1 ISSUE 94 NOVEMBER 2012 FREE

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Village Voice

is published monthly

by Village Voice

Magazines Ltd.,

Forge House,

50 Redhall Road,

Gornal Wood,

Dudley DY3 2NL.

Tel:

01384 866688

Email: villagevoice

@hotmail.co.uk

All rights reserved.

No part of this

publication may be

reproduced without

written permission

from the publishers.

© Village Voice

Magazines Ltd 2012

Chris

COVER STORY

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the

11th month commemorates the

end of the First World War and, as

always, Remembrance Day

is a very special public display of the continuing

recognition of the debt we owe all

those who protect us and our way of

life. May we never

forget.... Photo © Fotolia

It’s another packed edition of VILLAGE VOICE this month with special features ranging from the launch of a new local brewery to a delve through the history books and some information about a variety of forthcoming events. Our main feature, though, looks at the figures behind the recent story that West Midlands Police have reported a substantial decrease in reported crime in the area. We have looked behind the figures and found some worry-ing statistics about the current ‘clear up’ rate of crimes. This comes at a time when we are hearing from various sources that it is becoming increasingly difficult to even get the police to respond speedily to reports of crimes. Of course this sorry state of affairs is nothing to do with the individual police officers who—generally speaking—are a hard-working group who are doing their best in very difficult circumstances. The real problem is the operational budget within which they have to work. Reduced budgets in all public services will start to hit hard as we go through the Winter and into the Spring and many of the services that we have come to expect and rely upon are likely to be reduced or even axed. All we can ask is that the various authorities—including the emergency services and the local council—ensure that before they start the cuts they make sure every bit of waste and unnecessary expense is stripped away first. Otherwise they could well find that public support disappears very quickly indeed. Let’s hope that does not happen.....

DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS THAT SERVES CUSTOMERS IN SEDGLEY, GORNAL,

COSELEY, KINGSWINFORD, WALL HEATH, WORDSLEY, WOMBOURNE, SWINDON

OR KINVER ? THEN SHOULDN’T YOU BE

ADVERTISING IN VILLAGE VOICE? CALL GAIL ON 01384 866688

FOR FULL DETAILS.

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USEFUL TELEPHONE

NUMBERS

EMERGENCY

Ambulance, Fire or Police 999 or 112

HEALTH

NHS Direct 0845 46 47

Russells Hall A & E Dept 01384 456111

TRAVEL

Birmingham Airport 0870 733 55 1

National Rail Line 08457 48 49 50

Centro Hotline 0121 200 2700

HELP LINES

Alcoholics Anonymous 01384 48 29 29

Care & Disability Advice Line 08080 486 486

Childline 0800 11 11

Samaritans 08457 90 90 9

Stop Smoking Helpline 0800 0850 652

Victim Support 01384 241 511

RSPCA 0300 1234 999

UTILITIES

Severn Trent Water (Sewers) 0800 783 44 44

South Staffs Water

(Emergencies) 0800 3 8 9 10 11

(Leakline) 0800 24 33 52

Electricity Power Loss 08457 331 331

Gas Leaks 0800 111 999

COUNCIL SERVICES

Dudley Council Plus 0300 555 2345

Libraries (Coseley) 01384 812 775

(Gornal) 01384 812 755

(Sedgley) 01384 812 790

VILLAGE VOICE MAGAZINES 01384 866688

DON’T MISS YOUR COPY

Each month over 2000 copies of this edition of VILLAGE

VOICE are circulated. Some are left at libraries and health centres in the area but most are hand-delivered to house-

holds throughout Sedgley, Gornal and Coseley.

MOTs and Servicing for all makes

CHARITY STALLHOLDERS NEEDED FOR GIFT FAYRE

The Jolly Crispin in Upper Gornal is holding a very

special Victorian Christmas Gift Fayre on 6th December from 6.00pm-10.00pm and they are keen to invite local charities and fundraisers to

participate. As well as a number of stalls there will be

plenty of food and drink available including traditional mulled wine and hot chest-nuts whilst the Christmas

spirit will be enhanced by the singing of carols around the

fire. Stalls are just £10.00 each

and stallholders are asked (if possible) to come in Victorian costume. All proceeds go to

the house charities . Further information: contact

Rob on 07881 453285.

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MASSIVE BED SELECTION

UP TO

ROLL STOCK & ENDS Axminsters from £18 sq yd

(was £45) 80/20 50oz Wool Twists

from £9.99 sq yd (was £32) Stain Guarded Carpets

from £4.50 sq yd (was £9.99)

Rhino Floor Vinyl from £7.99 sq yd (was £22)

PLUS MANY MORE GREAT BARGAINS IN-STORE.

Sally

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In the 14th and 15th centuries Sedgley, Coseley and Gornal

were pretty lawless places with many murders, robberies and

other crimes taking place: In 1351 John de Vherleton, John de Hynkeleye, William Moyle, Adam Flemmyng

and Edmund de Penne (all of Sedgley) together with Walter, Vicar of the Church of

Seggesleye, were charged with illegally seizing land including 1080 acres of woodland

from Roger le Aylesbury and Roger Hillary. The defendants failed to appear in court

but were found guilty in their absence. They were required to forfeit half their own

lands and pay 1000 marks.

In 1413 Thomas Lynhales, John Wygyton, Henry Crapper and Richard

Mirthamong were accused of “feloniously killing Roger Kyng of Wolverne-

hampton at Seggesley and that they were common robbers lying in wait in high ways

and fields”.

