The Bridge December 2015
Bewdley Medical Centre Artworks Challenge On 12th November children from
Bewdley Primary School
walked to where the new Medical Centre is being built. They brought with them designs chosen by Projects Manager Roger Wilks from drawings the school had made on the theme of “Bewdley”. Lots of bright colours and a morning’s hard work produced the cheerful pictures now on show for us all to admire.
Photos: Margaret Ashmore
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 December’s edition of The Bridge, full as ever of events to celebrate Christmas: Concerts and Carols, parties and pantomime, coffee mornings and markets. On a practical note, the holiday season brings an earlier copy deadline than usual and we ask that material for January’s magazine reaches us by Monday 7th December.
As the change in the weather reminds us that winter is here, Barbara Fauset shares her delight in the beauty of the season in our centre colour pages. Do please keep sending us your pictures; we’re building an archive to use throughout the year. And thank you to readers who responded to articles in last month’s magazine; more about this next month. Meanwhile, find out on page 23 where Colin Billett finds silence.
As ever during Advent and Christmas, Bewdley’s churches offer services from quiet time in candlelight to the excitement of a lively carol service or nativity. Details throughout the magazine. May the joys of Christmas be with you, however you spend this season.
Margaret, Martin, Ann, Peter and Gill
Paul Mann Following the sad death of Paul Mann after a short illness, the Bridge magazine would like to extend our sympathies to Janet, his wife, and to their family.
Paul and Janet have contributed greatly to the magazine by bringing order and a system to its delivery. They have ensured that every household west of the river has had a copy each month and that as people were no longer able to continue to deliver their magazines, new volunteers were found. Paul will also be missed by many in the town; as well as being Town Clerk for several years and singing with Bewdley Choral Society, he was a keen volunteer with Community Transport and Bewdley Festival.
Sharing your news with us
If you want to share your news and photographs or advertise your company. editorial@bewdleybridge.org.uk News
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advertising@bewdleybridge.org.uk (Tel 07582 008369)
Photographs pictures@bewdleybridge.org.uk
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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: Holly at Ribbesford Paul Warnett 3
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What’s
On
Community News
December 1 Cruse Bereavement Care Coffee morning at Kateshill House- see page 39 1 Bewdley Film Club - see inside back page 3 TIC shopping evening – see page17 3 Rock Pathfinders walk - see page 24 3 Coffee morning in aid of Mayor’s charities at Wharton Park - see page 41 3 Cinema in the Hall: Amy – see inside back page 5 Concert in aid of British Red Cross Europe Refugee Crisis Appeal - see page 39 6 Children’s Pantomime at the Museum – see page 17 6 Bewdley Local Produce Market - see page 24 6 Christingle Crafts workshop and Service at All Saints’- see page11 6 Bewdley Footpaths walk – see page 21 6 Beer and Carols at The Woodcolliers – see page 27 7 All Saints Church Wribbenhall Bewdley Knit and Natter 10am till 12.00 7 Bewdley Floral Art Christmas presentation - see page 27 7 Bewdley WI meeting - see page 29 10 Kidderminster Beekeepers Association meeting - see page 24 10 Knit and Natter at the Methodist Church, High Street 2-4pm 10 Cinema in the Hall: Trash– see inside back page 11 Wyre Forest Society meeting - see page 24 12 Bewdley Baptist Church family activities - 01299 403267 12-13 Christmas events at the Museum – see page 17 12 Bewdley Choral Society and Mayor’s Charity Christmas Concert – see page 17 14 All Saints Church Wribbenhall Book Sale and Knit and Natter 10am till 12.00 14-18 Journey to the Manger in St. Anne’s Church - see page 19 15 Methodist Church Walking Group, 10.30am 01299 403941 15 Reaching out Together Christmas party - see page 41 15 Bewdley Townswomen’s Guild meeting - see page 24 16 Bewdley and Wribbenhall Ladies Luncheon Club – see page 24 17 Rock Pathfinders walk - see page 24 17 Cinema in the Hall: Les Miserables at 7.00pm – see inside back page 18 Music in the Hall: Dale Von Minaker plus Swallows – see inside back cover 19-21 Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church Wribbenhall Bewdley - see page 17 20 A Christmas Carol service with Riverside Elim - see page 19 20 Christmas Bewdley Local Produce market - see page 24 20 Carols by Candlelight at the Methodist Church 4pm - see page 5 20 Bewdley Concert Band Christmas Concert, St Anne’s Church, 7.30pm - see page 43 21 All Saints Church Wribbenhall Knit and Natter 10am till 12.00 22 Opera ‘Live’ in the Hall - see inside back page 24 Nativity in St. Anne’s Church - see page 19 5
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Happy Christmas from Bewdley Methodist Church
You are assured a warm welcome at our services on Sundays at 10.30 and special services ias advertised. Once a month, children and grandchildren enjoy their own lively Sunday Club.We’re next to the Jubilee gardens on High Street. www.bewdleymethodists.org.uk
Special Advent & Christmas Services 13 December – Toy Service, 10.30am (see below) 20 December – Carols by Candlelight, 4.00pm CHRISTMAS DAY – Family Celebration, 9.30am 27 December – United Service at Stourport Wesley Methodist Church, 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? For the second year running we are collecting donations of new/as new toys for children of families supported by HomeStart Wyre Forest.The toys will be presented and dedicated at our morning service on Sunday 13 December.
Christmas Services 2015
13th December 10.00am
Noah’s Ark & Messy Church Nativity Join us as our younger members tell the story of the birth of Jesus in their own special way
20th December 10.00am
An All-Age Service for all the Family Come and experience the reason for the season!
20th December 5.30pm Carols by Candlelight The sparkling atmosphere of carols sung by candle light.
25th December 10.00am Christmas Day Celebration Service
Come and celebrate the arrival of the baby Jesus... More Information from: Bewdley Baptist Church Office
01299 403267 / Email: office@bewdleybaptist.org.uk 7
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THE WOODCOLLIERS ARMS
Sunday Lunch • Christmas Bookings Russian and Traditional Food Quiz night Tuesdays Bed & Breakfast
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The deadline for the January issue of The Bridge is 7th December 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
76 Welch Gate, Bewdley Worcestershire DY12 2AU
T: 01299 400589 M: 07789 917168
Book online at www.woodcolliers.co.uk E: roger@woodcolliers.co.uk
“An Amazing Camping Experience” Roaring campfires and the great outdoors combined with the cosiness of authentic native American Tipis.
