your
March 2009 Complimentary issue
Local Times In this issue:
Farm
Local businesses Local tradesmen Local entertainment Competitions Sales and Wanted adverts
Delivered to your local area
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Local Times
Contents: Local Attractions 4 Focus on Stourport 6 Local Business 8 Business Opportunities 10 Relationships 12 Local Artists 14 Local News 16 Local Business 18 Community Adverts 20 Community Links 22 Horoscopes 26 Kids Corner 28
Publisher: Whyte Knyght Creative Editor: Robert Cooper Features and Editorial: 01299 402094 Advertising: 01299 402094 editorial@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Whyte Knyght Creative does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication.
Welcome… I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the advertisers who have supported us with our launch and look forward to working with them throughout the coming issues. The roadwork’s in the town centre which was going to cause inconvenience to both businesses and to local residents who wish to shop has now been averted thanks to the council persuading the contractors to postpone it until next year. We must look to the future and prosperous times. Throughout the year the issues each month will feature local traders and last month we featured the Rajput restaurant and the Severn Valley Steam Railway which was holding the Nineteen Sixties Weekend. This month as we enter the spring and the gardening season we are featuring local attractions and places to visit such as Rays farm and Stourport-on-Severn. My focus on local areas will now be a regular feature and I hope you will contribute by letting the readers know how Bewdley has changed over the years. If anyone would like to send me any photographs of Bewdley I will select a few to include in our future issues. As well as publishing a local magazine we are developing our on-line presence and have introduced an exciting new feature on the Local Times website. If you go to www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk you can flick through the magazine on your computer. The new innovation this month is that you can also follow links to advertisers’ own websites through the website. This technical advance is at the cutting edge of technology and we are proud to be pioneering it in this local magazine.
Your Local Times is a trademark of Whyte Knyght Creative.
I look forward to hearing readers thoughts on the magazine and you can contact me by emailing editorial@yourlocaltimes.co.uk or by phoning on 01299 402094.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopied or recorded without prior permission of the publisher.
Editor
Robert Cooper
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Local Attractions
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Local Times
Enjoying local wildlife Visitors are welcome to explore the woodland which surrounds Rays farm located in the heart of the beautiful South Shropshire countryside. The path meanders past the stream where occasionally otters are seen slipping into the deep water pools. For those wishing to linger, seats are provided where you may glimpse rabbits, kingfishers and woodpeckers, or watch the skies for buzzards on patrol. Wild deer, badgers, voles and mink inhabit these woods waiting for the evening to arrive and the visitors to return homeward before adventuring out in search of food. Relax and enjoy the wildlife as nature intended with its array of wild flowers and ferns all creating that perfect atmosphere. Experience the peace and beauty while unwinding and letting the time drift by. Visit the wild bird viewing hide and who knows what birds you will see. As we make our way back to the farm past the wild bird viewing hide we reflect how the landscape may have looked in previous generations. About 200 years ago the view across the lane and over the fields to the woodlands may have looked very different to that which you see today - the area was an industrial site. Download our walk through history map or collect your map from the farm during your visit. At the farm you will see many breeds of deer, including reindeer, pygmy goats, ponies and donkeys, red squirrels as well as ducks and geese, peafoul and ferrets and the childrens’ favourites the rabbits and guinea pigs. Rays Farm Country Matters is a farm for the animals and for people who wish to enjoy a close encounter with them. The paddocks hold the donkeys, ponies and horse whilst another holds Llamas and Alpacas. 4
Running around in another enclosure are the hens, Bantums, Ducks, Geese, Turkey foul and Pea foul. Enjoy the splendour of the many owls which the farm has on display with their grace and splendour. A lovely day out for those who wish to walk in the 8 acres of ancient woodland or those who want to see the wildlife and animals. The farm is owned and operated by Frank and Rose Cartwright and their daughter Julie since it was bought in 1982 as a small holding. Being such a haven with its wonderful woodland they opened it in 1990 and today attract thousands of visitors a year. Open every day from 10am till 5-30pm till the end of October Rays Farm Country Matters has a warm welcome for everyone. It caters for groups and school trips and has a coffee and gift shop where visitors can browse and take refreshment. Rays farm can be found on the B4363 near Billingsley on the Bridgnorth to Cleobury Road and is well sign posted. You can find all the details on the web site at www. raysfarm.com and plan your great day out.