In 1420 the Sheriff of Shropshire was ordered to arrest bothWilliam and Richard

Hoggett and Ralph Markbate all of Sedgley and produce them at court to answer to

the King for “certain felonies and murders of which they have been indicted in the

county of Salop”. Later that same year the Sheriff appeared in court to say that he had

not managed to find them and so the Sheriff of Staffordshire was also told to seek them

out.

In 1421 John Sutton, the Baron of Dudley, sued John Kyggesley of Dudley,

“a nayler”, for breaking into his park at Seggesley and chasing and taking his

game. At the same court Walter Fundesley was accused by John Fundesley of

“breaking into his close and house in Seggesley, beating and ill-treating him and

taking his goods and chateels to the value of 40 shillings”.

it’s

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MON 8.00 - 11.30

TUE 8.00 - 11.30

WED 12.00 - 3.00 8.00 - 11.30

THU 12.00 - 3.00 7.30 - 11.30

FRI 12.00 - 3.00 8.00 - 1.00

SAT 12.00 - 5.30 8.00 - 1.00

SUN 12.00 - 5.30 8.00 - 11.30

SELECTION FROM CHURCH END WYE VALLEY

KINVER ALES OAKHAM

THREE TUNS ENVILLE ALES

BROUGHS THATCHERS GOLD CIDER

AND MANY MORE

Great Beers, Expertly Served

As recommended by Nigel, Dave and Bellsie

FROM

ONLY £2.45 A PINT

COME & HEAR THE SEDGLEY STRUMMERS UKULELE BAND EVERY THURSDAY EVENING

14th Nov—Psychic Supper £18 a ticket 17th Nov—singer Amanda Stone

24th Nov—Meal & Medium (tickets £12 including meal)

COME AND JOIN US FOR OUR LADIES’ NIGHT WITH BLACK COUNTRY POETRY BY MARLENE

12th NOVEMBER — £3.75 INCLUDING MEAL

DON’T FORGET WE HAVE A

FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE

IDEAL FOR PRIVATE PARTIES INCLUDING WAKES, CHRISTENINGS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES &

ANNIVERSARIES. ASK AT BAR OR RING FOR FULL DETAILS.

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GIVE YOUR PET A HOLIDAY TOO…

BOOK THEM INTO

FOXWOOD BOARDING KENNELS

162 Turls Hill Road (off Clifton Street), Hurst Hill, Sedgley

01902 677452 (mobile: 07796 421841) CATS & DOGS BOARDED IN COMFORT

WHILE YOU ARE AWAY HEATED PENS WHEN NEEDED

VARIED MENU & PEACEFUL SURROUNDINGS

LOCAL COLLECTION & RETURN RABBITS ETC. ALSO BOARDED

PROPRIETOR: STEPHEN RAGGETT

For many, many years the Black Country has been synonymous with the brewing of

premier beer and ale. Indeed, at one time most houses in Gornal had their own

“brew’os” in their backyard. Today that brewing tradition continues with well-known

names like Beacon Ales, Holdens and Black Country Ales proving as popular as ever.

But now they have a ‘new kid on the block’ joining them.....

The Fownes Dwarfen Brewery has opened its

doors adjacent to the Jolly Crispin in Kent

Street, Upper Gornal....and the first fruits of

their efforts are now available.

The brewery has been set up by brothers James

and Tom Fownes and all the initial signs are that

it will be a roaring success. They are already

producing four different beers with plans to

introduce a fifth—Leviathan—later this month.

“All our beers have a Norse fantasy theme with

names to match” explained Tom. “We have, for

example, ‘Frost Hammer’, ‘Goat Rider’ and

‘Gunhild’, all of which are inspired by Nordic

tales. Shortly we will also be introducing ‘King

Korvak’s Saga’ and ‘Firebeard’s Old Favourite

No5’ which continue the theme.

At present the brewery has a capacity of a ‘half

barrel’ but by the end of 2013 it is hoped to

quadruple the output.

“Initially our beers—together with a special

“Crispin’s ‘Ommer” brew—are only available

at the Jolly Crispin but already a number of

other pubs from as far afield as Bridgnorth and

Birmingham have shown considerable interest

in taking our beer” said James. “We are hoping

that the next few months will see it available at

a number of outlets. In fact we are a little

worried that if the current interest turns into

orders we will be hard pushed to produce

enough beer to supply them. But that would be a

great problem to have!”

(Left): the Fownes brothers at the grand open-

ing of their brewery alongside the Jolly Crispin

pub in October.

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FOR BOOKINGS & COLLECTIONS CALL

01902 661377 (DAY) or 677869 (EVENING) 17 BILSTON STREET, SEDGLEY

WE SPECIALISE IN CAT GROOMING

AND CATER FOR LARGE DOGS (including Labradors and Alsatians)

SUNDAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE ALSO OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ON BANK HOLIDAYS

LARGE RANGE OF GIFT MUGS & KEYRINGS (MOST ITEMS CHEAPER THAN EBAY)

CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATIONS GAS FITTING

BATHROOM & PLUMBING SPECIALISTS

PROPERTY REPAIRS

BRITISH GAS APPROVED

Gornal based

Mobile: 07850 723489 Tel: 01384 348276

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You can write to Ian at his local office:

Turner House,

157-185 Wrens Nest Road,

Dudley DY1 3RU.

