J'AIME SEPTEMBER 2021

S E P T E M B E R 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
Autumn
style
UPDATES FOR HOME
& WARDROBE
LOVE
CHEESE
LIVE:
A new food and
drink weekender
comes to the
Midlands
Win!
An online masterclass
with MasterChef’s
Bart Van der Lee
THE LICHFIELD GIN
HONOURING BABIES
BORN DURING THE
PANDEMIC

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Welcome to J’AIME
What a difference a year makes! As we head into
autumn, this year we’ve swapped whispers of
lockdowns for getting out and about, and Zoom
gatherings for dinner dates with friends. Of course,
there’s still plenty to be cautious about post-Covid, but
the hope that life is getting back to normal is very real.
One man tasked with reviving the area in the wake of
the pandemic is West Midlands mayor Andy Street,
who was elected for a second term earlier this year. We
catch up with him to discover more about his plans for
the region’s future.
We also talk to a Lichfield couple who have created a
new gin to honour all of the babies born during the
pandemic, which will be raising funds for maternity
charity Pregnant Then Screwed.
If you’re a foodie, we’ve got an action-packed
issue for you, with news of a brand new food and
drink weekender coming to Staffordshire, featuring
celebrity chefs James Martin, Marco Pierre White and
Michel Roux Jr, plus you can win an online culinary
masterclass with MasterChef: The Professionals
finalist Bart Van der Lee.
The past 18 months have been a challenging time
for many small, independent businesses - something
which we at J’AIME know all too well. As a
completely independent publication, we are proud
that we’ve survived these unprecedented times, and
we remain passionate about supporting other small,
independent businesses along the way - it would be
great if our readers would join in and continue to
support the businesses in our community.
If you enjoy what you read in this issue, then why not
help us to spread the word? As well as being delivered
directly to homes in selected postcodes across the
area, you can pick J’AIME up free of charge in major
supermarkets around the Midlands, as well as read the
whole thing - and plenty more! - online at
www.jaimemagazine.com
We hope, as always, that our upbeat, positive content
will help to put a smile on your face. Enjoy!
EDITOR: AMY NORBURY
EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY
ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
07388 335 931
DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTORS: GARY PHELPS, JENNY
AMPHLETT, JAZZ SHERGILL, NATHAN
COLLINS, SUSIE MANDLEBERG, DEBORAH
MITCHELL, RAUL ROMERO
J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY
PUBLICATIONS LIMITED.
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 Elvins Gin - The Lichfield gin inspired by
babies of the pandemic
10 Andy Street - The West Midlands Mayor on his
plans for the future of the region
12 Property - Property of the month
14 Property - A successful first year
18 Interiors - See red for autumn
22 Interiors - Let there be light
26 Paralympics - Jack Hodgson goes for gold,
with help from Steven Hale Hearing
28 Food and drink - Reviewing Hoar Cross Hall
30 Food and drink - A sumptuous salad from
Thyme Kitchen
32 Food and drink - Love Cheese Live comes to
Staffordshire, and you can win tickets
36 Competition - Win an online culinary
masterclass with Bart Van der Lee
40 Staffordshire author - Debbi Vosey discusses
her debut novella
44 Travel - Holidaying in a post-pandemic world
47 Health - Lichfield personal trainer Raul
Romero on being the healthiest version of you
50 What’s On - Events around the Midlands this
month
54 Fashion - Transitional style
56 Beauty - Take it off, says Heaven Skincare’s
Deborah Mitchell
57 Beauty - Our pick of the best face serums
60 In the news - From field to fashion for luxury
British brand
62 In the news - Capturing perfect moments
64 Health - Sight-saving surgery for world title
hopeful
66 In the news - A new opening for family funeral
company
SPONSORED BY
4

F E AT U R E
For our babies
A NEW GIN, CREATED BY A LICHFIELD COUPLE TO HONOUR ALL OF THE
BABIES BORN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS JUST HIT THE SHELVES.
AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS MORE
MATHEW AND MARIA HUNTER, WITH
THEIR SONS ELLIS AND ELVIN
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it affected life in
myriad ways.
Among the chaos, pregnant women and new parents
had an additional layer of worry, with conflicting
advice and uncertainty as to how Covd-19 may affect
their babies, both in utero and as newborns.
Faced with midwife visits, hospital appointments and
scans alone, and with medical staff hidden behind
layers of PPE, it added unprecedented worry to what
is, an already highly emotional time.
As a mental health nurse, working predominantly
with women and mothers, maternal mental health is
a cause extremely close to Maria Hunter’s heart.
And this came to the fore last year when the 30-yearold,
from Lichfield, gave birth to her second son
Elvin in October, following a pandemic-dominated
pregnancy - and just as the country headed into
lockdown for the second time.
It was a tumultuous time for Maria, as it was for
all pregnant women and new parents, with the
pandemic presenting many challenges as she got
to grips with the isolation of being a new mum in
lockdown, as well as balancing the needs of baby
Elvin with homeschooling her eldest son, five-yearold
Ellis.
Now, as the country is getting back to a sense of
normality, Maria is determined to commemorate the
experience of being a pandemic parent.
So alongside husband Mathew, Maria has created
Elvins Gin, in honour of their little own Elvin and all
of the babies born while coronavirus raged on.
While a gin may seem like a leftfield choice in the
circumstances, any parent who has endured enforced
homeschooling will testify to the pleasure of a chilled
G and T at the end of the week. And for the couple,
it’s a case of doing what they know best.
Mathew, also known as The Liquorman, specialises
in the wholesale and distribution of craft beers,
ales and spirits - so he knows a thing or two about
handcrafted, small batch gins.
6 www.jaimemagazine.com

Mathew says: “The idea for Elvins was essentially
came from the fact that we had Elvin during the
pandemic, and all of the horrors and troubles that
came from that, not being able to attend scans,
all of the extra worry that we, and other couples,
encountered during this time.”
A percentage of the profits from all sales of Elvins
Gin will go to Pregnant Then Screwed, a charity
which is dedicated to helping pregnant women and
mothers.
Maria says: “I already followed Joeli Brearley, who
founded Pregnant Then Screwed and knew about
her journey, how she’d faced discrimination when she
got pregnant, how she was sacked from work.
“Throughout my pregnancy with Elvin, Pregnant
Then Screwed provided a range of resources and
advice, and we are so very thankful that this space
exists for pregnant women and mothers. It seemed
like a perfect fit for us.”
Pregnant Then Screwed is dedicated to stop the
systemic, cultural and institutional discrimination
faced by a vast amount of pregnant women and
mothers every year. Founder Joeli Brearley and her
team fiercely break down the walls against maternity
discrimination, through campaigning to have voices
BABY ELVIN, WHO WAS BORN
DURING THE PANDEMIC IS THE
INSPIRATION BEHIND ELVINS GIN
heard while simultaneously ensuring that they
provide up-to-date information about employment
rights and options, whether this is legal advice or just
a listening ear.
Joeli said: “‘We are so delighted that Elvin’s gin will
be donating a percentage of their profits to Pregnant
Then Screwed as a way to honour the challenges
pregnant women and new mothers have experienced
during the pandemic.
“The money will go towards developing our support
services for women who experience discrimination
and fighting to change the systems which prevent
them from having equal access to the labour market.
Plus, the gin is absolutely delicious! So it’s a win-win
all round.”
The two iterations of Elvins, a dry gin and a pink,
have been handcrafted and distilled locally by
Mathew and Maria, who tried, tested and tweaked
the recipes, playing around with the botanicals until
they were confident Elvins was just right.
Mathew says: “In terms of the Elvins Dry, we’ve
made it to be very classy and elegant, very citrusforward
to adhere to the London Dry principles. In
terms of the botanical split it’s actually 68 per cent
juniper, which is really heavy juniper.
“The juniper is backed by white lavender, lemon
thyme, grapefruit and lemon rind, which allows it to
be a citrus-forward gin with a floral backbone and a
nice, clean finish.”
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7

“With the pink we toyed with a lot of different
recipes, we discussed doing lingonberry as something
different, but essentially we want to hit a slightly
different demographic of drinker, but to keep it
classy.”
The result is Elvins Pink, a wonderfully fruitful gin
bursting with British strawberry, raspberry and rose.
All natural flavours are used to create a grown-up
iteration of a pink gin, backed by the 43 per cent
ABV, the same strength as the dry version.
While Mathew’s expertise in the drinks industry has
enabled the couple to create a small batch gin which
would sit proudly on any shelf, it is Maria who has
driven the look and feel behind the brand.
The tall, slender, elegant bottle has been imported
from Italy, carefully chosen for its unusual aesthetic.
“We wanted something which looks different and
stands out - not easy when there are more than 3,000
gins on the market,” says Maria.
The label, designed by Maria, is handwritten to
display each bottle’s number within the batch. And
with a tiny batch of each gin - just 150 bottles of the
dry gin and 158 of the pink have been made in this
first batch - customers know they’re getting a truly
bespoke product.
While Mathew is used to championing handcrafted,
small batch spirits, this is his first foray into
developing a product of his own. Elvins Dry and
Pink join an impressive line-up of some 75 spirits
PREGNANT THEN SCREWED
FOUNDER JOELI BREARLEY
from small distilleries across the UK and beyond.
“We are passionate about independent businesses
and the stories behind them,” explains Mathew.
“The craft alcohol sector is the fastest growing
segment of the market and the innovation and
diversity means there is a product to suit any taste.”
Mathew is an advocate for independent, small
brands. Having worked in the hospitality industry
from the age of 14, eventually working his way up to
be operations manager, he has seen first-hand how
difficult it can be for small brands to get shelf space.
“Throughout various companies, I found that
whenever a small, independent distillery or brewery
would approach us, the bigger boys would just offer
more incentives, deals and freebies. I was getting
really frustrated that I couldn’t get the smaller brands
stocked; it was just impossible for them to compete.”
So Mathew decided to take matters into his own
hands, starting up The Liqourman in a bid to get
independent brands stocked in other independents.
“Every brand that we stock is very small and
independent,” says Mathew. “Recently we had one
product which went into Morrisons, which was great
for them, but we delisted the product because that’s
not what we’re about. Our products are all from truly
independent makers.
“And we buy independent and local as much as we
can ourselves, because while you may pay a little
more, you’re supporting someone and buying a
product that’s made with care and love.”
Elvins Dry Gin and Elvins Pink Gin are available
from www.theliquorman.com priced at £29.95,
with free delivery within five miles of Lichfield.
8
www.jaimemagazine.com

F E AT U R E
Man on a mission
AFTER A TUMULTUOUS 18 MONTHS FOR THE WEST MIDLANDS IN THE WAKE OF THE
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, MAYOR ANDY STREET KNOWS HE HAS A SIZABLE JOB TO DO.
GARY PHELPS DISCOVERS MORE ABOUT HIS PLANS
Andy Street is a man on a mission – to revive the
West Midlands as it emerges from the coronavirus
pandemic. And after being re-elected for a
second term as the West Midlands Mayor in May,
the former boss of John Lewis is showing his
characteristic energy to get the job done.
And it’s a big job. Over the last 18 months the
West Midlands – made up of Birmingham,
Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and
Wolverhampton – was economically the worst
affected region of the UK.
Yet, despite these challenges ahead, Andy remains
positive.
“There is no doubt, we are facing real challenges
here,” he says.
“But I know that we have the innovation and drive
to overcome these challenges. This region has always
bounced back in times of adversity, thanks to the
nature of the area and the people who live here, and
I believe we are beginning to see that happen again.
“The last two years have seen lots of examples of
determination and resilience from the communities
that make up our region, and now I think you can
sense a similar determination to get back to where
we were before COVID hit.
“We West Midlands people may not have the
same kind of swagger you get in other parts of the
UK – we tend to be more modest and just get on
with things – but we are resilient, innovative and
industrious.”
Andy is a Brummie, from a Brummie family, who
says he was born in Banbury ‘by accident’ because
his parents were working there. The Streets moved
back to Birmingham when he was just ten months
old. He grew up in the Second City, going to King
Edward’s School before attending university.
His first ambition was to become a social worker
but instead he chose a life in retail. After being
turned down by Marks and Spencer, he got a job as
trainee at John Lewis, beginning a three decade-long
association with the company that saw him rise to
Managing Director.
WEST MIDLANDS MAYOR ANDY STREET
10 www.jaimemagazine.com