Each tipi is furnished to provide comfort camping with an assortment of futons and camping beds, chairs and tables, rugs and throws. Also supplied are gas cooking stove, pans, crockery, cutlery and cold box. Each tipi has its own picnic table and external fire pit with cooking frame for that all important campfire.
So if you fancy a romantic weekend under the stars, an outdoor adventure with the family or somewhere for friends or relatives to stay, please get in touch!
During your stay enjoy a delicious Artisan Pizza. Our Licensed Alfresco Pizzeria is open to campers and the general public from Easter to September – 6.00pm til 9.00pm every Friday & Saturday. So come and enjoy a new type of eating experience with friends & family! Hopleys Family Camping Cleobury Road Bewdley DY12 2QL 01299 402173 or 07973135909 www.hopleyscamping.co.uk 8
A warm welcome from Bewdley Baptist Church
✦ Who
Let The Dads Out - Second Saturday of the month for dads and toddlers ✦ Messy Church - Third Sunday of the month 4-6pm. Family Fun ✦ Eat-Chat-Enjoy Second Tuesday of the month. For those 60 and over ✦ Youth Activities ✦ Men’s Group ✦ House Groups ✦ Discipleship Groups ✦ Bible Study and Prayer Groups
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. ✦ Womens’ Own - an afternoon meeting for ladies. ✦ Art Group - a quiet place to paint and draw.
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
St Anne’s Church
Sunday morning worship: 11.15am
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.
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.
Wednesdays at 10.15am Morning Worship
Thinking about baptism? Come to 9.30am Sunday service at St Anne’s Bewdley and we’ll talk together over coffee.
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.
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
Thinking about baptism – come to our 9.30am Sunday service and we’ll talk together over coffee Our website is: www.bewdleyparish.org.uk
Church News l
The Churchwarden, on 01299 403983.
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You are very welcome. However you come. Whyever you come. We hope you will come again.
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Church News l
Bewdley Methodist Church
St Andrew’s Bewdley
High Street Services at 10.30 every Sunday
The Chapel in the woods
Sunday worship: 11.15am on the second 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
For details about any activities or special services please see our advert or contact Rev. Philip Hoar on 826641.
All Saints Wribbenhall
RIVERSIDE CHURCH
Sunday Worship at 9.30am Worship lasts for about an hour
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
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 10.00am – 12.00noon Church is open for Knit and Natter every Monday except Bank Holidays Book Sale, including jig-saws, CDs, DVDs and cards on 2nd Monday of the month
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
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.
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For further information, phone the Clerk on 01562 741501
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Parishes of Bewdley and Wribbenhall
Community News
Christmas Services 2015 Sunday 20th December
4.00pm Lessons and Carols at St Andrew’s Button Oak The Chapel in the Woods
25th December- Christmas Day 9.30am Joint Family Holy Communion at St. Anne’s Bewdley (no service at All Saints’ or St. Leonard’s)
24th December - Christmas Eve
6.30pm Nativity in St Anne’s Bewdley Children are invited to come dressed as a character from the Nativity story 6.30pm Lessons and Carols at All Saints’ Wribbenhall
Sunday 27th December 11.15am Joint Holy Communion at St Leonard’s Ribbesford (no service at St. Anne’s or All Saints’)
11.30pm Joint Midnight Mass at All Saints’ Wribbenhall (no service at St. Anne’s or St. Leonard’s)
All Welcome
Christingle Service
Taize Prayer for Advent
All Saints’ Wribbenhall
St. Anne’s Bewdley
Sunday 6th December 4.30pm
Sunday 6th December 6.30pm
All ages are welcome to this family-friendly service where we . give out Christingles All are welcome to experience the prayer, silence and songs from the Taize Community in France.
Informal and atmopheric - it’s the perfect preparation for the coming of Christmas All are welcome to the workshop before the service for Christingle Crafts. Wribbenhall Parish Rooms 3.00 - 4.00pm
Stillness in the candlelight 13
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The deadline for the January issue of The Bridge is 7th December 14
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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
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BEWDLEY TILE WALL & FLOOR TILING 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Richard Moore 01299 404591 07979241892 richard@bewdleytile.co.uk
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The deadline for the January issue of The Bridge is 7th December
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CLEANER/CARETAKER (Part Time)
A vacancy has arisen for a Cleaner/Caretaker at Bewdley Town Council. This role will initially concentrate on the servicing of Load Street Public Conveniences. The rate of pay will start at £7.20 per hour for an average of 9 hours per week, over 5 days (Mon-Fri). Actual hours per week will vary according to the time of year and any events being held in the Town, but will include opening up in the morning, and locking at night. To apply please visit our website to download an application form (www.bewdleytowncouncil.org), call into the Town Clerk’s Office at the Guildhall, or call 01299 400157. CLEANER/CARETAKER (Weekends, Bank Holidays and Relief ) A vacancy has arisen for a weekend and relief Cleaner/Caretaker at Bewdley Town Council. This role will initially concentrate on the servicing of Load Street Public Conveniences. The rate of pay will start at £7.20 per hour for an average of 3.5 hours per week over Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Actual hours per week will vary according to the time of year and any events being held in the Town, but will include opening up in the morning, and locking at night. There will also be an element of relief cover as and when necessary. To apply please visit our website to download an application form (www.bewdleytowncouncil.org), call into the Town Clerk’s Office at the Guildhall, or call 01299 400157. Closing Date for both vacancies is 11th December 2015.
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Community News
Bewdley Museum and Tourist Information Centre
As the Museum’s season draws to a close for another year, there’s still plenty on offer for all ages. The Christmas Craft Fair, which is linked with the Town’s Light Switch-On, is taking place on Saturday 28th November 10am – 5pm. It will continue on Sunday 29th November 11am - 4.30pm. There will be Craft stalls, Children’s Craft Activities and seasonal food for visitors to enjoy.
On 3rd December, the Tourist Information Centre will be open later than usual for a Christmas Shopping evening. So come along and browse for some unique presents. More details are available from TIC.
This year’s ever-popular Pantomime performance will take place in the Museum Sawyard on Sunday 6th December from 1pm to approx 2.30pm. The Little English Theatre Company will present The Golden Voyage of Sinbad. Tickets are priced at £3 per person, and they are available from TIC in person or phone 0845 607 7819.
The Christmas Grotto Weekend is Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December, 12noon - 3pm.You can visit Father Christmas for £3 per child, with a gift included. There will also be Donkey Rides in the Jubilee Gardens at £2 per child. Once again, there will be Craft Stalls and Seasonal Refreshments plus Live Christmas Music.
