The Bridge - February 2015

Page 1

The Bridge February 2015

February in the Forest As I write this the country is suffering dramatic weather: high winds, wintry showers, hail and thunder mostly affecting Scotland. I don’t know what February will bring, but can it be worse than the incessant rain and floods of last year? I hope for more ‘normal’ weather, but in February that can mean almost anything (‘February brings the rain, Thaws the frozen lake again’ said Sara Coleridge, but Flanders and Swan despondently modified this to ‘February's ice and sleet, Freeze the toes right off your feet’!)

In the forest, I hope that the ground has a chance to dry out to make walking more pleasant. None of us like the mess left by ‘forest operations’ – not so much the felling of the trees as the churned ground concomitant with their removal by tractors, forwarders and log lorries. I’ve heard that such disturbance can be a positive factor in the development of the woodland, providing a suitable growing medium for newly-arrived or long-buried seed with the bonus of the increased light levels brought by felling or coppicing. Who knows what long-dormant plants may reappear? At Kingswood deep ploughing brought not only poppies but a reappearance of small-flowered catchfly (Silene gallica), absent in these parts for many years but persisting in the soil’s seed bank. Bluebells often pop up where conifers have been removed, having remained dormant for decades. Slightly more prosaic is John Bingham’s discovery of a clutch of tomato plants among the needles of a clear-felled patch in Withybed Wood – testimony to a forester’s lunch box.

In the Wyre Forest, as in other woods in the UK, alternatives to clear felling and replanting are being trialled. Selective felling and coppicing, using a mixture of tree species, are probably less disruptive to wildlife and may be more resilient to plant diseases and climate change. The publicly-owned areas of the forest will see conifers continuing to be removed and replaced by deciduous trees, so in those areas clear felling will still be a feature for a while to come, but what replaces them may be very different to the evenaged stands of oak that dominate the forest now. Let’s hope so: darkness and uniformity are neither good for me nor the woodland wildlife! This month look out for hazel catkins, snowdrops, leaves and green flowers of dog’s mercury, peacock and brimstone butterflies emerging from hibernation if the weather is warm enough, and perhaps some birdsong and nest-making. Linda Iles

Editorial News

The Bridge is the community voice of Bewdley

It is free and delivered by volunteers to more than 4,600 homes every month Visit us at www.bewdleybridge.org.uk

Welcome to February’s edition of The Bridge. This month, we are pleased to celebrate the work of Bewdley glassblower George Elliott. Turn to page 17 to read about this remarkable man and his place in the history of the British studio glass movement. The Severn Valley Railway is also celebrating and tells us why on page 41. And Photographer of the Month Roger Cutts shares his enthusiasm for trains on the centre pages with some glorious pictures. Is now the time to start something new? Alastair Elliott encourages us to join a choir on page 23 and page 29 brings news of Bewdley Library workshops that might just be the start of a new hobby. Did you know that Bewdley has its own Film Club? Find out more about this exciting venture on page 24 and discover how you can become involved. Meanwhile, the Secret Gardener recognises the value of taking things slowly. As we can read on page 24, it’s all in the timing. Russ Walker certainly got his timing right when he captured a flying duck on New Year’s Day. See the Duck Race pictures in the centre colour section and do please keep sending in your photographs. Elsewhere in the magazine, we bring you news of concerts ranging from Baroque music to Jazz and talks to inspire and entertain. Have a fulfilling February, whatever you do. Gill We have made a small change to the way we receive news for the magazine. The Bridge box in St. Anne’s church is no longer in use and we are asking for all material to be sent to the relevant email address below. If you are unable to access email, Peter Kirk can offer help with this. Please contact him through the church coffee bar.

Sharing your news with us

If you want to share your news and photographs or advertise your company.

News

editorial@bewdleybridge.org.uk

Photographs

pictures@bewdleybridge.org.uk

Advertising

advertising@bewdleybridge.org.uk (Tel 07582 008369)

Delivery

If you can help deliver please email editorial@bewdleybridge.org.uk Deliverers mostly take out less than 50 magazines. Reserve list is also useful. Printed by A&G Printing Co Ltd sales@agprint.co.uk

Cover photograph: Martin Flegg

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

HORSE RIDING LESSONS

• BHS qualified instruction • Excellent Facilities • Well schooled horses and ponies • Friendly, relaxed atmosphere • Small class sizes

Phone Adele on: 07799 761 932 Alton Piece, Dark Lane, Rock, Worcs, DY14 9YN

www.altonpieceequestriancentre.co.uk

*** Your Local Family Run Company *** PRIVATE HIRE ***

DAY TOURS (SS = £16 MID-WEEK SUPER SAVERS)

Sun 15 Feb Sat 21 Feb Sat 21 Feb Sun 1 Mar Thu 5 Mar Sat 7 Mar

Snowdrops in the Peak District Rhubarb Festival at Wakefield Hepworth Gallery at Wakefield Llangollen & Horseshoe Pass Bristol Cabot Shopping Centre (SS) Mystery Tour – Longest, Heaviest?

Sat 14 Mar Sat 21 Mar Wed 1 Apr Sun 5 Apr Mon 6 Apr Wed 29 Apr

Oxford Spring in the Cotswolds Jeeves & Wooster – Malvern Theatre Cheddar & Weston Super Mare Wye Valley & Tintern The King's Speech-Malvern Theatre

9 Mar 15 Mar 13 Apr 3 May 17 May 1 June 14 June

SIDMOUTH 5 days MOTHERING SUNDAY in WELLS 2 days ST DAVID'S & TENBY 5 days NORTH DEVON DELIGHTS 5 days ISLE OF WIGHT 7 days EDINBURGH, TROSSACHS & FALKIRK 5 days DRESDEN & COLDITZ CASTLE 7 days Price includes dinner, bed and breakfast & excursions

QUALITY HOLIDAYS 2015

USUALLY PICKING UP WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF YOUR HOME

£310 £106 £285 £350 £420 £300 £590

Tel 01299 402989 To Book / For Brochure / Private Hire (46 Sandbourne Drive, Bewdley, DY12 1BN) Or visit www.phillipstravel.co.uk or Bewdley Tourist Information

What’s

On

Community News

February 1 Street Pastor Information evening, God House, Dog Lane, 6.30pm 1 Bewdley Footpaths walk – see page 29 2 All Saints’ Church Wribbenhall Bewdley Knit and Natter group 10am till 12.00 2 Bewdley Floral Art Wharton Park Golf Club 7.30pm 3 Bewdley Film Club – see page 24 4 Kidderminster Beekeepers Association course – see page 33 5 Rock Pathfinders walk – ring Alan 01299 400304 5 Cinema in the Hall: Gone Girl – see inside back page 9 All Saints’ Church Wribbenhall Bewdley Book sale 10am till 12.00 11 Reaching Out event – see page33 12 Rock Pathfinders walk – ring Alan 01299 400304 12 Knit and Natter at the Methodist Church, High Street 2-4pm 12 National Theatre Live Streaming: Behind the Beautiful Forevers – inside back cover 14 Who let the Dads Out and Super Saturday Bewdley Baptist Church 9.30 – 11.00 14 Music in the Hall: Blues Valentine – see inside back cover 16 All Saints’ Church Wribbenhall Bewdley Knit and Natter group 10am till 12.00 16 Bewdley Horticultural Society meeting – see page 35 17 Methodist Church Walking Group, 10.30am 18 Bewdley Civic Society meeting – see page 33 19 Cinema in the Hall: Magic in the Moonlight - see inside back cover 21 All Saints’ Church Jumble Sale at The Parish Rooms 10am till 1pm 22 Peace Matters - see page 11 26 Cinema in the Hall: Mr. Turner - see inside back cover 27 Rotary Club Music and Laughter Night – see page 33 28 Bewdley and Wribbenhall Ladies Luncheon Club – see page 29 March 1 1 2 2 7 8 14

Bewdley Footpaths walk – see page 29 Peace Matters - see page 11 Bewdley Museum reopens – see page 39 Bewdley Floral Art Club Wharton Park Golf Club 7.30pm Baroque Concert by Elgar Chorale – see page 21 Peace Matters - see page 11 Rock Jazz – see page 23

,QGHSHQGHQW 7UDYHO &RQVXOWDQWV

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

)LUVW FODVV FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH ULJKW IURP WKH VWDUW PRELOH VHUYLFH ZKLOH \RX DUH DZD\ )XOO FRQFLqUJH VHUYLFH EHIRUH GXULQJ \RXU KROLGD\ )XOO\ UHVHDUFKHG LWLQHUDULHV 7LFNHW GHOLYHU\ &RPSOLPHQWDU\ DLUSRUW WUDQVIHUV !"#$%&'&#$()*++,-. $OO WUDYHO HOHPHQWV ERRNDEOH WKURXJK XV

UXWK#WUDQTXLOOLW\ WUDYHO FR XN

HOPLEYS FAMILY CAMPING ARE LOOKING FOR A CAMPSITE ASSISTANT

There is a position available for working Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Easter to October. It would suit someone who is well organised, is at ease dealing with the general public and ideally has some background knowledge/experience of camping and caravanning.