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Static caravans for sale from £5,995 at Clarach Bay Holiday Village, Aberystwyth. Sea views, club house, indoor swimming pool, amusements, shop, kids fun fair. www.clarachbay.com
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Local places to visit
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Local Times
Focus on Stourport-on-Severn Why and how Stourport has evolved and survived relies much today upon the river and the canal system as it did when it was just a small hamlet in the seventeenth century. The building of the canal system by James Brinley meant that it was linked to the Birmingham canals and the port, which grew up around the river Severn, meant that it became an industrial area. You can discover more about the history of Stourport at www.stourporttown.co.uk/history.hmtl. Today Stourport still has an industrial heritage although local families serving the population run many of the businesses and companies. Tourism has become a big part of the town and is well served by a high street of cafes, restaurants, shops, public houses and the attractions associated with the river. The Steamboat, amusement park, water activities, and the leisure facility, together with the walks along the river and the boats moored in the canal basin makes Stourport a unique inland holiday destination. There is something for all young or old.
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Accommodation is well catered for by its many bed and breakfasts, hotels and caravan parks. Details of accommodation can be found on the Stourport website by clicking the link below: www.stourporttown.co.uk Away from the town centre we have Cookes Garden Centre, a family business which offers quality plants and everything you will need for your garden. Farther on Bell’s Farm Shop has an array of fruit and vegetables and in the summer caters for “pick your own”. This includes strawberries and beans as well as giving you the opportunity to dig up your own new potatoes. The industrial estate at Sandy Lane is an area with units housing medium and small businesses and the established Wiggleys DIY store where you can buy everything from nails to a garden shed. The canal basin has been redeveloped and has a mixture of apartments and leisure facilities and the mooring of the canal boats shows the extent the owners go to in keeping their boats in tip top condition. Mary and Ken Shaw are one of those couples who tend loving care to their boat, painting and servicing in anticipation of the forthcoming holiday season when they will get away on a leisurely cruise. The photograph shows how busy they were but they extended a warm welcome to us and showed us the inside of the boat. Home from home with all the mod cons to make their holiday enjoyable brought fond memories of my childhood when life was a little more relaxed. Visit Stourport, walk round and see its history and enjoy the facilities this town has to offer.
Fantasy
Chocolate Fountains Create an unforgettable experience and transform your event with the fragrant aroma of a cascading stream of pure decadence. A delicious warm gourmet belgian chocolate flows over your fountain, your guests can experience great pleasure by dipping confection and exotic fruits into the stream, creating an atmosphere of pure luxury. Our fountains are a perfect alternative to dessert or as an additional feature for events such as anniversary parties, christenings, proms and wedding receptions. For every chocolate lovers fantasy, experience…
Fantasy
Chocolate Fountains
www.fantasy-chocolate-fountains.co.uk Email: jansfcf@hotmail.co.uk
For more information contact Jan on 07974 531264
Lily
of Bridgnorth
1a Church Street Bridgnorth Shropshire WV16 4EQ 01746 769942 lily_sue@hotmail.co.uk
* SNAZZI *
FASHIONS • ACCESSORIES • GIFTS Unit 3, Wyre Court, Bewdley, DY12 2AW
07979 092081
Ann Marie
BRIDAL STUDIO
Designers include: • Benjamin Roberts • Ronald Joyce • Romantica • D’zage • Ellis Bridals Designer gowns at affordable prices 17 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs B61 7DL Tel: 01527 880033 www.annmariebridalstudio.co.uk
Simply Weddings and Parties
• Mother of the Bride and Groom Outfits • Special Occasion Outfits • Wedding Stationery, Cakes, Balloons and Favours • Hats, Fascinators and Hat Hire
10% OFF
an outfit with this advert
21 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove One way street at back of the market
Tel: 01527 833056
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Local Business
