 

Erica, who is from Stoke-on-Trent, is keen to stress 

that there have been some very definite positives to 

emerge for her industry over the past 12 months. 

“Good things have come out of it, such as digital 

opportunities. There have been more than 2,000 

digital arts events in the West Midlands, and 

that’s just from the organisations that we’ve got 

information from. 

“There’s been a shift in the way people work, a 

change in the speed at which they have to get things 

happening. People have also come together to try to 

support one another through this time. 

“There have been real challenges, particularly for 

ERICA LOVE 

www.jaimemagazine.com 

7

freelance parts of the workforce who have been 

significantly affected.” 

Indoor performances are due to resume from 

May 17, but Erica is not convinced that date 

will work for all of the groups she represents 

and believes that social distancing rules will run 

through to the summer. 

“The great thing is that a huge amount of 

work was put into reopening plans last autumn, 

so organisations and venues are really well 

prepared for thinking about masks and social 

distancing. 

“They’ve already thought about how to 

rehearse safely and how to keep audiences and 

participants safe. We know that arts venues are 

going to be extremely safe places. 

“One of the real strengths of our region is that it 

can work together so well.” 

Rather than dire predictions of financial 

doom and gloom, Erica is focussing on the 

opportunities the Midlands has over the next few 

years including Coventry’s City of Culture status 

and the Commonwealth Games. 

“We know just how important the arts and 

JOSH CAPPER 

SEAN JONES 

cultural activities are not just for mental health 

and wellbeing but also in bringing people back 

into cities and town centres,” she says. “It’s a 

way for people to spend time with family and 

friends and to support their community. 

“Hopefully we’ll see a huge takeup for what will 

be on offer culturally and people will also come 

to realise what’s available in our wider region as 

well. 

“We have some amazing venues and 

organisations, festivals, performances and 

artists.” 

Erica doesn’t expect the new digital aspect of 

the arts to disappear completely, with some 

organisations choosing to embrace both old and 

new ways of working. 

“DanceXchange and a few other organisations 

have said that although they will reopen studios 

they will be looking to stick to some of their 

online activities. 

“The past year has allowed them to reach people 

who would not necessarily have been able to 

come to their studio. I definitely think a lot of 

that will happen. 

“We might see shows happening in front of 

audiences but also being live streamed as well. 

It’ll be about retaining the positives from the 

past year.” 

8 

www.jaimemagazine.com

F E AT U R E 

New book for young 

culture vultures 

A PROFESSIONAL VIOLIST TURNED AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR HAS RELEASED 

A CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE BOOK WITH A CONSERVATION THEME 

She may be more used to musical keys than 

typewriter keys, but that hasn’t stopped musician 

Judy Brulo from excelling in her new career as an 

author. 

The Buried City - A Tale of Two Time Zones, which 

has the official support of the Vulture Conservation 

Foundation, is out now priced £9.99. 

Judy Brulo, from Tamworth in Staffordshire, has 

written the book as a prequel to her prize-winning 

Vulture Island Trilogy. 

The 69-year-old, who trained at the Guildhall School 

of Music in London before performing with London 

Mozart Players and the City of London Sinfonia, 

was the 2019 winner of the Eyelands International 

Book Award in the children’s published fiction 

category. She was shortlisted for the same prize in 

2020 for Swords in the Sky, the third book of the 

Vulture Island trilogy. 

The Buried City - A Tale of Two Time Zones is the 

eighth book Judy has published in the space of just 

seven years, after being inspired to take up writing by 

her two young grandchildren, Kaia and Taio, now 

aged 13. 

“When they were learning to read I wrote short 

stories for them, almost weekly. I chose topics that I 

knew they were interested in,” she says. 

Judy’s first few books were aimed at five to sevenyear-olds 

and included A Year in the Life of Brack, a 

collection of stories about a Brachiosaurus Dinosaur 

who turns up on the twins doorstep early one 

Saturday morning, feline adventure anthology Cat- 

Lateral Damage and Boris and Doris Cat Detective 

Agency. 

The Vulture Island Trilogy, aimed at children aged 

eight to 12 years, swiftly followed. 

The stories were inspired by Griffon Vultures Judy 

spotted during her years living and working in 

Cyprus. The books aim to gently educate children 

about conservation while entertaining them with an 

adventure story. 

Judy contacted the Vulture Conservation Foundation 

to fact check the first book in the series and has gone 

on to be a speaker at the organisation’s European 

conference. The Vulture Conservation Foundation 

continues to staunchly support her work highlighting 

an often misunderstood species. 

“I’ll always remember the first time I saw a Griffon 

Vulture,” she says. “I was driving along a coastal 

road in Cyprus and saw a huge bird launch itself off 

the cliff and over the sea. I’d never seen such a large 

bird in my life before. 

“I thought it could be a really good starting point for 

an adventure story combined with the magical island 


of Cyprus, a boy and some archaeology.” 

The main characters in the Vulture Island 

series are Griff, a Griffon Vulture who 

challenges Luke, a 10-year-old boy, to 

investigate the mysteries of Vulture Island. 

The nail-biting prequel to the Vulture Island 

Trilogy, The Buried City - A Tale of Two 

Time Zones, is hot off the press. 

In this story Griff presents Luke with yet 

another challenge – to find Vulture Island’s 

Buried City, the whereabouts of which has 

baffled archaeologists for hundreds of years. 

The book sees Luke and his friends 

transported back in time to the Mycenaean 

Civilization (1,200 BC) where he meets 

unpredictable Greek gods and a brave young 

girl. What is her connection with Luke and 

Griff? Do they find the Buried City? What 

dangers will Luke and his friends have to 

overcome on their quest? 

Judy Brulo’s books are available from the 

Etsy bookshop BruloBooks, WHSmiths in 

Tamworth, Waterstones, Amazon or through 

her Facebook page www.facebook.com/ 

JudyBruloChildrensAuthor 

Schools and other organisations can contact 

Judy at htpps://contactanauthor.co.uk/ 

author/315/judy-brulo 


11

P R O P E RTY 

Property of the Month 

EACH MONTH WE SHOWCASE ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS PROPERTIES 

CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET IN THE MIDLANDS. THIS HOUSE WAS SELF-BUILT BY 

THE CURRENT OWNERS AND DESIGNED BY A LOCAL ARCHITECT. 

Slade Road, Sutton Coldfield. £825,000. On the market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878. 

THE CURRENT OWNERS SAY: We wanted to provide 

a large family home, not only efficient to run but flexible to 

accommodate modern day working and living arrangements. 

THE AGENT SAYS: This lovely modern family home is 

accessed via a gated block paved driveway. The reception 

hallway with its high ceilings makes an incredible first 

impression. A guest cloakroom is located directly on the 

left-hand side after entering and the hallway leads on to the 

reception rooms. 

The drawing room is located towards the front of the 

home and offers views over the front of the property. The 

bright and open kitchen/breakfast room is located on the 

opposite end of the ground floor and looks out over the rear 

garden. This is the perfect space for modern family living, 

featuring ample space for an informal dining and family 

area. Double doors lead out to the rear patio and are ideal 

for opening up the space in the summer. A study or playroom 

completes the ground-floor accommodation. The space 

could alternatively be used as a bedroom if required due 

to concealed plumbing which would allow for an adjacent 

en-suite shower room. The principal bedroom with front 

aspect is on the first floor and features an en-suite shower 

room with a beautiful modern suite and double shower. Two 

further bedrooms benefit from a Jack-and-Jill shower room. 

The first floor further features a fourth bedroom with rear 

aspect and a family bathroom with stunning mosaic floor 

tiling. The second floor offers flexible accommodation which 

could be used as three further bedrooms, a parental suite with 

bathroom and dressing room or for additional living space 

such as a cinema room, spacious study, or playroom. There is 

an additional WC which is large enough to additionally house 

a shower. Bedroom five is cabled for a cinema room/home 

theatre. 