There will be a number of vacancies available for people to work at the Campsite’s take-away pizza shack. The positions will be available from Easter to September working 3 - 4 hours Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday evenings on Bank Holidays. Full training will be given.

Anyone interested please email The Office Manager on the email address below. Hopleys Family Camping Cleobury Road Bewdley DY12 2QL 01299 402173 or 07973135909 www.hopleyscamping.co.uk info@hopleyscamping.co.uk

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

A warm welcome for you at Bewdley Methodist Church

Join us for worship every Sunday morning at 10.30 in our lovely old church on High Street, next to the Jubilee Gardens entrance. Our services last about an hour and, once a month, children and grandchildren enjoy their own lively Sunday Club. See www.bewdleymethodists.org.uk

Weekday activities this February Tuesday 10th Evening Fellowship 7.30pm Thursday 12th Knit & Natter 2.00-4.00pm at church Tuesday 17th Walking Group 10.30am

To find out more about any of our activities or to enquire about baptism, marriage or funerals please contact our minister Revd Phil Hoar Tel 826641

Did you know? The season of Lent this year starts on 18 February (Ash Wednesday) and for the following five Sundays all the Methodist churches in our area will be exploring the theme ‘Seasons of Life’. Come along to find out

Birmingham Community Gospel Choir

was founded in June 2005 and brings together singers of all ages and backgrounds. They are directed by experienced singer & song writer Maxine Brooks, who instills confidence, technique & skill in all the members which defiantly shows in all their performances. They have been on various radio programmes, supported numerous charities and are recognized as one of the premier choirs in Birmingham. They are happy to sing inspirational as well as gospel songs, focusing on demonstrating their gift of song God has given to them all. They will be in concert, supporting the launch of our Street Pastor Scheme, at Bewdley Baptist Church 7.30pm on Saturday 21st March.

Tickets : £10 from Alison c/o Bewdley Baptist Church Office 01299 403267 Email: office@bewdleybaptist.org.uk

Leisure

Home

Garden

THE WOODCOLLIERS ARMS

Sunday Lunch • Valentines Day Bookings Russian and Traditional Food Quiz night Tuesdays Bed & Breakfast 76 Welch Gate, Bewdley Worcestershire DY12 2AU

T: 01299 400589 M: 07789 917168

YOGA

Book online at www.woodcolliers.co.uk E: roger@woodcolliers.co.uk

at

Bewdley Cricket Club Lower Park, Bewdley Wednesday evenings (term time only) 7.30 – 8.30

Living

Specialist Services

Severnside School of Dancing

Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Classical Greek, and Acrobatic Dance held at the Wheatsheaf Room, Bewdley Institute Special Junior hour Fridays 4-5 Training for Festivals and exams Contact Joyce Campbell on 01299 400633 www.severnsideschoolofdancing.co.uk

The deadline for the March issue of The Bridge is 10th February

WŝůĂƚĞƐ

ǁŝƚŚ EĂƚĂůŝĞ

ŚĂŶŐĞ ƚŚĞ ǁĂLJ LJŽƵ ůŽŽŬ͕ ĨĞĞů ĂŶĚ ŵŽǀĞ͘

EĞǁ ǁĞĞŬůLJ ŵŽƌŶŝŶŐ ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ ĞǁĚůĞLJ ϵ͘ϰϱĂŵ ʹ WŝůĂƚĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĞŐŝŶŶĞƌƐ - άϲ͘ϱϬ ϭϬ͘ϰϱĂŵ ʹ WŝůĂƚĞƐ ĨŽƌ ^ƉŝŶĂů DŽďŝůŝƚLJ - άϲ͘ϱϬ tƌŝďďĞŶŚĂůů WĂƌŝƐŚ ZŽŽŵƐ͕ <ŝĚĚĞƌŵŝŶƐƚĞƌ ZĚ͕ ĞǁĚůĞLJ͕ zϭϮ ϭ Y ŽŽŬŝŶŐ ŝƐ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂů ĂƐ ƉůĂĐĞƐ ĂƌĞ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚ͘ &Žƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ EĂƚĂůŝĞ͗

with Julie Whitby

Come along and give it a try

Please call 01299 400638 or 07944159430

dĞů͗ Ϭϳϵϰϭ ϳϰϮϴϵϴ

ǁǁǁ͘ƚŽƚĂůƉŝůĂƚĞƐ͘ŶĞƚ ůĂƐƐĞƐ ĂůƐŽ ŝŶ ^ƚŽƵƌƉŽƌƚ

A warm welcome from Bewdley Baptist Church.

Our main focus of worship is on Sundays at 10am, where there is a relaxed style with lively music, all ages come together and we hear God's word for today through the Bible. Sunday evening at 6.30pm we have a shorter, more reflective service. Weekly Events Our church runs a number of regular events during the week: ✦ Noah’s Ark - for parents and toddlers.

St Anne’s Church

Sunday worship at 9.30am Worship lasts for about an hour. Music is usually a mix of contemporary and traditional. Children and young people will often meet in their own groups and join with adults later on. Wednesdays at 10.15am Morning Worship

Booking a wedding at St Leonard’s Ribbesford, St Anne’s or All Saints’, Wribbenhall – please call Roz Mace on 01299 401605 or rozmace@talktalk.net to arrange an appointment. Thinking about baptism – come to our 9.30am Sunday service and we’ll talk together over coffee Our website is: www.bewdleyparish.org.uk

✦ Womens’

Church News l

Own - an afternoon meeting for ladies. ✦ Art Group - a quiet place to paint and draw. ✦ Who Let The Dads Out - second Saturday of the month for dads and toddlers ✦ Super Saturday - second Saturday of the month for primary school aged children. ✦ Super 60’s Lunch Second Tuesday of the month. ✦ Youth Activities ✦ Men’s Group. Like to know more? Contact the minister Simon Harry, at the church office (403267) or visit www.bewdley.baptist.org.uk Bewdley Baptist Church 61 High Street Bewdley

St Leonard’s

Sunday morning worship: 11.15am On the first Sunday each month we have a service of Holy Communion.

On the other Sundays we have Matins – from the Book of Common Prayer. Church is usually open in daylight hours for prayer, peace & quiet.

Thinking about baptism? Come to 9.30am Sunday service at St Anne’s Bewdley and we’ll talk together over coffee. Our website is: www.bewdleyparish.org.uk Thinking about a Wedding?

