All About Worcester May 2014

7,000 copies hand delivered to households & businesses in Worcester East

Keep me for 2 months

local stories • local people • local businesses what’s on • notice board • community information

free

May/June 2014 Issue 8

40% Save upatdoe to on m ure meas s* kitchen

Transform your kitchen in just a few days...!

Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it?

Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops.

• Installed in 1-2 days by professionals • Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks & taps • For a total peace of mind use an established locally based company Less hassle, Less time, Less cost...

®

* Terms & Conditions apply, please ask for full details

Free planning & design service in the comfort of your own home or visit our showroom

Call Mark for a FREE Quote on 01905 887602 Showroom: 42 The Tything, Worcester WR1 1JT Proud members of

2

Covering Worcester, Evesham, Malvern, West Malvern, Ledbury, and surrounding areas

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Find us on

T H E

H E A R T

O F

G O O D

L I V I N G

8 Henwick Road Worcester • WR2 5NR Telephone: 01905 429000

• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Bedrooms • Studios & Tiles Free No Obligation Design Service

SMALL FA MI LY R U N CO M PANY WI T H O VER 40 Y E AR S I N BU SI N E SS

www.kitchenworldworcester.co.uk To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

3

May 2014

Welcome

to the May edition of

Published & edited by:

Sascha McDonald, All About Local Magazines Ltd Barford, The Crescent, Colwall, Worcestershire WR13 6QN 01684 252 242 / 07906 573352 sascha@allabout-local.com www.allaboutworcester.com www.facebook.com/allaboutmagazines www.twitter.com/allaboutlocal

Editorial: James - 01684 252 242 Advertising: Teresa - 07722 226712

Editor’s message

Spring time!

As I write this the sun is shining and the garden is coming alive. It seems the right time to talk gardening with Olivia Kirk, an award winning garden designer from Worcester. She only started her career later in life, you will find her inspirational story on page 6.

The warmer weather will hopefully inspire you to get out and enjoy where we live, and Tracy Reck talks us through the benefits of being active on page 18.

You will find a variety of things going on in the city this Spring, keep reading for plenty more inspiration!

I hope you enjoy this edition, let us know what you think.

Distribution:

All About Worcester is distributed to 14,000 homes and businesses over two months

Magazine design:

Independent Design: Jane - 07989 393153

Front page photo:

Advertiser Information

Lyppard Grange Nature Reserve, Warndon Villages.

Photographed by All About Magazines

Deadlines for June 2014 issue: Advertisement booking/cancellation: Thu 8 May What’s On/Notice Board: Fri 9 May Advertisement copy: Fri 9 May Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of the advert.

All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication.

Adverts are accepted under the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate.

All About Magazines does not endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise - without prior consent of the publisher.

All About Local Magazines Ltd is registered in England and Wales Company No. 7200758

Contents Creating a Perfect Garden 6

6

Lyppard Grange Centre 10 Improve your hearing 13 Wandering Star Campers 15 Enjoy the Weather

18

Local Talent

22

Notice Board

24

What’s On

26

Theatre News

28

Competition

28

Classes & Courses

28

Index 30

10

22

advertisement

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

Managing Director Paul Papandreou feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people

money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’

Cloudy2Clear service the Malvern, Worcester & Hereford areas and Paul is finding that his approach is a major

factor in his success.

‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense.

I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people

I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!

Broken or Damaged Windows?

Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks?

Want The Latest Energy Saving Glass?

All Glazing Backed By Our 5 Year Manufacturers Guarantee Priority Freephone

0800 61 21118 www.cloudy2clear.com ...we make saving money perfectly clear...

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

5

creating the perfect garden Olivia Kirk is remarkably calm despite the huge task she has ahead. This will be the third time Olivia is creating a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, one of the most prestigious jobs a garden designer can undertake.

Based in Worcester, Olivia has a lifelong love of gardening but only formally trained in garden design and horticulture at Pershore nine years ago. Since then she has specialised in what she calls Healing Gardens; spaces created around hospices and places where people are cared for.

‘I work with my husband at KKE Architects in Diglis Basin, Worcester, and we have worked with forty hospices around the country on a number of large projects’ she says. ‘My job is to deliver a lovely garden for people to enjoy.

Creating a garden is about making the world a better place.’

RHS Chelsea is the chance for garden designers to exhibit their work to the world. More than 150,000 people visit the show and it is seen by millions more on television, online and in magazines. This will be Olivia’s third show garden for Chelsea. Her first, a low-allergen garden, was created with the University of Worcester and won a silver gilt award. She returned a year later with Worcester Bosch to create The Power of Nature, a concept garden which won gold. This time she’s creating a garden on behalf of WellChild, a charity which provides nursing and support to children living with a long-term or complex health condition.

Chelsea Submission Image

6

‘The garden is a year in the planning and it’s a bit like creating an art installation’ says Olivia.

Her WellChild garden will be a sensory space designed for use by seriously ill children. A central oasis represents the care and support the children receive while five paths radiating outwards lead to raised beds with plants appealing to all the senses. The structure of the garden mirrors the shape of a hand, which is the logo of the WellChild charity.

From the start of May until the Show opens on the 20th Olivia and her team will be working flat out. ‘When you work at Chelsea it really is 24/7’ she says, ‘we have just a week on site to create the garden from scratch’. Everything is grown and created off-site and then moved in by truck.