W E L O V E : 

THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE LAYOUT, WHICH 

MEANS THIS HOUSE COULD HAVE MORE 

THAN SIX BEDROOMS IF NEEDED. 


ELEGANT 

TOWN 

LIVING 

ONE OF A KIND 

ASTON KNOWLES 

GUIDE PRICE FROM £475,000 

TUDOR PLACE - PARK VIEW, OFF TUDOR HILL 

An extraordinary opportunity to secure a luxuriously appointed apartment in an ideal location 

close to the centre of Sutton Coldfield. This new-build apartment building features private gated 

access, a lift to all floors, and underfloor heating throughout, as well as wonderful views. Each 

apartment boasts parking for 2 cars and comes with a Global Home Warranty for 10 years. 

Premium features of the exclusive development include remote controlled security gate to the front 

entrance with intercom facility and security alarms in every apartment. 

EXCLUSIVE 

& PRIVATE 

ESTATE 

HARTOPP ROAD - FOUR OAKS ESTATE 

GUIDE PRICE £2,250,000 

This family home is finished to an exceptional specification on a spacious plot of 0.66 acres. 

The property features a drawing room, dining room, and open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room 

to the ground floor, as well as a utility, boot room, cinema, and playroom. 

To the first and second floor the home offers a principal bedroom with dressing room and en-suite 

bathroom, guest bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, bedroom three and four with 

en-suite shower room, bedroom five, and a family bathroom. 

Outside the home features a double garage, gated private driveway, and mature gardens. 

0121 362 7878 

enquiries@astonknowles.com 

www.astonknowles.com 

@astonknowles

I N T E R I O R S 

Bring the 

inside out 

WITH the warmer weather just around the corner, it’s 

only natural that thoughts turn to bringing that indoor 

vibe to our outdoors. Rather than being a separate space 

at the mercy of the elements, the garden is increasingly 

becoming a natural extension to your living, dining and 

entertaining area which comes into its own the moment 

the sun starts to shine. 

Whether it’s casual lounging on the patio, or creating an 

Insta-worthy outdoor kitchen and dining solution, one 

thing lockdown has reminded us is of the importance of 

every last bit of space, both in and outside of our homes. 

Patios, gardens and garden buildings have dutifully served 

greater purposes than ever before as happy hour haunts, 

offices, gyms, parks and refuges to enjoy the beauty of 

nature, and our outdoor spaces are sure to remain hot 

spots for social gatherings for quite some time. 

So if your space needs a shake-up, it’s time to get 

transforming; invest in stylish furniture, accessories and 

cooking solutions to create your own at-home oasis. 

DUNE SMOOTH 15.3M2 20MM SANDSTONE PATIO 

PACK, £582, PER PACK. AVAILABLE FROM TIPPERS. 

WWW.TIPPERS.COM 

£119 

£50 

COBALT WALL LANTERN, GARDEN TRADING. 

WWW.GARDENTRADING.CO.UK 

INDIIR OUTDOOR DIAMOND CUSHION, 

COX & COX. WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK 

£39.95 

£35 

ARMANDO WOVEN GARDEN LOUNGE 

CHAIR, CULT FURNITURE. 

WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM 

BLACK RATTAN CONVEX LANTERN, 

AVAILABLE FROM LOCAL ONLINE RETAILER 

VB LUXURY INTERIORS. 

WWW.VBLUXURYINTERIORS.COM 


Curtains | Blinds | Wallpaper 

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OUTDOOR TALL METAL DAKOTA FIREBOWL 

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DOUBLE INDOOR OUTDOOR 

HANGING CHAIR, COX & COX. 

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£189.99 

£450 

£118 

£99.99 

OSLO CHARCOAL OUTDOOR 

DINING TABLE, ROSE & GREY. 

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HEXA GOLD WITH BLACK HANDLE 

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£890 

WAKEHURST HELSTON OUTDOOR FIRE PIT 

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FLAT RING OF LOGS FIREPIT, FIREPITSUK. 

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PAIR OF HAMPSTEAD ARMCHAIRS, £500, 

FIKA LIVING. WWW.FIKALIVING.CO.UK 


BAYLISS LIMITED, 23 GATE LANE, BOLDMERE, SUTTON COLDFIELD B73 5TR 

0121 362 1800 - WWW.BAYLISSLIMITED.CO.UK 

ANGLIA RANGE IN BLANCO 

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MON-FRI 

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MANUTTI MOOD OUTDOOR COFFEE TABLE, 

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SCANDI DESIGNED AND INSTALLED GARDEN 

PODS FROM PODHOUSE. MADE LOCALLY IN 

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BELGIO 605MM X 605MM X 20MM PERLA 

PORCELAIN PAVING SLAB, £42.59 PER M2. 

AVAILABLE FROM TIPPERS. WWW.TIPPERS.COM 

DUPLOCEM 1200 X 600 X 20MM GRIS 

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16

FREE no obligation design service with our kitchen specialists 

16 -18 Britannia Way Britannia Enterprise Park, Lichfield WS14 9UY • 01543 263340 

info@lichfieldkitchensandbedrooms.com • www.lichfieldkitchensandbedrooms.com 

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm 

Proud to be a family run business for over 35 years 

HOME IS WHERE THE WARMTH IS 

For your safety and 

to observe social 

distancing we are 

asking that you 

telephone or email 

to arrange a personal 

viewing of our 

showroom. 

“Fantastic 

service and 

great products. 

Thanks Kieran” 

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Whitaker 

Heath 

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

& Country Fires, ACR Heat Products and many more 

Installers and suppliers of gas fires, bespoke limestone 

surrounds, and gas and woodburning stoves, since 1981. 

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

Telephone: 0121 384 5251 - www.abbeyfirecentre.co.uk 

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

abbeyfirecentre @abbeyfirecentre abbeyfirecentreltd

I N T E R I O R S 

Kitchen 

dramas 

IT’S the heart of the home, and often the room which 

requires the largest investment - and can create the biggest 

impact. With a sizable spend on the cards, it’s often 

tempting to play it safe when it comes to kitchen design. 

But opting for a few brave choices can transform your 

room into a truly stunning statement space. 

One of the biggest trends in kitchen design in recent years 

has been the bold use of colour, and that shows no sign 

of slowing down in 2021. Dramatic hues of navy, black, 

and the current favourite deep green work brilliantly to 

add a real impact to the space, either when used for a 

full kitchen makeover or in contrast to light and bright 

cabinetry or work surfaces. 

Luxurious touches on cabinet handles, taps and 

accessories can really elevate your design - or provide an 

ideal way to makeover your existing space. Just add some 

statement lighting for that extra flawless finish. 

ORIGAMI DECAGON PAPER EASY FIT PENDANT, £10, LARA 

BLACK BAR STOOL, £129, AND STORAGE JARS, FROM £4, 

DUNELM. WWW.DUNELM.COM 

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£33 

£59.99 

MASTERCLASS 5-PIECE BRASS- 

COLOURED STAINLESS STEEL KNIFE SET 

AND KNIFE BLOCK, KITCHEN CRAFT. 

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GREY AND GOLD BOTTLE OPENER 

AND BOTTLE STOPPER SET, 



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MATTE GOLD AND MATTE BLACK 

CUTLERY SET, VB LUXURY INTERIORS. 


HOUSE DOCTOR MENDONG PLACEMATS, 

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20 

www.jaimemagazine.com

EDGEWORTH STORAGE BOX, LARGE, 

£22, GARDEN TRADING. 

WWW.GARDENTRADING.CO.UK 

£22 

GREY AND GOLD COASTERS, 



£55 

£124 

£399 

BRONX MARBLE EFFECT TRAY, 

NEXT. WWW.NEXT.CO.UK 

£14 

MENU BOTTLE SALT AND PEPPER GRINDER 

BRONZED BRASS, AMARA. WWW.AMARA.COM 

COOKE & LEWIS FLINTER POLISHED 

CHROME EFFECT AND BLACK TAP, B&Q. 

