J’AIME MAY 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 AY 2 0 2 2

Win

one of five

family tickets

to Staffordshire

County Show

MAKE AN

IMPRESSION:

tips to spruce up

your hallway

HOW A

LICHFIELD

STREET FOOD

FAVOURITE

SURVIVED THE

PANDEMIC

THE BIRMINGHAM YOUTH

ORCHESTRA WHICH IS A

WORLD FIRST

Welcome to J’AIME

As we head into the warmer months, the events calendar

is hotting up, with shows, festivals and entertainment

galore for the whole family to enjoy around the

Midlands. After a pandemic-stricken two years, it’s such

a joy to see the entertainment industry getting back on

its feet.

Birmingham Royal Ballet are taking on a residency at

The Rep this month to showcase the next generation of

dancers as they celebrate 25 years of Dance Track, their

talent identification programme, and we caught up with

their youngest board of directors member Shireenah

Ingram to find out more. We also take a look at the

National Open Youth Orchestra, a world-first disabledled

orchestra which has a centre in Birmingham, about

pushing musical boundaries.

The Staffordshire County Show is back in its usual early

summer slot after a pandemic-driven move last year, and

once again we have five family tickets to give away. It’s a

jam-packed day out with plenty to keep every member

of the family occupied, so enter our competition for your

chance to join in the fun.

Despite their own struggles over the past two years,

theatres are notoriously good at rallying together

for good causes, and this month sees Lichfield panto

favourite Sam Rabone bring a wonderful fundraising

variety show to the Garrick Stage, in aid of the Disasters

Emergency Committee’s humanitarian work in Ukraine,

and Lichfield City of Sanctuary. We caught up with Sam

ahead of the show.

With a whole host of other favourites, from fashion to

food, homes to health, we hope there’s plenty here to

keep you entertained this month.

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,

ALEX KELLER, JEAN LAMB, DR DAVID

ECCLESTON, DEBORAH MITCHELL,

RETO PETER

J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY

PUBLICATIONS LIMITED.

Check us out online at:

WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM

Find us on

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CO N T E N T S

InsideJ’aime this month...

6 Birmingham Royal Ballet - Showcasing the next

generation of dancers

10 National Open Youth Orchestra - The disabledled

youth orchestra pushing musical

boundaries

14 Property - Property of the month

16 Property - New beginnings for Chosen Home

18 Interiors - Make a good first impression

22 Interiors - Ruffle some feathers

26 Richard Winterton - Celebrating an impressive

milestone

28 Gardening - A Lichfield designer’s legacy

garden for Cancer Research UK

32 Food and drink - How The English Indian

survived - and thrived - through the pandemic

36 Food and drink - Reviewing The Oak Room at

Moor Hall Hotel

38 Competition - Win one of five family tickets to

the Staffordshire County Show

42 Lichfield Garrick - A concert for Ukraine

46 What’s On - Events around the Midlands this

month

49 Wealth Matters - The world of finance with

Jean Lamb

50 Health- The benefits of cycling

51 Health Matters - Dr David Eccleston examines

health topics each month

52 Fashion - Go big or go home

54 Fashion - Suits you, sir

56 Beauty - Changing with the seasons

58 In the news - The fitted storage experts

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F E AT U R E

A celebration of dance

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET SHOWCASES THE ART FORM AND CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF DANCE

TRACK WITH A SERIES OF EVENTS AT THE REP THIS MONTH. KATY EDGINGTON DISCOVERS MORE

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s very first

residency at The Birmingham Rep is set to

showcase the next generation of dancers this

May, featuring members of the company and

music from The Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

The week-long residency continues the ballet

company’s ongoing partnership with the

theatre, forged by Birmingham Royal Ballet

(BRB) Director Carlos Acosta and The Rep’s

Artistic Director Sean Foley in 2020 to help

revive the city’s cultural life after lockdown.

In October 2020, the world premiere of

Lazuli Sky by Will Tuckett marked the

reopening of The Rep and BRB’s return to

live performances. This was followed in June

2021 with the world premiere of City of a

Thousand Trades. BRB and The Rep also

collaborated on specially adapted seasons of

Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker and Sir

David Bintley’s Cinderella during 2020 and

2021.

The company will open its residency on Sunday,

May 8 with Dance Track 25, celebrating the flagship

education initiative of the Learning, Education,

Access and Participation (LEAP) department at BRB.

BRB DIRECTOR CARLOS ACOSTA WITH A

MEMBER OF DANCE TRACK. PHOTO BY

MAN YEE LEE

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET ARE TAKING

A RESIDENCY AT THE REP THIS MONTH

Dance Track is a talent identification programme

which has nurtured, trained and supported more

than 3,200 young dancers aged six to 11 since it

was launched in 1997. Some 200 dancers are taking

to the stage to mark its 25 year anniversary with

performances, films, talks and more. Current Dance

Trackers, together with alumni and special guests,

will tell the story of the project that has been getting

Birmingham dancing for 25 years.

BRB’s Learning and Participation Manager, Rebecca

Brookes, manages both large and small-scale projects

including Dance Track, conducts ballet training in

Birmingham and on tour, leads repertoire workshops

and auditions, and has co-devised a new ballet fitness

programme - as well as teaching on Dance Track.

“We reach out to schools in areas that might not

otherwise get the opportunity to access ballet

classes,” Rebecca explains. “Every class that we give

is free of charge, and they also get their uniform free

of charge and the opportunity to come in and meet

some of the dancers and see a performance on the

main stage.

6 www.jaimemagazine.com

“Some families might not have

stepped foot in a theatre before,

so we introduce them to that and

introduce our world. We want it to

be inclusive, but there are a lot of

barriers to break down.”

When Dance Track started in

1997, the team visited 11 schools.

This year they’ve been to 36

across South, Central and North

Birmingham. The ambition is to

expand into the East and West

of the city, too. Rebecca and her

colleagues audition Year 1 pupils

for the programme, looking for those who show

aptitude, enjoyment and focus. These children are

invited to BRB’s base in the city centre for a final

workshop. Then around 100 children are selected

to take into the new Dance Track cohort every

September. Of these, around half will be invited

back for a second year.

“They then get the opportunity to audition for the

Royal Ballet School Junior Associates or Elmhurst

Ballet School Young Dancers,” says Rebecca. “If

they’re accepted onto one of those courses, they’re

automatically eligible to graduate into Dance Track

Plus, which means they get free lessons with us for

another three years to supplement their ballet school

training.”

For Rebecca, the best part of the 25th anniversary

celebrations this spring will be seeing her Dance

Trackers having fun: “They’re getting to perform on

the professional stage, in a professional theatre, in

costume and full lighting. Even though they’re only

on this journey with us for a short time, I would like

them to have the gratification of a celebration of

SHIREENAH INGRAM AS LADY CAPULET

IN ROMEO AND JULIET, IN PART OF THE

BALLET HOO! DOCUMENTARY

SHIREENAH INGRAM IS THE YOUNGEST

MEMBER OF THE BIRMINGHAM ROYAL

BALLET BOARD OF DIRECTORS

what the programme has achieved.

“It’s also a chance for us to thank all of our donors

and sponsors, without whom the programme

wouldn’t exist. And to get as many old teachers back

as possible to say thank you for joining us on this

journey.”

She’s also looking forward to seeing how much

alumni from previous years have developed, changed

and used Dance Track as a springboard. Jakob

Myers, who now dances with Ballet Cymru, will be

performing in the gala, and Oscar Kempsey-Fagg,

one of three brothers who have been through the

programme and are now in ballet schools, will be

performing a solo.

“For me, Dance Track isn’t just about learning ballet

or the time you’re in the programme, it’s about

changing lives,” Rebecca adds. “It’s teaching life

skills, independence and focus, so they can take what

they learn on this journey as they progress through

their career - whether that’s in dance or not.”

Dance Track 25 will also feature performances

by BRB Principals Céline Gittens and Brandon

Lawrence, who will be co-hosting alongside

Shireenah Ingram, the Ballet’s

youngest ever board member.

Born and raised in Sheldon,

Birmingham, Shireenah’s

relationship with BRB began

in 2006. She was the youngest

participant in the four-part

Channel 4 documentary Ballet

Hoo! Ballet Changed My Life.

“I grew up in a working class

area,” she says. “Luckily my

school had the option to learn

instruments and put on spring

and summer shows, so there

was always the opportunity to

perform.


7

“In my early teens, there were a few

issues at home. My grandfather, who

raised me, lost his sight. I was really

struggling with that, but didn’t know

how to communicate it as a child. Social

services got involved to try and help

the dynamic at home, and one of the

opportunities they found was Ballet

Hoo!”

As part of the Ex Cathedra choir while

at primary school, Shireenah’s earliest

experience of ballet was as a chorister in

Sir Peter Wright’s Nutcracker. But she

had never danced before.

“It was a very intensive programme

and very new for the body, but the pace

gave me the confidence to say ‘I can do this’. It was

around the time of my GCSEs as well, so there

was a lot going on at school and in life. It was quite

demanding but I learnt the discipline of it all.”

For Shireenah, this was one of the most important

things she took away from the whole experience, and

it has impacted her confidence and career ever since.

“I remember growing up and going into auditions

or workshops and being complimented on my

professionalism, how I held myself and my

discipline,” she explains. “And I strongly believe that

that came from having that experience so early on

in my life. I never thought I’d be performing on the

Hippodrome stage or moving off to London and

working with big companies. It gave me confidence,

vision and direction that I never knew I had.”

Now a professional actress, presenter and songwriter,

last year Shireenah founded Red Lens, which

specialises in acting classes and coaching to increase

personal performance confidence. She’s working to

expand her company alongside developing her acting

KATE HOWELLS LEADS

A FIRST STEPS CLASS

DANCE TRACK IS A TALENT NURTURING

PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN FROM THE

AGE OF SIX

career - her recent credits include Doctors, a BFI

short film which was shortlisted for a BAFTA, and a

Marmite ad. She is looking forward to performing,

connecting and engaging with audiences and

reuniting with old friends from the company at the

anniversary gala.

Dance Track 25 is followed on Sunday, May 10 by

New Dance Now - a showcase of new

choreographic talent. The evening will feature brand

new work by the next generation

of young upcoming choreographers from the UK’s

leading ballet companies. At the end of the night, the

audience will be asked to vote for their favourite.

The BRB’s residency at The Rep continues Friday,

May 13 and Saturday, May 14 with An Evening

of Music and Dance. The company’s world-class

dancers will present a repertoire hand-picked by

Acosta, accompanied by The Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Performances will include the famous Bluebird pas

de deux from The Sleeping Beauty and the beautiful

Farewell pas de deux from Kenneth MacMillan’s

Winter Dreams.

Shireenah will return to host

Discover Dance & Music, also on

May 13 and 14 - a magical journey

into ballet for audiences aged

four-plus. She will be joined by

conductor Philip Ellis to introduce

the instruments of the Royal Ballet

Sinfonia, present BRB dancers in

highlights from classic ballets, and

host interactive fun and games.

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s weeklong

residency at The Rep runs

from Sunday, May 8 until Saturday,

May 14. Tickets can be booked at

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

8


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F E AT U R E

The orchestra

reimagining excellence

THE DISABLED-LED YOUTH ORCHESTRA THAT’S PUSHING MUSICAL BOUNDARIES COMES

TO BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL THIS JUNE. KATY EDGINGTON FINDS OUT MORE

The National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO)

was launched back in September 2018. Its

aims? To promote musical excellence and

support 11-25 year old disabled and nondisabled

musicians to come together as

members of an inclusive ensemble. And it’s a

world first.

