J'AIME OCTOBER 2020

J’ E
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0
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
Time
to shop
local!
The
coats
edit:
Fall
in love
WITH AUTUMN
INTERIORS
OUTERWEAR
IDEAS ALL
WRAPPED UP
THE LICHFIELD
THEATRE COMPANY
PROVING THE SHOW
WILL GO ON

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Welcome to J’AIME
As we tumble into autumn in this most strange of
years, it’s not only the weather which is proving
changeable. With localised lockdowns upon us and
tightening of government restrictions in response
to the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s still very much a
sense of uncertainty in the air.
But here at J’AIME, we aim to look towards the
positive - and this issue, packed with feel-good
stories, is no different.
We chat to brilliant Lichfield theatre company Let
Me In, who aren’t letting things such as global
pandemics prevent them from putting on a show.
Their key to success? Adapt! Their first lockdown
show was a sellout hit, and with another planned
for November we discover how the show will
continue to go on.
On the foodie front, we chat to Lichfield chef Susie
Mandleberg, who has taken up the head role at
Thyme Kitchen, a new brunch restaurant which
opens at Curborough Countryside Centre this
month. She’s got big things planned and an exciting
menu of goodie - including a delicious baked eggs
dish which she has kindly shared the recipe for - so
why not pop over and indulge?
It’s now more important than ever to support
your local shops and businesses, and for those in
Lichfield, the new Visit Lichfield discount card will
enable you to do that while getting a little reward
into the bargain. There are plenty of retailers and
venues signed up to the scheme already, and we’ve
checked out what they’re offering to tempt you to
shop local.
Elsewhere, we chat to Sutton Coldfield veterinary
surgeon Lewis Wescott - aka Dr Chicken - about
how chickens have become one of lockdown’s most
popular pets, and Birmingham artist Kate Jones -
aka The Crafty Brum - about forging a new career
inspired by her surroundings.
EDITOR: AMY NORBURY
EDITOR@JAIMEMAGAZINE.COM
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CONTRIBUTORS: JENNY AMPHLETT,
SARAH LEEDHAM, ROBBIE SINCLAIR,
DEBORAH MITCHELL
J’AIME IS PUBLISHED BY ASHBURY
PUBLICATIONS LIMITED AND PRINTED BY KEP
LIMITED, TAMWORTH.
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CONTENTS
InsideJ’aime this month...
6 Dr Chicken - Sutton Coldfield veterinary
surgeon Lewis Wescott on keeping lockdown’s
perfect pet
9 Property - Property of the month
12 Property - A new build journey
14 Interiors - Fall in love with autumn colours
18 Interiors - Quirky statement lighting
24 The Crafty Brum - Sutton Coldfield artist Kate
Jones
26 Food and drink - Reviewing Dishoom,
Birmingham
28 Food and drink - Brunch to love at Thyme
Kitchen
32 Travel - A different side to the White Isle
36 Shop Local - The Visit Lichfield discount card
scheme
40 Let Me In Theatre - The Lichfield theatre
company which is not letting the pandemic
get in the way of a good show
42 What’s On - Pick your own Halloween treats
44 What’s On - A round-up of this month’s
exciting events
46 Fashion - New season coats edit
48 Beauty - Get your beauty sleep with Heaven
Skincare’s Deborah Mitchell
50 In the news - Silver linings from Richard
Winterton Auctioneers
SPONSORED BY
4

Say hello to our
seasonal favourites
4 and 5 bedroom family homes available
Be inspired by our range of homes at Roman Heights
in Lichfield. This new community offers flexible living
spaces, contemporary fittings and a range of layouts
to choose from. With plenty of green spaces and easy
access into Lichfield and Birmingham it’s a great place
to call home.
Roman
Heights
Lichfield
01922 263 001
By appointment only
Search:
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bovishomes.co.uk
Internal images may include optional upgrades at an additional cost. Price & availability correct at time of going to print. Ask our sales advisor for details. GDD56212

FEATURE
An egg-cellent idea
IF A GARDEN FULL OF CHICKENS IS ON YOUR WISHLIST THEN LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO A MAN
WHO CAN HELP. JENNY AMPHLETT MET UP WITH SUTTON COLDFIELD VETERINARY SURGEON
LEWIS WESCOTT, AKA DR CHICKEN, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS FOWL LINE OF WORK
LEWIS CURRENTLY HAS 18 CHICKENS
IN HIS FLOCK AT HOME
Fresh eggs in the morning, a hobby that can be
enjoyed without stepping out of the garden gate, selfsufficiency,
environmentally friendly living - there are
so many reasons why keeping chickens has become a
lifestyle choice for so many of us in 2020.
Lockdown forced people to reassess their priorities
and look for simple pleasures closer to home.
Those who found themselves with more time on their
hands than usual but nowhere to go tackled DIY
tasks around the home, tidied the garden and then
hit on the idea of growing their own fruit and veg.
Keeping chickens is a natural next step. It’s fun for
all the family and, if you’re lucky, results in a steady
stream of a food staple that was rationed by many
shops and supermarkets just a few months ago.
If you can harden your heart enough, it can also
result in a supply of organic, free range meat that
you know has lived the best life possible.
There’s something wonderfully romantic and
appealing about the idea of stepping back in time
to a more innocent age, when our pleasures were
simpler and our gardens were used for growing
useful, usable things.
Lewis Wescott is the man to speak to if you need
convincing that chickens could make your life
complete.
A qualified veterinary surgeon, Lewis, who was born
and raised in Sutton Coldfield, also goes by the name
of Dr Chicken because of his long-held passion for
the birds.
The 28-year-old, who works full-time at a veterinary
practice in Tamworth, still lives and rears his
livestock in Sutton Coldfield.
He was aged just 14 when he started keeping
chickens. While his school friends were exploring
typical teenage activities Lewis was cleaning out after
his animals and becoming an expert in their care.
“I used to work at Ash End Farm, a children’s farm
at Middleton, after doing some work experience with
them. I knew that I wanted to go to vet school so it
was a great opportunity for me,” Lewis said.
“It was there that I was first introduced to keeping
chickens myself, and we started keeping them at
home. My family helped, but the chickens have
6

always been mine.
“If people don’t know chickens then they won’t
realise what brilliant personalities they have. I’ve just
always found it so cool that you can buy an egg, put
it in an incubator and have a chick.”
After graduating with a BSc in animal science then
studying for a further five years to become a doctor
of veterinary medicine, Lewis works as a small
animal vet with a special interest in birds of prey and
poultry.
He works with chickens for his day job but his
interest in them takes up much of his free time as
well.
As part of a degree project Lewis created a red mite
treatment which proved 100 per cent successful in
lab tests and is currently being tested across the UK
in chicken coops.
He’s worked with chicken related companies
including selling chickens, feed and coops and
representing the British Hen Welfare Trust as well as
writing for various poultry magazines.
He’s given talks at The National Poultry Show, BBC
Gardeners World Live at the NEC, The Edible
Garden Show at Alexandra Palace and even ran a
day-long course at the Highgrove Estate, home of
Prince Charles.
If you’re keen to find out more about keeping your
own chickens then Lewis could well be your man.
He runs chicken keeping courses in his spare time
in locations including London, Wales, Warwickshire
and back home in Sutton Coldfield.
He runs one-day introduction courses as well as a
series of follow-on courses, including advice for those
who wish to rear then eat their own chickens.
Some sessions are one-to-one and others, when not
CHICKENS MAKE THE
PERFECT PET, SAYS LEWIS
SUTTON COLDFIELD
VETERINARY SURGEON
LEWIS WESTCOTT - AKA
DR CHICKEN
in the midst of a global pandemic, can involve up to
30 people staying in an eco lodge and taking a simple
butchery course.
“We’ve had chickens for 14 years,” he said. “We
started off with a trio of Belgian bantams and the
flock then grew with the addition of Pekins and
hybrids,” he said.
“We caught the hatching bug when I built my own
incubator from scratch and now breed and hatch a
few birds every year just to add to our flock.”
He currently has 18 chickens in his flock, including
pure breeds, hybrids and cross breeds.
Over the years he has rehomed a number of exbattery
hens through the
British Hen Welfare Trust and
helped them to have a happy
retirement.
He also keeps ducks after being
given some as a surprise present
at his 18th birthday party.
Lewis keeps some of his
chickens longterm - and has
some that are up to 12 years old.
Others are reared specifically
for the table.
He’s noticed a definite increase
in interest in chicken keeping
since lockdown began in March.
“I’m getting an awful lot
of interest in courses and
information and I’ve also had a
silly number of emails this year
7

asking if I can look after chickens for people while
they go on holiday. Holiday cover is fully booked,” he
said.
Lewis says he would definitely recommend chickens
as pets, providing people have done their homework
beforehand.
“They’re the perfect productive pet and the perfect
family pet. Pets can start off being looked after by
children but then they lose interest and the parents
take over, but chickens have a way of holding
children’s interest.
“They just keep on giving back as they keep on
giving you eggs. Some people worry that their
neighbours might not like the idea of chickens in
the garden next door, but you’ll often find they’re
even happy to look after them for you occasionally
because of the eggs.
“We have such a lot of eggs that we keep our own
neighbours supplied.
“As long as you feed and water your chickens and
keep them cleaned out once a week they’ll be happy.
They’re not high maintenance at all.”
To find out more about Lewis’s
work with chickens visit his website
at www.drchicken.co.uk
CREAM CRESTED LEGBAR
LEWIS’S TOP CHICKEN
KEEPING TIPS:
• You don’t need a massive garden to
keep chickens. You need at least a metre
square per chicken, which means it is still
possible to keep chickens in a smallish
urban garden.
• Hybrids are good beginners chickens.
They’re fairly cheap to buy and you get
a lot more eggs from them than you will
from pure breeds. Pure breed chickens
will usually stop laying from around
Halloween to Valentine’s Day, but you
could get one egg a day from a hybrid
chicken all year round. That means you
could get double the quantity of eggs
from a hybrid.
• You don’t need to have a cockerel in
order to get eggs - and you’re less likely to
annoy your neighbours.
8

