the image in stratford january 2011

your free local magazine

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

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The Black Cat Motor Co Ltd.Warwickshire’s No. 1 for: Service & Repairs

ANY make, ANY model

check out...WEDDINGS featureHEALTH & FITNESSHOUSE & HOMEFOOD for thought

FREE CURRY OFFER!See inside for fantastic

restaurant deals

QUIZ

WINa week’s free hot tub hire!

JJ

Contents: Weddings feature page 04

Health & Fitness page 10

House & Home page 14

Computing page 17

Give a dog a home page 18

Gardener’s Corner page 19

Handy Andy page 20

Food and Drink page 23

Quiz page 28

Useful Numbers page 29

Welcome to the January issue of the Image.

Congratulation to Hazel Trevethin who won a Sony 7” Digital Photo Frame courtesy of JH Thorpe Television & Audio in last month’s quiz.

This month’s fantastic prize is a week’s free hot tub hire courtesy of Affinity Spas of Evesham. What a great way to get rid those winter blues! Get quizzing and email us your answers.

For all you whiskey drinkers check out Vinology’s Burn’s Night do on our back page. After the festivities and excesses, I am sure you will find our Detox editorial useful. Why not try out it out for yourself and try out a new health regime.

We are looking for People to distribute the magazine in your area. Please give me a call on 07779222301 if you are interested.

Don’t forget we welcome any comments or suggestion you may have to include in our magazine. Please feel free to email me directly on [email protected]

Lets hope 2011 will be a great year for us all! Best wishes and a prosperous New Year!

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 January edition

JJ

This month’s Hot Offers:

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

Crossroads Dry Cleaners – page 18

Thespians – page 27

Via Cracow – page 27

Simla – page 29

HOT OFFER!

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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!

Gold Award

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

Target your market with The Image

Gold Awardfor advertising shot

A shot that captures the pain and passion of cycling has won photographer Bryn Griffiths a Gold in the recent British Institute of Professional Photography’s (BIPP) National Photographic Awards.

The brief from client Condor - which designs bespoke, handmade bicycles - was to show the grit and determination required to cycle in the UK climate. The moody image Griffiths created was shot in the studio using special rollers, a rain machine and a wet and willing cyclist, and is to be used by Condor in an upcoming advertising campaign, in brochures and on its website.

Griffiths - who runs global print group Pindar’s photographic and design studio - won six other awards, including a Silver and a Bronze, in the BIPP competition. He also gained two Silvers and two Bronzes in the recent International Aperture Awards and has just become one of the few British professionals to be accepted for membership of the Federation of European Photographers.

Bryn BiogWhether in the studio or on location, Bryn Griffiths has been creating imaginatively conceived and wonderfully lit commercial and advertising photography for more than 25 years.

With an array of awards to his name, Bryn’s approach ensures that his images stand out above the competitive crowd. Commissioned by many major brands and global corporations, his work can be seen in magazines and glossy brochures, and on bill boards, across the world.

Bryn has recently added to his list of achievements by becoming a member of the prestigious Federation of European Photographers, one of only a few hundred amongst the 50,000 working professionals in Europe.

His long experience as one of the first in England to master digital capture means that stringent production values are a given – and his broad range of major clients, including luxury automotive and beauty brands, expect nothing less. But it is Bryn’s eye for form and colour, his mastery of lighting and his instinct for the perfect styling, that truly set him apart.

These skills have enabled him to amass a portfolio of powerful photographs each of which has strengthened an existing brand identity by creating a fresh and iconic new image.

Bryn’s work reinforces inherent brand values by approaching them differently – adding the magic that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary, and creating stunning images that you don’t have to be an Art Director to want to hang on your wall.

For more information, please contact Bryn Griffiths on 07764 353634.

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

The ImageweddingsSome little known wedding customs and traditions. Did you know?

On the way to the ceremony it was good luck to see or even kiss a chimney sweep and it has been known for people to hire them to attend the wedding.

The buttonhole for the groom is often a flower from the bride's bouquet. This is from the time when a Knight would wear his lady's colours to prove his love for her.

The veil was originally intended to confuse evil spirits because they wouldn't be able to see the bride.

The groom would take the bride's garter and throw this over his shoulder to the unmarried male guests. The same as with the bride throwing her bouquet the one who caught it first would be married next.

Receptions after the ceremony date back to medieval times when it was usual for the groom to show that he could support his new wife by giving food and drink to his new family.

Names. It is thought to be unlucky for a women to marry a man whose surname starts with the same letter as hers.

To change the name and not the letter, Is to change for the worst and not the better

First purchase. Who ever makes the first purchase after the wedding day is said to me the dominant one in the relationship

Honeymoon was derived from ‘honey’ because newly weds drank honey wine after the wedding and ‘moon’ because when the groom had captured his bride they often hid for a cycle of the moon after the wedding.

