J’AIME MARCH 2022

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

M A R C H 2 0 2 2

Festival

fever:

win tickets to

Lichfield Literature

Festival

THE

SUPERMODEL

FAVOURITE:

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HE’S A

STAR!

Michelin award

for Lichfield’s

Tom Shepherd

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Welcome to J’AIME

He’s only gone and done it!

Here at J’AIME HQ we awaited the news of the new

Michelin Guide with baited breath as, for the first time,

there was the very real possibility of a star arriving a little

closer to home. And when the announcement was made,

it was jubilation for Lichfield as Upstairs, the stunning

restaurant by acclaimed chef Tom Shepherd, was

awarded the one star accolade - just four months after

opening. It’s a tremendous achievement for Tom, gaining

not only the first star in Lichfield, but in Staffordshire

as a whole. And with Birmingham retaining its five

Michelin stars too, it was a very good day for our neck of

the woods indeed.

And the foodie treats keep on coming in this issue; we

chat to talented young Lichfield chef Jack Dubberley

about taking a chance during lockdown to set up a

fine dining concept of his own, as well as catch up

with David and Anette Taylor about their immersive

walled garden dining experience, Grace and Savour, at

Hampton Manor.

Elsewhere, Lichfield Literature Festival takes over the city

this month; we chat to author and art historian Dr Amy

Jeffs ahead of her appearance at the festival, plus you

can win tickets to a special Cornish cream tea afternoon

with bestselling Lichfield author Phillipa Ashley.

And ahead of Mother’s Day, inspirational local mum

and business owner Melissa Bettson talks to us about

adapting to the pandemic and motherhood, plus we

round up so great gift ideas for the mums and motherfigures

in your life.

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

EDITOR: AMY NORBURY

EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM

ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY

ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM

07388 335 931

DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM

CONTRIBUTORS: KATY EDGINGTON,

SUE OCKWELL, JACK GOULD, JEAN

LAMB, DEBORAH MITCHELL

J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY

PUBLICATIONS LIMITED.

Check us out online at:

WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM

Find us on

/JAIMEMAGAZINE

@JAIMEMAGAZINE

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SPONSORED BY

3

CO N T E N T S

InsideJ’aime this month...

6 Lichfield Literature Festival - Author and art

historian Dr Amy Jeffs comes to Lichfield this

month

10 Tuppenhurst Barn - Inspirational mum and

business owner Melissa Bettson on fulfilling

ambitions and juggling motherhood

14 Property - Property of the month

16 Property - A family pad from Chosen Home

18 Interiors - Bright and breezy with Bright Skies

24 Interiors - Embracing those curves

28 Mother’s Day - Gift guide

32 Movie magic - The Force is strong for Richard

Winterton’s specialist auction

34 Food and drink - Talented chef Jack Dubberley

on his culinary ambitions

38 Food and drink - A spicy delight from Thyme

Kitchen

40 Food and drink - The exciting opening of Grace

and Savour at Hampton Manor

46 Food and drink - A new dining concept at

Swinfen Hall

48 Food and drink - A star is born in Lichfield

50 Travel - An historical trip to Greece

54 Competition - Win tickets to A Cornish Cafe

Cream Tea Afternoon at Lichfield Literature

Festival

56 What’s On - Events around the Midlands this

month

60 Wealth Matters - The world of finance with

Jean Lamb

62 Fashion - A jean-ius combination

64 Beauty - What’s your skin type?

66 Health - A weight loss revolution at Spire

Little Aston

SPONSORED BY

4

F E AT U R E

A new mythology

of Britain

AHEAD OF HER LICHFIELD LITERATURE FESTIVAL APPEARANCE THIS MONTH, DR AMY JEFFS TELLS

KATY EDGINGTON ABOUT HER FIRST BOOK, STORYLAND: A NEW MYTHOLOGY OF BRITAIN

After a turbulent 2020 and 2021, Lichfield Literature

Festival returns to its usual place in the calendar this

year and will take place between Thursday, March

24 and Sunday, March 27 at venues around the city.

“In my new role as Literature Programmer, I really

wanted this year’s programme to offer something for

everyone,” says Anna Millward in her introduction to

the Festival guide, and she’s certainly managed to tick

a huge number of boxes, pulling together a packed

programme of in-person literary events over the long

weekend. They run the gamut from historical nonfiction

to crime stories and novels to a draw-along for

the kids with award-winning author and illustrator

Rob Biddulph.

One of the many titles that will come under the

Literature Festival’s spotlight is Storyland: A New

Mythology of Britain (riverrun), which was published

last September. To mark the occasion, J’AIME

caught up with author Dr Amy Jeffs, an art historian

specialising in the Middle Ages as well as an artist.

In 2019, Amy earned her PhD in Art History from

Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, after studying

for earlier degrees at the Courtauld Institute of Art

and the University of Cambridge. During her PhD

she co-convened a project researching medieval

badges and pilgrim souvenirs at the British Museum.

She then worked in the British Library’s department

of Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern manuscripts

and is currently a Fellow at the Paul Mellon Centre

for Studies in British Art. It was her undergraduate

degree that forged Amy’s passion for art history and

specific interest in the Middle Ages.

“When I was 18, the University of Cambridge gave

me a place to read Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic.

It offers a mixture of language, literature, art history

and more obscure subjects like codicology (the study

of manuscripts, especially how they are made) and

palaeography (script history). I just loved it and from

BA to PhD I have rarely ventured beyond the 16th

DR AMY JEFFS WILL BE AT LICHFIELD

LITERATURE FESTIVAL THIS MONTH

6 www.jaimemagazine.com

AMY’S INCREDIBLE LINOCUT ILLUSTRATIONS

BRING STORYLAND TO LIFE

century,” said Amy.

Despite being described first and foremost as an

art historian, as an artist, a regular contributor to

Country Life magazine, and now an author, Amy’s

work defies attempts at pigeon-holing. Her writing

is often accompanied by her own linocut and woodengraved

prints. Amy started producing linocuts of

Britain’s medieval origin myths when she was living

in Somerset and writing up her thesis.

“These turned into 24 illustrations for a series of

Country Life articles about medieval legends set

in Britain, which in turn became a proposal that

helped me find Georgina Capel, my agent, and then

Quercus, my publisher. I had thought for a long time

that the stories could make a beautiful book.”

Storyland was the result and is her first book.

Steeped in magic and vividly reimagined for modern

readers, it is a beautifully written and illustrated

mythology that revives some of the oldest legends

set in some of the wildest landscapes of medieval

Britain. From ancient origin stories through sections

entitled ‘Prehistory’ and ‘Antiquity’ and right up

to the Middle Ages and the Norman Conquest,

Storyland treads in the footsteps of Brutus and

Scota, Lear and Cordelia, Arthur and Merlin,

Edward the Martyr and the giant Gogmagog - each

illuminated by Amy’s dramatic linocuts. Of course,

it was this series of artworks that came first, but

there were several aspects to the creative process that

worked together towards the end product.

“For me, making the art and writing the text, as well

as travel and composing songs, helped me home

in on the aspects of each story that captivated me

most,” explains Amy.

Each story is positioned with a historical

commentary, where Amy makes clear where she’s

used dramatic and artistic licence and what her

primary source material was. But why did she choose

this route when she could have simply stuck to the

retelling of each legend?

“My first answer is that when I read retellings of

myth, I’m often eager to know more about the

author’s process,” she answers. “I wanted to offer

a commentary that was clearly separate from the

stories, as well as a primary source reading list at

the end, so that readers could stay in the fiction if

they wanted to or journey deeper into the medieval

material.

“My second answer is that these wonderful stories

are common property but little known. If readers

want to write their own retellings, then a way into the

original material could be helpful. I wanted to write

a useful book, as well as an engaging one.”

For the layperson, many of the myths and legends

may not be familiar, although certain names, places

and landmarks will ring a bell. For Amy, it’s tricky to

say what exactly she hopes readers will find in these

stories and what they should take away.

“I know readers will bring all sorts of brilliant

perspectives to the stories that I could never dream

up,” she says. “But I’d love readers to recognise the

places described in the book that are local to them,

whether it’s the red earth of the Clent Hills or the

toadflax that grows on the north Cornish coast.

STORYLAND IS

AMY’S FIRST BOOK


7

“Likewise, writing this book deepened both my

love of places that I might not otherwise have paid

attention to. I hope Storyland helps foster a sense of

wonder at the antiquity and mystery of our collective

relationship with these islands.”

Although these ancient stories deal with emotive

human themes like extinction, parenthood, defiance,

love, loss and the yearning to belong, many of

them draw links between Britain and the rest of the

world that go back thousands of years. This is no

coincidence, as Amy explains.

“These myths were not seen as myths in the Middle

Ages. They were deep histories that often served

political functions, including connecting their patrons

with the illustrious societies of the Old Testament

and Classical worlds. It’s important to acknowledge

that we still emphasise historical narratives of which

we are proud: that emphasis is always political.

“We all belong in the world, but that reality is too

often blurred by myths of domination and exclusion.

Perhaps old stories can help us spot modern mythmaking

and think about it more critically.”

Her personal favourite among the myths included in

the book is also the subject of her favourite linocut,

and it happens to be the same one that was used for

the cover.

“It shows the goddess Diana appearing to the exiled

Trojan, Brutus, who will come to found and give his

name to Britain. By telling him where to go and what

to do, she gives the exiled Brutus a sense of vocation.

I love that idea: of being adrift and then suddenly full

of purpose. Diana has become the personification

of vocation in my

mind.”

The critical response

has been positive;

Storyland has

become a Sunday

Times bestseller, the

Times’ Historical

Fiction Book of

the Year, and was

shortlisted for

Waterstones Book of

the Year. So, how is

Amy feeling about

the way it has been

received and the

public reaction to it

so far?

“Bringing the tales

in Storyland to a

wider readership was like introducing a new friend

or partner to my family; I hoped they’d get on, but

it was out of my hands,” she says. “The reaction

to Storyland has been disarmingly positive and as

readers have started forming their own relationships

with and creative responses to its stories I’ve felt huge

relief and pleasure.”

The future is certainly looking full of promise for

the multi-talented Dr Jeffs. At the moment, Amy is

working on two new book projects inspired by the

Middle Ages, which she says she “can’t stop thinking

about”. The first is just about to be announced as

we go to press, while the other is still waiting in the

wings for now. I wondered, is she looking forward to

engaging with the public during her appearance at

Lichfield Literature Festival?

“After the seclusion of the past couple of years, it’s a

privilege to meet people face to face,” Amy replies.

“I’ve learned so much from people’s questions

and ideas about Storyland and when I go back to

my desk and start writing again, those affirming

interactions put wind in my sails.”

To follow and find out more about Amy’s work,

find her on Twitter @amy_historia, Instagram @

historia_prints and at amyjeffshistoria.com. Prints

of her artwork are available for purchase via art-ofillustration.co.uk.

You can catch Amy at Lichfield Literature Festival

on Saturday, March 26 at 3.30pm at The Hub at St

Mary’s on Market Street. Tickets are priced at £10.

To book, visit lichfieldliteraturefestival.org

8


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F E AT U R E

Passion, pushing

and asking for help

KATY EDGINGTON CHATS TO INSPIRATIONAL BUSINESS OWNER MELISSA

BETTSON, WHO RUNS TUPPENHURST BARN B&B AND CAFE JUST OUTSIDE

LICHFIELD, ABOUT ADAPTING TO THE PANDEMIC AND TO MOTHERHOOD

March is the month we

celebrate not only Mother’s

Day but also International

Women’s Day, so when

better to catch up with an

inspirational female local

business owner and mum,

Melissa Bettson?

When she finished her degree,

Mel was set on coming home

but not to farm at Tuppenhurst

as several generations of

her family had before her.

Searching for a way to make

her own contribution to the

farm, she was out with her

German Shepherd, Bear, who

she sadly lost last year, when

she had the idea to transform a

listed 17th century outbuilding

into a dog-friendly café and

boutique bed and breakfast.

After a painstaking restoration and renovation

process, Tuppenhurst Barn B&B and Café opened

in June 2019, with four spacious ensuite bedrooms

including an accessible ground floor room.

The farm is also home to an equine arena, available

for hire and membership, where Bea of Houndspeak

Dog Training also runs her puppy classes and

evening classes. As well as running both businesses

and baking all the cakes for the café, Mel lets out

the family’s 500 acres of land for sheep and arable

farming.

Located just outside Handsacre and a stone’s

throw from the Trent and Mersey Canal, the café

offers a menu of light breakfasts, light lunches and

homemade cakes which go down a treat with the

many walkers and cyclists who visit each week. The

MEL BETTSON, WITH

DAUGHTER MAISIE AND

PARTNER JORDAN

impact of Covid-19 has inevitably been felt across

the business. The breakfast menu now focuses on

the most popular items, like bacon and sausage

sandwiches, croissants and pancakes, and previously

long opening hours have been reduced.