‘Its like working in an ant heap, you can’t just turn up with a van and unload. We drive to a holding area in Battersea and wait for our turn to move materials onto the site.’

A bronze sculpture and woven willow panels form an important part of the garden and are being created by two local artists, Victoria Westaway and Caro Sweet. There are plants which have to flower at just the right moment, a wall of wooden shingles to install and paths and raised beds to construct.

The WellChild Garden at Chelsea is sponsored by CQS, an asset management firm and supported by 100 Women in Hedge Funds.

You can read more at www.wellchild.org.uk

St Richard’s Hospice Garden ‘If the flowers have time to settle they’ll look much better’ continues Olivia. ‘We get the herbaceous beds planted quickly and after a couple of days they’ve relaxed, turning their flowers to the sun and looking like they’ve been there for much longer. By the time your garden is built its all you can think of. You become very proprietorial, constantly checking the garden and making sure it’s at its best. You receive lovely comments from the people viewing it, both visitors and other designers.’

According to Olivia, the secret to getting a good medal is about following the brief for your garden.

‘Your design must have the ‘wow’ factor but also appeal to the emotions’ she says. ‘Perhaps the most important part is having an eye for detail, whether that’s the edge of a path or a junction with a raised bed. People think this is a competition against other designers but it’s not’ says Olivia. ‘There is a real sense of cameraderie amongst us all because we’re not being judged against each other but simply whether the garden we have delivered matches with the original brief we submitted to the RHS.’ Away from the glamour of Chelsea, Olivia’s day job continues to create her healing gardens. One of her favourites is at St. Richard’s, a garden used by patients, their families and staff at the hospice in Worcester. ‘This garden has many functions’ she says, ‘it needs to be a place of normality for people going through huge personal upheaval. Perhaps it’s somewhere for

children to come and play while visiting relatives, it’s somewhere to visit for a patient using a wheelchair. The paths through the garden take you on a journey and there is always something to talk about, whether that’s a special tree, a lake or some of the wildlife which I like to encourage into my gardens. A garden should be an uplifting place, improving the quality of life for the people who use it. It needs to be a place to get away from the strains of dealing with illness and feel like a home from home.’

The Secret of Olivia’s Success Keen gardeners often look to Chelsea for inspiration, so does Olivia have any tips?

‘People sometimes say ‘why doesn’t my garden look like that?’ I would say its important to look at the structure of the way a garden is laid out. Don’t just add to it piecemeal, but start with a plan; think of it a bit like flower arranging.

I always use a limited colour palette and lay plants out using repetition.

There should also be year-round interest.

Don’t just use plants that offer something for a few weeks in the summer. Add shrubs and bulbs to bring colour and interest even in the depths of winter.

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

7

BLUE MAN Pressure Cleaning Services Gutter Cleaning & Repairs Soffits & Fascias Drains Unblocked Driveway/Patio/Decking Cleaning Lower Wick Worcester

01905 421 529 07522 335 656

Interior & Exterior Property Maintenance Painting & Decorating • Felting Sheds Tiling • Brickwork • Fencing • Pruning Paving • Garden Maintenance

No job too small

Check me out on Worcester Trader Register

www.jobsdone.biz

Call Colin Davis on Mobile: 07767 025574 Office: 01905 452950 Worcester WR3 8DG

Worcester Shed & Fencing Ltd

Heavy Duty Tongue & Groove Sheds Summer Houses, Workshops Playhouses and Animal Housing

Locks & Glass

For a complete double-glazing

repair service

Hinges, handles, locks and security.

Key cutting

We can supply and fit or for DIY

For further information contact Unit 11, Three Springs Trading Estate Vincent Rd, Worcester, WR5 1BW

01905 358750

www.sheds-direct.net 8

Visit our shop at 73, Spring Lane, Malvern Link WR14 1AJ Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8.30-12.30 Signposted opposite Worcester College Construction Department

01684 567070 24 Hour LocKsmitH 07767 883639

06-2011-excel-ad.qxd 08/06/2011 22:11 Page 1

Double Glazed

TRADITIONAL

Bespoke Wooden Windows & Doors Craftsmen Producing & Installing for over 33 years • Double Glazed Windows & Doors • Conservatories • Listed Buildings • Period Windows • 5 Year Guarantee • Showroom Samples • All Farrow & Ball Colours Available

FREE SURVEY & QUOTATIONS

TAILOR MADE TO MATCH YOUR HOME

THINK

The County's No.1 Double Glazing Company!

EVERY TIME!

LTD REGISTERED

Visit our Website www.excel-malvern.co.uk SPRING LANE • MALVERN LINK

Showroom open Mon-Fri 9am-1pm 2pm-4.30pm Sat 9am-1pm

01684 572073

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

9

Lyppard Grange

community centre

Lyppard Grange Community Centre is celebrating its 21st anniversary. Since it first opened in the heart of Warndon Villages it’s been a focal point for all kinds of activities that bring local people together. Lauren Cartwright is the centre’s Deputy Manager.

“Working in the heart of this community is an absolute privilege. I get the opportunity to meet and work with residents young and old from our Parish and beyond. In an average week around 2,000 people visit to engage in an activity and sixty different groups meet here every month.