But after a decade
of running the high
street giant, he saw an
opportunity to return to his
roots – and swap the high
street for high office.
“I had really enjoyed
running John Lewis,” he
says “then the idea of a
West Midlands Mayor
began to be talked about. It
really interested me.
“The more I thought about
it, the more it seemed like
the perfect opportunity to
swap the job I loved for the
chance to serve the region
where I grew up. In the
end, it was simply too good a chance to miss.”
After being elected in 2017, Andy applied the lessons
of his years in business to his role as Mayor, focussing
on attracting investment and delivering tangible
results that would revive the region.
As he approached the end of his first term that
approach was delivering record house-building
figures, high employment levels and the highest
growth rate of any UK region outside London.
But then COVID hit, bringing tragic consequences
for thousands of local families and economic turmoil.
Elections were postponed for 12 months, while Andy
led the West Midlands through the pandemic.
That meant uniting the region to ensure a joined-up
approach, while providing a valuable direct link to
government.
As well as this huge professional test, Andy faced a
ANDY STREET WAS ELECTED
FOR A SECOND TERM IN MAY
personal challenge. In early 2021, he lost his mother
to COVID. She died just days before she was due to
be vaccinated.
He says: “It has been a very difficult time, and the
most difficult of it all, of course, was when mum died
as a result of COVID. It was an incredible shock.
“I really didn’t anticipate it at all – I was out walking
with her just a week before she went into hospital.”
Andy says he dealt with this personal tragedy by
‘doing one thing at a time’ while accepting his
responsibility to lead the region while so many others
were going through similar experiences.
He says: “I kept thinking ‘people expect me to lead
here, that is my job as mayor. I’ve got to step forward
and demonstrate that I can do that’.
“So, I tried to concentrate on what our citizens
expected of me as the region’s leader at such
a difficult time – things like providing clear
communication, telling them
things straight and always
being positive about where
the opportunities are.
“Because in times of
adversity, people want some
positivity to believe in.”
That positive outlook played
a huge role in his re-election
in May this year – and it is
now a driving factor in his
determination to help revive
the region as we look ahead
to life post-pandemic.
That means pressing on
with his plans for the future,
whether that’s building
www.jaimemagazine.com
11

thousands of new homes, revolutionising the region’s
transport system, meeting net zero carbon ambitions
or delivering on his commitment to create 100,000
new jobs over the next two years.
He says: “Of course, we must be cautious and
sensible as restrictions are eased, and I have no doubt
that we have many challenges ahead, but we also
have to recognise and seize the opportunities that can
help us get back to where we were.
“We are seeing millions of pounds being poured into
our town centres, and our transport system is being
transformed, with railway stations reopened and new
Metro lines being built.
“We’re leading the way in the new science of
reclaiming old derelict sites for redevelopment.
This means that we can remove eyesores that blight
communities, while building new homes where
they can create footfall for town centres rather than
destroying greenbelt land.
“This ‘brownfield first’ policy was inspired by the
loss of so much greenbelt in Sutton Coldfield, which
happened before I became mayor, and it is making a
difference.
“We have also set ourselves the challenge of
becoming a carbon neutral region by 2041, which
will bring with it all kinds of opportunities as we
change the way we live.
“And then, of course, we also have the
Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year,
which will provide a well-timed boost for everyone,
both economically and culturally.”
With his second term as West Midlands mayor
underway, does he feel the role has been fully
accepted by the region’s people?
“Well, I think it’s fair to say that when I was first
elected, back in 2017, the job seemed like an
experiment,” he says.
“You have to bear in mind that it’s still a relatively
new thing here – after all, we have had a mayor
for four years, while London has had one for two
decades.
“It’s also important to remember that our region had
been in decline for 40 years. Our communities were
more likely to compete with each other than unite to
attract investment.
“But I think people are beginning to understand
how the Mayor’s role can be a catalyst for change, as
well as uniting all those different communities to win
investment.
“The current push to ‘level up’ the nation, and
perhaps devolve further powers to the regions, to
increase local decision making, can really help the
region’s fortunes.
“I’m certain that, even after the hardships of the
last two years, the West Midlands is a much more
confident place – and I’m optimistic about the
opportunities that lie ahead.”
MAYOR ANDY STREET IS A MAN ON A MISSION TO
REVIVE THE REGION IN THE WAKE OF THE PANDEMIC
12 www.jaimemagazine.com

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P R O P E RTY
Property of the Month
WE TAKE A SNEAKY PEEK AT SOME OF THE HOTTEST PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET IN THE AREA
EACH MONTH. THIS MONTH’S SELECTION IS AN INCREDIBLE FIVE-BEDROOM FAMILY HOME WITH
EXTENSIVE AND WELL-PRESENTED LIVING ACCOMMODATION IN SOUGHT-AFTER FOUR OAKS
32 Streetly Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield: £1,050,000
On the market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878
THE AGENT SAYS: This beautiful five-bedroom family
home is sure to make an incredible first impression. The
gravel driveway leading up to the porch entrance offers ample
parking space. The porch entrance leads into the welcoming
reception hallway via the heavy oak front door with brass
knocker. The hallway is sure to take your breath away, with
its stunning high ceiling, wooden floor, and log burner. The
stairs are tastefully set behind a partitioning wall and lead up
to the mezzanine landing.
The spacious drawing room with front and side aspect
is located off to the right and features a lovely coal-effect
fireplace with oak surround along one wall.
An internal hallway leads off from the reception hallway and
into the generously sized kitchen/breakfast/family room.
This is a stunning space, truly designed to be the heart of the
home and an excellent space for family living.
The kitchen features lovely slate grey wall and floor
cupboards and high-gloss black granite worktops. Built-in
appliances include a large gas-fired hob with double oven and
extractor fan above.
The principal bedroom suite is set on the first floor and
features a stunning outlook onto the garden and space for
a sitting area, as well as a walk-in wardrobe with built-in
wardrobes on both sides and an en-suite bathroom, featuring
a modern suite with grey tiling.
The first floor benefits from three further bedrooms, all
with built-in wardrobes, an airing cupboard, and a family
bathroom with a beautiful white suite and separate walk-in
shower.
Finally, the home offers an amazing second-floor split-level
bedroom suite with shower room and walk-in wardrobe.
Steps lead up to a higher level, ideal for a sitting area or
study/workspace.
W E L O V E : T H E S T UNN ING V IE W S O V ER A G O L F C O UR S E
14 www.jaimemagazine.com

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P R O P E RTY
A whirlwind year in business
A YEAR HAS PASSED SINCE MIDLANDS ESTATE AGENCY
CHOSEN HOME LAUNCHED - AND WHAT A YEAR IT’S BEEN
Despite launching in the midst of a pandemic,
the company has thrived through two national
lockdowns to reach its first anniversary, scooping a
prestigious award and growing its team further along
the way.
Director Nicki Ash said: “The past 12 months have
been something of a whirlwind and we can’t quite
believe we’re already marking our first anniversary
in business. In that time, Chosen Home has become
one of the region’s fastest-growing independent
estate agents, priding itself on providing exceptional
customer service, excellent communication and
guidance, and first-class marketing packages, while
not charging our clients a penny.
“We’ve made a real impact on the Midlands
marketplace, and we’re especially proud of how our
reputation within Sutton Coldfield is growing; so
much so that we’ve recently appointed a new sales
manager to help meet the demand for our services
and maintain the high standards we’re committed to
delivering,” she added.
The transparent and effective ‘we sell your home for
free’ model, which sees purchasers pay the business’
fee of one per cent of the asking price, has proved a
huge hit, with Chosen Home having listed or sold 40
properties with a total value of almost £40m to date,
and having been presented with a gold accolade in
the British Property Awards, which were created by
an independent team of former estate agency owners
to recognise credibility and outstanding customer
service.
The most recent addition to the team is Hannah
Delaney, who has a strong background in the
property sector, most recently as senior sales manager
at residential development specialist, Seven Capital.
She joins Nicki and fellow sales manager Rob
Shotton to develop the business’ sales potential.
Hannah said: “Having spent nine years specialising
in residential sales, I was looking for a new challenge,
and after meeting the Chosen Home team, I knew
this was it. The experienced team are so passionate
about what they do, and believe strongly in the
unique model that the business has created, that we
are all focused on driving it forward.
“The past couple of months have been incredibly
busy with the well-documented demand in the
current climate to buy and sell homes, and it’s
exciting to see the brand evolving - I get a real sense
of pride every time I drive past a Chosen board,” she
added.
Chosen Home is now setting its sights on further
expansion as it moves into its second year, and
aims to extend its reach into the Solihull, Knowle,
Dorridge, Harborne and Edgbaston areas in the
coming months.
For more details about the business, visit
www.chosenhome.com.
16 www.jaimemagazine.com

The Sutton
Coldfield
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chosenhome.com
Call 0121 222 1108

I N T E R I O R S
See red for
autumn
AS the last vestiges of summer give way to more autumnal
feels, it’s time to look forward to some of the hottest design
trends which are set to make an impact on our homes this
season.
At this time of year, a colour palette inspired by nature
comes to the fore, and one of the standout shades from
2021’s offerings is sun-dried tomato.
A more muted, burnt orange-toned take on red, a
sun-dried tomato hue is perfect for injecting a touch
of warmth into your decor scheme, without it feeling
overpowering.
If you’re looking to make an impact with your paint
choices, the pared-back, almost russet-like vibes of sundried
tomato offer a more sophisticated look than bright,
bold pillarbox red or vibrant cherry.
A few well-chosen accessories will add an autumnal colour
pop to your spaces. Pair with this year’s favourite warm
neutrals to create a cosy, calm space, or combine with
green tones for a more vibrant look.
LITTLE GREENE PAINT IN HEAT (INSIDE UNIT). LITTLE
GREENE PAINTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM INTERIOR
CHOICE OF LICHFIELD. WWW.INTERIORCHOICE.NET
£24.99
ORANGE CERAMIC LAMP, NEEDWOOD LIVING
OF ALREWAS. WWW.NEEDWOODLIVING.CO.UK
£49
RUST SHELL VASE, COFFEE & CLOTH.
WWW.COFFEEANDCLOTH.CO.UK
£225
DULUX PAINT IN SUN DRIED TOMATO,
AVAILABLE FROM TIPPERS OF LICHFIELD.
WWW.TIPPERS.COM
ALEXA LOW STOOL IN BURNT ORANGE
VELVET, CULT FURNITURE.
WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM
18 www.jaimemagazine.com

£850
£POA
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I N T E R I O R S
Let there
be light
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F E AT U R E
Powering a Paralympian
PARALYMPIC JUDO FIGHTER JACK HODGSON IS GOING FOR GOLD IN TOKYO - WITH
A LITTLE HELP FROM SUTTON COLDFIELD AUDIOLOGIST STEVEN HALE HEARING
PARALYMPIAN JACK HODGSON
It was a toss-up between tutus and takedowns for
Team GB paralympian Jack Hodgson.
The 24-year-old, who is currently making his mark
on the judo competition in Tokyo, started out in a
ballet class before making the switch which would
eventually see him joining the British Judo team and
competing all over the world.
Jack, who lives and trains with the Paralympic Team
GB in Walsall, says: “When I was younger, I lived
on a military base and there were only two clubs
available to kids my age – ballet and judo! Initially
my mum put me in the dance class, but I was way
too clumsy so naturally found my way to the fighting
sport of judo, which suited me far better!”
However, Jack was born with Usher Syndrome. This
rare genetic disorder is characterised by hearing
loss and an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa,
which causes degeneration of the retina until only
the ability to see straight ahead - tunnel vision -
remains.
But Jack has never let his condition hold him
back from his dream to fight for a medal at the
Paralympics.
Tokyo marks Jack’s second Paralympic Games, after
making his debut as a teenager in Rio in 2016 -
where he finished in seventh place.
“I have spent the past five years competing in various
events around the world – places as far afield as
America, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Japan, Uzbekistan
and many others!” says Jack. “The rules are the
same as in Olympic Judo, except for the fact that the
two fighters start ‘gripped up’. Qualifying has been
lengthy and gruelling, but worth every minute!”
Jack’s hearing difficulties have proved challenging
within his sport. However, support from Sutton
Coldfield-based Steven Hale Hearing and hearing
aid brand Phonak has enabled Jack to compete at the
very top level, thanks to the combination of Phonak
Audéo Paradise hearing aids and Roger On.
“Well, not being able to hear your coach ‘in action’
26 www.jaimemagazine.com

was a massive issue at first, and then
we started to use hearing aids,”
explains Jack.
“However, I struggled for many years
with my aids breaking as soon as they
came into contact with sweat, which
was frustrating, and really hindered
my improvement as a judo fighter.
Then along came Phonak, and their
receiver in canal Audeo hearing aid.
Wow! What a difference! Not only do
they sit completely in the canal, so
they are safe, clear and comfy, but they
also have the NEW UV drier/cleaner
portal which will dry and clean the
aids usually within three hours! I never
even knew about this technology, so
it’s brilliant to have it at my fingertips! Also, Roger
On is a microphone dedicated to conversations that
occur over distance – so now my coach can shout at
me from the side-lines!”
Audiologist Steven Hale, who fitted Jack with his
equipment, says: “These hearing aids are also
Bluetooth compatible, so if Jack has any issues while
he’s in Tokyo, I can help him! It’s a bit like standing
in his corner with him!”
Phonak’s latest hearing aids Audéo Paradise deliver
a crisp natural sound, brilliant speech understanding
and personalised noise cancelling. Not only that, they
are rechargeable and connect to a large array of
multimedia devices including smart phones, tablets
and TV.
Roger On will give Jack the flexibility to focus on
conversations whenever and wherever he may be, it is
fully automatic depending on when used on a table,
held in his hand or clipped on to a main conversation
partner. Roger On uses Multibeam 2.0 technology
JACK IN TRAINING
JACK WITH AUDIOLOGIST STEVEN HALE
to distinguish the direction of incoming speech and
automatically selects the person who is talking. Jack
is also using the Phonak Charge and Care which is a
charger that dries hearing aids - perfect for athletes
and their gruelling training regimes.
“I hear so much better with my new hearing aids
compared to my older ones,” says Jack.
“I have been super impressed with the clarity. It
is great that they are rechargeable and can be
controlled by an app. This makes it easy to turn the
volume up and down and change programmes. I also
think Charge and Care is a fantastic piece of kit! In
the past when I’ve had a hard, sweaty training session
I have to take my aids out and it takes some time for
the aids to dry out – if they ever do! But now using
Charge and Care is quick, easy and successful.
“My Roger On is great as I can hear my coach - he
just has to remember that I can now hear him and
not say anything he doesn’t want me to hear! I’m also
really looking forward to using Roger On during the
flight to Tokyo. To listen to music
or watch a film on my phone has
always been difficult, so now my aids
have Bluetooth and I can stream my
multimedia direct to my ears, it will
be much easier. I am also hoping I
will get some sleep easier as I won’t
be having to wear bulky headphones
and still have some awareness
around me.”
Jack adds: “I am honoured to
represent Paralympics GB, in what
has been a life-changing time for me.
The support and investment from
Phonak and Steven Hale Hearing
has been immense and means that I
really can ‘Go for Gold’ to the very
best of my ability!”
www.jaimemagazine.com
27

