The Image in Stratford February 2011

The Image...in Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding areas

Your freelocal magazine

check out...WEDDINGS featureHEALTH & FITNESSFOOD for thought

your free local magazineF E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1

I S S U E 9

WINa Photoshoot and framed print!

QUIZ

A Fishy Business at Complete Spas Page 06

Fantastic Offer from Bathing Care Page 03

Don’t miss...

10"x8" framed print – prize worth £200! Plus two runners up prizes worth £50 each

Why not advertise with The Image? You won’t be disappointed!

We’ll also promote your business and any offers you’re featuring on Twitter and Facebook. Your advert will also be included in our e-magazine on www.theimage-stratford.co.uk

JJ

Or email: [email protected]

Call JJ on07779 222301

Target your market with The Image The Image offers a great choice of adverts available to fit the budgets of any size business starting from less than £30 per month!

JJ

Contents: Health & Wellbeing page 02

Weddings feature page 04

Give a dog a home page 08

Handy Andy page 10

Computing page 14

Useful Numbers page 15

Gardener’s Corner page 16

Food and Drink page 18

Quiz page 21

Congratulations to Lesley Elliott on winning a weeks Free Hot tub hire courtesy of Affinity Spas.

This month’s prize is a fantastic chance to have that perfect picture you always wanted – maybe you and your loved one – perfect for Valentine’s. Linda Scannell Photography are offering a complimentary photo shoot and a framed 10 x 8 inch print, which is worth a total of £200, plus 2 runners up prizes of a £50 voucher each, which can be used towards the cost of a photo shoot. So get quizzing as there are 3 prizes on offer this month!

Also there is a chance for two dog lovers to get there favourite pouch groomed courtesy of Tiggys of Alcester. See their advert on page 9 and send the completed entry form to Tiggys.

We all know that the local businesses have had a tough time recently with the bad weather and the VAT increases, so please check out our advertisers first and give them a call. Please shop locally and support local businesses. KEEP IT LOCAL!

Finally all you romantics don’t forget 14th (if you want any easy life!)

Best wishes,

p.s. Join our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for up-to-date news, deals and discounts between issues!

If you know of any local events happening in the area, please email [email protected]

All adverts in this magazine are published in good faith. The Image in Stratford does not accept responsibility for their accuracy or for claims made by advertisers that are false or incorrect.

Welcome to the February edition

JJ

This month’s Hot Offers:

Look out for the ‘Hot Offer’ badge to see the deals you can get with these adverts:

Bathing Care – page 03

Tiggys – page 09

Simla – page 13

Via Cracow – page 18

Red Lion – page 18

HOT OFFER!

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The time to treat a cold is when you don’t have it! Prevention is always better than cure. The common cold is caused by any one of 200 different viruses. When infection occurs, the walls of the respiratory tract swell and produce excess mucus, giving rise to the typical cold symptoms. Recurrent colds (almost constantly suffering) may indicate a lowered immune capacity and too much stress and often not enough sleep.

Garlic – has anti-bacterial properties that help the immune system to fight infection, it is an excellent boost to the immune system. The reason for this is garlic contains several helpful compounds, including allicin, one of the plant kingdom’s most potent antibiotics.

Tip - always add garlic at the end of cooking (within the last 5-15 minutes to help preserve the allicin content).

Vitamin C – is vital for the proper function of a healthy immune system. Contrary to popular belief, red peppers, broccoli and Brussels sprouts provide a higher concentration of vitamin C than oranges! Fruits such as papaya, kiwis and strawberries are also a very good source.

Don’t eat junk food when you have a cold or fluWhen you have a cold or flu your body is under a lot of stress, fighting the viral infection. Big, heavy meals take vital energy to digest, resources which your body could be using to fight the infection. The best thing to do is drink plenty of liquids - water, fruit juices and if needed soups, but stay away from heavy and highly processed food, as well as dairy products.