WWW.DIY.COM 

£49.99 

ZUIVER CANTOR WINE SHELF, CUCKOOLAND. 

WWW.CUCKOOLAND.COM 

£110 MARBLE AND ACACIA CHOPPING 

BOARD, FIVE AND DIME. 

WWW.FIVEANDDIME-INTERIORS.COM 

THE ‘HANDLELESS’ COLLECTION FROM BA KITCHENS. 

AVAILABLE FROM LICHFIELD KITCHENS AND BEDROOMS, 

BRITANNIA ENTERPRISE PARK, LICHFIELD. 

WWW.LICHFIELDKITCHENSANDBEDROOMS.COM

UFORM HARBORNE LIGHT GREY KITCHEN, AVAILABLE FROM 

STONEYWELL KITCHENS, SIDBURY ROAD, YOXALL. 

WWW.STONEYWELLKITCHENS.COM 

DESIGNER KITCHEN SPLASHBACK WALLPAPER 

IN LEAFY GREEN WATERCOLOUR, £190, LIME LACE. 

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CASHMERE SLAB AND LABRADOR GREEN SLAB, 

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EBONY STONE TRAY WITH GOLD HANDLES, £224, VB 

LUXURY INTERIORS. WWW.VBLUXURYINTERIORS.COM 

SOMERTON RANGE BY BURBIDGE & SON 

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Walk away 

from hip and 

knee pain 

At Spire Little Aston, we understand how frustrating 

it is when joint pain holds you back. That’s why we 

provide fast access to expert care, when you need it. 

We use the latest technology and techniques 

wherever possible to get the best outcome for you. 

From replacement surgery to joint injections, you can 

be sure that you’ll be treated by an expert – every 

step of the way. 

Our private treatments are often more affordable 

than you think. There’s even interest free finance – 

0% representative APR available on treatment. 

Meet the experts 

If you suffer from hip or knee pain, we are offering a 

free mini consultation* with one of our Orthopaedic 

Consultants. During your Zoom appointment, you 

will have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms 

and get free expert advice on hip or knee pain/ 

injuries, how to manage them and the treatment 

options available. 

25 

May 

Hip or knee problems, from 4pm with 

Mr Shiv Jain or Mr Amit Kotecha 

You will be offered a free 10-minute mini virtual 

consultation between 4pm and 6pm on Tuesday 

25 May. 

Book to see an expert today 

Search ‘Spire Little Aston Hospital Events’ 

Call 0121 514 7034 

*Mini consultations are an opportunity to ask any questions you have about surgery and are not a formal 

outpatient consultation. If you wish to proceed to surgery or your consultant suggests that further treatment 

may be necessary, a full outpatient appointment will be required to assess your suitability for surgery/treatment.

F O O D & D R I N K 

Herby corn fritters 

SUSIE MANDLEBERG, HEAD CHEF AT THYME KITCHEN IN LICHFIELD, 

SHARES THE RECIPE FOR ONE OF THE NEW DISHES SET TO BE AVAILABLE 

WHEN THE RESTAURANT REOPENS THIS MONTH 

Ingredients 

1 egg 

50ml milk 

1 tbsp smoked paprika 

Salt 

Pepper 

100g sweetcorn 

2 spring onions, sliced 

1 chilli, chopped 

1 small bunch coriander, chopped 

75g gluten free flour 

Vegetable oil, for frying 

Begin by whisking the egg, milk, paprika, salt and 

pepper until smooth in a large mixing bowl. Then tip 

in the corn, onion, chilli and coriander. Stir well, then 

tip in the flour and stir again until smooth. It should 

feel a little like a lumpy pancake batter. 

Add some oil to a large frying pan; make sure the base 

is well covered as we’ll be shallow frying these. Heat 

the oil and add a small spoon of batter to check the 

temperature of the oil and also your seasoning. When 

the oil is hot enough it should bubble right away. 

Add a ladleful (around 2 tbsp) of batter into the pan. 

You can add four or five depending on the size of the 

pan, but make sure the pan isn’t overcrowded. Cook 

for a couple of minutes on each side until light brown, 

then turn over and cook for a further minute. Lift out 

of the pan with a spatula onto kitchen paper to drain 

and remove any excess oil, then transfer to a warm 

oven on a low heat until the rest of the fritters are 

ready. 

Serve with chilli jam, crispy bacon, fresh British 

tomatoes and poached eggs, and garnish with charred 

corn and coriander. 

This is a fabulous dish that celebrates the very best of 

British produce in the upcoming summer months. I’ve 

made our recipe gluten free, but you can substitute for 

plain flour if you like. 

You can cook your fritters in advance if cooking for 

a weekend family brunch, and store in the fridge for 

several days or even freeze them for up to a month. Just 

warm them up in the oven for around 10 minutes, or 

until piping hot. 


L U X U R Y & S P E C I A L I S T T R A V E L 

Friday 28th May 

Sunday 6th June 

R E A D Y W H E N Y O U A R E 

Saturday 12th June 


Saturday 19th June 

Friday 18th June 



Visit our website to view all events and to book online 

Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN 

0121 308 3751 www.moorhallhotel.co.uk 

HAVE YOU 

EXPERIENCED 

DINE AT HOME 

YET? 

Restaurant quality food prepped, 

ready to reheat, plate and enjoy 

delivered to your door! 

WEEKLY 

CHANGING MENU 

cotswold crunch loaf and 

marmite butter 

braised beef in black bean gyozas, beef dashi broth, 

shiitake ketchup, asian pickles, chive oil 

poached rump of herdwick lamb, chargrilled gem lettuce, 

lamb fat croutons, lamb fat jersey royals, 

pea purée, black garlic ketchup, lamb sauce 

dah sticky toffee pudding, rum and date compote, 

fig and vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce 

dine at home fudge 

£39.50 per person 

VEGETARIAN MENU AVAILABLE 

T 01543 264050 

E hello@saucesupperclub.co.uk 

www.saucesupperclub.co.uk

W H AT ’ S O N 

What’s on Local 

AS LIFE STARTS TO REOPEN POST-LOCKDOWN, HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE 

ENTERTAINMENT TREATS YOU’RE DUE TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY THIS MONTH 

WHAT: SCIENCE MUSEUM 

WHERE: THINKTANK BIRMINGHAM, MILLENNIUM POINT 

WHEN: MAY 29 ONWARDS 

Thinktank is finally set to reopen to the public this month after 

being closed since March last year. 

Families will once again be able to explore a world of wonder 

through impressive exhibits and historical collections, with 

reopening timed to coincide with the school half term holidays. 

To ensure people can keep a safe distance from each other, 

capacity will be limited and all visitors including members will 

need to pre-book a timed ticket in advance. Tickets will be 

available from May 6. 

WHAT: ART EXHIBITION 

WHERE: IKON GALLERY, BRINDLEYPLACE, BIRMINGHAM 

WHEN: MAY 17 ONWARDS 

Ikon Gallery reopens after lockdown with an exhibition of work 

for sale by more than 250 Birmingham artists. 

It’s unusual for Ikon, a charity, to exhibit works that are for sale 

but it has chosen to do so to try to help artists. 100% of the 

proceeds will go directly to the artists themselves. 

Tickets must be booked in advance, with a full list of the works 

available online from May 4. It will include paintings, drawings, 

photography, textiles, sculpture and video. 

WHAT: VARIETY SHOW 

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK THEATRE 

WHEN: THURSDAY, MAY 20 

Variety show A Black Country Night Out, is currently 

set to be the first show at Lichfield’s Garrick Theatre 

following its reopening. 

It will include comedy, music and more - aiming to 

be a good old fashioned variety show featuring acts 

drawn from the region. 