These include baby and toddler groups, fitness activities and martial arts, a reading group, craft activities and bingo plus much more.

The centre expanded as the housing estates grew up around it. Just four years after it opened, our building was extended in 1997 with help from the lottery. Today we are a busy and thriving hub of local life. We’re helped by our central location next to the shops, it’s a nice bright centre with a great variety of things to do.

Engaging with our residents and understanding their needs is key to our work here. We commissioned some research last year which gave us many new ideas. Just one of those was the request for a local walking group. This group now meet regularly on a Tuesday morning at 10am for a walk around the local area and then returns to the centre for a cuppa! It is a very sociable group and new members are always welcome, the best part is it is totally FREE. We have a regular youth club for young people of High School age living on Warndon Villages. It offers them somewhere to meet up with friends, use our Playstation and pool table and it’s free.

This takes place every Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm-8.00pm during term time.

We are a registered charity and are supported with grants from Warndon Parish Council and Worcester City Council. However, the majority of our income comes from hiring rooms, children’s parties and other fundraising events. As a

10

charitable organisation, any profits made are returned back into providing services for our community and keeping our building in a good state of repair. We also fundraise for other good causes. We try our best to do that little bit extra for the wider community.

The focal point of our 21st anniversary celebrations will be our Summer Fête on Sunday 13th July. This is always a really fun afternoon with lots of different things to do for all ages. This event really brings the whole community together.

Looking back over the 12 years I’ve worked here, there have been many great moments. There’s a great sense of satisfaction in seeing something become a success for our local community. You are always welcome to pop in and see us and find out more about what we have to offer. We are open Monday to Saturday from 7.45am, closing times can vary but we are usually still here until 9pm!”

Lyppard Grange Community Centre is on Ankerage Green, Warndon Villages.

You can read about the centre at lyppardgrangecommunitycentre.co.uk or call them on (01905) 616841

Dog Training Class: Fridays 19.30-20.30 from 2 May @ Lyppard Grange Community Centre WR4 0DZ

Please contact Suzanne Webb

on 01905 420266 27 Solitaire Avenue, Worcester, WR2 5PP

PROM TIME!

fabrics - all kinds of alterations - bridalwear

‘A Qu in W ll A ote g or b th ce ou is st t ad er’ ve rt al on g br

Covers aggression, behaviour problems and puppy training

or

One-to-one individual dog training

New customer promotion*: 1. 25% off a colour, including cut & blow dry OR 25% off a cut & blow dry plus 2. Upon your return a further 15% off your next colour OR 10% off your next cut & blow dry plus 3. Loyalty card which you can use on each return visit *Not in conjunction with any other offer

16 St. Johns, Worcester 34 Upper Tything www.lavishboutiquediva.co.uk Tue - Sat 10am - 6pm

Scott Wroe Hearing Centre MALVERN

01905 425595

www.mjthairdressing.co.uk

• The highest levels of service & aftercare • 30 day trial on all hearing aids • 5 year warranties on all Phonak hearing aids • 5 year aftercare service plan with all hearing aids • Independent advice on all leading makes and models • Home visit service available

Scott Wroe Hearing Centre in Malvern is an independent, family run hearing aid practice with over 35 years experience of helping people improve their hearing.

They are a 5 star Centre for Phonak as well as the first Widex Approved Centre in the UK. For more information or to arrange your appointment

Please call 01684 566449 | 74 Barnards Green Rd, Malvern WR14 3LY To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

11

Special ‘All About’ Offer*: Extra 10% discount for anything under £100 or £15 discount for anything over £100 *on presentation of this advert

BEDS • MATTRESSES • WARDROBES

CLEARANCE WAREHOUSE REO DAMASK

DULUXE TUFTED

Mattress + Base £170

NOW £100

Mattress 4’6”Double £150 NOW £100

HUGE DISCOUNTS COMFORT 2000 POCKET SPRUNG WITH MEMORY FOAM

TENSEL 1000 POCKET SPRUNG WITH ZERO GRAVITY FOAM

Mattress 4’6”Double £480 NOW £330

Mattress 4’6”Double £450 NOW £325

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY Special Landlord

Deals

12

01905 22227

Shrubhill Road, Worcester, WR4 9EL

LOWEST PRICES GUARANTEED NATIONWIDE

www.homedealsdirect.co.uk

Business Feature

Helping to improve your hearing Based in the heart of the city, Worcester Hearing Centre offers a quiet, relaxed environment in which to assess your hearing. ‘We’re in the building that hid King Charles after his flight from the Battle of Worcester’ says Tom Dixon. ‘We like to say that we’re in a 16th Century building offering 21st Century Technology.’

Modern hearing aids are miniature, tiny and custom made. ‘We understand that clients might be self-conscious’ says Tom, ‘but as an independent company we are free choose which aids we offer our customers. We choose models which are less than twelve months old and are small and very discrete.’

Together with Victoria Dixon, they have more than twenty years experience of working in audiology and have a comprehensive level of knowledge of issues around hearing. ‘We carry out a detailed assessment of each customer before matching them with the product that will best help them’ continues Tom. ‘We offer a home trial with our hearing aids and there is no pressure to buy a particular product.’