The Lenchford inn is a georgian hotel set in the idyllic countryside on the outskirts of Stourport and Bewdley by the River Severn. A unique, privately owned hotel with ultimate levels of comfort and luxury. The Lenchford is the perfect place away from everyday life,yet easily accessable to major towns and cities. The Lenchford boasts 9 spacious letting bedrooms all with riverside views, patio or balcony and tea/coffee making facilities. The recently decorated Restaurant offers a fine selection of fresh local produce prepared to order by their new vastly experienced Chef, Anne. The Lenchford specialise in modern English cooking using the very best ingredients. Their food has been the recipient of many awards and is matched with an excellent wine list. “Food is really important to the Lenchford” says David Taylor, one of the partners, but they also think the Lenchford is a great place to drink so they have put together a brilliant line-up of live entertainments which includes tribute acts such as The Blues Brothers, Shania Twain, Tina Turner, Cher and Robbie Williams. Tickets are only £10. A charity event in aid of feed the children starts the entertainment on 13th April, Easter Monday. A duck race will commence on the River at around 3pm,where there will be childrens rides, Bouncy castle, Hog roast, Burgers, raffles etc. Ducks are only £2 each with some eye catching prizes, including £800 holiday vouchers to be
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used on any holiday you like for 1st prize, 2nd prize is £300 cash, and also spa days out, hampers and many more up for grabs. A corporate duck is available for £25 and the prize is a massive £500 cash. Weddings have been popular at the Lenchford for over 30 years now and with the recent acquisition of a civil wedding ceremony license, weddings are becoming even more popular. The function suite holds up to 120 guests with the option to increase that number to 200 with the hire of a marquee. Other functions are also catered for such as Birthday Parties, Engagements, Anniversaries, School Proms and so on. Mothers Day this year is on Sunday 22nd March and a special Carvery menu is available but booking booking early is essential to guarantee places.
Website www.thelenchfordinn.co.uk Email info@lenchfordinn.plus.com Tel 01905 620229
Riverside Hotel and Restaurant Leading Venue for Conferences, Weddings & Functions Stourport Road, Shrawley, Worcs WR6 6TB
01905 620 229
www.thelenchfordinn.co.uk
WYRE FOREST VISITOR CENTRE Experience the peace and tranquillity of the Wyre Forest. The centre is open 10am to 4pm daily May close earlier in winter
Wide range of home-made food • Welcoming log fire in winter • Watch the birds feeding • Children’s play area Evening functions by arrangement
MONDAY and TUESDAY 3 COURSE SPECIAL £9.95 Enjoy a variety of dishes from a selected menu for only £9.95 MOTHERS DAY 3 COURSE MENU AT £9.95 Open from 12:00 Noon Opening Hours Mon-Sun 5.00pm - midnight Private dining and parties can be catered for 10% discount on takeaways 41 Load Street, Bewdley DY12 2AS
T. 01299 409 409
W. www.therajput.co.uk
Callow Hill, Bewdley, Worcs DY14 9XQ
01299 266944
email: carole@thewhittypear.co.uk Set in a country park the visitor centre has a homely restaurant serving local home made food. In the winter it has a welcoming log fire where the visitor can refresh themselves after exploring the centres country walks and cycle routes. The site has ample car parking facility and an area for children to use the swings, slides and climbing apparatus.
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Business Opportunities
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Local Times
An Important Announcement for local business owners and staff in this recession Certain business owners will know exactly what makes their offer special and attract profitable new customers, making everyone’s life better. Successful owners invest time to deliver the right sales and marketing activity so the business owners and its staff will also flourish. Other businesses will be forced make cut backs and there will be no time to plan properly, no promotion, no enthusiasm to sell you at a higher profit margin.
For a FREE guide… 7 proven ways small local business can increase profits by as much as 19%, and attract new customers – ethically and effectively – long term…
Call Mark Edwards 01299 827 522 email info@getahead.co.uk for your guide before they run out. Entrepreneur Mark Edwards founded Gap, over 20 years ago. Mark marketed and created brand new sales to such household names as SONY, JCB and TESCO. And attracted and sold to 100’s of smaller business, charities and sales distributors. 10
• He has the knowledge to research and identify the most profitable markets for you • He knows how to make customers want your product • He can motivate staff to sell your product and make it! • He can enhance your company’s reputation – vital to successful selling of your product and later your business
www.GetAhead.co.uk Call him today 01299 827 522 Mark increases your sales and profits
“You deserve a fantastic choice of blooming marvellous products” Products that will make you feel and look great. Additionally save you money in many cases and be kind to your and everybody’s environment.
