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e e fr
‌for the life you lead
e n t e r tainment * fashion * style * restaurants
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Save time, sav
em one y, b
yg oing
Matt Henderson
Matt Smith
Motor Specialist
Local
Commercial Specialist
Call the RA Davies Team today and get all your insurance quotes sorted ! We are specialists in insurance covering: Motor • Van • Lorry • Home • Shop • Office • Fleet • And More Home
Car
Tel: 01562 751003 email: radaviesltd@btconnect.com website: www.radaviesltd.com 34 / 35 Comberton Hill, Kidderminster DY10 1QN
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Commercial 2
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Local Artist
Our front cover this month is from talented local artist Joe Carver. Joe is a designer working from his computer in Worcestershire. He graduated from Coventry University with a BA (Hons) in Illustration. He has also recently completed his PGCE from University Suffolk Campus.
Joe told us, “I have moved away from the world of illustration and have concentrated on digital design, however I like to think I fuse illustration concepts of colour and line into my work. My work ethics are to deconstruct and peel back the basics of photographs and pictures then bring them back to life with controlled chaos through tight design work. I aspire to create new, imaginative, alternative worlds.”
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Interested in seeing more of Joe’s work? You can check out his website at: www.digitaldaydreamer.co.uk Alternatively, Joe can be contacted at: Email: joe@digitaldaydreamer.co.uk or phone on: 07969258715 y our
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How to contact us: Editor: Tracey Edwards 08456 199 038 editor@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Contributors: Steve Gould Trevor Kirton Joe Carver - front cover and page 3 artwork copyrighted. Advertising: Sales Team advertising@yourlocaltimes.co.uk 08456 199 038 Bob Cooper 01299 402094 Tracey Edwards 01299 402094
Christmas… Did someone mention Christmas? Well the big stores are now advertising and stocking the Christmas ranges so if it is good enough for them, then we had better think about promoting our own sales. The magazine will have a Christmas theme to it over the next few months, bursting with festive spirit and articles to get us in the mood. We will feature the best restaurants and pubs around the region that will be opening their doors on Christmas day. Forget the recession, as Noddy Holder says,
“Its Christmassssssss” Tracey
Studio Team studio@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Credit Control 08456 199 038 Accounts: Ken Bell accounts@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Published by Your Local Publisher Ltd Bridge House, Severn Bridge Riverside North, Bewdley DY12 1AB 08456 199 038
DEADLINE next issue:
12th November 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 for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The publisher does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication. Your Local Times is a trademark of Your Local Publisher Limited. 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.
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Telesales Person Wanted! Have you got what we need? Are you bubbly, outgoing, full of enthusiasm with great communication skills? If so we need YOU! Experience in selling advertising would be an advantage. Full or part time to suit. Commission basis. High earnings are achievable.
Please call Tracey on 01299 402094 Or Email your CV to tracey@yourlocaltimes.co.uk www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
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fashion & beauty 6
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Become a Nail
Tech with EzFlow Nail Systems As an Official EzFlow Academy, Nails and Co are offering Complete Beginners Courses in Acrylic Enhancements.
All courses are fully certified and we offer Free Support after your course as well. Already a Nail Tech? Stretch your skills and join one of our EzFlow Classes, from Conversions to Master Classes, including 3D and Design. “My Beginners course was an exciting and inspiring course with excellent tuition, geared for anyone who wants to start a career as a successful nail technician.” Beth, Sassy Nails. Kidderminster.
Our EzFlow Educators are National Nail Competition Winners and Celebrity Nail Tech’s. Why not Train with the Best to become the Best!
For more information see our Website www.nailsand.co.uk 01299 841009 rebecca.orme@nailsand.co.uk
With a chance of winning a free treatment every time you visit – a session with Sue is more than just a relaxing way to spend an hour, it’s a true experience.