After more than two years of delays and

disappointments due to the Covid-19

pandemic, NOYO will perform their first ever

series of concerts this spring and summer,

kicking off in London at the end of April

followed by May performances in Bristol and

Poole. You can catch them at Birmingham

Town Hall on Sunday, June 5 for the fourth

and final date.

Although there are now many organisations

working to provide opportunities for disabled

musicians to develop their and to play,

generations of young people have missed out

on that chance. That’s why NOYO co-founder

and Musical Director Doug Bott says the

orchestra was set up with two key purposes in

mind.

“First, we wanted to provide a practical

progression route for young disabled people

who have a precocious musical talent, but who may

face barriers to developing that talent through more

conventional youth orchestras.

“The second is to provide a youth orchestra which

can perform in public, shining as a beacon of

opportunity to give people around the country and

the world a clear sense of what young disabled

people can achieve as musicians, to raise aspirations.”

Applications to join NOYO open every March.

They’re open to 11-25 year old disabled and nondisabled

musicians. Some recruits come straight in

as full members, while others who show potential

NATIONAL OPEN YOUTH

ORCHESTRA IS A WORLD FIRST.

PHOTO BY PAUL BLAKEMORE

but require a little more time and development, are

brought on as trainees. Though they don’t perform

in concerts, they do get to develop their skills.

Under the auspices of Open Up Music, NOYO

is delivered through regional centres in London,

Bournemouth, Bristol, and Birmingham - the newest

of the four. Birmingham NOYO Centre is run in

partnership with Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), a

contemporary arts centre and charity in Cannon Hill

Park, education and training charity Services For

Education, and music charity B:Music.

Currently there are just three young people at

the Birmingham centre, but the team are hoping


Jaime_DoubleSpread_December2021.indd 1 19/04/2022 14:02:17

to boost numbers through the 2022

audition process. Holly Radford-James

is a producer at MAC. She manages the

partnership between Open Up Music,

B:Music and Services for Education, and

explains why this is the case.

“We’ve started off very small so that we

can really get to know the young people

within our centre and make sure that the

offer and the rehearsals are bespoke to

their needs, the way they work and how

they make music.

“NOYO has a fantastic pastoral support

officer, Ben, who has worked alongside the young

people on their personal development plans and to

get a really good idea of what they’re interested in,

what their ambitions are, where they might need

extra support and what they’re really flourishing

in. We’ve been working with Ben to support that

development with our music leader and assistant

music leader within the rehearsals.”

The young musicians take part in 10 regional

rehearsals over the course of a year and come

together with their peers from across the UK at an

Easter residential to rehearse and have fun.

Quite unusually in the orchestral world, NOYO

takes on board the views of its members in the music

HOLLI IS ALSO STUDYING

AT BIRMINGHAM ROYAL

CONSERVATOIRE

NOYO WAS LAUNCHED IN 2018

AS AN INCLUSIVE ENSEMBLE

commissioning process. This year they will present

a beautiful new co-commissioned work, ‘What Fear

We Then?’ by Alexander Campkin, who is himself a

disabled composer.

Jamie, a saxophonist in the orchestra says: “One of

the most rewarding aspects of NOYO is feeling like

an active participant in the music we play. All too

often, in a lot of other music groups, you tend to play

from the same repertoire of classical and romantic

and baroque pieces, and the interpretations and

expressions of that music will either be based on how

every other orchestra has played these pieces, or how

the conductor thinks it should be played.

“It’s amazing playing a piece that has only been

composed in the past few years, having a living

composer who could talk to us about his feelings

behind the piece and not only give feedback, but also

listen to our suggestions.”

This focus on the young people over the music

is necessary, Doug explains, as each year there

is a cohort of players who might play very

diverse instruments and come from very diverse

backgrounds. They’re not necessarily in a position to

simply play a standard piece of music. So the process

starts with understanding who they are, what they

want to play, and how they are going to play it.

“When we commission music, we don’t commission

it for set instruments,” Doug adds. “We commission

composers to create music with lots of different parts

which we can then adapt to whichever instruments

we have. This has the potential to reinvigorate

classical music across the board, not only for young

people but also professionally.”

Traditional orchestral instruments like the violin,

viola, cello, trumpet, French horn, and percussion

are represented in the ensemble, but so too are

the saxophone and electric guitar. Plus there are

three interesting electronic instruments played by

members of the orchestra: the clarion, which can

be played with any part of the musician’s body,


and the beautifully expressive

Linnstrument and Seaboard

Rise.

With NOYO the first of its kind

in the world, we asked Holly

and Doug what more they think

can be done to level the playing

field for disabled and nondisabled

musicians.

“I think reimagining what we

see as ‘excellence’ based on

modern standards will help,

because there won’t be the

same expectations put on young

people that stop them being able

to access opportunities,” says

Holly. “And looking at things

from an equity point of view

rather than an equality point of

view. What can we be doing to

support those people who have

larger barriers in place?”

“My experience of music

education, and I think a lot of

other people would echo this, is

it’s all about music first in order

to generate excellence, and

you as a person come second,”

Doug responds. “We believe

if you’re going to develop musical excellence - and

NOYO really is about musical excellence - you have

to engage with the person first and understand who

they are, what they want to achieve, and how best

they can achieve that.

“In so much of this work, the approaches we learn

to take to be accessible and inclusive for disabled

people have universal benefits for everybody. If we

can get it right for disabled people and if that can

filter through to music education and the professional

industry more widely, that’s a good thing.”

Every NOYO concert is relaxed and suitable for a

neurodiverse audience, as well as those who benefit

from a more informal setting. Adjustments include

dimmed lights, a dedicated chillout space for quiet

time before or during the performance, and a relaxed

attitude to noise and audience movement. Everyone

is encouraged to come and have their expectations of

a classical concert challenged.

“Our musicians are really excited,” Holly says.

“And we’re very proud that we’re going to host

one of the concerts in Birmingham Town Hall. It’s

such an iconic venue. If you’ve never taken your

NOYO HARPPIST HOLLI

children to see a concert before, how amazing would

it be for their first experience of classical music to

see contemporary music played by a disabled-led

orchestra?”

NOYO harpist Holli, who is also studying at the

Birmingham Royal Conservatoire, echoes Holly’s

sentiments: “I like the word influential to describe

NOYO because there aren’t other orchestras, youth

ones, who are as passionate about showing disabled

people can play on the same stages as non-disabled

people.

“‘Creative’ is another really good word. Lots of

the music we play, you wouldn’t really get that in

a stereotypical classical music concert. We believe

that it’s best if disabled and non-disabled musicians

can integrate together, and then we can come up

with fresh new ideas and be more creative, explore

different parts of music. We can be more free with

the music… Come to our concert. I’ll see you there!”

For more information about the National Open

Youth Orchestra, visit noyo.org.uk

Tickets for the Sunday, June 5 concert at

Birmingham Town Hall are available from

bmusic.co.uk


13

P R O P E RTY

Property of the Month

EACH MONTH WE SHOWCASE ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET IN THE

MIDLANDS. THIS MONTH’S SELECTION IS A STUNNING, CONTEMPORARY DESIGNED NEW BUILD

FIVE-BEDROOM FAMILY HOME WITH COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS CLOSE TO MERE GREEN CENTRE

Broad View, Weeford Road, Sutton Coldfield: £1,895,000

On the market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878

THE AGENT SAYS: This spectacular, high specification

and superbly appointed new build five-bedroom

family home boasts luxurious accommodation across

approximately 5,000 square feet, which is all beautifully

presented throughout with a meticulous eye for detail.

As you enter the reception hall, the office is on your right

and flooded with natural light through the sliding glass

doors, the perfect environment for working from home. On

your left is the living room featuring a bespoke fireplace

that is visible between the living room and the reception

hall.

The kitchen/breakfast room is superbly designed with

rear aspect and stunning bifolding doors, making this a

magnificent space to enjoy the warmer months. It boasts

a range of wall and base units, and an island with an

induction hob and integrated wine fridge. Beyond the

kitchen is space for a dining table and family area that

looks out onto the sunken carp pool, a stunningly unique

feature.

Upstairs comprises five double bedrooms all with ensuites.

Four out of the five bedrooms are complemented

by fabulous Juliet balconies with large sliding glass doors,

flooding the accommodation with natural light.

A fantastic basement suite of rooms includes cinema room,

gym and games room with underground garage secure

parking.

The ultimate definition of a smart home, the specification

includes Control 4 Smart Home system controlling lighting

and audio visual.

The rear garden is vast in size and is lined with established

trees and shrubs. The rear of the property is met with

a large patio area surrounding the sunken carp pool, a

stunning location for entertaining and al fresco dining. The

garden also features a covered area perfect for seating or a

Jacuzzi.

W E L O V E : T H E C O N T EMP O R AR Y DE S I GN

AND S M AR T T EC H


0121 362 7878

astonknowles.com

NEW

PRICE

GUIDE PRICE £1,750,000

GUIDE PRICE £1,650,000

THE OLD FARMHOUSE

SHUTTINGTON

A truly unique six-bedroom detached farmhouse, set on

an idyllic plot in a semi-rural location.

Reception hall, drawing room, dining room, sitting room,

kitchen/family room, utility. Principal bedroom with en-suite,

bedrooms two, three, four and five with en-suites, bedroom six.

Bar/wine cellar, games room, extensive grounds.

Approximate gross internal floor area 6,039 sq. ft (560 sq. m).

EPC Rating: E

THE DETAILS

GRASMERE AVENUE

LITTLE ASTON

A stunning six-bedroom family home situated in a

sought-after location in Little Aston.

Reception hall, family room, drawing room, kitchen, utility,

dining room. Principal bedroom with en-suite, bedrooms two,

three and four with en-suites, family bathroom, study.

Bedroom five with en-suite, entertainment room/bedroom

six. Front and rear gardens.


EPC Rating: C

THE DETAILS

6 BEDS

5 BATHS GATED 6 BEDS

6 BATHS GATED

GUIDE PRICE £1,300,000 GUIDE PRICE £2,750,000

MULROY ROAD

SUTTON COLDFIELD

A generously sized six-bedroom family home situated in a

sought after location, close to Sutton Park.

Reception hall, dining room, shower room, drawing room,

kitchen, dining area, utility, bedroom two with en-suite,

conservatory. Three bedrooms with en-suite, two further

bedrooms, family bathroom. Front and rear gardens.


EPC Rating: C

THE DETAILS

ROSEMARY HILL ROAD

LITTLE ASTON

An exciting opportunity to purchase a fully rennovated,

stunning, five-bedroom family home finished to the highest

of specifications.

Architecturally designed with exceptional attention to detail.

Approximately 5000 sq. ft. of stunning space including two

master bedroom suites, designer bathrooms, chic kitchen,

fully equipped cinema room, heated outdoor pool, gym and is

set back from the road situated behind electric gates.

THE DETAILS

6 BEDS 6 BATHS

2 BEDS 5 BATHS GATED

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

New beginnings for

Chosen Home

AWARD-WINNING ESTATE AGENCY CHOSEN HOME HAS MOVED INTO A HOME OF ITS OWN IN THE

HEART OF THE MIDLANDS, WHILE BOOSTING ITS TEAM FURTHER WITH TWO NEW APPOINTMENTS

Chosen Home, which was launched in September

2020, has established its new HQ at Coleshill Manor,

and welcomed a sales administrator and a social

media consultant to its ranks.

Nicki Ash, director of Chosen Home, said: “With

high numbers of instructions and viewings, 2022

is so far showing that the appetite for buying and

selling is stronger than ever, and with the peak months

for buying and selling just around the corner, we

anticipate it becoming even more so.

“With our business spread throughout the region, we

wanted to move away from the remote working model

we’ve had since we launched and site the Chosen

Home team together centrally, and Coleshill Manor

was the perfect spot – set at the heart of the motorway

network, well-appointed for reaching Birmingham,

Worcestershire, Warwickshire and beyond.