Natural cold and flu remedies

For more information or to book an appointment please contact Jackie on 0845 327 9070 or email her at [email protected]

**Stop Press** Jackie is now working from the prestigious Wildmoor Spa in Stratford upon Avon. Consultations are available to members and non-members.

The Imagehealth & wellbeing

The Image ...in Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding areas

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sales@theimage-stratford.co.ukwww.theimage-stratford.co.ukstratford_imageThe Image in Stratfordsearch:

Health & Wellbeing

8 week exercise programWith Alveston Manor Fitness Instructor

Alveston Manor Hotel and Spa Tel: 0844879 9138

Exercise program working to a 3 day split with weekend as rest period

MondayExercise 1: 20 minutes cardio X trainer

Exercise 2:

Upper Body Circuit (cycle through each exercise rotation completing the indicated number of repetitions)

Dumbbell bench press: 12 - 10 - 8

Lat Pull Downs: 12 - 10 - 8

Swiss Ball Crunch: 20 - 20 - 20

WednesdayExercise 1: 20 minutes cardio, treadmill

Exercise 2: Overhead Seated Dumbbell Press: 12 - 10 - 8

Exercise 3: Leg Press: 12 - 10 - 8

Exercise 4: Plank: 3 x 60 seconds

FridayExercise 1: 20 minutes cardio, rowing machine

Exercise 2: Dumbbell Bicep Curl: 12 - 10 - 8

Exercise 3: Cable Tricep Pushdown: 12 - 10 - 8

Exercise 4: Kneeling Cable Crunches: 15 - 15 - 15

Visit www.bathingcare.co.uk | Freephone 0800 088 4163 or 07850 333 400

Making bathing a pleasure again with

We provide easy access showers, walk in baths, wet rooms and extra height toilets for the less able...

FREE HOME VISITS

Our Installation Manager can:

• Visit daytime/evenings• Offer VAT free installations in qualifying cases• Offer a choice of Walk-in Baths or Showers• Free advice survey & detailed quotation

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2pm

Special Offer

Supplied and installed

from ONLY £799

(subject to survey and

VAT exemption)

Bathing Care supply and install (usually in one day) a big 900mm x 900mm curved shower enclosure with Resin stone shower tray, waterproof wall panels in a choice of colours, including seat, soap dish and grab rail.

All this for a Great Special Offer Just £799 - Installed Complete.

Extremely good value for money and in most cases our prices are less than half the price of Dolphin, Aquability and other national advertised companies.

For more information and a Free Home visit please call us on 0800 088 4163

Installations &

Service

throughout the

midlands

6 Days a Week

Where Quality And Service Cost Less44 Warstock Road, Kings Heath B14 4SN

HOT OFFER!

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The ImageweddingsCongratulations to everyone that got engaged over the festive period.

Remember if you send any questions to [email protected] we will be more than happy to answer them for you. One of the first decisions you’re going to have to make is where you would like to get married. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help choose your perfect venue.

Do you want a civil or a religious ceremony?A lot of venues are now licensed to hold civil ceremonies so you can get married and have your reception in the same venue. Remember it’s your responsibility to make sure the registrar is free on the date and time you have selected to get married so make sure they are before you pay any money to secure the date with the venue. If you’re having a religious ceremony make sure that the two venues are no more than half an hour away from each other.

What dates and time do you have in mind?Make sure you check to make sure that there isn’t any important sports matches or similar on the same day unless you want people ducking out to check the score all the way through.

The time of day can be very important too. If you are on a tight budget then you don’t want to be feeding your guests several times throughout the day so a late afternoon wedding would be best.

Where in the world?There are lots of things that can determine where you get married and there are many pros and cons of each. If you stay close to home then you may feel you have to invite everyone you’ve known since kindergarten but if you

choose to go abroad you can seriously offend people you love or even put people in a very awkward position. Make sure you think about this carefully but ultimately it’s your day so try and make your dream come true.