The next show at the theatre is due to be musicals 

tribute Beyond the Barricades on Sunday, May 23. 


WHAT: DRIVE IN CINEMA 

WHERE: NEC 

WHEN: MAY 1,2, 3 

Drive in cinema has experienced a comeback since the start 

of the pandemic with venues popping up around the region, 

including The Luna Drive in at the NEC. 

There is absolutely no need to even leave your vehicle during 

the experience, making this the ultimate in Covid-safe 

entertainment. 

Guests are given a speaker box on arrival which sits on their 

dashboard and is sanitised between screenings. 

WHAT: WALKING TOURS 

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM CITY WEEKENDS 

WHEN: WEEKENDS THROUGHOUT MAY AND INTO THE 

SUMMER 

Positively Birmingham have resumed their walking tours of 

the city centre, with four different themes and routes to choose 

from. 

You can visit the city centre canals and discover more about 

Georgian and Victorian Birmingham, discover more about 

Chamberlain Square and the Bull Ring, take an hourlong 

tour of Centenary Square or opt for a Discovering 

Birmingham route. 

Tickets should be booked in advance at 

www.positivelybirmingham.co.uk 

WHAT: FILM FESTIVAL 

WHERE: ONLINE AND ON SCREENS AROUND 

BIRMINGHAM 

WHEN: MAY 21 ONWARDS AND THROUGHOUT THE 

SUMMER 

Using a mix of online screenings, outdoor venues and 

hopefully indoor cinemas as they reopen, Flatpack Festival 

2021 will share filmmaking from around the globe.A series 

of screenings and discussions will delve into the archives for 

buried treasure, from the secret history of Birmingham’s 

adventure playgrounds to Indonesian folk horror. 

To find out more about events and venues visit 

flatpackfestival.org.uk 


27

LO CA L A R E A 

A great i-deer 

EXCELLENT FOOD, EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING AND A GLORIOUS WOODLAND 

TRAIL ARE JUST SOME OF THE REASONS WE RECOMMEND VISITING 

THE DEER PARK AT HOAR CROSS 

Situated in stunning Staffordshire 

countryside, The Deer Park Farm 

Shop and Restaurant offers a 

relaxing place to eat, drink, shop 

and work. There is also a beautiful 

ancient woodland area with a 

marked trail that can be enjoyed 

on foot, including by four-legged 

members of the family. 

The Farm Shop offers the finest 

produce, all of which is sourced 

as locally as possible. There is a 

wide selection of fresh fruit and 

vegetables, freshly baked breads and 

pastries, locally laid eggs, homemade 

jams and preserves, English wines, 

beers and ciders and much more. 

The in-house master butcher, Russell’s at The 

Deer Park, is an award winning butcher who 

supplies locally sourced high-grade meat and 

wonderful pies which are used in the restaurant. 

A gift shop on the first floor showcases small UK 

based suppliers and retailers that have been hand 

picked to provide customers with an inspiring 

selection of unique quality gifts and cards to suit all 

occasions. 

There are also four independent retailers on site: 

Portfolio Photographic captures images in a 

relaxed style either in their studio or on location, 

creating memories for you, your family or business. 

Red Velvet Bakery provides the perfect cake 

for any occasion including weddings, birthdays, 

engagements or anniversaries. They are all 

beautifully decorated, delicious and wickedly 

indulgent. 

SOS Lingerie offers luxurious ladies lingerie and 

loungewear with a bespoke fitting service and a range 

of jewellery and gifts. 

Birchover and Bromley is an inspiring florist 

with a range of fresh and artificial flowers as well as 

jewellery and gifts. 

The Linhay Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, 

afternoon tea, coffees and teas, milkshakes, smoothies 

and fabulous cakes. Everything is handmade using 

locally sourced seasonal produce wherever possible, 

including many items from the Farm Shop. 

A function room is available for hire by businesses 

or individuals. With spectacular views over the 

surrounding countryside and its own catering 

facilities this large space provides the perfect venue 

for any occasion. 

The Deer Park Farm Shop And Restaurant, 

Maker Lane, Hoar Cross, Staffordshire, DE13 8QR, 

01283 384477, info@deerpark.farm, 

www.deerpark.farm, www.facebook.com/ 

thedeerpark, www.instagram.com/deer.park.farm 

28

THE DEER PARK FARM SHOP 

AND RESTAURANT 

Indulge in our contemporary cafe while taking in the 

fantastic views and landscapes of the rolling Staffordshire 

hills. Boasting a wonderful combination of everyday classics 

and specials, reflecting our passion for fresh, delicious food 

from our very own farm and shop, including meat from our 

wonderful in house butcher, Russell’s of Shenstone. 

On the first floor we offer a unique retail experience 

combining an eclectic mix of locally sourced products, 

sought-after brands, and talented craftsmanship from 

passionate UK artisans. Our range includes greetings 

cards and wrap, homeware essentials, stationery, books, 

cosmetics, childrens gifts, fashion and even pet accessories. 

We also have 4 independent retailers on site – Portfolio 

Photographic, Red Velvet Bakery, SOS Lingerie and 

Birchover & Bromley. 

We look forward to welcoming you 

FULLY OPEN FROM 18 TH MAY 

WITH INDOOR DINING AVAILABLE 

MAKER LN, HOAR CROSS, BURTON-ON-TRENT DE13 8QR. TEL: 01283 384477 

MONDAY - CLOSED. TUESDAY - SUNDAY 8.30AM - 5.00PM. LAST ORDERS FOR FOOD 4.00PM 

DEER.PARK.FARM THE DEER PARK 

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. 

beyond the horizon 

Let’s create something to look forward to 

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

T R AV E L 

Have a ship-shape summer 

COULD A CRUISE AROUND THE UK BE THE ANSWER FOR YOUR 2021 

SUMMER HOLIDAY? LOCAL TRAVEL SPECIALIST NATHAN COLLINS, 

FROM RB COLLECTION, FINDS OUT MORE 

Who would ever have thought the world’s leading 

cruise lines would be descending on the UK for 

a special summer programme of sailings. This is 

certainly going to be a unique occasion indeed. 

With the vaccine rollout speeding along in the UK, 

cruise lines have decided to reposition their ships 

and offer a variety of departures in UK waters 

this summer. From short taster cruises to longer 

sightseeing and wildlife itineraries there’s a long list 

to choose from. 

The variety of cruise brands involved is wide, with 

smaller expedition ships, tall sailing ships and larger 

all-round entertainment ships all involved. We will 

even see a number of brand-new cruise liners use 

this as an opportunity to finally launch their vessels 

here in the UK. 

Here is your guide to this summer’s UK cruises with 

our top selections to choose from: 

Tradewinds Voyages (tall ship cruises) 

Experience the British Isles from a new perspective 

with these seven tall ship voyages exclusively visiting 

UK ports from June 22, 2021. 

These sailings give guests the opportunity to 

experience Golden Horizon and the best of British 

coastal towns, whilst not leaving the country – perfect 

for a staycation at sea. The ship takes around 200 

guests and is a near-replica of the 1913 ocean vessel 

France-II which helps it retain its historic charm and 

elegance. Guests will experience all the workings of a 

tall ship as they interact with the crew and learn the 

ins and outs of operations if they wish. 

There are four-night options which allow you to 

sample this unique style of sailing as well as five, 

six, nine, 10 and 14 night departures depending on 

which part of the UK you are joining from. 

After the UK cruises this magnificent ship will sail 


to Europe, through the Suez Canal to Oman, Dubai 

and then down to Asia and on to Australia. The 

Golden Horizon is unlikely to return to UK waters 

for at least a couple of years which makes these UK 

summer cruises even more special. 

Fares start from £899 per person including full 

board, drinks with meals, WiFi and gratuities. As 

this is a much smaller and unique ship, we do advise 

booking early. The inaugural sailings for example 

have already sold out. 