“We’re now open Thursday to Sunday, 10am until

3pm, which has worked really well throughout

winter,” Mel explains. “Maybe in summer we’ll

expand those hours, but it gives the staff a break,

especially because the B&B was almost fully

booked from the time we were able to reopen until

Christmas. It’s been very full-on, but it’s been great.”

The café also serves afternoon teas and is available

for private hire. With capacity at a comfortable

25 indoors, it’s proving a popular venue for baby

showers and other small parties. Another effect of

the pandemic has been to expand the offering into


private catering as people look to host in

their own homes. Mel’s partner Jordan

was furloughed at the outset, so they

worked together in the café for a while

when Mel was unable to have staff in.

“There are definitely more people who

will sit outside now at any time of year

and whatever the weather,” she’s noticed.

“If we are full inside, quite often people

will choose to sit outside even in the rain

and the cold!”

This Mother’s Day, the team will be

offering afternoon tea to eat in or take

away. The demand for takeaway options

has continued despite the lifting of

restrictions, and the business has adapted

accordingly.

“A lot of people want an afternoon tea to

have at home, or they might have older

parents that don’t want to come out,” Mel

notes. “It’s something a bit different to

coffee and cake - a bit of a celebration.”

Mel will be celebrating this Mother’s Day with her

own daughter, Maisie, who arrived in September

2020. Since then, she has mostly been fitting in

farm-related office-based work in the evenings and

spending as much quality time as possible with

Maisie. I wondered how becoming a mum has

affected Mel’s outlook on her businesses and life in

general?

“I think Jordan would say that when we met I was

very career-focused and wanted to compete with

my horse and do this and do that, and kids weren’t

really in the mix,” she says. “When we started talking

about having a baby and our future together she very

quickly came along. I didn’t realise how much having

BAKING DELICIOUS CAKES AND TREATS FOR THE CAFE

HAS BEEN ONE OF MEL’S MANY JOBS

MEL’S MISSION TO DIVERSIFY HER

FAMILY’S FARM SAW THE OPENING

OF A CAFE AND B&B

her would change everyday life, but now every

day is about her and fitting everything around her.

Having her around is brilliant. She comes with me

everywhere. She walks into the cafe and she knows

where everything is. ”

With baby number two - a boy - due at the end of

April, Mel is keen for the family business to support

them to be able to go and do what they want to

do - whether they want to be involved, to take it in

their own direction, or whether it’s just there in the

background.

“They’ll do what they want to do and very much

be who they want to be, but having this there is a

way that they can do that,” she explains. “There is

something here if they want to come back to it. It

will be absolutely lovely if they

do want to come back to it, but I

know myself that if I was pushed

to do something I wouldn’t want

to do it!”

One of the great lessons Mel

shares from becoming a business

owner and becoming a mum

is the importance of a strong

support network. Zoe Niven,

owner of Daisy’s Kitchen in

Rugeley, baked for the café when

it first opened, before Mel took on

the baking herself. When she fell

pregnant, Mel asked if Zoe would

consider taking it on again so that


11

THE BUSY B&B IS JUST ONE OF THREE

BUSINESSES MEL RUNS

she could step back a bit when the time came.

“It’s been great to have that support,” Mel says.

“Because there’s a lot of work involved that I won’t

stop doing - all the bookings, admin and office work

for all three businesses - and I won’t have maternity

leave so to speak. The baking front is where I can

actually get help from somebody else. Zoe’s bakes

are great, so I spoke to her after Christmas when I

was ready to take a step back, and she’s now doing

our baking for the next few

months.”

For other young women or

mums who have or want to start

their own business, Mel believes

you should do something that

makes you happy and have

the courage to do it even if it’s

years in the making. It may not

always go the way you planned,

but it might develop into

something else.

“I think you need to do

something you’re passionate

about and something that has a

strong feeling behind it that will

push you forward,” she stresses.

TUPPENHURST BARN’S CAFE HAS

BEEN A HIT SINCE OPENING IN 2019

“When I was thinking about the cafe and B&B, I

wanted to build a place where I would walk to with

the dog and where I would take my family.

“You have to have something pushing you. For me

it was wanting to build a dog-friendly place and

wanting to do something here was very important

to me, especially after my dad passed away. I had

a sense of responsibility and, I suppose, a sense of

duty. But it had to be something I wanted to do,

where I would wake up every day and think ‘I love

doing this’. I love running my own business. It’s hard

work but I love it.”

Mel counts herself lucky to have a great team of

people on hand to help in different ways. She works

closely with her café manager, as well as having a

very supportive and understanding partner in Jordan.

“He has his own full-time job, but he’ll be the one

out there at 6am harrowing the arena or unloading

the wholesale orders,” she says. “I think it’s very

important to remember that you can’t do it all

by yourself. I thought I could at the start - but

you can’t, and you definitely can’t when you have

children because your children come first. I got quite

disheartened when I couldn’t do it all. I thought

I was doing something wrong. You’re not doing

anything wrong; you do need that support and you

shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.

“Before I would kick myself and not want to ask for

help - I would see it as a weakness. But now I realise

it’s not. We’re all human. You need to be passionate

and be your own driving force, but you also need

someone behind you putting a bit of fuel in every

now and again.”

For more details visit

www.tuppenhurstfarm.co.uk


will be exhibiting a collection of

original 19th & 20th century paintings

by recognised British and European artists.

Exhibition runs from Jan 22nd to Mar 31st 2022.

Prices from £1,000 to £18,000

Jonathan Armigel Wade (British b. 1960)

‘The New Arrival’

Jonathan Armigel-Wade (British b. 1960) The New Arrival Oil on board Signed (lower

right); further signed, titled and numbered 1930 (verso)20 x 29cm (7¾ x 11¼ in.)

Particularly noted for his ‘curvispective’ style of oil painting, often of interiors,

hunting/sporting scenes, coastal and harbour views, quiet rural scenes and distorted

perspectives. His paintings are often described as ‘little excursions for the mind’.

William Oliver (1823-1901)

‘A failed Romance’ 1888

William Oliver Williams was born in Worcester. He moved to London and enrolled at the Royal academy in 1848.

He became a very successful figurative and genre artist.

He regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of Artists and British institution in London.

Examples of his work can be found in the Royal Collection and the V&A museum London, as well as the

Manchester Art Gallery, Russel Cotes Gallery and Sheffield Museum. His work is also popular in North America

This painting is in remarkable condition and looks as though it could have been painted a few years ago. it is the best

painting by Oliver that we have ever seen.

George Chambers (1803-1840)

‘The merchant barque Crown and

Paddle Steamers off Folkestone’ 1826

Born in Whitby, from the age of 10 George Chambers started working as a cabin boy

and was later apprenticed to the master of a brig trading in the Mediterranean

He proved to have an exceptional innate talent for art and so impressed local captains

with his decoration of their ships that the owner released him from his apprenticeship

so he could devote himself full time to painting.

In 1825 Chambers worked his way on a trading vessel to London where he was greatly

helped by Christopher Crawford, Landlord at the Waterman’s Arms Inn in Wapping.

King William IV and Queen Adelaide who bought a number of his

paintings to add to the Royal Collection. Three of his paintings are in

the National Maritime Museum

The Midlands leading gallery for original paintings, designer jewellery,

handmade ceramics, glass and bespoke furniture.

www.artifex.co.uk - 0121 3233776

The Mitchell Centre, Weeford Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 6NA

Open 7 days a week. 10am to 5pm (4pm Sundays)

P R O P E RTY

Property of the Month

EACH MONTH WE SHOWCASE ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS PROPERTIES CURRENTLY ON THE

MARKET IN THE MIDLANDS. THIS MONTH’S SELECTION IS A STUNNING FOUR-BEDROOM FAMILY

HOME WITH PRIVATE GATED DRIVEWAY SITUATED ON THE SOUGHT-AFTER FOUR OAKS ESTATE

1A Wentworth Road, Four Oaks Estate, Sutton Coldfield: £925,000

On the market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878

THE AGENT SAYS: As you enter the property through

the porch, you are welcomed into the impressive reception

hall. It provides access to the utility space and WC as well

as the dining room with front aspect, featuring an exposed

beam and fireplace with surround, making this the perfect

place for entertaining or more formal dinners with family.

The study is a bright generous sized space with a front

aspect, perfect for those who are working from home. The

drawing room is flooded with light from the patio doors

either side of the feature chimney breast.

The kitchen is accessed through double doors from the

reception hall; with tiled floor, island unit, AGA and open

plan area to the rear with views over the garden, it provides

a great space for families and could be adapted for more

informal dining.

The first floor features the principal bedroom with en-suite

shower room with his and hers sinks and sky light; the

impressive dressing area also has a sky light. The guest

bedroom is located at the front of the property and has

an en-suite and built-in wardrobes. Two further bedrooms

and a family bathroom with stand alone bath and separate

shower cubicle complete the first floor accommodation.

The property is set back from the road with a gated gravel

driveway which provides ample parking.

The rear garden features established shrubs and trees and

a well-kept lawn area. The patio immediately to the back

of the property is perfect for outdoor seating. A summer

house to the rear of the garden provides great storage

space.

W E L O V E : T H E H O M E ’ S G E N ER O US P R O P O R T I O NS


0121 362 7878

astonknowles.com

GEORGIAN PINES, TALBOT AVENUE - Sutton Coldfield

GUIDE PRICE £1,500,000

A spacious four-bedroom property providing tremendous

potential to create a stunning family home.

Situated in the highly regarded area of Little Aston, well

placed for access to Streetly village, Sutton Coldfield and

Birmingham City Centre. There is a good selection of everyday

amenities in Streetly village and the property is located

close to Sutton Park; one of Europe’s biggest urban parks.

The area provides an excellent range of schooling for both

primary and secondary education in the state and private

sector.

The property features an extensive driveway with parking

for multiple vehicles, complemented by the two separate

garages at either side of the property.

ACCOMMODATION

Ground floor: reception hall, drawing room with access to

conservatory, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, WC,

utility.

First floor: principal bedroom with fitted wardrobes and en-suite,

bedrooms two and three with fitted wardrobes, fourth

bedroom with dressing room, family bathroom.

Gardens and Grounds: integral garage, second garage,

beautifully presented landscaped gardens with pond,

driveway with ample parking.

THE DETAILS

4 BEDS 2 BATHS

Approximate gross internal floor area including garages

3,373 square feet (313 square metres). EPC Rating: C

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

@astonknowles

P R O P E RTY

A wonderful family home

A SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME WITH BAGS OF POTENTIAL IN A SOUGHT-AFTER

LOCATION IS CHOSEN HOME’S PICK OF THEIR PROPERTIES FOR SALE THIS MONTH

Talbot Avenue, Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield: offers in the region of £1,300,000

On the market with Chosen Home: 0121 222 1180

THE AGENT SAYS: Located at this prestigious address

in Little Aston, this deceptively spacious family home has

tremendous potential to extend and further improve, subject to

planning.

Close by is the stunning 2,400 acre Sutton Park as well as

Streetly Tennis Club and both Little Aston golf club and Aston

Wood golf club. Nearby Streetly and Mere Green offer a host

of high street and independent shops, cafes, restaurants and

bars as well as a Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer Food Hall.

On entering the property, you are greeted with a bright and

welcoming reception hall with stairs rising to the first floor and

doors opening into the ground floor accommodation. A bright

living room to the rear offers delightful views over the mature

and private rear garden and opens into the defined dining area

which again enjoys views over the garden.

To the front, a spacious home office with fitted furniture is a

relaxing place to work or study looking out over the fore garden

and mature trees. The breakfast kitchen to the rear opens via

double doors into a superb garden room with large windows

and benefiting from the addition of a log burner. Completing

the ground floor accommodation is a guest wc, utility room, a

large pantry, gardeners wc and a generous double garage.

To the first floor, you will find four double bedrooms and a

modern re-fitted family bathroom. The main bedroom features

fitted wardrobes, a modern re-fitted en-suite and enjoys views

over the rear garden. The three further bedrooms all feature

fitted wardrobes with two of them enjoying views to the rear

with one to the front.

The mature rear garden is a triumph, having a large patio area

perfect for entertaining and large expanses of lawn with mature

borders and a plethora of fauna and flora. Areas of hard

standing offer spaces for sheds and outbuildings while secure

gated side access leads to the front of the property with parking

for several vehicles, lawned fore garden and mature borders.

Regional manager, Rob Shotton says: “Award winning Chosen

Home are delighted to offer this lovely family home for sale

at this prestigious and sought after address. The current

owners have maintained the property to a high standard but

reluctantly, it is now time for them to move on. Already offering

spacious accommodation, there is tremendous potential for the

new owners to remodel and extend to create a most wonderful

home.”

To organise a viewing, please call Chosen Home on

0121 222 1180 or email team@chosenhome.com.


Excellent

“ If you are planning on

moving home in the future,

definitely use Chosen Home.

You will not be disappointed.”

Mrs P of Sutton Coldfield

Trustpilot review February 2022

chosenhome.com

Call 0121 222 1180

I N T E R I O R S

Bright

and breezy

EVERY year, Dulux colour experts translate global design

trends into the new Colour of the Year. The shade for

2022 is Bright Skies, an airy and fresh tone that opens up

and breathes new life into any space.