Modern technology allows the sound from television to be streamed directly into some hearing aids, and the centre has a room where this can be demonstrated and tried out by customers. Clinical procedures such as removing ear wax can be carried out in comfortable surroundings and they also offer advice on ear protection in activities including motor sports and shooting. Tom regularly visits local recording studios and music events to advise and help with hearing protection.

‘A well-known study discovered it takes the average person fifteen years from the time their hearing deteriorates to finding a solution’ says Tom. ‘Many people do struggle to hear and it can sometimes take a considerable period of time to accept that something might be wrong.’

As well as offering consultations six days a week at the centre, staff can visit you in your own home for an assessment and will visit in the evening if that’s more convenient. ‘We are proud to offer the highest possible service, if you pop into the Centre we might be able to assess you straight away, as we always have a qualified audiologist in attendance.’

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

13

Manufacturers of Internal & External Blinds

Also including: Tiling, Carpentry, Plastering & Coving

Vertical • Roller • Pleated • Venetian Roman • Woodslat • Awnings • Canopies Replacement Fabrics Conservatory Blinds

Family Business Free Estimates Interior & Exterior Email:

01684 574047

gandkdecorators@hotmail.co.uk

www.malvern-blinds.co.uk The Old Fire Station, Howsell Road Malvern WR14 1TF Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

    







 





14











     

  

Business feature

Wandering Star Campers Anne Birkinshaw is in chatty mood as we drive around the Hills in one of her new fleet of custom-built camper vans. She certainly seems to be in her element.

After running a successful car rental and sales business in Cardiff with her husband, they have set up Wandering Star Camper Hire near Malvern where they have family ties. ‘After many years of renting and selling vehicles in the city we finally decided to escape to the country.’

Around two years ago Anne began visiting VW campervan shows and finally bought a vehicle of her own. While visiting shows, Anne noticed there was a lack of high-quality Volkswagen motorhomes to hire, and decided to bring her own professional experience of the rental market to the VW scene. She now has four vans for hire and there are plans to expand the fleet to ten vehicles.

custom-built and with a short-wheel base are surprisingly easy to drive.

‘We talk people through all of the van’s features before their holiday begins. We have comprehensive insurance cover so that customers can enjoy peace of mind when they head off and enjoy a relaxing time.’

You can take a wandering star camper to the destination of your choice, be that home or away.

Contact Anne at Wandering Star Campers and start your vw camper adventure today!

You can contact Anne on 01684 541493

All the campers on the fleet are the new VW T5 model. They feature the very latest bluemotion engines for fuel efficiency. The camper’s interior is top of the range and each camper sports its own unique identity. The vans have been

VW Camper hire call us today to plan your wandering:

01684 541493

or 02920 499100

available daily, weekly, weekends or long term. collection & delivery service also available

www.wanderingstarcampers.co.uk To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

15

Gates & Railings

by Phil

Visit us at:

RHS Malvern Spring Gardening Show 8 - 11 May

Come and see our exclusive range of plant supports and stakes all made of decorative ironwork that will last a lifetime Also lots of gates & railings on display

10% discount with this advert on purchases at this event Please call me on 01386 49494 | 07747 032583 or email info@wroughtironbyphil.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

For further ideas visit

16

www.wroughtironbyphil.co.uk

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

17

Well-Being

Get out and enjoy

the weather

By Tracy Reck, Personal Fitness Coach in Worcester Ooh, it’s spring! How nice! I’m writing this in the garden with my two pups crashed out either side of me and that’s kind of lovely.

I used to work in crime reduction (random, I know!) and I remember thinking to myself that the best crime reduction intervention, which would reduce crime and disorder dramatically, would be if we could control the weather. If I remember rightly, rainy days were less likely to bring criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and a whole host of other offences.

The opposite is true now I work in health and fitness. One of our best allies in getting more active and eating better is the warmer weather.

Longer evenings, sunny days and lighter mornings. It lifts our spirits and happy people are more likely to take action and indulge in less emotional eating.

It gives us longer to get out there and do something so it helps to unravel that ‘I haven’t got enough time’ thing that we give into when it’s dark outside and we have got time. We’d just prefer to use it by snuggling up in our warm, bright houses.

It makes us feel more like moving around, which is good but odd, because exercise is a great strategy for getting warm but weirdly when it’s cold we tend not to do as much. I think we must really like wearing extra jumpers.

Tracy Reck is a fitness and nutrition writer, coach and speaker.

You can read more from her at www.naturallyexuberant.co.uk

18

One thing I can’t stand about Spring though is the sudden focus on ‘the beach body’ and getting into shape so you can wow everyone on the beach with your bikini-body perfection. It sort of misses the point for me. You don’t need a six pack to enjoy the sun or to be happy with how you look.

Surely it’s better to focus on making your body all healthy and energised and then be happy with it regardless of the seasons and for your own reasons. Surely it’s better to ignore society’s dictation of what’s an acceptable body shape to be seen in shorts.

I do understand the anxiety around having to get your arms/legs/etc out in public though, feeling that people will be judging you. They’re probably not, you know. They’re more likely to be worrying about their own less than perfect bits (everybody has them!) or they’re just so lovely that they aren’t bothered.

Healthiness is important, all year round and not just in Summer. Having a body that makes you feel comfortable and secure is important too.