PROPERTY
Property of the Month
EACH MONTH WE SHOWCASE SOME OF THE BEST PROPERTIES ON THE
MARKET. THIS MONTH, WE TAKE A LOOK AT A BEAUTIFUL SIX-BEDROOM
FAMILY HOME ON THE PRESTIGIOUS FOUR OAKS ESTATE
Acer House, 6D Hartopp Road, Four Oak Estate, Sutton Coldfield: Guide price £2,500,000
On the market with Aston Knowles: 0121 362 7878
THE AGENT SAYS: An impressive six-bedroom family
home, immaculately presented and located on the prestigious
Four Oaks Estate, featuring extensive accommodation and
self-contained two-bedroom annexe.
This stunning and immaculately presented family home is set
back on a private plot of approximately two-thirds of an acre
and offers the possibility for further development.
The extensive frontage leads to the lovely oak front door,
which opens up into the truly spectacular reception hallway
featuring oak flooring, a multi-fuel log burner, and exposed
brickwork and timbers, which are a classic feature found
throughout the home. A mahogany staircase leading up to
the galleried first-floor landing.
The spacious drawing room is off to the left-hand side,
while the formal dining room to the rear of the property is a
lovely space for dinner parties. To the right-hand side of the
reception hallway is the billiards/games room.
The kitchen/breakfast/family area is truly the heart of the
home and has been outfitted to the utmost detail. Leading on
from here is the family area which overlooks the rear garden.
From the billiards/games room the lobby can be accessed. A
utility/laundry is located here. Leading on from the utility is
the gym with view of the garden. Stairs lead up to the first
floor accommodation; two spacious bedrooms, both with ensuite
shower rooms.
The first floor accessed from the main reception hallway
leads up to the master bedroom suite with underfloor heating
throughout as well as dressing room and en-suite bathroom.
The first floor further features a guest bedroom with
en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms, one with
en-suite shower room. A family bathroom completes the
accommodation.
W E L O V E :
THE FLEXIBLE ACCOMMODATION
OPTIONS
9

Chamonix Velvet
Dining Chair
Castle Double Pedestal
Dining Table

O N E O F T H E U K ' S L E A D I N G S U P P L I E R S O F
H O M E , B A R A N D R E S T A U R A N T F U R N I T U R E .
S H O P D O M E S T I C A N D C O M M E R C I A L F U R N I T U R E
O N L I N E O R A T O U R S T A F F O R D S H I R E
S H O W R O O M .
Brittany Velvet
Dining Chair
Windsor Bespoke Double
Pedestal Dining Table
Chamonix
Velvet Dining
Chair
Large Square Dining Table
Unit 6, Ring Road, Zone 2, Burntwood Business Park, Burntwood, WS7 3JQ (Sat Nav use WS7 3JG)
01543 375 872 | sales@peppermillinteriors.com
Peppermill Interiors is a trading name of Peppermill Antiques Ltd.

PROPERTY
A new-build journey
SECOND-STEPPER EMMA LISSMORE IMMEDIATELY FELL IN LOVE WITH HER BOVIS
HOMES NEW-BUILD AT THE STEADINGS IN ESSINGTON - SO MUCH SO THAT SHE
HAS DOCUMENTED THE WHOLE JOURNEY, FROM RESERVATION TO MOVING IN, ON
INSTAGRAM. HERE, SHE DESCRIBES WHY IT’S PERFECT FOR HER FAMILY
Why did you choose a Bovis Homes ‘Spruce’
house type?
We initially wanted a Bovis Homes detached Cypress
house type as we thought the Spruce was a fourbedroom
home. We viewed the Spruce show home,
fell in love and the rest is history.
Why did you choose a new-build home?
I just fell in love with the idea of buying a new-build
home that fits and meets all of our needs as a family.
This home is what we’ve dreamt of!
Why did you choose The Steadings in
Essington?
Funnily enough we only visited Essington to view the
development as we had never heard of Bovis Homes
and were originally interested in the housebuilder’s
Fletchers Rise location in Wombourne. We visited
the development several times and the more we saw
it and the show home, the more it felt right and felt
like it could be home. Not to mention the lovely
countryside and amazing school on the doorstep.
Why did you document your journey about
the buying process?
I chose to document our new-build journey as there
is a lot of negative stigma around new-builds. Our
journey from start to finish has been amazing and
we’ve really built a great relationship with the site
and sales teams! That was the only sad part of the
process: finishing it!
What kind of questions did you have about
buying a new-build home?
I remember the first day we went into the sales
office armed with a list of questions, from the estate
charges to the land the houses are built on. Also, the
leasehold of the house and, more generally, the plots
that would be available. The sales advisor answered
my very long list of questions and that day we walked
out of the sales office, we knew buying with Bovis
Homes was the right move.
How often did you visit your new home
during the build process?
We visited our plot a few times during the build
process as I wanted to document the progress. When
we couldn’t get to the plot, we had updates from sales
and site guys, which was amazing, so we didn’t miss
a single stage. It was magical visiting our plot each
time, watching it change and grow into the beautiful
home it is today.
How long was it from choosing your home to
your moving in date?
We reserved our home on December 9 last year.
Our completion date was June 2020, but with the
Coronavirus lockdown, it was ready by July 31.
What was the best part of this whole journey
that you will remember in years to come?
My favourite memory will always be that first time
we walked into the sales office – just to have a look
– and walked out having reserved our forever dream
home! I still look at the house now and have to pinch
myself that it’s ours!
12

PROPERTIES SOLD 2020
95.9% *
OF THE AVERAGE
ASKING PRICE
ACHIEVED
£963K *
AVERAGE SALES
PRICE ACHIEVED
ONE IN A MILLION
ASTON KNOWLES
£32m* OF PREMIUM PROPERTIES SOLD IN 12 MONTHS
Our numbers are pretty impressive, just like the properties we sell. That is why we
are the No.1 choice for premium property sales in Sutton Coldfield. Our properties
generate a significant amount of interest and as buyers return to the market,
there is a strong demand for premium residential property in your area.
So, if you are considering selling now or in the future, there is no better time to contact
our expert team for a NO-OBLIGATION FREE MARKET APPRAISAL of your property.
*Of properties sold in the last 12 months
0121 362 7878
enquiries@astonknowles.com
www.astonknowles.com
@astonknowles

INTERIORS
Fall into
autumn
AS we make our way into autumn, warm hues and cosy
colours surround the interior world. From burnt oranges
to luxe reds, rich greens and deep blues, it’s a veritable
feast of nature-inspired shades which dominate the colour
palette at this time of year.
Bring the great outdoors inside with turning-leaf tones
and comforting blue hues reminiscent of the darkening
nights which are upon us, and mix weathered woodland
treasures for rooms filled with true autumn attitude.
Autumnal decor needs to feel cosy too, so opt for an
array of luxe fabrics to create a seriously comforting vibe
around your home. Rich, soft velvet in bold tones makes
for perfect statement pieces, while earthy knits and touchyfeely
embellishments add to that inviting look.
With layers of textures and vibrant, nature-inspired tones
aplenty, all that remains is to arrange your furniture so it’s
conducive to cuddling for the perfect autumnal scheme.
CULT LIVING PALOMA ROUND FOOTSTOOL
IN ORANGE VELVET, £49, CULT FURNITURE.
WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM
£149.99
REVERSIBLE PLUM RED AND PINK RECTANGLE
VELVET CUSHION, MINT AND MAY.
WWW.MINTANDMAY.CO.UK
£155
ICON LUNA FOOTSTOOL IN
MUSTARD, BAZAAR GROUP.
WWW.BEANBAGBAZAAR.CO.UK
£32
£49
VOGUE FAUX MOHAIR THROW, JADE
GREEN, CULT FURNITURE.
WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM
LUSH ROUND VELVET WALL CLOCK
IN CARAMEL, CULT FURNITURE.
WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM
£30
PISA DINING CHAIR IN BURNT
ORANGE, PEPPERMILL INTERIORS,
BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK.
WWW.PEPPERMILLINTERIORS.COM
14

discover
Staffordshire’s
best kept
secret
WWW.BLACKBROOK-INTERIORS.CO.UK
Discover the finest selection of interior furnishings
in Staffordshire’s most magical emporium. Our
unique collections carry elegant furniture, decor and
accessories that are perfect for any home...
Closed Mon & Tues Blackbrook • Open Wed Interiors, - Sat 9am London - 5pm. Sun Road -11am (A38), - 5pm Weeford, • London Road Staffordshire, (A38) Weeford, WS14 Nr. 0PT Lichfield WS14 0PS
Tel: 01543 t: 01543 481010 010 • Email: • e: info@blackbrook-interiors.co.uk blackbrook@aol.com • fb.com/blackbrook.interiors
• www.blackbrook-interiors.co.uk
Blackbrook Coffee House now open Friday, Saturday and Sundays.

YASMIN BENCH, £195, AND MATCHING YASMIN CHAIR, £170,
PEPPERMILL INTERIORS, BURNTWOOD BUSINESS PARK.
WWW.PEPPERMILLINTERIORS.COM
£596
FRITZ HANSEN SERIES 7 VELVET DINING
CHAIR, CHAPLINS FURNITURE.
WWW.CHAPLINS.CO.UK
£749
£25
BELGRAVIA THREE-SEATER SOFA IN
MUSTARD VELVET, CULT FURNITURE.
WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM
MUSTARD GATSBY FRINGED
CUSHION, MINT AND MAY.
WWW.MINTANDMAY.CO.UK
£425
£POA
GREEN VELVET CHAIR,
NEEDWOOD LIVING, ALREWAS.
WWW.NEEDWOODLIVING.CO.UK
LIGNE ROSET FURNITURE SOFA BED IN CLAM .
WWW.LIGNE-ROSET.COM/UK
AMBER LARGE RETRO VASE, £8, RED SMALL
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HAMILTON ARMCHAIR WITH GOLD LEGS, £250,
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LOGAN 12 PIECE DINNER SET, £40, NEXT.
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BRONTE WINGBACK ARMCHAIR, £249,
CULT FURNITURE. WWW.CULTFURNITURE.COM
17

INTERIORS
Light up
your life
AS the nights draw in, you can’t underestimate the
importance of lighting in your home. It’s the time of
year where low-level, ambient lighting reigns supreme,
from the flickering glow of firelight to the cosy warmth
of candlelight - it’s all about creating a mood with your
lighting choices.
Lighting is the perfect way to change the feel of a room,
to inject a feeling of warmth or to make a real decor
statement. You’ll be amazed at how much difference the
addition of a lamp or two, here and there can make.
If you’re starting a lighting scheme from scratch, invest in
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larger rooms, complement an oversized ceiling light with
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while smaller spaces will benefit from a more flexible
approach, such as adding brightness to surfaces with lamps
and candles.
ESPEN OVERSIZED PENDANT, £495, COX & COX.
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BLUSH AND BRASS TEXTURED PENDANT,
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£POA
£330
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LIGNE ROSET LIGHTING ATACAMA TABLE
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IVETE PALM TREE FLOOR LAMP,
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ORIGINAL BTC PEMBRIDGE PENDANT SIZE 3.
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18