Why – BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT! Do you wear make up – you will feel more adorable in ours Do you drive a car? We will reduce you petrol costs, and reduce your Co2 Do you buy cleaning and laundry products – we can even help your washing and If you live in the country, your cess pit too If you want to improve your way of living, your families and friends … Ask me for a Brochure for free, with a great selection and choice of products that are made to make you feel good… and save you money.
Call Mark Edwards 01299 287 522 for a free brochure that will improve many things in your life. Eco products that make life better and easier
Hand made soaps, cosmetics, fuel + energy saving devices, Surprising Gadgets for home for office for life
Does your business need more or more
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David Jones helps you to Prepare for better future profit, not dwell on the past
Is your business suffering from lack of Cash flow? Working Capital Identification and Elimination of waste in the business to enhance your profitability More opportunity – which competitor is doing better than you and why? Customer satisfaction and recommendation ensuring business is not lost through poor performance For a friendly and confidential talk about your
business issues or growth
Call 07772 072228
David Jones Chartered management accountant…with a difference! 11
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Relationships
Local Times
Rules of relationships… It is a human need to love and be loved. Yet so many people find it impossible to find a fulfilling relationship. A healthy relationship needs to function within a set of unwritten rules. Break them and your relationship risks ruin. These rules of relationships are there to serve both partners’ needs, and both partners are responsible for abiding by them. A one-sided love affair will always end in tears. These basic rules by no means form an exhaustive list, but they are a start:
Don’t go breaking my heart: sticking to a few rules may help your relationship.
1. Choose a partner wisely and well. We are attracted to people for all kinds of reasons. They remind us of someone from our past; they shower us with gifts and make us feel important. Evaluate a potential partner as you would a friend: look at their character, personality, values, their generosity of spirit, the relationship between their words and actions and their relationships with others. 2. Know your partner’s expectations about relationships. Different people have different and often conflicting beliefs about relationships. If one is expecting a lifetime commitment and the other just a casual fling, it isn’t going to end happily ever after. 3. Don’t confuse sex with love. Especially in the beginning of a relationship, attraction and pleasure in sex are often mistaken for love. 4. Know your needs and speak up for them. A relationship is not a guessing game. Many people, men as well as women, have difficulty expressing their needs and camouflage them. Closeness cannot occur without honesty. Your partner is not a mind reader.
things from your partner’s perspective as well as your own. 11. Work hard at maintaining closeness. Closeness doesn’t happen by itself. In its absence, people drift apart and are susceptible to affairs. 12. Take a long-range view. Talk about your hopes and dreams with each other regularly to make sure you’re both on the same path. 13. Sex is good. Pillow talk is better. Intimacy requires honesty, openness, self-disclosure, confiding concerns, fears, sadness as well as hopes and dreams.
5. View yourselves as a team. This doesn’t mean you are one entity. You are two unique individuals, bringing different perspectives and strengths to your team.
14. Apologise. Apologies can be clumsy or funny, even sarcastic, but willingness to make up after an argument is central to every happy coupling.
6. Disagreements don’t sink relationships. Learn how to handle the negative feelings that are the unavoidable byproduct of the differences between two people. Avoiding conflicts is not managing them.
15. Introduce passions. The more passions and interests in life that you have and share, the richer your relationship will be.
7. Communicate. If you don’t understand or like something your partner is doing, ask about it and why he or she is doing it. Talk and explore. Don’t assume. 8. Solve problems as they arise. Don’t let resentments simmer. As they say, never go to sleep with an argument. 9. Learn to negotiate. Because people’s needs are fluid and change over time, and life’s demands change too, good relationships are negotiated and renegotiated all the time. 10. Listen up. Much of the time, just having someone listen is all we need. It opens the door to confiding. Look at
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16. Love doesn’t always smell of roses. All relationships have their ups and downs. Working together through the hard times will make the relationship stronger, if it’s meant to be. 17. Love is not an absolute. It’s a feeling that ebbs and flows depending on how you treat each other.