For the Museum’s opening times and other information, please refer to our website www.bewdleymuseum.co.uk , phone 0845 603 5699 or pick up a leaflet at TIC. From now until 20th December, the Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 3.30pm and TIC opens every day. Please call into TIC for a wide selection of maps, walk leaflets and local information. Discounted tickets are available for West Midlands Safari Park and Severn Valley Railway. Sue Duffield
All Saints Annual Christmas Tree Festival All Saints Church Kidderminster Road Bewdley
Saturday 19th December 10 - 4 Sunday 20th December 2 - 4 Monday 21st December 10 -12 Refreshments available Come and vote for your favourite tree All trees displayed are by local businesses or organisations If you wish to enter a tree please contact Carol 01562 746882 or Gail 01299 401685
Bewdley Choral Society and Mayor invite you to their Charity Concert
Music for Christmas
Saturday 12th December 7.00pm St. Anne’s Church
An evening of Christmas Carols, old and new Come and sing your seasonal favourites. Tickets £5.00 on the door Includes mulled wine and mince pie 19
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Local handyman available for all types of housing and garden maintenance.
The Door Medic Upvc Window & Door Repairs
For all your Upvc window & door repair problems. From locks to patio door rollers, we cover it all. We are the specialists with many happy Bewdley customers who recommend us time after time. Local friendly company. Fully insured & CRB cleared. Call 01299 266713 Mob 07469 879240 www.windowdoctor.co.uk Independent since 1997
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Community News
JOURNEY TO THE MANGER
Bring the whole family on a journey to the manger and enter the story of Christmas. 14th - 18th December 10am – 6pm
St. Anne’s Church
Drop in any time of the week to Reflect, Prepare or Pray through six interactive stations of the Nativity Story.
Designed and set up by children from St. Anne’s School. Riverside Elim Church presents
Nativity Service Christmas Eve 6.30pm St. Anne’s Church
A Christmas Carol 20th December
An exciting traditional carol service with a touch of Scrooge for all the family. Two services to choose from each with a familiar Victorian theme and many other fine Christmas touches 4pm & 6:30pm St George’s Hall Load St Bewdley For more information visit www.riversideelim.com or email admin@riversideelim.com
All welcome to this child-friendly service where we re-tell the story of the birth of Jesus.
Children welcome to come dressed as a character from the Nativity story Service lasts 30 minutes (give or take…)
Scouts and Guides Christmas Post
The Scouts and Guides would like to thank you for your support for the last 25 years. Due to lack of leaders and adult supporters unfortunately we are no longer able to offer this service. We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 21
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Community News
News of repairs to St. Anne’s Church
Plans have been agreed for major works to take place on the repair to the roof and ceiling of St Anne’s Church. The works were identified in a report carried out in 2014 by Robert Kilgour Architects based in Bewdley. The report identified that work is urgently required to ensure that the church is watertight and weatherproof. This includes renewal of roof tiles and valley guttering; high level masonry renewals; rainwater goods renewals; improved roof insulation and interior ceiling repair work.
The cost of the work is estimated to be £181,000. The work has been made possible by a grant of £100,000 from the Government's Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund to address urgent roof repairs that will ensure the church is weathertight, safe and open for use. lt is one of 502 grants from a total funding package of £30 million that have been announced for urgent roof repairs for places of worship across the UK by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Fund is administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) on behalf of the Department for Culture Media and Sport. The balance is expected to be made up of a reclaim of VAT, £25,000 from the church’s own reserves and generous donations from other charities and individuals. Donations towards the works can still be made by contacting 01299 409137.
The work is expected to start on 9 May 2016 to make best use of the summer weather and is scheduled to be complete by the end of August. It will involve the erection of scaffolding around the church and the need for road closures in Load Street. We will be liaising with the highway authority to ensure that disruption to traffic is minimised. During this time work will also take place in the chancel area of the interior of the church but Sunday services will continue to be held in the church during this period. It will still be available for other community activities that also take place in the church.
Robert Smith St Anne’s Property Group
Correction
The picture on page 11 of October’s Bridge is of Lizzie Moretti of Bewdley Bards reading at a Bewdley Book Week event and not of Mary-Rose Benton as stated in the caption. Our apologies to all concerned.
Bewdley Footpaths
Meets in the garden on the east side of the river just below Bewdley Bridge at 1.45pm for a prompt start at 2.00pm.
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Sunday 6th December: a walk of approximately 2-3 miles in the Ribbesford area. Sunday 3rd January: a walk of approximately 2 miles through & along the Bewdley byways.
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The deadline for the January issue of The Bridge is 7th December WINDOWS & DOORS
Installed DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL Locks, Misted Units, Soffits, fascias, gutters & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE WORK DEAN CHAMBERS 07985301956 01562 827712
All work approved
Insured. FENSA Qualified, Traders Register
Do you need transport........we’re here to help!
Community Transport Wyre Forest provides door to door transport for local people who don’t have access to their own car or who find it difficult to use public transport. We’ll take you from your home to local destinations as well as further afield throughout the country. So don’t stay at home......have a journey with us! We even have vehicles suitable for wheelchairs. Our booking line is
01299 405820
and is open 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday.
To find out how to become a member (or to volunteer as one of our driving team) contact us on 01299 405832 or e-mail admin@ctwyre.org.uk or see our website www.ctwyre.org.uk 24
Community News
Bewdley Mid Winter Festival A Celebration of Food Cider & Wassailing
Saturday 9th January 2016 12pm-3.30pm
Preparations are underway for Bewdley Mid Winter Festival. Following the success of 2015’s event, we are now going bigger and better, with live folk music, a bigger Food Village, a cider festival and, of course, the well-loved Wassail.
Come and shake off those winter blues as the Jubilee Gardens comes to life from 12 noon onwards with live music and dance on The Green Theatre. Fill your boots with a variety of delicious and warming dishes, available throughout the event from local traders at the Food Village by the museum. And because so many people enjoyed the local cider last year, this time we have a more diverse range of ciders to taste in the Museum Saw Yard.
The parade this year assembles by the Green Theatre at 2pm sharp and makes its way through the Jubilee Gardens to the Community Orchard where the 2016 Wassail Ceremony takes place. Find out about the significance of the ceremony as we sing, dance and bless the apple trees in this ancient English tradition. We also invite you to recycle and use your leftover Christmas ribbons to decorate the orchard. As always, children from local schools are invited to take part in workshops to learn the basics of traditional folk dancing and singing before performing their new skills as part of the wassail. Following its debut last year, the Best Dressed Wassail Hat competition will return, so get your crafty fingers working in the New Year and show off your creations on the day.