You can telephone Ian at:

Local office: 01384 342503/4

House of Commons:

0207 219 8012

Mobile: 07840 103198

You can email Ian on:

austini@parliament.uk

You can meet Ian at one of his seven local advice

surgeries held on the first FULL weekend of every month (except August).

They are held:

On Fridays:

4.15pm - Turner House,

Wrens Nest Road, Dudley

5.30pm - Dudley Library,

St James Road, Dudley

On Saturdays:

9.00am - Gornal Library,

Abbey Road, Lower Gornal

10.00am - Sedgley Community Church,

Bilston Street, Sedgley

11.00am - Bramford Primary School, Park

Road, Woodsetton

12.00 noon - Sledmere Community Centre,

The School Drive, Sledmere

I had the privilege of being shown around Dudley College’s brilliant new building in the town centre last month. They are stunning build-ings. At least as good as any college anywhere in the country. Dudley Sixth is a new sixth form college with fantastic state of the art facilities for students doing academic A Levels. Over at Evolve, there’s a brilliant art and design centre, industry-standard music and photography studios, hairdressing and beauty salons plus a dance studios, a fully-equipped theatre, a superb sports hall and gym. The two centres are packed with thousands of young people eager to learn, working hard to get the good qualifications needed to get good jobs. All taught by enthusiastic and hard-working staff. Then there’s the impact on the town. Thousands of students and staff are bound to boost local trade. So we should all be grateful to College Principal Lowell Williams and his team - and we should all get behind his plan for a manufacturing technology centre. The government turned down our bid for a University Technology Centre, a new school to teach 14-19 year-olds about manufacturing, technology and design, and equip them with the skills needed for careers in modern manufacturing. Undeterred, the college has drawn up plans for a similar project with local employers and Aston University to teach manufacturing skills. The centre will be designed to train staff from local firms, but students aged 14 and above will also be able to attend. All these projects are an example of what I mean when I say we have to make education and skills Dudley’s number one priority.

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LOCAL COUNCILLOR

SURGERY DATES

Adam Aston (left) and Keiran Casey, Labour Councillors for Upper Gornal and Woodsetton, hold regular advice surgeries within the area. No appointment necessary.

Cllr Aston - 01384 351109 cllr.adam.aston@dudley.gov.uk Cllr Casey - 07800 792228 cllr.keiran.casey@dudley.gov.uk

SURGERIES WILL BE

HELD ON: The Saturday of the first full

weekend of every month at

Bramford Primary School at

11.00am

and on the third Friday of

every month at Upper Gornal

Methodist Church at 5.00pm

HOW CLEAN IS YOUR OVEN?

CLEAN OVEN UK

Your independent Domestic Oven cleaning service

We only use non-caustic environmentally friendly cleaners in your home

TRY US! WE THINK YOU’LL BE IMPRESSED! Ring Mike on 07779 483491 , email him on mikejeavons@googlemail.com or visit our

website at www.cleanovenuk.co.uk

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14 ABBEY ROAD, GORNAL WOOD DY3 2PQ Tel: 01384 214515

A couple of months ago, as a bit of fun, we included in VILLAGE VOICE a series of

truly dreadful puns. Unbelievably we’ve had lots of requests to continue to publish

them and so—by popular demand we include here a series of stories....

■ Two weevils grew up in Sedgley. One went to London and became Prime Minister but the other

stayed in the Black Country and did nothing much. He became known as the lesser of two weevils.

● A doctor regularly stopped at his local pub on the way home from surgery. He told the bar-

man that whilst he had been away at a conference he had been given a really nice cocktail called

a “Nursery Rhyme” but was not sure about what was in it. All he knew was that it was a

daiquiri and that it included nuts. The barman thought for a bit and then smiled. “I know

exactly what it was” he said, “It was a hickory daiquiri, Doc!”

■ A man entered a newspaper contest to find the worst possible pun. He sent in ten different puns,

hoping that at least one would win. Unfortunately no pun in ten did.

● Why is it important to have a comfortable bed? Because nothing else mattress.

■ Over the years I have had many jobs. My first job was working in an orange juice factory but I left

because I found I could not concentrate. Then I became a lumberjack but I couldn’t hack it and they

gave me the axe. After that I tried to be a tailor but I was only so-so at it and so I thought that I would

try to become a doctor, only to find I had no patience. To be honest I wanted to be a hairdresser but I

could not cut it so I thought I’d try to become a witch for a spell. Next was a job in a shoe factory but

I just didn’t fit in and then when I moved to a company making glasses I ended up making a spectacle

of myself. Finally, I decided to became a historian ....but found there was no future in it!

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The ambiance of a new fire and fireplace can bring to

your home a truly life changing experience.

The Fireplace Studio

Alderwood Precinct,

Northway, Sedgley DY3 3QY

(next to the Cabin Public House)

01902 662796

Our carefully selected solid oak and marble

displays will truly amaze you.

Many come complete with downlights and can be tailored to your own

requirements.

OPENING

HOURS Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

Closed Sun

OUTSET LIVING FLAME AND

RADIANT FIRES ALSO ON DISPLAY

SALE NOW ON

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William Griffiths, a gamekeeper for the Earl of Dudley at Himley, caught a poacher in a man-trap which took off the poacher’s leg.

Shortly afterwards (in 1807) Griffiths was found murdered on the Earl’s estate and the suspicion was that this was in revenge for the injury caused to the poacher although nothing was proved. The Earl, however, felt some responsibility to Griffiths’ family and arranged for his son (also called William) to have a job at Worcester gaol where he became a turn-key (gaoler).