Perhaps use the uplift that Spring gives you to work on that.

Enjoy a massage in the comfort of your own home

Relaxation Deep tissue massage Pregnancy massage Indian head massage Elderly persons massage

Salon 56

Small Salon with nice relaxing atmosphere

Contact Kathy Scott: 07989 367669

Late night appointments available until 8pm Experienced Hairdresser Free Parking

info@bringingmassage2u.co.uk

Contact Penny 07963 868627

Madness

ÂŁ46

For all Cut & Colours* neW CLIenTs OnLY

*Terms and Conditions apply - not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or vouchers

Book early to avoid disappointment

Tel: 01684 576 176

www.divine-styling.co.uk

117 Barnards Green Road, Malvern, Worcs WR14 3LT To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

19

Items available:

• • • • • • • • •

Plant Hire; Diggers & Dumpers Access & Support Building & Decorating Concreting & Compacting Breaking & Drilling Lifting & Material Handling Plumbing & Pumping Lighting & Power Gardening & Landscaping

01684 217020 07891 489 622 ready-rent@mail.com UNIT 10, CLIFTON CENTRE SPRING LANE SOUTH MALVERN WR14 1BJ

WWW.READY-RENT.CO.UK

Paul’s Plumbing

24 Hour Plumbing & Drainage

LPG

Leaks & Burst Pipes Dripping Taps Leaking Toilets Blocked Drains Water Tanks Boiler Servicing Boiler Repairs Boiler Replacements Immersion Heaters Radiators Landlord Safety Certificates Complete Central Heating Systems

No Call Out Fee

20 Years Experience in the Plumbing & Drainage Industry

Call Paul now on

01905 670031 20

S.C.Beard

Carpenter and Joiner

A.B. Plumbing Ltd

Your Local Plumber

Tap Washers to Boilers

Over 25 years Experience Top Quality Workmanship Free Estimates Call Steve on 01905 429517 | 07790 270838

W.M. Downes Building and Landscaping Call today for a FREE quotation 01684 563390 07813 452044

• Extensions & Alterations • Modernisation wayne.downes@hotmail.co.uk • Garden Walls Qualified Tradesman • Stone Walling References & Photos available • Paving • Patios and Garden Maintenance • All Building Work Undertaken • Interior & Exterior Makeovers & more!

Capital Installations For Complete Double Glazing Services Windows, Doors, Conservatories

• PVCU & Aluminium • 10 Year Guarantee • Free Quotations • Quality Workmanship • Reference Available • Established Since 1990 www.capitalinstallations.net

01905 28060 Mob: 07967 792 259 Unit 11k, Shrub Hill Est, Shrub Hill Rd, Worcester

Andy Ball andy_ball_2001@yahoo.co.uk www.plumbingworcester.co.uk 07762 631530 | 01905 796743

RHINO VERSATILE SERVICE LTD RON RHINO

Handyman and Oddjobber

Gardens, Gutters, Roofs, Painting & Decorating, Plumbing, Collection & Removal, Trees Lopped, Grass Cutting, Window Cleaning, Patio’s Laid & Cleaned, Fences Erected & Repaired

Tel 01905 339053 mob 07879 672240 MIKE SWAIN

GENERAL BUILDING & MAINTENANCE Let me do the jobs you don’t have time to do or can’t do

FROM EXTENSIONS & DECORATING TO CHIMNEY REBUILDS TO LANDSCAPING Just call for a quote References supplied

01527 543618 07976 647548

brucemike555@aol.com

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

21

music feature

Local Talent

By Dave Webber

I’m Dave Webber and I present a weekly music show on Choice Radio, the service for Worcestershire Royal Hospital. There aren’t many bands I know who have jammed with Robert Plant, but then The Delray Rockets make a kind of music that even rock legends love to listen to!

I’ve known Gaz le Bass for years and he’s been playing rock n roll music since he was a teenager. Around three years ago The Delray Rockets sprang into life. ‘I had an idea for doing some rockabilly music’ Gaz tells me, ‘and something that was a bit more in your face.’ With Oz Osborne on guitar, the band went through a couple of line ups until Gaz bumped into an old friend, Duke Delite, who joined them on drums.

From then on its been full steam ahead, with the Rockets quickly enjoying success.

Their music is has a strong fifties influence, its raw and full-on but with an original twist. As well as playing covers they write and perform their own music and recently they released their first album, ‘Strictly Not Fluffy’ with a number of new tracks.

Last year they completed a tour of Holland. They were asked back this year but can’t make it back because they’re booked solid with gigs back here! They hope to play a tour through Holland, Belgium, Germany and Austria next year and other bookings for 2015 are already coming in.

Amazingly, they might even take their music back to its true home in America, with rumours of a tour there in the near future.

The band opened for Def Leppard at a pre-tour gig in Birmingham recently. At their New Year’s Eve gig last December they were joined on stage by the former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant. Of course not all of their audience is quite that famous, but its a real mix of people united by their love for the Rockets’ authentic sound, in fact you’ll see everyone from teenagers to pensioners!

‘My generation thought that punk was the music of rebellion but when you hear genuine rock n roll you realise the revolution started with Elvis and

22

other performers back in the 50s’ says Gaz. ‘My dad always said rock n roll was the first music which you didn’t need a partner to dance with.

