Kingswinford Villager Magazine January 2010

Read The Villager online at www.villagermagazine.co.uk

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Large variety of designs made to measure

1000’s of fabrics, any fabric on any suite

Only the highest quality materials are used

in our classic, modern & traditional suites

01384 400059

STALLINGS LANE, KINGSWINFORD, WEST MIDLANDS DY6 7BG

SEE PAGE 4TO SAVE

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THE VILLAGER MAGAZINE INDEPENDENTLY PUBLISHED SINCE 2006

3

10

WHAT a start to 2010, snow chaos has kept many people away fromwork and left local businesses counting the cost of people staying in-doors. Lets hope the weather improves considerably and we can allget back to normal.

If you do venture out yourself during the cold spell it’s worth remem-bering to call on neighbours just to make sure they are warm, welland have enough of the essentials like bread and milk. It’s surprisinghow many people are house bound in bad weather and may not liketo ask for help, you could be a life line for them.

For now though put your feet up and enjoy this edition with a cuppa!

Happy reading

MMaaggggiiee

2812

The Villager Series

Independently published magazines to promotelocal business to local people. Delivered FREE to5000 homes in Kingswinford, Wall Heath & Word-sley 4000 homes in Kinver, Stourton & Wollaston.

Our latest Villager edition delivered FREE tohomes in the villages of Enville, Bobbington,Swindon & Himley.

Supporting local businesses, Community Groups, Societies, Charities and Schools.

For advertising or editorial ContactMaggie Reeves - Editor0n 07726 790233 [email protected]

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher

Whilst all reasonable effort is made to ensureaccuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibilityfor omissions or errors within The Villager Maga-zine, or competence of any business or state-ment made by any contributor. Before enteringinto any expense or commitment readers mustcheck facts for themselves. RRoosseemmaarryy CCoonnlleeyy

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Qualified Referees

Indoor PitchesAll Sky Sportsaction in Bar

Terms & conditions apply; One voucher per customer at Signature Sofas, Stallings Lane, Kingswinford £50 discount applies when voucher is presented onentering the showroom. Voucher valid to 31.03.10 No photocopies accepted. Not available in conjunction with any other offer

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HASSLE FREE SHOPPING WITH NO GIMMICKS

Signature Sofas, is a family run business, whohave been trading for over 25 years, havingopened a new showroom at Stallings LaneKingswinford in January 2008, they are now cele-brating their second anniversary.

Signature Sofas design and manufacture, so canmake any suite to any size. They can provide ex-actly what ‘you’ the customer wants. They have28 sofa designs for you to choose from in mod-ern, classic and traditional designs and once youhave chosen your sofa design; they can put anyfabric or leather on any of their sofas, so you areable to perfectly match your new sofa to yourdecor. At Signature Sofas shopping for a new sofais a happy and hassle free experience.

Signature Sofas have welcomed customers oldand new during the last two years at their show-room in Stallings Lane, offering everyone the op-portunity to browse the showroom at their leisureand ask for help if they need to.

If a new sofa is on your shopping list, call in to Sig-nature Sofas where a warm welcome awaits youand you can browse their large variety of designsand take advantage of their made to measureservice and hassle free shopping or you canbrowse online at www.signaturesofas.co.uk. Sig-nature Sofas is open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm andSunday 10.30am-4.30pm, you can call them on01384 400059 visit soon...

to advertise call 07726 790233 or visit www.villagermagazine.co.uk4 to advertise call 07726 790233 or visit www.villagermagazine.co.uk

SterlingBathroom Installations

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The names of pets often reflect the aspira-tion on their owners. Oberon and Tatianaare owned by those of a literary bent. Gucciand Chanel generally don't belong to peoplewho can actually afford their products.Deefor and Ceefor are named by those whofeel they are comedy geniuses (but sadlyare not). Tyson or Satan are rarely ownedby those who just want to lead a quiet life.

TV has lot to answer for for pets names aswell. From the very young; Iggle Piggle ar-rived in my surgery the other day, to theolder; Morse and Lewis, we are all influ-enced by our favourite shows. It is also in-teresting to see how fashions change; Antand Dec are probably around five years oldnow and Mulder and Scully are well intotheir teens. I am just waiting for Danni andCheryl to walk though the door! Sports areanother common trend and again reflect thestars of the time. Most Gazzas are sadly nolonger with us, Shearer is getting on a bitnow and even Rooney is a few years old.

I often don't even needto see some animals toknow what they looklike, particularly breedsof dog. Trust me, Killaand Asbo are NEVERsmall, cute, fluffy things.Whereas Mitzy, Fluffy orBaby are nothing but(despite often beingmore deadly than theirlarger counterparts!).Snowball is rarely black (unless owned by awag) and Smokey the cat is always grey.Some, however, catch you out. I saw Daisythe cat the other day, who turned out to bea very well endowed male! His owners did-n't realise their mistake until he was too oldto change it but they protect his pride bycalling him 'Mr Daisy' to their friends!

So, take care when naming a new pet, itcan often reveal more about you than youmight like! However, I will give you onepiece of advice, never, ever name anythingLucky, you are only asking for trouble!

Cat is the resident vet for the social networkingsite for pet lovers; www.petstreet.co.uk If you areever concerned about a pet, you should alwayscontact your vet for advice.