Griffith’s second-in-command was ‘Sledge’ Scunner, a well-known boxer from Gornal. He was a regular in the Dudley Arms in Himley and it was

here that he was to suffer one of his most surprising defeats in a fight. One evening he had an argument with another customer called ‘Stokesy’ Baldwin from Munslow whose son—Edward ‘White Headed Bob’ Baldwin—came to his defence. Although only a teenager, Baldwin gave Scunner a real beating including a split lip and a bloody nose. Indeed, Scunner would probably have suffered even more if the Earl of Dudley’s manservant had not intervened. Word soon spread that Scunner had been well beaten and for many months he had to endure some considerable teasing about the fight and its eventual outcome.

In 1870 Thomas Marsh (27) was working at night in a small private pit at Sandfield Bridge in Gornal when a small amount of earth fell

on him. Unfortunately the earth was super-heated because of a fire that was raging underground and as a result of the burns inflicted Marsh died shortly afterwards.

it’s

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GORNAL VETERINARY CENTRE

6 Bank Road, Gornal (by the Bus Station)vv

01384 212000

WOMBOURNE VETERINARY CENTRE

56 Rookery Road, Wombourne

BOTH CLINICS ARE

IN A CENTRAL

LOCATION SUPPORTING THE LOCAL

COMMUNITY We are

Specialist Small Animal Practices dealing with all

your pets’ veterinary

requirements

Friendly help and advice is just a

phone call away

AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

Fish Health

Specialists—for advice visit our

website: www.vets4fish.com

HELPFUL QUALIFIED

STAFF

24 HOUR EMERGENCY

SERVICEvv

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A department store in Sedgley? Yes! But it is only a small one!

Giftware Department: A range of handbags, for evenings and everyday use. A complementary range of fashion scarves which are of high street quality, at an affordable price. Our jewellery is available both in costume fashion designs and also handmade gemstone necklaces and bracelets which can be personalised. All gifts purchased for Christmas can be wrapped free of charge.

Craft Department: Our popular range of Personalised Plaques. Hand-made on the premises, the range includes room names, first Christmas, newborn and christening hearts and our best selling Heartstrings. We are able to offer various ribbons and embellishments together with cardstock and envelopes.

Children and Baby Department: Presents for kiddies of all ages. Most items can be personalised. A range of picture frames and a few photo boxes are still available.

Personalized Stationery Department: Greeting cards and invitations for all occasions are handmade and can also include an image. (Sedgley’s own Moonpig!)

Christmas Department: Again we have Santa’s post box and as always the letter pack which includes everything you need to get that letter to Santa. Reindeer food is available from this department right up to Christmas weekend!

Call in and see us at:

Occasions of Sedgley, 92 Dudley Road, Sedgley

(Next to Walters Carpet Showroom)

Tel: 01902 672922

Plenty of parking www.occasionsofsedgley.com

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BUILDING SUPPLIES & PLASTICS CENTRE

◊

DOOR FURNITURE

◊ IRONMONGERY

◊ PLUMBING

◊ ELECTRICAL

◊ PAINTS

◊ SEALANTS

◊ SCREWS &

NAILS

◊ HAND TOOLS

◊ DRILLS & BLADES

Heath Mill Road, Wombourne WV5 8AP (opposite Sainsburys)

01902 891888

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HIDDEN WORDS

1. BIRMINGHAM

2. HIPPODROME

3. THEATRE

4. PANTO

5. ROBINSON

6. CRUSOE

7. AND

8. THE

9. CARIBBEAN

10. PIRATES

11. BRIAN

12. CONLEY

13. LESLEY

14. JOSEPH

15. FAMILY

16. SHOW

F N A Y E L S E L T E

M C O N L E Y M W H E

S A P J N O E O T E O

E R H O O J H R H A S

T I A G S S S D E T U

A B N U N E O A R R

R B T R I I L P T E C

I E A C B D M P H I A

P A N T O Y L I M A F

D N A I R B I H R R T

S T C A R E B B E B A

WIN

TICKETS TO THE

BIRMINGHAM

HIPPODROME

PANTO

The Birmingham Hippodrome

pantomime is always one of the

highlights every festive season and

this year’s show - Robinson Crusoe

& The Caribbean Pirates - will be

no exception with stars including

Brian Conley and Lesley Joseph.

Here is your chance to win a family

ticket for Thursday 17th January...

All you have to do is search out the square below for the 16 words associated with the

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME PANTO on our list. Fifteen of them are hidden in the

square (spelt forwards, backwards, up or down or diagonally) whilst one is not there at all!

Once you have identified which one is missing just fill in the form below and send it to us.

Alternatively, send us an email at info@arcosdesign.co.uk (remember to include your name,

address and telephone number!). The winners will be the first two correct entries drawn at

random after the closing date of 1st December 2012. Good luck!

MISSING WORD:………………… NAME:…………………………....

ADDRESS: ………………………………………………………………......

………………………………………. TEL NO………………………....

SEND TO: PANTO COMPETITION, 50 REDHALL ROAD, DUDLEY DY3 2NL

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A fantastic range of new goods

available from your local Compton Hospice Shops at:

37 Dudley Street

Sedgley 01902 673333

3 Roseville Court Castle Street,

Coseley 01902 885440

Wombourne Entertainment Specialist Giftware & Book Shop

1 Maypole Street,

Wombourne

01902 897905

Following the decision by West Midlands Police to trumpet a

surprising reduction in recorded crime in the Dudley area we

thought that we would take a closer look at the figures.....