Described as “a light, airy and optimistic blue that’s good

for the soul,” Bright Skies is a shade which can revitalise

any room of the home, bringing a bright and breezy vibe

to your interior decor.

Combine with a vibrant palette to create an uplifting space

perfect for kids’ bedrooms or play spaces, or embrace

nature by pairing with trend-led greens for a harmonious

feel.

The experts at Dulux said: “Over the past 18 months, our

lives have been turned upside down, but we’ve also had

time to rethink the way we live and reassess what’s really

important. It’s these discussions that led to our key themes,

open skies and a breath of fresh air.”

Inject a splash of Bright Skies into your home by

revamping your walls, or add a touch of that freshness

with carefully chosen accessories.

JONATHAN ADLER ETHER CHAIR IN BERGAMO

ICE, £1,750, SWEETPEA & WILLOW.

WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM

£425

£275

£30.50

£58

DARCEY SWIVEL ACCENT CHAIR IN

LAGOON, PEPPERMILL INTERIORS,

BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK.

WWW.PEPPERMILLINTERIORS.COM

TALL HAND PAINTED BLUE VASE,

NEEDWOOD LIVING, ALREWAS.

WWW.NEEDWOODLIVING.CO.UK

HORIZON PENDANT IN SKY BLUE,

PEPPER SQ. WWW.PEPPERSQ.COM

BLUE LINEN FLORAL DRUM

LAMPSHADE, FROM THE GARDEN

COLLECTION BY HELEN ROUND.

WWW.HELENROUUND.COM


WELCOME TO BAYLISS BATHROOMS,

THE LARGEST INDEPENDENT LUXURY

BATHROOM SPECIALIST IN THE REGION.

OUR UNRIVALLED ONE STOP PROJECT

MANAGED SERVICE, FROM DESIGN

THROUGH TO INSTALLATION, IS FOCUSED

ON TURNING YOUR DREAM BATHROOM

INTO REALITY.

WHATEVER YOUR REQUIREMENTS,

WE CAN PROVIDE YOUR BATHROOM

SOLUTION. WE WELCOME YOU TO VISIT

OUR NEW WEBSITE OR SHOWROOM TO

EXPLORE THE BAYLISS EXPERIENCE AND

ALL THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU

We offer a complete ‘One Stop’ process to turn your bathroom dreams into reality, which includes:

• A bespoke 2,500 sq ft showroom with over 20 bathroom displays located in Sutton Coldfield

• A specialist design team to create designs to match your every need

• Expert knowledge of our partner brands giving you access to superb products and tiles.

• In-house installation teams working to the highest possible standards

• Management of all aspects of the Project, providing you with a single point of contact, every step of the way

• For those customers who require a Supply Only service, access to all leading brands at competitive cost.

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

0121 362 1800 - www.baylissbathrooms.co.uk

ALLERTON VELVET ACCENT CHAIR,

PEPPERMILL INTERIORS,

BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK.


£199

£285

ANDERSON FOOTSTOOL IN DUCK EGG BLUE,

CULT FURNITURE. WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM

£49.95

HUCKLEBERRY BLACK THREE WAY OVER

TABLE LIGHT WITH BLUE SHADES, ICONIC

LIGHTS. WWW.ICONICLIGHTS.CO.UK

BEPUREHOME POTTERY GLASS

PENDANT LIGHT, CUCKOOLAND.

WWW.CUCKOOLAND.COM

DULUX BRIGHT SKIES, FROM

£17.50/2.5L. WWW.DULUX.CO.UK

£70

£79

£650

ELINORE MEDIUM CANDLE HOLDER,

SWEETPEA & WILLOW.


MIRREN VELVET SEATING RANGE IN AQUA, FROM PEPPERMILL INTERIORS,

BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK. WWW.PEPPERMILLINTERIORS.COM

ABSTRACT ART PRINTS, FROM £30,

FROM CLAUDE & LEIGHTON.

WWW.CLAUDEANDLEIGHTON.COM


BLUE TICKING STRIPE DUVET COVER, £135,

CHALK PINK LINEN COMPANY.

WWW.CHALKPINKLINENCOMPANY.CO.UK

LAZY LINEN BEDDING BUNDLE IN

CORNFLOWER BLUE, £45, LOAF.

WWW.LOAF.COM

EZRA UPHOLSTERED SINGLE BED IN

BLUE, £299, CUCKOOLAND.

WWW.CUCKOOLAND.COM

WILD BLUE MEADOW MURAL BY SIR EDWARD,

FROM £35/M2, WALLSAUCE.

WWW.WALLSAUCE.COM

DULUX BRIGHT SKIES, FROM

£17.50/2.5L. WWW.DULUX.CO.UK

52

HIGH-END PATIO FURNITURE FROM A PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR FURNITURE

SUPPLIER WITH OVER 30 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE IN SUPPLYING

PRODUCTS TO THE TRADE AND RETAIL MARKET PLACE. RATTAN, MYANMAR/

BURMA TEAK AND ALUMINIUM FURNITURE ALL GUARANTEED BY CE, FSC, SGS

AND OTHER CERTIFICATIONS OF WICKER FURNITURE.

£1,645.00

£1,445.00

WE AIM TO SUPPLY THE BEST QUALITY

PRODUCTS AT THE LOWEST PRICE AFFORDABLE.

WARRANTY

All products carry a 12

months manufacturer’s

warranty.

WEATHER RESISTANT

Resistant to all weathers

with a durable robust powder

coated finish. High Quality

Aluminium is used.

FAST DELIVERY

Prices quoted on the site

are for single deliveries.

For any questions please

call our team.

Spring Sale

£200 OFF & FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS

£1,545.00

£1,345.00

£1,845.00

£1,645.00

ALL PRODUCTS ARE MAIL ORDER BUT YOU CAN VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

AT SHENSTONE WS14 OEA TO SEE THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCTS.

£1645.00

£1,445.00

£1,575.00

£1,375.00

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE

PLEASE CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY TEAM:

Telephone: 0121 759 6000

Email: sales@aluminiumpatiofurniture.co.uk

Website: www.aluminiumpatiofurniture.co.uk

Showroom address: Unit 1, Shenstone Storage Estate,

Shenstone, Staffordshire WS14 0EA

I N T E R I O R S

Embrace

those curves

OUR homes are our sanctuaries, and making them feel

as cosy and welcoming as possible is key, especially in the

light of the pandemic highlighting the importance of our

surroundings on our wellbeing. And one trend which is on

the radar for 2022 is all about embracing the most cosy

aspects of design.

Curvature has made a huge comeback within interiors,

with curves popping up on everything from furniture and

accessories to the very fabric of our homes; the walls and

windows in particular. Soft, feminine and graceful, curves

are found repeatedly in nature, making them naturally

easy on the eye and soothing to the heart.

Offering a cocooning, cosy feel, these fluid forms create a

playful and fun aesthetic as opposed to the static rigidity

of straight lines.

From the soft, round edges of a sofa to the meandering of

an art feature - no matter what room of the house, this

soothing trend is one to keep up with.

FAUX LEATHER HANDLE ROUND LOG HOLDER, £125,

COX & COX. WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK

DEEP SAGE AND BRASS ROUNDED

DESK LAMP, COX & COX.

WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK

£225

WHITE AND GREY CERAMIC LAMP,



£225

£238

£75

GOLD ROUND LUXE DRINKS TROLLEY,

AUDENZA. WWW.AUDENZA.COM

LORIENT RETRO DINING CHAIR, PEPPERMILL

INTERIORS, BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK.


24


Family Business Est. 1974

TWO OF OUR MOST RECENT INSTALLATIONS

VISIT OUR NEW, LARGER SUTTON COLDFIELD SHOWROOM TO SEE AND FEEL THE QUALITY

Call to discuss your kitchen project and book a FREE, no-obligation design consultation today

128-138 Hardwick Rd, Sutton Coldfield B74 3DP

Tel: 0121 353 4999 - www.kitchensbybroadway.co.uk

Email: enquiries@kitchensbybroadway.co.uk

£249 £25

OLBIA ROUND STONEWARE VASE,

CULT FURNITURE.

WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM

ELLIOT ROUND COFFEE TABLE IN WHITE

MARBLE AND BRASS, CULT FURNITURE.

WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM

TALL CURVED AMBER VASE,



£70

£42

£1,350

CASSINI TWO WAY GOLD CEILING SHADE,

ICONIC LIGHTS. WWW.ICONICLIGHTS.CO.UK

ROXY REAL LEATHER SOFA, PEPPERMILL

INTERIORS, BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK.


£4,500

ONZA EASY FIT PENDANT,

DAR LIGHTING GROUP.

WWW.DARLIGHTING.CO.UK

JONATHAN ADLER ETHER CURVED SOFA IN

BERGAMO AZURE VELVET, SWEETPEA & WILLOW.


£138

LUELLA OFFICE CHAIR, £149, AND ALL ACCESSORIES

FROM DUNELM. WWW.DUNELM.COM

VALANCE ROUND WHITE SUNBURST MIRROR, £95,

ROSE & GREY. WWW.ROSEANDGREY.CO.UK

26

ANASTASIA BLACK GLASS AND BRASS

SIDEBOARD, £1,319.99, MY FURNITURE.

WWW.MY-FURNITURE.COM

ARIEL UPHOLSTERED BED, £2,410, SWEETPEA &

WILLOW. WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM

MAYFIELD RATTAN STOOL, £145, GARDEN

TRADING. WWW.GARDENTRADING.CO.UK

GRACE PAINTED PATTERNED GLASS TABLE LAMP

WITH SHADE, £150, LAURA ASHLEY AT DAR

LIGHTING. WWW.DARLIGHTING.CO.UK

G I F T G U I D E

Mum’s the word

CIRCLE SUNDAY, MARCH 27 IN YOUR DIARY - IT’S TIME TO HONOUR ALL THOSE MUMS AND

MOTHER-FIGURES OUT THERE FOR EVERYTHING THEY DO, ALL YEAR ROUND. AND UNLIKE THE

PAST TWO YEARS, WHEN THE UK WAS IN THE GRIP OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THIS YEAR THERE

ARE NO RESTRICTIONS ON SPENDING TIME TOGETHER. SO SHOW YOUR MUM JUST HOW MUCH

SHE MEANS TO YOU AND CELEBRATE THIS SPECIAL DAY IN STYLE.

£93

£32.50

£515

ENVY NECKLACE, NEEDWOOD

LIVING, ALREWAS.


9CT WHITE GOLD SQUARE DIAMOND

STUD EARRINGS, JOHNSONS JEWELLERS.

WWW.JOHNSONSJEWELLERS.CO.UK

‘MY MUM’ HAND SCULPTED ONE OFF

CERAMIC SCULPTURE ON CANVAS,

ARTIFEX GALLERY, MITCHELL CENTRE.

WWW.ARTIFEX.CO.UK

£19.95

£51

DUSTY PINK AND GREEN ORCHID

PHALAENOPSIS PLANT,



ANGELS AND VEGANS CHOCOLATE SELECTION BOX,

HARVEY NICHOLS. WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM

£5.50

£245

HOT DIAMONDS SILVER AND WHITE TOPAZ

MEMORIES LOCKET, JOHNSONS JEWELLERS.


£114

EAST OF INDIA CERAMIC HEART, CURBOROUGH GIFT

SHOP AT CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

LA PERLA NOURISHING BODY BALM,

HARVEY NICHOLS.

WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM


£13.99

£89

CLOGAU SILVER BEADED HEART

BRACELET, JOHNSONS JEWELLERS.


LIFE CHARMS ‘MUM’ BRACELET IN PRESENTATION

BOX, CURBOROUGH GIFT SHOP AT CURBOROUGH

COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

£12.50

OXIDISED SILVER, 18CT YELLOW GOLD

AND DIAMOND PENDANT, ALLEN BROWN

JEWELLERY AT HEART OF THE COUNTRY

SHOPPING VILLAGE.

WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK

£85

£162

ROSIE MADE A THING ‘MUM’ MUG,

CURBOROUGH GIFT SHOP AT

CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

‘POPPIES’ INDIVIDUAL HANDMADE WALL GLASS

PANEL, ARTIFEX GALLERY, MITCHELL CENTRE.

WWW.ARTIFEX.CO.UK

£288

£30.50

£59

SET OF FOUR ROSE TINT CHAMPAGNE FLUTES,



TI SENTO SILVER DOUBLE ENTWINED

CZ SET EARRINGS, JOHNSONS JEWELLERS.


SILVER AND BAROQUE PEARL EARRINGS,

ALLEN BROWN JEWELLERY AT HEART OF

THE COUNTRY SHOPPING VILLAGE.

WWW.ALLENBROWNJEWELLERY.CO.UK

£390

£12.50

£76

VALENTINO PINK LOGO SILK-BLEND

SCARF, HARVEY NICHOLS.


