The Rum Runner - Reflect Magazine

free
Issue 080
reflect
Get creative this
Christmas with
Crafts For
Christmas
Find out why James Bond has
an huge impact on tourism in
Visit Britain
The Rum Runner
Purpose-built in 1902 as The Ship Inn, Rum Runner in Retford
is a venue for the real-ale lover, serving five or six different
real ales each week. For more info, call 01777 860788 or turn
to page 06
See this issue online at www.reflect-magazine.co.uk

02 Perfect Pubs
03
Raise A Glass To The
Traditional British Pub
A place for letting your hair down, socialising with friends and getting together
with family, pubs are at the heart of the British way of life. The focus of a
community and the place for celebration, our love affair with the public house
began back in Roman times when the first inns, known as tabernae, appeared.
However, it’s the Anglo-Saxons who helped establish the pub as we know it today.
Their alehouses grew out of domestic dwellings and formed meeting houses for
local communities, eventually becoming so popular that in 965AD, King Edgar was
forced to limited alehouses to just one per village.
Today, there are around 53,500 pubs dotted around the country and although the
design, the drinks served and the food available has all changed enormously over
the centuries, our passion for pubs remains as great as ever. In fact, CAMRA – the
Campaign for Real Ale – have found that 76% of UK adults believe the pub makes an
important contribution to British life.
CAMRA also discovered, whilst compiling the 40th anniversary edition of the Good
Beer Guide, the Britain is now home to a staggering 1,009 breweries, 158 of which
have opened up in the space of just 12 months. This number is five times more
breweries than there were in operation 30 years ago, four times more than there
were 20 years ago, and more than twice as many as there were a decade ago!
Outside of Reflect’s main cities, you’ll find a whole host of cosy country pubs,
serving traditional seasonal grub and specialty ales. Village pubs offer a warm,
friendly and truly unique atmosphere, as well as being a little less hectic then many
city venues, making them the perfect destination for a festive celebration in the
run up to Christmas. You’ll find that most village pubs and restaurants also opt for
using locally produced fruit, vegetables and meat, meaning it’s fresher and tastier.
Just be sure you book a taxi if you’re planning to enjoy a drink or two.
For more information on Britain’s pubs, please visit www.camra.org.uk
Cheshire
The Windmill
Set in nearly 1½
acres of the Cheshire
countryside,
The Windmill at
Whiteley Green is
located off the A523
between Poynton
& Macclesfield, just a few yards from Bridge 25
of the Macclesfield Canal and the Middlewood
Way.
All our food is fresh and sourced as locally
as possible, through excellent suppliers, to
fully embrace the flavours of the region,
especially Cheshire. Our skilled brigade of chefs
endeavour to create a menu designed to suit
traditional and more contemporary tastes.
We are Taste Cheshire Highest Quality Assured
as well as members of the Taste Cheshire Food
Trail.
Whether you visit The Windmill at Whiteley
Green for a quick lunchtime sandwich or a
relaxing evening meal, you can always be
guaranteed a warm welcome and friendly
service.
The Windmill, Holehouse Lane, Whiteley
Green, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 5SJ
Call us on 01625 574 222
mail@thewindmill.info
www.thewindmill.info
Yorkshire
The Wadkin Arms
The Wadkin
Arms, Real
Ale Pub is a
traditional
village public
house.
Converted from three farm cottages in
1861 it boasts a real fire, warm friendly
atmosphere and great beer. A regular
achiever in the Good Beer Guide
including 2013, we are Cask Marque,
SIBA, CAMRA and LocAle accredited.
We have a large garden area, and we’re
also children and dog friendly.
We serve tea/coffee all day for those
of you who are driving. The Wadkin is
located just off the A19/A63 junction,
Osgodby.
Web: www.wadkinarms.co.uk or
follow us on Facebook, see you soon.
Tel: 01757 702391
Email: events@wadkinarms.co.uk
The Black Rock
Yorkshire
An arched,
tiled facade
leads into this
compact city
centre local,
with a warm
welcome and
comfortable
interior
including
photographs of old Wakefield.
The Rock stands as one of the few
proper pubs left in the middle of
the clubs and bars of Westgate, and
is popular with drinkers of all ages
looking for a real pint.
Customers are encouraged to
suggest beers to try, with three
different ales on offer. There is a free
function room available
Accredited with BII, Cask Marque,
The Tetley Huntsman & Camra Good
Beer Guide.
The Black Rock, 19 Cross Square,
Wakefield WF1 1PQ.
Tel: 01924 375550
Yorkshire
THE HUNTSMAN
THURLSTONE -
A REAL ALE PUB
A PROPER PUB!
Welcome to The Huntsman, Thurlstone,
a good old-fashioned family pub with a
warm and welcoming atmosphere.
WE ARE IN THE 2013
GOOD BEER GUIDE.
There are six real ales always on offer
including three guest beers.
And we can assure you that you won’t be
troubled by the presence of a jukebox,
a television or loud music (with the possible
exception of Wednesday nights!).
Well-behaved dogs and children are
always welcome!
The Huntsman, 136 Manchester Road,
Thurlstone, Sheffield S36 9QW.
01226 764892
Enquiries@thehuntsmanthurlstone.co.uk
Yorkshire
The Junction
Public House
The Junction in Castleford should really be
named the E-BAY ARMS. This public house
in the town centre of Castleford has been
lovingly restored by the owners, Neil and
Maureen, into a traditional old English pub
using reclaimed everything, from wooden
parquet flooring to the bar rescued from
Haddon Hall Leeds. The fireplaces have
been re-opened and a little snug built, so
its a warm and welcoming atmosphere for
man and dog to warm yer bum .
Local real ales, some from wooden barrels,
are dispensed through a bank of four old
Melbourne pumps. Only two minutes’ from
bus and train station, dog-friendly.
