The Bridge December 2018
Residents and staff at Summerdyne Nursery Home are delighted to be declared winners of Bewdley Festival’s 2018 Duck House project. Duck houses were displayed in Jubilee Gardens throughout October and the winner decided by public vote. Led by Sam Morris and Nikki Farmer, yarn bombing of the Summerdyne entry began in August. Residents knitted squares or donated previously knitted items, and staff members knitted and crocheted to cover the house.Wribbenhall Knit and Natter donated knitted flowers and a ladybird came from a resident’s daughter. The duck house was worked on in the lounge so residents were able to see what was going on and join in the fun.
On the 3rd November members of the Bewdley Branch Royal British Legion, assisted by Bewdley Scouts and Guides, planted a memorial tree in memory of the centenary of the end of the first world war. 100 poppies made by Paul Gittins were planted by the Scouts and Guides around the tree.
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 of events to celebrate Christmas 2018: Concerts and Carols, parties and pantomime, charity events and, of course, Father Christmas. Turn to page 47 to read some memories of Christmases past. 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 Friday 7th December. One regular event sadly missing this year is All Saints’ Church popular Christmas Tree Festival. Turn to page 21 to find out why and see what you can do to help bring the Festival back in 2019. We go to press just after the weekend in which we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1. This month’s colour pages give a flavour of the many moving events in which Bewdley remembered. Is 2019 the year for you to start something new? Turn to page 41 for Bewdley Tennis Club’s Term Time Tennis for women and the University of the Third Age’s welcome to new members. Find out about Bewdley Bridge Club’s course for complete beginners on page 33. And remember that all the organisations in our pages are always open to new members. St. George’s Hall is one of Bewdley’s success stories. Many of the events advertised in this month’s magazine - as every month - take place in this building. One such regular event is the very popular Cinema in the Hall, suggested by a Bewdley resident at a public meeting when plans for the refurbishment were first being discussed six years ago. The team behind the Hall wants to hear your ideas on how this facility can be developed over the next decade and beyond. Turn to page 35 to find out how you too can play your part in shaping the Hall’s future. And, as ever, during Advent and Christmas, Bewdley’s churches offer special services, from carols in candlelight to the excitement of a busy nativity service. Look out for details throughout the magazine. May the joys of Christmas be with you, however you spend this season. Gill, Margaret and Martin and all the Bridge team
Sharing your news with us To share your news and photographs or advertise an event, please contact:
editorial@bewdleybridge.org.uk To advertise your company, please contact:
advertising@bewdleybridge.org.uk
Delivery If you can help deliver please email editorial@bewdleybridge.org.uk Deliverers mostly take out fewer than 50 magazines. Reserve list is also useful. Printed by Vernon Print & Design mail@vernon-print.co.uk Cover photograph: Holly at St.Leonard’s Churchyard, Ribbesford November 2018 3
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Introducing our Country Rover (CR) Tours on our new mini-coach DAY TOURS Sat 15 Dec Sun 16 Dec Mon 17 Dec Tue 1 Jan Sat 5 Jan
Hereford Cathedral Carols £18 A Choral Christmas @ Sym H £44 Lunchtime Xmas Music @ Sym H £25 New Year Tour & Lunch £36 Cardiff & Tim Peake’s Capsule £19
Sat 12 Jan Sun 20 Jan Sat 2 Feb Sat 9 Feb Thu 14 Feb
Time Peake’s Capsule Cardiff £19 Concorde & Clifton £33 York £20 Lord’s Cricket Ground/London £38/21 Dobbies & Bourton on the Water £17
QUALITY HOLIDAYS 2019 27 Dec 25 Jan 18 Feb 11 Mar 29 Mar 13 Apr 13 Apr 29 Apr
TWIXMAS IN DORSET 4 days £185 WINTER WARMER IN TORQUAY 4 days £195 EARLY SPRING IN BOURNEMOUTH 5 days £190 SPRINGTIME IN SIDMOUTH 5 days £360 MOTHERING SUNDAY IN LLANDUDNO 3 days £175 ISLES OF SCILLY 5 days £650 FALMOUTH 5 days £395 WEYMOUTH & DELIGHTFUL DORSET 5 days £340 Price includes dinner, bed and breakfast & excursions USUALLY PICKING UP WITHIN Tel 01299 402989 To Book / For Brochure / Private Hire WALKING DISTANCE OF YOUR (46 Sandbourne Drive, Bewdley, DY12 1BN) HOME Or visit www.phillipstravel.co.uk or Bewdley Tourist Information
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Community News
What’s
On
December 1 Christmas Lights switch-on 1 Guide Dog Puppy Walkers Christmas Fayre - see page 31 1,2&9 Christmas Crafts for Children 11am-3.30pm Bewdley Museum - see page 13 2 Bewdley Footpaths walk - see page 13 3-7 Pause at Noon in Advent Bewdley Methodist Church (Mon-Fri) - see page 15 2 Beer and Carols 8.00pm The Great Western - see page 11 3 Knit and Natter All Saints’ Church 10.00-12.00 3 Bewdley Floral Art Club Christmas open meeting - see page 31 3 Bewdley WI meeting - see page 19 3 Christmas charity event at Kateshill House - see page 15 4 Bewdley Film Club The Greatest Showman Singalong! - see inside back cover 5 Scrabble at Bewdley Baptist Church - see page 25 5 Mothers’ Union Advent Service - see page 27 6 Cinema in the Hall Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again - see inside back cover 7 Music in the hall Les Triaboliques - see inside back cover 8 Handel Messiah concert with Bewdley Choral Society - see page 25 9 Toy Service at the Methodist Church High Street 10.30am 9 Christingle Service 4.00pm St. Anne’s Church - see page 15 10-14 Pause at Noon in Advent Holy Family Catholic Church (Mon-Fri) - see page 15 10 Knit and Natter All Saints’ Church 10.00-12.00 11 A Christmas Carol Live Screening at the Hall 7.00pm - see inside back cover 13 Knit & Natter at the Methodist Church High Street 2.00-4.00pm 13 Together Group Christmas Celebration - see page 45 15 Transition Bewdley Repair Café St George’s Hall 10.00 - 2.00pm see page 19 15 All Saints’ Book Sale 10.00am-2.00pm 15-16 Father Christmas at Bewdley Museum - see page 13 16 ‘Christmas is Coming’ concert - see page 27 16 Carols by Candlelight Bewdley Methodist Church 4.00pm - see page 9 16 Messy Church at Bewdley Baptist Church - see page 21 16 Drama production Christmas Castaways - see page 39 17 - 21 Pause at Noon in Advent Bewdley Baptist Church (Mon-Fri) - see page 15 17 Knit and Natter All Saints’ Church 10.00-12.00 18 Wribbenhall WI 1.30pm - see page 27 19 Bewdley/Wribbenhall Ladies’ Luncheon Club Mercure Hotel - see page 19 20 Cinema in the Hall The Man Who Invented Christmas - see inside back cover 23 Carols by Candlelight Bewdley Baptist Church 5.30pm - see page 7 23 Carol Service Riverside Church in St. George’s Hall 6.30pm - see page 7 24 Nativity Service St. Anne’s 6.30pm - see page 7 January 3-5 Bewdley Community Pantomime Cinderella - see page 35 6 Bewdley Footpaths walk - see page 1 & 5