More than sixty years ago, it was the original music for young people but its stood the test of time. You still hear it on the radio today.’

The group is just starting to work up new material with a view to releasing another album next year.

With a flat out round of gigs this year I think their success is only just beginning.

If you want to see them playing live they have a number of local gigs throughout May. You can read more on their website which is www.thedelrayrockets.com You can hear more of Dave’s interviews with local musicians on Choice Radio at choiceradio. org.uk and clicking on Live! In the Past.

Choice is the hospital radio service for the Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester, a voluntary service broadcasting a wide variety of music and programmes for patients seven days a week.

PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES

Worcestershire's Premier Cleaning Service

*All Interior and Exterior Work Undertaken *Domestic & Commercial *Paper Hanging *Insurance Work *Airless Spraying *Plastering *Wall and Floor Tiling

(Family Owned)

Free Fully Itemized quotations For a professional and reliable service please call :

Tel: 01684 565187 enquires@tulipmalvern.co.uk

www.tulipmalvern.co.uk

CHRIS BOTTRELL Tel -01905 700142 Mob -0786 7813616

Fully Insured member of the Painting and Decorating Association

Fitted Bedroom Design & Installation Specialist Fitted Office & Lounge Furniture Kitchen Renovations, incl new doors

All other aspects of carpentry undertaken, incl property maintenance. Please give us a call or see our website for more details

www.goodcarpentry.co.uk

Over 25 yrs experience - No job too small Free no-obligation quote

01684 234917 | 07968 968371

ST JOHN’S GARAGE Servicing & Repairs • MOT Testing Station • Engine diagnostics Fabrication & Welding • Air-con service • ECU remapping Fully-trained technicians new

MOT

testing s facilitie

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTATION & EXPERT ADVICE

01905 420111 www.stjohnsgarage.co.uk

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

23

Notice board Take Two Friendly Social Club for Singles Over 50 We meet every Wednesday evening for a social get together at a pub in the Worcester, Malvern and Ledbury areas. We also meet at weekends for meals, skittles, walks and dancing etc. New members will always be made welcome.

For further details please ring 01684 891583 / 01905 23857 or email taketwo@tenfortyfive.com

WORCESTER JAZZ th in the

day of the mon Meets the first Mon the Bank House in at ite Westminster Su usic en at 7pm with m op s or Do .

Bransford .30pm from 8pm until 10

m some of performances fro Come and hear musicians. z jaz ed ard hly reg Britain’s most hig mbers £9, Under 16s £5 Admission £10, me an adult). (accompanied by

ion see For more informat .org.uk zz rja www.worceste

WORCESTERSHIRE LITFEST and FRINGE June 20th - 29th

Dozens of workshops, panels, nd the performances and competition arou city, with a festival theme ‘A Prelude To War ’.

For information see worcslit.co.uk

SH LLYWOOD BA t

S YOUTH PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP Every Wednesday at The Hive

a University staff and postgraduate dram g with youn students create drama from scratch people aged 5+ 5-7 year olds 4pm – 5pm 8-12 year olds 5:15 – 6:45 13+ year olds 7pm – 9pm

Just turn up or call (01905) 855028 £2 per session for more information

The Worcester Flea A vintage Market on the first Sunday of every month in Angel Place, Worcester 10.30am - 4.30pm Enjoy a browse around stalls selling clothing, accessories, bric-a-brac, collectibles & curios

Next Dates: 4th May and 1st June Wanted!

Contemporary music performers!

ic is This year Worcestershire Youth Mus Music ester Worc at ion sess own its g sponsorin e will venu The st.

Augu of 31st ay Festival on Sund Park be The Pavilion next to Cripplegate , part of a If you are: A solo acoustic performer band!, l meta a , ging ic/sin duo with mus performer, any other kind of band, folk music we want to electronic music performer ... then hear from you

211002 Speak to Brian Hoggard on 07720 m il.co yma rd@ gga nho bria il ema or Music To find out more about Worcester Festival please visit: www.worcestermusicfestival.co.uk

BO MIDSUMMER

entertainmen banquet, live Enjoy an indian surprises! Raising money d and Bollywoo its 30th year at ’s Hospice in rk for St Richard nds Safari Pa la id lion, West M Treetops Pavi

ll Rachel on For details ca 63 76 (01905) 39

Small Message? !

It’s free for groups

al.com james@allabout-loc 01684 252 242

24

June Deadline:

Friday 9 May

Make a real difference, volunteer

Become a Community Champion and help others to access local services in rural and deprived areas.

South Worcestershire Citizens Advice Bureau is recruiting locally-based volunteers to become a first port of call for individuals who require advice services but don’t know where to go, or are limited by poor mobility or transport issues.

Full training and support will be given, for information please speak to Ali McIndoe on 07972 599469 ali.mcindoe@wychavonCAB.org.uk

FRIENDLY HOST FAMILIES WANTED

in or close to the centre of Worcester To host international teenagers for up to 4 weeks from Sunday 13th July to Sunday 10th August 2014 £161 per student per week.

Up to 3 students per family if conditions suitable.