The Junction, Carlton Street,
Castleford WF10 1EE
Tel: 01977 278867
Find us on facebook and or visit
www.junctioncas.co.uk
Discover The Perfect Winter Pub
Yorkshire
The Royal Oak
Old Malton
Yorkshire
Birch Hall Inn
Nestling in the beautifully rural Yorkshire Dales, Crab Manor
Hotel and the highly acclaimed Crab & Lobster Restaurant
offer something extra special this festive season.
Crab & Lobster Restaurant
Generous, unpretentious and prepared to perfection, the wide variety of
gourmet dishes, from fresh local seafood to traditional English fare, on
offer at the Crab & Lobster has to be seen, and eaten, to be believed.
With a sun-trapped beer garden, bright and airy pavilion, cosy main
restaurant and a friendly bar, the Crab & Lobster offers a variety of
facilities and settings for all occasions - whether it be a light bite to eat
during the day or a romantic candle-lit meal in the evening.
From Monday December 3rd, the Crab & Lobster Restaurant will be
serving their festive lunch menu (alongside their regular menu), which
is available to view online now at www.crabandlobster.co.uk/page/
Christmas.htm. Two courses of delicious, seasonal festive fair cost
£16.50 whilst three courses cost £19.50. A festive a la carte threecourse
menu is also available in the evenings for £35 per head. This
set-menu is not available on Sundays and every Wednesday evening,
diners will be entertained with live jazz music.
Christmas Day sees a festive feast served for £95 per head, this sixcourse
celebration features indulgent delights such as lightly spiced
parsnip soup with warm Christmas muffin, roast fresh local turkey,
bread sauce, herb stuffing, bacon roll & cranberries, all spice gravy and
homemade Christmas pudding, rum & raisin crunch ice cream with lots
of brandy custard.
If that wasn’t enough festive celebrations, the Crab & Lobster are also
welcoming party-goers to a dinner disco dance on New Year’s Eve
from 7pm until 2am on January 1st 2013. For £99, guests can enjoy a
champagne reception and canapés, nine-course meal (accompanied
by live street jazz with Richard Muttonchops) and a disco until the early
hours.
The Crab & Lobster Restaurant is open for lunch from 12noon until
2:30pm every day. Sunday to Friday it is open from 7pm until 9pm for
dinner, and from 6:30pm until 9:30pm on Saturdays.
Crab Manor Hotel
Decorated with beautiful artefacts and antiques, each room in this 18th
Century Georgian Manor, and accompanying beautiful thatched lodges
and Scandinavian pine cabins, offers unique accommodation in a
picturesque setting in rural Yorkshire.
Crab Manor currently boasts 14 individually themed en-suite rooms,
but from January 2013, there will be an additional three themed rooms
available to hire, taking the total number of rooms to 17, six of which
are luxury rooms with their own private hot tub. These three new rooms
will boast Taj Mahal Palace, Villa Serbelloni Italy and Bellagio Las Vegas
themes.
Crab Manor Hotel are offering Reflect readers the opportunity to
experience the tranquillity and luxury of their Manor Rooms for just £99
per room on Monday to Thursday stays booked and taken throughout
November 2012 - just quote ‘Reflect’ when booking.
Tel: 01845 577286
Web: www.crabandlobster.co.uk
Crab Manor Hotel, Dishforth, Asenby,
Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 3QL
Situated in the heart of the picturesque
village of Brassington in Derbyshire, Ye Olde
Gate Inn allows locals and visitors alike the
chance to step over the threshold and back
in time. The traditional, historic feel has been
retained while also providing a comfortable,
friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy some
fine food and drink. In winter, the whole area
is kept snug and cosy with open fires.
Ye Olde Gate Inn has been named Britain’s
cosiest pub by The Times. Roger Protz, the
editor of The Good Beer Guide was asked to
recommend pubs with all the cosy features
you need to keep freezing temperatures
at bay - roaring fires, good company, and a
fine pint - and came up with Ye Olde Gate
Inn Brassington. He wrote: ‘Ye Olde Gate Inn,
Brassington, Derbyshire - Simply the perfect
winter pub; you won’t find a cosier place in the
country. It’s nearly 400 years old, and you can
feel the history – Bonnie Prince Charlie’s soldiers
were billeted here on their march to London,
and some of the oak beams came from ships of
the Spanish Armada. It pulls off the rare trick of
being a genuine local, packed with villagers, but
thoroughly warm and welcoming to visitors, too.’
A frequent watering hole for visiting walkers
and ramblers, Ye Olde Gate Inn serves a
menu that boasts of old pub favourites, like
filled baguettes and homemade Steak and
Guinness Pie and locally caught trout, steaks
and duck with mango compote. The menu
changes regularly and all tastes catered for.
Daily specials and a takeaway service are
available.
Opening Hours
Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays
Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm - 11pm with food
from 6:30pm until 8:45pm
Wednesday to Saturday, 12noon until 3pm,
with food until 1:45pm
Sunday, 12noon until 4pm and 7pm, until
11pm (no food Sunday evenings)
For more information,
please call 01629 540448 or visit
www.oldgateinnbrassington.co.uk
Ye Olde Gate Inn, Well Street,
Brassington, Matlock, Derbyshire
DE4 4HJ
At The Royal Oak we believe that we have a
beautiful and traditional English pub, where
everyone is welcome and all needs can
be met. The pub was built in the mid-17th
Century and not a great deal has changed
since. We pride ourselves on our selection
of locally brewed real cask ale, which is
cared for by a landlord with over thirty years’
experience.
We are also very proud of our homemade
food and desserts. It is important to us that
ingredients are locally sourced, so that we can
play a part in supporting the local economy
and also the wider environment.