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WE’R E
Bewdley Church Servicesl
Church of England Parishes of Bewdley and Wribbenhall Rector: Rev Megan Gibbins On the first Sunday of every month at 10.30 am we hold a Holy Communion Service in one of our churches The service on the 2nd December is at St. Leonard’s, On other Sundays, services are normally held at the following times: 9.30am 9.30am 11.15am 11.15am
All Saints’ Church, Wribbenhall (currently in Wribbenhall Parish Room) St Anne’s Church, Load Street St Leonard’s Church, Ribbesford St Andrew’s Church, Button Oak (second Sunday of the month only)
Services usually last for about an hour and range from traditional to more modern to family. All Saints’, St Anne’s and St Leonard’s each have a children’s area. Separate organised children’s activities are available during the service in St Anne’s. Other services and events are held in our churches during the week – for more information see the calendar on our website : www.bewdleyparish.org.uk Wish to book a wedding at one of our churches? Please contact Paul Gibbins gibbins.paul@talk21.com to arrange an appointment. Thinking about Baptism? For St Anne’s and St Leonard’s come to a 9.30 am Sunday service at St Anne’s, for All Saints’ come to a 9.30 am Sunday service at All Saints’ – and we’ll chat over coffee.
Bewdley Baptist Church
Bewdley Methodist Church
High Street Sundays at 10am A relaxed style of worship with lively music for all ages. Sundays at 6.30pm: varied types of services. Church Office 01299 403267 www.bewdley.baptist.org.uk
High Street Sundays at 10.30am A warm welcome to all for traditional worship in a friendly atmosphere. Monthly Sunday Club for children. Revd Sue Levitt 01299 826641 www.bewdleymethodists.org.uk
Holy Family Catholic Church
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Meeting House Lower Park
High Street Sunday Mass at 8am For weekday masses, please see our noticeboard Local contact Deacon John O’Brien Parish Office 01299 822633 www.stwulstanstourport.org.uk
Sunday 10.30-11.30am A quiet, contemplative form of worship, with occasional ‘spoken ministry’. Children’s Meeting have their own activity before joining in the Meeting. www.bewdleyquaker.org.uk
Riverside Church St George’s Hall, Load St. Sundays at 10.30 Friendly and fun for all regardless of age or background, our family service lasts for about an hour and a half and has both modern and traditional worship followed by a short time of easy to follow bible teaching. www.riversideelim.com 7
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Our a Our always lways popular popular Festive M Festive Menus en u s Are a Are available vailable from from th M o n d ay 2 Monday 266th November November to to rd S u n d ay 2 Sunday 23 3rd December December
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Book eearly Book arly ttoo avoid avoid disappointment. disappointment.
Family bookings Family bookings & office office parties parties a re w are welcomed. elcomed. Telephone Telephone 0 1 29 9 4 01299 401295 01295
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Church News l
Nativity Service Christmas Eve 6.30pm St. Anne’s Church Shepherds, Angels and Wise Men... ....plus their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, guardians, supporters..... All are welcome to this child-friendly service where, on this special night, we retell the story of the birth of Jesus. Children are welcome to come dressed as a character from the Nativity story Service lasts 30 minutes (give or take…)
Christmas Services at Bewdley Baptist Church Come and join us at any of our services to celebrate the birth of Jesus and God’s presence with us. Noah’s Ark Nativity
Sunday 16th December 10.00am
All-Age Christmas Service
Sunday 23rd December 10.00am
Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 23rd December 5.30pm
All followed by refreshments Christmas Day Family Celebration Monday 25th December 10.00am
Join us for Christmas at Riverside Elim We would love you to be with us for our celebrations.
Sunday 23rd 5.30pm - 6.30pm Carol Service St. George’s Hall Load Street. Mulled wine and mince pies to follow
Christmas Day Service 10:00am Rejoicing in His Presence Riverside Church Centre Dog Lane For more info: contact admin@riversideelim.com call the office on 01299 405535 visit www.riversideelim.com 9
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Church News l
All Saints’ Church Kidderminster Road Wribbenhall Services, Monday Group and Book Sales are now in the rear of the Church Monday Group meets in Church 10.00am till 12noon Sun 2nd December 8am Communion Service 10.30am United Benefice Service at St Leonard’s Ribbesford Monday 3rd December 7.00pm Compline Saturday 15th December 10.00am - 2.00pm Book Sale Sun 30th December 10.30am United Benefice Service
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) We meet every Sunday at 10:30am at our historic Meeting House. You are welcome to join us in our special silence. Why not hire our Meeting Hall? Phone 01299 405943 - State of the art overhead digital projector and sound system - Broadband internet for video streaming, free WiFi - Modern kitchen facilities www.bewdleyquakers.org.uk
Happy Christmas from Bewdley Methodists Toy Service - Sunday 9th December 10.30am Collecting new and as-new toys to donate to Wyre Forest HomeStart Carols by Candlelight - Sunday 16th December 4.00pm Please note: No service here on Christmas Day To enquire about baptism, marriage or funerals please contact Revd Sue Levitt 01299 826641 www.bewdleymethodists.org.uk
Holy Family Catholic Church Bewdley Within the parish of St. Wulstan and St. Thomas of Canterbury Stourport on Severn Situated on the High Street, this delightful Palladian Grade II* listed church was built circa 1778 and adopted by the Catholic Church in 1951. The church is open daily for quiet prayer and reflection. Also based here is the Bewdley conference of the St.Vincent de Paul Society, a charity that works with those in need in the area. PARISH PRIEST: Fr. Richard Sharples Parish Office: 01299 822633 11
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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 Like us in Facebook
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Community News
Parishes of Bewdley and Wribbenhall
Christmas Services 2018 All Welcome 9th:
Christingle 4.00pm St. Anne’s Load Street - see page 15
16th:
Carol Service 6.00pm St Andrew’s Button Oak
24th:
Nativity Service 6.30pm St. Anne’s Load Street - see page 7 Children are invited to come dressed as a character from the Nativity story. Christmas Eve Communion 9.00pm St. Leonard’s Ribbesford
25th:
Christmas Day Communion 10.00am St. Anne’s A family friendly service for all ages.