BAYLISS
creating bathroom envy since 1929...
Visit our extensive prestigious bathroom and tile showroom....
regarded as one of the finest in the Country!
Bayliss Limited, 23 Gate Lane, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield B73 5TR
T: 0121 362 1800 www.baylisslimited.co.uk
Proud to be a family run business for over 35 years
HOME IS WHERE THE WARMTH IS
“Fantastic
service and
great products.
Thanks Kieran”
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Whitaker
Heath
1/7 High Street, Erdington B23 6RG Next to Highclare School
Telephone: 0121 384 5251 - www.abbeyfirecentre.co.uk
Open: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed Wednesdays), Sat: 10am - 2pm
Suppliers of: Contura, Jotul, Gazco, Paragon, Scan, Town
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For your safety and to observe social distancing we are
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EICHHOLTZ SUMMIT CHANDELIER,
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WEAVER PENDANT LAMP IN NATURAL
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ETTY WOOD AND METAL DESK LAMP,
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ANTIQUE GOLD PALM FLOOR
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CAIRO CHANDELIER BY MULLAN LIGHTING,
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AVILA TABLE LAMP, LIGHTING STYLE.
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THE DESIGNER LAMP BY FABIO MELIOTA, £1,295,
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FREE no obligation design service with our kitchen specialists
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FROSTED GLOBE TABLE LAMP IN BLUSH, £95, COX & COX.
WWW.COXANDCOX.CO.UK
BAMBOO MANTA PENDANT LIGHT, £100, MODISH LIVING.
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18

Woodburning &
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t he heart of t he home...
Visit our showroom to be amazed by the choice -
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Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm • Sat 10am - 4pm. Closed Sundays and bank holidays. FREE ON-SITE PARKING.

FEATURE
Crafted in Birmingham
HER ADOPTED CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, AS WELL AS HER AUSSIE HOMELAND,
PROVIDES INSPIRATION FOR THE COLOURFUL WORKS OF ARTIST KATE JONES.
JENNY AMPHLETT DISCOVERS MORE
When Kate Jones set off travelling from her native
Australia four years ago she planned to see the world
for a year then return home.
Little did she know that she’d fall in love with a city
in the centre of England and end up settling down
with a home, partner and a new career as an artist.
Now aged 28, she was working as an early years
teacher in Adelaide, South Australia when she
developed itchy feet in 2016.
“My dad was originally from Birmingham but he
moved to Australia, met my mum and started a
family. I was born and raised in Australia. I have an
aunt in Birmingham but the rest of my family lives
on the other side of the world,” she said.
“I came over to travel and had a lot of Europe to tick
off my bucket list before I went back home again. I
planned to stay here for a year, travel as much as I
KATE’S UNIQUE DEPICTION OF THE
LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM
ARTIST KATE JONES, WHO NOW
CALLS SUTTON COLDFIELD HOME
could and work whenever I needed to so that I could
pay for the travelling.”
Other than high school art classes, Kate has received
no formal training in art – which is hard to believe
considering that the pen and watercolour creations
she sells under the name of The Crafty Brum wing
their way to new homes across the UK, Australia and
the US.
“I was working in schools in Australia and would do
art with very young children, but that’s as far as it
went with a career in art at that point.
“I’ve always been interested in art and had an artistic
flair, but it was always just something that I did on
the side as a bit of a hobby.
“It’s only really since I’ve met my partner, who is
British, and settled down that I’ve started to think
about my art more seriously and seeing whether I
could get it to take off as a business.
“We were living in Acocks Green for a couple of
years and have now moved to Sutton Coldfield, and I
wanted to create some artwork for our new house.
“I was very much just doing it for me to begin with,
but then people started expressing an interest in
24

uying my work.”
Kate has been approached with commissions to draw
everything from buildings to weddings dresses.
Her distinctive, self-taught technique features fine
line pen drawings printed onto colourful hand
painted watercolour backdrops.
Every watercolour piece is bespoke, which means
that no two pieces of artwork are ever the same.
The colours are always vibrant and the subject
matter usually includes the luscious houseplants that
Kate is so fond of.
She draws inspiration from both her homeland and
her adopted city, as well as the long walks she’s been
taking during lockdown.
Recent subjects have included The Rotunda, The
Library of Birmingham, The Bullring bull and a
Lichfield coffee shop.
Kate has also drawn British phone boxes and post
boxes as well as Australian birds and plants.
“It’s been really lovely for me to be able to represent
both places that are so special to me, and to have
people in both places buying my work,” Kate said.
“I often include clearly recognisable symbols of the
city, the sorts of places that people would go to see
as a tourist and take photos of. They’ve been a real
inspiration and helped me to reach an audience of
people who have a real pride in their city.
“Things took off quite quickly because I was offering
something new. People that know me started to
recommend me to other people, and that word of
mouth seemed to really work.
“People are being a bit more cautious about money
at the moment, but I’m still being approached with a
steady string of commissions.”
Kate’s future plans include launching her own
website and printing her designs onto T-shirts, tea
towels and items for around the home.
She’s put down roots in Sutton Coldfield and plans to
stay in and around the second city, while continuing
to share her love of Australia through her work.
“I love the contrast between Birmingham and
Australia,” she added. “The architecture here is so
beautiful. The history and all the buildings are still
amazing for me, I haven’t grown complacent about
them.
“I also really love the pub culture in the UK. I love
living in such a vibrant and up-and-coming city.
“There are such a lot of creative people here that
I’ve met through my social media accounts. There’s
a buzz about what’s happening in the city and it’s
exciting for me to be a part of that.”
You can see more of Kate’s work by visiting
her Etsy page at
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheCraftyBrum
THE RUNDLE MALL PIGS ARE THE
ICONIC BRONZE PIGS POSITIONED
PROUDLY IN ADELAIDE’S CITY
CENTRE
KATE’S DISTINCTIVE TECHNIQUE
COMBINES FINE LINE PEN
DRAWINGS WITH VIBRANT
WATERCOLOUR BACKDROPS
25

F O O D & D R I N K
From Bombay with love
A LONG-AWAITED OPENING BRINGS AN AUTHENTIC TASTE OF BOMBAY
TO BIRMINGHAM AT DISHOOM, AS AMY NORBURY DISCOVERS
If you haven’t taken a trip into
Birmingham city centre since lockdown
began, you could be forgiven for feeling
a little disoriented when you do.
Take a stroll up from Grand Central
and venture up past Victoria Square
and what was, back in March, a vast
building site in the place of the old
library is now home to the smart new
Paradise development, combining
office, retail, leisure and residential
spaces galore.
The first piece in the Paradise puzzle
is One Chamberlain Square, a vast
office building which overlooks Grade
I listed Birmingham Town Hall, the
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery,
and the Chamberlain Monument fountain and is
now mostly home to professional services firm PwC’s
largest UK regional office.
But nestled on the ground floor of this impressive
piece of architecture is one of the city’s most hotly
anticipated restaurant launches.
Dishoom pays loving homage to the Irani cafes
that were once part of the fabric of life in Bombay.
Opened early last century by Zoroastrian immigrants
from Iran, there were almost 400 of these cafés at
their peak in the 1960s. Today, though, fewer than 30
remain.
These cafes broke down barriers by bringing people
together over food and drink. They were the first
places in Bombay where people of any culture, class
or religion could take cool refuge from the street
with a cup of chai, a simple snack or a hearty meal.
People from all walks of life shared tables, rubbed
shoulders and broke bread together.
With restaurants already in London, Manchester and
Edinburgh, the family’s newest member, Dishoom
Birmingham, was mid-way through its launch when
lockdown struck.
But happily, you can’t keep a good eatery down, and
eager punters flocked to the stylish restaurant when it
eventually flung open the doors in mid-July.
And once the launch frenzy, followed by a packed
month thanks to the government’s Eat Out to Help
Out Scheme, had passed, J’AIME were delighted to
be invited over to sample Dishoom’s Bombay classics
for ourselves.
Inspired by Birmingham’s history as the ‘city of a
thousand trades’, Dishoom Birmingham explores the
unique parallels with the trades and markets of
Bombay and the importance of the city’s commercial
past. The stylish interior features plenty of quirky
26

touches inspired by Bombay’s cafes, while a
spacious wraparound terrace offers ample
outdoor dining.
The menu, meanwhile, is packed with
Bombay comfort foods for any and every
time of day, from breakfast bacon naan
rolls to late-night snacks. Street food
staples, hearty biryanis, rich curries and
the famous grills of Colaba all vie for
space among executive chef Naved Nasir’s
creations - guaranteed to transport diners
right into the heart of India.
Our Dishoom experience started with a
couple of classic dishes, the pau bhaji,
£5.70, and the chilli chicken, £6.90. The
pau bhaji is, according to the menu, the essence of
Bombay in a dish. A spicy mash of mixed vegetables
served with a toasted, buttered homemade bun, this
is simple pleasures at its finest.
The chilli chicken is a prime example of the crowdpleasing
Indo-Chinese cuisine offered up by many
Irani cafes. Our plate, piled high with crispy chicken
strips coated in a sticky combination of garlic, ginger,
soy and chilli was definitely one to order again;
moreish, comforting and packed with flavour.
Each Dishoom has its own signature dish
which reflects the location in some way. And in
Birmingham, home to Britain’s Balti Triangle no less,
it had to be a curry. But rather than trying to flog
baltis to Brummies, Dishoom’s creative chefs have
offered up something a little different.
Think of a korma, and you could be forgiven for
picturing something heavy on the cream and coconut
and light on the, well, flavour. But you’d be wrong.
Birmingham’s signature mutton chaap korma,
£19.50, combines marinated mutton chops with
a rich sauce full of onions and cashews to create a
classically Indian version of the dish - none of your
watered down, extra mild curry here, because at
Dishoom, the korma certainly packs a punch.
The accompanying khamiri roti is beautifully light
and crisp, perfect for mopping up the tender mutton
and luscious sauce. It’s a curry worthy of a place on
Birmingham’s culinary map.
A slow-cooked jackfruit biryani, £12.50, is a
flavourful vegetarian take on this classic rice dish,
with the brightly coloured saffron-infused rice
punctuated with fresh herbs and sweet jewels of
barberries and sultana, the satisfyingly meaty
texture of the pulled jackfruit belying its vegetarian
credentials.
With a bowl of greens, £4.50, on the side - the
tastiest grilled broccoli, snow peas and kale tumbled
with a zingy dressing of chilli and lime - it made for
a sumptuous feast which we devoured with relish.
Dishoom’s impressive drinks menu features a vast
array of tasty cocktails, fine wines and refreshing
beers, but we washed down our lunch with some
signature soft drinks; delectable sparkling passion
fruit sharbats, £3.90, and cups
of house chai, £3.20, made the
proper Bombay way.
With little room for pudding, the
mango and pistachio kulfi sticks
offered the perfect conclusion to a
whistle stop tour of Bombay’s - via
Birmingham’s - finest.
In a year fraught with difficulty for
the hospitality industry, Dishoom’s
introduction to the Midlands may
have been a rather stunted one.
But in a city not short on Indian
dining options, the tantalising taste
of Bombay has certainly found a
most welcoming home.
27