Pets

Being a Vet I obviously see a lot of animalsand the name of a pet can tell me a hugeamount about them and their owners, evenbefore they walk through the door.

A recent survey uncovered that the mostpopular baby and pet names are exactly thesame. I think as people are waiting longerto settle down and have children, pets arebeing used as a replacement. Molly, Oscarand Charlie are all in the top 10 but notDave, which in my experience is an inexpli-cably popular name for cats! The more tra-ditional names are out there but they haveusually been chosen by either the veryyoung or older people. Flopsy or Thumperthe rabbit and Hammy the hamster oftenhave very young owners, whereas Tabitha,Kitty or Tom the cat are usually owned bypensioners.

Written by Cat Henstridge BVSc MRCVS

Whats in a name?!

‘Asbo’ dressed for awalk in the park

6

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

PEACE OF MINDHOME & PET-SITTING SERVICE

Our family run businessspecialises in caring foryour pets. Fronted by aqualified veterinary nursewith ten years experience,including four years inemergency care. We alsohave a small team ofexperienced employees.

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to advertise call 07726 790233 or visit www.villagermagazine.co.uk

The names of pets often reflect the aspira-tion on their owners. Oberon and Tatianaare owned by those of a literary bent. Gucciand Chanel generally don't belong to peoplewho can actually afford their products.Deefor and Ceefor are named by those whofeel they are comedy geniuses (but sadlyare not). Tyson or Satan are rarely ownedby those who just want to lead a quiet life.

TV has lot to answer for for pets names aswell. From the very young; Iggle Piggle ar-rived in my surgery the other day, to theolder; Morse and Lewis, we are all influ-enced by our favourite shows. It is also in-teresting to see how fashions change; Antand Dec are probably around five years oldnow and Mulder and Scully are well intotheir teens. I am just waiting for Danni andCheryl to walk though the door! Sports areanother common trend and again reflect thestars of the time. Most Gazzas are sadly nolonger with us, Shearer is getting on a bitnow and even Rooney is a few years old.

I often don't even needto see some animals toknow what they looklike, particularly breedsof dog. Trust me, Killaand Asbo are NEVERsmall, cute, fluffy things.Whereas Mitzy, Fluffy orBaby are nothing but(despite often beingmore deadly than theirlarger counterparts!).Snowball is rarely black (unless owned by awag) and Smokey the cat is always grey.Some, however, catch you out. I saw Daisythe cat the other day, who turned out to bea very well endowed male! His owners did-n't realise their mistake until he was too oldto change it but they protect his pride bycalling him 'Mr Daisy' to their friends!

So, take care when naming a new pet, itcan often reveal more about you than youmight like! However, I will give you onepiece of advice, never, ever name anythingLucky, you are only asking for trouble!

Cat is the resident vet for the social networkingsite for pet lovers; www.petstreet.co.uk If you areever concerned about a pet, you should alwayscontact your vet for advice.

Pets

Being a Vet I obviously see a lot of animalsand the name of a pet can tell me a hugeamount about them and their owners, evenbefore they walk through the door.

A recent survey uncovered that the mostpopular baby and pet names are exactly thesame. I think as people are waiting longerto settle down and have children, pets arebeing used as a replacement. Molly, Oscarand Charlie are all in the top 10 but notDave, which in my experience is an inexpli-cably popular name for cats! The more tra-ditional names are out there but they haveusually been chosen by either the veryyoung or older people. Flopsy or Thumperthe rabbit and Hammy the hamster oftenhave very young owners, whereas Tabitha,Kitty or Tom the cat are usually owned bypensioners.

Written by Cat Henstridge BVSc MRCVS

Whats in a name?!

‘Asbo’ dressed for awalk in the park

7

Bridgnorth Road, Stourton

Call Chris01384 42077607870 873601

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Dog Grooming

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All sizes & breeds of Dog

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Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

Established in 1988& a local Company.All our staff areexperienced, insuredand CRB Checked.

COMMUNITY CARESERVICES LTDCM

OUR SERVICES INCLUDEPERSONALCARE

All aspects of personal care Bathing,showering, assisting to dressDOMESTIC CALLS

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For more information or a no obligation visitby our registered Care Manager

Call 01902 426364 or 01902 717519e-mail [email protected]

website www.cmcommunitycareservicesltd.comCARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

COMMITTED TO THE WELLBEING OF OUR CLIENTS

Feel Safe and Have aHappy New Year!

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Health & Beauty

BACK TO NATURE – A HEALTHY 2010From Sandra Cartwright of Studio 524

BACTERIA BUSTERS - NATURALLY

With the damp and cold weather come lots of viral and bacterial infec-tions, I am often asked if essential oils can be used around the hometo help to protect the family.

The answer is yes! Many essential oils are ANTISEPTIC, ANTIVIRAL &BACTERICIDAL and can be used around the home to give any room anatural, clean fresh smell, with the added bonus of boosting everyone’simmunity.(No chemical air fresheners are needed – so you are saving money too)

Simply use 2 drops of one of the following essential oils on a cloth to wipe down and keepwork surfaces clean and hygienic: Cinnamon – lavender – Thyme - Clove - Pine - Lemon –Eucalyptus – Lime & Grapefruit

Not forgetting the amazing Tea Tree Oil, which is a strong disinfectant, (much stronger thanmany chemical disinfectants), anti viral, antiseptic, anti bacterial and anti fungal, to namebut a few of it’s properties.