The elections for the new position of Police &

Crime Commissioner has perhaps put the

performance of the police under the micro-

scope more than usual. The figures (which

are all from the West Midlands Police them-

selves) make surprising reading. We took the figures for the last three months

available (July-September 2012) for the

Sedgley, Gornal and Dudley areas. They show

that in both Sedgley and Gornal there were 385

and 345 offences recorded respectively and in

Coseley there were 514, making a total of 1249

offences recorded during this period.

Bearing in mind that it is well-known that drug

taking is rife throughout the area it is extremely

surprising to see that of these offences only 23

were classified as drugs related. It seems that

increasingly drug taking is being seen as anti-

social rather than criminal behaviour which in

itself is worrying.

The other two figures that seem particularly We haven’t quite got to this yet....but if the resources for the police continue to be cut who knows!!

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“Local and approachable”

For all your legal requirements

CONVEYANCING

WILLS

PROBATE

FAMILY

3a Dudley Street, Sedgley

01902 677203 mail@elliott-allen.com

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING NEEDS

OTHER GENERAL D.I.Y JOBS UNDERTAKEN

NO JOB TOO SMALL

HIGH STANDARD OF WORK

GUARANTEED

LOWER GORNAL BASED

FOR A FREE COMPETITIVE QUOTE CONTACT PAUL:

Home: 01902 662053 Mobile: 07599 427845

Email: paul_millard@aol.co.uk

Following the decision by West Midlands Police to trumpet a

surprising reduction in recorded crime in the Dudley area we

thought that we would take a closer look at the figures.....

Fixed penalties can now be given for a range of

offences but are most frequently used for motor-

ing offences such as speeding or ignoring a red

traffic light. Cautions are used to warn

individuals that any repeat of an offence will

mean that they may be charged and initially it

was used as a one-off warning. Now, though, it

is not unusual for two or more cautions to be

issued before the police actually charge an

offender. Community resolutions are frequently

used where criminal damage is caused with the

offender having to repair or replace the

damaged goods. In Gornal 17 of these disposals

were used in the three month period, in Sedgley

23 were implemented and in Coseley the figure

was 33—a total of 73 against just 104 who were

charged with offences.

Of course all these figures only relate to

recorded crime and there is growing evidence

that fewer people are bothering to report

incidents....but that’s another story.

interesting are the number of individuals

actually charged with the offences committed

during this period. Whilst there are a consider-

able number of on-going investigations, the

actual total of suspects charged is very low—in

Coseley, for example, there were 514 offences

but only 52 individuals were charged and in

Gornal the figures are 345 offences and 19

offenders charged. The figures for Sedgley

show that there were 385 crimes reported and

33 charged.

Part of the reason for these very low figures is

the increasing use of “alternative disposals”.

These include giving a fixed penalty, issuing a

caution or arranging a community resolution.

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LIGHTING MAJESTIC, 19 LOUISE STREET, LOWER GORNAL, DY3 2UA

01384 825906

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OPENING TIMES Mon-Thurs 4.00pm-11.00pm Fri & Sat 12noon-11.00pm Sun 12noon-10.30pm

25 CLARENCE STREET, UPPER GORNAL, DUDLEY DY3 1UL

01902 672220

8 or 9 cask beers normally available plus our very own ‘CRISPY NAIL’ ale.

COME ALONG TO OUR VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAYRE ON THURSDAY 6th DECEMBER

FROM 6.00pm-10.00pm LOTS OF GIFTS & PLENTY TO EAT

AND DRINK—SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

TheThe

Jolly Crispin

We are delighted to offer the following services at sensible rates and with a

personable approach

Accounts preparation, self employed and corporate clients

Self Assessment tax return preparation and assistance thereon

Payroll and book-keeping services

VAT return preparation and assistance thereon

Business development and tax planning

Start-up advice and assistance in the preparation of business plans and forecasting

Corporation Tax returns and assistance thereon

Statutory Audit assignments where appropriate

INITIAL FREE CONSULTATION

We offer a friendly professional service and specialise in owner managed businesses.

Please feel free to contact Nick Barwell or Ben Barwell on 01902 897141 or e-mail

nickb@nicholasbarwell.co.uk.

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Entries into this feature are absolutely free for all non-profitmaking clubs and societies in the area or events being organised for charitable causes. Please let us have details at least six weeks prior to the event (our contact details are on page 3). Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee inclusion in any specific edition.

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ON THE HOME FRONT YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL TRADESMEN FOR THOSE JOBS AROUND THE HOME & GARDEN

WOMBOURNE DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS Former Hotpoint /Creda Engineer with 34 years experience Repairs to All Makes of Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers & Electric Cookers

For free call out and estimate Contact Mike Bill on 07941 020 813 or 01902 893 642 11 Bearnett Drive, Penn

Smaller Pets is a family run

business boarding small pets in

Dudley and surrounding areas

● Rabbits ● Degus

● Guinea Pigs ● Small birds

● Hamsters ● Ferrets

● Mice ● Small reptiles

● Gerbils ● Rats

TEL: 01902 674915 or 07930 924764 Website: www.smallerpets.co.uk Email: smallerpets@gmail.com