F O O D & D R I N K
Thyme for brunch
THYME KITCHEN OPENS IN LICHFIELD THIS MONTH. WE MET THE HEAD CHEF,
LOCAL GIRL SUSIE MANDLEBERG, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BRUNCH DINING
When Susie Mandleberg moved to London four
years ago she had no idea that when she finally came
home it would be to a job as head chef at a new
restaurant in her home city.
The 28-year-old, who was born and raised in
Alrewas, had no formal training in food when she
moved to the capital in 2016.
She took a front of house role at a brunch cafe in
West London, quickly switched to working in the
kitchen and discovered her vocation.
“I just fell in love with it,” she said. “I’d always loved
cooking so as soon as I started doing it as a job I
wondered why I hadn’t been doing it my whole
working life.”
That first job in the food industry saw Susie design
her own recipes based on seasonal, locally-sourced
produce and bold flavours.
After four years she moved on to her first position
as a head chef, at a seafood restaurant also in West
London.
Just a few weeks later the country went into lockdown
and it was during the months that followed that Susie
decided to move back home to Staffordshire to be
closer to her family and friends.
She was delighted to be the head chef for the launch
of Thyme Kitchen in Lichfield, a breakfast and
brunch restaurant launched by Beth Toovey of Sauce
Supper Club at the former site of Mabel’s Tearoom
at Curborough Countryside Centre.
“I absolutely loved working in a brunch restaurant
before, so this is the ideal job for me,” said Susie.”
“There were lots of brunch premises in West
London, and it’s quite nice to be able to bring that
sort of vibe here.
“There’s nothing within a 10 mile radius that’s
offering anything similar to what we’re doing. I hope
that people will really appreciate it.”
The eclectic menu will include traditional breakfast
favourites such as the full English alongside new
creations such as baked eggs in a rich tomato and
chorizo sauce.
Susie is also working on recipes including Persian
THYME KITCHEN
HEAD CHEF SUSIE
MANDLEBERG
eggs - which are served with ingredients including
pomegranate seeds, coriander and hummus.
From cakes to sauces, everything possible is being
made from scratch on the premises.
The restaurant will open from Tuesday to Sunday,
from 10am to 4pm, and will serve lunch options
alongside breakfast and brunch.
“We’re really focussed on getting seasonal produce
onto the menu. British produce is absolutely
incredible,” said Susie.
Local suppliers are being used wherever possible,
including eggs from just outside Lichfield and
sausages from Tamworth.
Susie will lead a team of two in the kitchen and there
are due to be four people working front of house.
“We’re currently an all female team,” added Susie.
“It’s lovely to have so many strong women working
together to get this business up and running. It’s an
absolutely fantastic team.”
Thyme Kitchen will open at Curborough Craft
Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, on October 1. To
find out more visit www.facebook.com/Thyme-
Kitchen-108316001003356 and follow
@chefsusiemandleberg and @thymekitchen
on Instagram for more brunch inspiration.
28

TOM SHEPHERD HAS CREATED 3 SEASONAL MENUS TO
ENSURE YOUR FESTIVE DINING IS SAFE AND STRESS FREE!
MENUS AVAILABLE TO BOOK ONLINE - DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
PREPPED READY FOR YOU TO HEAT AND SERVE
*PRICE PER HEAD FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
December Menu
Christmas Day
New Years Eve
FROM DECEMBER 1ST - 20TH
MENU £45* PER HEAD
BREAD
Cotswold crunch mini loaves with
marmite butter
STARTER
Confit organic Turkey terrine, pressed
with pistachios and sage stuffing,
cranberry ketchup, green bean and
sprout salad, black truffle vinaigrette
(V) pressed celeriac, pistachio and
sage stuffing terrine, cranberry ketchup,
green bean and sprout salad, black
truffle vinaigrette
MAIN
Herefordshire beef, smoked potato
purée, swede fondant cooked in beef
fat, roasted hispi cabbage with chestnut
butter, honey glazed baby carrots,
beef rib roasting gravy
(V) Wild mushroom and truffle
pithivier, smoked potato purée,
confit swede fondant, roasted hispi
cabbage, honey glazed baby carrots,
mushroom and truffle sauce
DESSERT
D.A.H Sticky toffee pudding,
butterscotch sauce, raisins soaked
in rum, clotted cream ice cream
TO FINISH
Mini mince pies
FROM DECEMBER 23RD - 24TH
MENU £60* PER HEAD
BREAD
Cotswold Crunch mini loaves with
marmite butter
STARTER
Herefordshire braised beef rib
tortellini, roasted carrot veloute,
spring onion, aged Parmesan pesto
(V) Tofu and chestnut tortellini,
roasted carrot veloute,
spring onion, pecorino pesto
MAIN
Poached and roasted organic
Turkey, duck fat roasted fondant
potato, smoked bacon sprouts
with chestnut butter, Yorkshire pudding,
cranberry stuffing, pigs in blankets,
honey glazed baby parsnips,
turkey roasting gravy
(V) Winter beetroot Wellington,
roasted fondant potato, sprouts
with chestnut butter, Yorkshire pudding,
cranberry stuffing, honey glazed baby
carrots and parsnips, vegetarian gravy
DESSERT
72% dark Chocolate fondant,
Calvados custard, rum & raisin ice cream
TO FINISH
Mini mince pies
FROM DECEMBER 30TH - 31ST
MENU £60* PER HEAD
BREAD
Cotswold crunch mini loaves
with marmite butter
STARTER
Roast confit duck leg, soy dashi
broth, celeriac purée, Granny Smith
apple, chive oil
MAIN
400g Highland Wagyu rump
cap steak to share, Wagyu beef fat
roasted Jerusalem artichokes,
Wagyu fat confit onion, mushroom
ketchup, bone marrow
and truffle sauce
DESSERT
Banana and vanilla sponge
pudding, chocolate cremaux,
salted caramel ice cream
TO FINISH
Fruit and nut fudge
Note
*This is a celebration of Highland
Wagyu, unfortunately
we are unable to adhere to any dietary
requirements
THESE BOXES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED - PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
#STAY SAFE #DINEATHOME
T 01543 264050
E beth@saucesupperclub.co.uk
www.saucesupperclub.co.uk

Thyme Kitchen’s baked eggs in
a rich tomato and chorizo sauce
Ingredients - serves 2
1 tbsp sunflower or rapeseed oil
1/2 bunch thyme
1 red onions
1 cloves garlic, minced
1 tin chopped tomatoes
100g cooking chorizo (or 1/2 a
chorizo ring; you won’t need to
fry this)
4 eggs
To serve:
100g feta
Parsley
Take chorizo out of skin and tear into 3cm
pieces. Fry until it starts to darken at edges.
Drain and discard any excess chorizo oil
and leave to cool.
Thinly slice the red onion. Soften in a deep
frying pan on a medium heat with the
sunflower/rapeseed oil. Add in the garlic
and cook for a further minute. Tip in the
chopped tomatoes and leave to reduce for
20 mins, stirring regularly.
Once reduced, add in the thyme and
chorizo. The chorizo should give out
plenty of smokiness, but if you want to go
a little further, add in a tablespoon of sweet
smoked paprika.
Cook for a further 10 mins, then crack
in four eggs. Take a piece of kitchen foil
and cover the pan. This will help to gently
steam the top of the eggs, leaving you with
a soft runny yolk rather than drying it out.
As soon as the top of the eggs are white
and cooked through, remove from the
heat and leave to rest for two minutes; the
hot sauce will continue to cook the eggs,
so don’t worry if they look slightly under
done at this point.
Eat straight out of the pan and top with
crumbled feta and parsley. Best served with
hot buttered sourdough, or griddled pitta
and hummus.
30

07815 460786
01827 892952
Hand Problems
Be Your Own Hand Detective
Do you feel symptoms of pain, clicking, numbness or tingling in your
hands? Have you noticed any signs of hand lumps, swellings, or
muscle wasting?
Common Hand Conditions
Carpal Tunnel – Common symptoms include tingling and
numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger, with occasional
thumb muscle wasting.
Trigger Finger – Signs of finger locking and clicking
are seen - the finger may flick up from a bent position.
Dupuytren’s Contracture - A thickening of skin in the palm and
fingers are experienced, along with a fixed bending of the fingers
meaning hands cannot be placed comfortably flat on a table.
Arthritis of the Thumb – Signs include a general dull
ache around the thumb base, which may mean sufferers
struggle to open tight jars. The thumb position may change.
The Midland Hand Clinic have been safely
treating patients through face to face or virtual
consultations. We understand that access to
healthcare can be challenging at the present
time but let us help you in the best way we
know how, by looking after your hands.
Midland Hand Clinic lead by
Mr G Shyamalan FRCS NHS
consultant hand surgeon.
All patients welcome whether
you have private medical insurance
or you are self-paying.
Ask us about our self funding
prices for minor hand surgery.
Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany
Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com
Call: 07815 460786 - 01827 892952
www.midlandhandclinic.com
25/02/2019 09:55