F O O D & D R I N K
A fine place to dine
STATELY SPLENDOUR ABOUNDS AT HOAR CROSS HALL, AND THEIR NEW HEAD
CHEF AND HIS TALENTED TEAM ARE ENSURING THEIR CULINARY OFFERINGS
MATCH THE SURROUNDINGS, AS AMY NORBURY DISCOVERED
Hoar Cross Hall has long been a landmark in the
area, attracting visitors from all over the country to
enjoy its renowned spa and sumptuous rooms for a
luxury retreat.
With a focus on wellness, it may come as a surprise
that Hoar Cross Hall’s restaurants are less health
food and more about food which nourishes the soul
- at this retreat the emphasis is most definitely on the
treat.
The jewel in the crown is fine-dining in The
Ballroom. A grand space with opulent decor, The
Ballroom is certainly an impressive setting for any
meal.
And with a covered AA rosette among its credentials,
you can rest assured that the culinary experience
matches the stately setting.
My colleague and I were greeted warmly by front-ofhouse
team member Owen, and shown to our table
in one of The Ballroom’s vast bay windows, where
we could enjoy the beautiful views over the grounds.
The restaurant offers plenty of space between tables
to ensure the utmost comfort for diners, while hand
sanitiser on arrival and staff in face masks remain the
only clues that we’re still not out of the Covid woods.
Our waiter for the evening, Jack, proffered menus
and took orders for pre-dinner drinks to sip while we
perused.
Hoar Cross Hall’s ethos is one of seasonality and
sustainability, using the freshest produce from
renowned local suppliers, as well as making the most
of the hall’s own substantial gardens and woodland
to cultivate herbs, wild garlic, fruits and more.
The menu changes with the seasons to really make
the most of that wonderful produce, offering a
selection of carefully thought-out dishes which
showcase the bounty available.
As you may expect from a health spa, dietary
requirements are exceptionally well catered for, with
allergens clearly marked, and plenty of options for
vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diners.
Happily, free-from doesn’t mean any compromise
on taste or quality, as my gluten-free colleague
discovered.
To start, I opted for the ham hock terrine with chilli
pineapple salsa, while my colleague was won over by
the promise of the honey truffle goats’ cheese with
28
www.jaimemagazine.com

oasted and pickled beetroot and
pine nuts.
Now, they say you eat with your eyes
first, and this was most definitely the
case at Hoar Cross. Presentation for
both dishes was beautiful, perfectly
showcasing the ingredients - and
both dishes lived up to that initial
delicious promise.
The terrine was rich and hearty,
with the pineapple salsa adding a
delightfully fresh mouthfeel to each
bite, while the chilli kick was just
enough to keep things interesting.
The goats’ cheese dish is apparently
a favourite of executive head chef
James St Claire-Jones - and it’s easy to see why.
The salty tang of the light, whipped goats’ cheese,
the earthy sweetness of the beetroot and the slight
sharpness coming from the pickles was, proclaimed
my colleague, a match made in heaven.
Baskets of freshly made bread - gluten-free,
of course, for my colleague - were a welcome
accompaniment.
Onto the main event, and I plumped for the breast
of duck with fondant potato and cauliflower purée,
duck being a personal favourite but something we
rarely cook at home, so something I tend to gravitate
towards on any menu.
The duck itself was beautifully cooked, with seared
skin, rendered fat and perfectly pink meat. With the
buttery fondant, and hints of sweetness from the silky
cauliflower purée and a lovely duo of carrot, it made
for a rather indulgent plate.
My colleague’s spiced monkfish with lentil dhal,
spinach, pickled cauliflower and coriander oil was
a dish packed with wonderfully balanced flavours.
The spicing, she said, was just enough so as not to
overwhelm the delicate monkfish, while the delicious
dhal was a great accompaniment. It was a dish, she
remarked, that she’d be happy to order again and
again.
Side dishes of triple-cooked chips - after all, who
can resist such an offering? - a more virtuous veggie
selection of tenderstem broccoli and French beans,
and a flavour-packed salad of English heritage
tomatoes, basil and baby mozzarella, rounded the
main event off nicely.
The heavenly-sounding dessert selection proved far
too tempting to resist - especially when my colleague
discovered a gluten-free version of sticky toffee
pudding on the menu, a rare treat indeed.
And it was a treat worth waiting for, she said as she
happily devoured every moreish morsel.
I was torn between said sticky toffee pud and the
lemon creme brûlée, with the brûlée eventually
winning out.
Rich, creamy, with a subtle citrus zing and a
caramelised sugar top which gave way with a
satisfying crack, it was a very good pud indeed.
The pistachio biscotti on the side were just right for
scooping up the last remnants too.
We finished what had been a suitably refreshing and
refined evening with a selection of British
cheeses, crackers and chutney - because
why not? - and an after dinner cocktail; the
espresso martini is seriously good.
Service throughout the evening was as
impeccable as the surroundings, with our
waiter Jack going above and beyond at every
turn to ensure we had a wonderful experience.
And wonderful it was. After months of
uncertainty for the hospitality industry, the
team at Hoar Cross Hall have proved beyond
doubt that their credentials as a fine dining
destination are as strong as ever.
www.jaimemagazine.com 29

F O O D & D R I N K
Best of British
SUSIE MANDLEBERG, HEAD CHEF OF THYME KITCHEN AT CURBOROUGH, SHARES A
DELICIOUS SALAD WHICH MAKES THE MOST OF THE HUMBLE BRITISH TOMATO
Panzanella
salad
Ingredients
500g British cherry or baby plum
tomatoes
1 bunch basil
2 red peppers
3 slices of day old bread (we use
sourdough)
Good quality extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp dried oregano
Salt
For the dressing:
1 small shallot, finely chopped
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Susie says: “This is such a simple,
summery salad that makes the most out
of the stunning tomatoes we grow in
the UK. This recipe traditionally uses
anchovies in the dressing, which you’re
more than welcome to add back into the
dressing, or leave this recipe veggie, like
we do.
“Start by roasting the red peppers for
10 mins at 180°C. Once cooled, peel off
the skins and slice the peppers into thin
strips.
“Tear the pieces of bread, drizzle over
some olive oil to coat them, and sprinkle
over the salt and oregano. Toast in the
oven for 15 minutes, or until crisp.
“Cut each tomato in half, and place in
a large bowl. Tear the basil, add in the
sourdough pieces, shallots and red wine
vinegar, and stir all together. Drizzle
over a little more olive oil, and serve at
room temperature.”
30 www.jaimemagazine.com

Christmas at the Hall
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HCH_0934 J'aime Christmas Advert.indd 1 18/08/2021 14:44

F O O D & D R I N K
Love cheese - and more!
A BRAND NEW CHEESE AND FOOD WEEKENDER IS COMING TO STAFFORDSHIRE NEXT
MONTH - AND YOU COULD WIN ONE OF FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS TO THE SHOW
Leading chefs James Martin, Marco Pierre White,
Michel Roux Jr and Matt Tebbutt will be just some
of the star attractions at the inaugural Love Cheese
Live weekender, which takes place from October
22 to 23 at the prestigious Staffordshire County
Showground.
Sharing some of their ultimate cheese-themed dishes
on the Cathedral City Main Stage and Le Gruyere
Kitchen Stage, the foodie favourites will be cooking
up a storm over the two days of the show, as well as
meeting and greeting fans over the weekend.
The chef demonstrations will be just some of the
highlights of what promises to be an action-packed
show, featuring the best of all things cheese and
cheese-related.
More than 150 well-known cheese and dairy brands
will be in the Love Cheese Pavilion, which also
hosts the world’s largest cheese and dairy show; the
International Cheese and Dairy Awards.
THERE WILL BE CHEESES GALORE
TO SAMPLE AT THE SHOW
MARCO PIERRE WHITE
IS ONE OF THE STAR
NAMES APPEARING
AT LOVE CHEESE LIVE
Formerly part of Nantwich Show, the International
Cheese and Dairy Awards has moved to Staffordshire
to be a part of this exciting new food and drink
extravaganza. Attracting some 5,000 entries from all
four corners of the world, the ICDA will crown the
best of the best in categories ranging from hard and
soft cheeses, to sheep and goats’ cheeses, as well as
butters, milk and yoghurts.
Learn how cheese is judged and what it takes to be
the best. With entries from all categories on display
throughout the show, there’s a lot of cheese to learn
about - from the very best cheddars to the finest
fetas, from halloumi to stilton, there’s a cheese for
everyone.
But Love Cheese Live is about so much more than
just cheese.
There will be more than 400 food producers
covering a wide range of products, including areas
of the show dedicated to regional producers such
32 www.jaimemagazine.com

as Taste Cheshire, Eat and Drink Staffordshire and
Deliciously Yorkshire. Each area will also have its
own demonstration stage, featuring outstanding local
chefs and produce.
At the Marks and Spencer Cookery School, you’ll
be able to get hands-on following demonstrations
from chefs including celebrity chef Chris Baber - and
there’ll be plenty of time to enjoy the fruits of your
labour.
Another exciting attraction is the Cheese Board
Pavilion, dedicated to all of those delicious things
that perfectly partner cheese. Sponsored by Marks
and Spencer, the area also includes talks from leading
experts, pairing experiences and demonstrations
from some of the finest food producers in the
country. The accompanying Cheese Board Awards
will help visitors discover the best of the best.
Elsewhere, award- winning cheese-maker Belton
Farm will be hosting cheese and beer pairings
compered by USA ambassador and pairing expert
Michael Landis; while award-winning Welsh cheesemaker
Snowdonia will be showcasing the art of
creating the perfect grazing board for the ultimate
casual at-home dining experience.
There is something for all the family, with children’s
cookery schools for the littlest foodies, as well as live
music and outside attractions.
DISCOVER THE TOP
TIPPLES TO PAIR WITH
DIFFERENT CHEESES
TV FAVOURITE
JAMES MARTIN
WILL BE TAKING TO
THE STAGE
And over the course of the show, visitors will be able
to taste and buy some amazing combinations of
award-winning cheese and accompaniments from
leading UK producers and retailers.
For a truly indulgent show, the VIP experience will
offer an extra special day out, starting with a glass of
fizz on arrival and access to the exclusive VIP suite
and garden, where you will receive a copy of the
Love Cheese Live guide as well as a goody bag to
take home.
The Love Cheese Live VIP experience gives you
access to meet and greet with the celebrity chefs and
an exclusive wine and cheese pairing session where
guests will learn what cheeses are suited to which
wines and why. Relax in fabulous surroundings
and enjoy use of the exclusive VIP bar, where
refreshments are available throughout the day. There
is also the option to add on a VIP lunch or luxury
afternoon tea.
Tickets to Love Cheese Live are available to
buy online now, priced at £15 for adults general
admission, with under 16s going free, and from £50
for VIP tickets. Tickets for the chef demonstrations
are priced at just £5, and must be booked alongside
an admission ticket. For more details visit www.
lovecheeselive.co.uk
www.jaimemagazine.com
33

Cathedral City
Main Stage
FIND OUT WHAT MAKES A
PERFECT PAIRING
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22
10.00am - Mario Olianis
11.00am - Marco Pierre White
12.00pm - Will Holland
1.00pm - Matt Tebbutt
2.00pm - TBA
3.00pm - Marco Pierre White
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23
10.30am - Mario Olianis
11.30am - Matt Tebbutt
12.30 - Will Holland
13.30 - TBA
14.30 - Michel Roux Jr
Competition!
J’AIME has teamed up with Love Cheese Live to offer readers the chance to be
a part of the action, with five pairs of general admission tickets up for grabs.
For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:
Name one of the celebrity chefs who will be appearing at Love Cheese Live 2021.
Send your answer, along with your name, address and contact number,
to competitions@jaimemagazine.com before midday on Friday, October 1.
Winners will be informed via email shortly after the competition has closed.
Terms and conditions apply. For more details visit www.jaimemagazine.com
MATT TEBBUTT WILL BE
APPEARING AT LOVE
CHEESE LIVE
ACCLAIMED CHEF MICHEL
ROUX JR WILL BE A FAMILIAR
FACE TO FOODIES
34
www.jaimemagazine.com

