J'AIME MAY 2020

M AY 2 0 2 0
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
The
Lockdown
Special
Celebrating
local heroes:
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
WIN FINE DINING AT HOME
WITH SAUCE SUPPER CLUB
AND TOM SHEPHERD
Perfect
patios:
SPRUCE UP YOUR
GARDEN FOR SUMMER

DINE AT HOME WITH
TOM SHEPHERD
As lockdown continues and restaurants look set to close for some
time we have teamed up with Tom Shepherd to bring you a
restaurant experience in your own home.
We will deliver a luxurious box containing 3 courses prepped,
ready for you to flash fry, stir and bake to create your own plates
of delicious food by following the clear instructions provided
for a serious lockdown treat.
Deliveries take place every Friday and Tom will change his menu weekly using
seasonal, local produce. If you have an anniversary, a postponed wedding day,
birthday celebration or just fancy a weekend treat this is perfect for you!
Stay safe and fine dine at home!
ORDER ONLINE www.saucesupperclub.co.uk or call 01543 415855
*FREE DELIVERY TO LICHFIELD & SURROUNDING AREA - £5 DELIVERY CHARGE TO WIDER AREA
DINE AT HOME WITH
TOM SHEPHERD
EXAMPLE MENU
BREAD
Milk bread with marmite butter
STARTER
Ham Hock, parsley and grain mustard terrine,
Piccalilli purée, sweet and sour cucumber,
treacle bread
MAIN
Slow cooked blade of beef, bourguignon sauce
dauphinois potatoes, carrots cooked in beef fat,
wild garlic pesto
DESSERT
Baked pink lady apple, ginger sponge soaked in
Calvados, salted caramel sauce, vanilla creme
patisserie, pecan crunch
TREAT
Chocolate fudge

Welcome to J’AIME
As the coronavirus crisis continues to affect daily
life for us all, we bring you J’AIME’s ‘lockdown
special’ - an issue packed with inspirational
stories and ideas to enjoy during these most
strange of times.
One of the most striking positives to come out
of the pandemic has definitely been the sense
of community togetherness, and we’ve been
hearing so many stories of ordinary people
doing extraordinary things to help and support
others - a handful of which are highlighted on
our pages.
We also chat to the Birmingham REP’s new
artistic director, Oliver Award-winning writer,
director and actor Sean Foley, about the affect
the pandemic has had on the theatre industry
and how they are working through the crisis,
while personal trainer Raul Romero takes a
look at virtual workouts where you can workout
together, at home.
If you’re missing dining out and craving a bit of
lockdown luxury - and after all, who isn’t?! - then
we’ve got the perfect competition for you. We’ve
teamed up with local fine dining specialists Sauce
Supper Club and top chef Tom Shepherd to
bring you an ‘at home’ fine dining experience for
two worth £75, as well as a bottle of handpicked
Worth Brothers wine to complete the ultimate
lockdown foodie experience.
And if you’re not lucky enough to scoop this
fantastic prize, then you can console yourself
with an indulgent pud courtesy of MasterChef:
The Professionals winner Laurence Henry,
which you can whip up at home.
Remember, with this online version you can click
directly through to all websites mentioned from
our pages and adverts - while many physical
shops and showrooms are currently closed, you
can still browse our advertisers’ wares online, so
why not take a look?
We hope to be back printing and delivering
J’AIME soon, but in the meantime follow us on
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest
updates. Stay home, and stay safe!
EDITOR: AMY NORBURY
EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
ADVERTISING: JAN ASHLEY
ADVERTISING@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
07388 335 931
DESIGN: DESIGN@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTORS: JASPREET SHERGILL, JAIDE
EMMA SMITH, ROBBIE SINCLAIR, DEBORAH
MITCHELL, RAUL ROMERO, LAURENCE HENRY,
ALAN DOVEY
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECKY TRANTER
WWW.BECKYTRANTER.COM
J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY PUBLICATIONS
LIMITED AND PRINTED BY KEP LIMITED, TAMWORTH.
Check us out online at:
WWW.JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
Find us on
/JAIMEMAGAZINE
@JAIMEMAGAZINE
@JAIMEMAGAZINE
SPONSORED BY
3

CO N T E N T S
InsideJ’aime this month...
6 Local heroes - Some inspirational tales of ordinary
people doing extraordinary things to help others
through the coronavirus crisis
10 Property - Property of the month
12 Interiors - Outdoor living
16 Sean Foley - Birmingham REP’s artistic director on
how theatre will survive the crisis
18 Rainbows of hope - Colouring sheets from
Lichfield graphic designer Chris Day
19 Competition - Wine a luxurious ‘at home’ fine
dining experience from Sauce Supper Club and
Tom Shepherd
20 Food and drink - An indulgent pud from
MasterChef’s Laurence Henry
22 Health - Fitness advice from Lichfield personal
trainer Raul Romero
24 Education - Former headteacher Phil Sharrock
examines why we shouldn’t be in a rush to get
back to school
26 What’s On - Lichfield concert moves online
27 Travel - A Spanish desert and the world’s most
Instagrammable hotel
30 Fashion - Fashionably fit
32 Beauty - Salon skincare at home with Heaven
Skincare’s Deborah Mitchell
34 Health - Zoom consultations from Spire Little
Aston
35 Health - Looking after your mental health with
Alan Dovey
SPONSORED BY
4

During the current Covid-19 crisis I can offer tele-therapy
through Skype or Zoom or telephone conversations.

F E AT U R E
Come together
AS THE GLOBAL CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO DAILY AFFECT LIFE AS WE KNOW IT,
OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES ARE SHOWING AMAZING SPIRIT AND A SENSE OF TOGETHERNESS
TO GET THROUGH THE CRISIS. AMY NORBURY, JASPREET SHERGILL AND JAIDE EMMA SMITH
TAKE A LOOK AT THE INSPIRING STORIES OF JUST SOME OF OUR LOCAL HEROES
These are truly unique times. The global
health pandemic has left no life untouched,
creating a new daily life where millions of
us remain at home to curb the spread of this
devastating disease, while key workers are out
in force to ensure our health service can cope
with the evolving crisis, our food, medicine
and essential supplies are affected as little as
possible and our streets are kept safe.
But in these darkest of days, there have been
amazing beacons of hope. Every Thursday
at 8pm neighbourhoods around the country
come together to clap for the NHS and key
worker heroes who have been at the forefront
of the crisis, spending two minutes together
- at a safe social distance - to show our
appreciation for those who are making huge
sacrifices to keep the country going.
Captain Tom Moore, who has now just celebrated
his 100th birthday, became a national treasure and a
symbol of that fierce community spirit after raising
more than £30 million for NHS Charities Together
CROCHET EAR SAVERS
HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO
HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL
CENTRES AROUND THE AREA
THIS AMAZING PORTAIT OF
CAPTAIN TOM MOORE BY
RUGELEY ARTIST POLLY ORTON
HAS RAISED NEARLY £1,000
by walking 100 laps of his garden to celebrate his
own century milestone.
And up and down the country there are stories of
ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help
their communities, their vulnerable and their hero
key workers.
Here are the stories of just some of our own local
heroes.
Laura Sutton, from Lichfield, has gathered together
a group of volunteers to help elderly and vulnerable
people in and around the cathedral city.
Laura says: “At the very beginning of this crisis,
I knew there would be lots of elderly people in
Lichfield stuck inside for a long time due to being
high risk. So I had a few thousand leaflets printed
and got a handful of friends and local business pals
together and we distributed them around the areas
we lived and focussed on any areas where there were
lots of elderly. We especially looked for areas where it
was unlikely they would have younger neighbours to
look out for them.
“We have grown week-on-week and we now have
6