Please call Roz Mace 01299 401605 or rozmace@talktalk.net to arrange an appointment

Keith James is the minister of the Church. Contact him on 01299 402275 (office)

or Diane Taylor, the Churchwarden, on 01299 403983. You are very welcome. However you come. Whyever you come. We hope you will come again.

painting & wallcoverings

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

The Finishing Touch

6 Greenbank Bewdley Worcestershire DY12 2JF Tel no : 0 1 2 9 9 4 0 3 2 9 7

All work approved

Door Canopies

BEWDLEY TILE WALL & FLOOR TILING 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Richard Moore 01299 404591 07979241892 richard@bewdleytile.co.uk

We Do Blinds

We supply & fit blinds & curtains We supply & fit awnings & canopies Phone Richard Hague for a free quotation

01562 814 887 / 07971 670 349 info@WeDoBlinds.co.uk www.WeDoBlinds.co.uk

St Andrew’s Bewdley

The Chapel in the woods Sunday worship: 11.15am on the second and fourth Sundays each month St Andrew's is found in Button Oak, Shropshire, 3 miles north of Bewdley on the B4194 to Kinlet. www.bewdleyparish.org.uk Keith James is the minister of the Church. Contact him on 01299 402275 (office)

RIVERSIDE CHURCH

We are a thriving Elim Pentecostal Church in the heart of Bewdley and you are welcome to join us anytime. We meet in the newly refurbished St George’s Hall, at 10:15am. Full programme for children and young people during our service time. Why not check our website: www.riversideelim.com for details of mid-week activities and events happening. Tel: 01299 405535 Email: admin@riversideelim.com Riverside Elim Church, Dog Lane, Bewdley, DY12 2EF

Holy Family Catholic Church High Street

Sunday Mass 8 am Tuesday & Thursday Morning Prayer 9.45am, Mass 10am Holy Days of Obligation 12 noon Parish Office 01299 822633 www.stwulstanstourport.org.uk Local Contact – Deacon John O’Brien

Church News l

Bewdley Methodist Church High Street Services at 10.30 every Sunday

For details about any activities or special services please see our advert or contact Rev. Philip Hoar on 826641.

All Saints Wribbenhall Sunday Worship at 9.30am Worship lasts for about an hour

1st Sunday each month 8.00am Holy Communion (said)

Booking a Wedding at All Saints’ Wribbenhall: - please call Roz Mace 01299 401605 or rozmace@talktalk.net to arrange an appointment.

Thinking about baptism? Come to our 9.30 am Sunday service and we’ll talk together over coffee Monday mornings 10.30am – 12.00noon

Church is open for Knit and Natter (1st & 3rd Mondays) or a Book Sale (2nd Monday) Refreshments and a warm welcome assured.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Bewdley Quaker Meeting House, Lower Park. Meeting for worship every Sunday 10.30-11.30am. Everyone is welcome.

For further information, phone the Clerk on 01562 741501

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

Peace Matters

Community News

5 talks on Sunday evenings to stretch the heart and mind 7pm at St. Anne’s Church, Bewdley Sunday 22nd February Peace within – discovering the quiet mind Nicholas Allen SSF Franciscan Monk and Guardian of Glasshampton Monastery

Sunday 1st March Peace on Earth – connecting with nature, finding God Rt Revd Graham Usher Bishop of Dudley

Sunday 22nd March War and Peace – what would Jesus do ? Revd Keith James

Tea - Coffee -Cake - Questions and thoughtful conversation

Sunday 8th March Sshhh… Deafness, tinnitus and the sound of God Revd David Runcorn Author and Free-range Priest

Sunday 15th March Making peace in world of conflict The Ven. Nikki Groarke Archdeacon of Dudley

Taizé Worship

As the guns quietened over Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War, a small group established a religious community in the village of Taizé in France dedicated to peace and reconciliation. Over the years thousands of young people have descended on the community, and its distinctive worship has spread around the globe. In Bewdley during 2015 there will be regular Taizé style services. They will be on the second Sunday in the month at 6:30pm at St. Anne’s Church and last about 40 minutes. There will be a mix of silent reflection and prayer, a short Bible reading and Taizé songs. Whether you belong to a Church or not, you would be most welcome to join us to reflect, meditate and pray. The next two services will be on 8th February and 12th April.

Ash Wednesday 18th February

Communion & Ashing at All Saints, Wribbenhall 7.30pm followed by Tea, Coffee & Cake

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Traidcraft in 2014. The excellent news is that sales from St Anne’s Church have reversed the downward trend of the past few years and shown an increase of more than £2,500. We totalled nearly £27,500 for the year, which is most encouraging and makes a big difference to the lives of our producer partners in the developing world. Elaine Barbour

Leisure

Home

WINDOWS & DOORS

Garden

Installed DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL Locks, Misted Units, Soffits, fascias, gutters & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE WORK DEAN CHAMBERS 07985301956 01562 827712 Insured. FENSA Qualified, Traders Register

Living

Specialist Services

RLM Decorating

High Class Interior & Exterior Decoration

Fully City & Guilds qualified with over 35 years professional experience including paper hanging, interior & exterior painting. References available from satisfied customers. Richard Morris 01299 403875 07980795353

Leisure

•

• • • • • • • • •

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

Carpets Vinyl & Vinyl Tiles Laminate Real Engineered & Solid Wood Ceramic Floor & Wall Tiles Beautiful Real Slate & Stone Flooring Entrance Matting Safety Flooring Domestic & Commercial Specialist in Underfloor Heating High Quality Workmanship Guaranteed. All Jobs Left Clean, Tidy & Vacuumed. Supply & Fit or Fitting Only Service Available.

Mike Green Flooring Office: 01299 266421 Mobile: 07889 248946

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

Pete Wall Fencing

Tree Pruning and

Hedge Trimming Fully Insured

Value for Money 01299 405477

07956 172825

Gas Heating & Plumbing Installation, Servicing & Maintenance Corgi Reg No 211096

Natural Gas, LPG & Oil Call Mark on 01299 401329 or 07760 451584 for a reliable service

JEM GROVES Painter & Decorator

Dulux select decorator

High Quality workmanship Home 01562 637609

Mobile 07980425813

E-mail jemgroves29@hotmail.co.uk

AJL

carpentry



Alex Lockett Qualified Carpenter

• Door Hanging • Skirting • Architrave • Framework • 1st and 2nd Fix • Shelving • Decking • Wooden and Laminate Floors • Kitchen Fitting and Design • And LOTS more!

A local carpenter for all your carpentry needs!!! Tel: 01299269126

Mobile: 07980633706

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

~ Û ~

“The Heating People” Reliable. Professional. Affordable. Established since 2000, RNA Heating Ltd cater to all domestic and business client’s central heating systems, gas services and plumbing requirements throughout Worcestershire. We have the knowledge and expertise needed to ensure that you receive nothing but the best service. We offer the highest quality workmanship and services including: ÝÛÛE]oÛZgad]jÛafklYddYlagfk Ûj]hdY[]e]flk Û k]jna[af_Û¬Ûj]hYajk ÝÛÛ=j]]ÛfgÛgZda_YlagfÛimglYlagfk ÝÛÛ?glÛoYl]jÛ[qdaf\]jk ÝÛÛ>YkÛkY^]lqÛafkh][lagfk ÝÛÛCYf\dgj\ÛkY^]lqÛ[]jlaxÛ[Yl]k ÝÛÛI]f]oYZd]Û]f]j_qÛ\]ka_fÛ¬ÛafklYddYlagf Yf\Ûem[` Ûem[`Ûegj] We are Worcester Accredited Installers and specialise in Worcester Greenstar boilers, and offer extended guarantees of up to 10 years*.

JgÛ^gjÛYÛfg¤fgfk]fk] Ûj]daYZd]ÛYf\Ûljmklogjl`qÛk]jna[] Û [YddÛIE8Û?]Ylaf_ÛCl\Ûlg\YqÛgfÛ ~ Û ~ ÛgjÛnakalÛ gmjÛo]Zkal]ÛYlÛooo jfY`]Ylaf_ [ge

RNA Heating Ltd 1 Trimpley Lane, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 1JJ *Terms & conditions apply.

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

REPAIRS

Just in2 Carpets & Rugs A local, family run business Est 1989.

CARPETS AMTICO KARNDEAN RUGS 49, Upper Tything, Worcester. Tel: 01905 24514 www.justin2carpetsrugs.co.uk

British made carpets Reliable, friendly team Free measure & quotes

Rugs available to ‘try before you buy’

We’ve now relocated to our Worcester shop. But we still supply & fit within the Bewdley area.... We're just a phone call away!