LCL-J'AIME-FullPage-Ad-June2021-190x280-PRINT.qxp_Tf-Ocado 17/08/2021 16:59 Page 1
THE UK’S LARGEST
CHEESE AND
FOOD FESTIVAL
22 nd - 23 rd OCTOBER 2021
Staffordshire County Show Ground, Weston Road, Stafford ST18 0BD
There’s something for all the family at Love Cheese Live,
with more than 350 of the UK’s finest cheese, food and
drink producers and over 5,000 entries to the International
Cheese & Dairy Awards. Enjoy our star chefs’ cooking
demonstrations, cookery schools, wine masterclasses,
cheese pairing experiences and activities for the children.
It’s sure to be a great day out…
LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
Live demonstrations from leading chefs James Martin, Michel Roux Jr,
Marco Pierre White, Will Holland, Matt Tebutt, Mario Olianas and Chris Baber.
TICKETS:
Adults: £15 online - £20 on show days
Children (1-16): FREE
VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM £50
To purchase tickets at discounted prices visit www.lovecheeselive.co.uk

F O O D & D R I N K
Lessons from a MasterChef
MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS FAVOURITE BART VAN DER LEE IS HELPING
PEOPLE TO UP THEIR GAME IN THE KITCHEN, THANKS TO HIS NEW ONLINE CULINARY
MASTERCLASS. AMY NORBURY CAUGHT UP WITH THE TALENTED CHEF - AND YOU
COULD WIN ACCESS TO HIS DELECTABLE COURSE
Since reaching the final of MasterChef: The
Professionals last year, Bart Van der Lee has been a
chef in demand.
From working behind closed doors as the private
chef for a family in Chelsea, the 33-year-old was
catapulted into the spotlight, thanks to his television
success which saw him consistently wow judges
Michel Roux Jr, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace.
Eagle-eyed foodie fans may have spotted the
Netherlands native cycling around Lichfield earlier
this year, firstly when he spent a week in the
cathedral city with the team at Sauce Supper Club,
creating an exclusive recipe box for their ‘Dine at
Home’ customers, and then when he popped up at
Sauce’s home Thyme Kitchen for a delicious dinner
experience in July.
And now, Bart is aiming to help food fans up
their own skills in the kitchen, thanks to his online
Culinary Masterclass course. With eight video classes
featuring an array of delectable starters, main dishes
and desserts, the course will enable even those less
confident cooks to create a stunning three-course
dinner in their own home.
“The main reason behind the masterclass is that,
because I’m a private chef, I work behind closed
doors, and I don’t get to share my food in the same
way that I would if I worked in a restaurant,”
explains Bart.
“People are really interested in cooking and
learning, and want to be better in the kitchen, so the
masterclass is a great way for me to help people with
that.”
Each beautifully-shot video gives you all of the
detailed instructions you need to recreate Bart’s tasty
dishes, from perfectly seared scallops to pancettawrapped
monkfish, a beautiful rack of lamb to an
indulgent chocolate fondant.
“These are beautiful dishes which aren’t too difficult
or time-consuming to make, but might require a few
tips to finish them off correctly,” says Bart.
“I like to show people how to take care of the details,
with some chef ’s tricks and tips which people can use
to elevate their cooking”
The recipes included in the masterclass are all
favourites of Barts, which he has perfected over a
long culinary career working all over the world.
36 www.jaimemagazine.com

CHRISTMAS THYME
CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU NOW AVAILABLE TO BOOK
Open Daily 10am-4pm | Evenings Thursday-Saturday
Curborough Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES
Telephone: 01543 264050
BRUNCH | LUNCH | DINNER
www.thymekitchen.co.uk @thymekitchen

“I’ve always been wild and free, I wanted to travel
and when i was old enough I set my sails, started
working in some of the most beautiful restaurants
around the Netherlands, with chefs who have taught
me everything, my love for produce, my love for
fish, and all these amazing techniques I’ve picked up
working with these amazing chefs,” says Bart.
After honing his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens,
Bart took on his first head chef position at the age
of just 22, in the luxury Resort of El Gouna, on the
red sea coast in Egypt. From there, he travelled to the
Caribbean, as head chef at an ultra luxury resort in
Turks and Caicos.
It was there Bart met his wife Ana, and after years
living on the other side of the world the couple
decided that it was time to move back to Europe
and be closer to their loved ones. London came into
the picture, and that is what they have called home
ever since. The reason to come back was family, and
not long after that they have created their own, as
parents to their two little ones.
“Food is what we live, what we breathe and what
we do every single day,” says Bart. “People gather
around food, it’s such an amazing thing to bring
people together, around the table, to share the wine,
share the bread and have that experience of having
something delicious.
“I hope my masterclass will help to share some of my
passion and knowledge, and things which will bring
families together over a beautiful meal.”
With the first Masterclass now live, Bart is already
planning a second course, as well as a meat speciality
course, where he plans to dive into different cuts of
meat and look at the best techniques for preparing
and cooking each piece properly.
Bart says: “My goal is to build up an online
classroom, featuring beautiful, classic dishes and
techniques that every good chef should know.”
Bart Van der Lee’s eight-class Culinary Masterclass
is available now at masterclass.bartvanderlee.
co.uk priced £49.95. Visit the website for more
details and to sign up.
Competition!
J’AIME has teamed up with chef Bart Van der Lee to offer readers the chance to
win one of three online culinary masterclass courses, worth £49.95 each.
For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:
Which television competition did Bart reach the finals of last year?
Send your answer, along with your name, address and contact number, by email
to competitions@jaimemagazine.com with the subject heading Masterclass
Competition. The competition will close at midday on Friday, October 1 and the
winners will be notified by email shortly after.
Terms and conditions apply. For more details visit www.jaimemagazine.com
38
www.jaimemagazine.com

T H E
M e y n e l l I n g r a m
A R M S
A traditional country pub with a menu of stunning, locally sourced food and
a vast range of drinks, including local ales, an array of gins and fine wine.
Following significant renovations in 2019, The Meynell now offers relaxed dining, with a high quality
food and drink offer throughout a variety of different dining areas including; the main restaurant,
Sam’s bar, and the original dog friendly Meynell bar and restaurant. In addition the much redesigned
courtyard and garden with beautiful private dining pods equipped with optional heating and music,
provide a fabulous space for outdoor drinking and dining. So whether it’s a quick pint after work, a
light lunch with friends or a special celebratory dinner, we hope to have something to suit all.
Contents
Festivities
AT THE MEYNELL INGRAM ARMS
berkeley inns locations ................... p11
pre-order forms .................................... p12
Festivities
AT THE MEYNELL INGRAM ARMS
1st december - 24th december
christmas day
Bar | 11:00-6:00pm
Restaurant | 12:00-4:00pm
*Christmas Day Menu
boxing day
Bar | 12:00-8:00pm
Restaurant | 12:00-6:00pm
* Normal Menu & Festive Menu
new year’s eve
Bar | 12:00-2:00pm
Restaurant | 12:00-2:00pm
* Pizzas Only
MEYNELLWOOD TICKETED EVENT 5PM & 8PM
new year’s day
Bar | 12:00-8:00pm
Restaurant | 12:00-6:00pm
* Normal Menu
‘We look forward to welcoming you at the Meynell Ingram Arms this festive season.
Come and feast on our stunning dishes prepared by our fantastic chefs
and relax by the fire with a warm mulled wine. There is no better place to spend this winter season than
in our traditional country pub, where we have something special for all’
seasons greetings from all at Berkeley Inns &
a very prosperous new year
‘We look forward to welcoming you at the Meynell Ingram Arms this festive season.
Come and feast on our stunning dishes prepared by our fantastic chefs
and relax by the fire with a warm mulled wine. There is no better place to spend this winter season than
in our traditional country pub, where we have something special for all’
seasons greetings from all at Berkeley Inns &
a very prosperous new year
Festive
festivities ......................................................p3
OPENING TIMES
festive menu ................................................p5
Festive Season
christmas day ............................................p7
1st december - 24th december
New Years Eve.............................................p9
Bar | Monday -Thursday & Sunday 12:00-11:30pm
OPENING TIMES
Friday - Saturday 12:00pm-12:00am
gift vouchers ......................................... p10
Restaurant | Monday - Thursday 12:00-9:00pm
Friday - Saturday 12:00-9:30pm
terms & conditions ............................ p10
Sunday 12:00-8:00pm
Season
2021
christmas eve
We
Bar
look
| Monday -Thursday & Sunday 12:00-11:30pm
Friday
forward
- Saturday 12:00pm-12:00am
to welcoming you at the Meynell Bar | 12:00-11:30pm Ingram Arms
Restaurant Friday | Monday - Saturday - Thursday 12:00-9:30pm
12:00-9:00pm
Restaurant | 12:00-8:30pm
* Normal Menu & Festive Menu
this festive season. Come and feast on our stunning dishes prepared
Sunday 12:00-8:00pm
Bar christmas | 11:00-6:00pm
day
by our fantastic chefs and relax by the fire with a warm mulled wine.
Restaurant | 12:00-4:00pm
Bar christmas | 12:00-11:30pm
eve 2021 *Christmas Day Menu
There is no better place to spend this winter season than in our
Restaurant | 12:00-8:30pm
* Normal Menu & Festive Menu
traditional country pub, where we have something special for all.
Bar
boxing | 12:00-8:00pm
day
Restaurant | 12:00-6:00pm
* Normal Menu & Festive Menu
Festive menus available now on our website
new year’s eve
Bar | 12:00-2:00pm
Restaurant | 12:00-2:00pm
* Pizzas Only
MEYNELLWOOD TICKETED EVENT 5PM & 8PM
TO MAKE A BOOKING, CALL 01283 575988
OR VISIT WWW.MEYNELLINGRAM.CO.UK
new year’s day
Bar | 12:00-8:00pm
Restaurant | 12:00-6:00pm
* Normal Menu
The Meynell Ingram Arms, Abbots Bromley Rd, Hoar Cross, Burton-on-Trent DE13 8RB
Tel: 01283 575988 • Email: info@meynellingram.co.uk • Facebook|Instagram: @themeynellingram
Opening Hours: Sun - Thurs: 12:00 - 23:00. Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 00:00

I N T H E N E W S
A very personal story
STAFFORDSHIRE AUTHOR DEBBI VOISEY HAS BEEN WRITING SINCE SHE WAS A
LITTLE GIRL BUT HAS JUST ACCEPTED HER FIRST BOOK DEAL IN HER 50S. SHE
TELLS JENNY AMPHLETT ABOUT HER DEBUT NOVELLA, ONLY ABOUT LOVE
STAFFORDSHIRE AUTHOR
DEBBI VOISEY
The debut novel by Staffordshire author Debbi
Voisey reads like the work of someone who has spent
decades honing their craft - because that’s precisely
what it is.
Born and bred in Stoke-on-Trent, Debbi spends her
working days crafting newsletters and bulletins for
DHL and then every spare moment she can find
working on her own creative writing.
That dedication has seen her longlisted and
shortlisted in the likes of Bath Short Story Award,
Flash 500 and Reflex Fiction. She’s a past winner of
Staffordshire University’s Too Write creative writing
competition, where her prize was presented by
former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
Her first book, Only About Love, was published last
month. Unlike many debut works, the novella-inflash
is not self-published but rather is published by
Oxford-based Fairlight Moderns.
Although a work of fiction, the book is based on
some of Debbi’s own experiences including watching
the decline of her own dad to Alzheimer’s.
“The character Frank is definitely based on my dad
and a lot of the things in there are true,” said Debbi.
“My mum doesn’t mind that certain things are being
exposed.
“It’s based on his life but the family in the book is
entirely fictional. I talk about him having an affair
but I don’t know the details so a lot of things I
40 www.jaimemagazine.com