We try our best to deliver friendly and helpful
service to you all, whether you are having
a quick drink and nibbles, or settling in for
the night, in front of our open fire. If there
is anything any of us can do for you, please
don’t hesitate to ask.
The Royal Oak, 47 Town Street,
Old Malton, Malton YO17 7HB
01653 699334
www.royaloakoldmalton.co.uk
Probably the smallest pub you’ve seen for
years, just two bars with a sweet shop in
the middle where time has stood still for
generations.
You’ll find us 10
miles south of
Whitby, off the
A169.
We serve hand-pulled cask beer, a simple
menu of hot drinks, butties & pies, homebaked
scones and our famous beer-cake.
Mondays, only open 11am to 3pm,
Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 3pm &
7:30pm to 11pm. From November we also
close on Tuesdays.
In Summer we extend these times to
11am to 11pm every day.
Your hosts are Neil & Glenys Crampton.
Birch Hall Inn, Beck Hole
Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 5LE
Tel: 01947 896245
Email: glenys@birchhallinn.fsnet.co.uk
Web: www.beckhole.info

Issue 080
reflect
Purpose-built in 1902 as The Ship Inn, Rum Runner in Retford
is a venue for the real-ale lover, serving five or six different
real ales each week. For more info, call 01777 860788 or turn
to page 06
04 05
Get creative this
Christmas with
Crafts For
Christmas
free
Contents
Find out why James Bond has
an huge impact on tourism in
Visit Britain
The Rum Runner
See this issue online at www.reflect-magazine.co.uk
Front cover image courtesy of
The Rum Runner
www.reflect-magazine.co.uk
Image courtesy of Crafts For Christmas
02 Perfect Pubs
04 Contents
06 Perfect Pubs
Editor:
Accounts:
Feature Writer:
Graphic Designer:
Elaine Ellis
elaine@reflect-magazine.co.uk
0116 262 8096
Anthony Klak
accounts@reflect-magazine.co.uk
0116 251 5919
Laura Hyde
editorials@reflect-magazine.co.uk
0116 251 7385
Mandeep Kaur
design@reflect-magazine.co.uk
0116 251 7385
07 Lynx Model Works
08 Crafts For Christmas
11 Steve Ramsden Photography
12 Visit Britain
14 MWC Video Productions
Sales:
Sue Lees
0116 262 8096
Self Select Distribution
Image courtesy of The Rum Runner
Distribution:
Reflect Magazine Ltd
Published by:
Spectrum Printers Services
0116 246 1717
Printed by:
to Reflect Magazine call
0116 262 8096
To subscribe:
Web Design:
Write to us:
Paul Tipton at Q Creative Design
paul@qcreativedesign.co.uk
0116 251 7298
REFLECT MAGAZINE
3rd Floor Office,
29-35 St Nicholas Place,
Leicester LE1 4LD
Name & Registered Office:
Company Number:
REFLECT MAGAZINE LIMITED
Allen House, Newarke Street,
Leicester LE1 5SG
6979106
Image courtesy of Steve Ramsden Photography
Image courtesy of Marwood Hill Gardens

06 Perfect Pubs Lynx Model Works 07
Reflect Visits:
The Rum Runner
A Modern Business
With A Future Firmly
Based In The Past
On a cloudy autumn day just before
Halloween, Reflect hopped in the car and
drove up the A1 to Retford to visit The Rum
Runner and its landlord, Jon Noyes, to see for
ourselves this wonderfully charming, purposebuilt
pub which caters for real-ale lovers.
Owned by Bateman’s brewery since 2006, The Rum Runner is
now under the guidance of ale-lover Jon Noyes. Jon took the
helm at the end of February 2011 and has upheld and indeed
expanded on the pubs proud claim, as a venue for the real-ale
lover. The Rum Runner boasts a permanent selection of five
ales with Bateman’s X Beer and Harvest Pale from Castle Rock
brewery in Nottingham, permanently on offer.
Jon sought out the assistance of Sue Sherry (herself a previous
landlady of The Rum Runner) to re-open and run the kitchen.
Sue immediately gained the coveted five-star food hygiene
rating and offers an extensive range of home-cooked food
from Tuesday to Friday from 12noon until 2pm, Thursday and
Friday evenings from 5pm until 8pm and Saturday and Sunday
12noon until 4pm. Example dishes include: chicken pesto
pasta salad with garlic bread, pork in a sage & onion sauce
with vegetables and potatoes, veggie sausage and mash and
scampi, chips, peas and salad, ranging from £6.95 to £8.50.
The Rum Runner are currently taking bookings for their
Christmas menu, which boasts a range of delicious, seasonal
dishes, all individually priced. Starters include homemade
tomato soup with a drizzle of pesto cream for £3.75, duck pate
served with a crisp salad and Cumberland sauce, crusty bread
and butter for £4.75 and Atlantic prawns, smoked salmon with
a brandy Marie Rose sauce for £4.95. The main course offers
tasty treats such as local turkey breast, pigs in blankets, date
and walnut stuffing and pan gravy for £8.50, game casserole,
slow-cooked with redcurrant and thyme, pheasant, hare,
venison, partridge and pigeon for £9.95 and goat’s cheese
tart with pesto cream sauce for £7.97, all served with seasonal
vegetables and potatoes. The Christmas menu also features
a selection of desserts for just £4.50, including Christmas
pudding, lemon tart and ice cream. Jon said: “The items on our
Christmas menu are priced individually, as we recognise that not
everybody can handle a copious three-course meal. The function
room is, of course, available for Christmas dinner parties, but
early booking is advised.”
During the open season of The Little Theatre, situated opposite
The Rum Runner, Sue creates themed menus for theatregoers
which reflect the style of the current play. This is available for
small groups or groups of up to 30 in the function room.