“We also wanted to develop the team further. We take

a great deal of pride in our reputation for providing

outstanding customer service and in our 5* ‘excellent’

Trustpilot rating, and we have appointed Victoria

Maynard to our team to assist with sales progression

and administration.

“Victoria will help ensure we maintain those service

levels and provide regular, transparent communication

with our clients throughout the buying and selling

process,” she said.

SOCIAL MEDIA WHIZZ MASON GAIN

NEW RECRUIT VICTORIA MAYNARD

The second addition to the team is Mason Gain - a

social media whizz who has already had a great

impact on the business, filming video tours of the

properties on the agency’s books, curating TikTok

videos and Instagram and Facebook stories, and

generally ensuring that its social media presence is

eye-catching, fun and informative.

Nicki added: “Property sales are in no way limited to

face-to-face agency viewings, and with so many people

scrolling through social media looking for inspiration,

we thought that in addition to creating content around

the diverse range of homes we have on offer, a strong

social media presence would also provide people with

another outlet to engage with us on. From sharing

reviews of our service and tips on buying and selling

to filming and editing virtual viewings, the social

engagement has proved a great success so far.

“In fact, the biggest problem we’ve had is managing

to set up the filming as sales are going so well that

we’ve had properties put under offer as we were on

our way to shoot them!” she said.


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I N T E R I O R S

Welcome

home

IT’S the first space visitors to your home will get to see,

so creating the right first impression is a must when it

comes to hallways. While it’s all too easy to collect clutter

with all of those coats, bags and shoes which make their

home in the hallway on a daily basis, there are ways of

embracing these vital trappings of family life without the

area descending into chaos.

Storage is key, so having a place to hang up coats and bags

is a must, alongside storage ottomans or welly racks to

create handy organisation for shoes. A console table is also

handy as a spot to place keys, as well as hold decor touches

such as flowers, photos or candles.

If your hallway is small or narrow, opt for lighter and

brighter colours on the walls to give the area an airier feel;

a large mirror will also make the space feel bigger and

more open. Lighting, too, can make all the difference, so

don’t be afraid to make a statement

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I N T E R I O R S

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touch

IT’S time to ruffle some feathers with the hottest motif in

interiors.

Feathers have long been a fundamental feature in art and

design, carrying a spiritual significance for thousands of

years. Seen as gifts from the sky, they symbolise truth,

wisdom and freedom - so could prove to be a meaningful

addition to your space.

During the Art Nouveau period, feathers started popping

up on everything from wallpaper and upholstery, to ornate

embellishments on mirrors and furniture - and their

popularity is still as strong as ever.

Their beautiful form lends itself perfectly to sculptural

touches on mirrors, handles, candle holders and more,

while the silky softness adds a delightful texture to soft

furnishings. Statement light shades created from feathers

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If you’re looking to embrace feathers in a big way, opt for

a luxurious wallpaper or mural to create a truly opulent

feel in your room.

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F E AT U R E

A milestone celebration

THE WINTERTON NAME HAS BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH AUCTIONEERING ACROSS

STAFFORDSHIRE SINCE 1864. NOW THE CURRENT INCARNATION OF THAT ILLUSTRIOUS

LINEAGE IS CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS. ALEX KELLER FINDS OUT MORE

“Emotional.” That’s

the one word Richard

Winterton can muster to

sum up the past quarter

of a century.

From a young age,

Richard was always

destined to yield the

gavel. From helming his

first auction of farming

implements at the age

of 19 whilst working in

York to coming back

home to Lichfield to help

at Wintertons’ livestock

market at Smithfield –

now site of the city’s Tesco

superstore – auctioneering

and valuing is in his blood.

Not surprisingly, for the

Winterton name has

been a driving force in

the industry for seven

RICHARD AND JAN WERE

PRESENTED WITH A SURPRISE

GIFT AT THE CELEBRATION – A

WORK BY FAVOURITE ARTIST

DOUG HYDE. THEY ARE PICTURED

WITH SONS TOM, BEN, JAMES

AND HARRY, WHO ARE ALL PART

OF THE BUSINESS

generations, auctioneering across Staffordshire since

1864.

There have been numerous guises of Wintertons

with different directors but the current incarnation

of the family firm is now celebrating 25 years since

Richard and his wife Janet took over in their own

right.

And what a ride it has been.

Since opening at The Schoolhouse in Burton in

1997, more than half a million lots have gone under

the hammer with Richard Winterton Auctioneers.

Richard’s four sons Tom, Ben, James and Harry are

now all part of the business and last October, the

family firm launched auction rooms in a Grade II

listed building in Tamworth in addition to the longterm

base at The Lichfield Auction Centre off Wood

End Lane at Fradley Park.

“Emotional – emotional is the word,” said Richard,

when prompted to sum up the quarter century

milestone.

“What we’ve gone through since that first day we

opened at The Schoolhouse and the hours and

hours of work, going from just a handful of staff

to 40 people to build what we have now, it’s almost

impossible to put into words – it’s just huge.

“I am so proud of what we have all achieved. Yes, it’s

been hard, but we believe in doing things the right

way and always going that extra mile.

“The 25th anniversary itself was an important and

emotional day for myself and Jan and I want to say

thank you to everyone who has been with us on this

tremendous journey, especially to loyal staff and

clients who have been with us for years.”

Alongside his day job, Richard is a familiar face on

television as auctioneer on programmes such as BBC

Bargain Hunt and Dickinson’s Real Deal on ITV.

But away from the limelight, he is a huge believer in

community.

Richard is chair of governors at Holy Trinity CE


Primary School in Burton and is especially proud

of the partnerships forged between the firm and

local charities and organisations including We

Love Lichfield, Burton Albion Community Trust,

Burton YMCA, The Hub at St Mary’s in Lichfield,

the Lichfield Garrick and Support Staffordshire’s

Volunteer Star Awards.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers is also the headline

sponsor for both Staffordshire’s Best Kept Village

Community Competition and Lichfield Cathedral’s

Christmas illuminations.

A glittering celebration ball for all staff and their

partners at The School House, Weeford, saw the firm

celebrate the anniversary in style.

Richard and Jan were presented with a surprise gift

– a picture by favourite artist Doug Hyde – and even

the name of the venue gave a coincidental nod to

their first premises in Burton.

A quarter of a century on, these days the firm’s

auctions attract thousands of online bidders from all

over the world as well as local people in the room.

An associate member of The National Association of

Jewellers, the Spring Fine Art Sale included a soughtafter

1970s Rolex ‘single red’ Submariner Date

wristwatch in stainless steel, which sold for £17,000

on behalf of a local vendor.

The same auction featured a 19th century ‘parure’ –

a suite of jewellery – crafted from multi-coloured and

vari-patterned Roman glass, which sold at £5,800.

As well as dealing

in jewellery,

watches, fine art

and all types of

collectables, the

firm provides a

bespoke house

clearance service

which has

expanded greatly

– in March alone,

Richard visited

82 houses to give

quotations and the

team cleared 62

properties.

“I’m just so

delighted that

we were able to

continue to grow

and improve our

services throughout

the awful times of Covid, which meant we could

THIS ‘SINGLE RED’ ROLEX

SUBMARINER DATE – NICKNAMED

AS SUCH DUE TO THE MODEL

NAME BEING WRITTEN IN RED

ON THE DIAL – SOLD FOR £17,000

WITH RICHARD WINTERTON

AUCTIONEERS RECENTLY

invest back into the area with 10 extra staff,” Richard

added.

“When I think back to how we started and where we

are today – especially given the absolute rollercoaster

of the past two years – only one word can sum it up

really… emotional!”

THE FAMILY FIRM CELEBRATED THE 25TH

ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE WITH A GLITTERING

CELEBRATION BALL FOR ALL STAFF AND THEIR

PARTNERS AT THE SCHOOL HOUSE, WEEFORD.

PHOTO BY FRASER HINCH VIDEO


27

G A R D E N I N G

Planting a legacy

LICHFIELD GARDEN DESIGNER KAREN TATLOW’S MOON-INSPIRED LEGACY GARDEN, CREATED FOR

CANCER RESEARCH UK, WILL GO ON SHOW AT THE RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL THIS MONTH

A SYMBOLIC MOON GATE

CONNECTS THE TWO HALVES

OF THE GARDEN

An award-winning Lichfield garden designer has

unveiled plans for the inspirational garden she has

created for the RHS Malvern Spring Festival after

joining forces with Cancer Research UK.

Karen Tatlow, who lives and works in Whittington,

took her emotional inspiration for the garden from

the story of her own great-niece, Lauren, who felt

connected to her grandfather after his death from

cancer by looking at the moon.

As a result, the moon gate, an architectural feature

symbolising renewal and rebirth, is at the heart of

53-year-old Karen’s Cancer Research UK garden.

Filled with flowers and plants that have played a part

in cancer research, the garden is composed of two

halves, linked by the central moon gate.

Karen said: “Lauren was extremely close to her

grandad, David, who was my brother-in-law. She

hated leaving him when they’d spent time together,

so he used to tell her that all she had to do was look

at the moon and know that he would be looking at it

too. That way they would always be connected.

“David was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in

2015 when Lauren was 14. When David died in

2017, looking at the moon made her feel closer

to him again. In fact, it has become a symbol of

connection to David for the whole family - with

each full moon the family Facebook and WhatsApp

groups all light up with thoughts of him,” said

Karen.

Cancer Research UK’s Malvern Legacy Garden is

the fourth garden in a series of show gardens that

have been designed for the RHS shows. Previous

gardens have been hugely successful in winning

awards, including gold medals at 2019 RHS

Hampton Court, 2021 RHS Hampton Court, and

2021 RHS Tatton Park.

The brief for each designer was to create an

immersive, contemplative space that symbolises

how leaving a gift in a Will to Cancer Research

UK ensures research can continue to save lives for

generations to come.

Karen conceived the idea of using the moon gate

to symbolise the hope that legacies can bring. The

visitor first travels through one half of the garden

which is full of colourful flowers, echoing the blue,

pink and purple palette of Cancer Research UK’s


Your health

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Few things in life are as important as

your health. That’s why Spire Little

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them most. Join us at one of our free

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Meet the experts

Come along to one of our free virtual events* to meet

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available from the comfort of your own home.

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Booking is essential, so please visit our website or call

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*All events are being held virtually via Zoom, you will not need to attend the hospital, and you can

receive expert advice from the comfort of your own home. Mini consultations are an opportunity to

ask any questions you have about surgery and are not a formal outpatient consultation. If you wish

to proceed to surgery or your consultant suggests that further treatment may be necessary, a full

outpatient appointment will be required to assess your suitability for surgery/treatment

logo. The vibrancy and variety of this section of the

garden reflects the passion and imagination of those

who have pledged to leave a gift in their Will for

research.

The central moon gate forms the link between the

first and second section of the garden. Set into the

ground is an engraved paving circle that represents

how gifts left in Wills fuel Cancer Research UK’s

work and lead the progress to beat cancer. After

stepping through the moon gate there is a shift to a

calmer, more reflective planting scheme, composed

of greens and whites. This part of the garden has

a more formal and clinical feel, symbolising the

scientific research that is funded by legacy giving.

Many of the 1,500 plants in the garden, ranging

from well-known favourites such as rowan and

aquilegia, to more obscure varieties such as

podophyllum (mayapple) and vaccinium (blueberry),

have been chosen because they have a connection

with cancer. Chemicals from plants in the garden

have been tested for their anti-cancer properties and

some have even led to drugs that are in use today for

treating cancer.

Karen said: “I wanted the garden to demonstrate

the symbiotic relationship between leaving a gift

in your Will, and actual cancer science that helps

people survive. It’s quite an abstract concept to get

across and it does require a leap of the imagination

to realise that leaving a legacy gift now, today, can

improve treatments for people in the future.