This event is brought to you by Wyre Forest District Council.
For more information visit: www.bewdleymuseum.co.uk. Look out for posters and flyers around the town as well as posts on Facebook. Like our page to keep up to date with events at www.facebook.com/Bewdley-Museum. Dear Margaret
I enjoyed your piece in The Bridge on silence, and like you I love a solitary walk. My favourite is Ribbesford Woods, but if you publish that I might lose the solitude! To me the clear choice is Bewdley Friends Meeting House, where we Quakers meet together each Sunday at 10.30 am for a largely silent meeting, and also the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm. Sometimes it is good to be still and quiet with others also seeking that inner peace. The garden is pretty good too - a burial ground dating from 1691, with two yew trees, a few gravestones, and the odd squirrel to keep one company. Colin Billett 25
Community News
Bewdley and Wribbenhall Ladies’ Luncheon Club
Kidderminster Beekeepers Association
Christmas Social on Thursday 10th December 7.30pm at Trinity Methodist Church Centre, Churchfields, Kidderminster, DY10 2JL. Festive refreshments and a talk from Susan Limbrey about the changes she has seen during her forty years of beekeeping. A beekeeping course for beginners will be run early in 2016; details to be published in January.
At October’s successful Open Meeting, an enjoyable meal was followed by an excellent and informative illustrated talk on “The Enigma Machine” by Dr. Mark Baldwin. A lady was in attendance who had worked at Bletchley Park.
On 16th December Sandy Cale returns with “Two for One” Vocal Performance. Ladies are welcome to attend our monthly meetings at the Mercure. For information please ring 400363.
Bewdley Townswomen Guild
and a special Christmas market on 20 December 10am – 4pm Load Street. info@bewdley.org.uk
We invite interested women of all ages to our Christmas Party on Tuesday 15th December at 7pm. This fun filled evening will offer a light hearted quiz, Festive fayre and Carol singing. Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road. Bewdley. DY12 1EU To find out more please contact Maureen Golborne 01299 488526 or Lois Hopkins 01299 409465
Rock Pathfinders
THE WYRE FOREST SOCIETY
Bewdley Local Produce Markets 6th December 10am – 4pm
Free guided walks along our footpaths and bridleways taking 2-3 hours, off the roads and into the countryside. 3rd December Alongside Far Forest Church on Church Lane DY14 9TT OS reference 728750 17th December From The Bell Inn Pensax WR6 6AE OS ref 736687 For full programme see www.rockvillagehall.co.uk
working for the conservation of the Wyre Forest Friday 11th of December 7.30pm An evening with John Robinson the well known local naturalist. Lickhill Road Community Centre, Stourport on Seven. Everyone is welcome, non members £2.50 including refreshments.
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Further details from: Sylvia Sheldon 01299 404122 or Stuart Leadley 01562 753155
Bewdley Remembers: Sunday 8th November
Photos: Colin Hill
December’s Photographer: Barbara Fauset
Isola Orta San Giulio in the winter sunshine
New Year’s Day
December Frost
Looking towards Winterdyne
Duck House Community Arts Project Winners Bewdley Civic Society was recently declared winner by public vote of Bewdley Festival’s Community Arts Project that ran throughout October in Jubilee Gardens.
The Duck House was designed by a small team of artistic Bewdley Civic Society members. David Griffiths was the main craftsman and Jan Pearce the painter, well-supported by Penny Griffiths and Pauline Lowe.
The artists wished to create something which would symbolise Bewdley’s past and present as a much-loved home town and visitor destination and would also provide a memorial for the Civic Society’s late President, Kenneth Hobson, who died earlier this year. The garden bench has a brass plaque in memory of Kenneth and the green bin remembers his great interest in recycling litter he found spoiling the Bewdley street scene. The historic blue-plaque award marks the house as the birth-place of Sir Stanley Baldwings PM and the house sports its own ‘flood defence’ system. The occupants are keen to support ‘Bewdley in Bloom’ and have a private link to the Severn Valley Railway. Unfortunately, the giraffe on loan from the Safari Park went missing before the photograph was taken!
For more information about Bewdley Civic Society, please contact Honorary Secretary Barbara Longmore 01299 403939 bmlongmore@gmail.com or visit the Society’s website: www.bewdleycivicsociety.org.uk Penny Griffiths and Jan Pearce with the winner’s trophy. Photo: Colin Hill
Duck House Community Arts Project Winners All Saints’ Knit and Natter Group were awarded second place in Bewdley Festival’s Community Arts Project that ran throughout October. Bewdley Ducks Gallery took third place. The winners were chosen by public vote.
All Saints’ Knit and Natter group is one of Wribbenhall’s best success stories. The group has become so popular since it started three years ago that now more than 25 knitters meet every week in the church on Kidderminster Road. During this time, the group has helped many different charities, including producing knitted chickens that have so far raised £3000 for Cancer Research, as well as making poppies for the British Legion to sell. Garments made by the group have been sent far and wide to where they are needed to help people in difficulty. All Saints Knit and Natter meets every Monday except Bank Holidays in All Saints’ Church. For further details about this friendly group, contact: Gail Lawrence 01299 401685 Gail Lawrence, the group’s leader, at the Duck House presentation evening. Photo: Colin Hill
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The knitters enjoyed the challenge of designing and knitting a Duck House and had particular fun creating all the details of the duck family and their home and garden, including the roses around the door and pond, complete with frog!
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STEPHEN GOFFE GARDEN SERVICES SPECIALISTS IN:GARDEN MAINTENANCE GRASS CUTTING AND GARDEN RENOVATIONS
For Fast & Friendly Service contact: M: 07512 589665 or T: 01299 402622
Green Leaf LANDSCAPES & DESIGN
Kevin Hayes N.C.H.(Pershore)
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Planting Plans Pergolas Pruning Water features Patios Walls and fences Phone: 01299 400465 Mob :07866 964427
Thoughts from the Secret Gardener
Community News
Leaves, leaves, leaves. Well, that is what it feels like at this time of the year. The leaf rake becomes the most important tool in the shed. Mind you, the leaves seem to have stayed on for a long time this year. No strong winds in October and no early frosts to speak of. It is a good idea to get them up though. Not only does it look better, but the grass suffers if leaves are left on but, raked and heaped up to break down into leaf mould, they become a valuable source of soil conditioner. It is helpful to use leaf mould in the bottom of tubs and planters where it saves on expensive compost.