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The Gift of Touch Our sense of touch is the first sense to develop in the womb and throughout our lives we use it instinctively in the healing process. Many of us will hug another to demonstrate our love, or show compassion, whilst using touch in the form of a massage will ease knotted muscles or soothe away pain. The gentle act of massage however enables us to affect far more than just the physical body. Dr Candice Pert, an American Neuro-scientist, in her book, ‘The Molecules of Emotion’, tells us that the subconscious mind is held within every cell in the body and that through the action of massage, we are able to release deep seated emotion and trauma. This fact alone explains why many people feel the need to cry when experiencing body work regardless of its type. Dr Per Henrik Ling, the Swedish Doctor who
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developed the type of massage we know refer to as ‘Swedish Massage’, said: ‘We ought not to consider the organs of the body as then lifeless forms of a mechanical mass, but as the living, active instruments of the soul.’
Carole Carlton is a writer, lecturer and author in ancient spirituality and complementary medicine. She runs workshops and courses at the Ramada Hotel, Bewdley, in all levels of Reiki and the history, folklore and legend behind our well loved annual festivals. She can be contacted via her website at www.arcanus.co.uk
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The old fashioned shop with old fashioned values Severn Stitches in Lombard street, Stourport is a family run business focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Jan (the mum) and Theresa (the daughter) have over 35 years combined sewing experience and use their skills to create bespoke made to measure curtains and soft furnishings, and offer a high quality clothing repair & alterations service. Since moving to the Lombard premises over seven years ago we have seen our business grow from strength to strength and a product range increase to include, wool, haberdashery, fabrics, curtains, poles and blinds. Wool - We carry a large range of knitting wool and patterns from suppliers such as Sirdar, Stylecraft, Tivoli and Debbie bliss, we offer a lay by service for wool for up to one month and have new yarns on a monthly basis.
Severn Stitches Family-run business focussed on customer satisfaction. Purveyors of Wool, Haberdashery, Home Accessories, Fabrics, Curtain Hardware and Blinds
Haberdashery - From elastic, to toy joints we normally have it, our haberdashery section receives praise from all our regular clients, and we are told we are an Aladdin’s cave on a daily basis. We carry Gutterman Sewing Threads, Dylon Dyes, Zips, feathers, felts and crafts, a large selection of trims, laces and piping, as well as all the usual habi bits like hooks and eyes, poppers and craft glue. Home accessories - We carry a large range of cushions and inners, bedding sheets and duvets sets and throws, towels, tablecloths, and pillows, as well as a range of window nets and sheers that can be made to measure and ready made curtains. Fabrics Specialising in Curtain fabric we carry samples for Prestigious Textiles, Hardy, Simpson, Belfields, Yorke House and Gordon John Textiles. These can be taken home as samples when in the selection process and then be ordered by the meter. We are always on hand to offer advice. Our dress fabrics include, plain and patterned poly cottons, Taffeta, linings, voiles, muslin, calico, hessian, faux satin, pvc tablecloth and table protectors. Curtain Hardware & Blinds - We carry swish tracks, bespoke metal poles and a nice selection of wooden poles, along with Hardwood blinds and a variety of roller and verticals that are made to measure, We also offer a full fitting service if required. With a variety of offerings to choose from, we’re sure you’ll be happy working with us. So pop in next time you are in Stourport and have a good look around. We look forward to seeing you.
Opening hours: Mon 9-5, Tues 9-5, Wed 9-2, Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-5, Sat 9-4 For more information call
01299 827779
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The Couture Cake Company At The Couture Cake Company, our aim is to create the perfect centrepiece for your wedding or special occasion. Please browse through our galleries online where you will find inspirational design ideas and a selection of simply beautiful wedding cakes and celebration cakes to enhance your special day. We offer cupcakes, cake pops, celebration cakes and wedding cakes. Our creation for you can be classically elegant, fresh and contemporary, but always original. The dream is yours.
Cupcakes as wedding favours are a fantastic idea – you can personalise them with your guests name for just £2.50 per cupcake (or £1.25 per cupcake if you’ve already ordered a wedding cake). We offer a free consultation and we come to see you in your own home, we use the consultation to discuss budgets and ideas. Contact us today to arrange a consultation, to turn your dream cake into a reality.