Something old Traditionally a garter given by a happily married woman. This represents the couple’s friends who will hopefully stay close during the marriage.

Something new This represents the newly-weds’ prosperous and happy future together.

Something borrowed Traditionally an item much loved by her family but she must return it afterwards to ensure good luck.

Something blue Originated in ancient Israel where a bride had to wear a blue ribbon in her hair to symbolise loyalty.

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

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Wedding Stationery: what will you need?•'SavetheDate'cards•Invitations,dayandevening•Replycards•Insertsincludingdirections,transportdetails, menu options, accommodation options etc.. •Ordersofservice•Menucards•Placecards•Tableplan•Thankyoucards

Always look at the whole wedding when viewing photographer’s work so you can see how they captured the entire day. Anyone can show you their best shots.

Wedding Wisdom


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Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service

CALL FOR OTHER PRICES

Bubbles

65 Port Street Evesham WR11 3LF

Telephone: Mobile: 07738 563027 Shop: 01386 443766

YVETTE

Wedding Dresses Cleaned from £45

The Image in Stratford can help youfrom less than £30 a month.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 [email protected]

Best Western

Warwick Marquee Hireproviding marquees for you and your planned special occasion

Wedding Ceremonies | Corporate Events | Family Occasions

WMHA 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]

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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

The ImageWhat our readers think...Thank you to all our readers who have taken the

time to enter our quiz and give useful feedback. Here’s a few of your thoughts on our magazine.

Being new to Stratford,

The Image was a good introduction

to the local businesses

and events. I will look

forward to the next issue!

““The magazine is

very good and informative. Its the only local mag I sit down and read.

“The magazine is a

godsend helps me know

what’s on around

stratford who are doing

meal offers and the

emergency numbers are

especially useful thanks.

Sat down for a minute anda cuppa with The Image and was still there half an hour later. The Quiz is a good idea, encourages one to look through the ads!

“


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Two important “must do”things for your family

1) Make your willWith a will YOU decide who you want to

inherit. With the “right” will you can even help your home and savings from being

lost to future care fees or IHT

Without a will or LPA the Government decides for you

and it can be costly.

So make sure YOU choose

Call 0845 052 3482 todayFor a FREE home visit or brochure

Allguard Legal ServicesWe have Expert Solicitors

www.allguardwills.co.uk/tim.cooper-cocks

2) Make your LPA(Lasting Power of Attorney)

If you became ill and unable to lookafter your affairs... YOU decide who does.

Make sure you choose who looks after your affairs...

not a faceless bureaucrat.

Somebody has to be appointed legally by the Court of Protection to look after your affairs (not always someone you may have chosen yourself) and this can take up to 6 months!

In the meantime most things are likely to be put on hold, your bank accounts (even joint accounts) can be frozen and, with bills left unpaid, your finances could be damaged. It is also an expensive process (£1,000+ with ongoing fees) and can even involve official home visits to see rules are being followed.

You can avoid all this by making a Lasting Power of Attorney now and appoint somebody you love and trust (e.g. spouse, son, daughter etc) to take care of your affairs whenever you can’t. Much more economical than it may be when the time comes, making your LPA now gives you peace of mind for the rest of your life.

Allguard Legal Services have their own specialist solicitors and provide LPA’s

Call 0845 052 3482 for more information or, if you wish, one of their home visit consultants Tim Cooper-Cocks can visit you in your home and help you make your LPA now.

No matter what your age now, if in the future you became ill or had an accident which affected your ability to make decisions and to look after your own affairs, you might think your spouse or adult children could look after them for you, automatically. You may well be in for a shock... they can’t!

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RETAIL SPAManaging stock into the new seasonHow was December for you? Traditionally it was the highlight of the year for retailers but now it has turned into a month of tension - will it or won’t it happen ?

At the time of writing, every retailer is faced with this uncertainty, with rumours abound about who will go to sale first in a pre Christmas panic.

On reflection, how did you manage this predicament and what action did you take to limit the damage to your spring/summer season? Did your marked down stock clear to expectation and what styles have you carried forward at full price into 2011?

Its easy to negate all your Spring/Summer planning work with excessive winter carryover stock so be careful how you handle this aspect of your trading. A few questions to ask yourself:

Did your markdowns clear sufficiently?

If not, did you give enough discount? A small reduction will clear the remnants of a best seller but what about your slow sellers? Go for a deep cut, then, if it doesn’t ‘clear at the first price, give a further reduction.

Simply a case of short term pain for long term gain.

Where did you spend your markdown?

Take time out and look at all the styles that cost you most markdown to clear. Is there a pattern as to why they haven’t sold? If you recognise this, you will not make the same mistake again – an instant opportunity for next year.

What are you carrying over at full price into Spring / Summer ?