Why not give it a go and make 2010 healthy and natural.

(Take care with citrus oils on the skin – avoid contact with the eyes)


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Health & Beauty

BACK TO NATURE – A HEALTHY 2010From Sandra Cartwright of Studio 524

BACTERIA BUSTERS - NATURALLY

With the damp and cold weather come lots of viral and bacterial infec-tions, I am often asked if essential oils can be used around the hometo help to protect the family.

The answer is yes! Many essential oils are ANTISEPTIC, ANTIVIRAL &BACTERICIDAL and can be used around the home to give any room anatural, clean fresh smell, with the added bonus of boosting everyone’simmunity.(No chemical air fresheners are needed – so you are saving money too)

Simply use 2 drops of one of the following essential oils on a cloth to wipe down and keepwork surfaces clean and hygienic: Cinnamon – lavender – Thyme - Clove - Pine - Lemon –Eucalyptus – Lime & Grapefruit

Not forgetting the amazing Tea Tree Oil, which is a strong disinfectant, (much stronger thanmany chemical disinfectants), anti viral, antiseptic, anti bacterial and anti fungal, to namebut a few of it’s properties.

Why not give it a go and make 2010 healthy and natural.

(Take care with citrus oils on the skin – avoid contact with the eyes)

524 High Street, Kingswinford Tel: 01384 865126

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9Please mention the villager when responding to advertsPlease mention the villager when responding to adverts

Health & Beauty

KINGSWINFORDCrestwood Park Primary School,Lapwood Avenue, Off Bromley Lane, KingswinfordMonday 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Kingswinford Community Centre,425 High Street, KingswinfordWednesday 09:30 - 11:00 am

Glynne Primary School,Cot Lane, KingswinfordWednesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm

KINGSWINFORDKingswinford School,Water Street, KingswinfordSunday 09:15 - 10:45 amMonday 7:00 - 8:30 pm

SWINDONSwindon Community Centre,High Street, SwindonThursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm

** When you pay £28 for 5 classes in advance (Saving £35)

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Top Tips For A Healthy New YearFrom Rosemary Conley CBE

� Get out of bed 15 minutes earlier to do something physical. It’s a greatway to start the day and ensures exercise doesn’t get squeezed out of yourschedule later. Exercising first thing in the morning will double yourwillpower for the day.

� Take every opportunity to stand up rather than sitting down – e.g. whenon the phone, at the bus stop and on the bus or train. When you’re sittingdown, you use half the number of calories compared with standing.

� Wear a pedometer all the time. It will make you more aware of how active you are andmotivate you to do walk more often and for longer.

� Put extra vigour into your housework. Vacuuming is great fat-burning exercise, so playyour favourite music and turn your housework into an aerobic workout. It really works.

� Play tag or football with your children in the garden. Make it a regular event to have afamily walk in the local park once a week.

� Join a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club, the weekly classes include an exercise ses-sion and it’s more fun exercising with others. See advert below for further details.

Every bit of activity you do counts towards making you slimmer and fitter.Taking even just a few small steps now to increase your activity levels candramatically improve your health and fitness long term and help you get andstay slim for good.

to advertise call 07726 790233 or visit www.villagermagazine.co.ukto advertise call 07726 790233 or visit www.villagermagazine.co.uk10

Health & Beauty

Top Tips For A Healthy New YearFrom Rosemary Conley CBE

� Get out of bed 15 minutes earlier to do something physical. It’s a greatway to start the day and ensures exercise doesn’t get squeezed out of yourschedule later. Exercising first thing in the morning will double yourwillpower for the day.

� Take every opportunity to stand up rather than sitting down – e.g. whenon the phone, at the bus stop and on the bus or train. When you’re sittingdown, you use half the number of calories compared with standing.

� Wear a pedometer all the time. It will make you more aware of how active you are andmotivate you to do walk more often and for longer.

� Put extra vigour into your housework. Vacuuming is great fat-burning exercise, so playyour favourite music and turn your housework into an aerobic workout. It really works.

� Play tag or football with your children in the garden. Make it a regular event to have afamily walk in the local park once a week.

� Join a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club, the weekly classes include an exercise ses-sion and it’s more fun exercising with others. See advert below for further details.

Every bit of activity you do counts towards making you slimmer and fitter.Taking even just a few small steps now to increase your activity levels candramatically improve your health and fitness long term and help you get andstay slim for good.

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts 11Please mention the villager when responding to adverts

Ten years experienceunisex salon

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Competition

Russian State Ballet of Siberia bring three fantastic Ballets to us from Thursday 18thto Saturday 20th February.

GISELLE Thursday 18 February at 7.30pm The most poignant of all classical balletscombines powerful emotions and visual splendour in a chilling and heart-rending taleof love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave.

SWAN LAKE Friday 19 February at 7.30pm The greatest romanticballet of all! This is an immortal love story filled with magic,emotion and beauty. From the opulence and splendour of themagnificent court room to the exhilarating lake scenes where swansplay in perfect formation.

SLEEPING BEAUTYSaturday 20 Februaryat 2.30pm & 7.30pmEvery child’s favourite fairy tale,this is the classic story of loveand innocence, mystery and magicset to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score.