OUR NEW RESTAURANT IS NOW OPEN AT ROWBERRYS
NURSERIES HOME MADE FOOD using our own produce QUALITY AND SERVICE
from a family business SUNDAY LUNCHES served between 12.30-2.30pm Open daily 9.00-4.30 Mon-Wed, 9.00-6.00 Thur-Sat, 9.00-4.00 Sunday
Rowberry’s Nurseries
Lodgeford Hill, Lower Chaddesley Corbett, Worcs DY10 4QN on the main road between Kidderminster and Bromsgrove Tel: 07812 503560
ROWBERRYS NURSERY Buy direct from the grower for the best quality and service
PLANT CENTRE Huge selection of plants with many multi-buy offers
FARM SHOP Home grown fruit and vegetables Free range eggs Home produced pork and beef Jams, bread and dairy products
Open daily from 9am to 6pm VISIT OUR NEW TEA ROOM AND RESTAURANT
Logeford Hill Lower, Chaddesley Corbett, Kidderminster, DY10 4QN
01562 777017 13
your
Local Artists
Local Times
Drawing on her experience Tucked away in Castle Terrace, Bridgnorth, nestles a new gallery showcasing original sculptures and artwork by resident artist Tania Holland. As a fine artist and art graduate from Oxford University, Tania has created oil on canvas paintings to grace any room and will undertake most commissions. Browse her gallery to see a range of her work as well as those of local and national artists who share a vibrant, quirky or humorous approach to their art. Hand made jewellery, gifts and cards are also on display and if you are looking for that unique sculpture Tania will create it for you. These are all original designs and have been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Affordable Art Fair in London and Tatton Park Flower show. Tania has been an established fully qualified fine artist and caricaturist for 13 years and has over 5 years teaching experience. Her art workshops can be adapted to any age from toddler to grown ups and include making or painting of themed murals, mask making, jewellery, tee-shirt painting and seasonal decorations to name a few. When you visit her gallery she can draw you as a caricature in a matter of minutes which will only cost a few pounds. The focus is on fun and celebrities caricatured in person include David Essex, David Bellamy, Ivana and Ivanka Trump, Paul Young and Jim Davidson. Corporate events have included The British Olympic Association, KPMG, BAA, Harrow school, Hard Rock Cafe, The Savoy and many more.
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So whether you visit the Gallery, want to commission a piece of art, become a corporate client or need to entertain the children at a party Tania is a
call away on 01746
767632 or a click away on www.taniaholland.com or www.caricatureme.com
7a Castle Terrace, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4AH
Want to turn your hobby into a business? Advertise your skills, hobby and products in Your Local Times. Contact the whole of your local neighbourhood for as little as ÂŁ26 per month! Advertise in the magazine and get an advert on the Local Times website too! Advertise locally, sell internationally! Call
01299 402094
for details or email editorial@yourlocaltimes.co.uk
For Fun, Funky and Unusual Handmade Art, Gifts and Cards by Local and National Artists. 7a Castle Terrace, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4AH tel: 01746 767632 taniaholland@btopenworld.com www.taniaholland.com www.caricatureme.com
Pam-purr-ed Pet Portraits
Professional paintings of your Puss or Pooch!
Oil paintings on canvas of your dog, cat or bunny! Supply a high quality photo or email digital pics. 18” x 24” portraits in full colour from as little as £50!
To discuss your needs, phone Colin on 0798 999 5180 or email colinhanley@hotmail.co.uk 15
Local News
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Local Times
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Local Business
Local Times
Another small business discovered
Tucked away on the outskirts of Bewdley at Hopleys Caravan and Camping, on the Cleobury Road, the Courtyard cafe nestles on the edge of the caravan park and fishing pools.
while eating you can enjoy looking out over the Bewdley countryside. It is a popular spot for fishermen who have journeyed to fish from the well stocked fishing pools of Hopleys and they will not be disappointed when consuming a hearty breakfast.
The friendly owners invite you to a heartwarming full English breakfast cooked freshly for you of eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes or baked beans with toast and tea or coffee.
Over the next few months the cafe will be undergoing a full renovation with an extension to the front of the building and the new patio area where you will be able to sit out and enjoy your meals in the summer sunshine. They will still be open whilst the renovations take place.
A mid morning snack or home made lunch will excite any weary walker or traveller whether it is for a meal or just a nice pot of tea and there will always be a warm welcome. The menu caters for all tastes and
The caravan site caters for those who wish to pull in for the night with their van or to camp and is registered with the Caravan club. Details of the location can be found Cn the caravan clubs web site.