“Above all, the garden is a place of hope and

connection to others. Moon gates are traditionally

symbols of renewal and rebirth, as well as

representing wisdom, immortality and knowledge.

All of these qualities are inherent in the concept

of legacy giving – where an act of wisdom by one

person can give a new lease of life to others.”

Originally trained as a ballet dancer, Karen was

forced to rethink her career after a knee injury

prevented her dancing professionally. She studied

architecture and interior design, but then moved into

a career in make-up, becoming a senior make-up

artist for Revlon. After Karen was promoted to more

senior commercial roles, she realised she missed dayto-day

creativity in her life. She had always designed

gardens for her own pleasure, so she retrained as

a garden designer and has not looked back. Her

original degree in architecture always informs her

work, which aims to give a feeling of enclosure and

progression from one space to another.

Karen said: “I really enjoyed playing with the

idea of the two sides of the Cancer Research UK

garden being based on the same-sized circle, which

encapsulates the relationship between research and

legacy. I think the architectural aspects of garden

design - the relationship between volume and mass -

are just as important as the planting and I hope this

comes over in the Legacy Garden,” said Karen.

The RHS Malvern Spring Festival takes place at the

Three Counties Showground from Thursday, May 5

to Sunday, May 8. Tickets are available from

www.cruk.org/rhs-malvern-2022

LICHFIELD GARDEN DESIGNER

KAREN TATLOW


Curborough

Gift Shop

GIFTS & CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Springfest

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

May 14th & 15th 2022, 10am to 4pm both days.

FREE ENTRY and lots of free car parking.

Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre is

delighted to once again be hosting Springfest.

This much loved event is organised by our very

own Phoenix Interiors and will see a range of local

independent makers, designers and suppliers

here for the weekend...not forgetting all of our

wonderful, permanent on-site retailers.

As we look to happier times ahead, this is the

perfect opportunity to find some wonderful

bespoke items for your home & garden.

Visit us: Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Lichfield - WS13 8ES

www.curboroughcountrysidecentre.com

www.facebook.com/CurboroughCountrysideCentre

Available everyday in May & June. Must be pre-booked.

Everyone deserves to be treated like royalty

once in a while and Moor Hall’s new

spa experience delivers just that!

Sandwiches: Coronation chicken | Honey-glazed ham |

Mature Cheddar cheese | Oak smoked salmon | Cucumber

Homemade fruit and plain scone, strawberry jam and clotted cream

Cakes: Victoria sponge | Trifle | Custard tart | Chocolate biscuit cake

£23.50 Monday to Friday | £26 Saturday & Sunday

£12.50 per child

4 hours use of the spa

(indoor pool, spa bath, steam room,

sauna, gym and spa relaxation room)

A 25 minute spa treatment

which includes a gold hydrogel mask

Cream tea and a glass of Prosecco

£59 Monday to Friday

£69 Saturday & Sunday

www.moorhallhotel.co.uk

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

F O O D & D R I N K

Changes for the batter

THE ENGLISH INDIAN ARE TURNING THEIR CHALLENGES INTO STRENGTHS AND STAYING

TRUE TO THEIR ROOTS, AS CO-FOUNDER ANNA RILEY TELLS KATY EDGINGTON

THE ENGLISH INDIAN’S SIGNATURE DISH -

INDIAN-INSPIRED FISH AND CHIPS

The English Indian is beloved across the West

Midlands and beyond for its simple but delicious

street food - and rightfully so. This is their sixth year

of pleasing crowds via the comforting familiarity of

fish and chips with an Indian twist: pakora battered

cod goujons, chaat masala chips, mint and chilli

mushy peas, delicious curry sauce, a wedge of lime

and fresh coriander.

After featuring The English Indian early on in

their journey, we caught up with co-founder Anna

Riley to find out what’s new and how the business

has fared through the turmoil and uncertainty of

the last couple of years. Anna has a hospitality and

business management degree, and worked in human

resources before running a successful clothes shop in

Lichfield for 11-and-a-half years.

James Lant, Anna’s partner and co-founder, has

always had a passion for food, cooking the most

amazing chicken and naan breads in a tandoor

oven in their garden at home. In 2014, exploring

alternatives to his day job, the pair hosted a series of

pop-up curry nights at a local pub. But it was when

they ate at Digbeth Dining Club they realised there

was potential to do something a little different.

“We did traditional Indian street food for about a

year,” explains Anna. “Our food was delicious, and

it was a unique product that nobody in the market

knew about, which was part of its downfall. We just

weren’t doing the numbers, so we had to go back to

the drawing board.”

It was only in 2016 that the couple came up with

the idea for Indian-inspired fish and chips - and

it was an immediate hit. In 2017, they won the

People’s Choice award at The British Street Food

Awards, their first two-star Great Taste Award for

their signature mushy peas came in 2019, and in

2020 they won the title of Best UK Mobile Operator

at the National Fish and Chip Awards. They even


opened a London food truck franchise, but, like

many independent businesses, have had to fight to

weather the storms of the past two years.

“Things are starting to settle down, but for the last

few years every single week has been different,” says

Anna. “When lockdown hit in March 2020, our

calendar and our London franchise’s calendar were

wiped out. We went from having too many events to

none. We were really worried - we thought we were

going to lose the business. Everything came crashing

down.”

Luckily, with a chef as a longstanding member of

the team and a history of making tasty curries, The

English Indian was able to quickly pivot to a chilled

curry home delivery service. They did this for 14

weeks, saving the business from going under in the

process. As soon as restrictions allowed them to get

the food vans back out, the team developed their own

click and collect service. Despite finding a way to roll

with the punches, the pandemic has undoubtedly

had a lasting impact.

“Prior to Covid-19 we were on a real trajectory,”

Anna relates. “It was really exciting. We were

thinking about franchising across the UK. We had

one franchise in place for a year, but we just couldn’t

make it work with all the difficulties everyone has

had. So we’ve pulled back from that idea for the

moment.

“It’s been a really tricky time and it’s still not

ending, with the war [in Ukraine] and inflation.

We use soya oil and the price has gone up so much.

ANNA RILEY SET UP THE ENGLISH

INDIAN WITH PARTNER JAMES

They’re putting restrictions on how much we can

buy. Our whole business is dependent on oil, gas

and electricity. I’m sure we’ll be okay, but it’s been a

long hard slog. Thankfully, we’ve got a really strong

foundation.”

Far from being deterred, Anna and James have taken

the opportunity to make positive changes to the

way they operate, particularly around sustainability.

Although they’ve used biodegradable serveware for

a while, always recycle their used cooking oil, and

ensure their product is zero food waste, Anna is still

looking to improve the businesses’ green credentials.

One important new development is their vegan

menu.

“For a while now I’ve been concerned as to our

heavy reliance on cod,” says Anna. “Being fished

as heavily as it is, it hasn’t sat very well with me

because of what that does to the oceans. So we’re

trying to find an alternative to cod. Our vegan

pakora-battered artichoke is delicious. It comes in a

brine that has a vinegary undertone to it, so it works

perfectly as ‘fish’ and chips.”

While they don’t plan to stop serving cod - fish and

chips is their forte, after all - she’s hoping as time

goes on that their vegetarian halloumi and vegan

artichoke options will start to outsell it. The team is

already looking forward to some exclusively vegan

and vegetarian events that are in the diary for 2022.

The English Indian has also been collaborating with

Coeliac UK and Allergen Companions to make


33

their offering known to people who struggle to eat

out because of their allergies. Everything on their

menu was already gluten free, but Anna and James

have made additional changes to make sure they’re

as allergen free as possible and help every customer

enjoy delicious food.

In an industry where there’s so much competition,

what sets The English Indian apart and makes it

successful? Anna believes sticking to their guns with a

fuss-free menu they can serve quickly, at high volume,

without compromising on their high standards, is

the key. As well as being sticklers for quality and

customer service, of course.

“I want to know when the customer isn’t happy,” she

says. “It’s amazing to hear how much people love

the food, and in the early days you do need that, but

now I want to know when it isn’t right. I think it’s

really important as a business owner to take - even to

welcome - criticism.”

Although street food is where The English Indian

started out and they have no plans to quit the scene

completely, Anna confesses that the industry is a

little bit trickier than it used to be. Corporate events

are where their business is really starting to flourish,

post-pandemic. They’ve been booked by Porsche, for

example, for client family days, and will also be part

of JCB’s 75th birthday celebrations.

“We’re starting to get a solid base of corporations

that are rebooking us year-on-year for things like

JAMES LANT IS ANNA’S PARTNER AND

ENGLISH INDIAN CO-FOUNDER

staff rewards, new product launches and even

enticing people back to the office! Schools have

been approaching us, too. A lot of organisations are

keen to have some form of gathering, and obviously

having it outside reduces the risk of infection.”

The English Indian team has a packed festival

and events season on the horizon. They will be at

Glastonbury again this year, Womad, Wilderness,

and Bearded Theory at Catton Park. They’re also

hoping to do more regular trade closer to home.

The English Indian’s Lichfield headquarters on

Shires Industrial Estate has recently had a revamp in

preparation for a busy spring and summer.

“We’ve got so many lovely, loyal customers,” says

Anna when I ask if it’s different serving up food in

their hometown. “We love opening up on a Friday.

Throughout May, and possibly most of June, we’re

hoping to open every Friday here and maybe move

away from click and collect. With Trinity Brewery

open across the road, it works really well.”

It may have been a rocky road to get to this point,

but Anna is upbeat and optimistic about where The

English Indian is at right now and where it’s heading.

“Once we’re ready to progress again a bit more

aggressively, all those internal things that probably

needed our attention before will have been looked

at,” she says. “Systems, processes, procedures - we’re

making improvements everywhere that take time you

don’t necessarily have when you’re flat out at events.

So, I think in the end it’s going to strengthen us.”

If you want to catch The English Indian this spring

and summer, find their weekly whereabouts on

Facebook and Instagram, or use the ‘find us’ feature

on their website www.theenglishindian.co.uk

34


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F O O D & D R I N K

Give me Moor

AFTER A TORRID TIME FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, THE OAK ROOM AT

MOOR HALL HOTEL IS BACK WITH A BANG, AS AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS

As one of the most prestigious venues in

Sutton Coldfield, Moor Hall needs no

introduction. But, like every business in the

hospitality industry, it has taken somewhat of

a battering over the past two years.

However, it’ll take more than a global

pandemic to keep a good restaurant down.

And Moor Hall’s award-winning, AA

Rosette offering The Oak Room is certainly

good. In fact, it is enjoying something of a

renaissance; something J’AIME was only too

happy to sample.

We were greeted by restaurant manager

Javier Diaz and shown to a private bar area

for a pre-dinner drink and to peruse the

menu. I couldn’t resist a signature Moor Hall Bellini,

£8.95. A heady concoction of rhubarb and ginger

gin, prosecco, pomegranate cordial and just a splash

of lemonade, it was deliciously refreshing, offering

the right balance of potency and flavour that a good

cocktail should.

While the stately splendour of The Oak Room is

undeniable, Moor Hall have taken the opportunity

to ring the changes slightly, opting for a more relaxed

vibe by doing away with formalities such as the

starched white table cloths.

The menus have had a revamp too, championed

by the new head chef and new pastry chef who

THE OAK ROOM RESTAURANT

AT MOOR HALL HOTEL & SPA

have created a small but perfectly formed selection

of modern British dishes driven by locality and

seasonality.

We were shown to our table, next to the lit fire - a

welcome touch on what was a slightly chillier spring

evening - and set about making those all-important

culinary decisions. Our waiter explained that,

like many restaurants, they’d had a little trouble

with suppliers so the wine selection wasn’t as

comprehensive as it would be normally. Our first

choice of a Montepulciano wasn’t available, but

happily our second choice Argentinian Malbec, at

£26 for the bottle, was.