Cards for Good Causes Christmas Shop
Beer And Carols Sunday 2nd December 8pm
in St. George’s Hall Undercroft, is open until
The Great Western Kidderminster Road Wribbenhall
15th December 10am to 4pm Cards for Good Causes sells Christmas cards and small gifts on behalf of thirty charities both local and national. At least 70p in the £ goes back to the charity. We would be pleased to welcome any new volunteers. Please call Sheila Limbrick 01299 400704
What better way to start Christmas than singing traditional carols with a pint of beer. Free entry
Thank You! What a day we had at the 30thTraidcraft Fair in November. So many of you came to show your support and to buy from our wide range of goods. It was the best ever total of sales - £5,507.73! This is a stunning amount and everyone at Traidcraft sends a huge thank you. The usual stall is still in St Anne’s church, full of Christmas goodies, and the usual groceries etc, so do take a look. Every purchase you make changes lives. There were fears that Traidcraft would close down at the end of the year, but it has been saved and a newer slimmed down model will be launched in the New Year. So watch this space. Elaine Barbour Volunteer Fair Trader for Traidcraft 13
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Bewdley Museum and Tourist Information Centre We are coming to the end of another busy year at the museum. We have had another record year for visitors with over 190,000 to date.We are hoping to hit 200,000 by the end of our season which is February. This year so far we have had eight exhibitions in our Wyre Forest and Saw yard gallery plus a private exhibition during the summer by the Foundry Studio Artists. During all half term breaks and the summer holidays we held activities which attracted over 1500 children. Don’t forget we will have Christmas themed activities on Saturday 1st, 2nd and 9th December, 11am-3.30pm £4 per child, all children must be supervised. We held fifteen events during the year and these were a mix of free and ticketed and they attracted a combined figure of 15,000 people. Our education programme brought in 52 schools and our adults have enjoyed yoga, dance and crochet workshops weekly. Nine couples have tied the knot in the Guildhall this year and we have ten couples booked for 2019. We will be holding a wedding fair at the museum on 23rd and 24th March 2019. We are now at that time of year when the museum has transformed itself for the Christmas festivities. The Museum is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday until Sunday 16th December. We have Father Christmas Weekend Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December 10am-4.30pm. Come and meet Father Christmas at the Museum and receive a gift. £5 per Child. 12noon- 4pm( Last tickets 3.30pm) First come first served.There will be live music from GRVIII Men in Harmony Saturday 15th December and Talking Props Performing Arts Studio Sunday 16th December with a children’s entertainer both days. Refreshments available from the Shambles Cafe. The performance of Cinderella on Saturday 8th December is sold out. Sorry for any disappointment. Don’t forget that our shop has lots of new and unusual gift ideas and our resident crafts people have a unique range of handmade items for sale. The shop will remain fully open from 10am-4.30pm throughout December and will close on Sunday 23rd December at 4.30pm reopening on Monday 4th February 2019. The museum reopens on Saturday 2nd March 2019. May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from myself and my hardworking team of staff and volunteers at the museum. We hope to see you all in the New Year. Ali Bakr
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 2pm. Sunday 2nd December Ribbesford area Approx 2/3 miles. Easy walk Sunday 6th January Bewdley byways Approx 2 miles. Easy walk. 15
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Pause at Noon Advent 2018 Does this season leading up to Christmas make you feel stressed and busy? Why not join us for Pause at Noon? Every Weekday in December different churches will be open at 12 noon for people to join us to pause for 5 minutes or so and take a breath. There will be a Bible reading and very short reflection or prayer but more importantly a space in the day to pause from all the bustling and busyness that preparing for Christmas can be. Everyone welcome! Come once. Come every time. Come and Pause for Advent. Monday 26th November - Friday 30th November Monday 3rd December - Friday 7th December Monday 10th December - Friday 14th December Monday 17th December - Friday 21st December
St Anne’s Church Methodist Church Holy Family Catholic Church Bewdley Baptist Church
Christingle Service Sunday 9th December 4.00pm
St. Anne’s Church All ages are welcome to this family-friendly service where we give out Christingles. Informal and atmospheric - it’s the perfect preparation for the coming of Christmas. Collection to support the work of The Children’s Society
Christmas Charity Event in aid of
Friends of Riverside North Park Monday 3rd December Kateshill House, Redhill, Bewdley, DY12 2DR Cakes Stall, Craft Stalls, Hamper Raffle, Christmas Stall, Chocolate Tombola, amid stunning Christmas decorations and with seasonal music 10 am-12.30 - Coffee and Mince Pie 12.30-3 pm - Tea and Cake Tickets - £5 per session Judith: info@kateshillhouse.co.uk 01299 401563 Gemma: gemma.thornycroft@talk21.com 07909 338410 15
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Community News
Bewdley Repair Café The last Bewdley Repair Cafe this year will be held on Saturday 15th December from 10.00 - 2.00. Don't forget to bring along your Christmas lights for checking and anything else that is only brought out once a year! During the summer months we get a lot of gardening tools for sharpening, but at this time of year it Derek Taylor repairs a toy jeep is good to get scissors and kitchen knives ready for action over the festive period. We also welcome garments, electrical appliances, lamps, and furniture amongst other more unusual items that people bring in. Our repairers are always up for a challenge! Did you know that there are currently 1638 repair cafes listed on the Repair Cafe International website of which 72 are in the UK and 5 in Worcestershire? The Repair Café was initiated by Martine Postma. Since 2007, she has been striving for sustainability at a local level in many ways. Martine organised the very first Repair Café in Amsterdam, on October 18, 2009. It was a great success. This prompted Martine to start the Repair Café Foundation. Since 2011, this non-profit organisation has provided professional support to local groups in the Netherlands and other countries wishing to start their own Repair Café. For more information, please contact the organisers john.rhymer50@gmail.com or peterimiller10@gmail.com