This could have a negative impact on your performance in spring/summer. For example too much stock suffocates your shopfloor – make sure your carryover lines have a “home“ on the shopfloor .

Make sure there is nothing similar to a carryover line that is due to be delivered in January or February. This will lead to an instant splitting of sales and a waste of money from a cashflow point of view... put the new delivery back until the carryover styles have sold through.

Careful consideration of these questions will improve your ability to manage the transition into a new season and ensure the customer gets the fantastic range you visualised.

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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The ImageNew Year, New You - Detoxing for Health!

If you Google ‘detox’, 12,800,000 results are available to view! You may be feeling the effects of the excesses over Christmas and New Year and plan to make amends in January. Our modern day lives can mean we are over burdened and under resourced to efficiently detoxify.

So we do need to think about supporting detoxification through our diet and our lifestyles, but do beware of products on the market which might be jumping on the detox bandwagon.

health & wellbeing

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.

This is a great time to kick start a new health regime and the following tips may help:

Follow the tips and you will be helping the body’s natural detoxification systems and taking great steps towards a healthier you for 2011!

• Eat at least 6 portions of vegetables or fruit each day (Tip: a casserole normally contains at least 4 different vegetables): this will help to maintain good levels of key vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

• Have a good protein source with each meal: egg, lean meat, fish, lentils and beans: this will help ensure you have good levels of the essential amino acids

• Have some raw seeds and nuts each day either as a snack or with meals: they contain the good oils

• Cut down on refined grains i.e. limit your bread, pasta, cereals and when you do have them, make sure they are wholegrain.

• Completely eliminate processed food, fried food, alcohol, sugary snacks and drinks (yes, even the diet ones!)

• Drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day as plain water or as herbal or fruit teas

health & wellbeing

Do you have an embarrassing problem when you sneeze, cough, laugh, exercise at the gym, play on the trampoline with the children. If so you are not alone, thousands of women experience leaking, when they are doing everyday tasks.

IncoFree is the answer to your problem - Bladder Weakness

• It is as easy to use as a tampon• No bulky pads or odour issues • Supports the pelvic floor• Invented and designed by a gynaecologist• Can be worn all day OR just when exercising• Comes in 3 sizes and last’s for up to 30 uses

Take back your control, confidence and composure with IncoFree, the amazing, NEW alternative to pads.

Start living you life to the full with the help of IncoFree To find out more go to

www.incofree.co.uk

or call 0845 3035868 and Take back your Control, Confidence and Composure

For life’s unexpected moments


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The ImageFitnessHave you ever struggled to find the motivation to go to the gym or go out for a run? Do the comforts of a warm, cosy sofa and some good TV win over? It might be time for a new group exercise to get you motivated and back into an exercise routine. Fitness instructors guide you through the moves and working together as a group is exhilarating. Why not invite a friend along - you’ll be less likely to drop out! Here’s a brief guide to some of the classes happening in gyms across Stratford-Upon-Avon…

SpinningYou’ll get to enjoy all the benefits of cycling in a fun and lively setting whilst exercising to a variety of tempos integrated with music to make energetic routines.

PilatesGentle toning and stretching exercises help to transform your body, improving alignment and the way you feel and perform.

CircuitsThis covers a variety of exercises through a combination of cardio and strength training. It’s great for improving fitness and endurance.

A great way to exercise without excess strain on muscles and joints. If you’re recovering from an injury or postnatal you can still get the full benefits of body toning with this class.

Aqua Aerobics

Daniel’s Exercise Program

Health & WellbeingWith Alveston Manor Fitness Instructor AlvestonManorHotelandSpa Tel: 0844879 9138

Case TypeName: Rachel DonavanAge: 25Occupation: Accounts managerWeight: 65kg

Aims & objectives of memberAveragely healthy woman would like to improve fitness and tone up main areas including legs and stomach, looking at using the gym 3 times a week as well as one swimming session a week in time for her holiday in June 2011.

Week One: 25minutesBike: 10 minutes level 3X – trainer: 10minuteslevel3speedof100RPMRower: 500m (approx 3 minutes)

Week Two: 45minutesBike: 10 minutes level 3X – trainer: 10minuteslevel3speedof100RPMRower: 500m (approx 3 minutes)Leg Press: 2 x 15 @ 40Shoulder Press: 2 x 15 @ 2.5Lat Pull Down: 2 x 15 @ 20

Week Three: 1 hourBike: 10 minutes level 4X – trainer: 10minuteslevel3speedof100RPMRower: 500m (approx 3 minutes)Leg Press: 2 x 15 @ 40Shoulder Press: 2 x 15 @ 2.5Lat Pull Down: 2 x 15 @ 20Squats: dumbbells 5kgLunges: dumbbells 5kg

Week Four: 1 hourBike: 10 minutes level 4X – trainer: 10minuteslevel3speedof100RPMRower: 1000m (approx 3 minutes)Leg Press: 2 x 15 @ 40Shoulder Press: 2 x 15 @ 2.5Lat Pull Down: 2 x 15 @ 20Squats: dumbbells 5kgLunges: dumbbells 5kgLeg Raises: 2 x 15Sit Ups: 2 x 15

Vital Health & WellbeingMacdonald Alveston Manor

January Spa Offer*Discounted Treatments

Receive 25% off all Spa Treatments throughout January!