Each starter sounded as delicious as the next,

with both the vegetarian options of saltbaked

celeriac veloute, pickled artichoke,

mascarpone and crispy onion, £7, and

marinated heritage tomato, fresh burrata,

olive crumb and basil, £7.50, catching

my eye. But it was the pan-seared scallops,

£8.95, which proved to be the biggest

temptation.

The scallops were a generous portion and

beautifully cooked, the sweet and tender

flesh remaining meltingly soft. An equally

generous shaving of black truffle adorned

the scallops, which rested atop a bed - or

should that be pool? - of lemongrass


creamed potato. The lemongrass flavour

was very subtle indeed, and the potato

was a little more creamed than I was

expecting, but tasty nonetheless.

My husband only had eyes for the beef

carpaccio, which came with cremeux

egg yolk, fresh caper berries, fennel salad

and tartar, £8.25. The beef was a real

delight, and the plate was nicely balanced

with the freshness of the fennel, rich egg

yolk and salty capers. He had no trouble

polishing off the lot.

Onto the main event, and it was the

roasted lamb rump, fondant potatoes,

braised radicchio and whisky marinated

blueberries, £28.95, which immediately

caught my eye. It proved to be a worthy

choice; the lamb itself was perfectly

pink and tender, full of flavour from

that delicious lamb fat, while the potato

offered that lovely combination of

fluffy interior and crisp exterior. A side

of seasonal veg, £5.50, was a cut above the usual

offerings, making the most of the seasonal produce.

Normally a steak man, my husband has a certain

fondness for game birds, so was delighted to see a

duo of wood pigeon, £18.95, on offer. The pan-fried

breast and confit leg were a real treat, cooked with

skill and presented with aplomb, alongside beautifully

caramelised tomato and onion, and baby carrots. A

side dish of pommes puree, £5.50, completed what

was a triumph of a dish.

I’d been waiting for the promise of a sweet treat all

night, but my husband was intrigued by the cheese

board - and who am I to say no to cheese? - so we

decided to share a dessert and have cheese too. And

it was definitely the right decision because the dessert

we chose - the Eton mess bavarois with Champagne

jelly, lemon curd, meringue shard, and strawberry

and basil sorbet, £7.50 - was an ample portion for

two. And that’s something which, as a confirmed

sweet tooth, I don’t say lightly.

The bavarois was deliciously rich and creamy, the

sorbet a perfectly sweet kiss on the taste buds. And

that Champagne jelly, well you could really taste the

Champagne - oh, it was just heavenly. Little pools of

lemon curd added a welcome tartness and light–asair

shards of meringue offered a textural contrast - it

was really an accomplished dessert indeed.

The cheese board was also a sizable feast, featuring

a Cornish yarg, Stilton, brie and more, alongside

ample crackers, grapes and chutney for two. It was

a feat to finish it off, but finish it, we

did.

As you’d expect from a venue with

the prestige of Moor Hall, the

service throughout the evening

was exemplary, with the young

team striking the balance between

welcoming and efficient. Nothing

seemed too much trouble, and

ensuring each guest had a memorable

experience was top of the list.

As the tide is, hopefully, turning for

the hospitality industry, The Oak

Room at Moor Hall has once again

cemented its status as one of the

area’s finest offerings.


37

CO M P E T I T I O N

It’s showtime!

STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW IS BACK FOR 2022 WITH A WHOLE HOST OF

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY - AND WE HAVE FIVE FAMILY TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY

Following its later-than-usual slot last

summer, the Staffordshire County Show is

back to its traditional dates for 2022, taking

over the Staffordshire County Showground

on Wednesday, June 1 and Thursday, June 2.

This year’s show will be held during Jubilee

Week and, accordingly, there will be some

very special events at the show to celebrate

the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with full

details set to be revealed closer to showtime.

The Staffordshire County Show offers

something for visitors of all ages. Youngsters

will enjoy riding on the narrow-gauge steam

railway or traditional attractions such as

Punch and Judy and donkey rides. Teenagers

and adults will be thrilled by the Monster

Trucks - the aptly-named Big Pete and the

Grim Reaper - when they leap into the air

and land on a row of cars, while the next

generation of farmers will be inspired by the firstclass

entries in livestock competitions across the

showground that are at the heart of this traditional

agricultural show.

Held at the Staffordshire County Showground, just

outside Stafford, the show is one of the region’s

major summer events and is expected to attract more

than 65,000 visitors over the two days. During the

THE MONSTER TRUCKS ARE

EXPECTED TO BE A BIG HIT

school half-term holidays, the County Show offers a

full day out for all the family.

A packed Main Ring programme offers a range of

attractions that includes the Young Farmer’s Floats

- which this year has a theme of West End Musicals

- as well as show jumping, the Grand Parade of

Livestock and the Parade of Hounds, not to mention

those mega Monster Trucks.

In the Country Pursuits Arena, visitors

can watch the birds of prey display, the

ferret roadshow, have a go at fly casting or

sit back and learn all about pigs with the

Hogg Show.

Around the showground there will be

demonstrations of traditional rural crafts

such as thatching, coracle making and

drystone walling, as well as a display of

vintage cars and agricultural machinery.

However, at the heart of the show is

livestock, with more than 1,000 cattle,

sheep, pigs and goats and no fewer than

1,500 horses and ponies expected.

There are a number of competitions and

shows within the show including the Sheep


J’AIME

IS ONLINE


STAFFORDSHIRE

COUNTY SHOW

WEDNESDAY 1ST & THURSDAY 2ND JUNE 2022

www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk

LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS

ARE AT THE HEART OF THE

SHOW

Shearing and Wool Handling Competitions, the

Farriery Competition where blacksmiths compete to

make the perfect horseshoe before using it to shoe a

horse, the Fur and Feather Show with a vast array of

poultry, waterfowl, cavies (hamsters and guinea pigs)

and rabbits as well as the Bee and Honey Show with

its working hive.

In addition, the dog show will attract around 2,000

dogs representing every breed in the UK - so if

you’re thinking of buying a dog this is an ideal

opportunity to compare the various breeds and talk

to their owners.

Children of all ages are especially well catered for

with a children’s farm, fairground rides and the

opportunity to have their picture taken with the giant

tortoises. Shopaholics will be able to browse more

than 400 trade stands selling everything from cars

to hot tubs, and there is also a jam-packed food hall

with a further 50 stands selling a range of mouthwatering

local produce.

When it’s time to take a break, what better way to

relax than having a picnic next to the bandstand

listening to the brass band or the jazz band?

However, for something more tranquil there is a

twenty-acre wood – ideal for a walk in the shade or a

quiet picnic.

Once again, the show is delighted to welcome Rea

Valley Tractors and Dunstall Holdings as the event’s

main sponsor.

Advance tickets, which offer a substantial

saving on the gate price, are on sale now until

Saturday, May 28, and can be printed at home

or downloaded to your phone. Further details

about the show and details of how to purchase

advance tickets are available on the website at

www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk or

follow Staffordshire County Show on Facebook

@staffscountyshow

Competition!

J’AIME has teamed up with Staffordshire

County Show to give away five family

tickets to the show, worth £42. Each

family ticket will admit two adults and up

to three children.

THE STAFFORDSHIRE

COUNTY SHOW IS A GREAT

FAMILY DAY OUT

For your chance to win a family ticket,

simply answer the following question:

How many visitors are expected to

attend the Staffordshire County Show?

Send your answer, along with your name, address

and telephone number via email to competitions@

jaimemagazine.com with ‘Staffordshire County

Show competition’ as the email subject. Entries

must be received by midday on Wednesday, May

25, 2022. Terms and conditions apply. For more

details visit www.jaimemagazine.com


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F E AT U R E

A fundraising showstopper

THE LICHFIELD GARRICK IS HOSTING A FAMILY-FRIENDLY VARIETY SHOW ON SUNDAY, MAY

15, WITH ALL PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED TO THE DISASTERS EMERGENCY COMMITTEE

UKRAINE HUMANITY APPEAL, AND LICHFIELD CITY OF SANCTUARY. AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS

MORE FROM ORGANISER SAM RABONE

Sam Rabone is a man on a mission. Best known in

these parts for his long-standing role at the Lichfield

Garrick’s resident panto dame, Sam is turning his

talented hands - and not insubstantial little black

book of showbiz contacts - to putting on a very

important show.

On Sunday, May 15, Sam and a whole host of

entertainment stars will be taking to the stage for a

fun-packed evening of variety suitable for the whole

family. The aim? To raise as much money as possible

for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal

towards the humanitarian efforts against the war in

Ukraine.

“At times like this we always like to think about what

we can do,” says Sam. “It’s the same as when we

LICHFIELD PANTO FAVOURITE SAM

RABONE HAS HELPED TO ORGANISE

THE CONCERT FOR UKRAINE

THE VEGAS SHOWGIRLS WILL

BE AVAILABLE FOR PHOTO

OPPORTUNITIES

were in lockdown; it was all about thinking what we

can do, how we can lend our support.

“I contacted the theatre and asked if we could put

on a show to raise some funds, and they were happy

to put forward May 15 as a date, if I could organise

something.”

So Sam got to work, contacting some of the showbiz

pals he’s worked with over the years - and the

response was overwhelming.

“Everyone wants to do their bit to help and be

involved,” says Sam. “If they were free, everyone

jumped at the chance to take part.

“I wanted it to be a family-friendly variety night; I

don’t think there’s enough family-friendly evening

entertainment at the theatre, apart from the panto -

which is, of course, what I’m known for.

“And when the lovely Rebecca Keatley from

CBeebies said she was available to be in the show, it

42


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just seemed like the right way to go.”

Rebecca Keatley, who will be well known to Lichfield

audiences from her role as Fairy Godmother in the

Garrick’s 2019 panto Cinderella, is teaming up with

fellow CBeebies star Katy Ashworth as the hosts of a

big, bonkers section of the show for the whole family

to enjoy.

“Stage Door Johnny is well known in the area, but

has now blown up on TikTok; he’s coming along to

do some songs for us,” says Sam. “Then we’ve got

an amazing cabaret clown called Kiki Lovechild who

is bringing one of my favourite acts I’ve ever seen.

It’s just the most beautiful thing and something kids

won’t see on a day-to-day basis so it’s something

different for them.

“Ian Billings and Chris White have done so many

kids shows up at Edinburgh Festival, so it’s nice to

have them here because they’re again a bit different,

doing poetry and live drawing, which is again all very

family-friendly.

The event will be compèred by Sam, who will also

be reunited with fellow Garrick panto veteran

Ben Thornton - a comedy double-act beloved by

Lichfield audiences.

Other acts on the bill include the Garrick’s very own

pantomime star Maria Conneely singing songs from

the shows, house band Dancefloored, juggler Steve

Arnold, the UK’s number one Craig David tribute

act Kurtis Ray, and many more surprises on the

night.

The show starts at 5pm, but doors will be open from

CABERET CLOWN KIKI LOVECHILD.

PHOTO BY CHERRY BOMB ROCK

PHOTOGRAPHY

CBEEBIES STAR REBECCA KEATLEY

WILL BE JOINING IN THE FUN

4pm for guests to enjoy some pre-show entertainment

and a drink from the bar. Entertainment includes

live music from Rob Taylor and the Vegas Showgirls

from the Royal Variety Show. There’ll also be close

up magic from the legendary James Mitchell.

Sam says: “I’m so excited because I like to make

sure things are happening all around, not just on

the stage, so people can arrive from 4pm. There’ll

be the chance to have photos taken with the Vegas

Showgirls for a small donation, and the theatre has

agreed to donate all proceeds from the bar sales

towards the charities too.