Talking of compost, now is a good time to turn the heaps. Turning helps to speed up the composting process and it is a good warming winter job. There is a bit of all purpose compost left from last season so it is worth sowing a few seeds of Winter Density lettuce for an early crop in the spring.Valdor is another lettuce which can be sown at this time of the year.
Glad to say that all the tulip bulbs have been planted. The old hands always said that a bulb should have its own height of soil above its head but modern thought suggests that 6 inches deep should be a minimum depth for planting to encourage strong growth and repeat flowering next year.
Beer And Carols
Bewdley Floral Art Club’s Christmas Presentation
Bows, Baubles & Berries
Sunday 6th December 8pm
Woodcolliers Arms, Welch Gate, Bewdley. Free entry
with Andrew Lloyd The Town Hall Kidderminster
Monday 7th December
7.30pm (Doors open 6.30pm)
Sing your favourite carols in one of Bewdley’s most atmospheric pubs
Tickets £8.50 from Bewdley Floral Art evenings
or 01299 402961, 01384 443380
CARDS FOR GOOD CAUSES CHRISTMAS 2015
The Cards for Good Causes shop remains open in Bewdley Library until 18th December on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10am to 4.30pm and Saturdays 9.30 to 1.00pm The Bewdley shop sells cards for over 30 charities, both local and national, along with many stocking fillers, gift tags and wrapping. At least 75p in every £1 goes direct to the charities. The shop is run by volunteers. 33
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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
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Community News
Bewdley Festival Revisited: Leo Sayer He Made Us Feel like Dancing
Very handy for Bewdley Festival that Leo Sayer’s “Restless Years” Tour was passing by, as he got the Festival off to a rip roaring start. However, before the main event the packed house were treated to a great warm up set from the very likeable Michael Armstrong who entertained us with his classy self-penned songs before finishing with one by his boyhood idol: Paul McCartney. Coming late to the music business, Armstrong is a natural performer with a great touch on both guitar and piano to go with his powerful and soulful voice. He was engaging and funny and put the audience in a great mood for the arrival of Leo Sayer. Sayer himself was full of character right from the off, getting the audience immediately involved and building the atmosphere in the room. He ran through all his greatest hits; Show Must Go On, Moonlighting, Road and more. He then treated us to three new tracks from his latest Album: “Restless Years” which demonstrated that his songwriting genius is as fresh now as it was 40 years ago. The set wound up to an energetic finish with Dreamin’(The song he wrote for Cliff Richard), Thunder in my Heart,You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and When I Need You which had the audience up on their feet and cheering for more. And, after nearly two hours, Sayer and his band obliged coming back to give us two extended encores, wrapping up with a version of Raining in my Heart that showcased his awesome harmonica skills as well as his astonishing vocals. Sayer’s band, including legendary Van Morrison Guitarist Ronnie Johnson are incredibly tight and clearly love being on stage together. The energy and enjoyment on stage belied the fact that they were on their 23rd night of a 25 date tour - It felt like a one off gig.
The best opening night I have ever been to, and I suspect one of the best in the Festival’s 27 years. Alastair Elliott
Bewdley WI
meets in St. George’s Hall Load St Bewdley on the First Monday of each month at 7.30pm The newly formed BEWDLEY WI welcomes new members. The next meeting is on Monday 7th December at 7.30pm This meeting will be a Christmas Social with buffet and party games. Visitors pay £3. Members pay £37.50 per year and enjoy the many benefits it brings. Do come along. We are sure you will make new friends, enjoy the great speakers, demonstrations, outings and have fun! 35
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!"#$%&'$(&)*)+,$'"!"#$(&) Home Visiting Practitioner
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Pound Green and Button Oak Community Hall have a beautiful hall that we are happy to rent out. It is central heated, fully furnished with chairs and tables, a modern kitchen with cutlery and plates etc, good sized oven and hot water. There are 2 rooms, a big one and a smaller one suitable for small meetings etc. There is a good car park and we are opposite the New Olde Inn . If you would like to see the hall or hire the hall please phone: Gail Tweedale on 01299 404172 or email gailtweedale@aol.com The rent for the hall is reasonable
4 Load Street Bewdley A professional service for all aspects of Ladies & Gents hairdressing 01299 403188
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The deadline for the January issue of The Bridge is 7th December
Community News
The Wyre Community Land Trust works to manage areas of land in and around the Wyre Forest. Based at Uncllys Farm in the heart of the Wyre Forest, we have a herd of pedigree Dexter cattle delivering a conservation grazing programme to help restore the traditional meadows and orchards. The WCLT currently manages around 140 Hectares of orchards, meadows and oak forest, and the work programme is delivered by our farm manager, apprentices and a team of enthusiastic volunteers. We are looking for a new volunteer to join our friendly team to help us manage the administration of the project. If you would like to try something different a few hours a week based in the beautiful Wyre Forest please get in touch! Tel: Sally on 01299 488083 Email: info@wyreclt.org.uk Follow us on: Facebook or Twitter.
No stoppping church organ refurbishment
Refurbishment of Bewdley Methodist church organ is now well under way with Worcester Organ builder Trevor G Tipple having already completely stripped the organ down to its frame. Components are now being refurbished and re-assembly is underway with the pedal and key boards next to be fitted. It is anticipated that the rebuilding process will be completed in time for the Church Christmas services and local firm A C Causer will then complete the project by restoring the timber cabinet. The work has revealed an address label consigning the organ from London to Highley Station on the Severn Valley Line dated the 20th March for collection by Rev'd Edward Childe of Kinlet Hall. This could not have taken place until after 31st January 1862 when the line opened. The organ moved to Bewdley Methodist Church in 1895 and one wonders if it made that journey by train too. Much of the funds needed to pay for the refurbishment has been raised by a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sponsor a pipe for ÂŁ20â&#x20AC;&#x2122; appeal and this scheme is still open to anyone who would like to participate and have their name on the commemorative plaque. For details contact Neil Sollom on 07780650491 or email neilsollom@btinternet.com. The Church is planning to hold a celebratory concert once the work is all completed. In the meantime visitors are welcome to follow the rebuilding process. Neil Sollom 37
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Bewdley Cricket Club is located on High Street, sandwiched between the idyllic River Severn and Red Hill at its Lower Park Headquarters. Set amid some of Worcestershire's finest rural scenery, the ground is considered one of the prettiest in the county. The ground is the perfect backdrop to any celebration, be it a birthday, christening, or wedding, and the wonderful out door space is complimented by a large furnished patio area. The clubhouse, having been entirely refurbished in 2012, boasts a fully licensed bar with a range of draught beer and has the capacity for parties up to 100 people. With a fully equipped kitchen, the club is able to host self catered events and has seating capacity for up to 50 people. With Wi-Fi capability and big screen projection, the club lends itself as a perfect venue for small scale conferences, meetings and team building events for businesses.