SPECIAL OFFER:See ANY TWO ballets and save 15% (top three prices only)See ALL THREE ballets and save 25% (top three prices only)

Or you could enter this amazing competition to win 2 ticketsto see Giselle on Thursday 18th Feb at 7.30pm

Courtesy of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Win tickets to see Giselle

Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Officefor more information on 01902 42 92 12

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER TWO VILLAGER MAGAZINE READERS TWO TICKETS EACH TO THE PERFORMANCEOF GISELLE AT THE GRAND THEATRE WOLVERHAMPTON ON THURSDAY 18TH FEB AT 7.30PM

QQUUEESSTTIIOONN:: NNAAMMEE AALLLL TTHHRREEEE BBAALLLLEETTSS TTAAKKIINNGG PPLLAACCEE AATT TTHHEE GGRRAANNDD TTHHEEAATTRREE?? CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 05.02.10

To be in with a chance of winning answer the question and send with your Name, Address & Telephone number to - Giselle, The Villager Magazine, 1 Greystoke Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands. DY6 8DX

The draw will take place on 06.01,10 The winners will be notified and must collect the tickets from the box office on the night of performance. Tickets can not be exchanged and no cash, alternative prizes or nights are available. The winner may be required to take part in relevant publicity

to advertise call 07726 790233 or visit www.villagermagazine.co.uk12

Competition

Russian State Ballet of Siberia bring three fantastic Ballets to us from Thursday 18thto Saturday 20th February.

GISELLE Thursday 18 February at 7.30pm The most poignant of all classical balletscombines powerful emotions and visual splendour in a chilling and heart-rending taleof love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave.

SWAN LAKE Friday 19 February at 7.30pm The greatest romanticballet of all! This is an immortal love story filled with magic,emotion and beauty. From the opulence and splendour of themagnificent court room to the exhilarating lake scenes where swansplay in perfect formation.

SLEEPING BEAUTYSaturday 20 Februaryat 2.30pm & 7.30pmEvery child’s favourite fairy tale,this is the classic story of loveand innocence, mystery and magicset to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score.

SPECIAL OFFER:See ANY TWO ballets and save 15% (top three prices only)See ALL THREE ballets and save 25% (top three prices only)

Or you could enter this amazing competition to win 2 ticketsto see Giselle on Thursday 18th Feb at 7.30pm

Courtesy of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Win tickets to see Giselle

Call the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Box Officefor more information on 01902 42 92 12

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER TWO VILLAGER MAGAZINE READERS TWO TICKETS EACH TO THE PERFORMANCEOF GISELLE AT THE GRAND THEATRE WOLVERHAMPTON ON THURSDAY 18TH FEB AT 7.30PM

QUESTION: NAME ALL THREE BALLETS TAKING PLACE AT THE GRAND THEATRE? CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 05.02.10

To be in with a chance of winning answer the question and send with your Name, Address & Telephone number to - Giselle, The Villager Magazine, 1 Greystoke Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands. DY6 8DX

The draw will take place on 06.01,10 The winners will be notified and must collect the tickets from the box office on the night of performance. Tickets can not be exchanged and no cash, alternative prizes or nights are available. The winner may be required to take part in relevant publicity

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts 13

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NEWLY REFURBISHED

FOR ALL THE LATEST CUTS COLOURS & HAIR ART

Opening times: Mon- Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 8am - 4.30pm

57 Halesowen Road Netherton West Midlands DY2 9PY

07542 089080

FH barbersFH


Lifestyle

When it comes to wrapping up on a coldwinter's day, a cosy hat is obligatory. Afterall, most of our body heat is lost throughour heads – or so we are led to believe.

Closer inspection of heat loss in the hatless,however, reveals the claim to be nonsense,say researchers from Indiana University inthe US who have dispelled this and othermodern myths. Although it is a good ideato wrap up warm and cover up as much aspossible in cold weather.

Hangover cures can be found in abundancesuch as ‘hair of the dog’ or ‘eating a fry up’however, there is no scientific evidence ofan effective cure. Keeping teetotal or drink-ing in moderation is the only way to avoid adreaded hangover.

If you have piled on the pounds over Christ-mas it could be because you have been eat-ing later in the evening, as we know you aremore likely to gain weight If you eat late atnight! Ultimately, taking in more caloriesmakes you gain weight whenever you eatthem, the researchers said.

And Regardless of what parents mightthink, sugar does not cause hyperactive be-haviour. Apparently it’s all in the mind!

Do you lose most bodyheat through your head?

With many older people living alone andmore than 180,000 saying they have gonefor a whole week without speaking to friends,family or neighbours, Care Service MinisterPhil Hope is asking the public to make a NewYear’s resolution to visit older neighboursmore often. Social interaction can protectolder people’s mental health, helping to dotheir shopping will prevent falls and injuryand keeping an eye on their health will stopthem developing serious health problems andending up in hospital.

Figures show:* over a million people over 65 feel trappedin their own homes;* more than 180,000 have gone for a wholeweek without speaking to friends, neighboursor family;* nearly half of all older people (about 4.6million) consider the television as their mainform of company; and* more than 50 per cent of over 75s live ontheir own.

Phil Hope said:"Many older people live alone. For somethat’s a choice, for others it means they feelisolated. We are a very caring nation so I’masking people to make a resolution to look inon their older neighbours more often, to helpthem with shopping or to simply pop in for achat.”