ST EVAL BAY AND ROSEMARY CANDLE,



ROSE AND MAGNOLIA COLOGNE,

JO MALONE LONDON AT HARVEY NICHOLS.



Curborough

Gift Shop

GIFTS & CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Image Credits: Linwood Fabric

Home accessories • Furniture • Lamps • Rugs

Dinner & Glassware • Clothing • Jewellery

Giftware • Soft furnishings made to order

Full interior design service

136 Main Street

Alrewas, DE13 7ED

01283 711 272

7A High Street,

Tutbury, DE13 9LP

01283 813 322

info@needwoodliving.co.uk

needwoodliving.co.uk

CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

WATERY LANE, LICHFIELD WS13 8ES

TEL: 0843 289 4525 OR 07885 387640

OPENING HOURS: 10AM – 4PM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY

WWW.CURBOROUGHGIFTSHOP.CO.UK

FOLLOW US

Refreshingly Different

Treat yourself to a new door for 2022

Visit our Stylish Showroom

11 Belwell Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4AA - Tel: 0800 996 1241

Visit our fantastic website www.jmiwindows.co.uk - enquiries@jmiwindows.co.uk

Windows | Doors | Bi-Fold Doors | Garage Doors | Conservatories | Orangeries | Secondary Glazing | Window Repairs

F E AT U R E

The Force is strong in Lichfield

ICONIC MOVIE PARAPHERNALIA WILL BE UP FOR GRABS THIS MONTH AT A

SPECIAL STAR WARS-THEMED AUCTION BY RICHARD WINTERTON AUCTIONEERS

Toys from a galaxy far, far away are to

go under the hammer at a special Star

Wars auction in Lichfield.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers is

offering free valuations of items to

be consigned in the March 17 sale

celebrating the iconic film series.

The auction is planned to take place

at The Hub at St Mary’s in Market

Street, Lichfield, in conjunction with

the ongoing Star Wars exhibition May

The Toys Be With You, which closes on

Sunday, March 20.

Billed as an ‘absolute must see for fans

of Star Wars’, the exhibition features

one of the UK’s finest collections of

vintage Star Wars toys and original

cinema posters, celebrating the vintage

toy line as well as the iconic design and art of the

movies.

Back when the movie Star Wars broke box office

records in 1977 no-one could have predicted that the

merchandising would go on to earn even more than

the film itself. The toys of Star Wars took the world

by storm and became the must-have playthings for

an entire generation.

From 1977 to 1985 an estimated 300 million action

figures were sold, allowing children to re-enact the

adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and

Han Solo.

May The Toys Be With You is both a celebration of

the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also

of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars

movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these

fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and

stamped their place on our cultural landscape.

For little kids and ‘big kids’ alike, this is an

unmissable opportunity to view many rarely seen

Star Wars treasures. This exhibition has broken

visitor attendance records at a host of museums

around the country and is currently delighting movie

fans from Lichfield and beyond.

The Hub creative director, Anthony Evans said:

“Star Wars is a massive cultural phenomenon, loved

by children, parents and grandparents alike so it’s


super exciting to bring May The Toys

Be With You to Lichfield. As well as the

exhibition, we’ve also included Star Wars

themed shows and events in our spring

line-up.”

Auctioneer Richard Winterton said: “As

a lifelong Star Wars fan, The Force is

certainly with this spectacular exhibition

which is already inspiring people to

hunt out their old Star Wars toys and

memorabilia.

“Now with three film trilogies and

numerous spin-offs, Star Wars is more

popular than ever and the Force is

especially strong for original toys and

memorabilia.

“It’s a perfect time to see what they might

make under the hammer, so we’re deploying our own

Imperial Probe Droid to join in the search!”

Viewing for the Star Wars auction is expected to be

held at The Hub on Wednesday, March 16, the day

before the sale. More information will be released

nearer the date.

The Hub will benefit from a percentage of the

proceeds from the auction and Richard Winterton

Auctioneers also sponsored a private viewing of the

exhibition in February.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment to discuss

their Star Wars items should call The Lichfield

Auction Centre at Wood End Lane, Fradley Park

WS13 8NF, on 01543 251081 or email

office@richardwinterton.co.uk.

THE STAR WARS EXHIBITION IS CURRENTLY

TAKING LICHFIELD BY STORM

Richard Winterton Auctioneers has a long

association with The Hub at St Mary’s and holds free

valuations of watches, jewellery and silver there on

Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11am.

Free tickets for May The Toys Be With You must be

booked for weekends, where timed entry slots are

available every 30 minutes; however on weekdays

people can just turn up.

The exhibition is open on Mondays to Saturdays

from 9.30am to 3pm, and Sundays from 10am to

4pm, with an Autism-Friendly viewing time on

Sundays from 100am until 11am, with visitors being

asked to keep noise levels to a minimum and the

lights turned down.

For more details and to book weekend tickets visit

www.thehubstmarys.co.uk

RICHARD WINTERTON WILL BE

AUCTIONING SOME ICONIC

MOVIE MEMORABILIA


33

F O O D & D R I N K

Taking a chance

TALENTED LICHFIELD CHEF JACK DUBBERLEY TOOK A HUGE GAMBLE TO LAUNCH HIS UNIQUE FINE

DINING EXPERIENCE IN THE MIDST OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC - BUT IT’S A RISK WHICH HAS PAID OFF

AS DINERS HAVE EMBRACED HIS CULINARY CONCEPT. AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS MORE

Starting a new business is always somewhat of a

risk. But starting a new business in the middle of

a global pandemic - and into one of the worstaffected

industries - could be said to be bordering

on madness. But, for talented Lichfield chef Jack

Dubberley, it has been a brave move which has paid

off in spades.

Jack’s love of fine dining, passion for the freshest and

most seasonal produce, and skills in the kitchen have

seen Dubberley Delicious, his unique ‘chef ’s table’

concept, go from strength to strength since launching

last year.

Situated just outside the city in a cabin at The Plant

Plot garden centre, it may not be the first place you

think of when it comes to discerning dining. But

Jack’s whole ethos is about defying expectations.

Once you step inside the cabin, the garden centre

location is irrelevant as you are greeted by a smart

dining room facing the open kitchen. With just one

table seating up to ten diners, the place is yours as

Jack becomes your own private chef for the evening.

The idea behind Dubberley Delicious came about

while Jack and his sister Lucy were shopping for

a Mother’s Day present at The Plant Plot, shortly

LICHFIELD CHEF

JACK DUBBERLEY

before the pandemic hit proper and the country went

into the first of three lockdowns which changed the

hospitality industry for good.

“We joked that we should rent a cabin to start a

food business because the overheads would be

manageable,” says 28-year-old Jack.

Jack was sous chef at acclaimed hotel Swinfen Hall

but, having spent most of his career on-and-off in

the Swinfen kitchen, he longed for a place to call his

own. Then when Covid-19 hit, he - alongside chefs

up and down the country - found himself stuck at

home as restaurants and hotels closed for months on

end.

“We didn’t go back until the end of July, and things

had obviously changed a lot in that time,” says Jack.

“I’d also had a lot of time to think about what I

really wanted to do.”

Remembering his and Lucy’s conversation, Jack

got in touch with the owners of The Plant Plot and

pitched the idea of a fine dining chef ’s table-slashcookery

school. It was proposed to be a setup unlike

anything else in or around Lichfield - and the owners

jumped at the idea.

“I wanted to do something different, more intimate,”

34


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says Jack. “People come here and they have their

own space for as long as they want, and they can

help to design everything about their event.

“If you want a certain thing on the menu, you can

have it. You can have your own drinks and even your

own music.

“And it’s a complete experience; you get to see

everything that goes on in the kitchen, and if you

want to get involved with things like plating up, you

can.”

Jack and his family spent months transforming the

cabin into a working kitchen and stylish dining room.

With the pandemic still raging and the opening

delayed, Jack adapted by offering design-yourown

dine-at-home boxes, then outdoor fine dining

barbecue events as the weather warmed up.

Finally, as restrictions eased and indoor dining was

once again allowed, Jack welcomed his first diners to

Dubberley Delicious in May last year.

Jack runs every aspect of the operation himself,

going from chef to waiter, sommelier and pot wash

throughout the course of each event. On busier

nights, sister Lucy - a full time teacher - pitches in, as

well as helping Jack with his social media.

“It’s a family business, and we’re excited by every

single booking we get,” says Jack. “It makes us happy

knowing that people want to come here.

“We want people to feel like they’re getting a special

experience, and go away happy. Luckily, our reviews

speak for themselves, and we get people coming

through word-of-mouth recommendations. Also,

we’ve found that most of our guests so far have

already come back. And we’ve got regulars who have

been four or five times.”

Jack’s passion for what he does is the driving force

behind Dubberley Delicious, and his love of cooking

JACK HAS TRANSFORMED A

GARDEN CENTRE CABIN INTO

A UNIQUE ‘CHEF’S TABLE’

EXPERIENCE

started at a young age: “I’ve always enjoyed cooking

with my mum, and baking,” he says. “I’d always

watch famous chefs like Gordon Ramsey on the TV

too.”

It was at Lichfield’s Friary School, studying for his

GCSEs, where Jack’s food technology class saw

him spend a day in a professional kitchen, receiving

tuition from chefs and honing his skills by cooking

for his family and teachers later that evening. The

experience sparked Jack’s interest in the culinary

world and, with his exams done, he decided to apply

to UCB’s College of Food in Birmingham.

“I passed the first year really well and I enjoyed it;

there were a few rough patches, like seeing a whole

fish being gutted for the first time, but it

showed me a lot about what to expect,” says

Jack.

As part of his course, Jack had to find work

experience in a professional kitchen, so

he approached the team at the prestigious

Swinfen Hall Hotel, who offered him a stint

in the kitchen.

During Jack’s second year at college he

contacted Swinfen again about a part time

job to complement his studies - only to be

offered a full time role.

“It was a bit of a shock,” says Jack. “I was

halfway through my NVQ Level Three, but I

went away and thought about it, weighed up

my options and decided that taking the job

was the best way to go, to get a start in the


industry.

“It’s a job unlike any other, and while college

was great, there’s no replacement for the

experience of working in a kitchen.”

Jack swiftly worked his way up through

the Swinfen kitchen, the head chef quickly

spotting his passion and potential.

“We built a strong team of chefs, and we

were really busy, both with weddings and

with the restaurant,” says Jack. “I was there

for four or five years to begin with, and it was

a great place to learn the trade.”

A brief interlude at Dormy House Hotel in

the Cotswolds was cut short when the head

chef who recruited Jack left the business. He

decided to return to Lichfield and Swinfen

Hall jumped at the chance to take him back, where

he worked his way up to sous chef, helping the team

to earn a coveted three AA rosettes.

When the opportunity came along to help set up a

new restaurant in Lichfield, Larder, Jack decided to

embrace the challenge. It was a risk, to go from a

well-established set-up to something completely new,

but the prospect excited the ambitious young chef.

“The aim was to get started and earn rosettes, and

within six months we’d got two AA rosettes,” says

Jack. “It was good, and we were the best restaurant

in Lichfield on TripAdvisor.

“The passion was there, I was second in command

working closely with the head chef and we were all

working well as a team.”

But a change in management curtailed Jack’s

ambitions, and when Swinfen came calling once

again, he returned to their kitchen for a final stint.

“I’m all about fine dining, doing the higher end of

the food scale because that’s where the challenge is,

and you always need to be challenging yourself. I like

JACK’S COOKING IS

SOPHISTICATED AND SEASONAL

JACK CREATED WILD GARLIC

POPCORN TO USE SOME OF THE

FRUITS OF HIS FORAGING

to push myself and I want my food to represent the

very best of what I can do.”

A keen forager, Jack loves working with local

ingredients and making the most of the abundance

of wild plants on his doorstep.

“I like going to pick wild garlic; every year in

February I’ll be scanning the local area to see

when it’s ready and how much is there. I’ll pick a

load then spend time making wild garlic oils and

pestos, thinking of what else I can do and how I can

preserve it to use throughout the year instead of just

using the leaves when they’re in season,” says Jack.

“One of the chefs who really inspired me is Tommy

Banks; his book is fantastic, and it talks about the

hunger gap, when fresh, local produce is harder to

come by.

“It’s about preserving things throughout the year so

you have them available when you can’t get local

produce. It’s great in the summer but then there

are periods that are very limited. And I want to use

ingredients which are as local as possible.”

While Jack’s table can be booked seven days a week

to fit in with customers’ requirements, he also

offers cookery classes, covering things like

butchery, knife skills, baking and bread-making.

He hopes to bring his popular barbecues back

for summer too.

“The long term aim is to move out of the cabin

and do something along the same lines, but

a little bit bigger,” says Jack. “It’s just about

getting to the point where we can take the risk

again.

“But this is just the beginning.”