Viking Cruises 

Well known for their river cruises, Viking moved into 

the ocean cruises market a few years ago launching 

two new ships in 2018. Our founder, Alan, was 

lucky enough to experience one of their ships and 

appreciated their smaller size at around 900 guests 

compared to some of the other well-known brands. 

This offers a more intimate 

experience onboard and this 

summer their brand-new ship, 

Viking Venus, will sail UK waters. 

These cruises have proved very 

popular already and at the time 

of writing there are only two dates 

in June available, I expect due to 

their smaller size and wide appeal. 

The itineraries are interesting: the 

Scilly Isles, Falmouth, Portland. 

All meals, drinks with meals, 

gratuities, spa, WiFi and shore 

excursions are included. We hope 

more departures will be added 

later in the summer as they are 

beautiful, smaller ships and well 

worth a look at. 

Celebrity Cruises 

Last year Celebrity Cruises enhanced their 

cruise to become all-inclusive with drinks, Wi-Fi 

and gratuities now included in all sailings. This 

is great news for their one-off summer 2021 UK 

cruises onboard Celebrity Silhouette. The allinclusive 

packages can be upgraded to include 

even more benefits such as premium drinks, 

shore excursions and onboard credit. 

Celebrity’s larger ship carries nearly 3,000 

passengers. Families of all ages are welcome 

onboard and catered for well (adults will need to 

be vaccinated and under-18s will have to present 

a negative Covid test). They have a VIP deck 

called The Retreat which is like a hotel within a 

hotel, offering more space and added bonuses. 

If you like the idea of being away from the other 

guests this is a perfect choice. 

Sailings start on July 3 in one-week blocks from 

Southampton calling at ports such as Inverness 

(for Lochness), Kirkwall, the Orkney Island, Belfast 

and Liverpool. 

Balcony cabins start from £1,283 per person (family 

of 4 from £5,099) on an all-inclusive basis. 

Virgin Voyages 

The new kid on the block hoping to disrupt the 

cruise industry, Virgin Voyages planned their launch 

in March 2020. They managed to sail around part 

of the UK for the travel industry and press to sample 

the new ship before positioning over to Miami where 

it would be based. Sadly, the public cruises never 

started last year due to the pandemic. Lucky for us 

though, the inaugural public sailing will be in the 

UK on August 6. 

Two, three and four night cruises offer the perfect 

opportunity to experience this brand-new ship 

31

can relax knowing the cruise is based on all-inclusive. 

Cruises continue into September, so the season is 

longer than some of the other lines and already 

proving popular. Prices start from £1,125 per person. 

Transfers are included for those living within a 125- 

mile radius of the departure port. 

Disney Cruise Line 

Like Virgin’s sailings, Disney’s will not be making 

ports of calls. They will instead offer the chance to 

experience the ship, entertainment and all-round 

Disney Magic (which is also the name of the ship) 

with two, three or four night taster cruises. They 

have the additional attraction of setting sail from 

Liverpool, Southampton, Newcastle or London 

(Tilbury) between July and October. This is really 

handy to help reduce driving time for families across 

the UK. (Prices are yet to be confirmed). 

(Scarlet Lady) and see the fresh, original design and 

services Virgin Voyages will offer in the Caribbean 

this winter. It’s a clever opportunity for the brand to 

gain some attention and promote itself to a younger 

audience. 

Sailings start at £499 per person with meals, basic 

drinks, gratuities and WiFi included. Whilst these 

sailings won’t be calling into any ports, they are 

offering great value for money for those who want to 

sample the new ship or try out a cruise for the first 

time. 

For those who want to splash out, their RockStar 

Quarters are huge suites and include extras such as 

bottomless in-room bar, daily spa access and special 

rooftop access. 

Saga 

Aimed at the over-50s market, Saga have four 

departures on Spirit of Discovery (launched in 

2019) and one on their new Spirit of 

Adventure, their latest ship launching 

this summer. These are proving very 

popular as they are new ships and 

only around 1,000 passengers. 

Sailings begin on June 27 from 

London Tilbury, Dover or 

Southampton depending on which 

cruise you choose and are offered 

in five, seven, nine, 10 and 14-night 

durations. As with other Saga 

holidays, they emphasise interesting 

ports of call around the UK and you 

Fred Olsen Cruise Line 

For fans of Fred Olsen, this is another unique 

opportunity as they will be showcasing their two new 

ships, Borealis and Bolette (around 1,400 guests). 

The first is a three-night sailing onboard Borealis 

from Liverpool to Scotland, a great way to sample 

the new ship. Prices start from £549 per person. 

There are longer itineraries too and each has 

been designed to take in interesting ports of calls, 

wildlife spots and special areas of interest such as 

the uninhabited islets of Gáshólmur, Isles of Scilly 

and Shetlands. Summer sailings continue up to 

September11 and include meals (you can upgrade 

to all-inclusive). If you are interested in wildlife, 

culture, history and sightseeing these cruises are great 

options. 

Hurtigruten 

Well known for their Norwegian coastal cruises, 

Hurtigruten’s MS Maud (around only 530 

passengers) is one of their more comfortable, stylish 

ships and one of the first to run on biofuel. 

The ship will sail from Dover on August 15 and 


Scotland and Ireland 

depending on the date. Prices 

start at £539 per person with a 

balcony. Along with the other 

Carnival group lines (P&O & 

Cunard), all passengers will 

need to be vaccinated and have 

mandatory travel insurance. 

September 10 offering 10 and 12-night cruises with 

an emphasis on remote islands, natural wonders 

and our diverse coastline. They will visit Rathlin 

Island, Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, the 

UNESCO double World Heritage Site at St Kilda 

amongst other interesting ports of call. The onboard 

expedition team includes experienced ornithologists 

making this an opportunity to learn more about our 

homeland. 

Prices start from £2,995 including meals, drinks with 

meals, Wifi and some excursions. 

P&O Cruises 

Their brand-new ship Iona will set sail to Scotland 

on August 7 from Southampton for seven nights 

(from £1,199pp), and Britannia, their flagship liner, 

offers three (from £249pp), four and six night sailings 

between June 27 and September 19. The shorter 

cruises will not make any ports of call and are 

promoted as opportunities to experience the ship and 

enjoy the coastal scenery. These adult-only cruises 

will require passengers to be vaccinated. Iona has 

a passenger capacity 

of 5,206 passengers 

making it the largest 

UK summer sailings 

this year. 

Cunard Cruises 

Just like Princess & P&O, 

Cunard are offering short 

taster cruises to experience the 

ship and have a well-deserved 

break onboard, as well as 

longer sailings with ports 

of call such as Lands End, 

Liverpool, Scotland, Northern 

Ireland and Newcastle. Prices range from £599pp to 

£1,299pp including meals onboard Queen Victoria 

(around 2,000 passengers). 

Other cruises 

Cruises are also being offered from Royal Caribbean, 

MSC and Riviera. 

It has been great to see interest in these cruises is 

already very high. The liners may well add more 

dates depending on how travel opens up in Europe 

and beyond and where the ships will need to be 

positioned. 

Flexible Booking Policy 

For your reassurance, our book with confidence 

policy will offer some kind of flexible booking option 

with all of these cruises. Mention J’AIME when you 

book your UK Summer Cruise with us before the 

end of May 2021 for half-price cruise port parking. 

Applicable to new bookings only when mentioning 

J’AIME. 

Princess Cruises 

These Summer 

Seacations onboard 

either Regal or Sky 

Princess (around 3,300 

passengers) come in 

either four nights at 

sea, or seven-night 

touring cruises calling 

in at Liverpool, 

33

#LOVELOCAL 

J’AIME 

#LoveLocal Lichfield 

OVER THE COMING MONTHS WE WILL BE CELEBRATING SOME OF THE BRILLIANT INDEPENDENT 

BUSINESSES ACROSS OUR PATCH. HERE ARE SIX FROM THE LICHFIELD AREA 

RICHARD WINTERTON AUCTIONEERS 

As lockdown eases, Lichfield’s auctioneer is relaunching safe, in-person 

valuations of jewellery, watches and silver with one of the country’s 

leading jewellery valuers. 