Justin Davis Smith, Chief Executive of Volun-teering England, the volunteer developmentagency, added:"Spending a few hours with an elderly per-son can make a big difference to their qual-ity of life and getting involved withvolunteering its easier than you might think."

To find out what opportunities are available inyour area, get in touch with your local Vol-unteer Centre.

Visit www.volunteering.org.uk/IWantToVol-unteer or you can look up your nearest Vol-unteer Centre in the phone directory orphone Volunteering England on 0845 3056979.

There is also an internet database of UK localvolunteering opportunities that you cansearch at www.do-it.org.uk

Make a New Year’s resolutionto look in on older neighbours

14

Please mention the villager when respondingto adverts 15

What’s yourLanguage?Always wanted to learn asecond language but put off bylarge numbers in classrooms?Or maybe you are looking to brush up on yourexisting skills?‘What’s your Language?’provides private tuition in Spanishand French for�Beginners�GCSE/A Level Students�Children�BusinessesFor more information, call or emailTori Rudd01384 379003email: [email protected]

Know your new numbers atDudley CouncilPeople are being urged to make surethey know the new numbers to contactDudley Council all day every day.

Dudley Council has set up the new easy toremember 0300 555 numbers which stillallow people to talk directly to the council.

The Dudley Council Plus contact number isnow 0300 555 2345 as opposed to the old01384 812345. Also, the new number forhousing repairs management centre is 0300555 8283, Callpay (24 hour automated pay-ment line) is 0300 555 7000, council taxand housing benefits is now 0300 555 8100and revenues will be available on 0300 5558000.

All 0300 numbers are charged at a localrate from a landline or mobile number andcost no more than the existing 01384 num-bers. The 01384 numbers will remain in op-eration alongside the new 0300 numberswhile a phased transfer to 0300 is estab-lished.

01384 404255 or 07855 749893Email: [email protected]

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The popular unisex salon owned by Mel Owen, offersaffordable luxury, giving you great hair at a great price.Catering for everyone, they offer a full range of modernand traditional hairdressing services for women, menand children.

When visiting Styles by Mel you will receive the undivided attention of Mel or stylist Sarahand can enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere while getting your hair styled.Mel’s skills are in high demand, with twelve years experience Mel specialises in bridal andhair-up styles offering a range of special packages tailored exclusively for weddings. Mel willbring her team to your home or open her salon exclusively for your big day and when thebride and bridesmaids have had their hair styled on the day of the wedding, they will stylethe mother of the bride free of charge! Early booking is essential as Mel often attends localwedding fayres to exhibit her skills.

The salon opens Tuesday to Saturday with late night opening on Thursday and Fridayevenings. Over 60’s can enjoy a 10% discount on Tuesdays and Students on Wednesdays,making their already great value for money prices even lower.

The most recent addition to the salon is the new wella semipermanent colour range, Mel is offering a huge £10 dis-count off it’s usual price of £45 so just £35 and it includesa cut and blowdry!, so if you need a new style, cut & colourfor 2010 book now to take advantage of this great offer.

A lick of paint and a new heated towel rail will provide fur-ther luxury and comfort for customers and will be com-plete ready for the second anniversary.

Styles by Mel offer excellent hair styling at an affordableprice, using top quality Wella colours and Schwarzkopfproducts, you can ensure your visit will leave you pam-pered, relaxed and looking a million dollars. Schwarzkopfproducts are available to purchase in the salon so you caneven keep your new hair style in tip top condition at home.

Mel and Sarah would like to thank all customers for their support during the last two yearsand look forward to seeing you all soon.

StylesbyMel

2ND ANNIVERSARYCELEBRATIONS

Once again the Champagnecorks are popping at Stylesby Mel in Park Street,Kingswinford as their secondanniversary celebrations arein full swing.

to advertise call 07726 790233 or visit www.villagermagazine.co.uk16

0011338844 440044995500Tues & Sat 9-4 Wed 9-5 Thurs & Friday 9 till late

15 Park Street, Kingswinford, DY6 9LX

Stylesby Mel

Get your hair ready for 2010 at

Styles by Mel would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support.

Now Available New Wella Semi Permanent Colours

£10 OFF During Jan & FebruaryUsual Price £45 Now Only £35

Including a Cut & Blowdry

Cuts, Colours, Perms, Wedding& Special Occasion Styles

New Year New You Get a great new look

at Styles by Mel

AAllssoo During January, February and March 2010you can enjoy10% Discount off a selection of our services

Tuesday-Friday - PleaseCall For Further Details

Getting Married? Come and see us at The Wedding Fayre Sun 21st March

at the Village Hotel Dudley

Only £35save £10

Please mention the villager when responding to adverts 17

Home & Garden

Electric heating!An attractive option

With gas prices continually rising, electricheating is becoming an increasingly attrac-tive option and growing in popularityamongst homebuilders, renovators and de-velopers.

The majority of people do prefer the con-ventional central heating radiator as it is themost accepted method to warm a room.Water filled electric radiators work on ex-actly the same principal yet require noplumbing, pipe work, boiler or connectionto a water supply. Water filled electric radi-ators therefore provide all the benefits ofgas central heating, without the problem-atic installation, servicing and maintenancecosts.