more than 20 volunteers supporting
more than 100 people in Lichfield who
are high risk, shielding or self isolating.
We do a weekly shop for them and
collect prescriptions as well as many
other random requests! We support them
however we can. We also just call them
for a chat, and at Easter gave them cards
made by local children, I made cupcakes
and the Lichfield Round Table donated
Easter Eggs for them.
“We will continue to support any one that
needs a little help as long as it is needed. It
has been so lovely to help these vulnerable
people and bring a little joy and happiness
to them, it really does make it worthwhile,
and they are so, so grateful. I could not do
it without my amazing team of volunteers
though!”
Laura, who runs celebration cake business
The Cake Spa, has also been busy making
cakes and sweet treats for local key workers, with
ingredients funded through donations from her
clients and social media followers.
“Donations meant we have been able to send cakes
and marshmallows to Burton Queens Hospital,
Walsall Manor Hospital, St Giles Hospice, local
supermarkets, pharmacies and doctors surgeries,”
Laura adds.
“I am also now selling baking essentials around
Lichfield so people can continue to have fun baking
at home!”
Over in Sutton Coldfield, Reverend Daniel Ramble,
vicar of St. James Hill in Mere Green, is also helping
to bring the community together to serve vulnerable
families during the health pandemic. St James
Church Centre has been opened to members of the
community and local chefs to prepare and deliver
free hot meals and free food parcels for those who
need it most.
ST JAMES HILL IN MERE
GREEN HAVE ALSO BEEN
DONATING HOT MEALS TO
FAMILIES IN NEED
VOLUNTEERS AT ST JAMES
HILL IN MERE GREEN
Reverend Ramble said: “Many of these volunteers
are ordinary people but doing extraordinary things in
these challenging times. I am so humbled by people’s
generosity and their selfless acts of kindness.”
As well as more than 180 volunteers and a waiting
list of 322 people ready to offer help, there are
also two professional chefs from The Cornerstone
Kitchen in Sutton Coldfield, who are cooking 40 free
hot meals daily for those in the need. The fresh meals
are transported in thermostat boxes and delivered to
homes within 30 minutes.
The church is working with 11 local schools around
the area where the most vulnerable families are
offered the vital support needed.
“For us it’s not about religion, it’s about generosity,
it’s about grace, it’s about hope,” said Reverend
Ramble.
But it does not end here. Volunteers have helped with
more than 200 shopping lists and prescriptions for
those in isolation and high-risk groups.
Reverend Ramble added: “We
have also had more than 2,000
befriending conversations for those
who are isolated and on their own
to hear a friendly voice every day.”
More than £2,500 has been raised
to help support this project. If you
would like to donate, visit www.
justgiving.com/crowdfunding/
hopeforsutton
Rugeley artist Polly Orton, of
Origin Bespoke, has showcased her
talents by creating an incredible
7

portrait of inspirational Captain Tom
Moore, which she is raffling off to donate
to Tom’s fundraising campaign. She
aims to raise £1,000 with the project.
Polly says: “For many of us Tom
symbolises hope, courage and possibility.
When I saw his campaign I wanted to
donate but being a single mother and a
self-employed artist I knew my donation
would be a drop in the ocean. Every little
helps of course but I wanted to give
more than I was able to afford.
“So I decided to draw a portrait in
the hopes I could sell it for £50 and
that could be my donation. However
as soon as I posted it online the response has been
phenomenal and quickly someone suggested I
should raffle the drawing to give more people the
opportunity of donating and to hopefully raise more
money for Tom so that is what I did.
“I set up my own Just Giving page so I can keep
track of donations and I am counting every £1
donated as an entry to win the portrait. So far I have
raised more than £900 and there is still lots of time
to enter. The winner will be announced via a live
stream on VE Day, Friday May 8, at 8pm. So far the
post has been seen more than 40,000 times and has
been sent all over the world. To donate visit www.
justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pollysportrait
“Tom reminded me that we can all do something.
This portrait is my contribution and has reignited a
passion for portraits. I have since set up another page
to showcase my charcoal works @pollyorton_art on
Instagram and who knows where this journey will
lead.”
Freelance fashion designer Rebekah Brennan, from
LAURA SUTTON HAS ALSO
BEEN DONATING SWEET
TREATS TO KEY WORKERS.
PHOTO BY DANI SALMON
PHOTOGRAPHY
KIRAN RAI IS HOPING TO
SPREAD POSITIVITY BY
SENDING HAND-WRITTEN
CARDS AND LETTERS TO
PEOPLE IN ISOLATION
Sutton Coldfield, has recently moved back home
from New York where she had plans to return to
working as a full time fashion designer - plans which
have been put on hold due to the pandemic.
Since coming back Rebekah has had a lot of free
time on her hands and decided to use it productively.
She was introduced to schemes such as For the Love
of Scrubs, and Loft 25 – NHS PPE Campaign by
friends to make up scrubs, overalls, NHS headbands
and scrub bags.
Rebekah has not been doing this alone; her mum
Christine Babbington has also been doing her bit.
Christine has been an interior and soft furnishings
seamstress all of her life, so together they make quite
the team.
All of these amazing necessities for our front line
staff have been provided free of charge but donations
of fabric have been provided as well as Rebekah
and Christine buying their own. The scrubs have
been given to staff at Walsall Manor, scrub bags to
Good Hope, and the overalls will be distributed to
clinics and hospitals across Birmingham. So far the
duo have made some 30 scrub sets with
more in progress, 25 scrub bags, and
20 hearts, with headbands and masks
currently in the making.
“Although the world seems a different
place outside, being able to do positive
things and having a focus to help is
rewarding in more ways than one,” says
Christine.
Rebekah adds: “Take one day at a time,
and remember the little things can
help!”
NHS administration assistant Louise
Tomlinson, from Castle Bromwich,
volunteers for a leading first aid charity
and has raised £300 through a donation
8

page on Facebook. But she wanted to do more to
help support the wider NHS team.
Louise, who enjoys crocheting as a hobby, was
introduced to the concept of the ‘ear saver/mask
adjuster’ by her daughter and decided to put her
skills to use by creating them. These handy devices
are designed to fit around the back of the head and
take the strain of the elastic on PPE masks from
behind the ears.
To date Louise has given out 200 of these helping
hands, free of charge, to staff in a variety of
establishments such as Heartlands ICU, Good Hope,
private care homes, doctors’ surgeries, UHCW and
Solihull council.
Louise has a message for everyone staying safe at
home during the crisis. She says: “We are isolating
now, so all of our loved ones can be present when we
can get together.”
After seeing a nurse on Facebook describing how
dry and chapped her lips were from wearing masks
at work, Sammi Eadon decided to help. The payroll
administrator, from Great Barr, had noticed people
were raising money for hand creams for nurses and
doctors but not lip balms, so she set up a Go Fund
Me page on both Facebook and Instagram telling
people what she wanted to do and how they could
help.
After raising £245 through her initiative, Sammi
bought 30 tubs of Carmex, 50 Vaseline and 16 FM
lip balms, which were taken to Good Hope hospital
where they were distributed between wards including
A&E and the intensive care unit.
Kind-hearted taxi driver Martin Keay, from Great
Barr, has been
offering his services
free of charge to
carers and hospital
staff needing to get
to work safely or
needing to visit the
supermarket after
long, tiring shifts, as
well as helping people
in the community
by dropping off
medication to those
who are high risk
and are following
government advice to
isolate.
Martin has also been
shopping for elderly
neighbours who aren’t able to go out. He has been
on call at all hours, be it early in the morning or late
at night, to help out where he can - and this is all in
between his normal job as a taxi driver.
Martin says: “During these times we all need to stay
safe and look out for the people around us.”
For many of us in isolation, not being able to see,
touch or feel close to our loved ones can be really
difficult. Experiencing these strange times can often
leave us with feelings of sadness, loneliness and
trying to keep positive isn’t always the easiest.
Kiran Rai, founder of The Search for Happiness, is
on a mission to spread positivity, love and happiness
in this time of need. Her idea stemmed from her
blog TSFH, which she started following a breakup,
during this time she experienced times of
feeling alone which sparked a thought to set-up a
COVID-19 project to help those that are particularly
vulnerable and don’t have family around them.
“The idea of the project is people can reach out to
me and I will send them a letter filled with positive
messages to help us through these difficult times,”
says Kiran, from the West Midlands.
The cards can also be sent to a friend or family
member as a surprise. The message is handwritten
to add a personal touch and can also be sent as
attachments as an email.
“It’s a helping hand, I’m putting my hand out to
help others so they know that someone is there… this
could make a huge difference to someone’s life.”
This project is for everyone so if you would like to
receive or send a card, get in touch with Kiran at
www.tsfh.co.uk or kiran_rai672@gmail.com.
LICHFIELD VOLUNTEER
CO-ORDINATOR LAURA
SUTTON. PHOTO BY DANI
SALMON PHOTOGRAPHY