The specialist valuations with Richard Winterton Auctioneers will take 

place at The Lichfield Auction Centre by appointment only from 10am 

to 4pm on Thursdays. 

Heather Callaway FIRV FGA DGA AMAE, vice-chair of the National 

Association of Jewellers, will be offering free advice and auction 

estimates on jewellery, watches and silver. 

People are asked to book in advance by calling Richard 

Winterton Auctioneers on 01543 251081 or emailing office@ 

richardwinterton.co.uk. Visit www.richardwinterton.co.uk. 

HEART OF THE COUNTRY VILLAGE 

Heart of the Country Village is a collection of individual shops, 

boutiques and restaurants housed in converted 19th century farm 

buildings at Swinfen. 

It’s home to many independent businesses and small British chains, 

some of which have been at Heart of the Country Village for more 

than three decades. 

There is lots of outdoor space to explore, including a free woodland 

fairy trail designed for families. 

Canine members of the family are very welcome too - there is a dog 

shop, grooming parlour and dogs are welcome at the eating places. 

To find out more visit www.heartofthecountryvillage.com 

LICHFIELD KITCHENS AND BEDROOMS 

Lichfield Kitchens and Bedrooms is very proud of its heritage as the 

city’s longest established independent kitchen specialist. 

The business began in 1985 in a small unit in Greenhough Road 

and quickly progressed into its current and much larger premises on 

Britannia Way. 

Whether you are interested in a bright new kitchen or a relaxing 

peaceful bedroom, they offer the same dedicated, professional service 

using high quality products that will last for many years. 

They can incorporate innovative family areas into your kitchen, to 

ensure your family is able to eat together and talk together which is 

priceless in today’s busy world. 

To find out more visit www.lichfieldkitchensandbedrooms.com 


アパート 

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Specialists in designing 

and making, remodelling 

and refurbishing 

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昀椀琀 

BACK 

OPEN 

Visit us and enjoy an open-air shopping 

experience in a peaceful countryside location 

heartofthecountryvillage.com 

Swinfen, Lichfield. WS14 9QR

#LOVELOCAL 

J’AIME 

TATLOW CARPETS 

Ken Tatlow started in the flooring business nearly 50 years ago, back in 

1972. His daughter, Jayne, now carries on the family tradition. 

With their extensive knowledge and experience in flooring, they are 

people you can trust in helping to make your house a home. 

From contemporary patterns to luxury wool twists, they can provide 

carpets to suit any style and finish. 

The Tatlow Carpets product range also includes luxury vinyl tiles, 

laminate, binding and runners. 

To find out more visit www.tatlowcarpets.co.uk 

INTERIOR CHOICE 

With more than 35 years of soft furnishings experience and two-and-ahalf 

years of running a family business, opening a Lichfield showroom 

was a natural next step for Interior Choice. 

The first floor showroom above Sure Storage in Eastern Avenue, 

Lichfield, stocks all the leading fabric and blind brands as well as 

offering a design and fit service if required. 

Customers can choose from more than 6,000 options across curtains, 

blinds and wallpapers with tracks, poles, awning and automated blinds 

also available. 

Key brands include Romo, Voyage and Prestigious Textiles plus ILiv, 

Bill Beaumont, Curtain Express, Villa Nova, Luxaflex, Silent Gliss 

and ILiv Contract collections. 

Visits to the 512sq ft showroom are currently by appointment only, 

which means that you can browse the collections with peace of mind. 

To find out more visit www.interiorchoice.net 

LICHFIELD FESTIVAL 

Yes, you heard it right, Lichfield Festival is back and has a stellar lineup 

to help make up for some of the performances we’ve all missed out 

on over the past 12 months. 

There will be 11 days of ballet, cabaret, symphony orchestras, steel 

pans, family fun, chamber music, live cooking, storytelling, drama and 

laugh-out-loud comedy. 

Taking place from July 8 to 18, the annual event will bring thousands 

of visitors to the beautiful cathedral city and will once again be a 

cornerstone in the region’s cultural calendar. 

To find out more about the lineup visit www.lichfieldfestival.org 


The perfect lockdown treat! Book your exclusive 

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01543 466 660 

Lichfield 

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0121 550 0010 

Sutton Coldfield 

0121 716 3716

FA S H I O N 

Jump to it! 

SIMPLIFY SPRING DRESSING WITH THE ALL-IN-ONE OPTION, AS AMY NORBURY 

CHECKS OUT SOME OF THE MOST STYLISH JUMPSUITS AROUND 

WE’VE got a spring in our step because - hallelujah! - 

there’s a return to some semblance of normality on the 

agenda. As lockdown restrictions get set to ease further 

this month, garden parties are in, and popping out to 

the pub or going out for a meal is back on the cards. 

It’s great news - but it does sadly mean that it’s time for 

our beloved loungewear to take a back seat in favour of 

some stylish new looks. 

If you’re out of practice when it comes to pulling 

together an outfit to go out-out, then never fear; 

spring’s hero wardrobe piece is here to leave you 

looking suitably stylish and perfectly polished in no time 

at all. All hail the jumpsuit. 

A firm favourite across the SS21 catwalks, where the 

pandemic’s penchant for comfort dressing was still very 

much in evidence, we saw everything from utilitarian 

boilersuits at Max Mara and Stella McCartney, to 

Studio 54-style Seventies-inspired numbers over at Tom 

Ford and Balmain. 

Night or day, work (from home) or weekend, the 

jumpsuit is the ultimate all-occasions wardrobe fix. Just 

choose your style, throw on and go - there really is no 

quicker way to feel dressed up and ready to rock. 

For those of us who’ve got used to dressing for comfort 

over the past year, jumpsuits are a great transition back 

to the world of sartorial style, with relaxed fits and 

flattering cuts offering easy elegance - and perfect for 

hiding a multitude of lockdown sins. 

Versatility is key too. Jumpsuits pair just as well with 

trainers for casual chic and flat sandals for summer 

vibes as they do with heels for evening - just add a bag 

and some statement jewellery and you’re night outready 

with minimal effort. 

POPPY CROPPED JUMPSUIT IN BLUE 

PURE LINEN, £70, MONSOON. 

WWW.MONSOON.CO.UK 


£192 

£49.50 

£108 

LAUREN MIMOSA JUMPSUIT IN 

TRUE BLACK, FATFACE. 

WWW.FATFACE.CO.UK 

£79.50 

£65 

EMBROIDERED FLORAL DANDY 

JUMPSUIT, TRAFFIC PEOPLE AT 

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BLACK VINTAGE DAISY FLORAL JUMPSUIT, 

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FLOSS PRINTED JUMPSUIT IN BLUE ORGANIC 

COTTON, MONSOON. WWW.MONSOON.CO.UK 

THE SUMMER JUMPSUIT IN SUNSET 

ORANGE, £135, HOPE FASHION. 

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LIGHTNING BOLT JUMPSUIT, £59, SONDER 

STUDIO. WWW.SONDERSTUDIO.CO.UK

B E AU T Y 

Skin deep: exfoliators v peels 

WHEN IT COMES TO MORE INTENSIVE BEAUTY TREATMENTS DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S 

BEST FOR BOOSTING YOUR COMPLEXION? ROYAL FACIALIST AND FOUNDER OF HEAVEN 

SKINCARE DEBORAH MITCHELL EXPLAINS THE KEY PRODUCTS WE NEED IN OUR ARSENAL. 