Students will be on a full–time programme from Monday to Saturday and at home on Sundays For further details & an application form: www.summerschool.uk.com/homestay

Or phone (01905) 619877

Your local high quality domestic cleaning company

• Bottle feeding for Easte

• Pony Rides and Pony Parti Call Josie on 01905 425530 / 07738529236 • Farm Park walk • or email: cleanforyou@live.co.uk • Tractor trailer Rides www.cleanforyou-worcester.co.uk • Outdoor picnic/play are

• Zipwire • • Trampolines (indoor and ou Easter Trail Easter Bottle Feeding 01531 670 780 EggNew Collecting for 2012 Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG Tractor Rides • Extended Play Barn • Pony Rides Hands on Pet time • Extended Pet’s Barn • Indoor• Play BabyBarn animals • Zipwire Opening Outdoor Play &Times Picnic Areas 2 April - 27 Octob Trampolines www.newbridgeplaybarn.com

Open Mon-Sat during holida OpenSeason Wed-Sat during term-ti Starts Sundays SatClosed 5th April

01531 670780 Open Mon - Sat during holidays Little Marcle, Open Wed - Sat during Term Nr Ledbury HR8 2QG Closed Sundays www.newbridgefarmpark.com

‘Stan’ oil on canvas, 22 x 16 inches

Pet Portraits

Karen Sarkar Art www.karensarkarart.com Tel: 01905 420441 | 07795 388539

Gift Vouchers | Monthly payments available

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

25

May

fri

2

sun

4

fri

9

tue

13

tue

13

sat

17

sat

17

fri

30

The Upton Folk Festival Enjoy a long weekend of music, dance and entertainment in Upton upon Severn.

See www.uptonfolk.org for details Worcester Full and Half Marathon in aid of St Richard’s Hospice Starts and finishes at Worcester Rugby Club, Sixways.

For information visit www.strichards.org.uk Poetry and Pollination Ruth Stacey and Sarah James headline an evening of poetry at The Hive Tickets: £5 from The Hive or calling (01905) 54 44 44 A lunchtime organ recital at Worcester Cathedral by Jonathan Hope, Assistant Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral.

1.10pm until 1.50pm Free admission, all welcome Vesta Tilley: Worcester’s Wonder of The Music Halls A one woman show about the life and music of Vesta Tilley presented by The Worcester Rep. 7.45pm at The Swan Theatre with another performance on 14th May Tickets and information from Worcester Live (01905) 611427 The Eighth Annual Worcester Motor Festival Dozens of new and vintage cars will be on display in the city centre.

St Richard’s Hospice Sponsored Walk Choose from a 2,5 or 11 mile route, there is something for most ages and abilities. There is no registration fee but walkers are asked to raise sponsorship money to support the hospice in its 30th year Call (01905) 763963 for details The Elgar Birthday Concert at The Elgar Birthplace Museum Lower Broadheath, with the Hepplewhite Trio who are passionate about bringing a fresh approach to classical music. Tickets £10 including refreshment Tickets £10 including refreshment, for details call (01905) 333224

For more events in Worcester go to: www.allaboutworcester.com

What’s on June

sun

1

mon

2

fri

20 sat

21

Worcester 10k a run mostly on walkways and roads along a fast, flat and scenic course along the River Severn. Organised by Peak Performance Events.

For details email dorstonerunner@hotmail.com Maggie Reeday, one of the UK’s finest vocalists performs at Worcester Jazz. 7pm at the Bank House, Bransford, admission £10/£9members/£5 under 16 (accompanied by an adult).

For information see worcesterjazz.org.uk An evening with Charlie Waite One of the world’s leading Landscape Photographers. 7.30pm at the Swan Theatre.

Tickets: £15 from the box office (01905) 611427 The Ramble in aid of National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society Choose a 1 mile, 5 mile or wheelchair friendly route around beautiful Spetchley Park.

Enter at nras.org.uk or call 01628 501547

Send us your events via our website: allaboutworcester.com and click ‘Submit your Event’

Market Days

Worcester Market Days Country Market Home-made, home-grown & hand-crafted Every Friday: 9am - 11am, St Johns Library, Glebe Close, WR2 5AX Crowngate Market Monday - Saturday, Angel Place, Worcester Centre Farmers Markets Every 4th Saturday of each month at St Peter’s Garden Centre, Broomhall, Norton WR5 2NY 23 May & 21 June, 9.30am - 2pm The Fold Market Every 4th Sunday of each month at The Fold, New House Farm, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JB 24 May & 22 June, 10am - 2pm

To promote your June & July 2014 events: email james@allabout-local.com or call 07762 148355 it is free for local not-for-profit groups. Deadline: Friday 9 May

26

FREE

for groups

Chilli Festival Sun 4th – Mon 5th May Animal Feeding 10.30am & 1.30pm weekends and holidays

Vintage Family Fun

Open from 10 am.

Adult £10.00 • Seniors £9.00 Child (3-15yrs) £6.50 • Family (2+3) £26.50

School parties by arrangement

Sun 25th – Mon 26th May Castle and Grounds Admission

Bu disco y un ticke ted t on-lin s e

Please see website for further details

eastnorcastle.com 01531 633160

Open Day Monday 5th May, 9.30am – 4.30pm

%Q GFWECVKQPCN r &C[ 9GGMN[ (WNN $QCTFKPI s [GCTU r #UUQEKCVGF YKVJ /CNXGTP %QNNGIG YYY VJGFQYPUOCNXGTP QTI WM r 01684 544 108

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

27

Competition

Malvern Theatre News

Another Country The 1930s: an English Public School.