Glass, by George!

Community News

Those of you that have lived in or around Bewdley for a number of years will remember that we had our own resident glassblower based in the museum. George Elliott was a pioneer of the British studio glass movement and generations of students owe him a great debt.

After his National Service, in the Navy, George won a scholarship to the Royal College of Art and travelled on a bursary to work with glassblowers in Scandinavia. On graduation, he joined Stevens and Williams as a designer, moving to Stourbridge College as a tutor in the early 1960s. The studio glass movement took off, in this country, when Sam Herman brought the first small furnaces over from the United States, allowing glassblowers to set up on their own. Although Herman is recognised as being at the centre of art glass in Britain, it’s now acknowledged that George was at the forefront of this exciting development. During those early years, George was packing a mobile furnace into the back of a Transit van and was travelling across the country to give demonstrations.

George set up his own studio, here in Bewdley, and for many years produced beautiful glass for both tourists and locals. The vases, bottles and goblets had a distinctive character, often with a “pulled feather” design, and the forms were, like George, honest, unpretentious and quintessentially English. His exact copies of Medieval glasses were much in demand from collectors, museums and film companies. Pay close attention when watching period dramas that were produced in the 1980s and you may be able to spot a George Elliott goblet.

George’s other love was the English longbow, which he would make from scratch. I remember that he was always happy to talk about the longbow but was far more reluctant to discuss his glass.

George and his wife, Janet, moved away from Bewdley in the late 1980s to live in a 15th-century timber-framed cottage in Herefordshire. It was in 1998 that George passed away.

If you have a piece of glass that was produced by George, it’s very easy to recognise. He signed all his work and his signature will be etched on the base of the glass. Alongside his name, there’ll be “Bewdley” and an anchor (from the town’s coat of arms).

So, have a look in your cupboards and see if you have a George Elliott glass tucked away. If you’re lucky enough to own one, make sure you get it out and put in a sunny spot where you can enjoy it. Show your friends and tell them that George was one of the pioneers of the British studio glass movement. Alan Ferguson

Leisure

Home

Garden

PROF TRADESMAN 30YR EXP PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS WINDOW REPLACEMENTS FENCING, SLABBING, BRICKLAYING NEW BUILDS EXTENSIONS KITCHEN, BATHROOM REFITS NO JOB TOO SMALL RING FOR FREE QUOTES CLIVE ON:

07450 189290 or 01299 253206

CARPET UPHOLSTERY & CURTAIN CLEANING BY EXPERTS

All treatments - All districts - Lowest prices - Latest equipment - Fully insured

Karol Kleen

Call 01299 404275 or Mobile 07970131820

Living

Specialist Services

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

24/7 ROOFING & GUTTERING SERVICES

THE SPECIALIST ROOFING COMPANY EST. FOR OVER 30 YEARS

aCHIMNEY & LEAD WORK aFASCIA BOARDS aFELT ROOFS aSLATING aTILING ROOF aCLEANING aSHEET ROOFING ALSO SPECIALISING IN: aGUTTER CLEANING aGUTTER REPAIR OR RENEW aRESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL aDISCOUNTS FOR OAPs aFREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES aREFERENCES Available

TEL: 01584 878728 MOB: 07977 560 763

The deadline for the March issue of The Bridge is 10th February

HIGH QUALITY PLASTERING

From NEIL KEARNS Free Quotations 01299 402726 or 07989 058513

Local handyman available for all types of housing and garden maintenance. Local man John Kirk has over 30 years experience of many trades offering a professional service with pride. Skills Available Painting Fencing Blockpaving/Slabbing Grounds / Garden maintenance

Building maintenance Internal & External Free Quotes available within 24 Hrs Please contact John on any of the following details and he will aim to respond asap. Mobile : 07748 861130 Home : 01299 878725 Email: jkirk762@btinternet.com

Leisure

Home

Garden

JH Property Services Gutter Vacuuming Regular window cleaning Fascia and Soffit cleaning Conservatory cleaning Pressure washing Roof cleaning Call James M:

0778 484 3501

Living

Specialist Services

Community News

Bella’s Blog Life In Bewdley Primary School

Last time I wrote we were getting ready for the school Christmas performance, and what a performance it was. Each year group acted and sang how Christmas is celebrated in various countries. Bella’s year did Sweden. It was wonderful and Christmassy, I loved every minute of it, even when their backing music failed to work and they had to sing unaccompanied. Eek! The children had such a busy last week of term with a pantomime in Worcester followed by a party, and carols in Bewdley. I would just like to say that Mrs Field and Mrs Maiden were infinitely patient and kind when faced with various terrified parents preparing to let their beloved offspring go off on their very first school trip. I think I may have been the very worst! Finally the last day came and, boy, were we glad. Bella got home, shed her uniform and got straight into holiday mode. Bella and William had a lovely Christmas. Our house, like most people’s on Christmas Day, was filled to the rafters with wrapping paper, chocolate, toys and copious amounts of festive spirit (...both kinds!) The holidays seemed endless, but all too soon the end was upon us and Bella and had to return to school. It’s been great to have Bella at home but she was more than ready to get back to school to get into the swing of playing with her friends, skipping, getting filthy…oh yes and also a bit of learning too.

Baroque Concert

given by The Elgar Chorale under their new conductor Piers Maxim To include music by Bach, Handel and Purcell

Saturday 7th March 2015 7.30pm St. Anne’s Church, Bewdley Tickets: £10 (to include a glass of wine or soft drink & light refreshments) available from St Anne's Church Centre 01299 405385 Heather Fairs 01299 402475 Judy Jones 01299 405476 Proceeds to Save the Children

Methodists give toys for Home-Start

A special Toy Service at Bewdley Methodist Church saw dozens of presents handed over to Home-Start Wyre Forest, the family support organisation delivering friendship and help to parents with young children in the Wyre Forest district. Members of the congregation bought and donated toys that became Christmas gifts for children of families supported by Home-Start.

Methodist local preacher Mike Dernie, who led the special service, presents the toys to Home-Start volunteer Mrs Marjorie Whiting.

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

The deadline for the March issue of The Bridge is 10th February

Green Leaf LANDSCAPES & DESIGN

Kevin Hayes N.C.H.(Pershore)

Planting Plans Pergolas Pruning Water features Patios Walls and fences Phone: 01299 400465 Mob :07866 964427

New Year’s Day Duck Race

Photo: Colin Hill

Photo: Russ Walker

Photo: Colin Hill

A Local Photographer: Roger Cutts On occasions I think it’s too easy to take for granted the area in which we reside. Through the lens I try to encapsulate special moments, hence, my camera is not too far away when I’m out and about. These photographs of the Severn Valley Railway’s Santa Specials were all taken on 6th December 2014. Severn Valley Railway celebrates its 50th Anniversary as a Preserved Line this year and it seems appropriate to select a few images taken while I was line-side. I also happen to loves trains!