P R O P E RTY
Property of the Month
WE TAKE A SNEAKY PEEK AT SOME OF THE HOTTEST PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET IN THE
AREA EACH MONTH. THIS MONTH’S SELECTION IS A BREATHTAKING SIX-BEDROOM FAMILY
HOME SITUATED IN ONE OF SUTTON COLDFIELD’S PREMIER LOCATIONS WITH VIEWS
ONTO MOOR HALL GOLF CLUB
Greenside, 12B Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield: £1,750,000
On the market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878
THE AGENT SAYS: This beautiful property lies off the
sought-after Moor Hall Drive approached from a private
gated driveway. The attractive Tudor-style and red-brick
façade makes a wonderful first impression. The arched open
fronted porch leads to the spacious and impressive reception
hallway which opens up into the kitchen, drawing room, and
study. From here a guest cloakroom can also be accessed. The
reception hallway is wonderfully contemporary yet classic,
with its porcelain tiled floor and walls, together with the
attractive oak front door and staircase leading to the firstfloor
accommodation. The entire ground floor benefits from
underfloor heating.
The open plan kitchen/family/dining area forms the heart of
the home and is perfect for modern family living. It is a bright
space, with bi-folding doors opening out onto the stunning
manicured rear garden and bathing the space in natural light.
The kitchen, with oak floor and wall units features a stunning
Rangemaster gas-fired hob with extractor hood above,
integrated fridge, two dishwashers, and a wine fridge, as well
as a complimentary island with cream faced units providing
for additional storage and workspace.
The sizable master bedroom with rear aspect boasts two
walk-in wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom luxurious fitted
with a white suite featuring double shower cubicle, bath and
walls fully tiled in ceramics.
The property lies at the head of a private gated driveway
flanked on both sides with mature plants and shrubs. The
integral garage and spacious driveway provide ample space
for parking.
There is a spacious rear garden, mainly laid to lawn bordered
for privacy with conifers and a large paved patio area
immediately outside the house which lends itself for al fresco
summer dining and relaxing. The garden has views to the
rear over the 16th hole at Moor Hall Golf Club.
W E L O V E :
THE SPACIOUS FEEL AND GENEROUSLY
PROPORTIONED GROUNDS
10

I N T E R I O R S
Outdoor
living
WITH coronavirus lockdown restrictions firmly in place,
our own personal outdoor spaces have never been more
important. We’ve already had an early taste of the
beautiful sunshine and clement weather which, hopefully,
lies ahead during the summer months - which has inspired
many of us to start readying our gardens for a slice of
outdoor living.
Rather than distinct spaces all of their own, our gardens
are becoming more and more an extension of our
homes. Furniture is comfortable and oh-so-stylish as well
as practical, while the addition of weather-proof soft
furnishings helps to define lounging areas.
Outdoor kitchens have seen a surge in popularity as
our love of cooking and dining al fresco continues to
grow, while picnic benches are being replaced by chunky
wooden tables which wouldn’t look out of place inside.
And rather than cold flagstones or concrete patio slabs,
stylish porcelain tiles can help to create that indoor/
outdoor vibe we crave.
Add in some substantial planters filled with greenery, as
well as a liberal smattering of ambient lighting and you’ll
have a garden space you won’t want to leave - even after
the sun goes down!
CAMLEY TABLE SET, £550, GARDEN TRADING.
WWW.GARDENTRADING.CO.UK
£39
£120
£2,995
INDOOR OUTDOOR PALM LEAF POUFFE,
ELLA JAMES. WWW.ELLAJAMES.CO.UK
HEATSAIL DOME FREESTANDING ELECTRIC
PATIO HEATER FLOOR LAMP, CUCKOOLAND.
WWW.CUCKOOLAND.COM
£14.99
CHARCOAL GREY HEXAGON
GEOMETRIC PRINT OUTDOOR
CUSHION, BAZAAR GROUP.
WWW.BEANBAGBAZAAR.CO.UK
SEVILLE OUTDOOR TABLE WITH
PLANTER, ELLA JAMES.
WWW.ELLAJAMES.CO.UK
DOT OUTDOOR LIGHT, LIGNE ROSET.
WWW.LIGNE-ROSET.COM/UK
£POA
12

£32.99
£349.99
£159.99
DALAT GARDEN ARMCHAIR,
WWW.MADE.COM
SPIRAL OUTDOOR CEMENT
WATER FEATURE, LIME LACE.
WWW.LIMELACE.CO.UK
OUTDOOR KEW FIRE PIT
IN BLACK IRON, IVYLINE.
WWWIVYLINEGB.CO.UK
£499
£399
STRIPED HANGING GARDEN CHAIR,
VONHAUS. WWW.VONHAUS.COM
TOTEM OVAL GREY GARDEN
TABLE AND ICE BUCKET, DANETTI.
WWW.DANETTI.COM
£149
£749
TOPA GARDEN SET OF TWO DINING
CHAIRS, WWW.MADE.COM
VERANO GREY THREE SEATER
GARDEN SOFA BENCH, DANETTI.
WWW.DANETTI.COM
PARMESA ANGLIA PORCELAIN PAVING, £39.85 PER M/2,
AVAILABLE FROM TIPPERS. WWW.TIPPERS.COM

PLANTERS FROM A SELECTION AT GARDEN TRADING.
WWW.GARDENTRADING.CO.UK
PALERMO CORNER BENCH AND COFFEE TABLE SET,
£1,199, DANETTI. WWW.DANETTI.COM
LENE BJERRE DALIA FLOWER POT, £95, SWEETPEA & WILLOW.
WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM
PALM OUTDOOR KITCHEN BAR SET, £1,825,
DANETTI. WWW.DANETTI.COM
FAB HAB SYDNEY OUTDOOR RUG IN GOLD AND CREAM,
£49.95, CUCKOOLAND. WWW.CUCKOOLAND.COM
14

OnTheBreadLine
Sebastian Clough, a former student of University College,
Birmingham, and the French Pastry School in Chicago, has
now perfected his baking skills, to produce the highest quality
breads, cakes and pastries, whilst also exploring different
flavours using high quality ingredients. Using fresh local
produce, his customers most loved products include;-
Green Olive and White Truffle Sourdough Focaccia
Dark Chocolate and Chilli Sourdough
Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Fudge Brownies
Cruffins
Mini Chocolate Orange
Cherry Bakewell
Lemon Drizzle Cakes
DURING CORONAVIRUS OUR OPENING HOURS
ARE WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 9am - 2pm
We serve on a first come first served basis, and observe
social distancing of 2 metres as marked by tape
STRICTLY ONE PERSON PER HOUSEHOLD
Hillcrest Farm, Worcester Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 5QS
Tel: 07506 780066 Email: onthebreadline95@gmail.com
onthebreadline
onthebreadline

F E AT U R E
Only the interval
WITH THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS WREAKING HAVOC ON THE THEATRE INDUSTRY, AMY
NORBURY CAUGHT UP WITH BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE’S NEW ARTISTIC
DIRECTOR, OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING WRITER, DIRECTOR AND ACTOR SEAN FOLEY, TO
DISCOVER JUST HOW THE SHOW WILL GO ON
As one of theatreland’s most sought-after comedy
writers and directors, Sean Foley’s appointment
as The REP’s new artistic director has been a
huge coup for the Midlands. He has already been
nominated for a Tony Award and has two Olivier
Awards under his belt - including for the Kenneth
Branagh-directed Morecambe and Wise tribute The
Play What I Wrote, which Sean co-wrote and starred
in.
He has directed five Olivier-nominated productions,
including the recent West End stage production of
Ben Elton’s Upstart Crow starring David Mitchell.
Sean was enticed away from the West End to begin
work at the REP at the start of the year, following his
appointment last summer.
Describing himself as “half Irish, half Brummie”,
having grown up in the Second City’s suburbs,
Sean has been hugely excited to return to working
in Birmingham, bringing with him a powerful
creative vision for the Birmingham REP. Until,
that is, the coronavirus crisis hit hard, changing
the entertainment industry - among many others -
completely, overnight.
But as the curtain came down prematurely on Sean’s
impressive first season of eclectic entertainment, his
ambition to put the REP on the map firmly remains.
This is, after all, only the interval...
You’re a recent addition to The REP family -
what attracted you to take up the post?
Several things - the incredible unrivalled pioneering
history of The REP within the UK theatre industry,
the fact that it has three auditoria - meaning you can
stage very different types and sizes of shows - and the
fact that Birmingham seems to be on the verge of a
major civic and cultural renaissance, all combined
to create a wonderful opportunity. The REP was the
first ever purpose built Repertory Theatre in the UK,
and was the template for both the RSC and The
National Theatre. I believe that The REP can and
should have that kind of influence again, and look
forward to realising the huge potential of this theatre
in a great international city.
SEAN FOLEY, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
OF THE BIRMINGHAM REP.
CREDIT KRIS ASKEY
It’s an exceptionally strange time to work
in theatre, and must be even more so being
relatively new to this particular role. How
have your first few months been?
After being appointed last summer, I had a number
of freelance shows still to direct before landing
properly in the job… the last of these was Upstart
Crow in the West End, which I opened in mid-
February, and by mid-March not only was that shut,
but all our theatres at The REP were too. In a word
- chaotic!
How deeply has the Covid-19 crisis affected
the entertainment industry, and the theatre
in particular?
Like others in our industry, I am humbled by the
amazing work of the NHS, key workers of all types,
and everyone supporting the civic response to this
crisis. What we are going through obviously pales
into insignificance compared to the efforts currently
16