HAND HEALTH CHECK
BOOK NOW FOR OUR FREE
MINI CONSULTATION
PUT YOUR HANDS IN OUR HANDS
Are you suffering with hand or wrist pain? Have you seen your GP? Or are you
currently on a long waiting list for surgery?
We would like to invite you to join us ‘virtually’ on Monday 4th October for a free
mini consultation with Mr Shyamalan, Consultant Hand Surgeon at Spire Little Aston
Hospital.
The free 10 minute mini consultation will give you the opportunity to ask any
questions you may have and for Mr Shyamalan to provide you with the information
on various conditions and treatments available, such as:-
• Carpal Tunnel
• Arthritis in the hand and wrist
• Trigger Finger
• Dupuytren’s
• Joint injections
How do I book?
Places are limited so pre-booking is essential. Either visit www.spirehealthcare.
com/spire-little-aston-hospital/events or call 0121 580 7119 and the advisors
at Spire Little Aston will be happy to help you. You will be offered a free 10 minute
mini consultation between 6pm and 8pm on Monday 4th October 2021.
The event will be hosted via Zoom. You will be sent an event link upon calling
to book.
So, if you detect any signs or symptoms of a hand condition, don’t delay, let
the Midland Hand Clinic help you to reach the correct diagnosis and receive
the right treatment!
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

describe are totally made up. It’s based on him but
fictional.
“Dad was ill and in a home for a few years and I
found myself writing all these little flash fictions.
Then when I came to write the novella I had all these
linking stories which I expanded and added to.
“What’s really sad about this book is that dad isn’t
here to see it being published. I had to dedicate it to
him.”
In snapshots through time, Only About Love takes a
sweeping loop around protagonist Frank’s life as he
navigates courtship, marriage, fatherhood and illness.
Told through the perspectives of Frank and his
family, the story is one of intense honesty about the
things we do to those closest to us.
Although she hasn’t self-published, Debbi says people
who go down that route work extremely hard at it.
“There are a lot of people who assume that I’ve selfpublished,
but I haven’t, not that there’s any shame
in that,” she said.
“The marketing is all down to them and a lot of
people have become very successful releasing books
that way.
“I’m being paid in advance and will be paid royalties
as well,” said a proud Debbi.
“The publisher put out
an open call for novellas
so I applied. They loved
what I sent in and wanted
more to develop it a bit. I
doubled it in length.
“They’re such great
publishers to be with, so
proactive and they aim
to only publish quality
fiction.”
The novella-in-flash has
been around for many
years but has become
increasingly popular over
the past three or four
years. Every chapter of
a novella-in-flash can be
read as a standalone story,
but they also link together
and make sense as part of
a wider story.
“They’re short chapters
so they’re easy to read,
you can read one of two
chapters if you only have
a few minutes,” she said.
DEBBI’S DEBUT BOOK ONLY
ABOUT LOVE IS OUT NOW
“You can be very experimental with flash fiction
and use a lot of different techniques. I enjoyed
putting some lists in there - including the items in an
adulterer’s holdall. The first chapter is a breathless
paragraph - which purposefully has no punctuation.”
Debbi’s debut has already earned rave reviews
from fellow writers, with Tracy Fells, 2017 regional
winner (Canada & Europe) of the Commonwealth
Short Story Prize calling her writing ‘breathless,
red-raw and brutally honest,’ while Lisa Blower,
author of Pondweed described Only About Love
as ‘gut wrenching, heart-warming, playful with
time, language, and memory; a gathering of special
moments relived that remind us that time is never on
our side so to make the most of it whilst we have it.’
Debbi added: “When I won the Too Write
competition five years ago mum and dad went to
accept the prize on my behalf as I was away on
holiday. Dad was so proud, he cried. That was just
before he started to get really ill.
“When I heard about this book being published he
was still alive but was too ill to understand. I still wish
I could tell him about it.”
Only About Love by Debbi Voisey, published
by Fairlight Books, is out now, priced £7.99.
42 www.jaimemagazine.com

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T R AV E L
Post-Pandemic
Travel Questions
LOCAL TRAVEL EXPERT NATHAN COLLINS, FROM RB COLLECTION, ANSWERS YOUR
QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVELING ABROAD IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
MAURITIUS IS NOW OPEN TO UK TRAVELLERS
We are Green for Go! Holidays restarted this
summer and while there were a lot less people taking
a trip overseas than normal, those who did jet off
have sent in very positive feedback. Understandably
many were confused by the Government’s travel
policies in place, and we helped navigate clients
through these by keeping things simple and stress
free - it is, in fact, a lot easier than it may seem.
I wanted to answer some of the most common
questions brought up this summer to explain a little
more about how holidays work in a post-pandemic
world.
What needs arranging before I travel?
Firstly, remember that going on holiday is a fun
and exciting experience – so don’t let the new
requirements take away the shine! We have a
checklist to help and will guide you through the
requirements so it is stress free. I’ve done it myself
with my wife and kids so I know first-hand that it’s a
lot simpler than expected – plus we have researched
and tested some of the cheapest and most convenient
testing services on the market too.
Where can I go?
The list is expanding all the time as destinations
reopen to allow UK visitors in and our Government
expands the green list. The latest updates are
published every three weeks on the FCDO website,
and we have a handy ‘Travel Updates’ page on our
website.
Over the summer we have sent clients to Majorca,
44
www.jaimemagazine.com

Ibiza, Bermuda, Spain, Croatia, the
Canary Islands and Greece. A lot
of the Caribbean is already open as
well as Mauritius, the Maldives and
Middle East.
MARRAKECH IS ONE OF
NATHAN’S TOP CITY BREAK
PICKS
How does the traffic light
system work?
Put simply, for those who are double
vaccinated you can travel to green
and amber destinations without the
need to quarantine when you get
home. Most also have their FCDO
travel advice lifted and most also are
allowing UK visitors in.
What if a green destination
turns amber while I am abroad?
First, don’t panic! You do not need to rush home or
change your plans. There is no difference between
green and amber for most of us who are fully
vaccinated. If not vaccinated, there is a ‘test to
release’ scheme after five days.
What insurance do I need?
Simply ensure your insurance provider covers you
if you catch Covid before or during your trip. Many
policies are starting to do this now. If you have
annual cover with your bank, for example, do check
this detail carefully.
THE STUNNING KRKA
NATIONAL PARK IN CROATIA
I desperately need a break in the sun! Where
should I go?
There is still time to enjoy end of season sunshine
in some of the popular Mediterranean resorts on
the Balearic Islands, on the Algarve in Portugal,
Croatia and in Greece. Ibiza welcomed a number
of new and exciting hotels this year if you want to
try something new and all these destinations are
good for private pool villas too if you want a more
independent trip. We can have a quick chat and
get to know you and recommend the most suitable
destination.
Where have you been this summer?
I had a couple of weeks in a part of Croatia I had
not visited before with the family. The feeling of
our first beach holiday in more than 18 months was
overwhelming. The boys were so excited, and we saw
some stunning natural scenery including the Krka
National Park. It helped recharge the batteries and
reminded us about the importance of quality time
together overseas, and how this can help with the
kids’ learning and development too.
How were the queues at the airport?
The airport experience was not as busy as we
expected. Some airlines require you to upload your
documents before you travel to reduce queues. We
flew with Jet2 and everyone was being checked
carefully, but it didn’t take much longer than usual.
Security was quiet and boarding was civilised.
How did it feel being away?
It reminded me how much we have missed exploring
new destinations and increasing our knowledge,
seeing and experiencing wonderful things. Seeing
my children’s faces again made a few extra tests and
checks seem like a breeze!
www.jaimemagazine.com
45

What changes are hotels
making?
In short, the hotels we have
personally experienced at RB
recently in Croatia, Ibiza,
Spain and the Canary Islands
have all had excellent Covid
protocols in place. Generally
speaking, all of the facilities
remain in place including
the pools, restaurants, bars
and so on. There were a
few changes, such as more
spacious outdoor seating
areas, hand sanitisers
provided around the resorts,
optional breakfast in your
room and amended cleaning
services to suit your requests.
LISBON IS PERFECT FOR CHILLED CULTURE
I’ve got a holiday booked, when will I know it
will continue as planned?
This depends on the trip. For example, cruise
companies make decisions very early - months in
advance - and escorted tour companies do too.
Package holidays can be a month or so in advance
and others a few days before you go. It all depends
on the status of the destination and logistics. As
more destinations open back up and are added to the
green list, there are more positive signs holidays can
continue as planned.
When should I be booking for Christmas or
2022?
With so many holidays already postponed to 2022,
peak times such as Christmas, New Year, February
half term and Easter are already extremely busy for
th,e popular destinations. It has become increasingly
expensive to postpone some holidays to 2022 and
so my advice is to book early and check the flexible
terms which are much improved now compared to
pre-pandemic times.
I want a little culture and city-life, where do
you suggest?
There are some great options around Europe such
as Athens, Lisbon, Barcelona and a little further
afield but only three hours away, Marrakech. All are
bursting with a variety of options of things to see
and do. Marrakech would be my top pick as you can
opt for a stunning riad in the city which acts as your
oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the markets.
What is the latest regarding cruise holidays?
Most of the major cruise lines have restarted their
programmes already. Some of these have been
around the UK, others in the Mediterranean and
further afield. Silversea launched their newest ship,
Silver Moon, in Greece to much fanfare while
Regent Seven Seas will begin sailing this month.
My fellow MD Oliver will be experiencing his first
cruises as they set sail this autumn so we can inspect
their protocols and report back to our clients.
Final thoughts?
It is understandable some people are nervous and
concerned about an overseas holiday. Our main
message is don’t believe everything you read. Speak
to professionals who have tested protocols and
procedures and can give you independent, honest
advice. Maybe start with something simple like a
week in the Med. Maybe revisit an old favourite
resort you haven’t seen for a few years, so you feel
more comfortable and have a little nostalgia too.
Whenever you are ready, we will be here to help.
Notes on the latest advice: I’ve written this as close to
J’AIME’s deadline as possible but, of course, there
may be further updates from the Government since
the magazine was printed. I always suggest speaking
to our travel professional for the latest information
and checking the FCDO website (www.gov.uk/
foreign-travel-advice). We also have a handy Travel
Updates page at www.rbcollection.com/travel-reopening-update.
How to book your next luxury or specialist
holiday: Call Nathan on 01543 258631or email
vip@rbcollection.com. Remember to mention
J’AIME when you call.
46
www.jaimemagazine.com

F I T N E S S
Achieve a healthy lifestyle
that works for you
THIS MONTH, LICHFIELD’S FAVOURITE PERSONAL TRAINER RAÚL ROMERO HIGHLIGHTS THE
CHALLENGES OF GETTING BACK TO THE DAILY GRIND, AND REITERATES WHAT WE NEED TO
CONSIDER IN ORDER TO BECOME THE FITTEST VERSION OF OURSELVES
So the summer holidays have come
to an end, kids have returned to
school and we are back to the daily
grind and trying to settle into a
regular routine. This year continues
to be full of ups and downs
with the pandemic still lingering
which has affected so many of us
in our everyday lives, including
maintaining and taking control of
our fitness.
This month, I’d like to go back
to the bread-and-butter basics of
what we need to consider to be
the healthiest, fittest version of
ourselves. You know, the stuff that
everyone knows really but where
the brain doesn’t always connect to
the belly or body to ensure they act
upon what the brain knows!
So, what are the five most important components
to achieving a healthy lifestyle, and what can we do
to nudge our belly and body along to ensure they
comply?
Well, most basically, the five areas to consider are:
NUTRITION - REST - EXERCISE -
POSTURE - AVOIDING ALCOHOL
CONSUMPTION
Upon reading this list, your strengths and weaknesses
in these areas will immediately jump out to you. This
is a great first step to take; analyse strengths and
weaknesses in these five areas. Once you have done
this, it will be easier to know what your focus area
is and concentrate on what you need to do to take
control and improve.
1. NUTRITION FOR A HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE
I prefer not to use the word ‘diet’ as, in recent years,
MEAL PREPPING CAN BE A
SAVIOUR DURING A BUSY WEEK
‘diet’ has often been coined as something we do for
a short period of time to achieve quick and often not
long-lasting results.
Nutrition is key, and should be something realistic
that can be sustained as a way of life over a long
period of time. Following the 80/20 rule is a great
way of maintaining healthy nutrition, where we
eat ‘clean’ and healthy 80 percent of the time,
and indulge in the not-so-healthy sweet treats the
remaining 20 percent of the time. This way, we
don’t have to cut anything out food-wise, reducing
the chances of massive sugar cravings which then
snowball into an unhealthy eating habit.
Here are my top tips to help take control of your
nutrition and master a healthy way of eating over a
long period of time:
Meal plan! Write down a weekly menu or meal
plan to organise all of your meals. This will really
help you take control and think about the different
food groups and ingredients you need for different
meals. Remember the importance of including all
www.jaimemagazine.com
47

the categories from the Food
Pyramid in their recommended
percentages (fruits and
vegetables, grains and potatoes,
protein sources and beans, fats
and oils).
Simplicity really is key here,
but you can always swap basic
meals for more elaborate meals
if you have time on the day.
Make a shopping list! And stick
to it! This should be done after
you have meal-planned so you
know exactly what ingredients
you need. Armed with your list,
you are less likely to chuck extra
treats into your trolley as you
don’t need them. Don’t buy anything that is not on
your list (you can of course plan your 20 percent of
treats for the week so you’re not depriving yourself).
Supermarkets are full of products ready to ruin our
nutrition and they know how to stock them to claim
our attention and raise our temptation. If you are
not very good at controlling your temptations at
the supermarket, a good alternative is to order your
shopping online.
Food prep! This is one of my personal favourites.
After meal planning and doing the weekly shop on a
Saturday, the few hours I spend prepping my meals
on a Sunday undoubtedly help make my week run
much smoother in being able to work hard, spend
quality time with the family and also eat nutritiously
without getting stressed or without cooking feeling
like a chore. The beauty of food prep is that you
can do as little or as much as you like depending on
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF
POSTURE, SAYS RAUL
how much time and effort you wish to put in; some
people prefer to have everything cooked and ready
whereas others prefer to have the veggies chopped
and ingredients prepped ready to cook fresh.
Drink, drink and drink some more! Water that is!
The NHS recommends drinking six to eight glasses
of water a day (approximately two litres) to keep the
body well hydrated.
2. REST AND RECOVERY
It often feels like as the years pass by, life seems to get
busier and busier. Especially for those of us who are
always on the go, finding time for rest and recovery is
essential in maintaining the body in optimum health.
Though they are basic, a few things to remember to
try and nail are:
Sleep! Understandably not always possible due to
work, kids and a plethora of other reasons, but our
bodies really do need sound uninterrupted sleep
every night in order to function
right and feel fresh and focused.
Work-out recovery. Taking
enough recovery time between
workouts is essential to maximise
all the benefits of training.
Massage. Sport and relaxation
massages are great alludes to
regenerate our bodies. These can
also help us sleep better so are
especially great for those who are
in pursuit of a great night’s sleep!
EXERCISE IS ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR HEALTH AND
FITNESS GOALS
3. EXERCISE
If you are new to exercise, or
haven’t exercised in a while, check
in with your doctor first to ensure
48 www.jaimemagazine.com