For more information visit

www.dubberleydelicious.co.uk or find

Dubberley Delicious on Instagram and

Facebook @dubberleydelicious


37

F O O D & D R I N K

An eggs-cellent idea

JACK GOULD, BRUNCH CHEF AT CURBOROUGH’S THYME KITCHEN,

SHARES A DELICIOUS NEW DISH FROM THEIR ALL-DAY MENU WHICH

IS SURE TO SPICE UP YOUR LUNCHTIME

Thai green curry eggs with jasmine rice

INGREDIENTS

For the sauce:

1 stalk lemongrass

2 green chilis

1 red onion

5 cloves garlic

2” piece of ginger

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tin coconut milk

1 lime

1/2 bunch coriander

1/2 bunch basil

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp white pepper

1/2 tsp ground

coriander

3 tsp fish sauce

1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

Salt to taste

For the garnish:

2 eggs

100g jasmine rice

1/2 stalk lemongrass

2 kaffir lime leaves

20g cashews

1 tbsp natural yoghurt

1 lime

Salt

For the sauce, dice the onion, garlic and chilli.

Fry in oil for two minutes then add the spices and

fry for a further three to five minutes. Add the

fish sauce, rice wine vinegar and sugar and cook

out for a further two to three minutes. Add in the

coconut milk and simmer for five to ten minutes.

Remove from the heat and blend together with

the fresh herbs until smooth, adding the lime and

salt to taste.

Wash the jasmine rice for ten to 15 minutes until

the water runs clear then add to a saucepan with

the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Place your

index finger on top of the rice and add water

until it reaches your first knuckle. Boil the rice for

five to ten minutes until almost all the water is

gone, then cover the pan and leave to steam for a

further five minutes.

Heat a frying pan with a small amount of oil and

toss the cashews until golden brown. Add salt to

taste. Make the lime yoghurt by adding the zest

juice of half a lime to the yoghurt and mixing

well.

Break the eggs into a pan of simmering water

with a tablespoon of white wine vinegar and

poach for two minutes, then remove and drain.

Serve the eggs on top of the sauce with the rice

on the side - spoon the yoghurt on the rice and

finish with a sprinkle of cashew nuts.


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Mothers Day

‘

A T T H Y M E K I T C H E N

Are you looking to treat your Mum

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Maybe she’s a fur baby Mum, a step Mum or even

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If you would like to book please call 01543 264050

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Curbourough Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES

F E AT U R E

Inside the secret garden

GRACE AND SAVOUR AT HAMPTON MANOR IS A NEW IMMERSIVE WALLED GARDEN DINING

EXPERIENCE. KATY EDGINGTON FINDS OUT MORE FROM DAVID AND ANETTE TAYLOR

PHOTOS BY FJONA HILL

Hampton Manor Estate’s eagerly

anticipated third destination

restaurant, Grace & Savour, finally

opened its doors on February 25. Led

by husband and wife team head chef

David Taylor and house manager

Anette Taylor, we spoke to the couple

about what to expect from the new

walled garden restaurant, cookery

school and luxury accommodation.

After spending the last year visiting

farms, meeting craftspeople, potters,

fishermen, and fine-tuning the

experience, the pair were excited for

the opening and the chance to share

and develop that experience further.

David started at 16 years old at a little bistro called

Pierre Victoire, before moving to study Culinary Arts

Management at University College Birmingham. He

landed a second-year placement at Gordon Ramsay’s

Maze under Jason Atherton. Working brutally long

hours in his first Michelin starred kitchen taught

him a lot, and at the end of the placement Jason

connected David with Glynn Purnell of Purnell’s in

Birmingham, where he headed next.

THE WALLED GARDEN GROWING

PROGRAMME OVERSEEN BY DR

SALLY BELL PRODUCES AN ACRE OF

ORGANIC PRODUCE

GRACE & SAVOUR IS BUILT INTO THE

FABRIC OF THE WALLED GARDEN

“Glynn really nurtured my confidence, taught me to

believe in myself as a cook - which I struggled with -

and taught me the importance of always improving

my craft. I was there for seven years, five as sous chef.

I loved and always will love my time being a part of

the Purnell’s family. Glynn built the foundation of

how I cook and gave me the confidence to step out

and go abroad to cook.”

David went on to complete stages at Grace in

Chicago, Momofuku KO and Atera in New York,

and Relae in Copenhagen before

a job opportunity came up at

Maaemo in Oslo. During his

time there the restaurant won

three Michelin stars. He was

head chef at the five star Thief

Hotel on Oslo’s harbourfront for

three years, but with a hunger to

get back into restaurant cooking,

David called James Hill, one of

the directors at Hampton Manor,

who made him and Anette an

offer they couldn’t refuse.

Anette, by contrast, came quite

late into hospitality. With a

degree in sign language, she


worked as an interpreter for many

years before going into project and

leadership roles in organisations

from the Salvation Army to one

of the biggest music festivals in

Norway.

“It’s not exactly your typical way

into hospitality, but at the same

time I would say that it is what

has shaped my heart for it,” she

says. “For me, hospitality is all

about people. To make people feel

seen, that there is room for them,

that they belong. A guest’s time

is precious, and for a night they

will be trusting us with that time,

and nothing is more exciting than

making those moments special.”

Grace & Savour was the couple’s dream scenario:

a purpose-built small restaurant with rooms where

they’re able to put extra effort into the finer details.

“Sustainability has always been in our hearts, so to

create something that not only looked inwards but

outwards too is really special,” adds David. “James

and Dr Sally Bell, Hampton Manor’s directors, gave

me an insight into how broken our supply chains are

and as we delved deeper it became so much more

than just a restaurant; it’s an opportunity to help

make things better than the way we found them.”

The restaurant and development kitchen with five

adjoining garden bedrooms are built into the very

walls of the historic Victorian Walled Garden on the

45-acre family-run West Midlands estate, providing

guests an opportunity to relax and reconnect with

nature.

Overnight guests arrive at 3pm for a garden tour and

THE BEDROOMS OVERLOOK THE

WALLED GARDEN

menu introduction with David. Before dinner, estate

maps and wellies are to hand for those wanting to

explore, or you’re welcome to relax in your bedroom

lounge from where you can glimpse the chefs at work

in the open kitchen.

The evening’s 15 course tasting menu celebrates a

revolution in growing and farming where the focus is

on soil health, biodiversity and sustainability. David

constructs the menu season to season, reflecting

what’s available at the time of harvest: protein-heavy

in the winter and more vegetable and wild flora

focused in the spring and summer.

“The broth that currently starts the menu is meant to

be warm and inviting after coming in from the cold,

whereas in the summer I might start with a bright

and refreshing raspberry, yoghurt and rose filled

nasturtium flower.”

David and Anette have spent the past 12 months

seeking out and forging partnerships with likeminded

suppliers who are working sensitively in their

environments, using a range of

practises including re-wilding,

diversification, agroforestry,

organic principles, and

biodynamic farming.

Solely focusing on British

organic produce and British

heritage, the 15 courses are a

journey through various UK

farms. Dish by dish, David

is trying to tell their stories.

Although he won’t always give

away every detail for fear of

weighing down your evening, if

you ask he promises there will

always be more stories to tell.

“The pumpkin seed butter in


41

the fish dish, for example, I made

because the pumpkin farmer is trying

to make a pumpkin seed oil to fry

with,” he says. “Pumpkin seed oil is

much healthier and an even better

frying oil than rapeseed, vegetable

or sunflower, which are all highly

processed, so supporting him in this

task is really important to me.”

Plymouth-based fish supplier Sole

of Discretion only uses boats 10m

or under and supports the local

fishermen with good pricing, buying

them new nets to help lower by-catch,

and only taking fish caught in the

most sustainable way.

“When I call Sole of Discretion, I order what is

best and plentiful and so that means we have a fish

dish that’s ever-changing, reflecting the season and

the natural unpredictable circle of the sea. We are

currently serving it with mussels in pumpkin pickle,

that pumpkin butter and a mussel cream sauce.”

Paviland’s Farm on the Gower Peninsula is a

2,000 acre farm which is attempting to go fully

regenerative. Their Welsh Black cattle graze on

more than 300 different varieties of wild plants and

herbs, giving the beef a wonderful deep flavour and

tenderness.

“We are also working with Ram Hall Farm where

they make Berkswell Cheese,” David adds. “The

family are fifth generation cheesemakers, pig farmers

and crop growers. The jump to regenerative is a big

risk for them, but we are trying to take what we can

to support them in their journey. Ram Hall were

previously using their whey to water their plants,

THE WALLED GARDEN IS A

PLAYGROUND FOR THE KITCHEN

TEAM TO TEST WHAT THEY LEARN

FROM OTHER GROWERS

which is great, but we now buy it from them for our

caramelised whey dish and it’s delicious!”

The Walled Garden itself produces an acre of food

using organic principles. The growing programme

is overseen by Dr Sally Bell, a specialist in lifestyle

medicine. As well as being part of the GRFFN

Project (Growing Real Food for Nutrition), a UKwide

initiative that looks at how growing methods

affect nutrient density, the garden is a playground for

the kitchen team to test what they learn from other

growers. The aim is for 50 per cent self sufficiency as

they still want to support local producers. Soft fruits

will be a focus.

“We have plans for a beautiful timber fruit cage,”

David shares. “Berries are often heavily sprayed with

chemicals and they never travel well. They’re often

picked under-ripe to make sure they survive the back

of a bouncing lorry, but this heavily impacts quality

and flavour. Ripe soft fruit tastes completely different

picked in the late afternoon compared to first thing

in the morning, and so

picking time is everything.

I’m really looking forward to

what we’ll create from these

delicious berries.”

Each of Grace & Savour’s

five beautifully designed

garden suites looks out across

the garden to the kitchen.

Decorated in a muted palette

of clay, mud, and earth

tones, each has their own

luxurious en-suite bathroom

and is bathed in natural

light from the floor to ceiling

windows. At the heart of the

rooms is a bespoke bath time


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itual that celebrates the scent of

the garden, designed by King’s

Heath organic skincare brand,

Harvest.

Although a small number of

tables are available to nonresidents

for dinner Wednesday

to Saturday, Anette heartily

recommends that guests book

the full experience and stay

overnight in one of the luxurious

garden suites.

“It is something special to allow

yourself to get away from the

hustle and bustle of everyday

life: to just immerse yourself in

the beauty of our garden, the

tranquillity you will find in our bath time ritual, and

to have the time with your loved one to have those

conversations that go a bit deeper than the ones over

the dinner table at home with the kids. But to be fair,

it can also be summed up in one word: bathtubs. Any

one of the gorgeous handmade concrete bathtubs

in five different colours from Warrington + Rose is

worth a stay on its own.”

After breakfast the following morning, the cookery

experience in the test kitchen invites guests to learn

the stories of the farmers and the creation of the

garden through a light-hearted, fun exploration of

how to work with nature, culminating in a gardeninspired

lunch that each guest plays their part in

preparing.

“The test kitchen will be all about connecting

guests with the produce and where it comes from,

overlooking our walled garden in a laid back

atmosphere,” Anette adds. “We will change the

classes regularly to reflect the season, so it could be

all about hand dived scallops where we will show

guests how to open them, go over some simple

preparations and taste them, or it could be a table

full of different foraged items and we will create a

selection of infusions for them. It’s to give guests the

opportunity to really get under the skin of Grace &

Savour.”

Anette is hoping guests will feel ‘optimistic and

relaxed’ after immersing themselves in this unique

environment.

“By optimistic, I mean that you can go away feeling

you are on a journey, knowing a little bit more than

you did yesterday. Sharing knowledge is something

that should be fun and interesting! We often have

a very all or nothing mentality when it comes to

sustainability but we’re on a journey ourselves, and

we’re inviting our guests to join us. Relaxed because

it’s impossible not to be when you’re in that garden,

experiencing it with someone you love.”

Bookings are open now for dinner (£135pp for the

15 course tasting menu), or for overnight experiences

(from £360pp, inclusive of dinner, breakfast, garden

room and test kitchen experience).

For more information, visit

www.hamptonmanor.com/grace-savour


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F O O D & D R I N K

Staying in the dark

AN INNOVATIVE DINING CONCEPT WHERE GUESTS ENJOY A SURPRISE MENU COMPLETELY

IN THE DARK IS COMING TO SWINFEN HALL HOTEL, NEAR LICHFIELD, THIS MONTH

They say that, when you enjoy a

meal, you eat with your eyes before

you eat with your mouth. But what if

you couldn’t see what you were being

served?

That’s the idea being an innovative

dining concept which comes to

Lichfield’s Swinfen Hall Hotel this

month, in partnership with Dans Le

Noir?

Dine in Darkness is an immersive

culinary experience where diners taste

gourmet, creative and seasonal cuisine

in complete darkness, accompanied

and served by unexpected guides.

Experiencing heightened flavours,

aromas, textures and temperatures as you enjoy an

unknown - and unseen - menu, this is an original

culinary journey where your senses are fully

awakened. Focusing your attention on taste, losing

the colour of a wine and instead smelling, touching

and tasting amplifies a range of sensations that

stimulate your emotions.