“It’s a pleasure to be hosting and curating this night

of fun for the whole family, while trying to raise as

much money as we can for a worthy cause. And a

huge shout out to all the acts who are giving up their

time to raise the money with us.”

All proceeds from ticket and bar sales will be

donated to Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine

Humanity Appeal, and Lichfield City of Sanctuary.

There will also be a raffle on the night with some

amazing prizes on offer.

Tickets are £15 for adults and £10 for children.

Any additional donations will be hugely appreciated

and can be made at your time of booking, through

the Garrick website, and there will also be bucket

collections and donation points around the venue on

the day of the show.

Visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com/

concertforukraine to book tickets.

44


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WOMEN’S WEALTH - LET’S CLOSE THE GAP

As a Chartered Financial Planning Practice, we have

started to see a change in a ‘typical’ client profile -

more women are now in senior roles, returning back

to work after having their children, closing the gap

between spouses/partners and in many circumstances

are the main household earners.

During the pandemic, investment platforms and

trading apps reported a new influx of female

investors - Pool House Advisers are passionate about

establishing long term relationships with investors to

ensure that our clients work towards and reach their

financial freedom regardless of gender.

Circumstances can change our financial freedom

which could be an employment change, death of a

loved one or a divorce, and Pool House are always

here to assist our clients in every stage of life and

every change of circumstances. We aim to establish a

long term relationship with our clients and are always

at the end of the phone to help with your needs.

• RETIREMENT PLANNING

• INVESTMENT ADVICE

• INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING

• FAMILY PROTECTION

• MORTGAGE ADVICE

‘When starting off in the industry’

quotes Phoebe ‘I was disappointed

to be one of only a few female

advisers and consequently this has

made me very passionate about

inspiring females to not only join

the industry but to get qualified to

financial adviser level. I understand

the pressures of juggling a career

alongside family life which can be

relatable in particular to female

clients. I am passionate about

women doing well in all sectors and

believe that my experience can

assist my clients with both financial

security and independence’.

Phoebe Kalsi DipPFS -

Director & Financial Adviser

We pride ourselves on our informal

but professional approach to

financial advice and we believe

that to generate a long-term

relationship, service is always key.

We are accessible and all of our

staff are trained to a high level.

You will always speak to the same

person twice. We promise our clients

that we will always be:

• TRUSTWORTHY

• RELIABLE

• KNOWLEDGEABLE

• FRIENDLY

‘Women are instrumental at inspiring

other women’ quotes Fiona ‘and it

is important to support each other

through business. Being a full time

working mother myself, I know the

pressures of being a parent and

managing business responsibilities.

There shouldn’t be any limitations

on the success of females and their

financial future’.

Fiona Haigh - Director

POOL HOUSE ARE ALSO PASSIONATE ABOUT SUPPORTING

YOUNG WOMEN OUTSIDE OF OUR INDUSTRY - WE ARE PROUD TO

SUPPORT A LOCAL CHARITY - SPARK BURNTWOOD WHICH WE ARE

ASSISTING IN PROVIDING FREE CHILDCARE TO ENABLE YOUNG

MOTHERS TO TAKE ON EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES

Pool House, Dam Street, Lichfield WS13 6AA • 01543 441644 • www.poolhousegroup.co.uk

*Pool House is a trading style of DRB Associates Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

W H AT ’ S O N

What’s on in May?

THERE’S MUSIC OF ALL GENRES TO ENJOY AROUND THE REGION THIS MONTH, PLUS

APPEARANCES FROM COMEDY LEGENDS AND EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE STRICTLY JUDGE…

WHAT: JASPER CARROTT’S STAND UP & ROCK

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK

WHEN: MAY 4 TO 7

With a comedy career spanning five decades, Jasper Carrott is back where he

belongs this May – up front and centre stage for Stand Up & Rock. Among

Carrott’s many accolades are BBC TV Personality of the Year, a Gold Medal

at the New York TV and Film Awards, Midlander of the Year Award, his own

star on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars and the British Comedy Awards Lifetime

Achievement Award in 2008. In recognition of his outstanding work for charity,

he was also awarded an OBE in Her Majesty’s New Year’s Honours List in

2003.

Jasper is joined by friend and rock legend Bev Bevan (founding member of

Electric Light Orchestra and The Move), who brings along his band with guest

star Andy Bennett, former Ocean Colour Scene guitarist. Enjoy a night of

fantastic comedy and great music to lift the spirits and remind us what life is all

about! Tickets are £28.50. For more details visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com

WHAT: BRIAN DOWNEY’S ALIVE & DANGEROUS

WHERE: TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS

WHEN: MAY 7

Often cited as an influence by the world’s top drummers, Brian Downey is in

Tamworth for one night only, playing the songs he co-wrote in Thin Lizzy with

his new band Alive and Dangerous.

Originally from Dublin, Brian enjoyed his first taste of success in Ireland with

the top 20 hit ‘Morning Dew’ before forming Orphanage with Phil Lynott.

The two went on to form the legendary Thin Lizzy with Eric Bell, and Brian

remained a member until the band split in 1983. He’s since been in constant

demand as both a touring and session drummer and regularly played live shows

and recorded with renowned guitarist Gary Moore.

Now Brian returns with Matt Wilson on bass guitar and lead vocals, and Michal

Kulbaka and Joe Merriman on guitar and vocals, in new band Alive and

Dangerous. The doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start, with tickets priced at

£23.50. For more information visit www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk

WHAT: LICHFIELD GOSPEL CHOIR

WHERE: LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL

WHEN: MAY 14

Lichfield Gospel Choir are teaming up with The City of Lichfield Concert

Band for an unforgettable evening of powerful, moving and entertaining music

in support of Lichfield Cathedral this month. The Grade I listed landmark

currently costs £5,000 a day to keep open and free for the city.

The City of Lichfield Concert Band is more than 100 years old and continues

to entertain with a variety of genres such as pop, swing and classical, performed

by its 50-member strong ensemble of local musicians. Lichfield Gospel Choir

is a vibrant and joyful community choir with more than 100 members and a

repertoire that covers African, gospel and soulful music – both traditional and

modern.

Join the two groups for a reprise of their sell-out performance in 2019.

Tickets are priced at £10 or £12.50. For more information go to

www.thelittleboxoffice.com


WHAT: SPRINGFEST

WHERE: CURBOROUGH COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

WHEN: MAY 14 AND 15

Browse wares from a range of independent local makers, designers

and suppliers, and discover new delights for your home and garden

at Curborough Countryside Centre’s Springfest event. Organised by

Phoenix Interiors, this shopping weekend will feature traders galore, from

independents popping up to the centre’s permanent residents, and is the

perfect opportunity to find your next bespoke interiors or garden love.

Springfest will be open from 10am until 4pm on both days,

with free entry and free parking. For more details visit

www.curboroughcountrysidecentre.com or find Curborough

Countryside Centre on Facebook.

WHAT: DEAD LIES BY HILARY BONNER

WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK

WHEN: MAY 24 TO 29

You won’t want to miss this world premiere of Dead Lies - a fast-moving,

hard-hitting political English thriller from bestselling crime novelist Hilary

Bonner. Offering a feast of murder, scandal, sexual indiscretion and political

intrigue, the play is directed by critically acclaimed Joe Harmston and stars

Holby City’s Jeremy Edwards.

The story follows Peter George (Edwards), a politician who promises a new

kind of politics beyond sleaze and spin. He is welcomed as a messiah by the

British public and expected to restore trust in a broken political system. But a

shocking secret lies deep in his past. As buried truths rise from the ashes, will

his rise to power be destroyed by ghosts from another time?

Tickets are available from £27. To book, visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com

WHAT: CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD - THE ALL BALLS AND

GLITTER TOUR

WHERE: THE ALEXANDRA, BIRMINGHAM

WHEN: MAY 26

The star of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing - the judge everyone loves to hate

- is taking to the road with his first solo tour in 2022, and you can catch him

at The Alexandra at the end of the month.

Join Craig as he talks about his life so far, from Australia to the West End

to Strictly, reveals a wealth of backstage gossip with his trademark wit and

candour, and gives a very special performance of some of the music which

has been the soundtrack to his career. Tickets for this fabulous evening of

entertainment are available from £23. For more details visit

www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

WHAT: HOT CHOCOLATE

WHERE: TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS

WHEN: MAY 29

For one night only, Hot Chocolate are in Tamworth! It was in the disco era

of the mid-1970s that Hot Chocolate became a big success with hits like

‘You Sexy Thing’ and ‘Everyone’s a Winner’. Hot Chocolate started their

recording career with a reggae version of John Lennon’s ‘Give Peace a

Chance’ and went on to become the only group, and one of just three acts

(the others being Elvis Presley and Diana Ross), to score a hit in the UK

charts in every year of the 1970s.

In all, the group has charted 25 UK Top 40 hit singles, including at least

one hit every year between 1970 and 1984. Their single ‘You Sexy Thing’

became the only track that made the top ten in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s,

appearing in a string of successful films starting with the 1997 comedy The

Full Monty. Original lead vocalist Errol Brown left the group in 1986 with the

current line-up fronted by Kennie Simon. Tickets are priced at £34.50. For

more details visit www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk


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

CAPITAL GAINS TAX (CGT)

I find that of all the taxes I tend to deal with on a day

to day basis with clients, CGT is the least understood or

anticipated by them. So some people can end up paying

it unnecessarily and conversely others may get caught

out and fined for failing to properly declare their gains.

WHAT IS CAPITAL GAINS TAX?

CGT is a tax that is charged when you sell (or even

give away) something – such as an investment – that

has increased in value. The tax isn’t charged on the

total sale price, but levied on the profit or gain that you

made during your ownership of that asset.

So, if you buy an antique ring for £10,000 and sell it

for £15,000, your capital gain is £5,000.

WHAT IS CGT CHARGED ON?

The sale proceeds of almost any personal possession

can be subject to CGT; from shares and investments,

to buy-to-let properties, holiday homes, jewellery, fine

wine, paintings, coins and stamps.

There are, however, some exceptions such as

investments held within a pension or an ISA, your

primary home and your car.

DO I HAVE A TAX-FREE ALLOWANCE FOR

CGT?

Yes. In the current tax year (2022/23) you can enjoy

£12,300 of gains before you need to pay CGT. You

might see this referred to as your annual exempt

amount. This allowance has been frozen by the

Government until 2026.

There are a number of ways to legally reduce the

amount of CGT that you pay. However, what works

best for you will depend on the circumstances and it

may need to be managed over time; making financial

advice so important.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MAKE A LOSS?

Of course, assets don’t always go up in value.

However, if you make a profit when selling one item

and a loss when selling another, you can deduct the loss

from your gain when calculating how much tax you

need to pay. So it’s not all bad news and you can carry

forward any losses that haven’t been used to offset gains

for up to four years.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I SOLD MY

BUSINESS?

You may qualify for Business Asset Disposal Relief

(formerly Entrepreneurs’ Relief) if you are a sole trader

or business partner and you’ve owned the business for

at least two years. The relief reduces the rate of CGT

on disposals of certain business assets from 20% to

10%.

HOW DO I DECLARE MY CAPITAL GAINS?

When you sell assets, if you have made gains of more

than £12,300, you must declare them to HMRC. How

and when you do this depends on the asset or assets you

sold.

If you sell a property and it completed after 27 October

2021, you have just 60 days to report your gain and pay

the tax due. To do this, you need to set up a Capital

Gains Tax on Property account on the Government

website.

You can report other gains and pay the tax straight

away via the Government website or report them in a

self-assessment tax return in the tax year after you sold

the assets.

IN SUMMARY

Dependent upon the level of gain, CGT can be costly.