eing made elsewhere, but there’s no doubt that
Covid-19 poses an existential threat to our industry
- we are shut down now and will no doubt be one
of the last industries allowed to re-open. Our job is
to entertain, and people will need that wonderful
experience of collective live entertainment on the
other side of this… we need to make sure we’re in
good enough shape to provide that.
How is The REP dealing with the current
situation?
We have furloughed as many staff as possible
and are maintaining a much smaller skeleton
staff focussed on what we can still provide for the
community - anything from digital youth theatre,
to online masterclasses, to engaging with the many
marginalised adult groups we work with.
Your wardrobe department have been
helping to sew gowns for the NHS - how did
the theatre get involved with this?
We have some truly inspiring individuals who work
at The REP. When we furloughed staff - meaning
they couldn’t work for us during this period - we
realised that we had a lot of skills within the staff
team that could be applicable in other situations. We
encouraged people to volunteer their skills in new
settings - and the Wardrobe Department came up
with this themselves.
Are there any other ways you’ve been helping
the local community or theatre professionals
during the crisis?
We have many other staff volunteering their services.
We have launched an online service called REP
RELOADED that focuses on continued digital
engagement with youth and adult groups that we
work with already. We are also starting to think
about how we can provide shows to people in these
socially distanced times… perhaps by touring work
around Birmingham, and working more closely with
community groups and local actors to make fun and
impromptu shows in public spaces - look out for
THE REP - UP YOUR STREET!
As they say, ‘the show must go one’ - how is
The REP preparing for the future and the
reopening of theatreland?
We want to be the place where people think of when
they want a Great Night Out. We think The REP
can be nationally known as the place for artistically
ambitious popular theatre. We are aiming to have
some great, national and international talent at The
REP, and while we are dark now, we are working
hard to come back with a bang. There’s going to be
a lot of fantastic shows here that are Playful, Popular
and Pioneering!
You have big ambitions for the theatre -
what’s next in the pipeline for the REP?
We’re in conversation with the BBC regarding
an exciting new creative project which we’ll be
announcing later in the year. We’re going to be doing
our first digital theatre broadcast. We’re working with
Talawa, the UK’s primary black led touring theatre
company, to create a season of amazing new work.
We’re working right now with great Birmingham
talent to produce new exciting shows.
Are there any shows in particular that you’re
looking forward to bringing to Birmingham?
Yes! The show I’m directing this autumn -
Something Rotten. It’s a 10-time Tony-nominated
spectacular that is one of the funniest shows I’ve
ever seen, and it’s my first show at The REP and
it will be a UK premiere. A musical comedy for
people who don’t like musicals! And people who
do! A Shakespearean comedy for people who hate
Shakespeare! And people who love him…! Check
out the songs online, including the classic I Hate
Shakespeare.
For more details of The REP’s forthcoming
productions, visit the website
www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
THE REP
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ROSS JUKES
17

LO CA L A R E A
Rainbows
of hope
LICHFIELD GRAPHIC DESIGNER CHRIS DAY HAS CREATED A SERIES OF INSPIRATIONAL
COLOURING SHEETS WHICH ARE FREE TO DOWNLOAD AND COLOUR IN AT HOME, FEATURING
BOTH LOCAL AND WORLD LANDMARKS - SUCH AS THIS ONE FEATURING LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL.
GET YOURS AT WWW.CHRISDAYDESIGN.CO.UK/HOPE AND GET COLOURING IN NOW, THEN
SHARE YOUR CREATIONS ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK USING THE HASHTAG AT THE
BOTTOM OF EACH DESIGN
18

CO M P E T I T I O N
A taste of lockdown luxury
J’AIME HAS TEAMED UP WITH SAUCE SUPPER CLUB AND CHEF TOM SHEPHERD TO
OFFER LUCKY READERS THE CHANCE TO WIN A LUXURIOUS HOME FINE DINING BOX
FOR TWO, WORTH £75, WITH A WINE PAIRING FROM WORTH BROTHERS
PHOTOS BY BECKY TRANTER. WWW.BECKYTRANTER.COM
As lockdown continues and restaurants look set to close
for some time Sauce Supper Club have joined forces
with acclaimed chef Tom Shepherd to bring you an
innovative restaurant experience in your own home.
The brains behind Lichfield’s premier fine dining pop
up events, Sauce Supper Club are now delivering their
trademark foodie experiences directly to you. They
will deliver a luxurious box containing three sublime
courses, all prepped and ready for you to flash fry, stir,
bake to create your own plates of delicious food by
following the clear instructions provided for a serious
lockdown treat.
Freshly baked bread and a final treat complete the
indulgent experience.
After two years at one Michelin Star Adams
Restaurant in Birmingham as head chef, Tom is ready
to start his next chapter and is preparing to open his
own restaurant in the centre of Lichfield, and now you
can be the first to try his new menu in your own home.
Tom will change his menu weekly using seasonal,
local produce. If you have an anniversary, a missed
wedding, birthday celebration or just fancy a weekend
treat, this is the perfect way to indulge.
Dishes including Creedy Carver corn-fed chicken
terrine, slow roasted lamb fab with potato boulanger,
and baked choux buns with hot orange sauce kicked
off the launch menu - so keep your eyes peeled to
discover what delights Tom will be serving up next.
Stay safe… fine dine at home!
The box includes free delivery to Lichfield and the
surrounding area, with a £5 delivery charge to the
wider area. To check availability for your postcode
email beth@saucesupperclub.co.uk and to order
visit www.saucesupperclub.co.uk
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SAUCE
SUPPER CLUB AND TOM SHEPHERD FINE
DINING BOX FOR TWO, WORTH £75, AS
WELL AS A PERFECTLY PAIRED WINE FROM
WORTH BROTHERS, SIMPLY ANSWER THE
FOLLOWING QUESTION
AT WHICH BIRMINGHAM
RESTAURANT WAS TOM SHEPHERD
PREVIOUSLY HEAD CHEF?
Send your answer, along with your name, address and telephone
number, by email to competitions@jaimemagazine.com with Sauce
Supper Club competition as the email subject. Entries must be
received by 5pm on Friday, May 15. Terms and conditions apply.
Visit www.jaimemagazine.com for further details
THE COMPETITION
19

F O O D & D R I N K
Masterchef magic
FORMER MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONAL WINNER LAURENCE HENRY
SHARES A LUXURIOUS LOCKDOWN PUD RECIPE FOR YOU TO TRY AT HOME
MasterChef favourite Laurence Henry has teamed up with local fine dining specialists Sauce Supper Club to bring
his MasterChef Home Comforts meals directly to you at home. If you are self isolating or just don’t fancy visiting the
supermarkets but fancy some great food, then these options are perfect. Laurence’s menu includes favourites such as
lasagna, chilli con carne and apple and rhubarb crumble, as well as more indulgent pulled lamb with salsa verde and
tomato salad, and white chocolate and passionfruit cheesecake. All meals come as individual portions, ready to oven
cook, and are priced at just £6 for mains and £5.50 for desserts.
Delivery is twice-weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, available for Lichfield and the surrounding area. For more details visit
www.saucesupperclub.co.uk
Millionaires chocolate delice
For the base:
100g white chocolate
25g butter
65g praline paste (or hazelnut spread)
90g crushed biscuits
For the chocolate delice:
200g chocolate
90g sugar
3 egg yolk
50g milk
350g cream
Pinch sea salt
For the caramel sauce:
120g butter
120g brown sugar
120g double cream
1 tsp sea salt
For the biscuit base, melt the white chocolate, butter
and praline paste together. Crush biscuits to a fine
crumb and fold into the chocolate mix, then roll out
between baking parchment around 3mm thick.
For the delice, whisk the egg yolks until they double
in volume and are light and fluffy. Put the sugar
in a saucepan and cover with a little water, heat
until it reaches 118C. Carefully pour over the egg
yolks, whisking at the same time - use a stand mixer
or enlist some help for this part! Gently heat the
cream to around 80C and pour over the chocolate.
Mix until all the chocolate has melted and is lovely
and smooth. Carefully fold in the egg yolk mixture
and mix until smooth. Cut the base out with a
ring cutter (or build the desserts in small bowls if
you don’t have), pour in the chocolate mixture to
just below the top of the ring (or to your desired
quantity), and refrigerate for an hour or so until set.
For the caramel sauce, gently heat the sugar in a dry
pan, then once melted whisk in your butter, followed
by the cream. The mixture will seize and go hard
but don’t worry, it will all melt down to form a
smooth caramel sauce. Sieve to remove any small
bits of sugar and cool in the fridge.
To serve, carefully release the chocolate delice from
the ring mould. Spoon over the caramel sauce and
roughly chop some of the leftover base to garnish
the top of the delice.
20