34053 Sir Keith Park at Eymore Woods near Trimpley Reservoir

92214 at Northwood Lane, Bewdley

A Local Photographer: Roger Cutts

43106 crossing Victoria Bridge, Arley

2857 crossing Victoria Bridge, Arley

Bewdley Wassail 10th January

The parade assembles

Children dance Tinners’ Rabbit Photographs by Colin Hill

Community News

Behind the Baton

Last month I thanked you for your support of Live Music in 2014 and encouraged you to support local live acts again this year. This month, I’m going to encourage you to get involved as, I’m sure amongst you, there will be people who have thought “next year, I’m going to join a choir”. Obviously, this is a subject close to my heart, being a conductor of two local choirs, but I’m not sorry to push the point because I see the power of collective singing and how good it makes people feel. We have a great choice of local choirs offering a wide range of styles. I suspect that in some cases, people have worries about joining because they can’t read music or they think they won’t be good enough but I can assure you there is no reason to worry as all these choirs are welcoming and friendly. Yes – they will have strong singers, but they are people you can learn from, not feel intimidated by. Yes, you may find it difficult at first, but that’s the same for any new activity or hobby. One of the most important elements of learning to sing is the ability to listen. It’s almost more important than singing itself because once you can hear what you need to sing, it becomes much easier. The other positive aspect of these local groups is their participation in community events. Being not for profit organisations, they get involved because they love to get out singing – often raising money for charity in the process and it's great to be part of that. Finally, the costs of joining are really very reasonable – being Societies, they usually require an annual or termly membership fee, but in most cases, this equates to about £3 a rehearsal and certainly in the case of the two I conduct, you can “try before you buy”. So, if you’re wavering about seeing through that “join a choir” resolution, waver no more – by all means drop me a line via The Bridge and I will be very happy to put you in touch with the right people although a quick “google” will help you find all our local societies very quickly. Finally, I must make classical music enthusiasts aware of a great concert coming our way on Saturday 7th March in St Anne’s Church. The Elgar Chorale, accompanied by original period instruments, will be performing a concert of Baroque music, which always sounds great in St Anne’s. The £10 ticket price is extremely reasonable with profits going to Save the Children so please support if you can. [More information on page 21.] Alastair Elliott

Rock Jazz

If you enjoy listening to good New Orleans style traditional jazz, come along to Rock Village Hall on Saturday 14th March at 7.30 pm. The Sussex Jazz Kings will be supplying the music and a supper will be laid on too. The whole venture is to raise money for Save The Children and to this end the Rock District News, Floodhaven, Equi-Trek-Tregaron and Pitman-Tozer Architects have generously sponsored the event.

Tickets cost £10 and can be obtained from Len Pitman on 01299 832294

Community News

Bewdley Film Club – FLICs – has just finished its first successful year at St George's Hall in Bewdley. It starts its second season on Tuesday 3rd February 2015. It’s a local film club run by and for local film enthusiasts who want to experience a wide variety of films or who want to broaden their cinematic horizons in a friendly, communal, cinematic environment. (There is even a bar so you can grab yourself a drink to take in and enjoy as you watch your film.) The programme provides an opportunity to watch a range of films from a variety of sources – old, new, English or foreign language, silent or sound. We hope there is something in the programme for everybody and we also hope to introduce new members to films from around the world or classics they probably wouldn't have a chance to see anywhere else on the big screen.You get 10 films for £25 (£2.50 a film) which is a bargain. We’ve chosen eight movies already and we're saving two slots for members' choices, either from the past, or new releases. So sign up and tell us what you’d like included. We begin on 3rd February with a classic from 1963 – Federico Fellini’s 8½ – which is likely to be on every film buff's ‘greatest films ever’ list. To join for 2015 come along on Tuesday 3rd February at 7.00pm with £25 – cash or cheque – and enjoy a real cinematic treat. For more information contact: Mick Foley email: mickfoley@me.com or call 07973 463932 or Colin Billet email col.billett@gmail.com Thoughts from the Secret Gardener

It’s all about timing. It’s much too easy to get carried away at this time of the year as the light slowly draws out and the days, albeit almost imperceptibly, get longer. Carried away with sowing seeds and putting things into the cold soil outside. Patience will pay dividends.

Wait. Think about the poor little seedlings that will put up their heads into a still cold and hostile environment. OK, some things do need to be started and germination is straightforward with a bit of bottom heat, but then what? Plants need light every bit as much as warmth and the low level winter light does not encourage strong, compact growth. Instead, we get leggy, weak plants which are doomed to be n’er-do-wells! So, when the urge to sow gets to me, I will go for the things which need a long growing season and which adapt well to the artificial conditions of the window ledge, greenhouse and the aptly named cold frame. No, let’s enjoy the early season blooms of jasmine, snowdrops, aconites, and grape hyacinths and wait until conditions are more favourable to sow our precious seeds. After all, it’s all about timing!

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Community Corner Pre-School

Specialist Services

St.Anne’s Cof E Primary School, Wyre Hill, Bewdley DY12 2UQ Tel: 01299 401871

• Community Corner; at the heart of the community on the site of St Anne’s Primary School, enjoying an excellent partnership with our host school • Quality pre-school care & education: our staff team are highly qualified Practitioners, who are passionate about childcare, it’s in their hearts • ‘TOTS’; our specially created 2 yr. olds room, a gentle start for your child

Funded places offered for 2, 3 & 4 year olds Monday to Friday, 9a.m. - 3p.m. during term time Call Chris for more information or visit us at www.communitycornerpreschool.co.uk Community Corner Pre-school; touching hearts right from the start

Leisure

Home

Garden

Soul Essence Bea

Living

Specialist Services

BEV WELLS THE PILATES LADY

uty & Holistic Therapies Est. since 2001

• Professional Beauty & Mobile Service • Organic Facials • Waxing – Pedicures – OPI Manicures • Eyebrow & Eyelash Treatments. • Massage – Reflexology – Hot Stone Therapy • One to One Stretch & Tone Sessions Lisa Johnson BTEC DIPLOMA. BABTAC. IIHHT.

Tel: 01299 409190 M:07813 776263

GROUP PILATES CLASSES At St. George’s Hall Bewdley 11.30 – 12.30 One to One Pilates sessions by appointment

For further details please telephone 07776 387896 Bev Wells is a qualified exercise referral instructor

Community News

Love the Wyre Forest?

Are you looking for a new opportunity to enrich your life in 2015? You love the Wyre Forest, would like to know more about it and get more involved? Wyre Community Land Trust has been growing to take on more grazing and woodland management, as well as more volunteers to do the practical tasks. We now need volunteers to join us in our small friendly office. This will involve planning events, marketing, volunteer recruitment, communications finances. Could this be you? If you are interested in finding out more then please get in touch with John Iles on 01299 488083 or by email to john@wyreclt.org.uk for an initial conversation.

Bewdley Writer Launches Innovative Novel

Local film enthusiast and author Rob Ireland – who is published under Chris, Dave and apprentice Matthew the name Robert Ronsson – thinks he's created a new fiction genre with his second novel Out of Such Darkness which hits the bookshelves on February 18th.

He says, "I don't think anyone has written what I call film-fiction before. They say that life imitates art and what I've done with this book is tell a story where the lives of the characters resonate with the 1972 classic film Cabaret.” But you don't have to know the film to read the book. One of the book's early readers described it as, "a topical reminder that the acceptable face of extremism can quickly degenerate into something sinister".

There's an event in St George's Hall on Friday March 13th to celebrate the book's publication. Cabaret-style entertainment will be provided by The Trio Project - three singers who include Rob's daughter Charlotte and Samuel Lom. Many Bewdley residents will remember their Bewdley Youth Festival 2013 concert in St Anne's Church. Contact Rob for tickets – they cost £3 – and for more information about his book: robert@robertronsson.co.uk or 01299 400929.

Bewdley Chamber Maids

Baby & Early Years Fayre Sunday 22nd March 10.00am - 3.00pm at the Mercure Hotel, Habberley Road. Everything for babies, pre-school children and their parents including many handmade gifts for those very special occasions St George's Fair Saturday 18th April Start the celebrations for St George's Day at our annual St George's Market. Approximately 40 stalls expected, selling a wide variety of goods. All Bewdley businesses are invited to decorate their premises. Prizes awarded for the best entries. To book a stall at either of these events please contact: Ann: 01299 404226, lymanhughes34@aol.com, Maggie: 01299 404065, maggiedalloway@hotmail.co.uk or Mark: mark@cofservices.co.uk

Leisure

Home

Dr Vivien Newrick Homeopath

Garden

medically qualified and registered homeopathic practitioner

Tel : 01299 401617 Mob : 07884 098582 vivnewrick@hotmail.com

Living

Specialist Services

TAE KWON-DO Last year’s Beginners were this years winners! Start your journey today!

www.vivnewrickhomeopathy.co.uk

B. Ince

Funeral Director

Telephone: 01299 403105

Private Chapel of Rest

Bank House Severnside South Bewdley, Worcestershire

www.bewdley.actinet.net/bince

English Championships 2014 Excellent value training 7 days a week! Safe, fun and Friemdly environment!