How many guests are you going to have?This can be crucial and cut down your list of venues before you start looking. If you have a large family and are going to be inviting more than 150 people you will be restricted to only a few venues that can seat this many people. Make sure you have an idea of the maximum number of guests, as a lot of venues won’t be able to accommodate 20 extra guests at the last minute.

Also remember that the registrar, their assistant and any musicians you may have during the ceremony all have to be counted in the final numbers for the room limit.

Do you have a budget in mind?It is a lot easier to make choices if you have a budget to work with in. Always check with the venues first to make sure they can work with in your budget, this can save a lot of time viewing venues that just aren’t suitable. If you have your heart set on a venue but they are out of your budget there are many ways you can negotiate with the venue to make this dream come true. Try having a drinks receptions with canapés instead of a formal sit down meal.

Expert advice from Nikki Vincent, The Stratford Wedding Co. T: 0844 357 4777 E: [email protected] W: www.stratfordweddingcompany.co.uk

Always read the venues contract, yes all the small print, before you sign anything. You will be amazed at how many questions you will have afterwards and you will be so glad you asked, especially when some hidden costs come out of the woodwork.

Wedding WisdomTypes of venue available in the Warwickshire area• Castle• Historic house• Country house• Art Gallery

• Hotel• Restaurant• Pub• Golf club

• Sports and social club• Barn• Marquee

Sales@theimage-stratford.co.ukwww.theimage-stratford.co.ukstratford_imageThe Image in StratfordSearch:

Other important questions to ask before you make that all important decision

• Does the venue fit with your theme or the atmosphere you want for your wedding? • How much decoration will you need to make it look how you envisage your wedding and how much budget do you have to do this? • If you have a lot of out of town guests coming is there plenty of accommodation at the venue or close by? • Do you want to stay at the venue on your wedding night and if so do they offer a complimentary room? • Check their drinks package prices and corkage fees before paying any deposit money and make sure you are happy with this cost. • If you get a wedding coordinator at the venue make sure you write a list of everything you expect from them and get them to agree. • Check to see if they have any restrictions that may affect the wedding, especially with historical buildings. • Are there plenty of nice spots at the venue for photos and can you use those areas without restriction? • Are there any other weddings or events on the same day and how will this effect your wedding, because it will.

Lastly how does the venue feel to you? Can you see your self in this venue spending the happiest day of your life with all your closest family and friends? If so, follow the advice above and book it.

Good Luck!

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WMH

Best Western


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providing marquees for you and your planned special occasion

Wedding Ceremonies | Corporate Events | Family Occasions

A HUGE SELECTION OF MARQUEES AND INTERIORS TO SUIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS.

FURNITURE, LIGHTING, FLOORING, STAGING AND TOILETS

ALSO AVAILABLE TO HIRE

Tel: 01789 778 574 Mob: 0788 798 3862 [email protected]

Therapy of the Sole and Complete Spas have teamed up to bring you and your feet a very relaxing and novel experience! Therapy of the Sole has been set up by friends Rachel Grinnall and Debbie Jones. The Salon is located in Complete Spas, Blackminster Business Park, and is the only one in the area.

Clients relax by immersing feet or hands in fish filled water and enjoy these special fish nibbling dead skin, although the fish do not have teeth their mouth gently sucks the area removing the dead skin.

The treatment originates from Turkey and parts of the Middle East where there are naturally occurring hot springs.

The fish are renowned for their ability to find and feed on dead or damaged areas of the skin surface. The result of the gentle fish nibbling is to leave the skin feeling softer and smoother after the treatment. Pete Grinnall of Complete Spas said that “I am very pleased that Rachel and Debbie have decided to choose us for their unusual venture and it fitsin well with the tanning and hot tubs in the showroom”

Therapy of the Sole is open 7 days a week and details can be found on Therapy of the Sole website www.therapyofthesole.co.uk or by telephoning 01386 831446.