SAUCESUPPLIES
additional items:
free range eggs
fresh milk
TEACAKES
Delivering fresh, quality fruit & veg boxes to your
door in Lichfield and the surrounding area
We’ll bring you fresh produce to feed your whole family direct from the regions best
suppliers. Our fruit and veg boxes also include delicious freshly baked bread. We will
make arrangements to leave your box in a safe place on your agreed day.
Order online at www.saucesupperclub.co.uk, call 01543 415855
or email hello@saucesupperclub.co.uk for more info.
LARGE FRUIT & VEG BOX | £24.95
MEDIUM FRUIT & VEG BOX | £16.00
SMALL FRUIT & VEG BOX | £10.00
Each box will contain a selection of fresh, good
quality produce such as bananas, apples, oranges,
seedless grapes, cauliflower, carrots, red & white
onions, broccoli, parsnips, courgettes, potatoes,
cabbage and a freshly baked loaf of bread.
JUST SALAD | £12.50
JUST FRUIT | £15.00
DELIVERY | TUESDAY &
THURSDAY
www.saucesupperclub.co.uk
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LO-RESOLUTION. THE FINAL VERSIONS USED FOR PRINT WILL BE HI-RESOLUTION.
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DATE ....................................................................

H E A LT H
Stay home, stay safe, keep fit!
LICHFIELD’S FAVOURITE PERSONAL TRAINER RAUL ROMERO TAKES A LOOK
AT HOW WE CAN STAY FIT AND WORK OUT - TOGETHER - AT HOME
Hola everyone!
Naturally, in these unprecedented times when we are
probably spending more time than usual at home, a
hot topic burning through lots of people’s minds is…
HOW DO WE KEEP FIT FROM HOME?!
For many of us, although we may be homebound, it
is a mega busy time for us, trying to juggle working
from home with ‘homeschooling’, entertaining the
kids, sorting out family meals/snacks and trying to
keep on top of the house work. For our wonderful
key workers, they are doing all of this, as well as their
phenomenal jobs in helping our society get through
this pandemic. Others may have unexpectedly found
themselves less busy than usual and actually have a
bit more free time on their hands.
Whatever your situation, it seems easier than ever
to stay at home and spiral into a snacking frenzy,
relaxing in front of the telly and bingeing on
whatever treats we can get our hands on!
Of course, doing this everyday, along with having
to stay at home so probably being less active than
usual, it is inevitable that we will slowly but surely
start piling on the pounds. From this, other negative
physical and mental issues can also transpire.
So, it is no surprise to you then, when I say it is more
important than EVER to make a conscious effort to
remain active and healthy as much as possible.
This does not have to be taxing or expensive. In
fact nowadays, with our wonderful ever-evolving
technology, there are so many ways for us to keep fit
from home without any specialist equipment needed.
The role of personal trainers and fitness experts has
become even more important in order to help and
guide us in keeping fit from home safely.
One of the nation’s favourite lockdown P.E teachers
Joe Wicks has been leading live workout sessions
every morning to help keep the nation fit. This
incredible initiative is a perfect example of how
EVERY ONE of us can keep fit from home without
any specialist equipment, just a willingness to maybe
try something new out of our comfort zone and
learn as we go along.
ONLINE WORKOUTS ARE A
GREAT WAY TO KEEP FIT DURING
LOCKDOWN
On a more local and personal level, I have to say
I am exceptionally proud of many Lichfield locals
who have been participating in the free online fitness
sessions that Ambition PT have been leading online
through Zoom and Instagram since the lockdown
began. The attitude and commitment to staying fit,
not only from regular Ambition PT clients, but also
new members from all across the world who have
22

never trained with us before has been unbelievable.
The feedback from the community has been
phenomenal with many commenting on how great
they feel working out from home yet still within a
community and really feeling part of a team.
We are extremely thankful and humbled by all of the
support we have received and will continue to put on
free online workout sessions until we are back at the
studio at least. For anyone who has not yet given it
a go, it’s as simple as visiting www.ambitionpt.co.uk
and booking a free session. If you fancy giving it a
go, we look forward to seeing you there!
For those who aren’t quite ready to make that step
but would like some further information and ideas
on how to keep fit and healthy from home, we have
created a YouTube Channel dedicated to sharing
health and fitness tips, including workouts from
home with minimal equipment. You can find it on
YouTube by searching ‘HOLA HEALTHY LIFE’,
again, we look forward to seeing you there!
For any other information, please do not hesitate to
contact us at raul@ambitionpt.co.uk
Stay Safe and Keep Fit.
PERSONAL TRAINER
RAUL ROMERO
RAUL HAS BEEN RUNNING A SERIES
OF VIRTUAL WORKOUTS THROUGH
ZOOM AND INSTAGRAM
23

E D U CAT I O N
Time for change
AS MILLIONS OF PARENTS STRUGGLE TO GET TO GRIPS WITH THE REALITIES OF HOME-EDUCATING
OUR CHILDREN DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS, FORMER MIDLANDS HEADTEACHER AND
EDUCATION CAMPAIGNER PHIL SHARROCK SAYS IT’S TIME FOR A MORE RELAXED APPROACH - AND
EXAMINES WHY WE SHOULDN’T BE IN ANY RUSH TO RETURN TO SCHOOLING AS WE KNOW IT
How exciting for us all, schools will
be returning soon! Or is it?! The
neverending, seemingly daily rhetoric
from political parties on all sides that
schools need to open to get our economy
back on track is in full swing.
May I make a small point?
First, I don’t care about the economy.
I think it was Harold Wilson who said:
“Nobody can get the economy right,
there are only degrees of getting it
wrong.” Well it’s gone wrong now hasn’t
it? And I respectfully suggest it will be Mr
and Mrs Joe Public that will have to bail
it out yet again.
Secondly, what about the health and wellbeing of
our children?
Thirdly, will you ignore the teachers and people on
the ground who you will expect to do thy bidding?
Finally, SCHOOLS HAVE NEVER BEEN
CLOSED. Teachers and support staff work every
day to supervise the key workers’ and vulnerable
children, they check on the vulnerable children NOT
in school, they sort out some form of structured
learning (which I will return to in due course),
they are feeding families who are now in dire
circumstances.
The Secretary of State for Education, Gavin
Williamson, has said in the last week that there are
five non negotiables before schools return: “First
we must protect the NHS’s ability to cope, and be
sure that it can continue to provide critical care and
specialist treatment right across the whole of the
United Kingdom.
“Second, we need to see daily death rates from
coronavirus coming down. Third, we need to have
reliable data that shows the rate of infection is
decreasing to manageable levels.
“Four, we need to be confident that testing capacity
and PPE is being managed, with supply able to meet
PARENTS SHOULDN’T FEEL
PRESSURED TO BE TEACHERS
DURING THIS TIME
not just today’s demand, but future demand.
“And fifth, and perhaps most crucially, we need to be
confident that any changes we do make will not risk a
second peak of infections.”
I really hope they follow this advice. But I suspect
the weight of pressure will be told, and you can
all celebrate soon and get your children back into
school.
But what is that school going to look like? Education
correspondent Anya Kamanetz suggests in her piece
for NPR that schools will look different when (and if)
they reopen:
• Stepped up health and hygiene methods
• Class sizes of 12 or fewer
• Staggered schedules
• Younger kids first
• New term times
• Different attendance policies
• No assemblies, sports, games or parent teacher
conferences
• Remote learning continues
• Social, emotional and practical help for kids
So you see, don’t celebrate just yet. This is not
going away, not in the short term. In general I’m in
agreement with what Anya is saying but I need to
ask… have you ever tried to keep 12 five-year-old
24