LOCKSMITHS My advice is FREE ....and there is

NO call-out charge

UPvC specialist

Locks opened, repaired, replaced

Police CRB checked

TEL: 01902 840734 MOB: 07976 930666

WIDE RANGE OF FRESH FISH PRE-ORDERING SERVICE AVAILABLE BY

TELEPHONING 07804 326353

PHIL’S FRESH FISH IN LOWER GORNAL

RED LION CAR PARK Tuesdays 10.00 - 12.15

WOODMAN CAR PARK Fridays 9.30 - 12.15

01902 567178 or 07986 657832

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1 REDHALL ROAD, LOWER GORNAL 01384 231616

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE - www.oldbullshead.co.uk FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

@blackcountryales or @oldbullsheadgornal

BRADLEY’S FINEST GOLDEN

PIG ON THE WALL FIRESIDE BITTER

PLUS GUEST BEERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY FRI/SAT/SUN

FROM 9.00pm-11.30pm

BREWERY TAP FOR

CHRISTMAS OPENING Fri 26th 2.00-11.00pm Sat 22nd 12.00-11.00pm Sun 23rd 12.00-11.00pm Mon 24th 12.00-4.00pm & 8.00-12.00pm Tue 25th 11.00-1.00 only Wed 26th 12.00-4.00pm & 8.00-12.00pm Thu 27th 12.00-11.00pm Fri 28th 12.00-11.00pm Sat 29th 12.00-11.00pm Sun 30th 12.00-11.00pm Mon 31st 12.00-4.00pm & 8.00-late (Tickets £5.00 or pay on door) Tue 1st 2.00-11.00pm

OPENING HOURS

from 2pm Mon-Fri from noon Sat-Sun

Come and watch all Albion’s

home and away matches

(including 3pm kick-offs)

PLUS other sport

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BRAINTEASERS As promised, this month’s Brainteasers all have a football theme. Some are easy, some a bit

more difficult - but if you find yourself stumped then the answers can be found on page 34.

1. I met a man in the pub who said that he

could predict the score in any football match

even before it had started. I put him to the test

with four separate matches—and he was

absolutely correct ever time. How did he do it?

2. The next ten puzzles are all cryptic clues to

the names of English league football teams.

Beware, though, some are very tricky!

A. Rum and pork

B. Organ in the swim

C. His trunk hesitates, together

D. Tying bacon, arbour

E. Evans stands high, Buck House

F. Neither scratch it

G. On the floss but was in Berlin

H. HV patrolwomen (changed), nomads

I. Endless weight

J. Dark river travellers

3. Four players are stars in different teams—

United, City, Town and Athletic, each of which

has a different colour shirt. The players are 22,

23, 24 and 25 years of age. Can you identify the

team, their colour shirt and the age of each

player from the clues below:

Steve who is 25 does not wear a yellow shirt.

Paul is not 24.

United’s red shirt is not worn by Steve or Mark

but is worn by the 22 year old.

Town’s player does not wear a blue shirt.

The blue shirt is not worn by the 25 year old

Tony plays for City is 1 year younger than the

player wearing the green shirt.

The player wearing green does not play for

Town.

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A WIDE RANGE OF TRADITIONAL HANDMADE FABRIC LAMPSHADES - DESIGN YOUR OWN - CHOOSE A FRAME SHAPE & SELECT FROM A VARIETY OF FABRICS, BRAIDS & FRINGES

WE STILL HAVE AVAILABLE TRADITIONAL CANDLE, GOLFBALL AND GLS LAMPS IN 40w, 60w, 100w

AND EVEN 150w

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Specialists in Arrangements Aqua Boxes

Hand tied bouquets Silk Arrangements Traditional presentation bouquets

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS ORDERS EARLY TO AVOID

DISAPPOINTMENT

BOUQUETS HAND TIEDS HOLLY WREATHS BASKETS

31

PROVIDING AN INDEPENDENT

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

FREE SALES VALUATIONS

6 Louise Street, Gornal, Dudley DY3 2UB

01384 252527

& 252544

BAKERSBAKERSBAKERS ESTATE AGENTS

Home Restorations & Improvements

Property maintenance specialist covering all aspects of:

Painting & Decorating

Kitchens

Bathrooms

Bespoke joinery

Bricklaying

Garden landscaping

General property maintenance

Call Andrew Slater on 07525 368673 or 01902 560906 after 6pm andrewslater7@hotmail.co.uk

Saturday 1st December will see a very

special double celebration in Gornal.

Firstly a brand new flag

for the village will be

unveiled and raised atop

the new flagpole outside

the library in Gornal

Wood. The flag, which

will be chosen from

designs created by pupils

at local schools, will be

raised in the presence of the Mayor of

Dudley, Cllr Melvyn Mottram, who will

then—at 11.00am—officially open the

village’s Christmas Fayre organised by

Gornal Business Watch.

The Fayre is being held at the Darby &

Joan Club in Abbey Street from 11.00am

until 4.00pm and throughout the event

Father Christmas (accompanied by a

couple of his trusty elves) will be in

attendance.

There will be a wide selection of craft, gift

and charity stalls in the hall and refresh-

ments—including hot

pork sandwiches—

will be available. It

will be an ideal place

to stock up with

everything from

Christmas crackers

and cards to cup-

cakes, nappy cakes,

cosmetics, scarves and sweet trees. The

RNLI will also be in attendance selling its

excellent range of cards, calendars and

diaries. There is currently room for a

couple of additional stalls—for further

details contact Gail Smith on 0781 790

4477.

32

ing the fact that of the six authorities throughout

the country that were banned five are Labour

controlled. Local MP Chris Kelly was quoted as

saying "These figures are extremely disturbing.