Therapy of the Sole - a fishy businessAt Complete Spas

Best Western

Salford HallWedding Fayre

Sunday 6th FebruaryFree admission

We would like to invite you to come along to our Spring Wedding fayre. A host of exhibitors will be

there to help you create your special day

Valentine’s DaySurprise your Valentine with a romantic dinner

£40.00 per person to include a glass of bubbly on arrival, four course dinner and a Rose for the lady

Valentines meal is available on Saturday 12th and Monday 14th February

Really spoil the one you love and stay the night at the romantic Salford Hall package to include dinner,

accommodation and breakfast £100.00 per person

To make a reservation please contact the events team on 01386 871300

Best Western Salford Hall, Abbots Salford, Evesham, Worcester WR11 8UTTelephone : 01386 871300 Email : [email protected] www.salfordhall.co.uk

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www.theimage-stratford.co.ukstratford_imageThe Image in Stratfordsearch:


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The Animal Rescue& Rehabilitation Society Don’t breed & buy whilst others die

If you are interested in being part of a team of welfare assistants please get in touch, either by phone on 0773 444 2785 or e-mail on [email protected] or by looking on our website for more information on www.tarrs.org.uk

Did you know that in England, at least 18 dogs per day are put to sleep through no fault of their own. They are surplus to requirements, no longer the fashion accessory that the owner had thought that they should have been. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the breed that are most frequently put to sleep. Punish the deed not the breed.

I went out to rescue adog that dayI went out to rescue a dog that dayTo give him a really good lifeTo take him away from the life that he ledAnd free him from trouble and strife

I thought I would do him a favourAnd be a good person to him And go do my bit for the countryI didn’t go out on a whim

But what do you think really did happen?The day that I did my good deed,I discovered a love that I’d dreamed ofAnd fulfilled in myself a strong need.

I now have a dog that I care for,I see things that I needed to see.That lovely dog that I rescuedReally ended up rescuing me.

My first encounter with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier was many years ago at a local rescue run by Maureen Pugh of VIP Puppies (local people will probably remember her well!).

We went to choose a puppy and this puppy chose me. I was horrified when I was informed that it was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Maureen convinced me to give it a go and I’ve never looked back since.

He was loyal, kind, sensitive and my best friend. Hooch had an amazing presence and this was something that everyone who met him remembers him by.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers make fantastic family pets; happy, smiley and lovers of life. They enjoy nothing more than being part of a family.

If you could offer him or another of these fantastic dogs a home, then please contact:

Becky Proctor 07986 564993

Dogwatch UK www.dogwatchuk.com

Saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but the world will change for that one animal.

This is Doodle, he’s a 10 week old Staffie Cross puppy who is looking for his forever home.

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The Image ...in Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding areasSpernal Ash Nurseries, Alcester Rd, Studley, B80 7PD

✂

TIGGYS ARE OFFERING 2 LUCKY READERS A FREE DOG GROOMING SESSION

To enter please complete and send your entry to

Tiggys, 61-63 High Street, Alcester, B49 5AF

NAME

ADDRESS

CONTACT NO.

HOT OFFER!

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handy andyI’m here to help with any questions and to give advice on how to maintain your home and vehicle. Need a tip for your home? Or just have a funny story... email [email protected]

My husband Paul is NOT a DIY man, but trying! When I asked him to put up a wallpaper border with an interesting pattern around the top of our (high stud) bathroom wall, he was reluctant to say the least.

But he allowed himself to be persuaded and then, as is the nature of the man, he insisted on doing it all himself. He chose the border wallpaper ("I know where I can get it really cheap!") and got the equipment ready ("This is a good ladder - my Dad used it for forty years!") He wanted to do it all by himself ("I know what I'm doing - you go shopping or something and leave me to it!")