Offer available Monday- ThursdayFor more information see spa reception Or call us on 01789 413329

* Offer subject to availability, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

The Imagehouse & home1 4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1


Keep an eye out on this section where we at AKSB CLEANING will provide tips for everyday carpet care & stain removal.

Following our tip 2 last month about creating a basic detergent solution, we at AKSB also recommend that you also

have a non water based product for initial stain treatment.

Find out next month how to use surgical spirit and the detergent solution to

treat stains.

Go to www.aksb.co.uk for further information and look out for Tip 4

next month.

Professional Carpet & Window Cleaning Services

AKSB Tip of the month

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

Our everyday product of choice is surgical spirit which should be used as a dry cleaning solution

i.e used on its own with no other product including water.

We’re expanding into new areas and The Image distribution team require some help!

If you would be interested, please

Budget tight after Christmas?Fancy earning some cash in the New Year?


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

01386 442624 ~ www.affinityspas.co.uk ~ www.spasupplies.co.ukYour number one choice for romance...

Win a week’s hot tub hire from Affinity Spas by entering this month’s quiz

Visit our showroom: Unit 3 Orleans Close, Davies Road, Evesham, WR11 2FP

Hot Tub Sales & Hire ~ Saunas ~ Swim Spas ~ Hot Tub Servicing ~ Chemicals

affinity: noun A natural attraction, liking or feeling of kinship.

Competition subject to terms and conditions. 30 mile radius from Affinity Spas.


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The Image in Stratford can help you

from less than £30 a month.

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



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

at theBATHROOM & SHOWER

Warehouse

Freephone 0800 088 4163 or 07850 333 400 for a free home visit

Making bathing a pleasure again

A BathingCare walk in bath or shower for complete independence. We provide easy access showers, walk in baths, wet rooms and extra height toilets for the less able...

Our Installation Manager can:• Visit daytime/evenings• Offer VAT free installations in qualifying cases• Offer a down to earth price and personally oversee your installation• Free advice survey & detailed quotation

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm

Shower supplied

& installed from

an incredible

£799.00

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The ImageHow to Increase Signal Strength for Wireless Internet

With advancements in computer technology, it’s easier than ever to get the most out of your computer’s and wireless Internet. Online gaming, video streaming and access to your favourite music through the Internet are all advancing through technology, making it more important to update your home equipment and provide it with the necessary tools for optimal performance.

Replace old omnidirectional router antennas with high-gain directional

antennas. Simply unscrew the old ones and replace with the new ones, then point the antennas toward the computer to increase the signal strength. This is an affordable, easy way to gain a better wireless signal without investing a lot of time or money.

Upgrade the existing router to a new Wireless-N router. Obtaining the newest technology ensures that you will receive the best signal possible so that you can make the most of

your wireless Internet.

Add a Wireless-G range expander. Simply place the device in a location within range of the wireless router, plug it in and push the button. The expander automatically configures itself to the wireless network and relays the signal to wireless devices, even those that are hard to reach.

Use a wireless USB adapter with external antenna when signal becomes poor. These are great for use with laptops, since signal strength varies from location to location. They also come in handy when connecting to wireless high-speed Internet in hotels.

Eliminate wireless interference. Certain devices, such as cordless phones or other wireless technology, may reduce signal strength. Remove these devices from the area where you are using your network.

Remove physical obstructions. If there are physical obstructions between your router and computer that can be removed, such as closed doors, furniture and filing cabinets, open or move them to create an unobstructed path between the devices.

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


1 8 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1

Some dogs love the snow and it can be a marvellous experience for both you and your dog, but please be aware of the hazards. Here are some pointers to keep your pet safe:

The Animal Rescue& Rehabilitation Society During the festive season we tend to let our guard down on the dangers of winter for our pets and our dogs in particular.

• Becarefuloflakesandpondsthatarecoveredoverwithiceand snow, keep your dog on a lead around these areas.

• ThefestivepartyseasonmaylastwellintoJanuarysoifyouarehaving noisy guests remember to have a quiet room for your pet and check that all doors are shut so they can’t slip away unnoticed.

• Remembertoclearawaysmallitemsfromchildren’stoyssoyourdog cannot swallow them.