Bennett and Judd are both outsiders; one coming to terms with his sexuality, the other already a committed Marxist. But the Establishment has traditional ways of dealing with rebels and when scandal rocks the school, the young men must confront their beliefs and make choices which will have a momentous impact on their lives.

Which famous actor played Tommy Judd in the film adaptation of Another Country? He is well known for his dashing looks and romantic roles, and for famously playing Mr Darcy in a film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Another Country runs from 30th June – 5th July. Eves 7.30pm, Wed and Sat Mats 2.30pm.

Tickets from £15.12 - £29.68 from Malvern Theatres Box Office on 01684 892277 or www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Email the answer plus your name, postcode and phone number to competition@allabout-local.com

by Friday 30 May 2014

Relax Kids - Relaxation and Activity Sessions Magical adventure classes for children aged 4-11. Wednesdays 4-5pm at St Peter’s Baptist Church (term time).

Try a session for just £1!

Contact Charlotte at charlie_denham@yahoo.co.uk or call 07827 448684 for more details

MUSIC, SINGING & MOVEMENT WITH JO JINGLES ‘’Come and join Jo Jingles for masses of musical fun, dancing and movement.”

Classes across Droitwich and Worcester and North Malvern for all ages from birth to school.

No class fees for babies under 6 months.

Call Rachael on 07792 131285 www.jojingles.com/worcesterarea

To advertise here call now: 07722 226712

28

Win two tickets for Another Country

The winners will be drawn from the entries and notified by Tuesday 3 June.

Good luck! *For terms & conditions see our website www.allaboutmalvernhills.com

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

29

Index Animals

Home Improvements

Dog Training Pet Portraits Art/Music/Theatre

23 25

Malvern Theatre Business Support

29

All About Magazines Miso Communications Builders/Maintenance

31 25

G&K Decorators Jobs Done Mike Swain Rhino Versatile WM Downs Carpenters

14 8 21 21 21

Agua Bathrooms 20 Capital Installations 21 Cloudey 2 Clear 5 CRG Kitchens 31 Dream Doors Worcester 2 Excell 9 Francis of Malvern BP Kitchen World Worcester 3 M&M Locksecure 8 Malvern Blinds 14 Malvern Glass 14 Pressure Cleaning 8 Wrought Iron by Phil 16 Home help/Cleaning/Care

Marvin Goodger SC Beard Carpenter Car Services

23 21

Clean for You Tulip Cleaning Services IT/Telephone

25 23

Discount Tyres St Johns Garage Classes & Training

23 23

Miso Communications Painter/Decorator

25

Jo Jingles Relax Kids Food & Drink

28 28

Roots at Rushwick

31

Gardening Worcester Shed & Fencing Hairdresser

8

Divine 19 MJT Hairdressing 11 Salon 56 19 Health & Fitness & Beauty Bringing Massage 2 U Create Space Counselling Scott Wroe Hearing Centre Worcester Hearing Centre

19 19 11 13

Holidays Wandering Star Campers

30

Aztec Painting & Decorating 23 G&K Decorators 14 Plumbing & Heating AB Plumbing Clive Green Plumbing Paul’s Plumbing

21 20 20

Schools & Children Eastnor Castle Kingsway English Centre Newbridge Farm Park Shortwood Farm The Downs Malvern

27 25 25 27 27

Shops/Shopping Francis of Malvern Home Deals Direct Hop Pocket Roots at Rushwick

BP 12 17 31

Tool Hire 15

Ready Rent

20

BESPOKE KITCHENS

Bransford Road, Rushwick, Worcester, WR2 5TD Tel. 01905 421104

Fully Qualified Tradesmen with 35 years experience, designing-supplying & fitting your dream kitchen

Here at our family farm shop come and see the signs of Spring! Lambs, Piglets and Chickens and lots of garden plants.

Look out for seasonal family events.

Proper pizza baked to order in our wood oven every Friday 4pm – 7pm, telephone to book 01905 421104.

You can keep up to date with events on Facebook and we’re open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm & Sunday 10am to 1pm.

Contact Chris Grantham on 07791 661347 or 01905 354034 chris@crgkitchens.co.uk

Showroom now open in Malvern Check out my referrals at:

www.crgkitchens.co.uk

Advertising Without the sting...

An advert this size costs just £58* per month for a six month booking Advert design is free of charge *Subject to VAT / reaching 14,000 homes

Call us now on 07722 226712 www.allaboutworcester/our_magazines To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email worcester@allabout-local.com

31

Bed Store: Tel: 01684 573823 275 Worcester Road

Furnishing Store: 237 Worcester Road Malvern WR14 1AE

Flooring Store: Furnishing Store: 128 Worcester Road 237 Worcester Malvern WR14 1AE

Malvern WR14 1AE www.francisofmalvern.co.uk

Road Malvern Tel: 01684 573823 WR14 1AE info@francisofmalvern.co.uk www.francisofmalvern.co.uk Email: info@francisofmalvern.co.uk

32

Flooring Store: Bed Store:

128 Worcester 275 Worcester Road Malvern Road Malvern WR14 1AE WR14 1AE