Tel: 07870 752274 Web: www.bewdley.play-cricket.com Email: bewdleycricketclub@gmail.com Twitter: @BewdleyCC
Contact us now to discuss your requirementsâ&#x20AC;Ś.
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High Quality Fruit & Vegetables (inc seasonal produce, locally grown)
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Thinking about your child’s ed e ucation? Moffats, your loca all prep school, welcomes children from th he ages of 3-13. A happy family y school in an exceptional setting. Extras include ridin ng in our 100-acre grounds. Funded Kindergarten places: ages 3 & 4.
moffats.co.uk • 01299 841230 Kinlet Hall • Shropshire • DY12 3AY
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Thank you, Bewdley - you showed you cared!
Community News
7th November dawned wet and dull but enthusiasm for the Traidcraft Christmas Fair was not dampened and we were brightened up and warmed, not only by the excellent percolated ground fairly traded coffee, but by the shoppers really embracing the Traidcraft message and doing serious shopping, meaning that sales were £4,400 on the day. This is a wonderful result, which helps ensure Traidcraft’s life changing work can go from strength to strength.
Bongi, one of the candle sculptors employed at the Swazi Candles factory and a young man of 24, is responsible for caring for his mother, grandmother and brothers and sisters, following his father’s death. You can see a very short video about him online at http://tinycc/67360 where he tells us,“Each candle that you buy, someone gets to smile. Someone actually made that with his heart.” Just a taste of how much having work in Fairtrade means to people. His work at Swazi Candles means he can provide food for the family and meet some of the household bills.
Traidcraft Christmas cards and gifts, as well as the usual stock, are available from an extended stall in St Anne’s church when the church is open, Tuesday to Saturday 10am -2pm. Please contact me if you’d like to place a special order.
Thanks for all your support for Traidcraft during my 25 years of selling here in Bewdley. We’ve had the highest national sales for voluntary Fairtraders for several of those years, including 2014-15. Here’s to next year, when I hope you’ll continue to “Show You Care” by choosing Fairtrade products from Traidcraft. Happy Christmas!
Elaine Barbour 01299 400617 barboursbewdley@btopenworld.com
Posada of Peace
February 1st-19th March 2016 As part of our remembrance of the First World War centenary, a group from St. Anne’s Church is conducting a Posada of Peace in Bewdley, from February to March. Posada means shelter: it is usually a travelling commemoration or witness. The Posada box will contain short written pieces on Peace for reflection, a candle, a dove and suggestions of a simple action. The Posada will be sheltered for a day and then move on to another house. If you would like to host the Posada, please email bfauset@googlemail.com or phone 02199 403112, with your contact details and a note of any dates in February and March when you are unavailable to take part. Alternatively, sign up on one of the sheets placed in any of the churches in town. The Posada is open to all and its contents are non-religious. 41
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Private Tuition Given in Physics GCSE/AS/A2 and KS2/GCSE/AS/A2 Maths Call Roy on 01299 409 460 Tuition
Experienced semi-retired local teacher available for tuition in Maths and or English at KS2/KS3 Levels, including KS2 SATs. DBS checked References can be provided if required. Tel: 01299 400295
Dr Vivien Newrick Homeopath
Grace Winnitt DipMusT (ICMA)
medically qualified and registered homeopathic practitioner
Piano & Vocal Tutor
Tel : 01299 401617 Mob : 07884 098582 vivnewrick@hotmail.com
Kidderminster Tel
07905486549
www.vivnewrickhomeopathy.co.uk
B. Ince
Funeral Director
graziapost16@hotmail.co.uk
Telephone: 01299 403105
Affordable Coaching, Counselling and Psychotherapy
Private Chapel of Rest
Bank House Severnside South Bewdley, Worcestershire
www.bewdley.actinet.net/bince
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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
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Wellbeing Clinic x x x x x x x
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Excellence in Production and Tuition MUSIC CLUBS:
Well Person Checks Nutrition/Weight Management Cavitation Fat Loss Therapy Tui Na Massage Reflexology Hopi Ear Candling Indian Head Massage
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Hagley Clock Clinic Ltd Est: 1978
Repairs, restoration & servicing of antique & fine clocks and other mechanical devices. Telephone: 01562 885080 www.hagleyclockclinic.co.uk Foot Health Professional Home Visits
For the assessment, care and treatment of foot conditions
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Sue Singleton MCFHP MAFHP 43
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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 £69 per person)
Instructions taken in the comfort of your own home T: 01299 251442 M: 07966 053887 Trading Standards Approved 44
Rotary Club of Bewdley presentation evening
Community News
The Rotary Club of Bewdley held their presentation evening for charities and organisations benefitting from the proceeds from the Button Oak Fete at Bewdley Pines Golf Club on 29th October 2015. Nearly 70 people attended the function, including representatives from the local charities and organisations. Over £4,000 was presented to 15 charities from our local area concentrating on charities who rely on donations to exist and carry out the good work they do for the community. Charities and organisations who benefitted were: St Anne’s Church, Bewdley High School (Music Department), Community Transport, All Saints Church Wribbenhall, Bewdley Street Pastors, Bewdley Scout & Cubs, Bewdley Guides & Brownies, Bewdley Mayor’s Local Charity, Kidderminster Lion’s Club, Twigs (Part of Emily Jordan Foundation), Chelmarsh Owl Sanctuary, Taekwondo Club based in Bewdley, Pound Green Village Hall, Wyre Forest Lafs and Bewdley Youth Café.
Back row: Bob Hill of Button Oak Fete Committee, Alex Parmenter and Karen Gahan from Bewdley Scouts & Cubs. Front row: Brenda Goode and Alison Williams from Bewdley Guides & Brownies with Elaine James, President of Rotary Club of Bewdley, who presented the cheques.