T R AV E L
Ibiza: A journey of discovery
TREND FORECASTER ROBBIE SINCLAIR EXPLORES IBIZA ON THE
HUNT FOR HIDDEN GEMS AND ALL-IMPORTANT TIME OUT
ROBBIE SINCLAIR DISCOVERED A MORE
TRANQUIL SIDE TO THE WHITE ISLE
I suppose my job is a little unusual. I am a trend
forecaster, or if we are being pretentious a ‘Futurist’.
To simplify, I do LOTS of research that combines
data with gut instinct to figure out what fashion
trends will be important for the coming months and
even years ahead. Travel plays a huge part in my job
so when Covid forced us into a global pause I had to
rethink my strategy. For the past few months I have
been working with global brands to help them figure
out how to navigate through our current situation
and help them survive this pretty challenging time.
The last time I travelled was March 2020, right
before the pandemic put a stop to our plans.
It was now time to travel again and my much
anticipated escape was a quick 30 minute flight
from where I live in Barcelona to one of the most
beautiful landscapes I’ve visited, Ibiza. For many,
the White Isle is known for debauchery and dance
music however I was seeking a different side. I’m on
the hunt for fabrics, homewares and any gems my
magpie eyes can find. The plan is to drive around the
island documenting the best stores and places to visit
that will be delivered back to my clients around the
world. I’m travelling and researching so they don’t
have to. This trip was also an opportunity to take
some time out and reflect.
Following my arrival I took a 30-minute scenic drive
to the 7 Pines Kempinski on the north east coast. As
predicted the island was very quiet. A friend who
lives on the island had told me that it would feel like
having the place to ourselves and it did. Although
it was quiet it didn’t lack atmosphere it just seemed
much more relaxed than I had ever seen it before.
I was greeted by two hotel staff who, although
wearing masks, presented me with smiles visible in
their eyes. Walking into the ultra chic reception area
I breathed a sigh of relief and I felt the last knots of
work related tension in my neck ease. I was finally
away from my desk. It felt like my first ever trip and
I was beyond grateful. As I took a sip of my welcome
32

LUXURY AT 7 PINES KEMPINSKI
cocktail and sat back on the sofa, I looked outside
at the cluster of tiny islands in the Mediterranean
Sea and asked myself a question; “What took me so
long?”.
It’s safe to say that the travel industry has taken a
catastrophic beating this year. With the flip flopping
of the government’s rules and confusion around
where we can and cannot travel to, I can see why
many have chosen to stay at home. However, as I sit
in the tranquil luxury of 7 Pines Kempinski I know I
made a good decision in getting away.
My lovely first floor suite had stunning vistas and was
light and airy with the feel of a private apartment. It
boasted a bar area and living room that led out to a
good sized, bright sea facing terrace. Perfect!
After unpacking, I walked an easy five minutes
to Cala Codolar, a small rugged bay with lots of
natural charm. I sat on the rocks in silence watching
the waves roll in and out sloshing around the bay. I
realised that whilst sitting at home waiting for the
world to improve I’d forgotten what it felt like to
relax, phone free, email free, worry free and just stop.
I had finally switched off and it felt great.
It was time for dinner and I put on my favourite
vintage shirt and headed to the Cone Club, one
of the hotel’s bars. It’s 6.45pm and 7 Pines just so
happens to have THE best views for watching the
sunset on the Island. As the DJ plays the island’s
famed Balearic beats I noticed a huge gong situated
behind her decks. 7 Pines is known for its sunset
ritual and as the sun descends an air of excitement
takes over. We have all seen many sunsets but things
seem different here, maybe it’s the island’s historical
hippy energy taking over but I find myself having a
new appreciation for Mother Nature.
The sky begins to glow a deep orange and the
surrounding voices hush, the sun bids farewell for
another day and as the last slither of glow fades, the
DJ bangs the bong. Once,
twice, three times and the
tables erupt with applause. It
was a special moment that will
stay with me forever.
I head upstairs to The View
for dinner which offers
elevated vistas of the resort
and the Mediterranean
Sea. The menu of Spanish/
Asian fusion rediscovers old
favourites whilst lighting up
taste buds all night long. It
was safe to say, my first night
on the White Isle had really
made me rediscover my
love for travelling and the
importance of escaping the
everyday.
Well rested, I head down to breakfast which offers
even more breathtaking views of distant bays and
the nearby Isla de es Verdrá. The waiter explains
that due to Covid the buffet is brought to the table
which actually made the experience feel more
exclusive. Fresh juice and pastries make their way
over along with cold cuts, cheeses, breads and coffee.
Small touches like this make me feel safer and I’m
reminded that the tables and chairs have been
disinfected which again helps me relax further into
my new island life. Along with my many nibbles I opt
for an egg white omelette then quickly change my
BREAKFAST
33

A GLORIOUS IBIZAN SUNSET
mind and order pancakes because…why not?
With my stomach satisfied I jump in the car in
search of some inspiration. Ibiza island is small so
you can see all of its splendours easily making plenty
of time for beaching and pooling. As with all good
researchers I had my “want to go” places arranged
on my Google map.
First up was Marcadillo Sant Jordi, a classic hippy
style market carrying a sumptuous mix of globe
trotting wares from Tibetan woven slippers
to palm leaf bags and Middle Eastern
objects. I would imagine that this market is
usually bursting with people bartering and
pushing to get the best price but today it was
chilled and you could meander around at a
relaxed pace...my perfect kind of market.
Next on my list was Tanis, an ultra-chic
homeware store boasting natural fabrics
and neutral tones that promised to make
your home morph into the most desirable
beach inspired setting. Then, onto what
would be my favourite store of the day; La
Galeria Elefante, a modern bohemian store
with some of the most beautiful objects
and fashions from around the world. The
store was built of room upon room of
hand crafted textiles in rich jubilant bright
tones along with delicate lace and quirky
curiosities.
Finally I headed towards Sluiz; to call Sluiz
a store would be an insult to it’s creators.
Sitting in a giant red and white striped
big top tent, you enter through a strange
walkway of mock Greek statues with neon
pink lips. I knew I was about to enter into
something a little off kilter. This giant
space houses wholesale home decoration,
clothes and accessories. Aisle
upon aisle of larger than life
objects sit in mini themed
stories.
Blown glass cacti in chirpy
neon tones sit next to
fluorescent green mock tribal
masks and life size leopard
statues that deliver a huge
dose of kitsch. This is a bar
designer’s paradise and the
perfect place for inspiration.
Zig zagging around the
‘store’, I stumbled across an
incredible cafe that almost
felt like stepping through
the looking glass. The walls
were littered with pictures
and dolls that even continued
onto the ceiling above in a remarkable vision of
confusion. Deciding that it could get any better I
decided to leave on a high and head for lunch. Sluiz
is an attraction in itself and worth a visit on your
drive around the island to gawp at the vast array of
merchandise and colourful creations.
The following morning I decided on a well deserved
lazy day at the hotel. I found the perfect spot at the
THE MARCADILLO SANT
JORDI WAS ONE OF
ROBBIE’S SHOPPING
HOTSPOTS
34

ENJOYING THE SUNSET RITUAL
AT 7 PINES KEMPINSKI
pool area where the beds were situated so close to
the water that you could almost roll right off into the
pool when in need of a cool down. This area was
possibly my favourite part of 7 Pines with its slim
chill out zones that housed little seated areas that
then moved out into a larger area for swimming. At
the end there was a glass panel that looked
out across the incredible views, it was perfect.
This was mid-September and the temperatures
hovered in the low 30s by day and low 20s by
night.
After a few hours of rotating in the heat like a
pig on a spit I gave my skin a break and went
to the suite to freshen up. I had intended on
heading out for dinner but decided to try the
hotel’s dine in service. Room service was taxied
around the hotel grounds on electric delivery
bikes that gave an added charm and was renamed
‘Home Delivery’. I never usually order
room service, I find that it’s always the same,
mediocre burgers and basic pizzas, but I was
suitably impressed by tonight’s feast. Delicious
thin and crispy pizzas packed with flavour
along with THE best truffle fries I’ve ever
tasted.
After eating long past my stomach told me to
stop, I sat on the terrace looking up at the stars
in my overindulged state, today was perfect.
It had felt like so long since I felt that holiday
feeling of reading a book and switching off.
The past few months have been a series of
hurdles for many of us and it felt good to allow
my mind to shut down and reboot.
The following days were a series of drives
around Ibiza’s beautiful picture postcard coves
and beaches. The aqua blue waters looked like
they’d been Instagram filtered and every view
left me awestruck. I have visited Ibiza twice before
this trip but this time I fell head over heels in love
with the white isle. A friend who lives there told me
the island has her own rhythm, a poetically accurate
description.
On my final morning I headed down to Cala
Codolar, the little rugged beach for one last moment
of solace. I sat on the same rock as my first day and
as I watched the island go about her routine; the
waves sloshing, wind blowing through the trees and
birds flying overhead, I made a vow. It’s true we are
living through a difficult time, we are all doing our
best to get through the current struggles but I made
a silent promise; to never forget the importance of
taking a break.
How to book
Book your visit to Ibiza for 2021 and stay at the 7
Pines Kempinski with RB Collection. Call them on
01543 258631 or email vip@rbcollection.com.
Speak to Nathan who has visited the hotel himself
too. RB Collection will include their own Ibiza guide
to beach clubs, restaurants and Robbie’s shopping
guide too! Visit www.rbcollection.com/ibiza
for more details.
35

LO CA L A R E A
Support local in Lichfield
LICHFIELD BUSINESSES HAVE JOINED FORCES TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER LOCKDOWN AND
ENCOURAGE VISITORS TO THE CATHEDRAL CITY, THANKS TO THE NEW VISIT LICHFIELD CARD
The national Eat Out to Help Out scheme may have
ended but Lichfield has introduced its own campaign
to encourage people to support businesses in the
cathedral city.
A new Visit Lichfield Card will give shoppers, diners
and overnight visitors access to discounts and special
offers at a whole string of venues in the coming
months - and the card is completely free of charge.
Lichfield District Council has joined forces with
attractions and businesses to offer everything from
percentage discounts to a slice of cake and a hot
drink for just £3.50.
Councillor Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Council’s
cabinet member for tourism, said: “The special offers
and discounts are a wonderful way for our district
attractions, shops, restaurants and accommodation
to give something back to their loyal visitors and
customers.
“I hope people will visit their local shops, restaurants
and attractions and help them in turn recover from
the Covid lockdown.
“We’re hoping even more district businesses will take
part by sending us their exclusive special offers.
“In return we’ll help raise their profile on our Visit
Lichfield website, through our social media channels
and regular email newsletters.”
You can apply for a Visit Lichfield Card free of
charge on the Visit Lichfield website, where you can
also find out about the offers and discounts available.
Cards can also be collected in person from Lichfield’s
Visitor Information Centre in St Mary’s on the
Market Square.
All businesses taking part will have stickers in their
window so that passers-by know they are taking part.
Card holders will simply need to show their card to
receive the offer or discount.
Businesses of all types across Lichfield are being
invited to join the scheme and hopefully benefit from
increased trade.
Offers currently available include:
36