Unlike convector/panel heaters the electricradiators do not burn moisture in the air en-suring a comfortable and healthy atmos-phere. No storage period is required, theyheat up in just 10 minutes and are com-pletely controllable, eliminating any wastedelectricity. Making them an ideal alternativeto storage heating or gas radiators forwhole house heating, extensions, apart-ments, commercial premises or loft conver-sions.

If you would like to find out more you cancontact Matt Hyde from Hydes ElectricalServices on 01384 353522 or 07941640872 Heaters can be supplied on a sup-ply and installation basis or supply only.


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FOR ALL YOUR INTERIOR WORK

KITCHEN& BATHROOMINSTALLATIONCARPENTRYFLOORING

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PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE

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T: 01384 288 253M: 07725 002 381Web www.kfordsparky.co.uk

17 Digby Road, Kingswinford, West Midlands

Your localelectrician


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All aspects of Painting & DecoratingClean, Friendly, Reliable ServiceMaterials can be supplied at cost

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Home & Garden







The Boiler Scrappage Scheme has beenlaunched, enabling homeowners in Englandto receive a £400 discount on a new boilerif their existing one meets the criteria setout in the scheme.

Up to 125,000 households could benefitfrom the scheme, including those who owntheir own homes and landlords who pri-vately rent out their homes. However sociallandlords, housing associations and boilerinstallers are not eligible.

To qualify, households need to have a work-ing G-rated boiler which is the main boilerused to heat the home (although for thoseover 60, the boiler does not need to be inworking order).

To find out if your boiler qualifies, visitwww.boilerscrappagescheme.co.uk/boiler-efficiency - Then, if your boiler does qualifyfor replacement, suppliers and qualified in-stallers will be able to provide a quotationfor a new A-rated boiler or renewable heat-ing system.

Once you have selected an installer to fitthe new boiler, you’ll need to provide theEnergy Savings Trust with confirmation of;the qualified installer, that they have visitedyour home or property, provided an ap-proved quotation, together with details ofthe existing G-rate boiler being replaced.

Once your submission is approved, the En-ergy Savings Trust will then issue a voucherworth £400 from 18th January 2010, whichis valid for 12 weeks. And once the newboiler is fitted, the homeowner pays the billin full to the installer, then claims the £400back from the EST using the voucher, aprocess which should take no longer than25 days.

Fitting a new efficient A rated boiler couldsave up to £235 off your annual gas bill.

Government Boiler Scrappage Scheme Launched

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A lot of gardeners grow so much that theycannot possibly use it all before it goespassed its best. This especially applies tosalad crops. It is far better to sow and growsmaller quantities at a time, and then havea succession of sowings to follow on. Theraised bed principle works very well, andyou do not need a very large area to workwith. You can use some timber planks tomark off the area, and fill this with goodgarden soil. Locate the raised bed in asunny position, and make it no wider thantwo metres, so that you can work from bothsides without actually stepping onto thesoil. It can be as long as you like, but it issurprising how much you can grow in a rel-atively small space. If you are lucky enoughto have the space for a larger vegetablegarden, then some of the most useful cropsare potatoes, onions and leeks, runnerbeans, parsnips and carrots and most of thecabbage family including Brussels sprouts.These crops do not have to be used all atonce, and will give you regular supplies forweeks or even months. All the fresh seedsare available in garden centres now, so whynot start making your plans as to what youwould like to grow, and obtain your seeds ingood time ready for an early start.

If flowers are more your scene, then winterdoes not have to be a dull time of year.There are lots of plants to brighten up thewinter garden with both flowers and scent.Hellebores, Hamamellis, winter-floweringcyclamen and heathers, daphnes, snow-drops and many other winter-floweringshrubs can brighten up the darker months.These plants tend to last much longer inflower because the weather is generallycooler, and they are really good value. Ifyou haven’t visited a nursery or gardencentre at this time of year before, then dogive it a try. You may be surprised at justhow many plants can be found in flowerthat are perfectly hardy in this area, andnearly all of them come year after yearwithout the need to replant.

Global warming is now a serious problemfor all of us, but on the plus side, mildertemperatures have made winter gardeningmuch more pleasant and increased therange of plants that will now really thriveand bring colour to the very dullest days ofthe year, so why not give it a go?

MMMMaaaakkkkeeee ppppllllaaaannnnssss ffffoooorrrr tttthhhheeee

sssseeeeaaaassssoooonnnnggggrrrroooowwwwiiiinnnngggg

Home & Garden

With Christmas and the New Year celebra-tions behind us, those keen gardenersamongst us will be starting to make plansfor the growing season. The less keen willprobably want to wait until Easter at thevery least!

Last year saw a huge increase in the num-ber of people who were attempting, per-haps for the first time, to grow their ownvegetables. Some of this was almost cer-tainly encouraged by the economic reces-sion, but having now tasted the flavours ofreally fresh produce, hopefully many peo-ple will want to build on their first experi-ences and become even better at it.