We realise here at The Couture Cake Company that budget often plays an important part to any day, and so we ensure that something beautiful is created whatever the budget! Our wedding cakes range from just £200 and our cupcakes range from £1 upwards. We currently have a SPECIAL OFFER whereby if you order your wedding cake from us (minimum £200 spend) you can have a discount of 50% off cupcakes for your wedding favours or for your evening reception.
Sculpture Weekend
Oct 22nd+23rd Featuring the
‘Shapeshifters’
Come and join us! Demonstrations and exhibits. Chat to the artists to find out more about the art of sculpting. www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
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Wicked Willow Weaving at Wightwick... Wightwick Manor, in Wolverhampton, is hosting a series of fantastic events this October including something for all you budding witches and wizards! The programme of events include walks, talks and family activities, starting on the 1st of October with their annual Harvest Festival and concluding on the 29th with some Wicked Willow Weaving for Halloween! As part of the National Trust Walking Festival, on the 23rd of October, visitors are invited to join the Wightwick Manor team at 11am, for a leisurely walk around the 17 acres of Garden. Normal admission prices apply. As part of a series of talks to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of Morris & Co, there will be a talk on the 27th October at 10.30am on The Life & Works of Edward Burne-Jones. Led by the House Steward this will be a walking tour of artworks, plus a unique chance to see items
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from the collection not usually on show. Tickets for the talk are £10 per person and booking is essential. The final event of the month, on the 29th October celebrates everything Halloween! Visitors will be able to join a willow weaver and have a go at making a spooky spider or Halloween lantern. Admission prices to this event are £5 per child, plus £1.50 per accompanying adult. (This 45 minute session includes all materials). Booking is essential. Wightwick is easily accessible, just off the A454, 3 miles west of Wolverhampton (postcode WV6 8EE).
For further information and to book tickets please telephone 01902 761400 or see their website www.nationaltrust. org.uk/wightwickmanor
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By the mid 1930’s the possibility of another world war was becoming evident, forcing the British government to embark on a major construction plan of building several shadow factories. Drakelow had been chosen for one of the sites; many of the car manufactures at that time were commandeered and were used for Aircraft production.
In 1941 construction of Drakelow shadow factory was on the way. The plan was to cut several 19ft connecting tunnels by blasting and manually chiselling out solid sandstone rock, the tunnels would be used by the Rover Company to manufacture aircraft engines. The construction plan was a massive 4 ½ miles of interconnecting tunnels, the work was hazardous and there are stories of several fatal accidents. One eye witness saw three men crushed in a roof fall in tunnel one. Other fatal accidents occurred when one of the workers was struck by a dumper truck and on another occasion two men were killed when riding the conveyors. Local rumour suggests that the initials of those who died in the construction process were carved into the sandstone where they died. Many hauntings are associated with a traumatic death experience, Drakelow Tunnels has many such fatal incidents and it is said that the dead still roam in the dark to this day. Members of Drakelow preservation trust have experienced some disturbing incidents from being grabbed in the dark to manifestations actually being caught on camera.
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Following the development of nuclear weapons at the end of World War II the British government formed elaborate plans for Drakelow Tunnels to be used as one of Britain’s nuclear bunker’s in the event of nuclear attack. Not only is Drakelow a known haunted location but it also www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
offers a fascinating overnight experience in one of the UK’s largest nuclear bunkers. On the 25th September this year members of the “Mysteria Ghost Club”embarked upon a pre-investigation of the tunnels with one of our resident mediums. It is suspected that during the tunnels closure it has been used for more sinister activities and it appears that over time the tunnels have been infiltrated by occultist who have practised dark rituals. Do you have the nerve to join Mysteria Paranormal Events in one of the darkest locations you can image? The spirits of Drakelow Tunnels are waiting for you...
You will be joined by one of the UK’s leading celebrity mediums Ian Lawman, affectionately known as “The Bad Boy of the Psychic World.” Ian’s career has grown from strength to strength with appearances on TV programmes such as “I’m Famous & Frightened, Most Haunted” & “Living TV’s - Living with the Dead.”