FREE TRIAL SESSION Contact Katie now on 07885 293088 katie@wmtkd.co.uk www.wmtkd.co.uk

Community News

One Day….. February is here and only the very strong and very stubborn will be sticking to the resolutions for self-transformation that were made last month. Picture the scene: you leap out from under your homemade quilt, shower, have breakfast and apply your own unique nail art perfectly (we'll make the massive assumption that you're female, but of course you don't have to be). You then deliver a homemade Valentine's card to the object of your affections. After a stress free day, you spend the evening doing a little digital photography (nudge, nudge) or possibly sketching (highbrow nudge, nudge) before sliding back under your quilt with a modest feeling of self-satisfaction. Pie in the sky? Not if you've done workshops in quilting, nail art, card making, digital photography and sketching. It just so happens that we're hoping to run one day workshops in all of these in the coming months, the first one being Quilting on 27th February. These are one offs; places will be limited and if you fancy any or all of them come into the library and find out more. You could kick start a lifelong passion, but we can't run them unless you get your name down. So come on! Kay Sanderson Bewdley Library

Bewdley Footpaths

holds a walk on the first Sunday of each month, meeting at 1.45pm for a prompt start at 2.00pm. The meeting and start point is the garden on the east side of the river just below Bewdley Bridge. Sunday 1st February: a walk of approximately 3 miles to Ribbesford and Catchems End. Sunday, 1st March: a walk of about 5½ miles to Coopers Mill.

Bewdley/Wribbenhall Ladies’ Luncheon Club

At Christmas, after a lovely lunch, we welcomed The Grace Notes Choir, who gave a most enjoyable performance. On 28th February Robert Barber will return, with “A Blackbird’s Tail”. Ladies who wish to attend, or would like further information on our meetings at the Mercure, are invited to ring 400363. Thank You from All Saints Church Monday Group The Christmas Tree Festival held on 13th December was a great success. The organisers would like to thank all the charities and local organisations who took part for supplying the trees. We look forward to seeing you all again this year in an even bigger and better festival !

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

Private Nursery for 2 – 5 year olds

Wribbenhall Community Centre Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley

Large and secure natural garden Monday & Friday 8.00am – 4.00pm; Tuesday & Thursday 8.00am – 1.15pm £3.50 per hour 3 and 4 year olds receive Nursery Educational Funding 15hrs per week (free) Promotional offer:- Buy 15 hours and get an extra three hours free of charge, offer includes children in receipt of NEF funding For more information contact Sharon on 07837295698 Or visit our website at www.inbtweenies.co.uk

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

!

!

High Quality Fruit & Vegetables (inc seasonal produce, locally grown)

Fish, Eggs, Local Honey & Marmalade. Flowers for all Occasions (Special Orders Catered For)

Online ordering now available at www.bewdleyfarmshop.co.uk Register with us for regular FREE deliveries to your door

HEALTHY START vouchers accepted

Dog Lane • Bewdley • Worcs • DY12 2EF

!

!: bewdleyfarmshop@btconnect.com

t :

01299 400346

!

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

B

£5 OFF FIRST TREATMENT FOR NEW CLIENTS* We pride our selves on our professional appro ach and the atte ntion to detail in the se r vice that we offer e ach of our clients.

!"#$%&#'()*(+ ),#-."/$&0 123-#'&456&7

Preparatory school for children aged 3 to 13 Kinlet Hall • DY12 3AY

01299 841230 •

www.moffats.co.uk !"#$%#&'(")*+),'-.-+/-0/% 1-//')23'42'-##-),%'-'.+$+4

Providing a full range of beauty, facial and body tre atments specialising in Der malo gica, O.P.I. and C ACI – each tailore d to your ind ividual nee ds. We offe r se as onal pr omo tions and have a fantastic loyalty scheme plus d iscounts for recomme nd ing your fr iends & family. Snuff Mill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2EL tel: 01299 400146 email: info@chloeskinandbeauty.co.uk ww w.ch l oe s k i n an d be au t y. co. u k

Excludes gift vouchers and special offers

*

Community News

Together we Reach Out to the people of Bewdley and Wribbenhall

Following the great success of Bewdley Town Council’s Memories Project, our latest partnership to provide stimulating events for Senior Citizens will be launched in February. This venture will be working with The Reaching Out Project who provide services and activities for older people in Wyre Forest. Reaching Out was created in 2009 by a group of volunteers with extensive experience of working with older people led by Pat Simmonds. The launch of the joint project will be: An Afternoon of George Formby and Nostalgia Entertainment with the talented Matthew James Richards Wribbenhall Parish Room, Kidderminster Road, Bewdley Wednesday 11th February 1.30pm - 4.00pm £4.00 includes light refreshments

Don't sit alone: come and join us. Contact Pat 01562510252 or Email wyreforestreachingout@gmail.com

Bewdley Civic Society

Severn the Great British River

by Richard Hayman

Wednesday 18th February 7.30pm at St. George’s Hall Non members welcome

Rotary Club of Bewdley

Music & Laughter Night

with Doug Parker Friday 27th February 8.0pm at St George’s Hall. Tickets £13.50 to include a choice of hot supper. Booking essential. Information & Tickets: Bob Hill 01299 401722 or robert.hill21@talktalk.net

Kidderminster Beekeepers Association

BBKA Beginners Course in Beekeeping. Open to anyone interested in keeping bees, the course will start on Wednesday 4th February 2015, 7pm to 9pm, for ten weeks. It will be held at the Baptist Church Hall, Franche Road, Kidderminster, DY11 5BJ, parking at rear. This will be followed by two practical out apiary meetings for hands on experience. Fee £55. Numbers limited to sixteen. For information and application form: go to www.bbka.org.uk/local/kidderminster, email m.dcooper@tiscali.co.uk or telephone 01299 825578

Leisure

Home

Bookkeeping Annual Accounts Management Accounts Payroll and RTI Returns Company Formation

Garden

Tax Advice Tax Planning Tax Returns V.A.T. Registration Corporation Tax

Living

Garden Specialist Services

Does your child need a bit of extra help reaching their goals?

Private Tuition can make the difference between failure and success.

I offer high-quality tuition in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at KS3 and GCSE and Biology to A-Level.

Bridge House, River Side North, Bewdley, DY12 1AB

Prices between ÂŁ20- ÂŁ30 per/hour dependent on level of tuition required and distance travelled. Call Emma on

07976 960991

Steve Price Tel: Mob: E-mail:

01299 406 030 07595 607 482 steve.price@bridgepointltd.co.uk

LOCAL LAUNDRY SERVICES

If you can dream it, you can do it. Walt Disney

m k | ,# 32 # 0 ' ,%

Full and fast service washes, dry cleaning and ironing FREE local pick up and drop of available!! Good discounts for local businesses Quality and reliable service with a smile! We are 'Fresh

as a Daisy'

Bewdley's very own laundrette Tel: 01299

402888

4 ' 1 ' 2 555@ 1 # 4 %@ ! -@ 3) G ,#32 #0 p

Our Veterinary Column: All creatures great and small…

Community News

There is no doubt that the job has changed a lot since Mr. Herriot ran around the Yorkshire Dales after everything from cows to cats. Alf Wight, his real name, was a Glasgow University graduate from 1939. The Library at the Vet School in Glasgow is named in his memory. If you have ever read the James Herriot books, it is very easy to fall in love with the idea of becoming a vet - it was for me, anyway - but what is actually involved?

Well, to start with, you have to go to University:currently there are seven Vet schools in the UK from Glasgow to London. To get into University you have to beat off ten other applicants for your place, and pass some lovely interviews.

Following this, you have five years of lectures, study, exams, (and parties). If you pass your finals, you graduate and are sworn into the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the professional body to which all UK vets answer.

Much like passing your driving test, this is only the beginning: now, the real learning can start. As a new graduate, you feel helpless, but luckily we all have strong support from our seniors to point us in the right direction with investigations and diagnostics.