Across the courtyard, behind the pub, a former micro-brewery
has become an art gallery with monthly changing exhibitions
with original works available for sale. The current exhibition
is of photographs by Gordon Patchett, a local whose work is
becoming increasingly sought after.
Jon has always been a supporter of live music and the arts. The
first Thursday of the month is open mic night, the last Friday of
the month Blues Jam and bands are hosted on two Saturdays
month. Wednesday is quiz night. The Rum Runner has a host
of live music gigs lined up from now until Christmas, featuring
John Berry and a music quiz on Saturday November 10th,
The Torn on Friday November 16th and Ian Payne on Friday
December 14th.
You can find out more about The Rum Runner on Facebook, in
The Good Beer Guide, Nottingham Food & Drink, TripAdvisor
and in the local press or by simply coming to visit us – the log
fire and candles will be lit.
Impressed with the facilities and entertainment on offer at The
Rum Runner, Reflect have awarded the pub with a Certificate
of Recognition for Leisure & Entertainment. Reflect Editor,
Elaine Ellis, said: “The Rum Runner sounds like a wonderful place
to enjoy a delicious meal or a relaxing pint by the roaring fire. I
hope this Certificate of Recognition will encourage Reflect readers
to visit this delightful, characterful pub and see for themselves
why I chose it for this Recognition.”
When presented with the Certificate, Jon said: “Wow, thank
you. This is great. I took over at The Rum Runner almost two years
ago and it’s been great but this is the icing on the cake!”
Tel: 01777 8607888
The Rum Runner, Wharf Road,
Retford Town, Nottinghamshire
DN22 6EN
With some of the longest working
hours in Europe, us Brits need a hobby,
something that truly relaxes our bodies
and allows our minds to wander far from
the world of work. Reflect have found just
the thing – model railways.
Based in the beautiful county of Lincolnshire, Lynx
Model Works is a thriving specialist precision
engineering business, specialising in steam engines of all
kinds. Formed in 2002 by John Clarke, a model engineer
with over 38 years’ experience in producing live steam
locomotives, traction engines, stationary and steam
launch engines and rolling stock, the recently expanded
Lynx Model Works workforce (of 14 engineers) produce
beautiful models and full-sized steamboat engines and
their component parts, including fully tested coal-fired
boilers.
Lynx Model Works produce real steam locomotives
in any gauge/scale from gauge ‘0‘ (1.25inch) to 10.25
inch, (including 35mm, 45mm, 2 1/2”, 3 1/2”, 5”, 7 1/4”,
9 1/2” and 10 1/4”) together with Traction Engines
to 6” scale, Model and full-size Stationery and Steam
Launch Engines. They are all made to order or special
commission.
In the last six years, they have built some 45 live
steam locomotives for discerning clients. All are coal
fired, passenger-hauling replicas of famous full-sized
locomotives from the past. Real Live Steam Coal Fired
locomotives are made in any gauge/scale from 2 ½” to
10 ¼” Gauge to individual order. Traction Engines to 4”
scale, Model and full-size Stationery and Steam Launch
Lynx Model Works Team
Front (l-r): Chris, Giles, John C, Jonnie, John S, Rick
Rear (l-r): Alan F1, Paul, Dave, Mark, Colin, Alan F2, Mike, Barry
Engines are also produced to order. All products built
and offered by Lynx Model Works are customer driven,
as they specialise in producing individual items to fulfil
client’s wishes.
John told Reflect: “One of our aims is to assist other model
engineers in the completion of their projects by making parts
that they may not have the time or facilities to produce
for themselves. We are also happy to repair, renovate and
complete unfinished models and assist in the reworking and
build of any ‘kit’ item, complete or incomplete.”
Lynx Model Works are thriving in uncertain economic
times. They’ve recently moved into three industrial units,
totalling over 3,500ft². This, together with the dedicated
CNC machine shop, traditional hand machine shop and
extensive assembly and fitting facilities, enables them to
undertake a variety of work, all of which is steam-based.
John added: “We’ve not only expanded our work space
in the last 12 months, but also our range. Last year we
launched not one but two new ‘kits’ for customers: firstly
there was the 7¼” gage Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
Pug 0-4-0 Saddle Tank Locomotive that, once built, is
approximately 3ft long and 18” high; and secondly was
a more complicated kit for the more advanced steam
locomotive builder, a 5” gauge rebuilt merchant Navy Pacificclass
Locomotive, almost 300 weight and over 6ft long.”
Last year was successful for Lynx Model Works; Reflect
awarded them with an Annual Diamond Certificate
of Recognition. On hearing the news, John said: “We’re
delighted to receive this Annual Certificate. It’s nice to know
that other people recognise the excellent quality of our
products, which we are extremely proud to produce. I’m
looking forward to the future of the company and offering
something unique.” In 2009, Reflect also awarded Lynx
Model Works with a Certificate of Recognition for
Engineering Services.
Lynx Model Works is an Association of Companies,
including Lynx Model Works Ltd, Lynx Model Boilers
Ltd, Lynx Model Paint and Machining Services Ltd, Live
Steam Kits Ltd and Lynx Model Restorations Ltd.
For further information, please contact:
Lynx Model Works Ltd., Units 5A, 6C &
6D, Golf Road Industrial Estate,
Enterprise Road, Mablethorpe LN12 1NB
T: 01507 479666
W: www.lynxmodelworks.co.uk
E: info@lynxmodelworks.co.uk

08 Crafts For Christmas
09
Enjoy A
Handmade Christmas
We don’t want to shock you, but there are only six weeks until Christmas! It may be
known as the most wonderful time of the year, but the season of goodwill is also the
most expensive time of the year, particularly for those of us who are feeling cashstrapped.