Guided and served by a blind or partially sighted

person, this unusual dining experience is a moment

of positive empathy that breaks our preconceived

ideas of disability.

Diners don’t choose what they’re going to enjoy in

THE MENU IS A

COMPLETE SURPRISE

THE EXPERIENCE TAKES PLACE

COMPLETELY IN THE DARK

the dark; however, dietary requirements are taken

on board and the menu is adapted to ensure the

experience is complete and safe.

After experiencing your meal in the dark, the team

will present you with the menu so that you can

discover the dishes and drinks that you have been

served.

Dans le Noir? is a unique sensory, convivial, and

human experience, created by Ethik Investment,

an independent European group founded in 2003

and specialised in social innovations. This successful

international project where guests enjoy a 100 per

cent surprise menu in complete darkness, served and

guided by a team of visually impaired guides, is now

in seven countries and 11 cities. Whether as

permanent venues or pop up concept, Dans

le Noir? offers a powerful, gourmet and

meaningful adventure, already experienced

by two million people worldwide.

This special pop up restaurant will be open

throughout March, with seatings from 6pm

until 9.45pm Wednesday to Saturday, and

12pm until 3.45pm on Sundays, priced at

£95 per head for a delicious surprise threecourse

menu all perfectly paired with wine.

For more information and to book your place

visit www.swinfenhallhotel.co.uk


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F O O D & D R I N K

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LICHFIELD HAS LANDED FIRMLY ON THE MIDLANDS CULINARY MAP AFTER

ACCLAIMED CHEF TOM SHEPHERD EARNED THE CITY ITS FIRST COVETED MICHELIN

STAR WITH HIS RESTAURANT UPSTAIRS - JUST FOUR MONTHS AFTER OPENING

It’s the day chefs around the country wait for with baited

breath; to see who’s in, who’s out, who’s gained, who’s

lost - and if their name appears in the coveted Michelin

guide.

While Birmingham is the most awarded area outside

of London, with some five starred eateries in the latest

iteration of the culinary bible, the wider Staffordshire

area has not made it onto Michelin’s radar. Until now.

Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, on Lichfield’s Bore Street,

has earned rave reviews and been booked solidly since

its launch in October last year. The new Michelin

guide announcement awarding Upstairs a star just four

months after opening makes it the only restaurant in

Staffordshire to have ever received the honour.

In the guide, inspectors noted that, ‘like the chef himself,

the cooking is confident yet restrained. Tom’s experience

shines through in the detailed yet unfussy dishes, which

are beautifully presented and come with well-thoughtthrough

flavour combinations. Perfectly pitched service

from a cheerful young team completes this enjoyable

dining experience.’

Named due to its position above his father Paul’s

family-run jewellery shop, City Jewellers, in the heart

of Lichfield, Upstairs promises a contemporary British

fine dining experience, with Tom and his team creating

flavour-led, produce-driven menus inspired by the

seasons and surroundings.

Tom said: “I’m absolutely elated that we’ve been

awarded a Michelin star, especially given we’ve only

been in operation for four months. In addition, being

the first ever Michelin starred restaurant in Staffordshire

only adds to the enormity of the achievement.”

Sutton Coldfield-born Tom is no stranger to Michelin,

having previously retained Birmingham eatery Adams’

star - as well as three AA Rosettes - during his tenure as

head chef. He also worked at Nottingham’s two Michelin

starred Restaurant Sat Bains as development chef,

as well as being sous chef to Michael Wignall at The

Latymer, a two Michelin starred restaurant in Bagshot,

Surrey.

Before opening Upstairs, Tom made a name for himself

in Lichfield with his innovative Dine at Home box

collaboration with Sauce Supper Club, serving sellout

CHEF TOM SHEPHERD

weekly fine dining menu boxes to discerning diners

around the city and beyond throughout the Covid-19

lockdown.

Speaking to J’AIME ahead of Upstairs’ opening last

year, Tom said: “We want to create a restaurant which,

in my opinion, is yet to be seen in Lichfield. We really

want to bring a new experience, and we hope that when

people walk through the door they notice that difference

in delivery.

“They can sit down, have some incredible food, because

how we source and how we cook is what I’ve learned

throughout my whole career and that’s not going to

change, it’s going to be elevated even here.

“We want to produce a restaurant that will fulfil, and

hopefully exceed, people’s expectations.

“I’ve worked in some incredible restaurants and with

some incredible people, and it’s time now to go it alone.

And the fact that it’s here in Lichfield, above my dad’s

shop, couldn’t be more perfect.”

And now, with the news of the industry’s most

prestigious accolade, Tom has certainly exceeded every

expectation, cementing Lichfield’s growing reputation as

a culinary hotspot.

Upstairs by Tom Shepherd is at 25 Bore Street,

Lichfield. For more details visit

www.upstairs.restaurant or email

reservations@upstairs.restaurant for booking

enquiries.


Food & Drink + Assems Advert_2780.qxp_Layout 1 14/02/2022 16:00 Page 1

Explore the new Food & Drink Trail

You can find them on the brand new

Tamworth Food and Drink Trail.

for a real taste of Tamworth

There’s so much to see and explore in the historic market town

of Tamworth including one of the best preserved motte and

bailey castles in England, extensive pleasure grounds with

tennis, cycle hire and new adventure playground, major edge of

town retail park, bowling alley, theme park, ski centre and a

traditional town centre.

The heart of Tamworth is home to more than 50 food and drink

establishments, including a wide array of independent bars,

restaurants and cafes.

From locally-brewed ale to

homemade ice-cream,

handmade burgers to the

freshest bagels, British bistro

to Japanese sushi…and

everything in between.

Find out more at: www.visittamworth.co.uk/food-and-drink-trail

At the newly refurbished Tamworth Assembly Rooms.

Tenors Unlimited -

That's Amore! Fri 11 Mar

Top Secret: Science

of Magic Sunday 13 March

Dark Side of the Wall

Saturday 12 March

Revenge

Thursday 17 March

Box Office: 01827 709618 www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk

Corporation Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire. B79 7DN

*Please note that these events were correct at time of print and are subject to government guidelines, please check our website for latest updates.

Sleeping with Beauty

Saturday 19 March

T R AV E L

Following in ancient footsteps

IF THE RECENT WINTER OLYMPICS HAVE WHET YOUR APPETITE FOR A LITTLE SPORTING

COMPETITION, WHY NOT INCORPORATE THIS INTO YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY? SUE OCKWELL

TRAVELS TO NEMEA, ON GREECE’S PELOPONNESE PENINSULA, TO FOLLOW IN THE

FOOTSTEPS OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS FOR A MODERN TAKE ON THE PANHELLENIC GAMES

THE SEASIDE RESORT OF TOLON MAKES A GREAT

BASE FOR VISITORS TO THE NEMEAN GAMES

Part of the original four-year cycle of the Panhellenic

Games, which were designed to stop tribes from

warring with one another for at least two weeks a

year by encouraging them to compete in the sporting

arena instead, Ancient Nemea is a must-see, mustexperience

ancient sporting arena. After all, where

else can you run on the earth trodden by Ancient

Greeks more than 2,000 years ago?

The original Games went from Olympia in the first

year, to Isthmia and Nemea in the spring and summer

of year two, then to Delphi for year three, before

moving on to Isthmia and Nemea again for the fourth

year. Then it was back to Olympia to begin the cycle

all over again – hence today’s Olympic Games being

held every four years.

If you want to relive the excitement of the Games and

become an Ancient Greek for a day, you can take part

in the Modern Nemean Games.

Everyone can run in the Modern Nemean Games, no

matter their age - the oldest runners have included a

97-year-old man and a woman of 100! - or ability.

My husband and I took part in 2012 and 2016 and

were due to do it again in June 2020, but the Seventh

Modern Nemean Games was, understandably,

postponed due to Covid-19. The Games were again

postponed in 2021 but – hurrah! – they are returning

in 2022, now scheduled for Friday, June 24 to Sunday,

June 26, with the races themselves being held on


THE ANCIENT TEMPLE OF ZEUS IN NEMEA

Saturday, June 25.

The story of the Nemean Games is such a great, lifeaffirming

story. The site was discovered by Professor

Stephen Miller, an archaeologist from California’s

Berkeley University, in 1974. He had seen aerial

photographs which clearly revealed an oblong shape –

the stadium floor.

He bought the site from several local owners including

a young Greek man who wanted to pay for his

education; at the point of signing, the young man

said that he felt guilty as he’d never been able to grow

anything on the land. Professor Miller reassured him

that this did not matter – he wished to dig for ancient

remains.

Professor Miller made Nemea his

home, and continued for many

decades to fight hard to ensure that

the site was kept open year-round for

interested visitors. He masterminded

the concept of the Modern Nemean

Games and organised the four-yearly

event with a team of locals and

other supporters, both from Greece

and internationally. Sadly Professor

Miller died last year after a period

of ill health – but, importantly to

him and to many others, his legacy

lives on.

The Modern Nemean Games see

some 1,500 people run in the 90m

“race” on the ancient stadium floor

– barefoot, as the Ancient Greeks

would have run - towards more

than 100 flags fluttering behind the

eternal flame; one flag for every

nationality running. There is also a

7.5km run, following In the footsteps

TRADITIONAL COSTUMES ARE

A HUGE PART OF THE GAMES

of Herakles, for those who seek

more of a challenge.

The Modern Neman Games

are held over a weekend in

late June - normally every four

years, although the sequence

was of course disrupted by

Covid. On Friday evening, there

is an opening ceremony at the

nearby Temple of Zeus, with its

wonderful pillars. There were

just three standing back in 1974

but Professor Miller and his

archaeological workers pieced

together a further six columns

and there are nine now standing,

which is hugely impressive.

A choir sings dressed in Greek costume of wonderful

pleated, flowing robes, the ‘goddess’ speaks and lights

a torch from the eternal flame, Spartan soldiers clad

in 40kg of armour are commanded to lay down their

arms - the purpose of the original Games - which

they do with a big clank, and the procession walks the

short distance to the arena itself, via an ancient tunnel

complete with 2,000 year old graffiti to light the flame

at the stadium itself.

On the Saturday morning and afternoon, runners

arrive at their appointed time (you run in approximate

age groups and female and male runners are grouped


51

separately), change on the

ancient changing room floor

where a canvas tent is erected

over the ancient flagstones,

anoint themselves with oil as

the ancients did to prevent

dehydration and dress in a

simple cotton chiton supplied

by Nemea at no charge – this

is a pretty much free-of-charge

event and no commercialisation

is allowed, making it very

different from the Olympics

these days.

Participants then take an oath

to uphold the spirit of the

Nemean Games, walk barefoot

through the 36m tunnel and emerge blinking into the

daylight and the stadium itself.

A trumpeter, clothed in the robes of the time, two

millennia ago, announces each runner’s name and

their city and country. An official, similarly clothed -

as are all organisers, from judges to slaves - proffers

a helmet containing marble chips engraved with the

A RIBBON AND PALM FROND AWAITS

THE WINNERS OF EACH RACE

TOLON BEACH, GREECE

track number in which you will run; you select a chip

and walk to the starting point of the 90m race.

There, the starting mechanism of rope and wood,

with two rows of rough-hewn grooved limestone, one

groove for toes, the other for your heel, awaits. Blackrobed

judges with birch twigs ensure that your feet are

in the correct position.

“Ready, steady, go!” is announced in Greek,

the starting mechanism falls forward and

the race commences, towards the flags and

the eternal flame. The spectators shout

encouragement, cheer and clap. It’s like a

fascinating and very exciting grown-up sports

day, and is hugely enjoyable and wonderful, in

equal measure.

The winner of each race is awarded, as in

antiquity, a ribbon tied around their head, and

a palm frond. The traditional ancient wild

celery crown, dug freshly from nearby fields,

comes at the end of the day. All bask in the

simple pleasure of winning – but everyone

is a winner, as this is such a heart-warming

event. Being part of ancient history and

becoming an Ancient Greek for a day is such a

wonderful experience.

To travel to Nemea for a holiday at the time

of the Nemean Games in June, book with RB

Collection for a week’s hotel or self-catering

accommodation in nearby Tolon, a lovely

seaside family resort set on a sandy beach

facing a wide bay. We will also arrange a

transfer for the 40-minute drive there and

back to Ancient Nemea, which is much better

than driving yourself after a long day in the

sun and saves a huge amount of hassle in

terms of trying to find a parking space.


The apartments overlook the

lovely bay, and are within an

easy barefoot beach walk of

numerous small-scale tavernas,

ice cream parlours and so on;

Tolon is a buzzy little seaside

town, popular with the Greeks.

Register to run in the Nemean

Games by visiting www.

nemeangames.org – for

2022, there is a modest €5

charge, payable on the day.

It used to be totally free of

charge, but the tiny €5 charge

is more than justified, even

if it simply buys the many

volunteers who work their

socks off a celebratory beer at the end of the day.

The number of runners is of necessity limited to

circa 1,500 people, so reserve your place now via the

Nemean Games website, as I have just done!