• Plantsthatyoumayhavebeengivenaspresentscanbeharmfulto pets;theseincludeHolly,Mistletoe,PoinsettiaandLillies.

• Foodsthatmaybeleftover that are also harmful to your pet are Turkey bones, they may splinter and damage the digestive tract, Nutmeg, Raisins in mince pies, nuts and chocolate are all toxic to your pet, so be careful!

Makeitafunseasontobewithyourpetsandavoidhavingtomakea trip to the vets!

During winter at The Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Society the heating bills begin to soar and the need to take in animals increases. We are at full capacity at the moment but we are hoping to take on more fosterers in the New Year and organise more events to help with meeting costs and demand. One of the new projects set for next year is setting up a new feral colony where many untamed cats can live a happy, healthy life while being fed and watched at a distance by a team of welfare assistants.

If you are interested in being part of a team of welfare assistants or have a barn or stable that you could accommodate some feral cats, 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

ThisisMax,aterrierx,hisownerdiedrecentlyandhis

relatives could not look after him and the rescue have

taken him on to find a new home. He is a fun, happy

chap who seems good with all adults and possibly

children over 10. We have only had him in the rescue for

a short time, so we will know more about him when he

gets fully assessed. He is due to be neutered, vaccinated,

chipped and checked by the vet for a clean bill of health.

Riley

Max

Rose

Lulu

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We had some extremely cold weather during December and I had so many people asking me how they could protect their plants....so here are my tips for protecting your garden in cold conditions!

Gardener’s Corner

Lucy Bravington

★ Galanthus plicatus subsp. byzantinus★ Skimmia japonica★ Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis★ Chimonanthus praecox★ Eranthis hyemalis★ Helleborus niger ‘Potter’s Wheel’★ Prunus serrula

Star Plants for January

During cold weather, especially frosts, the water in plant cells freezes, damaging the cell wall. Plants that have frost damage are often limp with blackened leaves. Even evergreen plants can turn brown and leaves of tender plants can become translucent. Hardy plants can also suffer if the soil becomes frozen as they cannot take up water.

A blanket of snow can actually be good for the garden, protecting plants from severe frosts and killing off pests and diseases, however be sure to knock snow off branches to prevent them snapping under the weight. Also, remember not to walk on frost or snow covered lawns!!!

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

• Fleece-coveredframesshouldbeusedtoprotectplantsinopengroundorthosetrained against a fence or wall.

• Mulchthebaseofevergreenplantstokeepthesoilfreeoffrostsotheycanstilltakeupwater.

• Growtenderplantsinpotssotheycanbetakeninsideduringwintermonths.

• Protectthecrownsoftreefernsbywrappingthemwithhessianandstraw. Tie the leaves of Cordylines and palms into bunches to protect their crowns.

• Chooseoutdoorpotsthatarefrostproofandsitthosethatcannotbetakenindoorson ‘pot feet’ to prevent waterlogging.

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


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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]

I received a call from a homeowner asking for someone to come and quote for some repairs. When I asked what sort of repairs, he said it would be too many to explain, but much easier if I just came out to the house and looked. I went.

It began like this... The customer wanted to change his toilet seat, but couldn’t get the old one off. So he tried wrenches until he rounded off the nuts (he was turning them the wrong way because they were upside down) and then decided to get his trusty old chisel and hammer out. Well, he tapped a bit on it with no success, so he drew back the hammer to smite a mighty blow against the stubborn bolt. In so doing he broke the toilet tank and flooded the area with cold water. The shock of the cold water startled him so he dropped the hammer into the

bathtub causing a big chunk of the porcelain to pop off the tub floor. Regrouping his thoughts, he ran downstairs to shut off the water to the house, the house had no other valvesinstalledwhenitwasbuiltinthe1890s.Meanwhilewater was flooding through the floors and had saturated the plaster of the ceiling below to the point it collapsed into the living room.

He then removed what was left of the toilet tank, and tried to remove the bowl from the floor flange. It wouldn’t budge either, so out comes the trusty chisel and hammer again, and “WHACK” no more toilet bowl. In the process however, he managed to tear the closet flange from the floor as well, and since it was attached to a lead closet bend, it tore and now needs replacing. He determined that it would be necessary to cut out the tee in the stack where the closet bend was attached since he had no idea how to repair old lead piping. He thought using that nifty PVC from a popular DIY store would do the trick. He tried to cut the cast iron stack with a hacksaw to no avail, then tried a sawzall, also fruitless, so.... yep, out comes the good old chisel and hammer, but a bigger hammer this time.

He whacks on the stack a few mighty blows and Voila! it splits into several pieces with one tiny segment still holding it all together. He pried the last vestige of solid pipe out of the wall with a crowbar and suddenly the remaining section of pipe lets go and with a mighty crash comes down and out of the wall through the sub floor into the now plaster less ceiling of the living room, continues its downward decent until it hits the TV, ricocheting off that and through the floor of the living room until it hit the electrical panel plunging the house into total darkness and finally comes to rest after shearing off the main water shut off valve flooding the basement. This was a £20,000 toilet seat replacement.