you are ready to challenge your body and will be
able to cope with the different exercises and intensity
levels.
So what is the recommended amount of exercise?
Well the NHS recommends following these basic
guidelines:
Strengthening activities that work all the major
muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest,
shoulders and arms) at least two days a week;
To do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity
activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity
activity a week;
To spread exercise evenly over four to five days a
week, or every day;
To reduce the time sitting or lying down and to break
up long periods of not moving with some activity.
This nicely leads me on to my seven favourite tips
to take control of your health and fitness goals and
smash them this season:
Establish a ROUTINE!
Start with exercises you like. Make it FUN!
Seek expert SUPPORT.
Join GROUP sessions for that extra support and
motivation (if possible).
Be KIND to yourself.
Try and find a training BUDDY.
TRACK your progress.
DRINK MORE WATER AND CUT BACK
ON ALCOHOL, SAYS RAUL
4. POSTURE
This is one that doesn’t always spring to mind
when contemplating health and fitness but I really
do believe it is a vital contribution in becoming
the fittest, healthiest versions of ourselves. Many
studies have shown that poor posture can cause
problems with fatigue, circulation, arthritis, mood,
musculoskeletal dysfunction, jaw pain, breathing
efficacy, headaches, sexual function, and shoulder
and back pain.
These issues really highlight just what a massive
effect correct posture can have on keeping our
bodies in optimum condition. Some of my favourite
activities that are not only fun to do, but also help
improve posture are yoga, pilates, body balance and
tai chi.
5. AVOID ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Yes, this is a tough one for many of us, especially as
the summer slips away and the cold, dark nights start
drawing in, but alcohol has such a massive impact
on our health that we just can’t get away with not
contemplating it.
The following extract from the NHS website has
really helped some of my clients put this point in
perspective:
“Did you know a standard glass of wine can contain
as many calories as a piece of chocolate, and
a pint of lager has about the same number of
calories as a packet of crisps? So, if you’re trying
to lose weight you need to think about what
you are drinking as well as what you are eating.
Drinking four bottles of wine a month adds up
to a yearly consumption of around 27,000kcal
which is equivalent to eating 48 Big Macs per
year. Drinking five pints of lager each week adds
up to 44,200kcal over a year, equivalent to eating
221 doughnuts.”
Is evident that we have to consider liquid calories
as part of the equation when discussing nutrition
and leading a healthier lifestyle. For weight
management, especially when embarking on a
weight loss journey, it’s fundamental to count
them in your daily calorie count intake.
For any further help or support on maintaining or
improving your health and fitness, or to join any
of our group fitness sessions, please feel free to
contact me at raul@ambitionpt.co.uk or via
social media @ambitionpersonaltraininguk.
I wish you all the best with your autumn health
and fitness journey.
www.jaimemagazine.com
49

W H AT ’ S O N
What’s On this month
WITH ENTERTAINMENTS AND ARTS VENUES SLOWLY GETTING BACK TO NORMAL, WE TAKE
A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST EVENTS HAPPENING AROUND THE MIDLANDS THIS MONTH
WHAT: LAWYERS ARTS CLUB X DIGBETH ART SPACE
WHERE: DIGBETH, BIRMINGHAM
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 3 TO 30
For the past six months, Birmingham based artists Harri Hampson and George
Cox have created a series of handmade artworks each with a legal story behind
them for the exhibition. It includes more than 60 original pieces of art on
display for the first time on the opening night.
Throughout this month LAC will be holding multiple events and talks in
the exhibition space, surrounded by the organisation’s original artwork. The
showcase will offer a place to reflect, as well as spark important and relevant
discussions.
For more details visit www.lawyersartclub.com
WHAT: ADAM FROST
WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 12
Gardeners’ World favourite Adam Frost will be appearing at the Garrick this
month for an evening of conversation, covering all things gardening and more.
Adam appears regularly on the BBC’s coverage of RHS Flower Shows, and has
also featured on The One Show and DIY SOS as well as The Alan Titchmarsh
Show. Since 2007, Adam has amassed seven gold medals at the RHS Chelsea
Flower Show. He is a regular contributor to Gardeners’ World and other
horticultural magazines.
Adam’s love for the great outdoors started from a young age when he helped
on his grandparent’s allotment. His fascination with watching plants and
vegetables grown and the wildlife it attracted has stayed with him and he
remains passionate about passing this on to future generations.
Tickets are priced at £21.50. For more details visit
www.lichfieldgarrick.com
WHAT: AVIJATRIK (THE WANDERLUST OF APU)
WHERE: MAC BIRMINGHAM
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 18
The Birmingham Indian Film Festival returns from Saturday, September 18
to cinemas and online for an autumn edition of premieres, shorts and classics.
One of the highlights is set to be the UK Premiere of the Bengali drama
Avijatrik (The Wanderlust of Apu), directed by Subhrajit Mitra; a new tale
based on the legendary character Apu who was first brought to the screen
by India’s most internationally acclaimed director Satyajit Ray, in his Apu
Trilogy in the 1950s. Lovingly shot in black and white and keeping an eye
on the continuity to Ray’s classics, the new film Avijatrik focuses on Apu’s
overwhelming wanderlust to discover the world beyond Bengal with his
doting six-year-old son Kajol.
This is a must see for all Satyajit Ray fans in the centenary year of his birth
anniversary and is screened for one night only at Midlands Arts Centre in
Birmingham. For more details visit www.macbirmingham.co.uk
50 www.jaimemagazine.com

THEATRE LISTINGS
ADAM FROST
SUN 12 SEPTEMBER | 7.30PM
FORBIDDEN NIGHTS
WED 15 SEPTEMBER | 7.30PM
THE MAN WITH THE
GOLDEN PEN
FRI 8 OCTOBER | 7.45PM
SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS
WED 13 & THU 14 OCTOBER | 7.30PM
DAD’S ARMY RADIO SHOW
SAT 23 OCTOBER | 7.30PM
FASCINATING AIDA
WED 27 OCTOBER | 7.30PM
THE JOHNNY CASH
ROADSHOW
THU 28 OCTOBER | 7.30PM
AN EVENING WITH
SIR GEOFFREY BOYCOTT
FRI 29 OCTOBER | 7.30PM
VOICE OF THE HEART
SAT 30 OCTOBER | 7.30PM
www.lichfieldgarrick.com

WHAT: JEREMY VINE - WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?
WHERE: SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN HALL
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 24
Jeremy Vine increasingly finds himself asking “What the hell is going on?”. He
explains that in a world where it is easy for information and misinformation to
become muddled due to the sheer volume, people are becoming more reliant on
anecdotes to tell a story.
The show will see the popular broadcaster explore some of the 25,000 questions
his daily BBC Radio 2 show the Jeremy Vine Show has received from listeners.
Get ready to laugh and cry as Jeremy tries to make sense of a world that
increasingly makes no sense at all!
Jeremy will be doing a pre-event book signing in the Sir Doug Ellis lounge bar
from 6pm, and a Q&A session will follow the talk. For more details visit
www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.co.uk
WHAT: MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW
WHERE: THREE COUNTIES SHOWGROUND, MALVERN
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 24 TO 26
The Malvern Autumn Show returns for a harvest festival packed with special
guests, giant vegetables, floral displays, and family entertainment. This year’s
three-day show will take place at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern.
Explore a range of drinks at the Gin Show, have a few nibbles at the new openair
food & drink village, browse the nursery and RHS flower show displays and
be wowed by the size of the vegetables on display in the CANNA UK National
Giant Vegetables Championship.
Adult tickets are £18, under 16s go free. Visit www.malvernautumn.co.uk
WHAT: HAIRSPRAY!
WHERE: BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 27 TO OCTOBER 2
The international musical phenomenon Hairspray returns to Birmingham
Hippodrome this month following its postponement in March. After breaking
box office records and delighting audiences in the West End, on Broadway and
on the big screen since 1988, this smash hit musical-comedy has quite the legacy.
Welcome to the 60s, where everyone’s grooving to a brand-new sound! Enter
our vivacious heroine Tracy Turnblad, who has big hair, a big heart, and big
dreams to dance her way onto national TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link
Larkin. When Tracy becomes a local star, she is able to use her newfound fame
to fight for liberation, tolerance, and interracial unity in Baltimore. But can she
win equality – and Link’s heart – without denting her ‘do?
This fun-filled, feel good show is bursting with show-stopping numbers, dazzling
costumes, and dizzying dance routines that you can’t help but shimmy to! For
more details visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com
WHAT: ROMEO AND JULIET LIVE RECORDING
WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK STUDIO
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 28
Romeo and Juliet risk everything to be together. In defiance of their feuding
families, they chase a future of joy and passion as violence erupts around them.
This bold new film brings to life the remarkable backstage spaces of the National
Theatre in which desire, dreams and destiny collide to make Shakespeare’s
romantic tragedy sing in an entirely new way.
Jessie Buckley (Wild Rose, Judy) and Josh O’Connor (The Crown, God’s Own
Country) play Juliet and Romeo. The award-winning cast includes Tamsin
Greig, Fisayo Akinade, Adrian Lester, Lucian Msamati, Deborah Findlay.
Tickets are priced at £16.50. For more details visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com.
52 www.jaimemagazine.com

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.
SOMERTON
KITCHEN
ELEGANT & TIMELESS
EUROPA WAY, LICHFIELD, WS14 9TZ
01543 440020 | SHOWROOMS.TIPPERS.COM
BOOK AN
APPOINTMENT
APPOINTMENTS.
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WEEKDAYS
7.30AM - 5.00PM
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8.00AM - 2.00PM

FA S H I O N
Layers of style
AS SUNNY DAYS GIVE WAY TO CHILLIER CLIMES IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO DRESS
FOR THE WEATHER. AMY NORBURY PICKS OUT SOME PERFECT PIECES TO SEGUE
SEAMLESSLY FROM SUMMER TO AUTUMN
AAH, the in-between season. Where it can be gloriously sunny
one moment, and torrential downpours the next. As we move
from the halcyon days of summer to distinctly autumnal chills,
choosing an outfit which stays weather-appropriate all day long
can prove to be somewhat challenging.
So it is at this time of year that more really is more - layers, that
is.
Layering up is the stylish solution to transient weather dressing.
Opting for several lighter layers which pair perfectly and can
be removed or added as the day wears on makes light work of
dressing for all weathers at once.
And since our great British summer has been more or less a
washout this year, a few nifty layering tricks will help you to
make the most of your summer wardrobe for a little while
longer.
Take those beautiful, floaty summer dresses, for example. They
may be perfect for parading up and down the beach, but it
doesn’t end there. Swap your sandals for boots and throw over a
lightweight knit, and your warm weather wardrobe has suddenly
got a new lease of life as a transitional style saviour. Add a cosy
gilet, and that same dress will take you right through autumn
and beyond.
Finding the right knitwear is key to between-season dressing.
Before we get onto the chunky knits of deepest winter, fine knits
are perfect for layering with shirt and blouses, teaming with
floaty maxi skirts and wearing over dresses and jumpsuits, to add
an extra bit of warmth without being too bulky.
Ever the librarian’s favourite, the cardi has been making a
serious style comeback in recent seasons, with designers galore
opting for a touch of granny chic on the catwalks. A chunky
cardigan is ideal for when it’s too warm outside for a coat, but
not warm enough to do without that extra layer entirely.
Extend your knitwear arsenal to include dresses, skirts and
trousers for cosy style as the thermometer starts to plummet and
the promise of sunny days looks to be firmly behind us until the
new year.
And when it comes to outerwear, a blazer will be your
transitional dressing hero. Light enough to be part of your
outfit, rather than an outerwear add-on, a blazer is perfect for
smartening up jeans or adding a style statement to girly dresses.
ENCHANTING AUTUMN DRESS, £49, AND
70S VIBE FEDORA, £25, JOE BROWNS.
WWW.JOEBROWNS.CO.UK
54 www.jaimemagazine.com

DENIM SHIRT DRESS, OLIVER BONAS.
WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM
£45
CHUNKY CARDIGAN, RIVER ISLAND.
WWW.RIVERISLAND.COM
£65
£109
£69.50
BUTTON THROUGH SAGE GREEN
KNITTED DRESS, OLIVER BONAS.
WWW.OLIVERBONAS.COM
£65
£129
BARBOUR INTERNATIONAL
SOLITUDE JUMPSUIT.
WWW.BARBOUR.COM
BARBOUR MATILDE BOOTS.
WWW.BARBOUR.COM
CREAM BELTED BLAZER, RIVER ISLAND.
WWW.RIVERISLAND.COM
BARBOUR CRESSWELL DRESS, £89.95.
WWW.BARBOUR.COM
THE HERITAGE JACKET, £85, GRAPHIC HOODIE, £45,
AND ROCK CHICK LEATHER LOOK TROUSERS, £45,
JOE BROWNS. WWW.JOEBROWNS.CO.UK