Written by Philip Baulk of Ashwood Nurseries Ltd


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A lot of gardeners grow so much that theycannot possibly use it all before it goespassed its best. This especially applies tosalad crops. It is far better to sow and growsmaller quantities at a time, and then havea succession of sowings to follow on. Theraised bed principle works very well, andyou do not need a very large area to workwith. You can use some timber planks tomark off the area, and fill this with goodgarden soil. Locate the raised bed in asunny position, and make it no wider thantwo metres, so that you can work from bothsides without actually stepping onto thesoil. It can be as long as you like, but it issurprising how much you can grow in a rel-atively small space. If you are lucky enoughto have the space for a larger vegetablegarden, then some of the most useful cropsare potatoes, onions and leeks, runnerbeans, parsnips and carrots and most of thecabbage family including Brussels sprouts.These crops do not have to be used all atonce, and will give you regular supplies forweeks or even months. All the fresh seedsare available in garden centres now, so whynot start making your plans as to what youwould like to grow, and obtain your seeds ingood time ready for an early start.

If flowers are more your scene, then winterdoes not have to be a dull time of year.There are lots of plants to brighten up thewinter garden with both flowers and scent.Hellebores, Hamamellis, winter-floweringcyclamen and heathers, daphnes, snow-drops and many other winter-floweringshrubs can brighten up the darker months.These plants tend to last much longer inflower because the weather is generallycooler, and they are really good value. Ifyou haven’t visited a nursery or gardencentre at this time of year before, then dogive it a try. You may be surprised at justhow many plants can be found in flowerthat are perfectly hardy in this area, andnearly all of them come year after yearwithout the need to replant.

Global warming is now a serious problemfor all of us, but on the plus side, mildertemperatures have made winter gardeningmuch more pleasant and increased therange of plants that will now really thriveand bring colour to the very dullest days ofthe year, so why not give it a go?

MMaakkee ppllaannss ffoorr tthhee

sseeaassoonnggrroowwiinngg

Home & Garden

With Christmas and the New Year celebra-tions behind us, those keen gardenersamongst us will be starting to make plansfor the growing season. The less keen willprobably want to wait until Easter at thevery least!

Last year saw a huge increase in the num-ber of people who were attempting, per-haps for the first time, to grow their ownvegetables. Some of this was almost cer-tainly encouraged by the economic reces-sion, but having now tasted the flavours ofreally fresh produce, hopefully many peo-ple will want to build on their first experi-ences and become even better at it.

Written by Philip Baulk of Ashwood Nurseries Ltd


Brian Longville and his son Matt have over30 years experience, so you can be restassured of a quality, stress free job.All quotes and site visits are free, and arewithout any obligation or pressure.We provide a hands on personal service fromstart to finish, ensuring a smooth installation.We believe in treating every home as if itwere our own, and every customer is highlyvalued and not just a contract number.

We also provideHHOOMMEE IIMMPPRROOVVEEMMEENNTTSS && RREEPPAAIIRRSSon general home based works including Conservatories, Windows, Fascias & GutteringPlastering, Tiling, Plumbing & ElectricsLaminate Flooring, Slabbing, Fencing & Small Building Works

All Jobs Considered and No Job Too SmallSensible Prices, Sound Advice Friendly & Reliable Service

a beautiful conservatory��

33..55 mmeettrree xx 33..55 mmeettrree EEddwwaarrddiiaann oorr VViiccttoorriiaann CCoonnsseerrvvaattoorryyInsulated concrete base with dwarf wall.French doors, and openers to all top

lights as standard.Plastered or face brick internal finish.

Two double plug sockets and ceiling light fan

Choice of internal window board finish, [white, light oak or rosewood]

JJuusstt ££66,,995500

call now for your free quote and get ready to enjoy your conservatory for many years to come

01384 277 090 07854 058 222

26

Come down to your local PACT (police andcommunities together meeting) and discussany issues you have in your area with yourlocal neighbourhood team or call in to oneof our drop in sessions where you will getthe opportunity to meet your neighbour-hood Officers and raise any concerns youmay have.

Wordsley LibrarySaturday 23 January 201011:00 am - 1:00 pmPolice Surgery (This will give you the op-portunity to meet your neighbourhood Offi-cers and raise any concerns you may havein an informal drop in session)

Wordsley LibraryTuesday 26 January 20104:00 pm - 6:00 pm Police Surgery (This will give you the op-portunity to meet your neighbourhood Offi-cers and raise any concerns you may havein an informal drop in session)

Ashwood SchoolWednesday 3 February 2010 7:00 pmPACT (police and communities togethermeeting to raise any concerns you mayhave in an open forum meeting)

Kingswinford Community CentreTuesday 19 January 20107:00 pm - 9:00 pm PACT (police and communities togethermeeting to raise any concerns you mayhave in an open forum meeting)

Lapwood Road, KingswinfordThursday 18 February 20106:00 pm - 9:00 pm Police Mobile Surgery (drop in for residents)Police will be on Lapwood road holding aninformal surgery in the police campervanfor local residents to come and have a oneto one discussion with their neighbourhoodofficers about any issues they may have

P A C TPOLICE AND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

Where is your next

neighbourhood Police meeting

or Community Surgery

Carols at Christmas

PCSO Ryan Cox with two residents who enjoyed the concert

PCSO Paul Thomas withNew Bradley Halls oldest resident Hilda 102 (right)


Community

CHILDREN from Bromley Hills PrimarySchool delighted residents and staff at NewBradley Hall care home in Compton RoadKingswinford when they called in for a fes-tive musical visit.

PCSO’s Ryan Cox and Paul Thomas fromKingswinford Police organised the eventalong with teacher Jo Rogers.