We hadn't actually left the house when the poor old ladder collapsed... then, re-equipped with a neighbour's ladder, he got started. We got out. On our return he took us in proudly to show us his job. You should have seen his face when he opened the door with a flourish only to reveal the border all in a state of coming off the wall. Some of it had already curled up on the floor. He couldn't believe his eyes! As we wiped away tears of laughter, I explained to him that, "Some wallpaper borders are pre-pasted. some are not." So much for cheap wallpapers! It seemed that the wet border went up alright, but as the water dried out so it came down! The moral of the story (and useful Bonus Tips): • Don't use shoddy old insecure ladders when climbing high

• Don't buy cheap wallpapers, stick to excellent, beautiful, quality Resene paints and forget about wallpaper borders -especially with a non DIY bloke in charge!

Tip of the monthI’m sure we’re now pleased the snow has gone, but many people have experienced frozen pipes in their properties. So in preparation for the next cold snap I’ve got some good advice for you. If you’re preparing to go away for a short period of time, make sure you turn the mains water off and leave the heating on continuous with your thermostat set low. This should help protect your house from freezing. Another problem that people have encountered is, if you have a high efficiency condensing boiler, the

condense pipe is prone to freezing. If this happens your central heating will stop working!! But you can get it going again by using warm/hot water and pouring it onto the pipe that is frozen. This pipe can be found on the outside wall adjacent to the boiler. It is usually a white pipe. You may have to repeat this two or three times to fully thaw the pipe out. I hope these tips help as we are expected more cold snaps in the future!


• Property Development• Extension & Renovation• Bathrooms and Kitchens• Carpentry/Joinery• Plumbing & Electrical

Using only CORGI & NIC/EIC Registered Tradesmen

www.asbuilders-midlands.com

For more information CALL 07534894603

offering the complete building solution

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‘Due to the importance of treating stains properly we at AKSB CLEANING

are reiterating a previous tip on stain removal. Before any stain is treated it is important that a basic procedure is followed as a common misconception

is to scrub the stain so...

Go to www.aksb.co.uk for further information and look out for

Tip 5 next month.

Tip 4 is always keep a pile of paper towels handy as the first

step is to remove any excess and blot the stain to remove all moisture, never scrub the stain.

Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent the stain

from spreading.

Always apply an appropriate cleaning solution to a clean dry

cloth not directly onto the carpet, and blot.

AKSB Tip of the monthProfessional Carpet & Window Cleaning Services

P Fully accredited with the NCCA/FWC

P FREE quotations

P Environmentally friendly products

P Local company

P Truckmounted and Portable Equipment

P Email/text notification of service

P Payments accepted online

Other services available. Contact us for details.

Call: 01789 207430 (office hours) or 07834 994868or visit www.aksb.co.uk

CARPENTRYPLUS+

Call John on07966 400095

or 01527 458987

T.L.C. for your home or office

I can look after all of your carpentry, plumbing, and decorating requirements.

No job too small over 40 years in the trade. Free

quotes and advice given.


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Vintage Cars to Modern CarsComputer Diagnostics

Mechanical & Electrical RepairsMOTs

Welding24 Hour Recovery

Complete Vehicle RestorationsCars, Vans & Commercials

Telephone (24 Hour)

0870 80 33 247

Warwickshire’s No. 1 for:

Service & Repairs – ANY make, ANY model

FREE Courtesy cars

Black Cat Motor Company Ltd Units 7 & 8 Avenue Fields Ind. Estate, Avenue Farm

Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 0HT

OUT OF HOURS SERVICE ALWAYS ACCOMMODATED

Unit 10, Beechtree Park,Waterloo Industrial Estate,Bidford

Call:

01789 77 28 27

CARS • VANS • AGRICULTURAL • INDUSTRIAL • 4X4

All makes supplied and fitted> Batteries> Brakes> Exhausts> Steering> Suspension> Servicing> Laser Wheel Alignment