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Erasmus Darwin House: Card holders can
enjoy a 10% discount in the shop when visiting the
museum. Access to the museum is available by prebooked
ticket only: www.erasmusdarwin.org. The
offer is available until December 31, 2020.
Jono’s Tourism: You can enjoy £5 off any prebooked
private history tour of Lichfield with Jono’s
Tourism, with a maximum of five people per tour.
Tours can be booked here: www.jonotourism.co.uk.
The offer is available until August 2021.
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum:
Cardholders can get 20% off in the museum’s
bookshop when visiting the museum. Visits must be
booked in advance: www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.
org.uk. The offer is available until November 1, 2020.
Visit Lichfield: You can get a 10% discount on
Visit Lichfield guided tours if you show your card
when booking at the Visitor Information Centre. Find
out more about the tours at www.visitlichfield.co.uk/
tours. The offer is available until December 31, 2020.
Framework Framing Gallery: The gallery is
offering a 10% discount on all picture and sculpture
sales. The offer excludes the bespoke framing and
ready-made frame services. The offer is available until
November 1, 2020.
Lichfield Antiques Centre: There is 10% off most
items over £20 at the Lichfield Antiques Centre. The
offer is available until December 31, 2020.
Ministry: Ministry is offering card holders half
price on all Marc Darcy and Cavani suits. The offer is
available until October 31, 2020.
Seasalt Cornwall: A 10% discount on full price
items at Seasalt Cornwall based in Three Spires
Shopping Centre. The card cannot be used in
conjunction with any other offers. The offer is
available until further notice.
Queen’s Head Pub: The Queen’s Head has several
offers available for card holders:
• Bottled beer (available all week): Peroni, Budweiser
and Desperados - three bottles for £7.50 or Becks
and Becks Blue – three bottles for £6.50.
• Hardy’s wine (Monday to Thursday only):
Chardonnay, Rose and Shiraz - buy two large
glasses and get the rest of the bottle free.
• Offer on various spirits, double up for £1.50 or
£1.80 depending on the brand.
The pub is running a booking system for tables due
to limited spaces, for more information go to www.
facebook.com/QueensHeadLichfield. The offer is
available until further notice.
The Hub at St Mary’s: Card holders can enjoy
a cake and hot drink for £3.50 at The Hub at St
Mary’s. This cannot be used in conjunction with any
other offers and is not available after 6pm. The offer
is available until further notice.
The Tudor of Lichfield: Card holders can get
10% off their final food and drink bill in the café as
well as 10% off chocolates, biscuits, jams, fudges and
counter chocolates purchased from the chocolate
shop. Cards are only accepted Monday to Friday. The
card cannot be used along with any other offers or
sale items and is not available on takeaway ice creams
purchased at the ice cream counter. The offer is
available until October 31, 2020.
The George Hotel: Autumn breaks are available
for card holders priced from £129 for two people.
The offer includes a full English breakfast and a three
course dinner. Overnight stay is in a standard room
for two people. The offer is available until November
30, 2020. Card holders can also enjoy a delicious
afternoon tea with your favourite gin and tonic at
The George hotel for £35 for two (normally £39.90
for two). The offer is available until further notice.
A-Plan Insurance: A-Plan Insurance Lichfield
is offering local new clients with a Visit Lichfield
Card taking out a personal car, van or home policy
for the first time a £50 One4All Gift Card. There
is a minimum premium of £250 on car and van
(excluding additional products, optional extras
and fees) and £200 on home (excluding additional
products, optional extras and fees). Other exclusions
apply. A-Plan reserves the right to change or
withdraw this offer at any time. The card will be
issued subject to the policy remaining in force for at
least 14 days. The offer is available until December
31, 2020.
For more details and to apply for a card visit
www.visitlichfield.co.uk
38

Why do you
need HR?
Is it because you want everything
to run smoothly, so you can
focus on the business instead
of working in the business?
OPEN
FOR NEW
RESIDENTS
WE
REMAIN
COVID
FREE
If that’s true I can be on your team with you to
achieve that. I translate business strategy into HR
practices which make a great culture, with happy
people who achieve their best.
Let’s find out together how HR can ripple
positively through your business.
Why do you
07771 780 146
jane.galvez@ripple-hr.co.uk
need HR?
ripple-hr.co.uk
Is it because you want everything
to run smoothly, so you can
focus on the business instead
of working in the business?
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.
If that’s true I can be on your team with you to
achieve that. I translate business strategy into HR
practices which make a great culture, with happy
people who achieve their best.
Let’s find out together how HR can ripple
positively through your business.
07771 780 146
jane.galvez@ripple-hr.co.uk
ripple-hr.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.
We are a trusted, local family, dedicated to providing
a truly personal service for those who need us
Burials, Horse-drawn Funerals, Bespoke
Funeral and pre-payment Funeral Plans available
All-inclusive Funeral Packages for
Cremation with no hidden costs
Including Crematorium, Doctor and
Religious/Non-religious Celebrant
Simple - £2,300
Traditional - £2,650
(includes family car, service sheets and floral tribute)
16 - 20 North Street, Cannock, WS11 0BA
01543 529813 (Anytime)
Visit our web and Facebook sites to see our reviews
www.omalleyfunerals.co.uk • www.facebook.com/omalleyfunerals
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

F E AT U R E
The show WILL go on
A LICHFIELD-BASED THEATRE PRODUCTION COMPANY ISN’T ALLOWING A GLOBAL
PANDEMIC TO STOP ITS SHOWS. JENNY AMPHLETT HAS BEEN FINDING OUT MORE
Many industries have been decimated by Covid-19,
but few more so than the arts. It’s hard to stage
any sort of performance if you can’t open a venue,
assemble an audience or even allow your performers
to stand anywhere near to one another.
Theatres across the world have had to close their
doors, cancel or postpone programmes and, at best,
offer live streamed performances for audiences to
watch from the comfort of their sofa at home.
A handful of brave, entrepreneurial types have
found ways to adapt and continue to offer live
performances safely. Lichfield-based Let Me In,
which was launched just last year by Chris Buckle
and Martin Pritchard, is one of them.
Chris and Martin have already staged one sell-out
production since the beginning of lockdown and
have another planned for November.
The secrets to their success? Being willing and able
to adapt, having great contacts in the industry and
setting out with a passion to deliver live theatre
rather than a passion to make a large profit.
“We were meant to be touring a musical in March
of this year and had to cancel that, but it wasn’t long
before we were thinking of ways to overcome the
challenges,” said Chris, who also works full-time in
the telecommunications industry.
Chris and Martin, whose day job is head of scenery
at Lichfield’s Garrick Theatre, are used to adapting
for different locations for each of their Let Me In
shows. So it didn’t take them long to come up with
the idea of a socially distanced performance - for
actors and audience alike - in an outdoor location.
Their all-female production of Lord of the Flies was
sold out throughout its outdoor run in the grounds of
Woodhouse Farm and Garden in Whittington.
It was Let Me In’s first ever outdoor production - and
the first where they asked audience members to bring
their own seats with them to help with hygiene and
safety precautions.
There was a maximum capacity of 100 people at
each performance, with audience members seated in
LICHFIELD THEATRE COMPANY
LET ME IN STAGED A SELL-OUT
OUTDOOR PRODUCTION OF LORD
OF THE FLIES DURING LOCKDOWN
household bubbles and admission allowed an hour
before the show to help people to take their seats
safely.
Chris and Martin also took the bold step of making
the ticket price whatever people could afford to pay,
or free if they couldn’t afford to pay.
“In the current economy and situation we all find
ourselves in we want theatre to be accessible for all,”
said Chris. “Admission to our production of Lord
of the Flies was free - with donations very welcome
from those who could afford to do so.
“It was a very easy decision to make and one that
we took early on when we thought about the many
things people would have going on in their lives.
We’ve always wanted our work to be accessible, and
particularly so for families.
“It was a bit of a gamble because we still had
production costs to cover, but we decided that it
wouldn’t be the end of the world if we took a bit of
a hit.”
40

It also helped that the cast members, grateful to be
back doing what they love, offered their services free
of charge. They were all from the Lichfield, Alrewas
and Whittington areas so didn’t have far to travel.
“I got in touch with Woodhouse Farm and Garden
because I used to get my fruit and veg from them and
I knew they had a lovely outdoor space,” said Chris.
“Thankfully they liked the idea of what we wanted
to do.
“We’d already planned the production but we had
to adapt it to make it work outdoors and to make
it socially distant for the performers. It was a real
challenge to make sure the actors wouldn’t get too
close to one another.
“Then there was also the challenge of making
sure the actors could project to reach an outdoor
audience that was spread out over a larger area than
you’d usually expect.”
They may have had to stand apart but working
under such difficult circumstances seems to have
brought the team together.
“When resources are limited you’re forced to be
creative,” said Chris. “Creativity comes out of
difficult circumstances. It’s meant even more to us as
a company and a cast. It also meant so much to us to
sell out, that was amazing.”
The audience feedback was very positive after each
performance, with people feeling incredibly grateful
to be able to get out of the house to watch some live
theatre.
Chris, 24, and Martin, 34, met through their mutual
love of the arts and
their connection with
the Lichfield Garrick
where Chris has
performed on stage
and Martin works.
Chris, from Lichfield,
and Martin, from
Rugeley, staged
their first Let Me In
production in April
2019.
Choosing the shows
falls to Chris while
Martin focuses
on making things
work logistically,
often for venues not
traditionally used for
theatre.
Wherever possible
they try to use a local pool of performers and Chris
says he likes the idea of subverting stereotypes, hence
the all-female Lord of the Flies based on a book with
only male characters.
Let Me In works on a profit share basis, with any
profits from shows divided between everyone
involved.
“There was no profit from Lord of the Flies, but as
a company we were happy with that and knew that
would be the case at the beginning,” said Chris.
“We all have other jobs too and do this because of
a passion for it rather than because it’s a vehicle for
making money.”
The next production, People, Places and Things by
Duncan MacMillan, is a play exploring the mind
of a young actor who struggles with addiction and
depression.
It will run from November 17 to 21 in a specially
constructed pop-up venue in the Lichfield area.
Chris said: “We’re lucky in a sense that we can adapt
to the situation presented by Covid-19 because we’re
not based in one place and we’re not restricted to
performing in a theatre.
“We can create our production space wherever we
need to, as that’s something we were already used to.
“If we need to use an old abandoned building for
a performance then we will. We’ve adapted to the
circumstances and we’ll carry on doing that.”
To find out more about Let Me In and forthcoming
productions visit letmeinpresents.co.uk or
facebook.com/letmeinpresents
THE COMPANY USED
LOCALLY-BASED
ACTORS FOR THEIR
SOCAILLY-DISTANCED
PERFORMANCE
41