One way to save money on gifts at Christmas is to hand-make your own gifts for loved
ones. This weekend (8th – 11th November) Crafts for Christmas, Hobbycrafts and Art
Materials Live! takes place at the NEC, Birmingham. With everything you need for a
beautiful handmade Christmas, this is the perfect way to add some sparkle to your
Christmas this year.
Whether it’s a cuddly snowman for a little one, some festive decorations for the house
or a beautiful necklace for that special someone, Crafts for Christmas offers a huge
selection of handmade gifts and crafts from hundreds of exhibitors. The brand new
Graduate Area will bring together an abundance of work from the very best of newly
qualified British designers and makers. With fantastic gifts to choose from, including
textiles, glass, wood, metal, jewellery, furniture and much more, this is a great way to
find some truly original items this Christmas that everyone will love!
Add some Christmas spirit to your household and visit the Prima Magazine Craft
Theatre where you can pick up some clever ideas to add some creative handmade
touches. With a range of Christmas crafty projects for you to choose from, these free
daily demonstrations are a great way to try your hand at crafting whether you are an
old hand or a newcomer!
Knitting Buddies:
Knitting Accessories for Tangle-Free
The Festive Food and Drink aisle is a must visit for any foodie. With a fabulous selection
of goodies including handmade chocolates, marmalades, cheeses, chutneys and
fabulous cakes, this is the perfect opportunity to get some presents organised early or
stock up your festive food store cupboard!
If you want your Christmas to be surrounded by handmade and personal wares or
simply want to stock up on materials for your favourite craft, make sure you have a
magical Christmas by visiting Crafts for Christmas, Hobbycrafts and Art Materials Live –
you won’t be disappointed! Visit www.ichf.co.uk for more details and tickets.
Julie said: “I have been a knitter since the age of five and I have loved to knit fair-isle,
intarsia, characters and small knitting projects. I have experienced problems with
tangled wool. I have thought, at length, about a knitting gadget to put this problem
right, and came up with my Knitting Buddies. These work perfectly for me - and they
will work perfectly for you too, I guarantee it! No more balls of tangled wool - why
not try them for yourself and see how much easier changing colours knitting can be.
Knitting Buddies make great knitting gifts for knitters, so please order them here for
your favourite knitting enthusiast.”
Yards of Yarn
Yarns by King Cole,
Sirdar, Wendy and
Stylecraft.
Helpfulness and
friendliness guaranteed.
19 High Street, Wigton,
Cumbria CA7 9NJ
Tel: 01697 342470
Email: susan@yardsofyarn.co.uk
www.yardsofyarn.co.uk
WE ARE ONE OF THE LARGEST RETAIL
STORES IN WORCESTERSHIRE AND
THE MIDLANDS AREA.
Our autumn clearance lines, discontinued
colours & yarns on offer. Out with the old,
bring in with the new.
Many bargains throughout the store. So
if you are looking for inspiration, we have plenty to offer,
complete with friendly help and advice. Stockist of yarns &
baby christening wear.
The Dropped Stitch
The Dropped Stitch offers
a wide range of knitting
yarn and accessories, along
with handmade jewellery,
doll houses and dolls house
furniture. As a family-owned,
family-run business, we strive to
maintain a high level of service
and to keep all customers
happy, and wanting to come
back for more.
113/115 Victoria Road, East Sussex BN41 1XD
Tel: 01273 424529 | www.thedroppedstitch.co.uk
If your creative skills don’t stretch as far as making something crafty, there are other
ways you can make personalised gifts without too much difficulty; a mix CD with
your dad’s favourite tracks on it, homemade sweets or chocolates for mum or even a
photo book for your grandparents of pictures from your childhood – all you need is an
afternoon and a bit of creativity!
The New
Wool Shop
17 North
Methven Street,
Perth PH1 5PN
Scotland
Tel:
01738 440183
For more years than she cares to remember, passionate knitter,
Julie Kerr, has been wielding her knitting needles, knitting
everything she can. Through her own experience of untangling
balls of wool when multicolour knitting, she has invented the
perfect knitting accessories - Knitting Buddies - the tangle-free
solution you have been looking for.
The concept is simple - and easy to explain - so if you’ve had a frustrating time
with tangled wool, you are in just the right place. Knitting Buddies are gloriously
simple to use even for those starting to learn to knit - but once you’ve tried
them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
All you have to do is:
• Separate the two halves of the knitting buddy wool dispenser
• Hold Release Button and thread yarn through the hole. Release the
button - your yarn is now in place
• Place ball of yarn in the other half of the knitting buddy and then click
the two halves together
• Press the release button on the toggle to release the yarn - Simple!
Knitting Buddies are sold in packs of four. That allows you to have four different
feeds at any one time, and the simple design enables you to expose just the right
amount of yarn for the task in hand. Lightweight, compact and easy to use, we
are sure these knitting accessories will be fantastic for knitters of all ages and skill
levels.
Tangle-free Knitting Buddies are double guaranteed. If you don’t like them, send
them back to us within 28 days and we will give you your money back - we are
confident that you will love the Knitting Buddies, but happy to refund you if you
don’t. Also, if your Knitting Buddies break within the first three months, we will
send you a replacement at our expense. We’ve tested them to destruction, so we
are very confident that you won’t need to use this service, but just in case we are
happy to offer it.
You can order online from the website shop. If you would prefer
to pay by cheque, please call 07769 630242 or email
info@knittingbuddies.co.uk with your requirements.
Before launching the product, Julie put it onto eBay knitting wool just to see
what would happen. Here is some of the feedback:
• “Good Item” - CHERYL8326
• “Excellent Item” – SKEETERHAWKEYES
• “These will be a Godsend” - LilyRobins
Visit our new online shop www.woolwise.co.uk or find us
on Facebook and our eBay shop, wool wise-christening.