>> NOW OPEN IN BIDFORD-ON-AVON>>

VAN, CAR, MPV’s &

MINIBUS HIRE

Cars

www.eveshamselfdrive.co.uk

Telephone Alan on01386 833700

Blackminster • Evesham • WR11 7RE

[email protected]

Vans

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• Devine carpentry is now offering a timber spraying service

• Primed or top coated- Any choice of colours

• External timber is sprayed with a micro porous paint or translucent stain with UV protection

• Glazing of windows and doors undertaken

• Timber windows & doors can also be supplied

• Fensa registered

Devine Carpentry

For further details please callOffice: 01789 720578

Mobile: [email protected]

FREE Curry Main MealThroughout February

Order any Main Dish + Rice or Nan Bread and get the 2nd dish FREE

Offer valid on presentation of this voucher on collected orders only

24 Greenhill Street • Stratford-upon-Avon • CV37 6LE

Tel: 01789 269906/7

HOT OFFER!CUT OUT

s i m l ain d i a n t a k e a w a y

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Conditions apply, Cash payment only for this offer

The Image in Stratford can help you

Our adverts come in a range of sizes and all design work is included in the price.

Your advert will also appear on our e-magazine at www.theimage-stratford.co.uk and you can feature in our mid-monthly e-newsletter.

Contact JJ on 07779 222301 or email sales@theimage- stratford.co.uk



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Both quality and price among individual shops can vary dramatically.

Remember, most of the larger computer sales chains are geared up more for sales than if something actually goes wrong and usually will cost a lot more.

If you use a none authorised repair shop the work may not be guaranteed.

Barney Meredith

G & R Computers, 6 The Minories Henley Street Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6NF

01789 299901

We have moved to

The Minories6 The MinoriesHenley Street

Stratford Upon AvonCV37 6NF

CV

www.grcomputers.com

Microsoft Windows Specialist

The ImageWho to trust with your computer repairs?Many small business and home users rely on local computer repair shops and individuals. But who can you trust?

Here’s what’s most important to keep in mind about computer repair.

• It can be better to take a broken PC to a local repair shop than have a repair technician come to your office or home. Though this is less convenient, the repair shop will have access to better diagnostic tools there. They will have time to

observe the problem if it’s intermittent. And the cost will be lower as a call out is usually priced by the hour.

• Write down the exact nature of the problem you experience when it occurs including what you see on your screen, what you hear and how long the problem lasts.

• Find out what guarantees are being given for work done.

• Use your computer as soon as you get it back, and notify the repair shop immediately if you’re still experiencing the problem.

• Make sure if your computer is taken away that the company that has taken it has a proper shop and your computer and its data are safe and under lock and key with the correct insurances, as people who work from home will very rarely have this in place.

• If it isn’t a proper repair shop can you really trust them? There may be no come back should the repair not work.

HospitalsNHS Direct 0845 4647

Stratford 01789 205831

Warwick 01926 495321

Alcester 01789 762470

PoliceStratford 01789 414111

Alcester 01789 762207

UtilitiesGas Emergency 0800 111 999

Electricity Power Loss 0800 3281111

Severn Trent 0800 7834444

BT Fault Line 0800 800151

Miscellaneous Citizens Advice 01789 293299

01789 261966

Stratford Library 01789 292209

Alcester Library 01789 762430

Bidford Library 01789 773239

Henley in Arden Library 01564 792965

Doctors / Health Rother House MC 01789 269386

Bridge House MC 01789 292201

Arden MC 01789 414942

Trinity Court 01789 292895

Alcester HC 01789 763060

Arrow Lodge Surgery 01789 763293

Bidford HC 01789 773372

Useful NumbersThe Image

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RETAIL SPARetail Resolutions!Its early 2011 and a time when we think about our retail hopes and ambitions. complicated of course by those economic factors. But its not depressing... its an opportunity! You always learn more when times are tough than when everything is booming and going along swimmingly. Challenging times force you to critically appraise your business and you end up with a tighter, leaner operation and an improved product range. That is the size of the prize.