I started in Leicestershire, at a mixed practice. I used to treat anything and everything that walked through the door from wounded horses to sneezing albino boa constrictors. After a house move back to Worcestershire, I have now come to specialise in treating small animals – leaving the cows and horses to my cold, damp colleagues.

I love my job. It is hard work, but never boring. Every day is different, and I can go home saying ‘I’ve done some good today’, sometimes even ‘I’ve saved a life today’ – priceless.

If anyone wants to talk about becoming a Vet, feel free to call. Jeremy Hall BVMS MRCVS. Severn Edge Vets

Bewdley Horticultural Society

The Society resumes its activities for 2015 with an exciting programme of talks, visits and demonstrations. Our AGM is at the Riverside Church in Dog Lane on 16th February, meeting at 7.00 for a 7.30 start. This covers the Society’s work and finance over the last year and appoints officers for 2015. We meet at 7.00 for a 7.30 start. Following this brief formality, Richard Perrin, Chair of Bewdley’s Civic Society, will talk on the History of Bewdley. Our meetings are held at the above venue and time on the third Monday of each month. This year we have an eclectic mix of speakers and talks on topics ranging from shaded gardens, kitchen gardens, herbaceous perennials and creating focal points in gardens. A visit is planned to a local garden with sub-tropical plantings. Three shows exhibit members’ skills and talents in spring and autumn meetings and our very popular Annual Show in August covers fruit, vegetables, flowers, domestic skills and handicrafts. We welcome new members and guests to all meetings. For full details see our web page attached to the Bewdley Development Trust website or follow our activities in the Bridge.

Leisure

Home

Garden

L Living

Specialist Services

CREATIVE CURTAINS

Professional Maker Curtains Soft furnishings Roman Blinds Pelmets Swags and Tails Tina 01299878647 or 07967405067

Want to achieve your own Personal Best in 2015?

Whatever your problem - you owe it to yourself to find the best cure

&

To Book a Half Price Initial Assessment with Charlene or John and receive your own personalised Treatment and Exercise Plan -

Phone 01562 861897 and quote this advert ! !" "& *" (

info@personalbestphysio.co.uk 5 Mason Road, Kidderminster

Leisure

Home

Garden

Hagley Clock Clinic Ltd Est: 1978

Repairs, restoration & servicing of antique & fine clocks and other mechanical devices. Telephone: 01562 885080 www.hagleyclockclinic.co.uk

Private Tuition Given in Physics GCSE/AS/A2 and KS2/GCSE/AS/A2 Maths Call Roy on 01299 409 460

Living

Specialist Services

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS * Book-Keeping * Self-Assessment Tax Return * Limited Company Accounts

* Payroll Services * Preparation of Income & Expenditure Accounts * Specialist in Tax Planning

Struggling with Real Time Payroll? Our payroll bureau can ease the burden Call 01299 403503 Springhill House, Bewdley, DY12 1DQ www.dhjh.co.uk For a free consultation contact Jane Swann (jane.swann@dhjh.co.uk)

MARK WILLIAMS MIPW PROFESSIONAL WILLWRITER

“A lifetime’s attention to the most complex of legal investigations as a retired Detective Superintendent means you can definitely trust Mark to write your will”

Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Care Home Fee Avoidance Probate Support & Funeral Plans (Wills from £65 per person)

Instructions taken in the comfort of your own home T: 01299 251442 M: 07966 053887 Trading Standards Institute Approved

Community News

Bewdley Museum and Tourist Information Centre

During February, Museum staff will continue to prepare the Museum site in readiness for the new season. Surfaces will be given a fresh lick of paint, artefacts will be cleaned until they are gleaming and displays will be revitalised. Enthusiastic Volunteers will help us too, so that everything is ready for 2nd March, when eager visitors will pass through the doors into the Shambles.

Now that the excitement of Father Christmas’ grotto and the Bewdley Wassail has passed, planning is well underway for a packed programme of Exhibitions, School visits and Events. Coming soon to the Wyre Forest Gallery will be Inspired Images, a collection of oil paintings of mixed subjects by Alan Christopher Fuller.A series of workshops will accompany the exhibition. The Sawyard display area will house Photographs from the archive, an exhibition highlighting the diversity of the museum’s photographic collection.

For the Museum’s opening times and other information, please refer to our new website www.bewdleymuseum.co.uk or phone 0845 603 5699. Remember that the Tourist Information Centre is open daily throughout the year. From February to March opening hours are from 11am until 3pm. Discounted tickets are available for West Midlands Safari Park and Severn Valley Railway. Call in for a wide selection of maps, walk leaflets and local information.

Sue Duffield Museum Education and Development

Live Wyres is a social club for single people. We meet in pubs around the area and hold dances and other events in a range of venues from hotels to village halls.

The following events are a few of our events for February:-

Tues. 3rd – Pub Night at the Queen’s Head, Wolverley, DY11 5XB Wed. 4th – Roving Pub Lunch at the Three Crowns and Sugar Loaf, DY11 5JN Tues. 10th - Pub Night at The Old House at Home, B’ham Rd, Blakedown. DY10 3JE Sat.14th – Live Wyres Valentines Dance at Holy Innocents Church Hall, DY11 6LA Tues. 24th - Pub Night at the Whittington Inn, Kinver, DY7 6NY

We always welcome new members. Anyone interested can find out further information at our website www.livewyres.org.uk or contact Sandra on 01299 400979.

Rock Pound The Bounds

Sunday 3rd May 2015 For details see: www.poundthebounds.org.uk or http://www.midlandsairambulance.com

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

marion evans solicitors 67 High Street, BEWDLEY DY12 2DJ

family law since 1992

tel: 01299 402741

www.marion-evans-solicitors.co.uk email: marion@marion-evans-solicitors.co.uk

for a free initial appointment contact:

marion evans or lynette atkinson family law including separation, divorce and issues involving children and finances.

lisa tucker property including sales, purchases, mortgages.

BEWDLEY

marion evans wills, probate and inheritance claims (home visits can be arranged).

Professionalism in Print

• Bespoke Business Stationery • Flyers • Leaflets • Posters • Newsletters • Catalogues • Postcards • Greeting Cards etc. From a business card to a full catalogue, our inhouse design facility has it covered and our high quality, short run digital print service is available on a variety of papers & boards

AND IF YOU NEED IT IN A HURRY WE OFTEN GIVE A 24 HOUR TURN AROUND

t : 01299 406046 • m : 07710 523853 visit : www.printworxbewdley.com e : sales@printworx.org

Community News

News from the Severn Valley Railway

With 13 trains operating per day, 10 miles of lights, half a ton of roasted chestnuts sold, six weeks of setting up and over 30,000 passengers, it’s no surprise that the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) enjoyed another hugely successful festive season. A total of 32,213 tickets (over 99 per cent of available seats) were sold in advance for the Railway’s Santa Steam Specials and Santa Herald services. Thousands of children excitedly boarded the train at Kidderminster to visit the jolly red giant at his grotto in Arley on the Santa Steam Specials, or enjoyed a trip along the tracks with the big man himself on the Santa Herald services, after meeting and greeting one of Santa’s friendliest elves on arrival. Clare Gibbard, SVR’s marketing and communications manager, said: “It takes 100 dedicated volunteers per day, working alongside Santa, his team of elves and Railway staff to make sure everything runs smoothly and ensure the event is as successful as it is, year after year, and their hard work is reflected in these figures and the incredibly positive feedback we have received from visitors, new and old.” Following a successful end to 2014, staff and volunteers are looking forward to celebrating the SVR’s Golden Jubilee with a dedicated programme of events alongside its usual schedule of family and enthusiast favourites throughout 2015. The Railway is now closed while essential maintenance work is carried out and will reopen during the half-term holiday, 14th to 22nd February.

The Severn Valley Railway has a starring role in The Black Prince, based on the real life story of the last king of Punjab. Set in India and the UK, filming moved to Bewdley station on Tuesday, 18th November. Over 60 crew members from India and LA and around 10 actors, both principal cast members and extras, spent the day at the Railway. They filmed around the station at Bewdley, on a static train and on the train in the section between Bewdley and Kidderminster.