If you ever wanted to do a simple home repair and said to yourself, what’s the worst thing that can happen, you should read the following story told by the plumber.

QHi handy andy, I wonder if you can help me, last year I had my lights rewired and have not yet received a Certificate which my electrician said I would receive in the post. Please could advise me how to get one? Shaun A

Hi Shaun, thanks for your question! My advice to you is to contact the electrician you originally contracted to wire the lights to ask for your certificate. If he is not forthcoming, you can re-employ another NICEIC qualified / registered electrician to certificate the work that you have had carried out. It would also be worth asking his advice on the matter if you wish to take it further. Hope this has been of help and let us know if there’s anything else I can advise on. Handy Andy

• 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]

2 1J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1


VAN, CAR, MPV’s &

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

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The Imagefood & drink

2 3J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1


Welcome to this months Food and Drink section. We have great offers for our readers from the Restaurants and Takeaways featured. Alveston Manor have also provided the recipe of the month, a mouth watering Slow Roast Pork. For all those of you that fancy celebrating Burns Night, take a look at the fabulous Burns night out with Vinology, very reasonable priced, so go on give them a call and book your place. Have fun!

The Ultimate

It’s the busiest event of the

year… Those of you who were among the 140 people who

attended last year will know for certain th

at this is truly an event not

to be missed.

This Thursday evening at the end

of January will consist of a tasting

of 6 single malt Whiskies from

the fantastic single malt distillery

Benromach, the world’s best

toast to the haggis, a chorus of

pipers and of course a traditional

Scottish supper of Haggis, neeps

and tatties served in more than

generous portions. Bookings are

now being taken and we advise

booking this one very early to

avoid disappointment. This will all

be hosted in Leamington Spa, at

the Angel Hotel on Regent Street.

For all customers in and around

Stratford-Upon-Avon, Vinology will

be running a free minibus service

to collect and return from Rother

Street. This will pick up at 7pm and

drop-off at approximately 11pm. If

you would like to take advantage

of this service, please let them

know when you book.

Burn’s Night Bash

When: Thursday 27th January7:30pm – late

Where: The Angel Hotel, Regent St, Leamington Spa

How much: £30.00 per person all inclusive

49 Henley Street

Stratford-Upon-Avon

e: [email protected]

w: www.vinology.co.uk

t: 01789 264 587

2 7J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1


www.theimage-stratford.co.uk

stratford_image

The Image in Stratford

search:

Alveston ManorDine in with

Slow roasted porkServes 4 to 6 Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 6- 7 hoursThis isn’t the kind of joint you carve into neat slices. If cooked right, it should pull apart into shreds. Heat your oven to 220°C/425°F/gas 7.

Place your pork on a chopping board, Rind side up. Wit al sharp

knife and make scores about a centimetre apart through the rind

into the fat, but not so deep that you cut into the meat. If the joint

is tied, dont cut the string. Rub salt and black pepper into all the

scores.

Brush any excess salt off the surface then turn it over. Season the

underside of the meat with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Place your pork, skin side-up, in a roasting tin and place in the preheated oven. Roast for 40 minutes, until the skin of the pork has started to puff up and you can see it turning into crackling. At

this point, turn the heat down to 170°C/325 F/gas3, cover the pork

with a double layer of tin foil, pop back in the oven and roast for a

further 4 and a half hours.Take out of the oven take the foil off, and baste the meat with the

fat in the bottom of the tray. Carefully lift the pork up and transfer

to a chopping board. Spoon all but a couple of tablespoons of

fat out and save it for later.

Add all the veg, garlic and bay leaves to the tray and stir them

into the fat. Place the pork back on top of everything and return

to the oven without the foil to roast for another hour. By this time

the meat should be meltingly soft and tender. Carefully move the meat to a serving dish, cover again with tin

foil and leave to rest while you make your gravy. Spoon away any

fat in the tray, then add the water or stock and place the tray on

the hob. Bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to scrape up all those lovely sticky tasty bits on the bottom of the tray. When you’ve got a dark

gravy,pour it through a sieve into a bowl or gravy boat, using your

spoon to really push all the goodness of the veg through the sieve.

Add a little more salt and pepper if it needs it.Serve the pork and crackling with your jug of gravy and some lovely roast potatoes (as a treat you can try roasting them in the

fat you spooned out of your roasting tray).

What you need.• 2kg bone-in shoulder of pork, skin on• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper• 2 red onions, halved• 2 carrots, peeled and halved lengthways• 2 sticks of celery, halved• 1 bulb of garlic, skin on, broken into cloves

• 6-8 fresh bay leaves• 600ml water or vegetable stock

What to do.