Labour has serious questions to answer: why

have its councillors approved a policy which

disregards our privacy and systematically

abuses our data? Councillors should not be

turning a blind eye to the abuse that is taking

place on their watch and I am deeply concerned

that abuse reached such a level for the DVLA to

suspend these councils' access".

The problem is that the suspension of Dudley

Council’s access to the DVLA occurred in 2010

when the Conservatives, not Labour, were in

power! And even worse, Chris Kelly’s Office

Manager is Councillor Patrick Harley who was

the Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport

prior to them losing power at the last election.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE

The elections for the Police & Crime

Commissioner for the West Midlands takes

place on Thursday 15th November. In the West

Midlands there are candidates from Labour, the

Conservatives, UKIP, the Liberal Democrats

plus three independent candidates. For a quick

resume of the candidates check out the official

website www.choosemypcc.org—and make sure

that you vote!

JOIN OUR CHRISTMAS CLUB

ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN HAND CURED BACON AND HOMEMADE PORK SAUSAGE

SEDGLEY BULLRING 01902 882670

OPENING HOURS: Mon-Thurs 8.00am-5.15pm Fri 7.00am-5.15pm Sat 7.00am-4.30pm

YOUR FAMILY BUTCHER SINCE 1902 WITH FOUR GENERATIONS OF EXPERIENCE

PARKING MADNESS (1)

Proposals to further increase the car park

charges in Dudley may swell the coffers of the

Council by the odd bob or two but will

undoubtedly make the re-generation of the town

centre an even greater task as even fewer people

will use it, preferring to make the journey to

Merry Hill or other areas where there is free

parking. We estimate that it would need just six

new shops to move into the centre of the town to

offset the reduction in income from parking

with an increase in business rates, especially

bearing in mind the additional savings that

would be made by not having to maintain and

empty the ticket machines in the car parks.

PARKING MADNESS (2)

Park all day on the Embankment in the centre of

London (handy for the London Eye, South Bank

Centre, Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden

etc) on a Sunday and it is free. Park for three

hours in Dudley’s Flood Street car park (handy

for....not sure what) on a Sunday and it will cost

you £2.50.

WHOOPS!

We received an email from Conservative

Central Office highlighting the fact that Dudley

Council were suspended from using the DVLA

database for abuse of the system and highlight-

33

DEAN PERKS, UKIP REPRESENTATIVE FOR

UPPER GORNAL AND WOODSETTON

My name is Dean Perks. I was born and bred in Upper Gornal and I am now proud to own a

business in the area employing several local people as well as raising a family locally.

I recently joined UKIP because I wanted to do something to help the people in my area during

the tough times we are all currently enduring. UKIP is the only political party in the Dudley

Borough that is actively working to help people all year round.

There are no scheduled council elections in Dudley next year but I am keen to get established

as your local candidate in the Upper Gornal and Woodsetton area. I am available to help the

local people with any difficulties or problems and am keen to show that UKIP does not just

show its face at election time like the other political parties

I will be heavily involved with the local community as always over the coming months and

years but if you want to contact me with any problems please feel free to contact me on:

Email: deanperks@live.com

Tel: 07973 421714

Tweet: @deanperks

Facebook page: Dean Perks UKIP Upper Gornal & Woodsetton

Promoted by Dean Perks on behalf of UKIP Vale Street, Upper Gornal, Dudley,DY3 3XQ

34

REST ASSURED—YOUR CALL IS MOST IMPORTANT TO US

by POWERLINK, Unit 17, Market Centre, Blackheath (Open Monday, Friday, Saturday)

TEL: 01902 569216 or 07831 246292 anytime

FULL RANGE

OF MOBILITY

AIDS AVAILABLE

INCLUDING

ROLLATORS

STAIRLIFTS

TRI WALKERS

ADJUSTABLE BEDS

RISE & RECLINER CHAIRS

WHEELCHAIRS

MOBILITY SCOOTERS (NEW & PRE-OWNED)

FROM

£350

The winners of the family tickets to the Birmingham Sealife Centre are:

MARY SCHIRRMACHER of Kinver and

Mr T. J. BUCK of Sedgley

This month’s competition sees two family tickets for the Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime ROBINSON CRUSOE & THE

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN up for grabs. But remember.....the closing date for entries is 1st December and if you’re not in it you can’t win it!! The competition can be

found on page 18.

All tickets for the Festive Gift Fair have now been claimed and have been sent to the

lucky winners. We hope that you enjoy your trip to the NEC . Full details about the

Show can be found on its website www.festivegiftfair.co.uk.

1. The answer is simple. Each match began at

0-0 and he correctly predicted that this was the

score “even before it started”.

2. A. Tot ‘n’ ham

B. Liver pool

C. Man chest er United

D. Knot in ham Forest

E. Chris Tall Palace

F. Nor itch

G. Mill wall

H. Wolverhampton (anagram)

Wanderers

I. Ever ton

J. Black burn Rovers

3. Paul is 22 and plays for United in a red shirt

Mark is 23 and plays in a yellow shirt for

Town.

Tony is 24 and wears a blue shirt when he

plays for City

Steve is the 25 year old, plays for Athletic

who wear green shirts.

35

All our produce is

home made

wherever possible.