Your skin is constantly shedding dead cells to make 

way for new ones to come to the surface; however as 

we get older this process begins to slow down so it’s 

important to give mother nature a helping hand. 

An exfoliator works on the upper layer of your skin 

and can be used as part of your daily routine to 

improve texture. It will scuff away the dead cells and 

clear your pores to leave your complexion looking 

more radiant and feeling healthier. 

By exfoliating regularly you also speed up the 

skin’s natural healing process, restoring clarity and 

lightening pigmentation; skip this vital step and you’ll 

risk breakouts, blackheads and dryness. 

If you have oily skin you may find you need to 

exfoliate more than someone who has dry skin – the 

oilier your skin the harder it is to shed 

dead cells naturally. You should also do it 

in the evening rather than in the morning 

because your complexion is more effective 

at rebalancing its natural pH level at night. 

A peel, on the other hand, gets deeper 

into your skin to reveal the healthy layer 

beneath – they are great if you are looking 

for that next level of skincare at home. 

You can use these once a week but please 

remember to read the instructions as there 

will be a time limit you can leave it on 

your face. If you’re unsure of using one 

yourself, then book a peel treatment at 

your favourite salon instead. 

immunity of the skin, making it ideal for those who 

suffer with acne. 

SKIN PEELS 

I developed my innovative Bee Peel as a professional 

level at-home treatment. It tightens and firms skin, 

working its way through dead skin cells to improve 

pigmentation, lines, scars, dark spots and blemishes. 

It contains my ABEETOXIN® formula, organic 

coconut and raw cane sugar to help resurface and 

even out tone. 

You can shop Deborah’s complete range exclusively 

online at heavenskincare.com. You’ll also find 

her luxury salons in Shifnal and Harvey Nichols 

Birmingham. 

GENTLE EXFOLIATORS 

My Cleanse & Foam is a non-abrasive 

exfoliator, toner and cleanser in one that 

I created to improve elasticity levels while 

balancing oil levels to reduce shine on 

your T-Zone. The presence of organic 

carrot oil – which contains healing vitamin 

A – also rejuvenates and repairs the skin. 

The light, refreshing Bee Polish contains 

fruit acid, Echinacea and Aloe Vera to 

gently extract toxins without harming the 

outer layer of the skin. It also boosts the 


OPEN 

FOR NEW 

RESIDENTS 

WE 

REMAIN 

COVID 

FREE 

tatlowcarpets 

& flooring 

Quality flooring at affordable prices 

Abingdon, Adam’s, Associated Weavers, Axminster, Brintons, Brockways, 

Cormar, Crucial Trading, Penthouse, Ulsters, Karndean & Project Floors 

Free advice ✔ Free quotations ✔ 

Furniture moved ✔ Our own regular fitters ✔ 

Rosemary Lodge Care Home for elderly ladies and gentlemen offers a level 

of care, community and comfort that is second to none. Situated a short way 

from the bustling City Centre of Lichfield and set in landscaped gardens, 

Rosemary Lodge is light, spacious and beautifully decorated, offering residents 

just the right combination of activity and relaxation. Residents are encouraged 

to retain their independence and individuality whilst being fully supported to 

live a fulfilled and enjoyable life. 

A family run concern that has been a highly regarded part of the community 

for almost 30 years. Offering 24- hour care, fully trained staff work together 

to communicate with residents to ensure that personal care needs are met in 

a fully person-centred approach, thus building an important relationship of 

trust and friendship. 

Two qualified chefs offer a nutritionally balanced and varied menu, catering 

for any dietary requirement, using fresh, locally sourced produce, served in 

a spacious dining room that offers views out towards the Orangery and the 

gardens and fountain. 

The Orangery offers the perfect space for residents, family and friends to 

meet up, chat enjoy coffee and snacks at any time of the year. 

Hugh Mackay Carpets Deco Loop 

range in Notting Hill colour. 

Turtle mats – Mr fox mat shown (multi-grip backing) 65cm x 85cm - 

£49.95. Turtle mats are washable anti-slip door mats that come in a 

variety of colours and sizes to suit the home or work space. 

All rooms are en-suite, and are designed to comfortably accommodate 

individuals and couples. Full wi-fi throughout to allow residents to keep in 

touch with family and friends through video link or FaceTime. 

Regular activities and entertainment include movement to music, musical 

theatre groups, pet therapy, pub lunches, and visits to local events are regularly 

organised. However, privacy and peace and quiet is also ensured. There is also 

an on-site hairdressing and beauty salon. 

Rosemary Lodge also offers respite care, holiday stay and limited day care. 

Rosemary Lodge Residential Home 

191 Walsall Road, Lichfield. Staffs. WS13 8AQ. 

In the first instance please contact Jane Evans - Registered Care Manager 

or Shirley Kent - Administration Manager. 

01543 415223 - Email: roselodgehome@aol.com 

www.rosemarylodgecarehome.co.uk 

CQC RATING GOOD 

Finance facilities now available 

@Tatlowcarpetsltd 

@Tatlow_Carpets 

Please see our website for further details 

www.tatlowcarpets.co.uk 

Tel: 01543 264766 

Open to the public. Mon-Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm. Sat: 10.00am - 4.00pm 

Unit 4, Europa Way, Britannia Enterprise Park, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9TZ

#LOVELOCAL 

J’AIME 

#LoveLocal Sutton Coldfield 

OVER THE COMING MONTHS WE WILL BE CELEBRATING SOME OF THE BRILLIANT INDEPENDENT 

BUSINESSES ACROSS OUR PATCH. HERE ARE THREE FROM THE SUTTON COLDFIELD AREA 

ABBEY FIRE CENTRE 

Family business Abbey Fire Centre has been specialising in designing 

and installing beautiful, unique fireplaces, gas fires and wood burning 

stoves into Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham and West Midlands homes 

for well over 35 years. 

The staff are experts in all areas of solid fuel and gas fires and are 

renowned for their expertise when dealing with wood burning stoves, 

having more than 28 years of experience of fitting wood burning stoves 

in the Birmingham area - even before they became so popular. 

Visits to the showroom are by appointment and virtual appointments 

are also available. 

To find out more visit www.abbeyfirecentre.co.uk 

TRAVEL COUNSELLORS 

Charlotte Mitchell is a personal travel counsellor based in Sutton 

Coldfield. 

She has been in the travel industry for more than 18 years and is 

experienced in booking all types of travel; weddings to honeymoons, 

from cross country tours to beach breaks in Europe. 

Charlotte has extensive knowledge of the fastest growing business in 

travel, cruise. 

Travel is her passion and she promises to provide top quality, 

customer focused care. 

To find out more contact Charlotte at 

charlotte.mitchell@travelcounsellors.com 

VB LUXURY INTERIORS 

VB Luxury Interiors is the home of distinctive trendsetting interior 

décor. Whether you are looking for timeless pieces or modern 

contemporary, their range of hand selected interiors with a unique vibe 

are the perfect centrepiece that add a finishing touch to your home. 

They have a variety of bespoke products that will bring elegance and 

glamour into your home and lifestyle. What unites the collection is an 

unrivalled commitment to quality and style. 

To browse the collection visit www.vbluxuryinteriors.com 


H E A LT H 

Reaching an equilibrium 

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM LINDA RHODES AND SARAH LISTON RUN ONE OF THE REGION’S 

LONGEST ESTABLISHED PILATES STUDIOS. THE J’AIME TEAM MET THEM TO FIND OUT MORE 

Equilibrium Pilates Room has just moved to the 

beautiful surroundings of Coppice Garden Centre, 

where their clients can shop, relax over coffee or grab 

a bite to eat between classes. 

“We’ve always admired Coppice Garden Centre as a 

fantastic lifestyle destination and it feels like the right 

fit for a business like ours,” says Sarah, who joined 

her mum in the business 11 years ago. 

“Our boutique approach means that we can offer a 

very bespoke service with small specialist classes in a 

really beautiful setting.” 