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.

FREE Curry Main MealThroughout JanuaryOrder any Main Dish + Rice or Nan Bread and get the 2nd dish FREE Offer valid on presentation of this voucher on collected orders only24 Greenhill Street • Stratford-upon-Avon • CV37 6LETel: 01789 269906/7

HOT OFFER!CUT OUT

s i m l ai n d i a nt a k e a w a y

✂

Conditions apply, Cash payment only for this offer


from less than £30 a month.Our adverts come in a range of sizes and all design work is included in the price.



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

Hand-battered Fish & ChipsPork, leek & Bacon Sausages and MashRoast Chicken & Mushroom Pie

Ham and EggsChilli Con CarneQuorn Chilli (v)Breaded Scampi and Chips6oz Blackened Minute SteakSpinach & Ricotta Ravioli (v)6oz Lamb, Chicken Breast or Beef Burger

Choose any combinationof our 2 for £11 dishes

2 5J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1

www.theimage-stratford.co.ukstratford_image

The Image in Stratfordsearch:

Become a Pampered Chef Consultant

As a Pampered Chef Consultant, you’ll show

guests how to create simple recipes that

produce dramatic results at in-home Cooking

Shows, using a range of our fabulous

kitchenware and utensils.

Everyone gets involved in preparing the

recipe and using the tools and afterwards,

your guests can sit back, taste the results and

shop from our full range of products.

For more details on becoming a

Consultant, Hosting a Show, or

purchasing products, contact:

Work the hours you choose.

Decide how much you’d like to earn.

Be the best boss you’ve ever had.

Interested?

And you can start earning commission right

from your very first Show!

Suezy(your local independent consultant)

on 07968 363584

or email [email protected]

Traditional Indian &

Bangledeshi Restaurant

✂

£5 Off Food BillMinimum order £20. Offer valid on presentation of this voucher.

Open 7 days a week 5.30pm till midnight

Tel: 01789 267187 or 01789 297873

26 Sheep Street, Stratford - upon - Avon, CV37 6EF

Our master chef has over 35 years experience within

the culinary art of Indian & Bangladeshi cuisine.HOT OFFER!CUT OUT

The Image in Stratford can help youfrom less than £30 a month.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

HOT OFFER!

Become a Pampered Chef Consultant

As a Pampered Chef Consultant, you’ll show guests how to create simple recipes that produce dramatic results at in-home Cooking Shows, using a range of our fabulous kitchenware and utensils.

Everyone gets involved in preparing the recipe and using the tools and afterwards, your guests can sit back, taste the results and shop from our full range of products.

For more details on becoming a Consultant, Hosting a Show, or purchasing products, contact:

Work the hours you choose.

Decide how much you’d like to earn.

Be the best boss you’ve ever had.

Interested?

And you can start earning commission right from your very first Show!

Suezy(your local independent consultant)

on 07968 363584

or email [email protected]

2 5J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1


Traditional Indian & Bangladeshi Restaurant

✂

£5 Off Food BillMinimum order £20. Offer valid on presentation of this voucher.

Open 7 days a week 5.30pm till midnight

Tel: 01789 267187 or 01789 29787326 Sheep Street, Stratford - upon - Avon, CV37 6EF

Our master chef has over 35 years experience within the culinary art of Indian & Bangladeshi cuisine.

HOT OFFER!CUT OUT

The Image in Stratford can help youfrom less than £30 a month.Our adverts come in a range of sizes and all design work is included in the price.



HOT OFFER!


Alveston ManorDine in with

Slow roasted porkServes 4 to 6 Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 6- 7 hours

This isn’t the kind of joint you carve into neat slices. If cooked right, it should pull apart into shreds.

Heat your oven to 220°C/425°F/gas 7.

Place your pork on a chopping board, rind side up. With a sharp knife make scores about a centimetre apart through the rind into the fat, but not so deep that you cut into the meat. If the joint is tied, don’t cut the string. Rub salt and black pepper into all the scores.

Brush any excess salt off the surface then turn it over. Season the underside of the meat with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Place your pork, skin side-up, in a roasting tin and place in the preheated oven. Roast for 40 minutes, until the skin of the pork has started to puff up and you can see it turning into crackling. At this point, turn the heat down to 170°C/325 F/gas3, cover the pork with a double layer of tin foil, pop back in the oven and roast for a further 4 and a half hours.

Take out of the oven take the foil off, and baste the meat with the fat in the bottom of the tray. Carefully lift the pork up and transfer to a chopping board. Spoon all but a couple of tablespoons of fat out and save it for later.

Add all the veg, garlic and bay leaves to the tray and stir them into the fat. Place the pork back on top of everything and return to the oven without the foil to roast for another hour. By this time the meat should be meltingly soft and tender.