LO CA L A R E A
Pick your own Halloween treat
WHETHER YOU WANT TO EAT THEM, CARVE THEM OR THEME YOUR HOME
DECOR AROUND THEM, THERE’S NO ESCAPING PUMPKINS THIS MONTH
Here at J’AIME we plan to embrace squash and
pumpkins this October. We won’t be buying one
from the supermarket though - we plan to pick our
own. Here are some places you can head to if you
want to follow suit:
Manor Farm Fruits, Watling Street, Hints
The farm’s annual Pumpkin Fest is back and will
run from October 15 to 31. We can’t wait! Manor
Farm Fruits have grown more than 20,000 pumpkins
of all shapes, sizes, and varieties to help make your
Halloween celebrations extra special. Due to the
ongoing restrictions of COVID-19, there will be
limited activities for children this year, but there
will be a range of spooky merchandise on sale and
a large outdoor seating area where you will be able
to enjoy a selection of drinks and snacks in a safe
environment. Admission is £2 per person and must
be pre-booked at www.manorfarmfruits.co.uk
Beckets Farm, Alcester Road, Wythall,
Birmingham
The annual pumpkin parlour has been cancelled for
2020, but the farm shop will still be selling pumpkins
of all shapes and sizes. There’s a free pumpkin stencil
with every pumpkin purchased plus a Halloween
cupcake decorating competition.
cover the additional cost in running the event due
to the extra government regulations. Visit
www.canalsidefarm.co.uk for more details.
Amerton Farm, Stowe by Chartley
You can pick your own pumpkin at Amerton this
year and even carve it on site to save the mess at
home if you wish. If you leave the seeds behind
they may well grow into next year’s pumpkin crop.
Pumpkin picking is available all day on October 17,
18 and from October 24 to 31.
Bednall Farm Pick Your Own Pumpkins,
Bednall, near Brocton, Stafford
An ever-popular event for visitors from around the
Midlands, Bednall Pick Your Own Pumpkins will be
welcoming guests from October 22 to 31 to pick fresh
pumpkins in time for Halloween. This year, to ensure
the event remains safe for visitors, slots will need to
be pre-booked, although tickets are still completely
free. There are two slots each day; morning and
afternoon, and visitors are welcome to arrive at any
point in their slot up to half an hour before the end,
staying for as long as they want in that time. For
more details and to make a booking visit
www.facebook.com/pickyourownpumpkinsbednall
Canalside Farm, Shop and Cafe, Mill Lane,
Great Haywood
The farm’s staff have planted more than 7,000
squash, gourds and pumpkins for you to pick
including unusual varieties and colours from the
Turk’s Turban, Cougar, Corvette, Bently, Secretariat
and tasty Orangita varieties. Pumpkin Fest will run
from October 10 to 31 - and you can also eat fresh
pumpkin in the cafe. This season you will need to
book a specific time slot to pick pumpkins via the
farm’s website (available from October 1) to help
steady the flow of people at any one time. There will
be a £2 charge per person (under 3s will be free) to
42

Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy
My offices are situated in the historic city of Lichfield and I have been providing personal
wealth management advice to my clients for more
than 25 years.
I specialise in the following key areas
and welcome your enquiry:
• Investment Planning
• InheritanceTax and Estate Planning
• Pre and Post-Retirement Planning
• Care Fees Planning and Funding for Care
Telephone: 01543 417342
Website: www.jeanlamb.co.uk
Email: jean.lamb@sjpp.co.uk
Office: 6A Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LH
Jean Lamb Wealth Consultancy is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority)
for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.
WE ARE BUYING
Most prestigious watch brands including:
ROLEX - BREITLING - OMEGA - TAG HEUER - CARTIER - PANERAI - IWC
• FAIR PRICES PAID
• DEAL WITH A LOCAL COMPANY - NO NEED TO SEND THE WATCH AWAY
• SELL WITH CONFIDENCE AND TRUST
We are Trustpilot’s highest rated watch company in the Midlands, and the second highest in the UK.
FIND US IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER AT BRANSTON COURT, BRANSTON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B18 6BA
ALL VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
TEL: 0121 405 4055 - EMAIL: SALES@WATCHESOFSUTTON.CO.UK - WEB: WATCHESOFSUTTON.CO.UK
WATCHESOFSUTTON
WATCHES_OF_SUTTON

LO CA L A R E A
What’s On Local
YOU MAY NEED TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING THINGS TO ENTERTAIN
YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY THIS MONTH. HERE WE ROUND UP SOME OF THE LATEST OFFERINGS
WHAT: EVENT CINEMA
WHERE: LICHFIELD GARRICK
WHEN: VARIOUS DATES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER
If, like us, you’ve been itching to get back into a theatre again then you’ll be
pleased to hear that Lichfield’s Garrick has event cinema screenings during
October ahead of the return of live performances in November.
The programme includes Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes on Friday,
October 2 and a live recording of Arthur Miller’s A View from The Bridge
on Friday, October 9.
On Friday, October 16 you can watch the film The New Mutants or on
Saturday, October 24 you can watch a live recording of Alfie Boe and
Michael Ball on stage at the 02 Arena.
The Garrick has introduced a string of measures to keep audiences safe,
including air extraction rather than air recycling in the auditorium. For
more details visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com
WHAT: MULTI-SENSORY ART EXPERIENCE
WHERE: BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
WHEN: OCTOBER 8 TO DECEMBER 31
Birmingham Hippodrome is to host the UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive, a
multi-sensory arts experience which is suitable for all the family. Visitors can
walk amongst more than 3,000 huge projections which will be accompanied
by lights, colours, sounds and fragrances. The idea is that people will feel
like they are stepping into Van Gogh paintings - which is intended to be
enchanting and entertaining but also educational.
The Hippodrome’s auditorium will be transformed for the exhibition, which
has been seen by more than six million people in 50 cities around the globe.
The Covid-safe event will be the first time the public has been invited into the
building since March.
For more details visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com
WHAT: MUSEUM AND ART EXHIBITIONS
WHERE: BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
WHEN: FROM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Your visit may be a little different for the time being, but from this month
you can finally return to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
It will reopen from Wednesday to Sunday each week, but you’ll need to
book a ticket and time slot in advance. Admission is free but there is the
option to make a £3 donation towards museum costs.
Capacity has been reduced and there will be a one way system around the
building. You’ll also need to wear a mask for the duration of your visit.
The Edwardian Tearooms will also reopen and you’ll be able to eat at a
table or buy food to take away with you.
For more details visit www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
44

WHAT: OKTOBERFEST AND SCAREFEST
WHERE: ALTON TOWERS
WHEN: DATES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER
The combination of theme park and beautiful gardens has
always set Alton Towers apart from other tourist attractions.
Now those spacious grounds are even more welcome than
ever.
The resort’s ever-popular Scarefest attraction has been joined
this year by an Oktoberfest celebration, both of which will
include the chance to enjoy rides after dark.
Oktoberfest will include Bavarian-themed live music, food
and a bier keller.
Scarefest, as ever, features spooky fun ranging from gentle
frights for children through to full-on horror for those with a
stronger stomach.
For more details visit www.altontowers.com
WHAT: HALLOWEEN FUN
WHERE: DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK
WHEN: OCTOBER 17 TO 31
The Halloween celebrations at Drayton Manor are set to be
more treat than trick this year.
The theme park and zoo will be decorated with pumpkins,
spiders and other seasonal items to bring some fun to the
occasion but without being too scary for younger visitors.
There will be more than 100 rides and attractions to choose
from and the zoo will also be open to visitors.
Covid-safe measures have been introduced across the park to
help visitors feel confident to return.
For more information visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk
WHAT: VARIOUS FAMILY FUN
WHERE: SNOWDOME, TAMWORTH
WHEN: DATES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER
From ski lessons to indoor climbing, the SnowDome at
Tamworth has reopened for all manner of family-friendly fun
You can ski without boarding an aeroplane or enjoy a snow
session without heading off to Lapland.
There is also ice skating, climbing, swimming and the option
of visiting the gym.
Covid-safe measures have been introduced across the
attraction to help to keep visitors safe.
For more details visit www.snowdome.co.uk
45

FA S H I O N
The coats edit
TAKE TIMELESS, CLASSIC LOOKS, ADD AN ELEMENT OF COSY AND THROW
IN A DASH OF ATTITUDE FOR AN OUTERWEAR SELECTION WHICH PACKS A
SERIOUS STYLE PUNCH FOR AW20, SAYS AMY NORBURY
IT’S usually one of the highlights of any fashionista’s calendar;
that’s right, it’s the traditional time of year when we’re picking
out the perfect coat to take us through right until spring.
But, as with most facets of life in 2020, the global coronavirus
pandemic has left its indelible mark on the fashion industry,
and while the seasonal catwalk shows in early March served up
an array of autumnal and winter treats, many fashion houses
and high street brands alike have been forced to slow down
production on their AW20 arsenal.
So it makes sense that the trends which have eventually trickled
through place an emphasis on the classic and the comforting -
with no small amount of attitude thrown in for good measure.
Tough leather, sombre black and timeless heritage checks
abound, alongside all things oversized and, well, that little bit
cosy. And none more so is this evident that among the outerwear
offerings which are slowly cropping up, just in time for the
turning of the seasons.
When it comes to choosing your winter wardrobe hero, opting
for any of these looks will see you right to 2021 and beyond -
that’s if they don’t already have a place in your collection of
classic investment pieces.
First up, the fabrics. We’re talking shearling and teddy-like furs
- faux, of course - as well as buttery soft leather for when you’re
ready to ramp up the attitude. Lengths vary from aviator-style
jackets and blazers to the full-on ‘Keanu Reeves in The Matrix’
ankle-sweeping style, but whichever way you go, leather is
perfect for adding a little polish to your lockdown casuals.
In keeping with the Matrix vibe, as well as oodles of leather
there’s been a resurgence of the fashion world’s all-time classic
hue. That’s right, for 2020 black is the new black. In keeping
with the rather sombre global mood, head-to-toe black was a
huge hit across the AW20 catwalks - so perhaps it’s time to invest
in some stomping black boots to pair with your black coat?
If you’re after something with a little more pizazz than block
colour black, then it’s time to search out the heritage checks.
From houndstooth and gingham to tartan and Prince of Wales
checks, this autumn is all about wearing your squares.
And when it comes to size, the ‘bigger is better’ mantra reigns
supreme. AW20 goes XXL in the outerwear department,
ensuring you’ll stay wrapped up warm whatever winter throws
at you.
CHECK COAT, FROM A SELECTION
AT DOROTHY PERKINS.
WWW.DOROTHYPERKINS.COM
46