What else can you do during your holiday to

Greece apart from visiting Nemea and, if you wish,

participating in the Modern Nemean Games?

Tolon is set on a huge sandy bay, perfect for swimming

and watersports. And Ancient Assini, from where

ships sailed to Troy centuries ago, is a ten-minute walk

from Tolon and is definitely worth a visit, with a wellsignposted

walk, picnic seats with a great view, and an

interpretation centre.

Ancient sites abound nearby – from Epidavros and

Mycenae to Tiryns and Nemea itself, and also Corinth

and its famous canal together with the site of the

Isthmian Games; the Peloponnese is where civilisation

began.

THE STADIUM OF THE NEMEAN GAMES

RELIVE ANCIENT HISTORY

AT THE NEMEAN GAMES

Nafplion, the first capital of Greece postindependence,

before Athens, is a 20-minute bus ride

or an hour’s boat trip along the coast. It boasts marble

pavements, Venetian buildings, a castle high above the

city, and a ‘floating’, very photogenic, castle in the bay.

Best of all, after running the 90m race, and watching

and cheering on other participants for as long as you

wish, return to your base in Tolon, sit at a taverna

table on the beach with a well-earned drink, wriggle

your feet in the sand, watch little flying fish on the

edge of the gentle waves and dream of history…

while your excellent meal is prepared and served al

fresco.

I can’t wait to run (not very fast…) again this June,

and I hope you’ll be tempted to give it a try too. And

why not become a member of the Nemean Games to

receive early announcements and more information?

It’s a very modest €15 per annum per person, and

supports an excellent idea,

enjoyed by many, in a

very practical way.

Hoping to see you

there, to celebrate a

very unusual way of

understanding just a little

about ancient history in

Greece.

To book your holiday

to Greece call RB

Collection on 01543

258631 or email vip@

rbcollection.com.

Visit us at our office on

Boley Park, Lichfield by

appointment, free parking

is available.


53

CO M P E T I T I O N

Win tickets for a Cornish Café

Cream Tea Afternoon

LICHFIELD LITERATURE FESTIVAL IS BACK WITH A BANG THIS YEAR, RUNNING A BUSY

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AT VENUES AROUND THE CITY FROM THURSDAY, MARCH 24

UNTIL SUNDAY, MARCH 27 - AND WE HAVE A PAIR OF TICKETS UP FOR GRABS

We’ve teamed up with the Festival organisers to offer

two tickets to a very special Mother’s Day event taking

place at The Hub at St Mary’s on Sunday, March 27.

One winner and their lucky companion will join the

audience for a Cornish Cream Tea Afternoon with bestselling

local author Phillipa Ashley.

The ticket includes your very own taste of Cornwall - a

scone with cream and jam, and a choice of tea or coffee

- to enjoy while you listen to Phillipa’s talk.

Phillipa is a Sunday Times and Amazon Top 10

best-selling author of lively and uplifting romantic

fiction including the Cornish Café series. Her first

novel, Decent Exposure won the Romantic Novelists

Association New Writers Award and was filmed as a

US TV movie. She has sold over a quarter of a million

ebooks and 100,000 paperbacks with publisher Avon.

Her most recent books include An Endless Cornish

Summer, the beginning of a brand new series also set in

Cornwall, and A Special Cornish Christmas, published

at the end of 2021. Her 2020 Christmas release, A

Surprise Christmas Wedding, was a Top 10 Sunday

Times bestseller.

For more information and to book tickets for

Lichfield Literature Festival events, visit

www.lichfieldliteraturefestival.org.

Competition!

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to the

opening day of the show, simply answer the

following question:

Which English county is the setting for

Phillipa’s best-selling ‘Café’ series?

• Devon

• Cornwall

• Dorset

Send your answer, along with your contact

details, by email to competitions@

jaimemagazine.com with the subject

‘Lichfield Literature Festival competition’,

by 5pm on Sunday, March 21. Terms and

conditions apply. Visit www.jaimemagazine.

com for details.

AUTHOR PHILLIPA ASHLEY WILL BE TALKING

AT LICHFIELD LITERATURE FESTIVAL

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• The event runs on Sunday, March 27, 2022 from

3.30pm-5.00pm.

• Prize includes 2x tickets – no travel, parking, expenses or

accommodation is provided.

• Winners will be picked at random and notified via email on

Monday, March 22.

• Contact information will be supplied to a third party who will

send your winning tickets electronically via email.

• The prize is for one pair of tickets, so there will be one winner.

• Prize cannot be swapped for cash or sold on.

• Details correct at time of print.

• The promoter of this competition is J’AIME Magazine.


N E E D A

S P E C I A L

E S C A P E ?

I N V E S T I N Y O U R H O L I D A Y W I S E L Y

Holistic Centre for Body, Mind & Spirit

Confused?

Hurting?

Stuck?

Need Help?

Ask Sonia, a highly

skilled and experienced

counsellor and

psychotherapist, and

founder of the Anam

Cara Holistic Centre

R B C O L L E C T I O N . C O M - 0 1 5 4 3 2 5 8 6 3 1

For more information

Call: (Confidential line) 0121 353 1508

Visit: www.anamcaraholisticcentre.co.uk

STEP INTO

Spring!

Shop

Dine

Relax

Enjoy

heartofthecountryvillage.com

Swinfen, Lichfield. WS14 9QR

W H AT ’ S O N

What’s on in March?

READY TO GET OUT AND ABOUT THIS SPRING? THERE’S THEATRE, MUSIC, LITERATURE

AND MORE TO ENJOY IN LICHFIELD, SUTTON AND BEYOND THIS MARCH…

WHAT: DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

WHERE: BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

WHEN: MARCH 3 TO 26

The most enchanted musical of all time, Beauty and the Beast returns

to the stage for a new, completely reimagined UK and Ireland tour,

stopping off in Birmingham for a run of shows this month.

Spectacularly reimagined using the latest theatrical innovations,

Disney’s beloved ‘tale as old as time’ has been brought to life on stage

like never before, with all the charm and elegance audiences expect

from Belle and her Beast.

Disney first debuted Beauty and the Beast on Broadway 26 years ago.

Members of the original creative team have reunited on this new

production that features all of the spellbinding songs of Alan Menken,

Howard Ashman and Tim Rice including Belle, Gaston, Be Our Guest

and, of course, Beauty and the Beast.

For more details and to book tickets visit

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

WHAT: THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK

WHEN: MARCH 5 AND 6

Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit

show The Tiger Who Came to Tea is celebrating over 10 years on stage

and appears on tour in Lichfield this month. When the doorbell rings

just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea, they wonder

who it could possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the

door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful

family show, packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy

chaos! Tickets for this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of

teatime mayhem are priced at £16. For more details visit

www.lichfieldgarrick.com

WHAT: MAD HATTER’S AFTERNOON TEA

WHERE: MOOR HALL HOTEL AND SPA

WHEN: MARCH 6

Enjoy a curiouser and curiouser afternoon tea with the Mad Hatter,

Alice, the White Rabbit, Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee at Moor Hall

Hotel and Spa on Sunday, March 6. It’s the perfect treat for any Alice in

Wonderland fan, young or old, and there is guaranteed to be craziness,

fun and even some singing and dancing. You’ll want to make sure you’re

on your best behaviour, otherwise the Queen of Hearts might declare

it’s “off with their heads”!

Tickets for the afternoon tea experience are priced at £32 per adult and

£22 per child, although bear in mind this event may not be suitable for

very young children if they are easily frightened. Arrive from 12.30pm

for a 1pm start. For more details visit www.moorhallhotel.co.uk


WHAT: DITA VON TEESE: GLAMONATRIX

WHERE: THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM


The ever-dazzling International Queen of Burlesque, Dita Von Teese,

returns to the stage with the most lavish touring burlesque show in

history with her all-new revue, Dita Von Teese: Glamonatrix.

The Glamonatrix burlesque revue takes audiences on a stunning visual

journey with one show-stopping performance after another. The uberglamorous

variety show presents extravagant new production numbers

from Dita and the cast, with costumes created by famed corset maker

Mister Pearl, British designer Jenny Packham, French couturier Alexis

Mabille, burlesque icon Catherine D’Lish, Brooke Brothers and more.

Shoe aficionados will delight in the extraordinary bespoke footwear by

Christian Louboutin.

The Glamonatrix tour follows Von Teese’s The Art of the Teese

which is the most successful burlesque tour of all time, playing to sold

out theatres in cities across the United States, Canada, Europe, and

Australia.

For more details visit www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

WHAT: REMI HARRIS JAZZ & BLUES PROJECT

WHERE: CATHEDRAL HOTEL, LICHFIELD

WHEN: MARCH 16

Acclaimed guitarist Remi Harris and his band present an eclectic

show featuring music from the acoustic jazz of the ‘30s and ‘40s to the

electric blues of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Influenced by such greats as Django

Reinhardt, Jimi Hendrix, Peter Green and Wes Montgomery, Remi

has dedicated himself to a life of guitar since the age of seven. His

playing has taken him from busking on the streets of his local towns

to performing at prestigious events and venues around the world,

including the Montreal Jazz Festival, Buckingham Palace, BBC Proms

at the Royal Albert Hall with Jamie Cullum, and on national radio and

television.

The show will feature a mix of jazz and blues standards, original

compositions, improvisations and new arrangements of familiar tunes.

Remi will play a variety of acoustic and electric guitars and will be

joined on stage by Tom Moore on double and electric bass and Shane

Dixon on drums. Doors open at 7.45pm and tickets are just £12. For

more details visit www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

WHAT: REVENGE BY ROBIN HAWDON

WHERE: TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS


Directed by Louise Jameson (EastEnders, Doc Martin, Doctor Who,

Bergerac), the national tour of this cat and mouse stage-thriller stops off

in Tamworth for two nights only.

Bill Crayshaw MP, leads a charmed life, hailed in the corridors of

Parliament, lauded in business, and loved at home. That is until he

returns from a business trip to find his party agent has been killed in a

terrible, tragic accident - or was it?

Mary Stewart isn’t so sure and arrives at his door asking some awkward

questions - in reality, is his success founded on murder, corruption and

double-dealing?

But how does she know so much about his private life - a jealous

journalist peddling seedy lies? This one seems prepared to go to

extraordinary lengths to ensure his political, business and personal

lives are ruined. Is her motive journalism, blackmail, seduction… or

revenge?

As the tension mounts and suspense increases, shots ring out and the

initial game of cat and mouse turns into a deadly battle, twisting and

turning between truth and lies, to reach a thrilling climax that will keep

audiences guessing until the final curtain.

Tickets are priced from £19.50, visit www.

tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk for details.


57

WHAT: LICHFIELD LITERATURE FESTIVAL

WHERE: VARIOUS

WHEN: MARCH 24-27

This month brings a packed programme to town for the Lichfield

Literature Festival, with something for every bookworm. History fans

will enjoy events with leading UK historians, including Simon Thurley

discussing the Stuarts, Tristram Hunt on ‘the radical potter’ Wedgwood,

and Tracy Borman reflecting on the British monarchy. Magiciancomedian

Ian Keable explores the 18th-century hoax, Jay Rayner

performs his hit show about killer dishes, and Amy Jeffs - who we spoke

to for this issue - journeys through mythological Britain.

On Saturday, expect an evening of crime with mortician Carla

Valentine dissecting the forensics of Agatha Christie followed by crime

writers Nadine Matheson and Vaseem Khan exploring a brand new

collection of short stories. Festival favourite Alison Weir serves up tales

from the Tudor Court while Nikki May celebrates her sizzling debut

novel Wahala, and poetry performance comes from new Staffordshire

indie publisher Fawn Press.

For those with a nose for non-fiction, there’s Anita Sethi’s brave and

brilliant book of nature-writing; former soldier Harry Parker at the

frontiers of man and machine; BBC Radio 4 presenter Justin Webb

reflecting on his childhood; former BBC R4 Today programme

producer Sarah Sands taking inspiration from monasteries around

the world; and researcher Yen Ooi exploring the ancient Chinese

philosophy of Rén.

Children will love hearing from Christopher Lloyd how Nature operates

in a world without humans, as well as drawing with official World Book

Day Illustrator Rob Biddulph. For full programme details and to book

tickets, visit www.lichfieldliteraturefestival.org

WHAT: SUTTON COLDFIELD VINTAGE & ARTS FAIR

WHERE: SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN HALL

WHEN: MARCH 27

Now in its tenth year, the “biggest and best vintage fair in the

Midlands” returns to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall this March. With

70 stalls of vintage fashion, arts, crafts, homewares, style and tasty

treats brought to you by traders from across the UK, there’s plenty of

browsing and delights to discover. Lovers of vintage style and fashion

won’t want to miss out on this extra special event. Head along to

explore three whole rooms of great atmosphere and unique finds, full

of colour and creativity. Plus, there is live entertainment livening up

the Hall throughout the day, and a wonderful selection of cakes and

refreshments if you need some sustenance for all that shopping! Entry

to the Fair is £1 per person, with entry between 11am and 4.30pm. For

more details visit www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com

WHAT: AN AUDIENCE WITH WAYNE SLEEP

WHERE: TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS

WHEN: MARCH 30

Wayne Sleep invites you to join him as he looks back over a glittering

career spanning five decades. Using his own rare film footage and

photos, Wayne will describe how he became a Principal Dancer at the

Royal Ballet before going on to starring roles in the West End, founding

his own dance company, and touring the world with his own show. His

first steps into the world of film and TV are illustrated with rarely seen

clips and cover his TV series The Hot Shoe Show, being a special guest

on The Morecambe and Wise Show, starring alongside Sean Connery,

and off-camera gossip from The Real Marigold Hotel.