For more information about the Railway and special events taking place throughout 2015, visit www.svr.co.uk or call 01562 757900.

Leisure

Home

Garden

Living

Specialist Services

HETAS Registered Installer

Prompt, reliable & friendly service. Complete Supply and Installation of Liners and Woodburners Cowls and Chimney Pots fitted. Fully qualified and insured. Guild/Hetas certificates issued after every sweep. Call Eddie on 01299 382222 07895 612915 www.elitesweeps.co.uk

Community News

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 5th January 2015

Graeme Wormald

The Council learned with sadness of the death of former long serving Town Councillor and Mayor, Graeme Wormald, in the New Year. He had been Mayor for three consecutive years in the mid-1970s including the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year. Councillors paid their respect with a minute’s silence prior the start of the meeting. Council Budget

Councillors considered the first draft of the Council’s budget for the next financial year. There were a number of competing demands both of a regular and of a one-off nature which could justify some use of reserves that had been built up over recent years. It was agreed that a detailed look at all the figures should be carried out by the Finance Committee before the Council made a final decision at its next meeting as to items of expenditure, any use of reserves and the level of Council Tax to be levied as part of the overall Council Tax demand. Christmas Appeal

The Council had agreed in the autumn to initiate a collection of food and gifts for local people in need over the Christmas period. This had been organised at short notice but Councillor Mrs Davies was able to report on what had been a successful outcome with a good quantity of items being offered all of which had been taken to the Baptist Church. With contributions from others, the Church was then able to distribute 59 Christmas hampers, helping 194 people and consisting of around 316 shopping bags of food. It was hoped that the exercise could be repeated next year. Kidderminster Road Closure

Advance warning was received of the closure of Kidderminster Road for a period of potentially four weeks as from 23rd February (date and period to be confirmed) to enable the Severn Valley Railway to carry out important repair works to the bridge/viaduct. Clearly this will have serious implications for traffic, businesses and residents with the County Council as highway authority needing to coordinate the exercise extremely carefully. Future Town Council Meetings Town Council meetings are held at The Guildhall at 7.30pm on the first Monday of each month unless stated otherwise. The next meetings are: 2nd February, 2nd March and Tuesday 7th April. The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday 13th April 2015 at 7.00pm. Agendas of Town Council, Planning and Finance Committee Meetings are posted on the Notice Boards outside the Mayor’s Parlour, in the Guildhall Foyer and by the Library Entrance and on the Town Council’s page of www.bewdleytowncouncil.org Minutes of those meetings are also available at the Library, on the website and at the Town Clerk’s Office. TOWN COUNCIL NEWS IS PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY BEWDLEY TOWN COUNCIL

Leisure

Home

Garden

Affordable Coaching, Counselling and Psychotherapy

Bereaved, separated, redundant, depressed, anxious, stressed? Kate Spohrer NLP Master Call Kate on 07806301328 initial discussion free of charge email katespohrer@hotmail.com UKCP Trainee Member

Bayton Fuel Co Clows Top

Coal and Smokeless Fuel Merchants For all your coal needs Pre packed fuel available Please ring for details 01299 832 308 01299 400 479

Living

Specialist Services

ÂŠÂƒÂ–ÇŻÂ• ‘Â? ‹Â? Thursdayy Film Programme

Music in the Hall

Cinema tickets ÂŁ5.00 (u 18 ÂŁ4) CafĂŠ Bar opens 6.4 6 45pm. Films start 77.30 3 pm Thursday February 5th: Gone Girl (15) A man reports his wife missing on their anniversary. Soon his lies and strange behaviour have everyone asking: Did he murder her? DzÍ™ a slow build of foreboding that Alfred Hitchcock would have admired." The Daily Mail

Blues Valentine n

Thursday February 12th: Magic in the Moonlight (PG13) Woody Allen directs Colin Firth as a magician who plans to uncover the truth behind a celebrated spiritualist. Is she the real deal and is he falling in love? ͙͞ a film of considerable, ƉůĂLJĨƾů Ä?ĹšÄ‚ĆŒĹľÍ˜Í&#x; The Independent Thursday February 19th: The Babadook (15) A mother struggles to combat her son's fear of žŽŜĆ?ĆšÄžĆŒĆ? ĂŜĚ Ç ĹšÄžĹś ƚŚĹ?ĹśĹ?Ć? Ä?ĂŜ͛ƚ Ĺ?Ğƚ ĂŜLJ Ç Ĺ˝ĆŒĆ?Ğ͕ they read a strange book about the 'Babadook͚͘ Íž,Ĺ?Ĺ?ŚůLJ ĆŒÄžÄ?ŽžžÄžĹśÄšÄžÄš ĨŽĆŒ Í™ thrills and chills͘Í&#x; Thursday February 26th:

Mr Turn ner (12A) Directed by Mike Leigh starring Timothy Spall, an exploration of the last quarter century of the great, if eccentric, painter J.M.W. Turner. ͙͞ Ä‚ ĆŒÄ‚ĹľÄ?ĹŻĹ?ĹśĹ?Í• ĆŒĹ?Ä?ŚůLJ ĚĞƚĂĹ?ůĞĚ Ä?ĹšÄ‚ĆŒÄ‚Ä?ĆšÄžĆŒ Ć?ƚƾĚLJ Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ Ä‚ žĂĹ?ĹśĹ?ĨĹ?Ä?ĞŜƚ Ä?ÄžĹśĆšĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ Ć‰ÄžĆŒĨŽĆŒĹľÄ‚ĹśÄ?Ğ͘Í&#x; The Independent All tickets may be purchased in advance from the CafĂŠ in the Hall. Details on http://thehall-bewdley.org.uk/ or http://www.bewdleylive.co.uk/

Bewdley Film Club Č‚ FLICs New season starts on Tuesday February 3rd Details mickfoley@me.com or 07973 463932

From 8 pm Saturday February 14th Dr Bowling and his Blues Professors return to Bewdley to launcch their new album Íš ĹŻÄ‚Ä?ĹŹ Country Ĺ˝Ç‡Í›Í˜ Also featuring Sunjay, the awardwinning local young bluesman making a big impact nationa n lly. Support by The Measure of Mayall, the Final Measure guys with t a ĆšĆŒĹ?Ä?ƾƚĞ ƚŽ ĹľĹ?Ě͏ůĂƚĞ ϲϏÍ›Ć? ÄžĆŒÄ‚ :ŽŚŜ Mayall and the Bluesbreakkers.

Comiing in Marrch

7pm Thursday March 12th NTLive Streaming

Behiind the Beautiful Forevers A tumultuous p playy on an ep pic scale set in the Mumbai Airport slums.

7.30pm Thursday March 23rd ‘›ƒŽ š…ŠƒÂ?‰‡ Š‡ƒ–”‡ ÇŽ Â‹Â˜Â‡ÇŻ Maxine Peake is Ham mlet A unique and critically accclaimed staging of Shakespeare's trragedy. More NT Live streaming : 16 April: The Hard Problem 14 May: Man And Superm man http://ntlive.nationalth eatr e.org.uk/

Tickets for Theatre events t are ÂŁ10.

‘‘Â?• ƒ– – ‡‘”‰‡ǯ• ƒŽŽ ƒ”‡ ƒ˜ƒ‹Žƒ„Ž‡ ˆ‘” ’”‹˜ƒ–‡ „‘‘Â?‹Â?‰• telephone 01299 400110 or go to http://thehall-bewdley.org.uk/ St. George's Hall, Load Street, Bewdley DY12 2EQ

Bewdley The

PASSION THREE DAY EVENT

2015

3 Plays in 3 Days

A modern portrayal of the first Easter

Betrayal

Venue : Jubilee Gardens

Thursday 2nd April 2015 7.00pm - 7.45pm

Crucifixion

Venue: Bewdley Town Centre (Load St) Friday 3rd April 2015 2.30pm - 3.00pm

Resurrection Musical Venue: Jubilee Gardens

Saturday 4th April 2015 7.00pm - 8.00pm For more information contact Rev Keith James on (01299) 402275

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.