10 Lower Mill Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 6UU
Tel: 01562 820279 | Email shop@woolwise.co.uk
Stockists of Sirdar
and Wendy

10 Crafts For Christmas
Steve Ramsden Photography 11
Get Crafty This Christmas with
Alice Lou Wools
With a keen interest in crochet and
knitting from the age of four, it’s
unsurprising that Maureen Hallam
ended up opening her own wool
shop. Situated on Wayte Street in
Portsmouth, Alice Lou Wools opened
its doors to the public in June 2003
and boasts a huge array of top quality
wools and yarns from top brands,
including King Cole, James Brett
Yarns and Woolcraft, as well as all the
accessories and haberdashery crafters
need.
Maureen told Reflect: “I’ve always worked
in retail but it wasn’t until December 2002 when I was buying some crochet wool
from the then local wool shop that I had the idea to open my own shop. The lady
who owned that shop was elderly and had decided to retire and close the shop;
everyone who visited the shop in the time I was there was disappointed that the
shop was closing, so I knew there was still a need for a wool shop in Portsmouth.
I also knew there was an empty unit four doors up from that shop, so I set the
wheels in motion and started Alice Lou Wools from nothing. We opened to the
public the following June and we’ve gone from strength-to-strength. I took the
first lease on for one year to test the waters, but that was followed by a five-year
lease and another fiver-year lease. It’s a real family business; my daughter works
here full-time alongside me and my granddaughter, who is still young, works here
on a Saturday, my husband does the administration and maintenance and my
brother does our accounts.”
Boasting customers from across the UK, as well as far afield as Italy, Alice
Lou Wools stocks a wide range of wools and yarns, as well as knitting
needles, crochet hooks and other accessories as well as an extensive range
of haberdashery from big names such as Groves and Banks. The company’s
unique selling point is their ‘knit to order’ service, as Maureen explained: “We
offer a huge range of knitwear, made to order. I have a lovely and very talented
lady who knits everything for us. We’re very busy at the moment completing
our baby knitwear sets which have been ordered for Christmas. Many customers
come to us because they can’t get hand-knitted clothes for babies and young
children from the High Street. There’s also a huge demand at the moment for
loopy jackets, so we’re busy knitting for Christmas.
“We post items to anywhere in the world, with regular orders from customers in
France and Milan in Italy. We also have people travel from all over to come to the
shop as there are not a lot of wool shops in Portsmouth. We often get asked if
we’re ever going to open a shop in Southampton, but we’re so busy here, I don’t
think we could cope! I think people come here for the personalised service and
the experience and knowledge I have; I’ve been knitting since the age of four,
when my grandmother taught me. I’ve spent many afternoons and evenings
sat by the fire, listening to the radio, knitting with my mum and gran. I think
customers appreciate all my experience and know that I know what I’m talking
about when I offer advice and guidance, if and when it’s required.”
Opening Times:
Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm
Saturday, 9am until 4pm
Closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays
For more information, please call 02392 379977 or email
alicelouwools@live.co.uk
Alternatively visit www.alicelouwools.co.uk or pop into
12 Wayte Street, Casham, Portsmouth PO6 3BS
Reflect Presents Yorkshire’s Finest Wedding Photographers -
Steve Ramsden Photography
Having photographed weddings at some of Yorkshire’s finest venues, Steve Ramsden
is an award-winning photographer who understands that each wedding is as unique
as the couple tying the knot, which is why he tailor-makes a package to suit.
Steve became a full time photographer in 2001 after 19 years working for Lloyds TSB. He picks up the
story: “I studied photography at night school as a hobby, but after getting work from a local photographer
for three years, I decided on a career change and quit my job at the bank. I’ve trained with some of the best
photographers in the world, including Bambi Cantrell and Yervant. My first wedding was in 1998, and I’ve since
photographed over 400 weddings all over the country, in all sorts of venues, and in all weather conditions. I
work with my wife Karen, who takes a more discreet ‘observational’ role during the day, and gets lots of the
candid, reportage style shots that brides just love. You name it, we’ve done it – gorgeous marquee weddings
on bright summer days to candlelit winter weddings in cosy castles, church weddings, barn weddings, hotel
weddings and marquee weddings; each one as unique and different as the next.”
Steve works with couples to ensure each minute detail of their special day is captured forever, as he
explained: “It’s always exciting to chat with brides about their plans, and offer advice where we can, but as
every wedding is different. We’re flexible and work with our clients to create the perfect package specifically for
them. A standard package from us would include two photographers, usually from the bridal party preparations
through to the first dance. This also includes all the images on disc and a wedding album, but we’re happy to
work with couples, and their budgets, to find the perfect photography solution.”
With a farm-based studio on the north side of York, Steve is also able to offer a pre-wedding Engagement photo shoot for couples who want some nice pre-wedding
photos, as well as those couples who are nervous about being photographed. Steve added:“We have the farm studio, so can do indoor photography if the weather is bad, but as
we’ve got a nice rural setting, we usually head out into the Yorkshire countryside to take photos. I’m also happy to go wherever the couple wants, such as the centre of York or a local
park. The Engagement shoot is a great way to give couples some feedback for their wedding day as well as help them to relax in front of the camera.”
Thanks to the fully equipped photographic studio, Steve Ramsden Photography is also able to offer
family portrait photography for those families who wish to capture life at all its different stages. Steve
said: “We usually allow an hour for family portrait sessions and we’re happy to take photos indoors and
outside in the picturesque Yorkshire countryside. We have our own supplies of toys and other props – baby
seats, blankets, etc. However we do recommend that you bring along any favourites toys, teddy bears, comfort
blankets, etc., especially for younger children. This will help them to feel at home in what is to them, a strange
environment. There is plenty of room for changing, and we do recommend that you bring along at least two
changes of clothing per child, as this will give variety to the photographs that we take.”