Wayne will talk about everything from his celebrity reality show

appearances to his relationship with Princess Margaret and close

personal friendship with Diana, Princess of Wales. Finally, any evening

with Wayne wouldn’t be complete without a dance step or two and the

audience won’t be disappointed. Doors open at 6pm for a 7.30pm start.

Tickets are priced at £20.50-£22.50. For more details visit

www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk


MR ASH GULATI

CONSULTANT

HIP AND KNEE

SURGEON, AND

ROBOTIC SURGERY

SPECIALIST.

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LEAVE JOINT PAIN BEHIND

Based in Sutton Coldfield, Mr Ash Gulati specialises in hip & knee

replacements, sports injuries management, and cutting edge,

high-precision minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery, reducing

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APPOINTMENTS

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discuss your joint pain, or to plan ways to solve your orthopaedic

problems, why not book an appointment today:

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F I N A N C E

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Wealth Matters

A MONTHLY REVIEW OF THE WORLD OF FINANCE FROM

LICHFIELD FINANCIAL ADVISER JEAN LAMB DipPFS

This month I thought we should look at “the cost

of living”. I’m actually referring to our country’s

infrastructure groaning under the strain of an evergrowing

and ever-ageing population.

IN DENIAL

Many Britons are in denial about the challenges of

later life care and simply adopt the “it won’t happen

to me” approach. To quote Clint Eastwood in his

Dirty Harry persona; “You’ve got to ask yourself one

question ‘Do I feel lucky?’”

Unfortunately for many, being lucky in this scenario

could be defined as not outliving your capital which

is a rather downbeat definition. Nowhere is this

more acutely felt than in the area of long term care

funding.

A lack of forward planning in this area is especially

concerning given longevity estimates. Today, a

65-year-old male can expect to live for another 20

years and a 65-year-old woman 22 years, and 25

percent of those are likely to add a further seven

years onto those figures (Source: Office for National

Statistics, National Life Tables – United Kingdom,

January 2022).

THE ISSUES

For those already in or about to go into care the

issues for them and their family tend to revolve

around whether they have enough resources to fund

the care home that they actually want to be in until

the end of their life, and whether this may decimate

the legacy that they want to leave behind for their

family.

For most people, paying for care requires creating

income from their capital and assets. There are

several ways of achieving this; probably more than

you may at first think, and it is important to assess

how each fits the individual set of circumstances.

It is likely that the best solution may actually be a

combination of options.

HELP IS AT HAND

The good news is that there is a wealth of

information, practical help and professional advice

out there to help individuals and their families tackle

later life planning issues. For instance, Age UK is

an excellent source of factsheets covering many

scenarios and common areas of concern.

Later life advice is recognised within my own

profession as a specialism requiring distinctive

expertise and attributes from those who advise in

this area. Indeed, a requirement for membership

of SOLLA, the Society of Later Life Advisers of

which I am myself a member, is an explicit later

life advice accreditation. Therefore, given that this

level of specialist advice is available, I would urge

anyone who may need to use their assets to help fund

care fees to seek professional, accredited advice at

the earliest opportunity which could make all the

difference.

I firmly believe later life should be a greater life; a time for

celebration and enjoying life in the way that you want and

that best suits your needs. And if your health is not all it

could be, it should also be a time that you feel comfortable and

financially secure. So perhaps it’s time to think about it, talk

about it and plan for it sooner rather than later.

Jean Lamb is Principal of Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy

6A Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LH - Tel: 01543 417342

Email: jean.lamb@sjpp.co.uk - Website: www.jeanlamb.co.uk

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.


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care and commitment are a great part of our success.

We also offer respite care, holiday stay and limited day

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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

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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

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CQC RATING GOOD

FA S H I O N

A jean-ius combination

EFFORTLESSLY CHIC FOR ANY OCCASION, THE JEANS AND BLAZER COMBO

WILL ALWAYS BE A SARTORIAL WINNER, SAYS AMY NORBURY

WHEN it comes to fashion, there are those flash-in-the-pan

trends whose moment in the fashion lexicon is up before quicker

than you can say ‘curtain drape top’, and there are those trends

which just don’t translate from the designer catwalks onto the

high streets.

And then there are trends which stand the test of time; trends

which we can rely on season after season for a splash of sartorial

style, and which become our go-to, failsafe, wardrobe staples.

For a reliable outfit formula, jeans and a blazer are hard to beat.

Simple, classic style with enough iterations to suit just about any

occasion, this is a wardrobe game-changer which will never let

you down.

Immortalised by the supermodels of the Nineties - it was pretty

much Kate Moss’s uniform for at least a decade - the jeans-anda-blazer

combo continues to be emulated by their contemporary

counterparts to this day. As well as, well, just about everyone

else.

It’s the ultimate dress-up/dress-down combo which can be

switched up at the drop of a hat by a quick change of footwear

and some carefully chosen accessories.

So revive your own favourite jeans with a stylish blazer for a

supermodel-approved uniform which will stand the test of time.

For the ultimate in chic off-duty casual, pair a crisp tailored

blazer with relaxed, boyfriend cut jeans and white trainers;

combining comfort with style, it’s the perfect weekend look.

If you’re steadfastly refusing to ditch the skinny jeans, opt for an

oversized blazer to balance your silhouette and add an on-trend

touch to your outfit. Pair with a slim-fit T-shirt and Cuban

heeled boots for day, or opt for a silky cami top and strappy heels

for play.

Or try a cropped blazer teamed with high waisted jeans to offset

the raised hemline if you’re after a more fashion-forward twist.

Look for a cropped boucle style for that Chanel vibe - oversized

sunglasses are a must here.

When it comes to your denim, remember there’s life beyond

black and navy. Flip the look on it’s head with pale jeans and a

dark blazer. Or if you’re looking for the most elegant iteration of

the trend, a pure white blazer with smart, well cut indigo jeans

always offers a sophisticated outcome.

CROPPED BLAZER, £68, LIPSY.

WWW.LIPSY.CO.UK


£49.50 £1,750 £90

CHESHAM GIRLFRIEND JEANS IN PALE

WASH, FATFACE. WWW.FATFACE.COM

BROWN DOUBLE-BREASTED WOOL

BLAZER, BALMAIN AT HARVEY NICHOLS.


JAYDE BLACK FLARED JEANS,

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SHAWL COLLAR BLAZER,

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NINA INDIGO SKINNY JEANS,

RAG & BONE AT HARVEY NICHOLS.


SIENNA BLAZER, PRIMARK.

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LIME OVERSIZED BLAZER, £65, RIVER ISLAND.

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B E AU T Y

What’s your type?

FROM SIGNS OF AGEING TO AN OILY T-ZONE, IT’S ESSENTIAL TO

UNDERSTAND YOUR COMPLEXION WHEN PICKING THE MOST EFFECTIVE

PRODUCTS. DEBORAH MITCHELL, FOUNDER OF HEAVEN SKINCARE,

SHARES HER MUST-HAVES TO TACKLE YOUR SPECIFIC ISSUES

Mature Skin:

As we age, so too does our skin. We start to

notice fine lines and wrinkles, our faces may

feel dryer and we lose that youthful plumpness

we took for granted in our 20s. Added to that,

sun-exposure, lifestyle factors such as smoking,

diet, and maybe not having kept up with that

daily skincare routine and it’s no surprise we

start to look our age.

But all is not lost and boosting your collagen

levels can really help. Collagen is found in

abundance in our skin when we’re younger

but as we get older the amount diminishes –

in fact, by the time we’re 50 we’ve already lost

up to a third. Try adding a few drops of my

new Collagen Drops to supercharge your

favourite moisturiser or apply directly to the

skin and massage in to tackle blemishes and

break-outs.

Oily Skin:

Oily skin can be difficult to cope with... no sooner have you

washed your face that you notice it starts to look greasy

again. The problem is caused by excess sebum, the oily

substance that protects and hydrates our skin and is vital

to keep it looking healthy. However when we produce too

much, our pores become clogged and this is often more

noticeable during teens, pregnancy and the menopause due

to hormonal changes.

While it may sound strange, using oil on your face actually

helps because it stops your skin thinking it needs to produce

any more so add a serum to your daily routine. My

Clarifying Serum is perfect for those who suffer with

excess oil and brings the skin back to equilibrium. Apply

one or two drops after your cleansing routine or add to your

favourite moisturiser.


Sensitive Skin:

If you suffer from redness, blotchy patches and itchiness then you have sensitive

skin – and you’ll know that a whole host of factors exacerbate the problem.

Typically, weather conditions, air pollution and diet play their part in making

the issue worse, but harsh chemicals often found in beauty products and

makeup don’t do you any favours either. I would advise you to ditch anything

that contains irritants and replace them with products that are made using

natural ingredients because these will soothe and calm your complexion. I also

recommend you deeply cleanse skin every day to remove pollutants.

Heaven’s silky soft Hydro Cleansing Milk has been created using organic

jojoba, which is the closest match to our own natural oil, to balance and

conditions. Simply apply to your face and neck in the morning and night and

massage in a circular motion before rinsing with warm water.

Normal Skin:

I get asked a lot what exactly is normal skin, and the easiest way to explain it is to

take you back to those pH tables you learned about in your school science lessons.

The pH level of our skin – measured on a scale of 1-14 – refers to how acidic or

alkaline it is. Your complexion is healthiest, or normal, when it is slightly alkaline,

at 6.5 to 7.5. Put simply, this means your skin is performing as it should.

Just because your skin is balanced and calm certainly doesn’t mean you should

rest on your laurels; you still need to have an effective daily routine, morning

and night, to ensure your complexion remains where it is happiest. To maintain

great skin use Peppermint Hydrogel to minimise oil secretion, balance the pH

levels, refine pores and diminish blemishes.

Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell is available at Heaven Health & Beauty, 13a Market

Place, Shifnal, Shropshire. You can also shop online at heavenskincare.com.


65

H E A LT H

Weight loss could start with

‘balloon pill’ and a glass of water

A SLIMMING ‘BALLOON PILL’ THAT CAN BE TAKEN WITH A GLASS OF WATER IS THE NON-INVASIVE

WEIGHT LOSS TREATMENT OF CHOICE AT SPIRE LITTLE ASTON HOSPITAL IN SUTTON COLDFIELD

The Allurion ‘balloon pill’ works by filling the

stomach and making the patient feel full more

quickly and so enables them to cut back on the

amount they eat.

But, unlike other slimming aids available - such as

the gastric band, sleeve or bypass - there is no need

for surgery, a general anaesthetic or an overnight stay

in hospital.

Instead, a small capsule that contains the balloon

is attached to a thin tube and swallowed. Once it

reaches the stomach an X-ray is taken to check it is

in the correct position before the balloon is released

and filled with up to 550ml of saline.

Designed to deflate after 16 weeks and pass naturally

through the body, the Allurion balloon is aimed at

people with a BMI of 27 or above in order to help

them ‘kick-start’ their dieting regime.

The procedure is overseen by consultant general

surgeon Mr Amir Khan, who explained: “It isn’t a

‘miracle pill’; it still needs the patient to eat less and

choose their foods more wisely but it is a great aid to

those who are serious about weight loss.

“The balloon will reduce the hunger pangs but the

CONSULTANT GENERAL

SURGEON MR AMIR KHAN

patient still has to show willpower and determination

in order to get the very best results from the process.

It may be that the patient is advised to stick to a

liquid diet for a couple of days after the procedure

but they will then be able to move onto solid foods.

“What is really important is that they use the feeling

of fullness provided by the balloon to help them

change their eating habits. Smaller portions and

healthier options really are the key to success.”

KICK START YOUR WEIGHT LOSS WITH

THE ALLURION GASTRIC BALLOON

YOU CAN LOSE AN AVERAGE OF 10 TO 15KGS (1.57 TO 2.36

STONE) IN 16 WEEKS THANKS TO THE BALLOON.

How to go private:

Pay for treatment directly – You can simply pay for your

treatment as and when you need it with our fixed price package which

covers all your treatment costs.

Pay for treatment with a loan – Our finance partner offers a

range of repayment plans, including interest-free finance, to help you

spread the cost.

Mr Khan is offering free virtual mini consultations on

Thursday, March 17 from 6.30pm. Call 0121 514 7034 for

more information or to make an appointment.


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J'Aime Ad 190x280_June 2021.indd 5 11/02/2022 16:27

J’AIME MARCH 2022

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