The children performed songs of the seasonwhich had residents tapping their feet andsinging along. Afterwards the children weretreated to drinks and nibbles by the kindstaff at New Bradley Hall.


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From April 1, 2010, there will be a one-offrate for Vehicle Excise Duty for the first yeara car is registered. The government saysthis is designed to 'send a stronger signalto the buyer about the environmental im-plications of their car purchase and will onlyapply to new cars, not already registeredcars'.

Low-pollution vehicles in bands A-D will payno tax in the first year, but some taxes aredoubled. Owners of top-polluting cars willpay £950 for their 12-month tax disc. Ouch.From the second tax disc onwards they willthen pay the standard rate.

For existing cars, there will also be changesto the price of tax. Depending on your ve-hicle's emissions levels you could find your-self paying up to £30 more or £30 less.

CAN YOU SAVE MONEY ONYOUR CAR INSURANCE

Make sure you correct the volun-tary excess as on most sites thisautomatically defaults to £500 andif available select to opt out of marketing calls, however, this isnot available on all sites.

Once you have found the cheapestclick through to the insuranceprovider's own website to doublecheck the quotes, as to speed upsearches some comparison sitesmake a few assumptions.

If you still haven’t found a deal you’rehappy with there are many more options totry.

A couple of insurer's, Direct Line and Aviva,refuse to be included by any comparisonsite and can be competitive so it's worthchecking these separately.

The car insurance market is very competi-tive and companies are desperate to retainbusiness. Therefore once you've got youroverall cheapest price get on the phone andtry to haggle with your existing insurer.There's often massive price flexibility, happyhunting.

NEW CAR TAX RULES FOR 2010

When your car insurance is up for renewalmake sure you get the best deal going. In-surance premiums can differ incredibly anddepend on the insurer, the level of coverand how risky you're perceived to be.

To get the best possible cover for the low-est premium start by defining your coverand ensuring you’re as low a risk as possi-ble as Insurers decide prices depending onhistoric risk assessments.

Beware of monthly payment options - usu-ally the insurer actually just loans you theannual cost and then charges interest athideous rates on top. So either pay in full,or if you can't afford it, use a credit cardwith a lower APR rate or better still, a 0%credit card ensuring your repayments arebig enough to clear it within a year.

Correctly combining comparison sites willhelp you to get the best deal. Comparisonsites zip your details to hosts of insurers'and brokers' websites, to report back thecheapest. Do be aware however, that ascomparison sites send your details to insur-ers to get quotes, there's a slight chanceyou may get sales calls or emails later fromthe insurers. It’s also worth being awaresome insurers also carry out a quick creditcheck when they provide you with a quote.

1. www.moneysupermarket.com 2. www.gocompare.com 3. www.confused.com 4. www.comparethemarket.com

Find more money saving tips at www.moneysavingexpert.com

On The Road


YOUR LOCAL, INDEPENDENTVOLKSWAGEN/AUDI GROUP SPECIALIST

Courtesy Car or Local Collection Available!

SAVE POUNDS ON MAIN DEALER CHARGESService, MOT, Repair, Aircon, Computer Diagnostics, etc...

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VW Rescue Ltd · Heath Mill Close · Heath Mill Road Trading Estate · Wombourne · WV5 8EX

Tel: 01902 897755 · E-mail: [email protected] · Web: www.vwrescue.co.uk

VW · Audi · Seat · Skoda

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SUDOKUFILL IN THE SQUARES IN THE GRID SO THAT EVERY ROW, COLUMN AND EACH OF THE NINE SQUARESCONTAIN ALL THE DIGITS ONE TO NINE

CALM DOWN, CATNAP,CHILL OUT, COMFORT,COOL OFF, DAYDREAM,DOZE, EASE, FREEDOM,HOLIDAY, LEAVE,LEISURE, LOOSEN UP,LUXURIATE, PEACE,PICNIC, QUIETEN,RECESS, RELAX, RELIEF,REPOSE, REPRIEVE,RESPITE, REST,SABBATICAL, SERENITY,SETTLE DOWN, SIESTA,SIMMER DOWN,SIT BACK, SLACKEN,SLEEP, SLUMBER,TAKE A BREAK,TAKE IT EASY, TIME OFF,TIME OUT, UNCOIL,UNWIND, VACATION.

CAN YOU FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS? THEY MAY BEHORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, DIAGONAL, FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS.

RELAXING WORD SEARCH

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Puzzle Time


Useful Numbers

NHS Direct 0845 4647Russells Hall Hospital01384 456111Ambulance in anemergency Dial 999Fire in an emergencydial 999West Midlands Police0845 113 5000Police emergency,where life is in dangeror crime is in progress999Gas emergency service0800 111999South Staffs WaterReport a leak0800 24 33 52or check the identity ofa caller at my door0800 389 10 11Dudley Council Plus0300 555 2345www.dudley.gov.ukKingswinford Library01384 812740Wordsley Library01384 812765

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THE VILLAGER MAGAZINE INDEPENDENTLY PUBLISHED SINCE 2006

To find out more about advertisingyour business call 07726 790233,email [email protected] visit www.villagermagazine.co.uk

BBEE SSEEEENN IINN PPRRIINNTT && OONN LLIINNEE FFRROOMM OONNLLYY ££66 PPEERR WWEEEEKK

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Documents

Kingswinford Villager Magazine January 2010