children two metres apart all day? Have you ever
tried to get any children at all to stay two metres
apart all day? What about the staff who are now
suddenly exposed to extra risk - will they get the PPE
they need?
This, if history is anything to go by, will be chaotic.
And I fear the blame for it will be laid squarely at
the feet of the head teachers and teachers who are
already on their knees from years of political bashing.
Parents are not fully qualified teachers. It took me
four years to qualify. And I have been learning for
another 24 years how to improve my trade. Do not
try to be me!
Be Mum, Dad, carer… nothing more. Give, love,
support, security, make your children feel important
and valued, do those activities that you never get the
chance to do when the world is running at 200mph.
Problem-solve, build dens, plant, cook, paint, draw,
build and demolish… do the things that are real and
important for life.
Schools teach facts; if you think “prepositional
phrases and subordinate clause recognition in texts”
is important then you are daft - oh, and wrong.
But that is what the government would have you
believe. Your children do not need to catch up,
they are not behind, they are coping and doing
wonderfully well in these very strange times with
your love and help.
I was contacted by a parent a few days ago who
said the school had set her daughter six hours of
work a day. And that it was being checked they were
doing it. Her daughter was in tears. Real humanity,
compassion and understanding showing through
from a school so fearful for its future because of
‘standards’. I fear it is not the
only one; in fact I know it’s
not the only one.
Which brings me to the
question we ALL need to
ask: “What is the point of
Education?” Prince EA did
a nice little video on this
very topic on YouTube.
If it’s not to prepare our
children to enter the world
of ‘adulthood’ then what is
it for? Since the early 1900s
schools have been exam
factories, designed to churn
out conforming people who
can read and write and do
as they are told. Look at
the current celebration of zero tolerance behaviour
policies and school. We all walk in silence don’t we?
It’s a 19th century system, with 20th century
teaching methods in 21st century buildings. It is
NOT going to work. Parents, we need to challenge
this archaic system. I’d recommend watching Sir Ken
Robinson’s wonderful TED talk on “Do schools kill
creativity?”.
We need to Change Education. It is no longer fit for
purpose. ‘Learn a fact, revise it, pass a test, forget it’
has had its day.
A fabulous campaign called Change Education 2020
is trying to do just that. It has seven aims:
• High stakes accountability in its current form must
stop (Ofsted is not fit for purpose)
• End testing, particularly at primary school
• A realistic and hugely reduced National
Curriculum (currently 201 pages long for primary
and 105 for secondary)
• One union. Not the plethora we have now, so a
consistent and coherent voice can be heard.
• A 10-year funding plan for education, like our
NHS.
• Scrap the league tables
• Make education apolitical
Come and join us all, and there are many of
us, on Facebook: Change Education 2020,
Instagram @changeeducation2020 and Twitter @
CEducation2020
There is also a www.change.org petition; search
for Change Education 2020.
Do what’s right for your children. Challenge the
school system. Please don’t just accept it. For your
children’s sake.
THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IS
RIPE FOR AN OVERHAUL, SAYS
FORMER HEADTEACHER PHIL
SHARROCK
25

W H AT ’ S O N
Online show for folk duo
WITH THEIR LICHFIELD CONCERT ON MAY 22 UNABLE TO GO AHEAD DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
RESTRICTIONS, LICHFIELD-AMERICAN FOLK DUO A DIFFERENT THREAD ARE TURNING TO
SOCIAL MEDIA TO BRING THEIR LIVE SHOW DIRECTLY TO FANS AT HOME INSTEAD
Transatlantic folk group, A Different Thread, were
due to perform a special record release show for
their new EP, Some Distant Shore, in Lichfield at
The Hub at St Mary’s this month.
A collaboration between Robert Jackson from
Lichfield, and Alicia Best from Durham, North
Carolina, A Different Thread pulls from their
respective roots, having developed a sound that
embraces elements of country, ‘70s folk revival, and
piedmont blues as well as traditional English, Celtic,
and Appalachian folk. Their blend of intimate,
raw vocals with atmospheric instrumentation is
reminiscent of Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings,
while offering hooks in the style of folk rockers like
The Cranberries or The Lumineers.
Both traveling songwriters in their own right, they
first met busking in Galway, Ireland, back in 2016
and have been on the road together ever since.
Traveling is very much a theme; from the lyrics,
right down to Alicia’s homemade suitcase drum kit.
The duo officially formed after winning Shrewsbury
Folk Festival’s open-mic competition in 2017, then
went on to land interviews and live sessions on both
the BBC and NPR radio. The debut album, On A
Whim, released in September 2018, was described
as “a strong independent new sound” by Folk
Radio UK and a single from the album, Potter’s
Field, reached the semi-finals in the International
Songwriting Competition in 2019.
In light of the current global pandemic,the duo are
taking a break from their usual nomadic lifestyle.
Instead, they will be releasing their new folk EP,
while finishing up the songs for their next full album
of original material, until they can return to touring
and life on the road.
Their planned Lichfield concert will now instead be
broadcast via Facebook Live at 7.30pm on Friday,
May 22.
Fans can now watch the concert by visiting their
page at www.facebook.com/adifferentthread
with no account or sign-up required, and more
information can be found on their website at
www.adifferentthread.com
ALICIA BEST AND ROBERT
JACKSON FORM FOLK DUO A
DIFFERENT THREAD
26

T R AV E L
The desert next door
THE DESERT-LIKE LANDSCAPE
OF THE BARDENAS REALES
NATURAL PARK
Robbie Sinclair and husband Oliver, from Lichfield
travel experts RB Collection, finished their week of
driving around Southern France and Spain with a
scenic trip taking them from the culturally rich and
foodie haven of the Basque Country, to an area of
stark contrast; one of Spain’s most scenic deserts
where they stayed in one of the country’s most
unique - and Instagrammable - hotels
After a few glorious days driving over The Pyrenees
and through the Basque Country I had become used
to seeing jaw dropping lush landscapes at every turn.
Babbling brooks, waterfalls and endless skylines of
green stretched out before us as we sat in our 4×4
watching in amazement while trees whizzed past
our windows. The roads were strangely quiet and
this beautiful backdrop felt like it was just for us as
we cruised around hairpin turns and over serene
mountains. It was magical.
The road journey from Biarritz to the Bardenas
Reales Natural Park should be about a two-and-ahalf
hour drive. However we took a little longer so
we could take lots of scenic photos along the way.
The extra time we spent was worth it and we made
sure we had plenty of pastries and coffee which we
had bought in a quaint little bakery. It was just us
two, a podcast, tasty treats and stunning views.
Our sat-nav instructed us to turn onto a small dirt
track and it was time for our next adventure. As we
entered the Aire De Bardenas hotel compound, I felt
like I was headed to a space station outpost. We were
full of excitement and intrigue as we pulled into the
parking area of the semi-permanent structure. The
single story hotel is boarded with repurposed wooden
pallets that blend in with the landscape surrounding
it and after the glamour of Biarritz it was really nice
to add on a quirkier element to our trip.
After staying at a number of unusual places
including Petit St Vincent - a private island in the
Caribbean - and The Ice Hotel and Tree Hotel
in Sweden, we have grown a penchant for unique
hotels. Aire de Bardenas was the perfect choice for
our next out-of-the-box stay.
Sat in a wheat field, Aire de Bardenas looks out
onto the town of Tudela and behind it sits the most
incredible desert view. The unique part of this hotel
isn’t its incredible setting, nor is it the homegrown
vegetables or its friendly staff, although these are
all high up on the list. The thing that makes Aire
de Bardenas so amazing is their bubble tent rooms
that allow you to sleep under the stars and be at one
with nature. The aluminium and reinforced plastic
structure boasts an inflatable dome that houses a
transparent bedroom and covered private bathroom,
all cleverly situated to avoid prying eyes. We had
a more “traditional” room so after taking a look
around the space we collected our keys and turned