Therefore it pays to be ahead of the game and take

appropriate advice before, rather than after, the gain

has been made.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from

taxation, can change at any time and are generally

dependent on individual circumstances.

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.


49

H E A LT H

Set yourself up for

biking success

WITH THE EVENINGS BECOMING LIGHTER, WE TALK TO SPIRE LITTLE ASTON’S

SPECIALIST HIP AND KNEE SURGEON, MR SABUR MALEK ABOUT SETTING

YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS IF YOU ARE WANTING TO BEGIN BIKING THIS YEAR

When hip or knee problems strike, it’s easy to exercise

less for fear of doing more damage than good.

However, cycling offers a great way to exercise and lose

weight, which will actually do your joints some good

rather than causing any damage. Not to mention the

chance to enjoy the outdoors and an endorphin hit.

Simply put, cycling is great for your joints because it is

a non-impact form of exercise. This means there is no

jolting of your joints, in contrast to running, which is

a high-impact activity and puts greater strain on your

joints. Football also has a higher risk of joint injury due

to the amount of twisting and turning involved.

The only way cycling can damage your joints is if your

seat is set too low. If you buy your bike from a specialist

shop, they’ll adjust the seat for you to make sure it’s the

correct height.

Getting the right frame size is also important to help get

the right fit. Online calculators are available on many

bike manufacturer websites. Simply enter your height,

inner leg length and arm length in order to determine

the right frame size to order.

Cycling isn’t just a great way to exercise because it

protects your joints, it’s also cost effective, flexible and

social.

If you have a disability, there are specialist bike shops

that offer bikes tailored to your mobility needs. This

includes tricycles if you have balance issues, electric

bikes (ebikes) if you have muscle weaknesses or are

elderly, and hand bikes if you have lower body injuries.

Road biking is ideal and will give your legs a good

workout. With an increasing number of cycling lanes,

the risk of dealing with motor traffic is much reduced.

Look locally for trails that are marked by the National

Cycling Network. These may be on road, on designated

cycle paths or a combination of the two.

If you have joint problems, exercise is recommended

at least two to three times a week for around 30 to 45

minutes. Cycling is one of the best types of exercise for

joint degeneration because it will tone your muscles,

which help support your joints and therefore take some

of the stress off them.

MR SABUR MALEK

However, it is important not to overdo it with your

exercise as this can wear your joints out. You don’t need

to push yourself extremely hard. Although it is good

to get your heart pumping from a heart-health point

of view, when it comes to your joints and lower body

workouts, steady exercise is all that is needed.

Remember, always make sure that you stretch your

hamstrings before and after cycling, as cycling has a

tendency to cause short hamstrings. With your stretches

complete, you can then enjoy the health benefits and

fun of cycling.

In May, Mr Malek is hosting free mini virtual

appointments to talk about your various

hip or knee problems. If you think you may

benefit from talking to an expert, book your

free appointment on Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Search ‘Spire Little Aston Hospital events’ or

call 0121 514 7034.


H E A LT H

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Health Matters

DR DAVID ECCLESTON, FROM THE OAKLEY PARTNERSHIP

PRIVATE GP PRACTICE IN FOUR OAKS, DISCUSSES ALL THINGS

HEALTH EACH MONTH. THIS MONTH, HE TAKES A LOOK AT

ALCOHOL EXCESS AND THE SINCLAIR METHOD

Alcohol consumption is seen by most people as

an essential part of their social life, lubricating

conversation, reducing social shyness, and making

the party a success. But what if you are one of those

people who, once you have started, cannot stop

drinking? You may have been there. Struggling to

remember what happened last night? To be accepted

in society, you have to avoid certain social situations,

and make excuses why you can’t attend someone’s

leaving party at work, or attend a friend’s family

wedding.

Now, what if your alcohol problem was NOT your

fault? What if it was a medical condition that you

didn’t cause? You just drink, the same as all of your

friends, but they get away with it and you don’t.

They still drink in a controlled way, they even get

drunk occasionally, but they can stop when they want

to. You, on the other hand, have one glass and you

are in serious trouble. How is that fair? How is that

your fault?

Alcohol dependence is a medical condition. You did

not cause it. Almost everyone tries alcohol at some

point, and a large number overdo it, particularly

when they are young. You just did what everyone

else did, but you got into trouble. Conventional

treatments involve abstention, detoxification, regular

meetings, and the use of drugs with unpleasant side

effects. The failure rate is high.

The Sinclair Method is a modern method of

treatment for alcohol addiction which is being used

with very high success rates, particularly in Finland,

where clinics are reporting that up to 78 per cent

of clients are either stopping drinking altogether,

or returning to controlled drinking. Our experience

with patients at the practice supports these figures.

The method works by a process called

Pharmacological Extinction. When alcohol is

consumed, pleasure hormones called ‘endorphins’

are released, which attach to opioid receptors in the

brain, giving sensory reward to the individual. These

endorphins are released during many activities,

including eating sweet and spicy foods, vigorous

exercise, sex, placing bets, and taking part in highrisk

activities.

The problem with alcohol is that, after getting initial

rewards from it, the urge to drink is reinforced, even

when the person drinking is no longer getting any

positive effects from their indulgence. The Sinclair

Method involves the use of a drug called naltrexone,

which blocks the opioid receptors, so that the

endorphins cannot attach to them. Thus, the drinker

experiences no reward. Over time, excessive drinking

behaviour is ‘unlearned’, until the drinker is no

longer addicted to alcohol.

Using the Sinclair Method, contrary to conventional

expectations, it is necessary to drink alcohol along

with the medication, otherwise pharmacological

extinction cannot occur. Drinking ceases or reduces

to a healthy level after three-to-four months. While

the Sinclair Method is a medical approach to treating

alcohol dependence, pre-treatment education and

ongoing medical support is necessary in order to

help the patient understand the process fully, and to

ensure success of the treatment.

The Oakley Partnership is a private GP practice

located in Four Oaks, and was founded in 2014.

The practice provides a full range of private

GP services for adults and children. We pride

ourselves on our friendly and experienced GPs,

nurses and reception staff, our flexible availability,

and the additional services that we provide that

are not available on the NHS. Visit our website

for more details on the services we provide.

The Oakley Partnership Private Medical Practice

52 Bishops Way, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 4XS

Tel: 0121 308 8876 - Fax: 0121 308 9551 - www.topmedicalpractice.co.uk

CQC Registration 1-1346947216

Please like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and leave a review on Doctify or Google.


51

FA S H I O N

Go big or go home

WITH BAGGY JEANS HAVING A SERIOUS MOMENT IN THE FASHION SPOTLIGHT,

AMY NORBURY TAKES A LOOK AT THE BEST WAYS TO GO BIG

MADNESS sang about their love of baggy trousers way back in

the Eighties, while MC Hammer’s infamous ‘Hammer pants’ were

a fashion icon of the early Nineties. And so, the fashion world’s love

of wide-legged, loose-fitting threads remained - until the Noughties

reared their head, heralding the era of the skinny jean.

It was bye-bye to baggy, as spray-on styles stole our collective

sartorial hearts, reigning supreme as the jeans of choice for the best

part of two decades. Until last year, when Gen Z declared skinny

jeans cancelled, labelling the fashion favourite ‘unflattering’ and

‘outdated’.

And while reports of the death of skinny jeans may be slightly

exaggerated, there have since been many pretenders to the denim

throne, with the 90s nostalgic loose-fit mom jeans being a strong

contender for the crown.

But for 2022 - perhaps influenced by our yearning for the good ol’

days of lockdown-friendly loungewear - denim has gone seriously

louche.

Baggy, wide-legged jeans have been seen all over the SS22 catwalks,

with designers such as Balenciaga, Molly Goddard and Regina

Pyo championing a more laid-back approach to denim. Celebrity

fashionistas galore have jumped onto the baggy jeans bandwagon,

with Hailey Bieber rocking a grunge-inspired oversized look, while

pop superstar Rihanna has channelled her love of wide leg jeans

into her maternity style. Heck, even skinnies devotee Jennifer Lopez

has been spotted swapping her spray-on denim for low-rise baggy

jeans.

The appeal of baggy denim is easy to see; the nipped-in waist

balances out the capricious leg shape to create a flattering, ultrawearable

style which can suit just about anyone. Add in the comfort

factor one can enjoy with a loose-legged fit, and baggy jeans are

making a serious case for that denim crown.

When it comes to styling your baggy jeans, there are two schools of

thought; balance the silhouette with a fitted top half, or go oversized

all over. For the ultimate in off-duty comfort, an oversized hoodie or

longline check shirt, a la Hailey Bieber, both work perfectly, while a

fitted tank top or T-shirt embodies effortless casual style.

For a more preppy vibe, opt for a crisp shirt - tucked in and with

jeans belted to give a more structured look - paired with loafers. A

bright white shirt never fails, but a block bright colour will make

your outfit pop.

As a light and airy alternative to your skintight skinnies, baggy

jeans are the perfect denim for those brighter spring and summer

days which are on the horizon; opt for a light wash and pair with

a broderie anglaise blouse and your trusty Birkenstocks for an

effortlessly stylish seasonal look.

FRAME LE BAGGY HIGH RISE WIDE LEG JEANS,

£285, NET-A-PORTER. WWW.NET-A-PORTER.COM


£240 £305

£170

AGOLDE 90S LIGHT BLUE WIDE

LEG JEANS, HARVEY NICHOLS.

WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM

GRACE LIGHT BLUE WIDE LEG JEANS,

SLVRLAKE AT HARVEY NICHOLS.


WANDLER CHAMOMILE BLACK

BARREL LEG JEANS, HARVEY NICHOLS.


M&S COLLECTION BARREL JEANS,

MARKS AND SPENCER.

WWW.MARKSANDSPENCER.COM

OPA ORGANIC COTTON BAGGY

BOYFRIEND JEANS, RAEY AT

WWW.MATCHESFASHION.COM

V BY VERY MID WASH WIDE LEG

JEANS. WWW.VERY.CO.UK

£39.50

£140

£35

ELISE WIDE LEGGED JEANS, £55, WEBBING

LEATHER BELT, £16, AND NEW DAY GRAPHIC

TEE, £25, ALL FATFACE. WWW.FATFACE.COM

WIDE LEG JEANS, £75, FRILL SLEEVE TOP, £49,

AND GLADIATOR SANDALS, £55, ALL AND/OR

AT JOHN LEWIS. WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM

FA S H I O N

Style edit: Suits you, sir!

IT’S BEEN THE FASHION STAPLE FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY AND IT GOES WITHOUT

SAYING THAT EVERY MAN NEEDS AT LEAST ONE GREAT-LOOKING SUIT IN THEIR

WARDROBE THAT FITS LIKE A GLOVE AND MAKES THEM FEEL CONFIDENT. RETO PETER,

CO-FOUNDER OF LEADING MADE-TO-MEASURE TAILORS EDIT SUITS CO, SHARES HIS

EXPERTISE ON THIS SEASON’S KEY TRENDS AND HOW TO WEAR THEM

WHY OWN A SUIT?

Two years of Zoom calls in their sweatpants and

many men have forgotten the joy of being suited and

booted. But the classic two- or three-piece is making

a post-pandemic return and we’re definitely here for

that. Whether you’re inspired from James Bond’s

super sharp tailoring or Harry Styles’ contemporary

take, if you want to be taken seriously now we’re

back in the real-life boardroom, a suit really means

business.

THE NAVY SUIT

Guaranteed to always be in fashion, if you’re only

going to own one suit then buy navy and you’ll fit in

whatever the occasion. This most classic of colours

immediately implies professionalism; added to that

it works with every complexion. To keep it modern,

opt for a peak lapel, single-breasted design and slim,

tailored fit for a masculine and always elegant look.