Bewdley WI Monday 3rd December 7.30pm St. George’s Hall Bewdley
Christmas Party Night With a Christmas Hat Competition and our usual tasty and scrumptious Buffet Come along and join in the fun! Visitors welcome Entrance Fee £3.50 (Refreshments included)
Bewdley/Wribbenhall Ladies Luncheon Club In October Betty Whittaker gave us an enlightening talk about her connections with a German family, and their experiences in the 1930s. She subsequently married one of their sons. On 19th December we look forward to hearing Tenbury Wells Royal British Legion Choir, following our seasonal lunch. All ladies are very welcome to join us for this and other occasions. Please ring 01299 877908 to enquire. 21
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Community News
All Saints’ Church, Wribbenhall Following a visit from the Architect and advisers, a risk of potential plaster falls in the nave of All Saints' Church was identified. The area at risk has now been secured with barriers and the nave area will remain closed until we can fund the repair work. Safety netting is up in the back of the church which means that this part of the building is available for most of our usual activities. Sunday services now take place at 9.30am at the back of church. Monday Knit and Natter Group meets here as usual. Because of the restricted space, our popular monthly Book Sales now take place on Saturdays. The next Book Sale is on Saturday 15th December from 10am till 2pm. We are sorry that the Christmas Tree Festival and School Carol Concert cannot be held in the building this year. Unfortunately restricted use of the church means we will be unable to accept applications for Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals at the present time and appreciate the disappointment and distress this may cause. We are looking at arrangements for 2019 and will provide an update as soon as we can. A Church Ceiling Fund has been set up to enable us to carry out the necessary work. Early estimates suggest that the repairs will cost £80,000. We are hoping that some money may be available from grants and loans but the support of the wider community is essential if All Saints’ Church is to be fully reopened. We cannot achieve this alone. We know that All Saints’ holds a special place in the hearts of many people with a connection to Wribbenhall, through family memories of having used the church or loved ones in the graveyard; through regular services or special events and concerts. Please look out for information about how you can help as we launch our major Fundraising Appeal. Every donation, whether large or small, will be appreciated. If you are a UK taxpayer, please consider gift aiding your donation by including your full name and address inside a sealed envelope with your donation. All personal details will be treated in confidence by the Gift Aid Recorder. Cheques are payable to Wribbenhall PCC. Donations can be given at church on Sundays and Mondays when it is open or at Bewdley Blooms in Load Street Bewdley. If you have any suggestions of how you can help us, please get in touch on 400608. Olwen Jahoor, Churchwarden 61 High Street, Bewdley am Monday-Friday 01299 403267 office@bewdleybaptist.org.uk
Messy Church Sunday 16th December Life can be really messy, and Messy Church is all about having fun in that messiness! It’s a chance to come together, to enjoy craft activities, stories, singing and food! AND there is no charge. It’s not just another children’s club though, this is for the whole family, young and old alike! Messy Church is a safe, comfortable and enjoyable place for all ages to come and explore the Christian faith through a variety of creative fun ways. So come along 4-6 pm on: Sunday 16th December and 20th January 21
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Scrabble at Bewdley Baptist Church Do you know anyone who would like to play but has no one to play a game with? On the first Wednesday of each month a Scrabble Group meets in Bewdley Baptist Church. Next meeting: Wednesday 5th December 10am-12 noon Back Hall, Bewdley Baptist Church Donation towards refreshments appreciated Ring Beverley 01299 823505 or Church Office 01299 403267 for information. Everyone regardless of ability or experience is invited to come along. If possible could you please bring a scrabble game with you.
Bewdley Choral Society Musical Director Alastair Elliott Bewdley Baroque Soloists
Handel Messiah Saturday 8th December 7.30pm St. Anne’s Church Bewdley Tickets £10 in advance. £12 on the door Available from Bewdley Blooms, St. Anne’s Church or 403776
We look forward to seeing you.
Forget Me Not Sundays Like me and many others, you may find Sundays to be quiet and alone times. Sundays can be a time when families meet together or friends are busying themselves for the coming week. Being alone at these times can be distressing and isolating and lonely, a time to dwell on the negatives.That's why we are organising an informal get together on the first Sunday of each month. If you are bereaved or alone on a Sunday, pop in for a cuppa, cake and chat. We might just make one another a little brighter and lessen the alone times. First Sunday of the Month starting 6th January 2019 2.00 - 4.00 pm Holy Family Meeting Room, High Street, Bewdley Further details from the Parish Office 01299 822633 parish@stwulstanstourport.org.uk Everyone welcome
Christmas Fête and Open Evening Friday 7th December 3.30pm - 6.30pm www.upperarleyprimary.co.uk
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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
CARPET UPHOLSTERY & CURTAIN CLEANING BY EXPERTS
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.
All treatments - All districts - Lowest prices - Latest equipment - Fully insured
Karol Kleen Call 01299 404275 or Mobile 07970131820
Richard Morris 01299 403875 07980 795353
Local handyman available for all types of housing and garden maintenance.