ENVILLE ROAD

WALL HEATH

Tel: 01384 273027

Clive LloydClive Lloyd FAMILY BUTCHERSFAMILY BUTCHERS

FULL RANGE OF BREAKFAST SANDWICHES

PLUS STEAK & ONION, HOT CHICKEN & STUFFING, HOT LAMB & MINT SANDWICHES

ON WHITE, BROWN OR CRUSTY BREAD

TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME

ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR CHRISTMAS

POULTRY

36

With over 20 years experience, Dean and his team provide expert advice and assistance to ensure the

best and most cost-effective solution to all your bathroom requirements.

We offer a wide range of bathrooms and

accessories from major brands and are pleased to sit down and discuss with customers their

individual needs to ensure that all designs are tailored to their exact requirements.

All installations are carried out by our own team of

experienced fitters.

We also offer the fabulous Marbrex decorative wall coverings that require NO GROUT. They can even be fitted over existing tiles easily and quickly. See

for yourself its beauty in our brand new showroom display.

Stylish ● Beautiful ● Functional

Modern ● Traditional

CHANGING ROOMSCHANGING ROOMS

the bathroom centrethe bathroom centre PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN AND FITTING SERVICE

Are you are plumber or

builder? We offer a

comprehensive trade service covering all

plumbing and heating supplies.

We even provide a free delivery service. Call today for details.

WE’VE MOVED! COME AND VISIT OUR

BRAND NEW SHOWROOM

37

Whilst Dudley Council continues to

prevaricate over whether or not to

make Lenny Henry a freeman of the

town another group are pushing for

an alternative ex-resident of Dudley

to be honoured.

Surprisingly Dudley has no blue

plaques denoting the previous homes or

birthplaces of famous residents—but

that could change if a group from

Butterfield Court in Short Street,

Dudley have their way. Led Zeppelin

drummer John Bonham—who died in

1980—lived in the flats with his wife

and young son in the late 1960s and

early 1970s.

Although known as one of the wild

men of rock, Bonham is remembered as

a quiet, polite man by other residents

who lived there at the time with the

only complaint being that his Rolls

Royce took up two parking spaces in

the car park!

Bonham was born in Redditch where he attended

the Lodge Farm Secondary Modern School.

There the headmaster wrote on one end-of-year

report that Bonham “would end up either a dust-

man or a millionaire”. The rest, as they say, is

history! LIVE

PER

FORM

ANCE

S AR

OUN

D AN

D A

BOU

T

BILSTON, WOLVERHAMPTON

BOX OFFICE: 01902 401211 Also book online (24 hours) at www.therobin.co.uk

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

1 BON GIOVI—international tribute to

Bon Jovi

2 Afternoon—LIVE BAND OF THE YEAR

2 Evening—PANIC ROOM

3 ALABAMA 3

4 SKINNY MOLLY—featuring Mike Estes

(Lynyrd Skynyrd)

5 OLI BROWN

6 THE FRANKIE VALLI STORY—

JERSEY BOY

7 PETER COX & HIS BAND IN CONCERT

8 A FOREIGNER’S JOURNEY

9 MOSTLY AUTUMN

“Ghost Moon Orchestra Tour Part 2”

20 HEATHER FINDLAY

21 THE DYLAN PROJECT

featuring Steve Gibbons, Dave Pegg,

P J Wright, Gerry Conway and Phil Bond

22 AYNSLEY LISTER BAND

23 DREADZONE

24 THE COUNTERFEIT STONES

25 WILKO JOHNSON

26 MARTIN BARRE’S NEW DAY

Plays the music of Jethro Tull

27 THE FUREYS

29 BUDDY WHITTINGTON & HIS BAND

30 FLASH—tribute to Queen featuring Scott

Maley as Freddie Mercury

Legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham in action.

38

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

VILLAGE VOICE is published by Village Voice Magazines Ltd. © 2012

ACCOUNTANTS Nicholas Barwell & Co ANIMAL SERVICES Foxwood Boarding Kennels Island Vets Lockwood Vets The Shaggy Dog ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES Avi-Tect BATHROOMS Changing Rooms BUILDING SOCIETIES Dudley Building Society BUILDING SUPPLIES Variety Building Supplies BUTCHERS Abbey Road Traditional Butchers C.D. Field Clive Lloyd Family Butchers CARPETS Able & Bromley CAR SALES Summit Garage CAR SERVICING/REPAIRS Dudley Motor Company Northway Autos CENTRAL HEATING Bridge CHARITIES Beacon Centre For The Blind Compton Hospice CHRISTMAS GIFTS Occasions CLUBS Sedgley Conservative Club DECORATORS Inter-Decor-Ace ENTERTAINMENT Robin 2 ESTATE AGENTS Bakers Estate Agents Swinscoes

24 8 15 9 10 12

36

IBC 17

13 32 35 5

OBC

IFC 4

10

25 20

16 7 21

37

31 6

14

30

26

31

22

29 23

34

12 11 12 12 33

24 28

21

29

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FIREPLACES The Fireplace Studio FLORISTS Funky Flowers FURNITURE Seteez HOME MAINTENANCE Village Green Property Services KITCHENS Studio 62 LIGHTING Kingswinford TV & Lighting Lighting Majestic MOBILITY Powerlink Total Mobility OVEN CLEANING Clean Oven UK POLITICAL PARTIES Ian Austin MP Labour Councillor—Adam Aston Labour Councillor—Keiran Casey UKIP PUBS The Jolly Crispin The Old Bull’s Head SOLICITORS Elliott & Allen TELEVISION REPAIRS Kingswinford TV & Lighting THEATRES Birmingham Hippodrome

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