Covering the whole of the UK, and overseas, and not just venues in Yorkshire, Steve works to ensure
you get the very best photos on your wedding day, quickly, efficiently and unobtrusively, so you and
your guests aren’t hanging around or wasting precious celebrating time. Steve Ramsden Photography is
also recommended by some of Yorkshire’s best wedding venues, including Ripley Castle, Rudding Park,
Swinton Park, Wood Hall Hotel and Castle Howard.
For more information, or to see examples of Steve’s photography, please visit
www.steveramsdenstudio.co.uk or call 01904 479063

12 Visit Britain
13
007’s Great Mission To Lure
More Tourists To Britain
Darfoulds Nursery
Putting a poinsettia on the side
board at Christmas has become as
much as a tradition as putting up a
Christmas tree in the living room.
Darfoulds Nursery is one of the very
few nurseries that can still boast as
growing these unique plants and
have a wonderfully wide selection of
both colours and sizes. Its definitely
worth a visit at Christmas, bring the
children along to see Santa and his
wonderful donkeys, choose from
a wide selection of real Christmas
trees or just relax and have a bite to
eat with a warm drink, just off the
A619 near Worksop.
See The Riot of Autumn Colour at
Marwood Hill Gardens
Certificate of Recognition for Horticultural Education
On Friday October 5th - Global James Bond Day - VisitBritain launched its biggest ever film
tourism campaign, centred around the release of Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s SKYFALL, the 23rd James Bond
adventure (in theatres worldwide now).
To capitalise on the global fascination with James Bond, VisitBritain is undertaking an extensive marketing campaign
in 21 countries to encourage 007 fans to head to Britain – the home of Bond – for their next holiday. This will see the
national tourism agency roll out a string of cinema, press and outdoor advertising developed around the slogan “Bond is
GREAT Britain”.
The extensive international production of SKYFALL filmed in iconic London locations, including the National Gallery,
Whitehall and Greenwich, as well as Glencoe and Glen Etive in the Scottish Highlands where Ian Fleming’s family once
owned a home.
Capturing the adventure and excitement of 007, VisitBritain’s image campaign includes its first ever film tourism
ad, which will be shown in cinemas in key inbound markets like Australia, Brazil, Germany and the US. A number of
billboards declaring “Bond is GREAT Britain” will also remind people that there is no better time for them to come to
Britain and explore the home of the world’s most dashing secret agent.
To coincide with celebrations for the 50th anniversary of 007, VisitBritain will launch an online SKYFALL experience
called ‘Agent UK’, designed to engage with the large digital and social media following that the national tourism agency
already enjoys. Those taking part will undertake five online missions across the UK, which will lead them to identify
the hidden location of a rogue agent. One lucky global winner will be flown to the UK courtesy of British Airways and
treated to a luxury experience.
Britain’s rich heritage and culture, along with its film expertise all combine to make the UK an ideal location for filming,
something which has been drawing film-makers to Britain for years. On average, 120 million people worldwide will see
a blockbuster film in the first three weeks of it opening and research shows that film locations can be a major draw for
overseas tourists. VisitBritain research shows that just under half of potential visitors to Britain want to visit places they
have seen featured in films or TV.
So, if a British break is good enough for our foreign counterparts, it’s good enough for us,
which is why Reflect would like to encourage our readers to consider Britain for a pre-Christmas
holiday or for your annual getaway in 2013. For more information on holidaying in Britain, please
visit www.visitbritain.com
Darfoulds Nursery
S80 3EY
Tel: 01909 472881
Birmingham
Back to Backs
Certificate of Recognition for
Tourist Attraction Of The Year
A National Trust property that first opened its
doors to visitors in July 2004, Birmingham Back
to Backs are the last surviving court of back-toback
houses (built literally back-to-back around
a communal courtyard) in the whole of the West
Midlands.
Situated in the heart of Birmingham,
Birmingham Back to Backs give visitors a
glimpse of Birmingham during four time
periods, thanks to four unique properties from
the 1840s, 1870s, 1930s and 1970s.
Birmingham Back to Backs is open Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 1pm
during school term time and Friday, Saturday
and Sunday from 10am until 5pm, except in
January when the property is closed. Booking a
guided tour is highly recommended, especially
during busy periods. Bookings can be made by
calling 0121 6667671.
Standard admission: £6.30 for adults, £3.20 for
children and £14.80 for a family (two adults and
up to three children). Gift Aid admission, which
includes a 10% donation: £6.95 for adults, £3.60
for children and £16.30 for a family ticket.
For more information on Birmingham Back to
Backs, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
main/w-birmingham_backtobacks
Are you looking to make the most of the fine weather
whilst it’s still here If you are, Reflect would like to
recommend a trip to north Devon to Marwood Hill
Gardens, a delightful 20-acre privately-owned garden
offering a great day out for old and young alike. Tucked
away in the Devonshire countryside, Marwood Hill
Gardens boasts three lakes, several national collections,
unusual plants, a selection of sculptures, plant sales, a
delightful tea room serving homemade cakes, and areas
in which to relax and even picnic, making it well-worth a
visit at any time of the year.
The gardening year at Marwood Hill Gardens begins in
February with masses of Snowdrops welcoming the early
spring, followed by daffodils and later bluebells. The large
collection of Magnolias is at its best during March and
April, along with Camellias Rhododendrons and Cherry
blossom, providing a riot of colour for Easter time.
As summer nears, the alpines and early flowering
herbaceous plants begin to flower and drifts of colourful
Primulas around the lakes and streams begin to give their
several months of colour. During the summer months, the
areas around the walled garden are a mass of colourful
blooms and the walls are draped with Clematis but as
autumn approaches, the hardy cyclamen around the
bases of the trees start to produce their pink and white
flowers. While above, the autumn tints of the trees leaves,
give one last riot of colour.