HIGH QUALITY PLASTERING
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: Kirkj07@outlook.com
From NEIL KEARNS Free Quotations 01299 402726 or 07989 058513
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
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Wribbenhall Poppies
Photo: Colin Hill The Wribbenhall War Memorial at All Saints’ Church was decorated with a remarkable display of over 3,000 poppies throughout November to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1. The poppies were knitted by the Knit and Natter group, who meet weekly at the church, and other ladies who knit in their homes, unable to attend the regular meetings. The group was helped by the ladies of the Royal British Legion Bewdley Branch. The project was started in July 2017 and used approximately 80 balls of wool. British Legion Ladies donated £50 towards the cost of the wool. Stitching the poppies together and assembling the display took about thirty hours. The team from Twigs of the Emily Jordan Foundation made life size silhouettes of soldiers to enhance the display. All Saints’ Church Knit and Natter group meets every Monday from 10.00am to 12.00. We knit for 10 to 15 various charities at home and abroad and provide all wool and patterns. You are very welcome to join this very friendly group. Gail Lawrence
Bewdley Remembers
Photo: Paul Gibbins
Photo: Joy Scharff
11th November 2018
Photo: Joy Scharff
Photo: Morgan Lawley
Tribute to the Bewdley Fallen A poignant ďŹ lm, researched and created for the occasion by a small team, was projected onto the Guildhall from sunset on 11th November 2018. The name of each soldier who died in World War1 was displayed together with a photograph and address wherever possible.
Photos: Colin Hill
Community News
“CHRISTMAS IS COMING” A Christmas Tea Time Entertainment Presented by Alan Fairs With Tim Watson, James Hickson & St Anne's Choir
Sunday 16th December 3.00pm St Anne’s Church Light hearted songs, readings and carols to put you in the Christmas spirit Tea & Cake in the interval Tickets £10 (free for under 16s) available from 01299 402475 or St. Anne’s Church 01299 405385 In aid of St Anne’s Church
Children’s charity looking for volunteers Mentor Link is a local charity that provides one to one mentoring support to young people in schools, to listen to them and support them with their learning. The aim of mentoring is to improve their self-esteem, relationships and engagement in learning. The charity provides a service to over 90 schools across the West Midlands. We are looking for more volunteer mentors in the Wyre Forest areas and would like to hear from people who can spare an hour per week with an interest in supporting a young person to achieve their full potential. The mentors are safely recruited and fully trained to provide regular support to children and young people and have an excellent track record of success in achieving positive outcomes. Mentor Link is a safer recruiter and requires two character references and Enhanced DBS clearance. We will provide induction training, travelling expenses, on-going training, and a dedicated team of staff to support you in your role. If you would like to find out more information about becoming a mentor please contact Lucy Blackford on 01299 822336 or enquiries@mentorlink.org.uk. www.mentorlink.org.uk.
Wribbenhall WI Tuesdays 1.30pm Wribbenhall Parish Room
Advent Service Wednesday 5th December 10.15am with Holy Communion St. Anne’s Church, Bewdley Followed by refreshments
18th December: Festive Fun! An exciting festive afternoon All welcome 33
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Green Leaf
Pete Wall
LANDSCAPES & DESIGN Kevin Hayes N.C.H.(Pershore)
Fencing
Planting Plans Pergolas Pruning Water features Patios Walls and fences Phone: 01299 400465 Mob :07866 964427
Tree Pruning and Hedge Trimming Fully Insured Value for Money 01299 405477 07956 172825
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SG Gardening Maintenance With over 10 years experience. All gardening aspects of work undertaken, No job too big or too small. For a friendly and reliable service call Stuart.
Quality Garden Products Delivered to your door. Ambassador Multi Purpose 40ltr.3 bags £12.90 - 6 bags for Only £25 Levington Multi Purpose 50ltr. 2 bags £11.60 - 4 bags for Only £22.40 Levington Farm Manure 50ltr 4 bags £18.40 Levington Growbag+Seaweed 2 bags for £9.99 Ambassador Ericaceous 40ltr 2 bags £8.70 Decorative Bark 70ltr. 4 bags for £26.00 Stockists of SHL Professional Composts Bagged Aggregate Available
Garden Maintenance Professional Pruning Weed control Tree surgery Pressure cleaning Free Estimates Qualified & Insured SG Gardening Maintenance 12 Shrubbery Close, Cookley, DY10 3UH
!For More Offers Visit our web site: paulsgardensupplies.co.uk Call: Paul on 01562 741820 Mob: 07704 346506
Tel: 01562 261003 Mob: 07900474049
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Delivery £3.00 - Orders £25+ Delivered Free! Fast & Friendly Service
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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 requirements….
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Community News
Guide Dog update 2018 has been a very busy year for our Worcestershire branch of Guide Dog Puppy Walkers. We have been raising money to sponsor and name our own puppy through a number of very successful fund raising events. I am pleased to report that we are now very close to achieving our target of £5000. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of you who have attended our events and generously contributed to this very worthwhile cause. Our next gathering is our regular Christmas Fayre to be held in Wribbenhall Parish Room on Saturday 1st December from 10.30 am - 3.00 pm. We look forward to seeing you at this popular event. As far as our Bewdley dogs are concerned, I am very pleased to report that the two Golden Retrievers puppy walked by Gabi and me have both done very well. Millie, who was with Gabi, is now a qualified Guide Dog working in the West Midlands and my own lovely Luna has been matched with a lady in Dorset. Peggy, a brood for Guide Dogs, had seven puppies in January all of whom are now out at Puppy Walk. I hear about two of them regularly, one in Wales and the other in Kent, and they are both coming along as expected. We had Dinah from the litter to puppy walk ourselves. She is progressing nicely and will be going into training in the springtime of next year. Peggy will probably be called upon to produce another litter before too long. There has been lots going on for this very good cause. These are truly amazing dogs and, when trained, give so much confidence to their owners enabling them to live full independent lives. Peggy and Dinah
Roni Bowden
Rug Rats Rug Rats is a fun time for little ones and their mums and dads to drop in between 9.30 and 11.30. Lots of toys and things to do and a time for carers to chat over a cup of coffee. For pre-schoolers and babies at St Anne's Church every Tuesday morning during term time. For more information contact Ann on 07929980761 email anncapell@icloud.com.