Charity concert in aid of
Cruse Bereavement Care Worcestershire
The British Red Cross Europe Refugee Crisis Appeal
Coffee Morning
AT KATESHILL HOUSE, BEWDLEY DY12 2DR Tuesday 1st December 11am-2pm Cake Stall, hamper raffle, Christmas cards and wrapping paper, chocolate tombola and featuring the Cruse ‘Memorial Twig Tree’ amid stunning Christmas furnishings and with seasonal music on the grand piano. Tickets: £5 including coffee and mince pies Judith: info@kateshillhouse.co.uk Charles: cns77@btinternet.com Julie: juliemills24@gmail.com
Saturday 5th December 7.30pm St Anne’s Church Bewdley
Macaroni and Christmas Pasta
A concert of songs, carols and chorales from around the world and across the ages performed by Fish from Oblivion £10 tickets including wine and mince pie. Tickets available from Bewdley Tourist Office
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46
Community News
Reaching Out Together...
Bewdley Mayor’s Charity The Mayor invites you to join her at her
to the elderly of Bewdley and Wribbenhall
Fundraising Coffee Morning
Wribbenhall Parish Room Tuesdays 2.00 - 4.00pm You can be certain of a warm welcome, entertainment and tea,coffee and cakes. Tuesday 15th December is our Christmas Party
Wharton Park Golf Club Longbank, Bewdley, DY12 2QW
Thursday 3rd December from 10.30am – 12 noon £6.50 Entrance includes: Refreshments, cake and parking In aid of Bloodwise and Midlands Air Ambulance
Linda 01299 40941 Pat 01562 510252 Anne01299 402204
Magic Moments
The radio informed me that Christmas has arrived in the West Midlands. A phone-in decided it was time to play Christmas songs, with one person advocating restraint; a vicar. In my opinion, secular Christmas has two main problems: firstly the run up is far too long. Escalating jollity for six weeks is unnatural and unsustainable! Secondly the festive fortnight is also far too long to spend in close contact with your nearest and dearest (see 'Escalating jollity'). Of course many of us now work over the Christmas period, which can be a blessing or a curse.Consider the following lyrics: 'I've gotta feeling, that this fortnight's gonna be a good fortnight' 'This season could be, the greatest season of our lives' Think they'd have been hits? The words 'Night' and 'Day' are used for a reason in these descriptions of euphoric and happy experiences. Short periods of time, but intensely felt and so much more valuable than a frantic fortnight. Life is made up of moments, happy and sad. They come and they go. So if Christmas preparations get on top of you, think about those lyrics. Have a good one! Kay Sanderson Bewdley Library
Bewdley Chamber Maids and Bewdley Christmas Lights Committee
would like to thank all those who have supported us in 2015 by visiting our events, taking part or helping in any way. and offering your encouragement and support. We would like to wish everyone a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and our Best Wishes for 2016. Ann, Maggie, Mark, Ken & Martyn 47
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The latest book by Bewdley Historical Research Group is now available. It covers a wide range of items from Princess Mary's banishment to Tickenhill by Henry VIII, goings on in Welch Gate, mysteries in WWI and much more.
£9.95 from Bewdley TIC, The Bewdley Emporium in Lax Lane and the Civic Society.
Bewdley Concert Band prepare to
Unwrap Christmas
Sunday 24th January 2016
Sunday 20th December
3.00pm St. Anne’s Church
St. Anne’s Church 7.30pm
Alan & Heather Fairs in
An evening of festive favourites and traditional carols
“The Folks Who Live on the Hill”
bewdleyconcertband.co.uk or on the door
Tickets £10 from 405476 or 402475
A teatime entertainment with tea and cake
Tickets £5 available from
In aid of Save the Children
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 are a few of our events for December:-
Tue. 1st - Pub night at the Queen’s Head, Wolverley, DY11 5XB
Tue. 8th - Pub Night at The Old House at Home, B’ham Rd, Blakedown. DY10 3JE
Sat. 12th – Live Wyres Christmas Dinner – The Old Waggon & Horses, DY10 3NX
Sun. 13th – Christmas lunch with optional 3 mile walk – Wharton Park, Bewdley
Sat. 19th – Live Wyres Christmas Party with DJ Chris Martin – Wolverley Memorial Hall
Tue. 29th – The Island Pool , Wolverhampton Rd, Cookley, DY10 3RX.
Thurs. 31st – Live Wyres New Year’s Eve Dance dancing to the music of Live Band “Squeaky Pete’s Liquor and Poker Band”. Ticket only – Blakedown Parish Rooms.
We always welcome new members. Any one interested can find out further information at our website www.livewyres.org.uk or contact Sandra on 01299 400979. 49
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Notions
31,Load Street,Bewdley,DY12 2AS
For all your Knitting, Sewing, Haberdashery, Tapestry supplies etc.
Also - Curtain Making & Clothing Alterations Expert Dry Cleaning Services Telephone:
01299 404510 LOCAL LAUNDRY SERVICES
The deadline for the January issue of The Bridge is 7th December
Full and fast service washes, dry cleaning and ironing FREE local pick up and drop off 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
50
Community News
Bewdley Festival Revisited: Alexander Sitkovetsky and Wu Qian
My only concern in penning this review of Bewdley Festival’s “Classical Sunday” recital by the immensely talented husband and wife duo Alexander Sitkovetsky and Wu Qian is whether I would have enough superlatives to adequately describe it. Sitkovetsky began the evening with Bach’s supreme Photo: Colin Hill “Chaconne” from the “Partita in D Minor”. I would always forgive a few imperfections in a performance of this piece, such is the technical challenge it poses, but Sitkovetsky left me nothing to forgive – his mastery of the work making a mockery of its difficulty. Flawless playing was matched by a deep and heavenly interpretation of the music. Fast and complex variations delivered with energy and panache, the calmer, lyrical lines played with serenity and an intensely rich, silky tone whilst expansive chordal variations were dispatched with majestic clarity. I was gripped from the opening bars to the final, long, bell like final note until, after a long moment of silence, Sitkovetsky allowed his bow to descend enabling us all to effuse our emotions in a torrent of applause. This was the best performance I have ever heard of this piece either live or recorded and if it had been the only piece in the concert, my evening would have been fulfilled. Sitkovetsky, now joined by the equally talented Wu Qian moved on to Schumann’s epic 2nd Sonata – also in D Minor. This piece challenges pianist and violinist in equal measure. A majestic opening led into a furiously demanding Allegro, played with gripping verve and intensity. The dramatic Scherzo, captivating and dynamic with its closing Chorale theme was delivered in the most uplifting fashion. The unity of thought between Sitkovetsky and Qian was predominant throughout, violin and piano in constant, deep conversation, supremely balanced and entirely as one - a masterful performance of a great work. Schnittke’s “Suite in Old Style” opened the second half - a gem of a suite written largely in the baroque style. This piece allowed us to see the wonderful subtlety of touch and sophisticated warmth this Duo possess. Each movement sublimely observed with grace and finesse. But, in the final ‘Pantomima’, that sudden moment of dissonance appeared from Sitkovetsky’s bow like a shaft of ice, so crisp and clear was it in its execution. Finally, we were treated to one of the great staples of the violin repertoire: Franck’s wonderful A Major Sonata - another work, like the Schumann that extends both violinist and pianist to the limits of their capabilities. Once again, the ensemble was supreme, the two parts woven together effortlessly. The sumptuous tone of Sitkovetsky’s violin matched by the expansive warmth Wu Qian drew from the piano. This was an entirely engaging performance – both players are as enjoyable to watch as they are to listen to, their genuinely natural musicianship palpable. As with the earlier programme, the entire audience was entranced by the performance - culminating in that famous theme which opens the final movement before our spirits were lifted inexorably towards Franck’s glorious finale – dispatched of course with exuberant ease and worthy of the numerous curtain calls demanded by a delighted audience. As a beautiful nightcap and noting that we were in Elgar Country, Sitkovetsky and Qian treated us to a supernal rendition of ”Salut d’amour” – a perfect postscript to a wonderful recital. Alastair Elliott 51