B E AU T Y
Take it all off before bed!
WE’VE ALL DONE IT; GOING TO BED WITHOUT HAVING TAKEN OFF YOUR MAKEUP HAPPENS TO THE BEST
OF US BUT IT IS ONE OF BEAUTY’S BIGGEST SINS. IF YOU REGULARLY HIT THE SHEETS WITHOUT FULLY
CLEANSING YOUR FACE YOU’LL BE STORING UP A WHOLE HOST OF SKINCARE WOES, EXPLAINS ROYAL
FACIALIST AND FOUNDER OF HEAVEN SKINCARE DEBORAH MITCHELL
WRINKLES: Sleeping with your
makeup is instantly going to age your
skin, simple. Make sure you find the
time to have a proper cleanse – it’ll
only take a minute and I promise you
your complexion will be very grateful.
My New Edition Cleanser contains
my patented ABEETOXIN® formula
so it not only deeply cleans but also
tightens and firms. The addition of
vitamin A helps resurface and repair
cells, and also promotes eyelash
growth.
DRY SKIN: By not removing
your foundation at bedtime
you starve the skin of essential
oxygen, making it dry and
sensitive. Sleep is vital
when it comes to repairing,
regenerating and restructuring
the skin but you can help this
process by finding time for an
effective routine before you go
to bed.
Thanks to its vitamin B content my Overnight
Success Oxygen Cream releases oxygen to
detoxify and replenish your complexion. Perfect for
dull or damaged skin, its anti-ageing properties help
boost collagen production.
BREAKOUTS: Unsurprisingly,
if you continue to hit the sack
without properly cleaning your
face first then you will become far
more prone to spots, especially
around the chin and nose, and
across your cheeks.
My Willowbee Mask and
Cleanse not only detoxes your
skin, but it heals imperfections too. It’s the first
Heaven product to contain the bark from the willow
tree, a natural and organic alternative to aspirin.
Because of this it is ideal for all skin types, especially
those prone to breakouts.
BLOCKED PORES: Pores are tiny openings
in the skin, connected to your hair follicles. They
release our natural oils
to ensure skin is healthy
and moisturised. Leaving
makeup overnight means
bacteria causes blockages,
making pores appear
larger and darker.
Give your skin a helping
hand with regular
exfoliation; my Bee
Peel has a potent mix of ingredients – including
ABEETOXIN®, organic coconut and raw cane
sugar – to resurface and even out tone, minimises the
visibility of dark spots, blemishes and enlarged pores.
IRRITATED EYES: If your eyes are going to
spend the night fighting off leftover bacteria then
they will look red and feel
sore by morning. The delicate
skin around them will be dry,
leading to dark circles and
puffiness.
My hard-working yet gentle
Nettle Venom Eyes is ideal
for those mornings where
darker circles are more visible
as it hydrates the delicate
skin around your eyes, penetrating fine lines and
eliminating bags. Vitamin A and hyaluronic acid
work in tandem to reduce heaviness, making skin
brighter.
You can shop the complete range of Heaven
Skincare online at heavenskincare.com,
from the Heaven flagship spa in Shifnal or at
Harvey Nichols Birmingham.
56 www.jaimemagazine.com

Order now for pre-Christmas installation
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
See our
new range of
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- all British
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Suppliers of: Contura, Clock, Jotul, Gazco, 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
For your safety and to observe social distancing we are asking that you
telephone or email to arrange a personal viewing of our showroom.

B E AU T Y
New Season, New Skincare
J’AIMES TOP PICKS FOR SERUMS IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEW SEASON. NO
MATTER WHAT YOUR SKIN TYPE OR BUDGET THERE IS A PRODUCT FOR YOU
As we say goodbye to summer and welcome in
autumn, it’s important that we don’t forget to adjust
our skincare routine as each season changes. The
difference in weather can impact our skin in many
ways and if we’re not using the right products, we
may not be looking our best. This month we’ll see
cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels which
means the dry air draws moisture away from the
skin, so now is a good time to look at adding a little
more hydration into our face to keep us glowing!
Using a face serum daily is a great and easy way to
give us a collagen boost to the skin which will leave it
feeling nourished and radiant, let’s look at J’AIME’s
top picks.
LA MER - The Concentrate
£305 (30ml)
If you want to go for ultimate
luxury, look no further than the La
Mer The Concentrate. This small
green bottle includes ingredients
such as lime tea, eucalyptus and
lavender oil to renew, strengthen,
protect and soothe the skin. La Mer
recommends gently pressing and
massaging onto the skin twice a day.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY -
The Magic Serum Crystal
Elixir £60 (30ml)
One of Charlotte Tilbury’s
biggest secrets…The Magic
Serum Crystal Elixir. This
water-based formula is suitable
for all skin types and can be
layered under moisturiser and
sunscreen. Adding this into your
daily skincare routine will give
you intense hydration and firmer
looking skin.
OLAY - Collagen Peptide Serum
£34.99 (40ml)
Looking to spend a little less but still
get great results? Olay’s new skincare
range offers their collagen peptide
serum which includes niacinamide
to regenerate skin. The lightweight,
fragrance-free formula smooths and
strengthens skin while also giving it
that much needed moisture for the
colder months.
FENTY BEAUTY - Fat Water
Pore-Refining toner serum £25
(150ml)
Fat Water Pore-Refining toner serum
by Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty is a 2-in-1
toner and serum – revolutionary!
As well as having the benefits of a
traditional serum, the toner in the
formula helps pores to appear smaller
as well as evening out skin texture
over time. Your skin will be left feeling
smooth, plump and replenished.
THE ORDINARY - Buffet
£12.70 (30ml)
One of the most popular and
affordable toners on the market is
the classic cult favourite ‘Buffet’
serum by The Ordinary. This little
bottle is packed with peptides that
help stimulate collagen in the skin.
Incorporate this into your skincare to
achieve more plumper and smoother
looking skin over time.
For more on skincare visit
www.jaimemagazine.com
58 www.jaimemagazine.com

The Salon Lichfield
Welcome their new stylist Jemma
Jemma brings a wealth of hairdressing experience to ‘The Salon’
having spent the last 12 years as a ‘hairdressing educator’. Working
alongside the award winning Wella colouring stylist Ricky Harding
MCE and his partner Deborah Morgan, Jemma, who was initially
trained at one of the industry’s best known salons, will add her own
considerable hairdressing skills and artistic flair to the team. Jemma
will be in the salon every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
20% off when you recommend a friend
3 Bolt Court, Lichfield WS13 6LA - 07583559128
Based in the heart of Staffordshire in the picturesque
villages of Alrewas & Tutbury, our shops are packed
with ideas and inspiration for your home. Incorporating
Jo Raybould Interior Design within, for those who
require the services of a professional designer.
needwoodliving.co.uk
info@needwoodliving.co.uk
136 Main Street
Alrewas, DE13 7ED
01283 711 272
7A High Street,
Tutbury, DE13 9LP
01283 813 322
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I N T H E N E W S
A passion for
sustainable fashion
FROM ‘FIELD TO FASHION’ IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF JO WHITEHOUSE’S FASHION BRAND
ETON TAYLOR, WHICH NOW HAS A PERMANENT HOME AT THE DEER PARK AT HOAR CROSS
Timeless and elegant style staples which look fabulous,
yet are practical enough for the rigours of the great
British countryside throughout the seasons, are at the
heart of luxury British fashion brand Eton Taylor.
Founded by Jo Whitehouse in 2018, the company can
be found adding a touch of style to game fairs, horse
trials and country shows around the UK, earning a
loyal customer base which travels around the country
to peruse Jo’s wares.
And now, customers old and new will be able to enjoy
the Eton Taylor experience at The Deer Park at Hoar
Cross, where Jo has recently opened her first retail
shop.
For Jo, fashion has been a lifelong passion. Her mother
opened her fashion shop, Joanne’s, when Jo was just
a baby, so she grew up around glamorous ladies and
beautiful clothing.
As a teenager she started modelling for her mother at
local fashion shows - something she still does to this
day.
Eton Taylor harks back to the days when women
would invest in timeless, classic clothing, rather than
change and replace the contents of their wardrobe
season after season.
“It’s about women feeling fabulous, and having a
wardrobe which is an investment which will last for
years,” says Jo. “I’m not into fast fashion.
“Eton Taylor came about because I found it hard to
find things I liked, and that I would wear for years.
Here, I have a core selection - my tweeds, my suedes,
my Toscanas, my white shirts, my wraps, they are my
core products and they don’t change throughout the
year.
“I pick certain things that I think will work for
everybody; colour-wise, size-wise, style wise. Our
customer age range goes from 18, up to ladies in their
nineties.
“It’s all about having key basics. If you’ve got a classic
jacket, a crisp white shirt, a beautiful scarf, a stylish
coat and a fabulous piece of knitwear, then you’ve got
ETON TAYLOR FOUNDER
JO WHITEHOUSE
the essence of a wardrobe you can wear throughout
the seasons.
“We work with British companies; our tweed coats are
made in the UK, our classic ladies’ shirts are made in
the UK, and we stock a good mix of natural fabrics,
from suede to sheepskin, to cashmere.
“Versatility is also a big thing for me. It’s all about how
versatile pieces can be and how much wear you can
get out of them.”
Customer service is key for Jo, who is on hand to help
her customers find exactly the right outfit for any
occasion, or item to complete their wardrobe. And
for customers who can’t get to the shop, or visit Jo at
one of her shows, she also offers virtual consultations
where clients can receive the full Eton Taylor service
from the comfort of their own home.
“I love helping my customers find something that
they really love,” adds Jo. “It’s about helping ladies to
utilise that piece of clothing in their wardrobe, to feel
comfortable in it and get the most out of it.”
Eton Taylor at The Deer Park is open
Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am until 5pm.
For more details, visit the website at www.
etontaylor.co.uk or call Jo on 07720 548510.
Follow Eton Taylor on Instagram and
Facebook.
60 www.jaimemagazine.com

I N T H E N E W S
Capturing
the moment
DESPITE OPENING DURING THE PANDEMIC, PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO AT THE DEER
PARK IS THRIVING A YEAR ON, THANKS TO OWNER STUART ADAM’S PASSION FOR PICTURES
Photography has been a lifelong passion for Stuart
Adam. Since picking up the camera at the tender
age of just five, Stuart has been a prolific snapper,
capturing memories with his beautiful images. He
estimates that he takes around a staggering 100,000
images every year - and that’s even before he
launched his photography business.
The 61-year-old started Portfolio Photographic
Studio as a business to focus on during his semiretirement
after years of working in the automotive
and aerospace industries as an engineer by trade -
although the thriving studio has put paid to any ideas
of an easier working life.
“It’s something I love, and something I’ve always
wanted to do,” explains Stuart. “My dad bought me
a camera when I was five to document our holidays
in Scotland, and that was it. And for as long as I can
remember photography has been such a big part of
my life.
“I’ve been a wedding photographer for about five
years, and wedding photographers don’t generally
need studios because they’re always working on
location. But I liked the idea of what I could do in
the studio, to do something different.”
Stuart initially set up a small studio at home, where
he would do cake smashes, family shoots and more,
before looking for dedicated premises to move into.
In March last year, Stuart’s wife Toni, a wedding
cake maker and talented photographer who often
works as Stuart’s second shooter, discovered that
some spaces were available at The Deer Park at
Hoar Cross. The site, which was then still a work in
progress, immediately captured Stuart’s imagination.
“The whole thing just felt right,” explains Stuart.
“The location, the space, what they’re trying to
create here, it was all just perfect.”
With building work put on hold as the pandemic hit,
it was August until Stuart was finally able to open
his studio to the public. Alongside weddings, which
STUART ADAM, OF PORTFOLIO
PHOTOGRAPHIC
are coming thick and fast since restrictions on events
have been lifted, Stuart is booked up with family
portraits, cake smashes, couples’ shoots and more.
“Because I’m an engineer, I can’t draw, and I’m
not artistic at all,” laughs Stuart. “So the way I can
create something is through my photography.
“My style is really natural and engaging, a relaxed
style of photography which just captures moments as
they happen.
“And I love weddings because they’re a big gig, every
wedding is different and weddings these days are
more diverse than ever. And that’s fabulous because
it makes every wedding unique.”
Since moving into the studio, Stuart has become a
key part of the business community at The Deer
Park, helping the other companies with their product
photography, and being on board with wedding
fayres and fashion shoots.
“A year on, and I think we’re still exploring
everything we can do here,” Stuart says. “There’s so
much potential and so many ideas, it’s exciting to see
what we can do next.”
For more information visit Stuart in his studio at
The Deer Park, Hoar Cross, or visit
www.portfoliophotographic.co.uk
62 www.jaimemagazine.com