Bewdley Floral Art Club We are looking forward to our Open Meeting at The Kidderminster Town Hall on Monday 3rd December at 7.30pm. Andrew Lloyd is demonstrating ‘A Classical Christmas’, accompanied musically by Laura Brennan. Tickets £9.50 available from 01299 402961. We welcome the New Year on Monday 7th January with Yvonne Berry demonstrating her’Sporting Favourites’. 31
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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 38
Community News
Learn to Play Bridge with Bewdley Bridge Club Bridge is widely recognised as the best card game for four players and Club Duplicate Bridge is even better.The game is proven to keep brain cells active and also widens your social network. Our experienced teacher, Richard Greenwood, is accredited with the English Bridge Union and will be running their ‘Fast Track’ course for complete beginners in January 2019. The course will be held at Church House Areley Kings, Stourport on Severn on Thursday evenings 7-9 pm and covers the basics of the game in 12 lessons. A more in depth course will follow later which enables keen students to be able to play at a Bridge club within 12 months. Bewdley Bridge Club meets every Wednesday evening at the Elizabeth Mills Centre, Stourport-on-Severn commencing at 7pm. We offer a competitive, yet friendly atmosphere, and have a thriving membership with over 30 members having joined in the last 4 years.The club is the only one in the area affiliated to the English Bridge Union and uses modern electronic scoring and computer generated random dealt hands. Experienced Bridge players welcome. For more information or for further details of courses available contact; - davidrehalford@gmail.com Club Chairman 07939 520068 - eileen@oakleydevelopment.co.uk 07974 743575 Club Secretary Richard Greenwood - rmgreenwood@talktalk.net 01299 402513
Rock Pathfinders Free guided walks of 2-3 hours, off the roads and into the countryside. The December walks will be on Thursdays starting at 10.30 am. 6th from Earnwood Copse Car Park Wyre Forest, Dowles Road alongside the B4194 DY12 3HS. SO reference 743784 Free parking 20th from The Bell Pensax , WR6 6AE. SO reference 734690SO All welcome. For our full programme see www.rockpathfinders.uk or ring Alan on 01299 400304 or Jan on 01299 832571
Bewdley Tackle and Leisure is moving Even though the river levels were very low, the fishing was very good in this year’s glorious summer. We were very happy to see many faces that have been visiting Bewdley for many years, here to catch Barbel and bringing trade to our town. After seven happy and sometimes difficult years in Load Street, we are moving to new premises. Our new shop will be at Wharton Park off the roundabout at the top of the bypass. We now can offer our customers free parking when they pop in for their pint of maggots. We would like to thank all our loyal customers and look forward to seeing them in our new shop in December. We would like to wish all the independent traders in Bewdley good luck and continued success for the future. Without these hard working independent traders, the town would be a ghost town. Adam, Steve and Mary Bewdley Tackle and Leisure 39
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Community News
St George’s Hall - where next? Thanks to everyone who has given us feedback on St George’s Hall. We have had a good response from individuals and organisations who use the Hall answering our four questions: What is good about the Hall? What is not so good? What could be improved in the way the Hall is run? Are there any new facilities you would like to see? We have had over 130 individual ideas and views expressed. There has been a huge vote of appreciation for what the café offers and we have had some constructive suggestions for changes and improvements… these have ranged from better toilet signage through more comfortable seating in the Main Hall to the possibility of extending the Hall to make the café bigger and provide a kitchen facility for use by Hall hirers. And there have also been some great ideas for more activities for young and old. So where next? We are now planning consultation meetings to review the many suggestions and help us determine priorities for the future. The dates are: Monday 28th January 7.30pm to 9.00pm and Saturday 2nd February 2019 10.30am to 12.00 noon. If you want to have a say in how St George’s Hall can continue to be developed please put one of these dates in your 2019 diary. In the meantime, if you haven’t yet given us your views on the Hall please fill in a feedback form (available in St George’s Hall café) or email us at feedback.thehall.bewdley@gmail.com
Free parking after 4pm this Christmas Christmas shoppers will be able to park for free at all Wyre Forest District Council car parks after 4pm in the run up to the festive period. The ‘Free Christmas parking after 4pm’ offer will run from Saturday 17 November 2018 until Sunday 6th January 2019 Don’t forget to collect your free ticket from the machine and display clearly in your vehicle when using free parking during this time.
Bewdley Community Pantomime
Cinderella The Mercure Bewdley 3rd, 4th and 5th January 7.30pm Saturday 5th January 2.30pm Tickets on sale via the website www.bewdleytheatregroup.co.uk. For further information or to join us please message the Bewdley Community Theatre Group Committee via our Facebook page. 41
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TLC CARE AT HOME are now recruiting Care Support staff TLC CARE AT HOME is one of the largest care providers operating in this area. We provide not only an excellent standard of care but also a safe, secure harbour to the people we support. TLC CARE AT HOME takes care to another level! Recently inspected by CQC and received Outstanding for our Care Category and an overall Good. This is unique and very few care organisations manage to achieve this. Would you like to become a part of this exceptional team that work to support our local community and support each other? If you have the following qualities: Compassion Kindness Caring nature Honesty Work on your own initiative Pro-active We want to meet you! In return you could be earning in excess £17,638.00 depending on experience and qualifications. We offer permanent contracts Very generous petrol allowance Travel time 28 days holiday per annum pro rata On-going training programme Opportunities for promotion due to expansion Minimum travelling – local close knit rounds 24 hour support network If you are ready to take that next step that may change your life and help make someone else’s life better then pick up the telephone and contact the people that really care – contact TLC CARE AT HOME on 01299 272897 /405605 or visit www.tlccareathome.com. Email tlccareathome@hotmail.co.uk 42
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Private Tuition Given in Physics GCSE/AS/A2 and KS2/GCSE/AS/A2 Maths Call Roy on 01299 409 460
Dr Vivien Newrick Homeopath medically qualified and registered homeopathic practitioner
Tel : 01299 401617 Mob : 07884 098582 vivnewrick@hotmail.com www.vivnewrickhomeopathy.co.uk