Gearing up to close for the winter at the end of October,
it’s the perfect time to make the trip down south to
visit Marwood Hill Gardens, which is why Reflect have
awarded them with our Certificate of Recognition for
Horticultural Education. Patricia Stout, property manager
at Marwood Hill Gardens, said: “Everyone at Marwood
Hill Gardens is pleased to receive the Reflect Certificate of
Recognition for Horticultural Education.
All the staff and volunteers work together, as a family, to
keep the gardens going and open to the public.”
Marwood Hill Gardens was created by Dr James Smart
VMH; over the last 50 years, they’ve been transformed,
beginning life as an old broken down walled garden and
a few fruit trees, surrounded by pastureland with a small
stream running through the valley. Between 1960 and
1970 many trees and shrubs were planted in the eight
acres that were then the gardens. In 1968, the stream
was dammed to make two lakes and the surrounds were
planted a wide variety of moisture loving plants such as,
Primulas, Astilbes, Iris and Hemerocallis. In the middle
of the large lake is an island, which boasts a sculpture
of a mother and two children. At the same time, a large
greenhouse was erected in the walled garden and
planted with camellias, which now provide a spectacular
display in March and April.
In 1975, the adjoining field down the valley was
purchased, developed and planted. The lowest lake was
constructed in 1982 and the Folly and scented arbour in
1986. The final slope was planted with trees and shrubs
from 1988 onwards. A further adjoining two acres were
purchased which extended the water garden and new
plantings of grasses and perennials have recently been
added. Dr Smart died in 2002 when his nephew, Dr John
Snowdon inherited the house and gardens and more new
developments are planned for the gardens in the future.
Patricia added: “The gardens are continually progressing
and developing, as it has done for the last 50 or so years. The
gardens are really informal and relaxed, as Dr Smart wanted
them to be; they’re somewhere everyone can come and relax
and feel comfortable, and due to great planting schemes,
there’s colour throughout the year. We’re not just for
gardeners either; there’s something for all ages and interest
here. What’s great to see is people that were brought here by
their parents are now returning with their own children. Over
the years, we’ve been featured on numerous TV programmes
and visited by well-known gardeners, like Alan Titchmarsh.
Our tearoom also attracts visitors from all over thanks to
our homemade cakes and baked goods; our ginger scone
tea is also very popular with visitors. As well as our tearoom,
we also have plenty of space to play and picnic, and our
new coach and car park makes it much easier to park than
ever before. Marwood Hill Gardens really does provide an
excellent opportunity for the whole family to get out of the
house and enjoy the great outdoors.”
Marwood Hill Gardens closed for winter on October 27th,
but it will re-open again on 1st March, from 10am until
5pm.
Admission: adults £5.50, children (12 to 16-years-old)
£2.50, children under 12 FREE. Groups welcome – please
book in advance. Season tickets are available for £25.
‘Like’ Marwood Hill Gardens on Facebook
Tel: 01271 342528
Web: www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk
Marwood Hill Gardens, Nr Barnstaple,
Devon EX31 4EB

14 MWC Video Productions
15
MWC Video Productions
Ermine Street Roman Guard
The Guard was formed 40 years ago together with the Sealed Knot, a group that gave battle displays at events around the country. This guard celebrated its anniversary
with a march through Gloucester from the Cathedral to the Docks where they gave a display of battle tactics and armaments. A similar marched was organised to a
nearby Roman site on the outskirts of Gloucester which in Roman times was used as a leisure complex. Another display of battle formations and weapons was given on
the paddock near to the Roman site.
Witcombe Reunion 2012
Witcombe Villlage Hall was host to a reunion for people who grew up in the village during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
The idea was hatched by a few friends who decided that it would be a good idea to catch up with friends who had been part of this close community, and who had lost
contact over the years.
The evening had several features including a huge range of memorabilia on show, old photos dating back to the Land Army Girls and old film footage of local events
from years gone by. Everyone also enjoyed a sumptuous pig roast, the pig donated by local farmer Andrew Hope. The pig roast was superb and a ‘Revue’ followed
reminiscent of the shows that were a part of village life. The organising team participated and the hilarious content was enjoyed by all.
It was truly a wonderful evening with people travelling from far and near to attend, one person even came from Italy!
A typical comment received sums up the evening perfectly…’without doubt it was the most enjoyable evening I have spent in years and years, it reaffirmed what a fantastic
community we had, how everyone looked after and cared for each other…and how lucky we all were to be raised in Witcombe’.
MWC Video Productions covered both events as part of our commitment to supporting local events, a service valued as an archive of life, past and present. With the
introduction of Local Television Services, documentary and reportage of local events will provide an important archive for future generations.
MWC covers a wide range of events countywide throughout the year.
MWC Video Productions
Pine Springs Studio
Ruscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 6DD

16
Cotswold Wedding
Photography & Video
Certificate of Recognition for
Business Man of the Year
Finding the perfect photographer and videographer
to capture your wedding day or special family
event (christenings, anniversary parties, retirements
and even wakes) as it unfolds can be a difficult
task, there are so many talented and experienced
people out there. Cotswold Wedding Photography
& Video, a well-established company with a wealth
of experience, offers comprehensive and bespoke
photography and videography packages for anyone
looking to capture magical moments and memories
forever.
“We are so pleased with our record of our Wedding Day.
Elderly relatives made a special effort to be on top form
for the day: we have a special memory to remember them
after they are no longer with us. Your careful and unobtrusive coverage of the day has given us a complete record
of a very happy and special event. Thank you for everything! We shall be recommending your service to all our
friends.” Sarah and Christopher
Tel: 01453 757980 | Web: www.cotswoldweddingvideo.co.uk