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.
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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
SPONSORED BY
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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.
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“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.
www.jaimemagazine.com
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
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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,
12 www.jaimemagazine.com

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
www.jaimemagazine.com
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
14 www.jaimemagazine.com

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.
Approximate gross internal floor area 4,051 sq. ft (376 sq. m).
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.
Approximate gross internal floor area 4,141 sq. ft (385 sq. m).
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.
16 www.jaimemagazine.com

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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
A light
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
can add a serious wow factor to any room - a real design
investment.
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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GOLDEN FEATHER CANDLE WALL SCONCE,
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PEACOCK FEATHER WALLPAPER, £78,
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NATURAL FEATHERS SILVER GREEN WALLPAPER,
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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
26 www.jaimemagazine.com

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
www.jaimemagazine.com
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
28 www.jaimemagazine.com

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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
30 www.jaimemagazine.com

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
32 www.jaimemagazine.com

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
www.jaimemagazine.com
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
36 www.jaimemagazine.com

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.
www.jaimemagazine.com
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
38 www.jaimemagazine.com

J’AIME
IS ONLINE
www.jaimemagazine.com
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
40 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
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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
www.jaimemagazine.com

POOL HOUSE
Professional advice with a personal approach
Pool House Group provides bespoke financial planning that is tailored to your individual needs.
We take our clients through the full financial planning journey from pension/savings accumulation,
all the way through to retirement. We use cash flow software that will demonstrate how your
objectives and future goals can come to life and how these will work for you in the future.
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
46 www.jaimemagazine.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
48 www.jaimemagazine.com

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.
www.jaimemagazine.com
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.
50 www.jaimemagazine.com

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.
www.jaimemagazine.com
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
52 www.jaimemagazine.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.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
WANDLER CHAMOMILE BLACK
BARREL LEG JEANS, HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
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
54 www.jaimemagazine.com

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.
56 www.jaimemagazine.com

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.
www.jaimemagazine.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
58 www.jaimemagazine.com

Discover that hidden gem today,
with the help of your local auctioneer
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Meet Ben for general advice
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Tamworth, B79 7BX
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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
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The clearance of an entire
estate, from houses,
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and all other buildings
We specialise in:
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FREE General Valuations of
pictures, antiques and collectables
are available by appointment
Qualified
Members of our specialist
jewellery department are
certified gemmologists and
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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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