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SEVERN VALLEY PAYROLL SERVICES For a free confidential no obligation quote please contact Denise Dodd and her hearing dog Paddy to arrange an appointment Mobile 07724 375794 text only Home phone 01299 402533 Email severnvalleypayroll@outlook.com • Bespoke payroll service • Fully insured • 32 years payroll experience within manufacturing, public and private sector • Experience of payroll within care agencies • Bookkeeping, administration and self-assessed taxes services also provided • Free confidential no obligation quotes • Appointments on request • Fully confidential with signed clauses • Fully insured
Telephone: 01299 403105
Private Chapel of Rest Bank House Severnside South Bewdley, Worcestershire www.bewdley.actinet.net/bince
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Community News
Behind the Baton I am writing this in the immediate aftermath of a moving and poignant weekend of remembrance where music played a significant role in colouring our thoughts and feelings as we remembered those who have suffered as a result of conflict, in particular, recognising the centenary of the armistice of 1918. I was privileged to be involved (with Bewdley’s Berkeley Square) in Kidderminster Male Voice Choir’s excellent commemoration event late on the Saturday night. At the parade in Bewdley on Sunday, our Scout band evoked memories of those “songs that won the war”. During the service, St Anne’s choir provided thoughtful words set so beautifully by Brahms with the recessional given added sense of occasion by James Hickson’s excellent playing of Walton’s Crown Imperial March. The soundtrack for the Town Hall display was beautifully chosen and you could feel the emotion spread around those gathered to watch as name after name drifted across its Georgian Facade. Finally, although I didn’t attend, I walked past St Anne’s during Bewdley Concert Band’s evening event where once again, I heard those all-important morale boosting songs. Finally, I must mention those who played the last post across the weekend. That lone trumpet sound has a haunting clarity and I salute those who are able to play with such control under those emotional circumstances in front of thousands of people. In the same way that music had an important role to play in galvanizing a nation in dark times, music played its part in enabling us to pause and remember as the people of Bewdley did so respectfully this weekend. As we now move towards Christmas, I must mention that Bewdley Choral Society (now 75 strong) will be performing Handel’s Messiah on December 8th with a fabulous quartet of soloists and the professional players of the Bewdley Baroque Soloists. Rehearsals are going very well indeed and I can’t wait to hear the uplifting strains of the Hallelujah Chorus filling St Anne’s Church. I hope that as Christmas approaches, once again, music in whatever form will help you celebrate with friends and family. Whether it’s dancing to your favourite Christmas number ones or singing carols in the pub or church, music will continue to bring people together as it has done for so many centuries. Alastair Elliott
A 4Front Theatre Company Production
Christmas Castaways Sunday 16th December 6.30pm St George’s Hall Adults £7 (2 for £10) Children 15 and under £1 See Claire or website for tickets. Telephone Claire 07830 509113 www.riverside.com 45
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Hagley Clock Clinic Ltd
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Community News
Welcome to Wyre Forest and District U3A We are centred around the towns of Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn and we are a lively and friendly bunch of people. We warmly welcome new members! U3A stands for "University of the Third Age". We are not a formal university and no qualifications are necessary for membership. It is an association with a wide range of study and leisure activities for those no longer in full-time employment. The U3A approach to learning is learning for fun, not qualifications. "Learn, Laugh and Live" is its motto. The Wyre Forest have over 50 interest groups and some groups organise theatre trips, visits, study tours and holidays. There is something for everyone - or if there isn't, a new group can easily be formed! General Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 2.00pm in Kidderminster Town Hall when we have a talk or demonstration on a wide range of interesting topics, information on group activities, a book stall, refreshments and, most importantly, the opportunity to meet and chat with fellow members. Our next meeting is on Monday December 17th when our speaker will be Owen Raybould, ‘Food and Mood, How we are affected’. Prospective members are most welcome to come and sample what we have to offer. Membership fees are £17.00 per person per year which includes free admission to the monthly meeting. Non-members pay £1.50 for the monthly meeting and may attend up to three meetings or group activities before deciding to join the U3A. For information visit: www.wyreforestu3a.org.uk or call 01299 861031 if you have any queries you would like to discuss. Join us! Christine Lewis
Christmas for Children
BEWDLEY TENNIS CLUB
In aid of The Children’s Society. Come along and enjoy cheese and cheer with us. Thursday 6th December 12.00 noon - 3.00pm 5 Sabrina Drive, Bewdley Bring and buy (small items only please) Raffle
Term Time Tennis for Women Now in its 9th year! Played years ago? Always fancied having a go? Free on Monday mornings? Monday 14th January 9.30-11.30am
Admission by ticket Tickets £5.00 from St. Anne’s Church
10 week course £50 Racquets provided For details phone 0777333 5975 47
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Kidderminster and District Soroptimists At our supper meeting we were treated to a fascinating talk by Sandra Hill on ‘Forest Schools’. The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. We also recently enjoyed a visit to the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum under the personal guidance of Henry Sandon, the renowned antiques expert on porcelain. December Business meeting takes place on Thursday 6th December at 7.30 pm at Baxter Church Rooms, Kidderminster. Christmas meal with seasonal ‘entertainment’ is on 20th December 7.00 pm at La Brasserie, Kidderminster. Partners, family and friends are warmly welcome. The year ends with our regular informal coffee morning at the George Hotel, Bewdley. Do come along on 27th December from 10.00 am onwards and meet some of us. For more details about club meetings and activities contact us: Tel. 01299 266101 email: kidderminstersorop@gmail.com Website: http://sigbi.org/kidderminster-and-district/ Facebook: Soroptimists Kidderminster. Visitors are always welcome! Elke Jury
Together Group Christmas Celebration Thursday 13th December Wribbenhall Parish Room Buffet Lunch 12.30pm Entertainment 2.00pm Time to Time WW11 Christmas Charge £4.00. Booking essential before 7th December, please. If you haven’t already booked your place, please ring Liz Davies on 01299 403053. (Leave message with contact number.) The Together Group is a social meeting group for the elderly. All are welcome to book a place for this event, our only December meeting.