Linda, Sarah and five other specialist instructors 

boast a timetable to suit everyone from the beginner 

to advanced. But what sets them apart is their work 

with people as individuals regardless of their age, 

fitness and experience. 

“There is no typical client at Equilibrium and we 

have always had an open door policy here. From the 

super-fit to those with long term health conditions or 

injuries, we believe everyone can gain huge benefits 

from doing pilates and yoga,” says Linda. 

It is also a business that never stands still, with 

teachers committed to their continuing education, 

to the constant investment in new equipment and 

the sharing of new information and knowledge with 

their clients. Equilibrium is proud to be creating an 

army of pilates geeks! 

Reformer classes are Equilibrum’s most popular 

class, with the likes of tennis star Andy Murray 

and premier league footballers claiming Reformer 

Pilates has transformed their game. Surprisingly the 

average man on the street is yet to be convinced, 

despite pilates being invented by a man who was a 

boxer, bodybuilder and martial arts expert. This is 

something Equilibrium hopes to change. 

Linda and Sarah are rightly very proud of their 

20-year heritage and remain the most experienced 

pilates teaching team in Sutton Coldfield. 

All but one of the EQ team is homegrown, having 

come to the studio as a client and then deciding to 

become a teacher. They have all completed training 

and accreditation by the Body Control Pilates 

Association, Europe’s largest professional Pilates 

organisation and widely regarded as the benchmark 

for safe and effective teaching. 

“The training is intense and takes time, typically 12 

to 18 months to gain the initial qualification to teach 

mat pilates, so there are no shortcuts. Then there’s 

further training to gain accreditations in the pilates 

equipment such as the reformer and trapeze table or 

cadillac,” says Sarah. 

Equilibrium is striving to make the studio as safe 

as possible in the current climate, including the 

introduction of a hospital grade air filtration system 

and re-covering the studio equipment with antiviral 

fabric. 

“The effect of doing regular pilates practice can 

be life changing and seeing the positive changes 

in people both physically and mentally inspires us 

every day to keep doing what we do. We are excited 

to see how the studio will grow in our new home at 

Coppice,” adds Linda. 

Private sessions for one, two or three people are 

already available and group classes will resume on 

May 17 in line with Government guidelines. 

To find out more visit eqpilatesroom.co.uk, 

email hello@eqpilatesroom.co.uk or call 

0121 323 4663. 


43

H E A LT H 

Life cycle 

A WOMAN WHO CYCLED BACK TO HEALTH AFTER MAJOR ILLNESS HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY A 

LEADING SPORTING ORGANISATION FOR HER EFFORTS TO GET MORE PEOPLE ON THEIR BIKES 

Staffordshire-based Michelle 

Vorel Adams has been named 

European Cycling Directeur by 

ACES Europe – the Brusselsbased 

European Capitals and 

Cities of Sport Federation which 

promotes physical activity and 

healthy living across more than 

500 destinations. 

Michelle from Uttoxeter, who 

is the organisation’s UK and 

Ireland president, has made it her 

mission to encourage people of 

all abilities to cycle for fitness and 

mental health since she was struck 

down with deep vein thrombosis a 

year ago. It was her high level of 

fitness, and determination to stay 

in the saddle, that supported her 

speedy recovery. 

She went on to stage a 2020km 

cycling marathon during 

lockdown, raising £5000 for the 

Royal University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent that 

treated her and is now planning RIDE2021UK 

– a countrywide fundraiser for the NHS – while 

launching a new ACES awards programme 

recognising top cycling destinations. 

ACES Europe President and founder, Gian 

Francesco Lupattelli, said: “In one year Michelle has 

done more to promote cycling than anyone we know. 

“She has shared her own very personal battle to 

inspire others to adopt our mission of sport and 

health for all. Not only that, hospitals across Great 

Britain are set to benefit from RIDE2021UK. 

“Michelle is the perfect fit for the role of our 

new Cycling Directeur and we look forward to 

progressing the cycling awards programme.” 

The concept of creating ACES’ top cycling cities, 

towns and communities will develop over the next 

few months. 

Michelle, who runs Uttoxeter-based international 

sports and commerce firm Sphere Connect, said: “I 

am delighted to take on the official role of ‘Cycling 

Directeur’ to progress the five ACES manifesto 

goals specifically through cycling destinations and 

organisations across Europe and beyond, including 

Africa and India. 

“We’re still in the planning stages but the aim 

is create cycling awards for destinations and 

organisations that stand out from the rest when 

it comes to promoting cycling for fitness and 

sustainability, getting commuters out of cars and 

onto bikes. 

“Cycling is a hot topic in the UK as we tackle obesity 

and COVID-19. I will be doing everything I can to 

encourage cyclists and complete beginners to ride for 

physical and mental health.” 

Michelle, who rides more than 100 miles a week 

through the leafy lanes of Staffordshire, is posting 

tips on social media covering topics such as buying 

the right bike and road safety. 


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H E A LT H 

Robot knee op rang my bell 

LICHFIELD KNEE OPERATION PATIENT DEREK GIDDINS HAS GIVEN 

A RINGING ENDORSEMENT TO HIS ROBOT-ASSISTED TREATMENT. 

Bell ringer Derek Giddins is ringing out the praises 

of his surgeon following a knee replacement 

operation that saw him walking without crutches in 

less than three weeks. 

Derek, aged 74, who lives near Lichfield with his 

wife Gilly, had the operation at Spire Little Aston 

Hospital where he was offered the option of Mako 

robot-assisted surgery. 

“My surgeon explained the benefits of the new 

system and how it could speed up my recovery time. 

I am a very active person and I wanted to get back 

in action as soon as possible so it seemed perfect for 

me,” he said. 

The procedure was carried out by orthopaedic 

surgeon Jamie Arbuthnot, a specialist consultant 

trained in using the robot. He said: “It allows me to 

consistently optimise implant placement which gives 

the patient a more natural-feeling knee and usually 

means a quicker recovery time and reduced postoperative 

pain. 

“The best type of joint replacement is one that lets 

you forget you actually have one and I really think 

Mako enables surgeons to meet that goal.” 

Derek, who has been bell-ringing since the 1960s, 

was once a regular ring at Guilford Cathedral. Since 

his move to the Midlands he has been ringing at the 

Church of St Nicholas at Mavesyn Ridware and 

Holy Angels at Hoar Cross. 

He can now climb the 58 steps at Holy Angels 

Church to toll the 28cwt tenor bell again. 

“Bell ringing hasn’t taken place during the lockdown 

but it was great to have the chance of a short 

practice to get the feel of it again after such a long 

lay-off,” he said. 

Derek is also back on track with his other hobby – 

cycling. 

Having enjoyed cycling holidays around the world 

with his wife Gilly he is now doing 45-minute 

sessions on his static cycle as well as completing a 

five-mile trip on the road. 

“I have two friends who have had knee replacements 

at the same time as me and, even though I am the 

oldest among us, I seem to be making much quicker 

progress on my road to recovery. 

“I really do think it was the skill of Mr Arbuthnot 

combined with the technology of the Mako system 

that has allowed me to get back on my feet so quickly. 

“I would say it’s the only way to go and would have 

no hesitation in recommending it to others. If I need 

my other knee replaced then choosing the Mako 

surgery would be a no-brainer.” 

If you are interested in understanding more about 

hip or knee replacements or are struggling with 

hip or knee pain and want to discuss it further, 

Spire Little Aston Hospital is offering free mini 

virtual appointments on May 25 with consultant 

orthopaedic surgeons Shiv Jain and Amit Kotecha. 

Call 0121 514 7034 to book. 


HOUSE CLEARANCE EXPERTS 

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J'Aime Ad 190x280 - Feb and ideas 2021.indd 1 20/04/2021 16:34

J'AIME May 2021

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