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
ALL-INCLUSIVE FUNERAL PACKAGES
FEES FOR CREMATORIUM, DOCTOR AND CELEBRANT INCLUDED
*DIRECT - £1,495 *SIMPLE - £2,300 *TRADITIONAL - £2,950
ALL NEEDS AND WISHES CATERED FOR.
PRE-PAYMENT FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE
OUR SECOND FUNERAL HOME IS NOW OPEN AT
152, CANNOCK ROAD, BURNTWOOD WS7 0BG
ALSO AT
16 - 20 NORTH STREET, CANNOCK, WS11 0BA
01543 529813 (ANYTIME)
VISIT OUR WEB AND FACEBOOK SITES TO SEE OUR REVIEWS
WWW.OMALLEYFUNERALS.CO.UK • FACEBOOK.COM/OMALLEYFUNERALS
L U X U R Y & S P E C I A L I S T T R A V E L
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WE
REMAIN
Established
Established 1990
OPEN
1990
FOR NEW
COVID
RESIDENTS Rosemary Lodge Residential Lichfield Care Home
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191 Walsall Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 8AQ
Please contact The perfect the Registered 'home Care from Manager home' Jane Evans
The perfect 'home from home'
Tel: 01543
at
415223
Rosemary
E-mail:
Lodge
contact@rosemarylodge.co.uk
Care Home
at Website: Rosemary www.rosemarylodge.co.uk
Lodge Care Home
Rosemary Lodge Care Home for elderly ladies and
Rosemary Lodge Care Home for elderly ladies and
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from ladies and the gentlemen city centre offers of a level Lichfield of care, community and set in and landscaped
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from second the
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Rosemary a short of Lichfield
Lodge way from is the and
light, city set
spacious centre in landscaped
of Lichfield and and
set in gardens, landscaped Rosemary gardens, Rosemary Lodge Lodge is light, is spacious and and beautifully
decorated, beautifully offering decorated; residents just offering the right combination residents of just interest, the activity right and
relaxation. beautifully It is a decorated; place that encourages offering residents residents to retain just their the independence right
and
combination
individuality whilst
of
being
interest,
fully supported
activity
to
and
live a
relaxation.
fulfilled and enjoyable
It is combination of interest, activity and relaxation. It is alife.
place that encourages residents to retain their
place that encourages residents to retain their
independence and individuality whilst being fully
independence and individuality whilst being fully
supported to live fulfilled and enjoyable life.
supported to live a fulfilled and enjoyable life.
Rosemary Lodge Care Home is family run home and has
Rosemary Lodge Care Home is a family run home and has
been highly regarded part of the community for over 30
been a highly regarded part of the community for over 30
years. Offering 24 hour care, our fully trained staff work
years. Offering 24 hour care, our fully trained staff work
together to communicate with residents and ensure
together to communicate with residents and ensure
personal care needs are met in person centered
personal care needs are met in a person centered
approach, thus building an important relationship of trust
approach, thus building an important relationship of trust
and friendship.
and friendship.
All rooms are on-suite, and are designed to comfortably
All Rosemary rooms are Lodge on-suite, Care Hoe is and a family are run designed home and to has comfortably
been a highly
regarded part accommodate of the community individuals for over 30 years. and Offering couples. 24 hour care, our
fully trained accommodate staff work together individuals to communicate and with couples. residents and ensure
persoal There care is needs full Wi-Fi are met connectivity in a person centred throughout approach, thus to building allow an
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connectivity
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and friendship.
to allow
residents the opportunity of keeping in touch with family
residents the opportunity of keeping in touch with family
All rooms are en-suite, and friends and are designed with video to comfortably calls. accommodate
individuals and couples. and There friends is full with Wi-Fi video connectivity calls. throughout to allow
residents the opportunity of keeping in touch with family and friends with
Regular activities and entertainment video calls. are always available,
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with Regular activity activities timetables and entertainment distributed are always weekly, available but with activity privacy
timetables with activity
and peace distributed timetables
and weekly, quiet but distributed
is privacy also ensured and peace weekly, and in this quiet but
beautiful is also privacy ensured
and peace and quiet is also ensured in this beautiful
'home from home'.
'home from home'.
Our commitment to offering just the right amount of care
Our commitment to offering just the right amount of care
and support has led to an excellent reputation in the
and support has led to an excellent reputation in the
community and with the care professionals who work
community and with the care professionals who work
with us. We value our staff highly and recognise that their
with us. We value our staff highly and recognise that their
care and commitment are great part of our success.
care and commitment are a great part of our success.
We also offer respite care, holiday stay and limited day
We also offer respite care, holiday stay and limited day
care. To arrange visit or to learn more about us please
care. To arrange a visit or to learn more about us please
get in touch using the contact details below.
get in touch using the contact details below.
in this beautiful ‘home from home’
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 more about us please get in touch using the contact details below.
Rosemary Lodge Residential Care Home
Rosemary Lodge Residential Home
Rosemary 191 Walsall Lodge Road, Residential Lichfield. Staffs. WS13 Care 8AQ. Home
191 Walsall Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 8AQ
In the 191 first Walsall instance Road, please Lichfield, contact Jane Staffordshire, Evans - Registered WS13 Care Manager 8AQ
Please contact or Shirley the Registered Kent - Administration Care Manager. Jane Evans
Please contact the Registered Care Manager Jane Evans
Tel: 01543 01543 415223 415223 E-mail: - Email: contact@rosemarylodge.co.uk
roselodgehome@aol.com
Tel: 01543 415223
Website: www.rosemarylodgecarehome.co.uk
E-mail: contact@rosemarylodge.co.uk
www.rosemarylodge.co.uk
Website: www.rosemarylodge.co.uk
CQC RATING GOOD

H E A LT H
World title is the target after
sight-saving eye surgery
AN INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING SHOOTER FEARED HE MIGHT HAVE TAKEN AIM FOR THE
LAST TIME WHEN HE VIRTUALLY LOST ALL SIGHT IN HIS LEFT EYE. BUT FOLLOWING LASER SURGERY
CARRIED OUT AT SPIRE LITTLE ASTON, IN SUTTON COLDFIELD, HE IS BACK IN ACTION
Donovan Jenkin started shooting at the age of 10,
and competes in Helice shooting – an offshoot of
clay pigeon shooting – where targets with propellers
are released from a series of ‘traps’. But where clays
travel in a predictable direction, a Helice target has
an unpredictable flight path.
He was runner up in the 1990 English Open and
won the Le Touquet Grand Prix in France in 1992
and won the Grand Prix de France in 1993 when he
decided to take a break from the sport to concentrate
on his ever-expanding landscaping business.
When he decided to retire in 2016 he began
competing again and was soon back to winning ways
– adding another Le Touquet Grand Prix in 2017 to
his honours list.
But within weeks of that victory he began having
problems with vision in his left eye and was advised
to wear prescription glasses. However, the problem
continued and it wasn’t long before he had lost
virtually all sight from that eye.
“I shoot from the left shoulder so I am left eye
dominant – it looked like my shooting days were well
and truly over,” he explained.
It was discovered he had astigmatism and had
surgery to fit a replacement lens that should
have solved the problem. But the blurred vision
quickly returned and he was advised to meet with
ophthalmic consultant Mr Daniel Calladine at Spire
Little Aston Hospital in Sutton Coldfield.
Mr Calladine explained: “Mr Jenkin has undergone
lens replacement surgery at another centre to help
correct his distance vision and also reduce his
astigmatism.
“Technically the surgery had gone well but,
unfortunately, he was left with residual astigmatism.
This is not uncommon following refractive type lens
surgery and can mean patients often have to go back
to wearing glasses.
“We were able to correct the astigmatism using an
excimer laser which we brought into the centre as
part of a £200,000 investment package. It meant we
were able to reduce the astigmatism to practically
zero while also altering the focus of his eye to
improve his long distance vision.
“I am delighted to say it was an excellent outcome
and really gives him the eagle-eye vision he needs to
take part in Helice shooting.”
Six weeks after the operation Donovan was back in
Le Touquet to win his third Grand Prix and then
came second in the British Helice Grand Prix.
He said: “It is remarkable. I thought my shooting
days were over and here I am competing at
International level again. Now I’m really looking
forward to the World Championships.
At Spire Eye Centre, the expert consultant
ophthalmologists use some of the latest medical
treatments for a wide range of eye problems,
including eye disease such as diabetic retinopathy;
conditions commonly associated with age such as
cataracts and glaucoma; and correcting eyesight
problems through laser eye surgery.
On October 7, consultant ophthalmologist Mr
Thomas Ressiniotis is offering expert advice on
cataracts and glaucoma treatments available in the
Spire Eye Centre. Call 0121 514 7034 to book your
free mini virtual consultation.
64 www.jaimemagazine.com

Celebrate Christmas & New Year at The George Hotel
in Lichfield city centre. Book now for a range of festive events,
stays and dining experiences.
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS | FAMILY LUNCH WITH SANTA
MURDER MYSTERY EVENINGS
AFTERNOON TEA WITH CAROLS
AFTERNOON TEA WITH SONGS FROM MICHAEL BUBLE
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH | NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER & DISCO
Celebrate Christmas & New Year at 4* Moor Hall Hotel & Spa
in Sutton Coldfield. Book now for a range of festive events,
stays and dining experiences.
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS | FAMILY LUNCH WITH SANTA
MURDER MYSTERY EVENINGS | COMEDY DINING
AFTERNOON TEA WITH CAROLS
AFTERNOON TEA WITH SONGS FROM MICHAEL BUBLE
FAMILY PANTOMIME | BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH | NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER & DISCO
Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR
01543 414822 www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk
Visit our website for more events, menus and to book
Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN
0121 308 3751 www.moorhallhotel.co.uk
Visit our website for more events, menus and to book

I N T H E N E W S
A new opening for
funeral firm
A STAFFORDSHIRE FUNERAL FIRM WITH A REPUTATION FOR THEIR
UNRIVALLED CARE AND SUPPORT TO BEREAVED FAMILIES HAVE
OPENED A SECOND FUNERAL HOME IN BURNTWOOD
Since opening up their funeral home in Cannock in
2017, the O’Malley’s have built up a reputation for
providing a truly personal service during what is one
of life’s most difficult times.
With funerals conducted across the Midlands and
beyond, the independent, family-run firm pride
themselves on catering for all needs and wishes,
giving each family they care for the opportunity
to say goodbye in their own unique way, all while
offering competitive and transparent pricing.
This year has seen the second branch of O’Malley
Family Funerals opening in Burntwood, the
hometown of founder Jack O’Malley, who runs the
firm alongside his brother Luke and sister Grace.
The new home is named the John Joseph Funeral
Home, in memory of the siblings’ beloved grandad.
Jack O’Malley says: “We have always lived in
Burntwood and are so proud to have a second
funeral home there. My first real exposure to the
funeral profession was as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church, just opposite our new premises.”
The team at O’Malley Family Funerals are not what
people may perceive as ‘typical’ funeral directors.
After assisting voluntarily at many funerals, Jack
became actively involved in the wider funeral
OFFICE MANAGER GRACE IS THE
YOUNGEST OF THE SIBLINGS
BROTHERS JACK OND LUKE O’MALLEY
profession at the age of 16, even working while
completing his A-level studies and during his time at
the University of Birmingham where he obtained his
Honours degree in English.
Jack was in his early 20s when set up O’Malley
Family Funerals in 2017, with older brother Luke
and younger sister Grace coming on board to offer a
truly family focused service.
Jack says: “We are all family at O’Malley’s and it is
our promise to treat all those we care for and support
as if they are family too. Me and my siblings Luke
and Grace are also supported by uncles Andy and
John and cousin Ian who assist with funeral services.”
Since launching O’Malley Family Funerals, the
siblings have gained an enviable reputation and
have attracted the attention of media across the
world, appearing on the BBC, ITV, Dutch television
and in the New York Times. Their service has
been awarded five star reviews across Google, Yell,
Facebook, Funeral Guide and more.
O’Malley Family Funerals can be contacted day or
night, 365 days of the year and serve all areas with
no restrictions, offering free home visits to all. For
more details visit www.omalleyfunerals.co.uk
66 www.jaimemagazine.com

Established – Professional – Transparent
The Winterton family name has been synonymous
with auctioneering in Staffordshire since 1864
Probate and formal valuations for
inheritance tax purposes
Our reliable and sympathetic
team can assist all executors in the
administration of deceased estates
From jewellery and large collections
to cars, furniture and household items,
we handle everything
Comprehensive, bespoke
clearance service and
downsizing solutions
We handle clearance of an entire
estate from houses, bungalows and
flats to offices and all other buildings
Jewellery, Watches & Silver
Sutton Coldfield
The Trinity Centre
Church Hill, Mill Street, B72 1TF
Discover that hidden gem with your local auctioneer
We specialise in:
Antique and modern jewellery
Watches
Gemstones
Silverware
Coins, medals and militaria
Works of art
Whisky and wine
Vintage toys
Stamps and ephemera
Cameras and record collections
Scientific equipment
Antique and modern furniture
Modern toys and Pokémon
Musical instruments
FREE LOCAL VALUATIONS - NEAR YOU
Watches, Jewellery, Silver & Antiques
Lichfield
The Hub at St Mary’s
Market Square, WS13 6LG
Qualified
All members of our jewellery
department are certified
gemmologists and diamond graders
Record-breaking
international sales
More than 3,800 bidders from
all over the world joined our
online auctions last month
Online services available
Virtual estimates, online auctions
and contactless collections.
Valuations, viewing and consignments
by appointment only
Jewellery, Watches & Silver
The Lichfield Auction Centre
Fradley Park (close to the A38)
Wood End Lane, WS13 8NF
Mondays
9am - 12pm
Meet valuer Louise
for help and advice
(except bank holidays)
Tuesdays
10am - 12.30pm
Meet Ben for general
advice and auction
consignments
BY APPOINTMENT
Thursdays
9.30am - 4pm
With Heather,
gemmologist
& diamond grader
FREE General Valuations of your pictures, antiques and collectables
By appointment only - with our team on Thursdays from 9.30am - 4pm Call 01543 251081
01543 251081
www.richardwinterton.co.uk
office@richardwinterton.co.uk
The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park WS13 8NF
J'Aime Ad 190x280_June 2021.indd 5 14/05/2021 15:43