So, take stock of your retail business. Where do you want it to go in the future? What elements will expand and grow, what areas to do you want to drop and what new, exciting products do you want to introduce to your range?

But before you get out your chequebook a few “no–nos“! Don’t make changes with your heart, don’t buy blind (without knowing the history/trends) and don’t buy without having a buying budget. Quick, knee jerk choices about product have a habit of coming back and biting you... With massive markdowns.

Retail spirit is tremendous but keep it on a lead by not rushing into decisions without analysis. For a truly meaningful forward plan, precise and measured evaluation is absolutely vital.

Here is a simple approach to analysing performance:

1/ Sales. Evaluate your sales performance in a way that will be meaningful to you. Not just at top line business level ...drill into product group or brand and measure versus last year and/or plan.

2/ Stock. Know your stocks. Has a sales increase on a product area been driven through additional stock investment? How much stock were you left with at the end of the season?

3/ Margin. Evaluate your net profit after markdown. In the end, this is the true measurement of success. Its easy to drive sales without making much profit. Less easy to do both.

4/ Space. How much space has been given to each of your product areas. Did their sales justify the space allocation?

Straightforward evaluation of these parameters will give you real confidence about your product performance and future direction. It will lead to a better range for your customers and a more efficient retail operation... Despite the recession!

After spending twenty years building key brands in the High Street, retail spa is now working with independent retailers, making their life easier by solving important retail problems.

If you are or know a shop owner who would like support and a free retail spa assessment, please contact Tony Scott at retail spa on 07894 222557 or go to the website at www.retailspa.co.uk.


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Collection and delivery service One call to us could save you two trips to the shop

Order a collection and delivery service online at: www.crossroadsdrycleaners.co.uk

or call 01789 400 006

Any size duvet washed for £14, 2 duvets for only £25

Receive a free storage bag with all orders(pre-payment only)

HOT OFFER!

•3itemsforthepriceof2drycleaned*•20%offSuedesandLeathers•20%offCurtainsandUpholstery *Conditionsapply

Unit 5, Bulls Head Yard, Alcester, B49 5BX

February sees a noticeable difference in the length of daylight and brings with it the anticipation of spring.

Gardener’s Corner

Lucy BravingtonAlthough it is often a colder month than January, it’s a great month to make the most of all the new buds beginning to swell. Towards the end of the month we can take delight in the early spring flowering bulbs such as Narcissus ‘February Gold’ and early flowering primroses brighten up the garden.

★Crocus tommasinianus★Viburnum tinus★Cornus mas★ Helleborus orientalis★ Iris ‘Harmony’★Clematis cirrhosa ‘Freckles’★Camellia x williamsii ‘Anticipation’

Star Plants for January If you are unsure of what will look best in your garden please just give me a call on 07855 940402. I can provide advice as to where to position new additions or can offer a full design and project management service depending on what you require. I can also design to suit your budget.

Take a look at some of the gardens I designed last year at www.lucybravington.com and keep up to date with what I’m up to through the month on Twitter...search for @lucybravington

February is your last chance to prune overgrown hedges and shrubs before the nesting season begins! If your hedge is open to biting winds, delay hedge cutting until the end of the month. Always try to achieve a hedge which is wider at the base than the top so that light, air and water can reach the base, this avoids a straggly base with bare patches.

Now is a good time to plan a new project for your garden, maybe a pond to attract wildlife or a new border with shrubs that birds will appreciate. It is best to carry out all planting before the heat of the summer to allow plants to settle in to their new positions.

acomplimentaryphotoshootandaframed10x8inchprint,whichisworthatotalof£200.Tworunnersupprizesofa£50vouchereach,whichcanbeusedtowardsthecostofaphotoshoot.