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BELL’S FARM SHOP & P.Y.O. Full of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Locally produced Milk, Bread, Cheeses Cakes, Free Range Beef, Lamb, Pork, Bacon and Sausages from Castlemoor Farms and Buttercross Meats plus lots more for you Open All Year 9 - 5 Everyday on the A4025 nr Stourporton-Severn Visit our website www.bellsfarmshop.co.uk for information and directions
01299 251364
OG AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE RECOVERY & TRANSPORTATION Family Firm established many years
Specialising in Vehicle repairs, MOT’s & servicing Telephone 01299 251274 Mobile 07836 627347 Unit 337 Rushock Trading Estate Rushock, Worcestershire WR9 0NR Collection and delivery arranged
Rebecca Bevan Approved Driving Instructor Mobile
07843 699 593
GT
Hopley Farm Shop and Plant Centre, Cleobury Road Bewdley, Worcestearshire DY12 2QL
Paul Matty Sports Cars With the emphasis on quality and reliability, Paul Matty Sportscars has become the leading UK Lotus specialists covering all aspects of Lotus ownership. As past winners of Club Lotus dealer of the year awards, we are a small band of 15 dedicated people lead by enthusiasm for the Lotus marque. Paul Matty Sports Cars Ltd, 12 Old Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 1DE
Tel: 01527 835 656
SCHOOL OF
MOTORING 19
Community Adverts
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Local Times
Your Local Marketplace
Advertise items for sale or wanted. Advertise your products, business or services.
Make personal or family announcements. Phone NOW on 01299 402094.
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PETE WALL
Rubbish removal and recycling Garage, garden, household and commercial Plastic, cardboard, glass, wood, metal recycled and compost heaps removed
Tree pruning, hedge trimming and garden clearance Value for money
01299 405477 • 07956 172825 Fully insured Waste carriers licence EAN/949615
Complete Plastics Fascia Boards Soffits & Guttering Full replacement or capover All installations fitted by the owner All work guaranteed by I.W.A.
Tel: Geoff Orchard on
01299 401449 or 07749 663028
THE ODD JOB CO.
Specialist small odd job tradesman General Property Maintainance Assembly of flat pack furniture Painting and decorating Window cleaning Fixing leaking taps No job too small all at resonable rates
tel 01299 400859 mob: 07754801066
email: robertcoles115@hotmail.co.uk 21
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Community Links SPORTS Bewdley Bowling Club Severn Side North, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2EE Tel: 01299 403781 Bewdley Cricket Club Lower Park, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2DP Tel: 01299 403658 Bewdley Rowing Club Severnside North, Wribbenhall, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2EE Tel: 01299 402899 Bewdley Tennis Club 20 Stourport Road, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 1BD Tel: 01299 403419
Bewdley Residents Flood Committee 15 Severnside South, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2DX Tel: 01299 400569 Bewdley Town Council Guildhall, 6 Load Street, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2AH Tel: 01299 400157 Tourist Information Centre The Guildhall, Load Street, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2AE Tel: 01299 404740 SCHOOLS
COMMUNITY
Bewdley Primary School and Nursery Shaw Hedge Road, Wribbenhall, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2EH Tel: 01299 403796
Bewdley Post Office Load Street, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2AF Tel: 01299 400682
St Annes Primary School Wyre Hill, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2UQ Tel: 01299 402013
Bewdley Museum Load Street, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2AE Tel: 01299 403573
The Bewdley School Stourport Road, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 1BL Tel: 01299 403277
Bewdley Library Worcestershire County Council, Load Street, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2EQ Tel: 01299 403303
Upper Arley C of E First School Arley, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 1XA Tel: 01299 861260
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Local Times FLORISTS Cooks Florist Shop 30 Load Street, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2AS Tel: 01299 403095 HOTELS George Hotel Load Street , Bewdley, Worcestershire, England, DY12 2AW The Royal Forester Callow Hill DY13 9XW The Mug House Inn Severnside North DY12 2EE Ramada Hotel And Resort Kidderminster Habberley Rd DY12 1LJ Gainsborough House Hotel Bewdley Hill DY11 6BS DOCTORS Bewdley Medical Centre, Dog Lane, Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 2EG Tel: 0129 402157 To advertise here, call
01299 402094
Lucky 7’s Snack Wagon
Whatever time, day or night Hot snacks – Cold snacks – Chips – Tea – Coffee Favourites like bacon butties and lots more Where to find us in Kiddy: Howdens car park, Worcester Road Monday to Friday 8:00am till 2:30pm