THIS UNIQUE SPANISH HOTEL
IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST
INSTAGRAMMABLE
onto the strange sci-fi like corridor to find our room,
we entered number nine; the last room on the left.
The simple room seemed very Scandinavian.
Simplicity and functionality is teamed with quiet
design details at Aire De Bardenas and I instantly feel
a sense of calm. At the end of the bed there is a large
window with a lazy day bed and on the other side
of the window sits the wow factor moment. A large
metal bathtub resides in a stark yard that reminds
me again of a moon base only seen in sci-fi movies.
Despite the unusual design, the unique landscape
seems utterly romantic and feels like a perfect option
for honeymooners or those wanting to reconnect
with each other.
When booking a hotel my top priority is always a
bathtub so I was pleased to see that the reception
area stocked LUSH products to satisfy the instagramhungry
hashtaggers that frequented the hotel. I,
of course, was no exception so I dashed out to buy
a new one. Although the
thought of a hot bubble
bath and a glass of wine
seemed very tempting we
couldn’t stop and relax just
yet, there was one more
thing on the list we needed
to see, so we grabbed our
map and some water and
jumped back into the 4×4
to hit the road.
This time we headed
towards Bardenas Reales
Natural Park which was
just 5km from our hotel.
I had heard great things
about this place but couldn’t
quite believe my eyes as
we entered the desert. It
took me a minute to realise
that I was actually in
Spain and not in mini
Monument Valley.
As we drove onto
the small rough road
towards the natural
park, Google tells me
that it was declared a
Biosphere Reserve by
UNESCO and never
fails to surprise its
visitors… I can see why!
Boasting a whopping
42,500 hectares of
photographable desertlike
landscape it feels
more like a film set from
Star Wars rather than a natural park in Spain!
The soils are made up of sandstone, chalk and clay
and thanks to years of wind and water damage
the landscape has eroded away to create the most
fantastical natural hills, craters and gorges. They say
that seeing is believing and you do REALLY need
to see this place to believe it. As we drove through
the park we noticed a military firing range and some
buildings that felt very top secret. After around two
hours of exploration and around 200 photographs
we called it a day and headed back. We cruised past
the many cyclists in the park and ventured out.
Back in the quietude of our hotel and with a large
glass of red wine I watched the bath bomb fizz
around the huge tub creating swirls of orange. I
closed my eyes and thought about our adventure.
This trip had felt like four holidays in one, lush
mountains and plush spa days juxtaposed with dry
deserts and off road driving. It was perfect!
THE DRIVE OVER THE PYRENNES
AND THROUGH BASQUE COUNTRY
OFFERED JAW-DROPPING SCENERY
28

BARCELONA
AND DESERT
TWIN-CENTRE
BREAK
· Return flights to Barcelona
· Pre-booked seats and checked in
luggage
· Arrival private transfer from airport into
the city
· One night 4* hotel in Barcelona with
breakfast
· City centre car hire collection, three days
hire
· Two nights Aires De Bardenas Bubble
with breakfast
· Advice and hints on enjoying the desert
drive
· Self-drive back to airport for car drop off
· From £949 per person, subject to
availability, terms and conditions.
For more details and to enquire about
booking, email vip@rbcollection.com, call
01543 261550 or visit www.rbcollection.com
THE AMAZING BUBBLE ROOMS
HAVE A SCI-FI QUALITY
29

FA S H I O N
Fashionably fit
AS GETTING SOME EXERCISE BECOMING INCREASINGLY PART OF OUR
DAILY ROUTINES, AMY NORBURY TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE TOP
ACTIVEWEAR PICKS, SO YOU CAN KEEP WORKING OUT IN STYLE
HANDS up if you’ve been religiously tuning into
personal trainer Joe Wicks’ daily PE sessions on
YouTube? Or if your hour-long ‘Boris Walks’ have
become an integral part of your routine?
As lockdown continues, it seems that getting our daily
exercise is becoming more and more of a priority
for everyone, whether that’s working out at home or
getting out in the fresh air for a quiet solo walk, jog or
cycle.
This - for many of us - newfound love of working out
means one thing: our wardrobes could do with an
injection of stylish new sportswear. After all, if you’re
kitted out correctly, it not only puts you in the best
frame of mind to put your all into exercising, but good
sportswear is tailored specifically for the best possible
performance.
And forget the dull grey jogging bottoms of yesteryear;
today you can make a real fashion statement while
you’re pounding the pavements or working up a sweat
in front of the TV.
When it comes to effective exercising, comfort is key.
There’s nothing worse than feeling restricted in your
workout by unsuitable clothing. Opt for leggings and
vests which fit closely to the body for maximum range
of movement and look out for functional materials
which draw sweat away from your body to keep you
dry and comfortable throughout your training session.
A solid sports bra is a must too, whatever your size.
The right footwear is also a must; it’s always best to
get fitted for sports trainers by a professional, but since
that’s not an option right now, do your research so you
can understand exactly what type of shoe you need.
With our wardrobes at the moment eschewing office
attire and fancy going-out threads in favour of a more
casual, comfortable approach, your new, seriously
stylish sportswear is sure to become an instant day-today
wardrobe favourite.
SOLASTA SPORTS BRA TOP, £30, TALA.
WWW.WEARETALA.COM
30

£140
£63 £170
£45
FLO PINK STRIPED LEGGING,
VAARA AT HARVEY NICHOLS
ANATOMIC HOODIE,
TRIBE SPORTS AT
HARVEY NICHOLS
TECHLOOM BLISS STRETCH
KNIT SNEAKERS, ALTHLETIC
PROPULSION LAB
UNDER ARMOUR COLD GEAR
GRAPHIC LEGGINGS, FIGLEAVES.
WWW.FIGLEAVES.COM
£80
£45
UNDER ARMOUR COLD
GEAR CREW TOP, FIGLEAVES.
WWW.FIGLEAVES.COM
£30
SWEEPER CAMOFLAGE
BRA TOP, KORAL
ACTIVEWEAR AT
HARVEY NICHOLS
UNDER ARMOUR SPORTS BRA,
FIGLEAVES. WWW.FIGLEAVES.COM
£85
ADIDAS ORIGINALS FALCON
SNEAKERS, HARVEY NICHOLS
GILET, £25; JACKET, £29.50;
SPORTS BRA, £15; GO TRAIN
LEGGINGS, £29.50; AND
TRAINING SHOES, £45, ALL
FROM THE GOOD MOVE
COLLECTION AT MARKS
AND SPENCER
PATTERNED
LEGGINGS, £28,
FROM THE EMMA
WILLIS COLLECTION
AT NEXT
31

B E AU T Y
Skincare as easy as 1 2 3
CELEBRITY FACIALIST AND HEAVEN SKINCARE FOUNDER DEBORAH MITCHELL
OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO REPLICATE A SIMPLE BUT SALON-WORTHY THREE-STEP
BEAUTY ROUTINE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME
Whatever your skin type – be it oily, sensitive or spot-prone – a twice-daily skincare regime is essential to
ensure your face is at its healthiest. Throughout the day, your skin comes into contact with all manner of dirt,
pollutants and environmental factors; not looking after it properly morning and night and you’ll soon find
you’re suffering from constant break-outs, blocked pores, grease and early ageing signs. However, you don’t
need all manner of high-tech beauty devices, this simple three-step routine will ensure your complexion gets
the lockdown love it deserves.
1: Start with a thorough cleanse to remove the build-up of daily dirt and makeup.
Soak your face with warm water, making sure it’s not too hot as this can actually
dehydrate your skin and damage sensitive areas, before applying a small amount of
cleanser. Gently massage in a circular motion, avoiding the eye area, for between
30-60 seconds so it can work its magic. Rinse thoroughly and pat, not rub, your face
dry with a clean, soft towel.
Heaven Hydro Cleansing Milk, £37.90 (120ml)
Heaven Cleanse & Foam, £37 (145ml)
2: I often get asked ‘why do we need to tone our skin’ and the answer is
simple... it helps maintain a healthy and clear complexion. Toners are designed
to restore your natural pH balance while removing leftover impurities,
unclogging your pores and reducing breakouts. Opt for a toner that is suitable
for your skin type for maximum hydration and use after your cleanser and
before moisturising.
Heaven Bee Polish, £37 (30ml)
Heaven Orange Flower Cell Renewal Hydrogel, £27 (120ml)
3: Finish off with a small amount of moisturiser (remember a
little goes a long way) and gently massage with your fingertips,
not forgetting to cover the all-important neck area; you don’t
want the skin on your face looking healthier than the skin on
your neck. Choose a product that is designed for your skin,
for example a gentle formula for sensitivity issues or a thicker
cream for more mature skin, and opt for a specific one for your
more delicate eye area.
Heaven Divine Cream, £64 (50ml)
Age Defiance Cream, £73 (50ml)
PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT HEAVENSKINCARE.COM
32