WINTo have a chance of winning this fabulous prize just complete the crossword on page 21 and email us with the answer to the anagram. Good Luck - Get quizzing!


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food &

drink


HOT OFFER!

The Red LionGreat Value

2 for £11

available Monday – Friday | 12 noon – 6.30pm

1 Warwick Road, Bridgefoot, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 6YW

01789 266858

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6oz Lamb, Chicken Breast or Beef BurgerChoose any combinationof our 2 for £11 dishes

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Alveston ManorDine in with

Baked chicken thighsThis recipe for baked chicken thighs is easy, tasty and appealing to the eyes. And it will make your house smell like a gourmet restaurant! My kids love the chicken, potatoes and carrots. They will not touch onion or the tomatoes but it is easy enough to separate the veggies. You can use chicken thigh with or without skin. You can also marinate the chicken in the olive oil mixture for several hours prior to baking. It will add a lot of flavour!

• Preheat oven to 425°.

• In a bowl mix olive oil with garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.

• Place just over a half of the oil mixture in a large bowl and mix with the vegetables until well coated. Rub the remaining oil mixture onto the chicken.

• Place vegetables into one pan and chicken into the second pan.

• Bake together at 425° for 35 minutes or until chicken is done.

What you need.• 1 pound small red potatoes, quartered • 3 Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges and seeds removed • ½ lbs baby carrots • 1 onion cut into wedges • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 3 tablespoon olive oil • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme • Salt and pepper to taste • 6-8 chicken thighs with skin on or off

SPECIAL OFFER, SIRLOIN STEAK 220G £12.95Prime Scottish 21 day Matured steak, supplied by Scotbeef, reared on mineral rich

grass from Scottish finest herds. Prepared simply with a traditional garnish.

RECOMMENDED WINECuma Malbec Organic, Argentina 2009. Exuberant Blueberry and plum flavours.



The earliest record of chocolate was over fifteen hundred years ago in the Central American rain forests, where the tropical mix of high rain fall combined with high year round temperatures and humidity provide the ideal climate for cultivation of the plant from which chocolate is derived, the Cacao Tree.

The Cacao Tree was worshipped by the Mayan civilisation of Central America and Southern Mexico, who believed it to be of divine origin. The Maya brewed a spicy, bitter sweet drink by roasting and pounding the seeds of the Cacao tree (cocoa beans) with maize and Capsicum (Chilli) peppers and letting the mixture ferment. This drink was reserved for use in ceremonies as well as for drinking by the wealthy and religious elite, they also ate a Cacao porridge.

The Aztecs of central Mexico also prized the beans, but because the Aztec’s lived further north in more arid regions at higher altitudes, where the climate was not suitable for cultivation of the tree, they had to acquire the beans through trade and/or the spoils of war. The Aztecs prized the beans so highly they used them as currency - 100 beans bought a Turkey or a slave - and tribute or Taxes were paid in cocoa beans to Aztec emperors. The Aztecs, like the Mayans, also enjoyed Cacao as a beverage fermented from the raw beans, which again featured prominently in ritual and as a luxury available only to the very wealthy. The Aztecs called this drink Xocolatl, the Spanish conquistadors found this almost impossible to pronounce and so corrupted it to the easier ‘Chocolat’, the English further changed this to Chocolate.

The Aztec’s regarded chocolate as an aphrodisiac and their Emperor, Montezuma reputedly drank it fifty times a day from a golden goblet and is quoted as saying of Xocolatl: “The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food”

In fact, the Aztec’s prized Xocolatl well above Gold and Silver so much so, that when Montezuma was defeated by Cortez in 1519 and the victorious ‘conquistadors’ searched his palace for the Aztec treasury expecting to find Gold & Silver, all they found were huge quantities of cocoa beans. The Aztec Treasury consisted, not of precious metals, but Cocoa Beans.

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The Quiz

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February’s QuizIt’s so easy! All you have to do is

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Documents

The Image in Stratford February 2011