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. 4th - Pub Night at The Queen’s Head, Wolverley. DY11 5XB Tue. 11th - Pub Night at The Old House at Home, B’ham Rd, Blakedown. DY10 3JE Fri. 14th - Live Wyres Christmas Meal at Island Pool, W’ton Road, Cookley, DY10 3RX Tue. 18th - Pub Night at The Queen’s Head, Wolverley. DY11 5XB Sat. 22nd - Live Wyres Christmas Party with DJ Kim Matthews at Wribbenhall Parish Room Tue.25th - No Pub Night Mon. 31st - New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Dancing Dave at Blakedown Parish Hall We always welcome new members. Any one interested can find out further information at our website www.livewyres.moonfruit.com or contact Sandra on 01299 400979 45
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Community News
Christmas memories Our little Northamptonshire village had a small church choir, but each year we would go carol singing on Christmas Eve round the village. Our last call was to Althorp House; we followed orders and always arrived on the dot of 7.00. Once inside we would be ushered into the Main Hall, where the household would be sitting on the stairs. Lord and Lady Spencer were on the bottom steps at the front, of course, and the staff in carefully graded order up the staircase. When we finished singing, Lord Spencer spoke to the adults and thanked us and the butler served coffee and mince pies on a silver tray. Margaret Ashmore My local church near Manchester was noted for its choral music. I can still feel the emotional power of those Christmas Eve midnight services when, as a teenager, I waited in the darkened church for the first notes of Once In Royal David's City and watched the slowly growing candlelight as the flame passed from person to person. It still had the power to move me when forty years later in Wolverhampton I heard that first verse sung by my son. Janet Mann When I was 10 the house I lived in in Birmingham was bombed in November. Miraculously although my mother was hurt we all escaped with our lives but the house was destroyed. We had to find somewhere to live and so we ended up in Stourbridge with only what we stood up in. I went to a new school and as children do, I made new friends. A neighbour had a married daughter whose son was one of these friends. That Christmas she invited us all to her house for Christmas dinner. I remember that although rationing meant they had very little to eat, they made us feel very welcome. It was a happy day in the middle of an unhappy time. Bill Wear
Cherry Trees Bewdleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mayor, Roger Coleman, plants the first of the Cherry trees sponsored by Bewdley Civic Society in the community garden at Welch Gate. This Cherry tree is part of the Civic Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project to rescue the known Cherry tree varieties, identify particular varieties using DNA and build up a stock, especially of those varieties distinctive to the West Midlands and local conditions. Cherries were a large part of the local economy which flourished after the coming of the railway in 1861 when perishable fruit could Phil Mansell, Brian Stephens and quickly be sent to markets in the north and Mayor Roger Coleman. Photo: Colin Hill south of England. The 1957 fruit tree census showed that there were 59,000 fruit trees in Worcestershire. In reviving the Cherry Fair, the Civic Society are hoping to generate interest in cherries and their history and importance to the Bewdley area. Colin Hill 53
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Bewdley Town Council News December 2018 “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.” Bewdley remembered the Fallen on November 11th, one hundred years after the armistice ended fighting on land, sea and air in World War l. Thank you to everyone who took part in the parade and all those of you who turned out to pay your respects at the services in Load Street and St. Anne’s in the morning or at Wribbenhall in the afternoon. We have been fielding enquiries about the missing benches from outside the Kemp Hospice shop ever since they were removed to make way for the installation of the Stanley Baldwin statue. Thanks to support from the county council’s highways department, the green light was given with just a few days to spare before Remembrance Day to re-install one of the benches close to its original site and install the new Remembrance bench outside the Mayor’s Parlour at the Guildhall. We hope they will be well used. In response to questions about the Neighbourhood Plan, the Town Council remains committed to its production and a member of staff has been appointed to see it through to the referendum stage. This is the point at which Bewdley will have the opportunity to say ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ to the plan. A ‘YES’ vote will allow it to be adopted as planning policy for the Town. With regard to office staff, the deadline for receipt of applications for the position of Town Clerk is 3pm on 14th December. Application forms are available from the Town Council office and from the website, or by email to office@bewdleytowncouncil.org or phone to 01299 400157. There is also a vacancy for a member of the council to represent the Bewdley West Ward following the resignation of Stephen Clee. Stephen has been a steady fixture on the Town Council for many years and we wish him well in his new ventures. Due to the pending local council election on 2nd May 2019, there is no requirement for a by-election to be called but the Town Council may fill the seat through the co-option process. The Town Council is planning to end the year and herald 2019 by supporting the annual fireworks display alongside the river. We wish all Bewdley residents a very happy Christmas and look forward to sharing a healthy and prosperous New Year. Gill Lungley Temporary Office Manager Town Council Meetings: All meetings are open to the public and agendas will be posted to the Guildhall noticeboard. Next Town Council meetings are held in the Guildhall on the first Monday evening of each month starting at 7.00pm. The dates of the next two meetings 3rd December and 7th January. 51
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December in the Forest With nearly all the leaves gone from the forest's deciduous trees, now is the time to gather evergreens to decorate our homes. This practice dates from at least Roman times, when the midwinter feast of Saturnalia brought some fun to the gloom of the year's shortest days. Masters and servants would swap roles and normal rules were suspended. When the traditions of Saturnalia were absorbed into the Christian celebration of Christmas, greenery kept its place in homes and barns and it may also have been the origin of the practice of electing a 'Lord of Misrule' to preside over the Christmas revelries. Holly is the most plentiful native evergreen and has some useful symbolism to recommend it too: the prickles like the thorns of Christ's crown, red berries that mirror the red blood of his sacrifice, white flowers pointing to the purity of the Virgin Mary. Ideas that holly might have been a 'witches' tree' still lingered and may have been the reason why it was considered unlucky to bring it indoors until Christmas Eve. Nicely berried sprigs of holly were harvested in the forest and used to make decorative wreaths. I remember our neighbour spending many cold hours in her shed in the forest and getting sore fingers turning out these wreaths - not an easy way to earn some extra Christmas cash. Mistletoe, with its strange shape and growing habits, not to mention its association with Druids, was regarded with great suspicion. In most churches it was forbidden but its underground reputation as an aphrodisiac and fertility booster ensured that a bunch would be found hanging in many houses. It is a semi-parasite of many trees (taking water and minerals from them but photosynthesising for itself) and can be seen on poplar, willow, apple and hawthorn. I recently became aware that the large lime tree I was standing under at Hartlebury Castle was full of mistletoe when I saw the ground scattered with large numbers of its leaves, torn off in a storm. It grows well in this part of the country due to the mild, damp climate and abundance of suitable hosts, and Tenbury hosts auctions of mistletoe and holly in late November and early December that go back 160 years. Using 'Christmas trees' to decorate the house probably has a long history but Prince Albert is credited with making the practice much more popular in Victorian times. Today we can choose from a variety of exotic conifers: spruce, pine and fir; and these can be bought from local growers and the Forestry Commission. I wish you a very happy Christmas and time to draw breath before we plunge into 2019! Linda Iles