Carefully move the meat to a serving dish, cover again with tin foil and leave to rest while you make your gravy. Spoon away any fat in the tray, then add the water or stock and place the tray on the hob. Bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to scrape up all those lovely sticky tasty bits on the bottom of the tray. When you’ve got a dark gravy,pour it through a sieve into a bowl or gravy boat, using your spoon to really push all the goodness of the veg through the sieve. Add a little more salt and pepper if it needs it.

Serve the pork and crackling with your jug of gravy and some lovely roast potatoes (as a treat you can try roasting them in the fat you spooned out of your roasting tray).

What you need.•2kgbone-inshoulderofpork, skin on•seasaltandfreshlyground black pepper•2redonions,halved•2carrots,peeledand halved lengthways•2sticksofcelery,halved•1bulbofgarlic,skinon,broken into cloves•6-8freshbayleaves•600mlwaterorvegetablestock

What to do.

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.

2 7J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1


FREE Curry Main MealThroughout January

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 ai n d i a n t a k e a w a y

✂

Conditions apply, Cash payment only for this offer


from less than £30 a month.

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



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

Hand-battered Fish & Chips

Pork, leek & Bacon Sausages and Mash

Roast Chicken & Mushroom Pie

Ham and Eggs

Chilli Con Carne

Quorn Chilli (v)

Breaded Scampi and Chips

6oz Blackened Minute Steak

Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli (v)

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

The Quiz

Across1 _______MarqueeHire3 Vinology’s Ultimate _ _ _ _ _ Night7 For conservatories, windows and doors

Down2 This month’s quiz prize is courtesy of...3 A local award winning photographer4 Get 20% off your food bill here 5 Offering £5 off your food order6 Get 2 meals for £11 at... r £11 at...

January’s QuizIt’s so easy! All you have to do is fill in the squares and then piece together the shaded letters to spell out an anagram that reveals something topical during January.

Email your answer, along with contact details and your feedback on this magazine to [email protected] All correct entries will go into the exciting prize draw with a chance of winning a week’s free hot tub hire. Get quizzing!

WIN!!!

...win a week’s free hot tub hire

2 8 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1

01386 442624 | Unit 2, Davies Road, Four Pools Industrials Estate, Evesham, Worcestershire.

This month we’re giving away a week’s free hot tub hire. Quiz subject to terms and conditions. 30 mile radius from Affinity Spas.

Anagram (2 words – we’ve filled in 2 letters for you!)

For this month’s quiz only, quiz entry contact details will be shared with Affinity Spas. If you would not like us to share your contact details, please put this in writing with your quiz entry answer to [email protected]

1 2

3

4

5

6

7

2

W A


2 9J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1

Useful NumbersThe Image

HospitalsNHS Direct 0845 4647

Stratford 01789 205831

Warwick 01926 495321

Alcester 01789 762470

PoliceStratford 01789 414111

Alcester 01789 762207

UtilitiesGas Emergency 0800 111 999

ElectricityPowerLoss 0800 3281111

Severn Trent 0800 7834444

BTFaultLine 0800 800151

MiscellaneousCitizens Advice 01789 293299

01789 261966

StratfordLibrary 01789 292209

AlcesterLibrary 01789 762430

BidfordLibrary 01789 773239

HenleyinArdenLibrary 01564 792965

Doctors / Health RotherHouseMC 01789 269386

BridgeHouseMC 01789 292201

ArdenMC 01789 414942

Trinity Court 01789 292895

Alcester HC 01789 763060

ArrowLodgeSurgery 01789 763293

Bidford HC 01789 773372

Useful NumbersThe Image

Budget tight after Christmas?

Fancy earning some cash in the New Year?




The UltimateIt’s the busiest event of the year… Those of you who were among the 140 people who attended last year will know for certain that this is truly an event not to be missed.

This Thursday evening at the end of January will consist of a tasting of 6 single malt Whiskies from the fantastic single malt distillery Benromach, the world’s best toast to the haggis, a chorus of pipers and of course a traditional Scottish supper of Haggis, neeps and tatties served in more than generous portions. Bookings are now being taken and we advise booking this one very early to avoid disappointment. This will all behostedinLeamingtonSpa,atthe Angel Hotel on Regent Street. For all customers in and around Stratford-Upon-Avon, Vinology will be running a free minibus service to collect and return from Rother Street. This will pick up at 7pm and drop-off at approximately 11pm. If you would like to take advantage of this service, please let them know when you book.

Burn’s Night Bash

When: Thursday 27th January 7:30pm – lateWhere:TheAngelHotel,RegentSt,LeamingtonSpaHow much: £30.00 per person all inclusive

49 Henley StreetStratford-Upon-Avon

e: [email protected]: www.vinology.co.ukt: 01789 264 587

the image in stratford january 2011

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