Mysteria Team Mysteria Paranormal Events Mysteria Ltd Email info@mysterialtd.co.uk Landline 01457 877008 Mobile 077424 38881 * All photos courtesy of Chris Wilkins
COMPETITION… We have three pairs of tickets (6 in total) to be won in our exclusive Mysteria competition. For a chance to attend the Friday 28th Oct 2011 event “Into the Realms of Darkness with Ian Lawman at Drakelow Tunnels Halloween”, simply answer the following question: Question: In 1941 the construction of Drakelow Tunnel was on the way, what was going to be manufactured in the tunnels? Email your answers to winner@ yourlocaltimes.co.uk or text with your contact details to 07736 540136. For ‘Your Local Times’ readers who are unsuccessful in the competition, Mysteria will give you a £5.00 discount if you call 01457 877008 and quote ‘Your Local Times Discount’ Office hours are 10.00am until 9.00pm 7 days a week www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
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Bewdley Chamber Maids
Pumpkin Day and Market Saturday 29 October on Severnside
If you would like a stall please contact us as soon as possible. We are particularly keen to welcome local food and drink producers Contact Ann 01299 404226 (email : lymanhughes34@aol.com) Maggie 01299 404065 (email : funkypidge@hotmail.com) We also hope as many of the businesses as possible in the town will enter our Best Decorated Pumpkin Competition. In previous years the entries have been absolutely wonderful and very imaginative, we hope this year will be even better with even more entries. Again , just contact us. Prizes for the winners.
As usual , we are also holding competition for children. You are invited to bring either a decorated pumpkin or a pumpkin lantern to the Guildhall from 11.00 to be judged at 12.00. Why not shop in Bewdley today, join the fun and look at the displays. Â Advance Notice : We are now taking bookings from charities & community groups as well as trade stalls for Bewdley Christmas Lights Festival on 26 November
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 Buttercross Meats plus Chicken from Springfield Poultry
Open All Year 9-5 Everyday on the A4025 nr Stourporton-Severn
n ee w llo kins a H mp Pu
The Windlass
Cafe & Restaurant Come and join us for the
Halloween experience throughout October
Try our Spooky Cakes and be served our spooky characters on the 9th, 16th and 23rd. Staff will be in Halloween fancy dress on the Halloween weekend of 29th - 30th October.
Please check our Facebook page for regularly updated information.
01299 871742
Visit our website www.bellsfarmshop.co.uk for information and directions
01299 251364
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your
Guide
Local Eating
Christmas 2011 Party Time ! Christmas is coming early to you this year with our special promotional offer: Advertise your pub, restaurant, event or venue in the November and December issues for a special offer price. (Quarter page size advert for this offer)
20,000 readers are going to see your advert, 28
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so get in early to secure your premium position in the magazine everyone is talking about.
Local Times
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Halloween Theme Night Thursday 3rd November - 3 Courses - ÂŁ18.95 Christmas Bookings now being taken
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A sweet treat for your guests
Candy Carousel
TM
Wedding - Anniversary - Prom Birthday party - Conference Event Whether it’s a corporate event, wedding, fund raiser, family fun day, child’s birthday or any celebration. You can be sure your Candy Carousel will delight your guests young or old. Standing at over 7 feet high and filled with the most delicious candy and sweets in a pick and mix style you can imagine. It’s a fabulous talking point and gives a big WOW factor at any event. The display unit is delivered to your venue where it is erected and your sweets and chocolates put into the display containers on the table ready for your guests to enjoy. It is unattended and therefore is available all day so you can enjoy sweets at any time. It’s a great hit with children but we all like to indulge ourselves and your guests will love the way you have supplied treats for them.