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The deadline for the January issue of The Bridge is 7th December
Bridge House, River Side North, Bewdley, DY12 1AB
Steve Price Tel: Mob: E-mail:
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01299 406 030 07595 607 482 steve.price@bridgepointltd.co.uk
Beautiful Bathrooms & Stone floors Start here Wet Rooms, Contemporary Bathrooms Natural Stone Floors, Porcelain tiles Ceramic tiles, Wood flloors and Karndean Design-Supply-Installation For complete interior projects 1DWXUH路V 7LOH %DWKURRP 6WXGLR /WG Showroom: Elfin Glen, Gorst Hill Rock ,Worcs, DY14 9YH Tel/Fax:01299-405544 (Temporary showroom : By Appointment) 露露: :HDOWK RII NQRZOHGJ JH ([S SHULHQFH路 52
Community News Bewdley Town Council - News Town Council Meeting held on 2nd November 2015 Closure of HSBC Bank The Council heard from concerned residents about the closure of Bewdley’s last remaining bank branch. Whilst it is recognised that HSBC is a private corporation and has made the decision to close their branch, the Council resolved to take the lead on voicing the concerns of residents and businesses, and to investigate other ways of retaining banking facilities in the town. The Council were also disappointed that HSBC had stated they had consulted with the Council prior to the announcement, which they had not.
Bus Services in Bewdley Councillors are receiving complaints about the quality and reliability of bus services in Bewdley. Buses are not turning up, running late and the general reliability is poor. This results in stress and anxiety amongst those who rely on the buses and is not viewed as an acceptable level of service. The Council will be writing to the principal operators and to Worcestershire County Council to air the views of residents. If you are concerned about the service you receive, please make sure you complain directly to the company concerned, and to the County Council. The more complaints they receive, the more likely action will be taken.
Temporary Flood Barriers – Wribbenhall The Environment Agency are pressing ahead with Property Level Protection arrangements in the Beales Corner area in preparation for the temporary barrier arrangement to be discontinued. The Council are keen to work with stakeholders to understand the reasons why the barrier arrangement has become unsustainable, and to look at how this protection can be retained. It is important for the town as a whole to keep this vital gateway open during flooding, and of course protecting individual properties from rising waters.
Neighbourhood Development Plan The Council are now moving ahead with the Neighbourhood Development Plan for Bewdley. Residents and businesses will be invited to set out their visions and aspirations for Bewdley, including what they like and don’t like about the town. Look out for dates for public events where you can meet the Neighbourhood Planning team and talk about Bewdley’s future. 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: 7th December and 4th January 2016. 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. 53
TOWN COUNCIL NEWS IS PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY BEWDLEY TOWN COUNCIL
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Coal and Smokeless Fuel Merchants For all your coal needs Pre packed fuel available Please ring for details 01299 832 308 01299 400 479
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December in the Forest
By the time you read this the future of education in the Forestry Commission’s part of the Wyre Forest will have been decided. Organisations and individuals were invited to tender for the opportunity to take over the delivery of forestry-themed learning to visitors from all walks of life. ‘Learning’ will still go on at Wyre, with much still happening at the Heritage Lottery-funded Community Discovery Centre, but the FC’s Discovery Centre team (of which, some of you will know, I was an enthusiastic member) will no longer be leading schools, playgroups, holiday visitors, adults, Cubs and Brownies et al in a wide range of activities designed to engender a love and understanding of the woodland environment. At such a time we can only reflect that the past 23 years of these experiences will have had a lasting effect on many folk in our local shires, Birmingham, the Black Country and further afield, and helped to influence the style of delivery of environmental education. New faces will be doing things their way with new ideas and fresh enthusiasm, and I join my ex-colleagues in wishing them very well.
Wiping away a tear, I can encourage those of you with children to use them as an excuse to visit the Stick Man trail which opened at the end of last month. It starts at the Forest Café, where you will want to buy your activity pack for £3 before you set out on your adventure. The trail is just a mile long with activity panels, different things to spot around the trail and special places to make rubbings. The pack includes a trail leaflet, A4 paper, A4 booklet with extra games and puzzles, a pencil, a wax crayon and pipe cleaners to make your very own Stick Man!
Meanwhile in my neck of the woods, the only stick men to be seen will be those splitting logs, fencing and planting trees (and anyway, around here they’re far outnumbered by stick women). This winter there are 150 trees to be planted in the St George’s Farm orchard (shown in the photo at haymaking time). Already most of the tree guards, essential to protect new trees from browsing by deer, have been built from split chestnut and the new cherries, pears, plums, apples and cider apples will soon start to arrive. This isn’t a money making enterprise by the Guild of St George which owns the farm and the rest of Ruskin Land. Rather it is the restoration of a landscape feature and habitat that was characteristic of the Wyre in its railway era (1860s to 1960s) and which greatly increased the biodiversity of the area. Nowadays the economics of full-sized fruit trees doesn’t really work but we aim to fulfil John Ruskin’s wish that this piece of England will be ‘beautiful, peaceful and fruitful’ and in a few years’ time there should be some good pickings available. Would you like to join a planting work party? Call Sally on 01299 488083 or email sally@wyreclt.org.uk to find out the dates. And of course I wish you a very happy Christmas! Linda Iles