Orders: 07528 798 210
Bedcity car park, New Road, adjacent to the DY10 night club Friday and Saturday 8:00pm till late
WANTED
TO COMPLETE A LARGE OO STEAM TRAIN LAYOUT Engines, carriages, wagons, signals, full or part sets, accessories, completed and uncompleted buildings, people, vehicles, trees, foliage, bridges, trams and buses. Hornby, Tri-ang, Bachmann preferred but will consider any model. Part or complete layouts considered as well as Dinky, Corgi, Meccano and Matchbox models. Call today and turn those unwanted items into cash: 07736 540 136 23
Advertising with us
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Local Times
Why do you need to advertise? Although your business may have loyal and regular customers as costs rise and your margins decrease we have to either bear these rises from our surplus revenue or put the price of our goods and services up. In time of recession it may be difficult to raise prices as this may drive away our loyal customers to other businesses, usually the large stores and supermarkets, who may offer better value for money. larger businesses need to attract more customers by offering better deals and very competitive pricing to keep pace with or attract a larger percentage of market share and they achieve this through aggressive campaigns of advertising using a variety of media, television, radio, magazine and newsprint, promotions and vouchers all to entice the potential customers through their doors to spend money and keep them coming back. Small businesses also need to entice customers to use their stores and services but most advertising is prohibitively expensive and often does not reach your core customers. You need to evaluate who your customers are. Are they young, elderly or retired, working throughout the day, local residents, tourists or other local businesses? You need to look at who is advertising from outside your local area and who will be enticing your customers to spend money with them. Building this picture will be important to any survival during this recession and using a cost effective advertising medium for the local area 24
starts with advertising in Your Local Times Magazine. Your Local Times offers a competitively priced advertisement in a glossy magazine delivered free to local households and businesses. Featuring businesses, the community, a page of quizzes, horoscope and words of wisdom about relationships, dieting, fitness, gardening, do it yourself, classic cars and local peoples hobbies - which if they make items and advertise in the magazine, may turn into money makers! Local isn’t for my business. Your Local Times offers all its advertisers an on-line version absolutely free and if you already have a web site the reader can link to it without the need to browse. No signing up to join . No fees. No hassle to read and all the back issues of the magazine are on the web site for a year so your advertisement is on the web for anyone to see. How much does all this cost? From £15 for a sixteenth page advert to a full page at £175 your business goes from local to global for the price of one advertisement and all the features of the magazine are on-line too! Show me any other adversing medium which offers this at such a competitive price. Go online at www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk and see this month’s magazine. Then call to advertise on
01299 402094
Or email sales@yourlocaltimes.co.uk
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Horoscopes - April
your
Local Times
Your future in the stars… ARIES Mar 21st - Apr 20th
You’re swamped with extra responsibilities this month. You’re determined to show what you can do. Keep your wits about you and you could achieve something very special. Opportunities arising at this time give you the chance to get closer to your main goals. TAURUS Apr 21st - May 21st
Private matters need attention. Perhaps you shouldn’t have too many set plans for the days. Or you may have to drop a job when it’s only halfway through and this could cause you some inconvenience.
GEMINI May 22nd - Jun 21st
Regular visitors and social invitations make it hard for you to find time to simply relax. Someone comes up with some adventurous plans and you wonder whether they realise what they’re letting themselves in for. CANCER Jun 22nd - Jul 23rd
With the sun at the top of your chart, you will be working on your main aims now. There’s a team spirit in the air when working with a group as the month ends.
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LEO Jul 24th - Aug 23rd
Travel is likely to provide the break you are in desperate need of even if once you are on the road, journeys aren’t as straightforward as anticipated.
VIRGO Aug 24th - Sep 23rd
Legal and financial transactions need careful thought. Check there aren’t any loopholes. You might discover one ambiguity just in the nick of time.
LIBRA Sep 24th - Oct 23rd
If you’re single, a new partner could enter the scene. It’s a month when you will be putting other people’s needs before your own.