It is unique and offers an alternative to the Chocolate Fountains that we see at many weddings and functions. The unit does not need to be attended, requires no electrical point, and conforms to all health and safety, which your venue would demand. The hire cost is very competitive and you get to take home any confectionary, which is left, as we never re-use it for any other function. You get to choose a variety of sweets from our range which you will find on our web site. There are a generous twenty four kilos included in the price, and this will supply up to one hundred and fifty guests. A deposit of £25 is required to secure your date but this is proving very popular so to avoid disappointment please book as early as possible.
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Call 08456 199 038 or email: sales@candycarousel.co for more details. www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
Candy Carousel
TM
Hire the Candy Carousel for your Wedding Day and other Special Occasions Candy Carousel is a unique display unit Pick and Mix sweets and chocolates We deliver and set up the Carousel and you have it all day.
Call 08456 199 038 or email: sales@candycarousel.co for more details. www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
www.candycarousel.co
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The Best Kept
in
From the High Street to the canal basin and along the river, Severn Stourport on Severn has a lot to offer the visitor or holidaymaker. Barratt Developments are now putting the finishing touches to a complex of new apartments around the canal basin area and with the building of a Tesco store in the same area Stourport can boast as being the up and coming place to visit. Windless cafĂŠ, nestled adjacent to the basin
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in a period building is probably Stourport’s best kept secret. A modern interior spotlessly decorated and having a Victorian theme with the waitress dressed in period costume, has a full time chef who produces the best home made cakes and snacks to tempt any appetite. Customers can enjoy delicious meals and snacks from jacket potatoes, toasties www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
Secret
Stourport-on-Severn
Finding the Windless cafĂŠ on Severn side is a short walk from the high Street, either via the path along side the river and park or down York Street and turn right into the basin area. It is well worth finding, whether you just require tea, coffee and cake, or something a little more adventurous. Follow the signs to the basin and you will find the cafĂŠ.
Contact the very friendly staff on 01299 871742 to book your Sunday lunch or Christmas lunch.
and homemade soups to heart warming hotpots and traditional Sunday roasts. This Family owned and run establishment has a restaurant upstairs catering for up to forty diners, where this year you can book and enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner served with all the trimmings. Booking is essential for this as it is getting a reputation for its quality locally sourced produce. www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
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All Change at
The Stable Tavern
When you live in a provincial town, many pubs and restaurants choose to stay quite traditional. Putting on the odd live band and traditional Sunday roast seems to be the extent to many a landlords dream. Why hasn’t this trend been reviewed and opened as a venue bar, similar to ones which grace our cities and would anyone frequent them? The Stable tavern in Cleobury Mortimer may just be the place to start one. Having already a live football channel, traditional restaurant for meals, a function room upstairs for live bands, great food and hosts which are very welcoming, it can’t fail to bring in customers who wish to enjoy a great night out. Sunday they have the traditional lunch with, Beef, Pork or Turkey and a choice of veg all locally sourced for £7.95 and at that price booking is essential The trendy Venue Bar caters for live TV with all the Premier football games this season. All 380 games! All with 3pm kick offs. Plus the 24/7 Premier League Football channel. Live music and local bands continue to entertain when you are not glued to the footy!
The function room upstairs is available for many local events and meetings, business network clubs, local coffee mornings, or even a Zumba or fitness class for those who wish to work out are all welcome to use the room. With Christmas approaching, what a great place to hold the company’s party or night out for the staff.
For more information or to book please call: 01299 270382 www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
The Stable
Tavern and Restaurant • Live Music
& Bands • Live TV & football • Sunday lunch & roast • Bar menu • BOOKING ESSENTIAL 1 Talbot Square, Cleobury Mortimer, Worcestershire DY14 8BQ
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Well local known l filledy for wel cobs l !
The Anchor, a pub with a real family tradition stretching back some 77 years An historic pub near Kidderminster, which cost just £1,800 in 1936 is priceless in the eyes of today’s owners, who are celebrating more than 70 years of family tradition. Pete and Jeanette Green are continuing to fly the family flag at the Anchor Inn, Caunsall, after Pete’s grandfather Ralph Barker took charge in 1927. The pub is a testament to the good old days when Ralph introduced
his own range of Worthing beers and kept pigs in the back garden. The interior has barely changed and Pete is still using the same tables and chairs his grandad bought in the 1920s.
in 1936. He managed the pub and stayed there as a tenant until his grandson Pete and wife Jeanette made him proud by stepping in as managers in 1973.