Rosemary Lodge Care Home for elderly ladies and gentlemen offers a level
of care, community and comfort that is second to none. Situated a short way
from the bustling City Centre of Lichfield and set in landscaped gardens,
Rosemary Lodge is light, spacious and beautifully decorated, offering residents
just the right combination of activity and relaxation. Residents are encouraged
to retain their independence and individuality whilst being fully supported to
live a fulfilled and enjoyable life.
Based in the heart of Staffordshire in the picturesque village
of Alrewas, our shop is packed with ideas and inspiration for
your home. Incorporating Jo Raybould Interior Design within,
for those who require the services of a professional designer.
needwoodliving.co.uk
136 Main Street Alrewas, DE13 7ED
01283 711 272
info@needwoodliving.co.uk
Online Valuations & Estimates
Due to COVID-19 we are
temporarily closed to the public
Messages and emails are picked up daily.
For advice please contact:
richardwinterton@richardwinterton.co.uk
A family run concern that has been a highly regarded part of the community
for almost 30 years. Offering 24- hour care, fully trained staff work together
to communicate with residents to ensure that personal care needs are met in
a fully person-centred approach, thus building an important relationship of
trust and friendship.
Two qualified chefs offer a nutritionally balanced and varied menu, catering
for any dietary requirement, using fresh, locally sourced produce, served in
a spacious dining room that offers views out towards the Orangery and the
gardens and fountain.
The Orangery offers the perfect space for residents, family and friends to
meet up, chat enjoy coffee and snacks at any time of the year.
Richard Winterton
Auctioneers offer a
range of professional
services tailored to
your specific needs.
Get in touch, we’re
here to help.
See our website for
full details.
The Lichfield Auction Centre
Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, WS13 8NF
House Clearances
Downsizing
Jewellery
Valuations &
Probate Services
Free Valuations &
Insurance Service
SUPPORTING
LOCAL MEDIA
01543 251081 | www.richardwinterton.co.uk
All rooms are en-suite, and are designed to comfortably accommodate
individuals and couples. Full wi-fi throughout to allow residents to keep in
touch with family and friends through video link or FaceTime.
Regular activities and entertainment include movement to music, musical
theatre groups, pet therapy, pub lunches, and visits to local events are regularly
organised. However, privacy and peace and quiet is also ensured. There is also
an on-site hairdressing and beauty salon.
Rosemary Lodge also offers respite care, holiday stay and limited day care.
Rosemary Lodge Residential Home
191 Walsall Road, Lichfield. Staffs. WS13 8AQ.
In the first instance please contact Jane Evans - Registered Care Manager
or Shirley Kent - Administration Manager.
01543 415223 - Email: roselodgehome@aol.com
www.rosemarylodgecarehome.co.uk
CQC RATING GOOD

H E A LT H
Zoom in for online consultations
WE MAY WELL BE GOING THROUGH LOCKDOWN - BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN WE CAN
IGNORE THE DANGERS TO OUR SKIN CAUSED BY TOO MUCH EXPOSURE TO THE SUN.
SPIRE LITTLE ASTON HOSPITAL ARE HERE TO HELP
As summer approaches, four
consultant dermatologists at Spire
Little Aston Hospital are offering
online consultations on Zoom so
that patients with worrying skin
symptoms can be given advice
during the Coronavirus pandemic.
As both UK Sun and Skin
Awareness weeks run in May,
Doctors Jon Goulding, Clare Defty,
James Halpern and Haytham
Al-Rawi have made themselves
available for virtual consultations
for people worried about skin
problems.
Government figures show that skin
cancer is the most common form
of cancer in the UK and rates continue to rise with
at least 100,000 new cases diagnosed each year
resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
Dr Goulding explained: “We are absolutely still
open to see patients. Having the capability of Zoom
consultations means that, if necessary, patients can
actually show us the moles or skin tags they are
worried about. We often then supplement this with
review of separate high-quality patient photographs.
“The 30-minute virtual consultations allow us to
hear about patients’ skin concerns and decide what
action, if any, is needed. If we think an immediate
face-to-face consultation is necessary then we can
arrange that. The important thing at the moment is
to make an early assessment of any problems, which
these on-line consultations are making possible.”
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. It
can appear as a new mole or an existing mole that
changes in size, shape or colour - left untreated it
can spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma can appear on any area of the body –
even where the skin is not normally exposed to the
sun.
Look at your skin and examine your moles regularly
(1-3 monthly), since the sooner a skin cancer is
detected and treated – the better your chances of
cure.
Skin cancers seldom cause symptoms – however if
a mole starts to itch, become painful, bleeds, gets
crusty or inflamed consult your doctor.
Remember the ABCDE rule, which is a common
screening tool, used to compare the appearance of
normal moles versus a possible melanoma:
ASYMMETRY: when one half of the mole doesn’t
match the other.
BORDER: when the borders are irregular, ragged
or blurred.
COLOUR: when the colour changes or varies
throughout and/or there appears to be no uniform
pigmentation.
DIAMETER: when the diameter is greater than
6mm (but could be smaller).
EVOLVING: changes in the mole over time: weeks,
months or years.
Not all melanomas fit into these rules, so if in doubt
see your doctor. If a mole changes in size, shape or
colour, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
To book a 30-minute virtual Zoom consultation with
a dermatologist call Spire Little Aston Hospital on
0121 580 7119.
34

ALAN DOVEY AND MICHAEL SWIFT, OF WORKING MINDS, OFFER SOME TIPS
FOR MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
H E A LT H
On the front line of mental health
Mental health; those two words that have become
increasingly referenced over the previous decade are
now expected to have a more detrimental effect on
our well-being than ever before. Experts have seen
increases of health anxiety, panic, stress and low
mood, however there are several ways of maintaining
your mental well-being during this time.
The brain is primed for two things basically, which
is threat and loss. However, in these unprecedented
times the accuracy of these basic functions become
less accurate and, in fact, irrational at times.
It is important to identify whether you are
overestimating the danger that is present and
underestimating your ability to protect yourself from
these dangers. In times of perceived ‘crisis’ we are
hardwired to be concerned and anxious; however
our worry is not always justified. By rationalising
our thoughts, we can successfully reassert our
control over anxiety. It is hard to do this when we
are isolated, so try to keep making connections with
those in your social group and stay connected to
those you are close to.
Create a new daily routine that prioritises looking
after yourself and others in your household. You
could use this time to develop an exercise routine and
try new healthier eating habits. We know that it’s not
always the easiest, but reducing fast acting sugars,
fatty foods and increasing exercise is not only great
for heart health but also for your mental health. Why
not try planning your exercise and dietary changes
with the family to connect more with others!
The media - and particularly social media - is one of
the increasing ways that we source information on
world events. The problem, however, is how do we
know we are receiving information we can trust? We
recommend using a couple of credible resources such
as the World Health Organisation or the Centre for
Disease Control. Outside of this, limit watching the
news to 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes
in the evening. Think about it - if you had a big sign
saying ‘DANGER’ in front of you 24/7 do you think
you would feel more in danger?
Time and time again researchers have shown that
sleep is essential to not only our levels of energy but
our mental health. Try to maintain a similar sleep
routine as before lockdown and remember ‘LITE’:
L - Keep light levels as low as possible; I - Reduce
intensity of thoughts through deep breathing; T -
Keep the temperature of the room cool; E - Do not
use electronic devices before trying to sleep.
Most importantly, this is a time that helps show the
good in us all. We have seen families reconnected,
friends overcoming distance to stay in contact, the
charitable giving to heroes and the roars of applause
for our national health service.
Indeed, the coronavirus pandemic
may mean that mental health may
never be the same again and maybe
it shouldn’t. We hope that this
opportunity will lead to a greater
emphasis on maintaining mental
health and ultimately providing new
and improved help to those who not
only need but deserve support.
Finally, my one piece of advice that
overrides it all is to laugh when you
want to laugh and to cry when you
want to cry.
That’s called being normal.

Thank you
TO ALL THE NHS AND KEY
WORKERS SUPPORTING THE
COUNTRY AT THIS TIME
J’aime