SCORPIO Oct 24th - Nov 22nd
New job opportunities are likely. You’d like to be part of a new scheme, but you want to learn a bit more before you commit yourself.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23rd - Dec 21st
Fun activities are plentiful this April especially during the first half of the month. But are you spending more on entertaining than you should? Curb your extravagant impulses.
CAPRICORN Dec 22nd - Jan 20th
There is a lot going on in your social world, but at the same time, you have a number of commitments to your family. Friends want you to join them but if you’re tied to your home, perhaps they might have to come to you, instead! AQUARIUS Jan 21st - Feb 19th
Involvements in your local community will bring unexpected rewards. A communication will bring something to seriously consider. After the 19th make time for a creative hobby.
PISCES Feb 20th - Mar 20th
Money affairs seem to be quite sensitive at the moment. This may have something to do with social arrangements or activities going on in your neighbourhood. People are clubbing together financially but this could be hard on your wallet.
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Kids Corner
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Business Advice
Local Times
Please don’t go…
Businesses spend lots of money casting their fishing lines, hooking people and reeling them in to be customers. But once you’ve gained custom, just how do you keep it? The downfall for many companies is that they don’t know how to retain consumers. It seems like this has fast become the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and few firms manage to do it well. But why bother? What are the real advantages to retention? Studies across a number of industries have revealed that the cost of keeping an existing customer is just 10 per cent of the cost of acquiring a new one. So, economically it makes pretty good sense. Putting together a good retention strategy will also lead to increased customer profitability as the longer the relationship, the lower the account maintenance cost. There are other associated benefits to fostering a lasting relationship with an individual, including the fact that long-term customers are more likely to introduce your business to others via a verbal referral, they’re also more likely to purchase others products from you and if they’re completely happy with the service they’re getting then why would they even think about switching to a competitor? If the business is maintaining good customer relations and keeping consumers loyal and satisfied, this also creates a happy workforce, with increased job satisfaction. Look at it this way: if the customer has been loyal to the company for some time, he or she will require less help and have fewer problems to deal with. So clearly there are a great many benefits to the business by keeping hold of current customers. But modern consumers are savvy. They’re not happy to deal with you simply because they know you or your shop is nearby or even because it’s the easiest option. These days, people know how to get the best deal and will be happy to pop off to a competitor quicker than you can say “nice knowing you” if you don’t give them what they need. So, short of locking the doors and refusing to let people go until they pledge to stay loyal to you for the rest of their days, just how do you keep people coming back for more? 30
The bad news is there doesn’t seem to be one particular foolproof method: let’s face it, if there was, everyone would be doing it. But firms that can boast great success in their customer retention endeavours often have one thing in common – great customer service. It’s no good promising a customer the world at your initial meeting if three months down the line they discover you don’t have the manpower, skills or knowledge to go about fulfilling your pledges. You have to make promises you can keep and be able to provide what the customer demands and achieve it in a much better way than any of your competitors. As all great gurus will tell you, the first thing you need to do is look within. In this case, within your business. Employing staff who are enthusiastic and who actually know what they’re talking about will do wonders for the reputation of the firm. How many times have you walked into a sports shop and asked for some advice about which tennis racquet to buy, only to be met with a blank stare from the shop assistant and a mumbled list of prices? It’s frustrating if the customer contact person has no clue about what they’re actually selling – so staff training is key. Staff are frequently listed as a company’s biggest asset and, as such, they deserve a fair sized chance to develop in their roles. Business representatives need to be taught to exercise good judgment and take the initiative when it comes to problem solving. Tried and tested methods of customer retention also involve rewarding people for their loyalty and giving customers something more tangible – a real reason to come back to your firm. Incentives to return could include add-ons, vouchers, loyalty discounts or cards, special pricing and bonuses and gifts for ordering through a website. But above all, keeping consumers happy means your actions must speak louder than your words and a proven rather than a promised commitment will put you way ahead of the competition.
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Your local Independent Insurance Consultants Transacting insurance for the Wyre Forest area since 1968 Introducing Matthew Henderson New Commercial Manager Contact Matthew for Commercial Insurance on all Trades. Keenest rates for all your house, car travel etc insurance requirements. We can also quote for your holiday insurance. 34/35 Comberton Hill, Kidderminster Once we have sorted your motor and house insurance, ask for a comprehensive travel insurance quote.
01562 751003
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