THE CHARCOAL SUIT

Supremely versatile, charcoal teams perfectly with

brown or tan accessories, and can be dressed up

or down depending on the venue. As a styling tip,

when it comes to a two-button suit only button

the top button, never both; and if you’re wearing

a waistcoat, again never fasten the bottom button.

You’ll find it sits better and looks sharper.

THE TUX … BLACK OR WHITE?

The best way to nail this look is to stick with

tradition, and that means choosing a single-breasted

jacket with a peaked or shawl lapel. Black is the

obvious choice; while white is better suited for

summer weddings or formal outdoor events, keep

it classic with black grosgrain trousers. Team with a

turned down, pointed collar shirt and if you don’t


know how to tie a bow tie, opt for the pre-tied

version – do not, and I repeat do not, buy a clip-on.

Shoe-wise, polished Oxfords are really the only way

to go and avoid anything with tassels or elaborate

stitching.

SMART CASUAL

When the invite says “smart casual” it can be

confusing to know just what to wear: do you go smart

or do you go casual? My advice is to lean towards the

smart, that way you won’t feel out of place when you

turn up in jeans and everyone else turns up in a suit.

One of the season’s key colour trends is deep green

and it can easily be worn with a classic white T-shirt,

button-down shirt or plain roll-neck depending on

the time of year. Pair with a stylish Chelsea boot or

even a white trainer for a modern edge.

STYLISH SEPARATES

More and more men are opting to team their suit

jackets with more casual trousers, such as chinos,

light flannel or corduroy and these are all the ideal

choice for any business/casual outfit. You can play

around with a range of colours that work well with

a contrasting jacket – opt for lightweight fabrics

like merino or cotton during the warmer days, and

cashmere during the winter – or finish off the look

with a classic trench or overcoat.

A FEW RULES TO BEAR IN MIND

Your accessories should complement the colour or

pattern of your suit. For example, if you’re wearing

a patterned suit, opt for simple neckwear and vice

versa.

Your shoes should be appropriate for the occasion.

While there are plenty of instances where trainers

are okay with a suit, a top notch do isn’t one of them.

Don’t overdo it with accessories – they should be

used to enhance your outfit, not clutter it.

Buy a suit that you love. If simple, navy suits are

your thing, go for a simple, navy suit; if double

breasted suits strike your fancy, get one! There’s no

rule against what you can and can’t wear, just always

make sure it fits properly.

And consider going for made-to-measure – that way,

you can choose the fit, customise sleeve lengths and

even choose lapel width or back vents.

Edit Suits was founded in 2014 by Reto Peter

and Patrick Jungo offering made-to-measure

Savile Row suiting and casual clothing

without the hefty price tag. The brand has

recently launched its first UK store outside

London in Birmingham’s Mailbox. For more

details visit www.editsuits.com.

www.jaimemagazine.com 55

B E AU T Y

Changing skincare with

the changing seasons

AS THE SEASONS CHANGE, SO TOO SHOULD YOUR SKINCARE. JUST AS YOU SWITCH UP YOUR

WARDROBE TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE COMING MONTHS, YOU CAN DO THE SAME WITH YOUR

DAILY ESSENTIALS TO KEEP YOUR COMPLEXION LOOKING AND FEELING IT’S BEAUTIFUL BEST ALL YEAR

ROUND. DEBORAH MITCHELL, FOUNDER OF HEAVEN SKINCARE, SHARES HER TIPS AND MUST-HAVES

SPRING

After months of hibernating your skin will be crying

out for some TLC so buff away the winter with

essentials that cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate. As you

spend more time outdoors your daily routine needs

to include products that protect against increased

humidity and sun damage.

New Edition Cleanser: Start the new season with

a daily spring clean. New Edition Cleanser contains

patented ABEETOXIN® formula to control facial

muscles as it cleanses. Vitamin A works to resurface

and repair skin cells for an anti-ageing effect.

Chamomile Hydrogel: A blend of delicate

chamomile and Echinacea act as an antiinflammatory

and are anti-allergenic to normalise

the skin. The addition of organic witch hazel means

redness is reduced, making it the ideal choice to

control sensitivity issues, acne, rosacea and eczema.

Silk Skin Bee Bee Cream: Heaven’s all-day

SPF 20 BB adds moisture to your skin and at the

same time it reacts to your colour tone for a natural,

gorgeous glow. Use in place of your foundation for a

lighter, natural alternative.

SUMMER

The temperatures are on the up and the days are

light and long so switch up your regime to include

products that soothe and calm skin. Put those heavy

or thick creams away for a few months; at this time

of the year they will clog up your pores and cause

breakouts.

Hydro Cleansing Milk: This silky soft cleansing

milk uses organic jojoba, the closest match to our

own natural oil, to balance and condition. While it’s

suitable for all complexions, it’s especially good for

those with dry, blemished or oily skin.

Age Defiance Cream: The anti-ageing Age

Defiance moisturiser that plumps out fine lines,

lightens pigmentation and prevents spot breakouts

thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid. It soothes

irritated, acne-prone, blemished or sensitive and oily

skins – don’t head on holiday without it!

Divine Cream: Bursting with organic mandarin

and orange, both renowned natural sources of

vitamin C. Together they help increase collagen and

elastin levels in the skin, leaving you with a more

youthful and radiant complexion. It’s light on the

skin, making it the perfect all-day cream during the

spring.


AUTUMN

As the days become cooler and the air becomes

dry, you’ll notice that your complexion starts to lose

moisture. Using the right skincare now means you’ll

be laying the groundwork for the harsher winter

weather.

Cleanse and Foam: This cleanser and exfoliator

in one works its way into pores to flush out dirt and

remove blackheads. It contains organic carrot oil and

mandarin essential oil to aid skin repair and balance

oil and moisture levels.

Peppermint Hydrogel: Your skin may be feeling

dehydrated following the summer months so it’ll

need a new season perk-up. Peppermint Hydrogel

minimises oil secretion, balances the PH levels, refine

pores and diminishes blemishes, leaving your skin

feeling fully hydrated.

Dock Cream: Tackle sensitivity and irritation with

the plant-based Dock Cream. By harnessing the

power of our own interferons – proteins that are

produced by a variety of cells – it reinforces skin,

helping to soothe and heal.

WINTER

The weather outside may well be frightful, but that

doesn’t mean your skin has to be. Frosty mornings

leave your complexion feeling dry, dull and lacklustre.

Kick-start your winter skincare with these musthaves

to tackle the cold, and improve hydration and

elasticity.

Overnight Success Cream: Thanks to its vitamin

B content, the anti-ageing Overnight Cream releases

oxygen to detoxify and replenish. Perfect for dull or

damaged skin, it can also be used during the day and

also helps keep acne at bay and controls rosacea.

Silver Bee Venom Mask: One of Heaven’s

signature products, this potent anti-ageing mask

contains ABEETOXIN® – renowned as a natural

alternative to Botox. It’s ideal for those who suffer

from blemishes, rosacea, eczema, dry and mature

skin.

Nettle Venom Serum: Boasting a whole host of

nutrients, including vitamins A, C and K as well as

calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium

and sodium. It’s extremely nourishing and you’ll

notice the benefits immediately, including softer,

more radiant skin and improvement of tone.

Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell is available at Heaven Health and Beauty,

13a Market Place, Shifnal, Shropshire. You can also shop online at heavenskincare.com.


57

B U S I N E S S

The perfect fit

BASED IN HARBORNE, CAMPBELL WATSON ARE SPECIALISTS IN FITTED STORAGE,

OFFERING AN UNRIVALLED SELECTION OF LUXURY FITTED WARDROBES, WALK-IN

WARDROBES, HOME OFFICES, BEDROOM FURNITURE AND TV AND STORAGE SYSTEMS

Established for more than 17 years,

Campbell Watson’s team of experts

design, deliver and install their stylish

range of fitted storage products,

which are all made in Italy to the

highest standard. The company prides

itself on offering superior products

that are manufactured to the highest

quality and are made and designed to

last a lifetime.

With beginnings in Solihull, Campbell

Watson moved to their showroom

in Harborne, Birmingham, in late

2019, and have been based there ever

since. On display you’ll find a range

of wardrobes and walk-in wardrobes,

among a selection of loose furniture

items.

The staff will be happy to answer

any questions about their product range and can show

customers samples and handle choices for the range of

wardrobes and more.

Working up and down the country, Campbell Watson

has amassed a vast portfolio of work which can all be

viewed on the website, along with the full product range

and online brochures.

They work closely with customers to create dream

solutions that are perfect for any space. The designers

are available for no-obligation consultations - which can

be easily booked online - and the experienced fitting

team will deliver and install your products seamlessly.

The storage ranges are extensive, with a wide range

of styles, finishes, handles and accessories to choose

from. On top of this, Campbell Watson receives

positive feedback from clients, with the overall customer

experience and quality of installation top priorities.

Whether a large or small, residential or commercial

project, their experience as storage specialists means they

can create the perfect solution for

any environment.

If you’d like to visit the

showroom at 342 High Street,

Harborne, Birmingham, B17

9PU, the team is ready with a

friendly welcome from Monday

to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm, and

Saturdays from 12noon to 3pm.

Alternatively, you can contact

Campbell Watson on 0121

389 8422 or email info@

campbellwatson.co.uk. Visit

www.campbellwatson.co.uk

for further details.

THE ST


Discover that hidden gem today,

with the help of your local auctioneer

Established – Professional – Transparent - Trusted

The Winterton family name has been synonymous with auctioneering in Staffordshire since 1864

FREE SPECIALIST VALUATIONS NEAR YOU

FOR ALL YOUR JEWELLERY • WATCHES • GOLD • SILVER

Tuesdays

9.30am - 11.00am

Meet Ben for general advice

and auction consignments

DROP IN

Wednesdays

9.30am - 4.00pm

With Heather, gemmologist

and diamond grader

BY APPOINTMENT

Thursdays

9.30am - 4.00pm

Meet Lisa and our jewellery team

for auction estimates and advice

BY APPOINTMENT

The Hub At St Mary’s

Market Square

Lichfield City Centre, WS13 6LG

Tamworth Auction Rooms

34-35 Church Street

Tamworth, B79 7BX

The Lichfield Auction Centre

Fradley Park (close to the A38)

Wood End Lane, WS13 8NF

Probate and formal

valuations for inheritance

tax purposes

Our reliable and sympathetic

team can assist all executors

in the administration of

deceased estates

We handle everything

from jewellery and large

collections to cars, furniture

and household items

Comprehensive, bespoke

clearance service and

downsizing solutions

The clearance of an entire

estate, from houses,

bungalows and flats to offices

and all other buildings

We specialise in:

Antique and modern jewellery

Watches and timepieces

Pens

Designer gear

Gemstones

Silverware

Coins, medals and militaria

Works of art

Ceramics and glass

Whisky, wine, port and cigars

Vintage toys and trains

Stamps and ephemera

Cameras and telescopes

Record collections

Hi-fi and audio technology

Scientific equipment

Antique and modern furniture

Video gaming and Pokémon

Musical instruments

FREE General Valuations of

pictures, antiques and collectables

are available by appointment

Qualified

Members of our specialist

jewellery department are

certified gemmologists and

diamond graders

Record-breaking

international sales

More than 3,800 bidders from

all over the world join our

auctions online each month

Buy or sell with ease

Valuations, viewing and

consignments at our offices

by appointment - free home

visits for large collections,

digital estimates and

contactless pick-ups may

be arranged

The Lichfield Auction Centre

Wood End Lane, Fradley Park WS13 8NF

01543 251081

office@richardwinterton.co.uk

The Tamworth Auction Rooms

34-35 Church Street, Tamworth B79 7BX

01827 217746

tamworth@richardwinterton.co.uk

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