£1,975 £247.50
£800
LEATHER MAC COAT, GUSHLOW
AND COLE AT HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
HOUNDSTOOTH WOOL COAT,
GERARD DAREL AT HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
ANNECY CAMEL WOOL COAT,
TOTEME AT HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
£95
£260
CHECK COAT, FROM A SELECTION
AT RIVER ISLAND.
WWW.RIVERISLAND.COM
BLACK FAUX FUR CUFF
SWING COAT, RIVER ISLAND.
WWW.RIVERISLAND.COM
CAMILLE FAUX SHEARLING COAT,
STAND STUDIO AT HARVEY NICHOLS.
WWW.HARVEYNICHOLS.COM
BLACK COAT AND BOOTS FROM A SELECTION AT
DOROTHY PERKINS. WWW.DOROTHYPERKINS.COM
TAN LONGLINE AVIATOR, £65, MISS
SELFRIDGE. WWW.MISSSELFRIDGE.COM

B E AU T Y
Get your beauty sleep
LOOKING AFTER YOUR SKIN BEFORE YOU GO TO BED IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO ENSURE A
GREAT COMPLEXION FOR YEARS TO COME. WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR DAILY SKINCARE ROUTINE,
GETTING ENOUGH SHUT-EYE SHOULD BE A PRIORITY TO HELP KEEP YOUR COMPLEXION IN TIP TOP
CONDITION, SO AIM FOR BETWEEN SEVEN TO NINE HOURS A NIGHT AS STUDIES REVEAL ANY LESS
CAN LEAD TO WRINKLES AND DRIER SKIN. ROYAL FACIALIST AND FOUNDER OF HEAVEN SKINCARE
DEBORAH MITCHELL SHARES HER EXPERT TIPS FOR A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP
WASH AWAY THE DAY: During
the day your skin comes into contact
with all manner of dirt, pollutants and
environmental factors, and not cleaning
properly at night time means you’re
more likely to suffer constant break-outs,
blocked pores and grease. My New
Edition Cleanser (£37.91, 120ml)
is the first of its kind to contain my
patented ABEETOXIN® formula, so it
not only deeply cleanses the skin but also
controls facial muscles for an immediate
tightening and firming effect.
TAKE A LONG BATH: However stressful
your day has been, soaking in the tub
relaxes your mind and prepares you for a
great sleep. To help aid a relaxing night,
use my Dream Body Wash (£26.20) –
not only does it tighten and firm the skin, as
well as exfoliate and moisturise, but thanks
to the organic grapefruit and sandalwood
it works on a sensory level, making you feel
calm and sleepy.
USE A NIGHT CREAM: By choosing a cream that
is designed specifically for night time, you allow all
those great ingredients to get working on your skin
while you get your shut-eye. My
Overnight Success Oxygen
Cream (£91) releases oxygen
to detoxify and replenish your
complexion. Perfect for dull or
damaged skin, its anti-ageing
properties increase collagen
production and it’s suitable
for all skin types – especially
mature, dry and damaged.
APPLY A SERUM: Serums penetrate
deeper than a moisturiser, due to them
having smaller molecules, which means
they are easier for our epidermis to absorb.
Use my SOS Oil Serum (£55, 30ml)
in tandem with your overnight cream. You
only need a few drops to balance oil levels,
hydrate and feed the skin or you can layer
with another serum to provide a multitude
of benefits in one go.
A MIRACLE MASK: You
might not think you have time
to apply a mask in the evenings,
what with the endless round of
cooking dinner, tidying up after
the family and getting those jobs
ticked off the housework todo-list.
But many of my masks
have been created to apply just
before bedtime then leave on overnight so they can
work their magic. Try Silver Bee Venom Mask
(£86.50) to control the facial muscles and penetrate
fine lines for immediate anti-ageing effect. It can be
left on overnight for acceleration, simply wash off the
next morning.
LOOK AFTER YOUR EYES:
The moisturiser you use on
your face might not be gentle
enough for the delicate skin
around your eyes, so invest in
a cream designed specifically
to tackle this area. My new
Nettle Venom Eyes (£55) is
light enough so that it doesn’t weigh down the area
yet effective enough to really make the eyes glow.
Use daily to target puffiness and dark circles while
relaxing fine lines and wrinkles.
All products are available online at www.heavenskincare.com
48

Silver linings
I N T H E N E W S
SARAH LEEDHAM, SENIOR VALUER AT LICHFIELD’S RICHARD WINTERTON
AUCTIONEERS, TAKES A LOOK AT THE ENDURING POPULARITY OF SILVER
WITH EVERYONE FROM NOVICES TO SERIOUS COLLECTORS
As the saying goes, all that glitters is
not gold – and that is especially true
when it comes to silver.
The wonderful world of collecting
antique and modern silver objects is
an area enjoyed by both the novice
and seasoned professionals as the
breadth, depth and price range on
offer makes it enjoyable for one and
all.
Some focus on one theme, say
Charles Horner hat pins, Nathaniel
Mills castle top card cases, Victorian
and Edwardian pin cushions in the
shape of animals, anything related
to wine such as corkscrews, wine
funnels, claret jugs or decanter labels.
Others may collect anything made by one
silversmith, Hester Bateman of the late 18th century
or the early 20th century work of Archibald Knox
for Liberty’s are just a few examples.
The joy of silver is partly in the fact it is such a
tactile material. Yes, it does require a little work to
keep it shining brightly but modern-day cleaners
are often enhanced with an ingredient to prevent
WINTERTON’S SENIOR
VALUER SARAH LEEDHAM
THIS 20TH CENTURY
CANTEEN OF DUTCH
CONTINENTAL SILVER
FETCHED £2,200
re-tarnishing, something our ancestors would have
greatly appreciated.
One benefit of collecting British silver is the fact
that it carries hallmarks, a series of marks punched
onto the piece which may well be the oldest forms
of consumer protection still in existence, meaning a
mark from the hall.
A brief history of how this system came about takes
us back to medieval England in the reign of Henry
II. Due to the softness of silver in its purest form it
needs to be mixed with an alloy to give
it strength, a mix of 92.5 per cent silver
to 7.5 per cent copper gave an excellent
alloy and the king made a law to say
this was the legal standard and hence
sterling silver was born.
Early on the alloy was used mainly for
coins and the pound sterling was born
from this but as is the want of high
status individuals they also wanted
special items made from silver.
In 1238 King Henry II passed a new
law that meant no silver items could
be made that were not of the same
sterling standard as coins. Eventually it
became apparent that more regulation
49

A SELECTION FROM A FABULOUS
COLLECTION OF SILVER PIECES WHICH
WENT UNDER THE HAMMER AT RICHARD
WINTERTON AUCTIONEERS
was needed and Edward II initiated the leopard’s
head crowned mark which showed it had been to the
Goldsmith’s hall in London to be assayed (tested for
its purity) and only then could it be sold on.
In 1327 The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths
received its royal charter from Edward III and this
wonderful guild survives and thrives today.
The hallmarks have varied over time and city assay
offices have come and gone but fortunately records
have been well kept and it is generally easy to identify
marks.
You should see a maker’s or sponsor’s mark which
are generally the initials of the person or company, a
sterling silver mark which is the lion passant (walking
with right paw raised), the assay office mark (for
example London is a leopard’s head, Birmingham
an anchor, Sheffield a crown or rose from 1975,
Edinburgh a castle, etc)
and a date letter which
indicates when it was
made using a letter of the
alphabet which runs in
cycles of 25 years.
There are variations
including commemorative
marks such as the
millennium and royal
events such as coronations.
The value of silver does
go up and down in line
with bullion prices and as
a recyclable material it is
sadly scrapped, not always
to be remade into another
useful or decorative object for the
home or a piece of jewellery but
for computers, mobile phones and
other electronic devices that we rely
on heavily today.
Collecting silver need not break the
bank and a Charles Horner silver
thimble might cost you around
£10 at auction, a hat pin by the
same maker around £30-40 and an
enamel and silver pendant by him
around £200.
Vinaigrettes, snuff boxes and card
cases are also highly collectable.
At the other end of the spectrum
Georgian and Regency silver by
some of the most famous British
silversmiths can sell for over
£100,000 but there is much more
to be had in the £100 to £1,000 price bracket.
A few months ago, we sold a 20th century canteen of
Dutch continental silver for £2,200 and an Elizabeth
II Mappin and Webb canteen of silver cutlery made
£1,400, to the delight of our clients.
A pair of silver gilt rococo style candelabra – also
Elizabeth II – sold for £1,700.
So whether it’s a canteen of cutlery, a charger or a
vinaigrette, it’s always worth checking with us to see
if you have an antique which could prove to be a real
silver lining!
For more information, contact Richard
Winterton Auctioneers at The Lichfield
Auction Centre on 01543 251081, email
office@richardwinterton.co.uk and visit
www.richardwinterton.co.uk.
A PAIR OF ELIZABETH II SILVER GILT
ROCOCO STYLE CANDELABRA SOLD
FOR £1,700
50

Probate and formal valuations
for inheritance tax purposes
Our reliable and sympathetic
team can assist all executors in the
administration of deceased estates
From jewellery and large collections
to cars, furniture and household
items, we handle everything
Comprehensive, bespoke
clearance service and
downsizing solutions
We handle clearance of an entire
estate from houses, bungalows and
flats to offices and all other buildings
We specialise in:
Antique and modern jewellery
Watches
Gemstones
Silverware
Coins, medals and militaria
Works of art
Whisky and wine
Vintage toys
Stamps and ephemera
Cameras and record collections
Scientific equipment
Antique and modern furniture
Qualified
All members of our jewellery
department are certified
gemmologists and diamond graders
Record-breaking
international sales
More than 3,000 bidders from
all over the world joined our latest
online Fine Arts Sale
Online services available
Virtual estimates, online auctions
and contactless collections.
Valuations and viewing by
appointment only
COME AND MEET
US IN LICHFIELD
Weekly Valuations
Every Thursday
For your Jewellery
and Watches
With Heather Callaway
FIRV FGA DGA AMEA
The Hub at St Mary’s
Market Square,
Lichfield City Centre, WS13 6LG
Thursdays 10am-4pm
Established – Professional – Transparent
The Winterton family name has been synonymous
with auctioneering in Staffordshire since 1864
01543 251081
www.richardwinterton.co.uk
richardwinterton@richardwinterton.co.uk
The Lichfield
Auction Centre,
Wood End Lane,
Fradley Park
WS13 8NF
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