Pete, aged 60 and Jeanette, 62, took over from Ralph in 1973 and the pair have been changing barrels ever since, bringing the family’s regime up to 77 years. The couple have promised to keep pulling the pints for another few years yet, but their target of reaching the 100 year mark looks to be a bit too ambitious, unless their only child Jemma decides to step into their shoes.
They then purchased the Anchor in 1991. Pete said: “I don’t think Grandad would see many changes if he saw the place now. The pub has stood the test of time and people are still as friendly.”
“I’ve got beer in my blood,” joked Pete. “My dad Jim also owned the Red Lion in Cookley and this is always something I’ve wanted to do.” After taking over the pub in 1927, Ralph bought it outright for £1,800
The Anchor Inn, Caunsall Road, Caunsall, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
01562 850254
Pete also has some tasty ales to tempt your taste buds. Wye Valley Gold, Hopson’s Best, Hopson’s Down Cryer, Wye Valley HPA, Wye Valley Butty Back and Enville ale are to name a few that are on offer. OPENING HOURS Mondays to Saturdays: 12pm - 4pm, then 7pm - 12am Sundays: 12pm - 3pm, then 7pm - 10:30pm
Nigel and Sally welcome you to
The Hare and Hounds • Kids under ten
• Home cooked food
eat free
• Real open log fires • Guest ales
• Fish & Chips to take home
• Family pub
• Live Acts • Mulled wine served over the festive season
• 2 course lunchtime menu £7.00
Christmas Day Bookings now being taken (2 sittings) 3 courses £40.00 Christmas Fayre from 1st December to 23rd Worcester Road, Shenstone, Nr Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 4BU
01562 777380
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www.hareandhoundsshenstone.com www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
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Local
Christmas Cake
Recipe
Ingredients Serves: 12
225g (8 oz) currants 225g (8 oz) lexia raisins 225g (8 oz) sultanas 175g (6 oz) glacé cherries, halved 175g (6 oz) whole mixed candied peel, chopped small 50g (2 oz) candied pineapple pieces 50g (2 oz) stem ginger, chopped 100g (4 oz) dried apricots, chopped
Preparation method
Prep: 1 hour | Cook: 3 hours 45 mins Place all of the dried fruits into a large mixing bowl or pot (I use my jam pan), and mix in brandy or dark rum. Cover with a clean cloth and leave to stand for at least 24 hours, stirring every few hours so the fruit plumps up. Mix together the zest, almonds, flour and spices in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream the butter, sugar and treacle until light. Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a little flour with each. Finally, gently fold in the dry ingredients.
150ml (1/4 pint) brandy or dark rum zest of 1 large lemon 100g (4 oz) blanched almonds, chopped 200g (14 oz) plain flour 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 dessertspoon ground mixed spice 1 teaspoon ground ginger 350g (12 oz) butter 350g (12 oz) soft light brown sugar 1 tablespoon black treacle 6 eggs 5 tablespoons brandy or dark rum
circle of parchment with a diameter approximately 5cm (2 in) bigger than the tin. Fold and cut a hole in the centre about 4cm (1 1/2 in) across. Pour the mixture into the lined tin. Even the top and make a slight indentation in the centre with the back of a spoon. Put into the middle of a preheated oven (150 C / Gas mark 2) and carefully balance the circular disk of parchment on top of the tin - this stops the top of the cake over-browning and drying out. It’s easier not to use the fan in a fan oven as it tends to blow the covering parchment off.
Tip the creamed mixture into the fruit. You can be polite and use a wooden spoon if you like but I find it easier to role my sleeves up and use my hands. If you have a spare 10 year old with clean hands, you will find they love this bit! Make sure the fruit is evenly distributed.
Bake for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Place on a rack and allow to go cold in the tin (overnight). Remove from tin and take off the side parchment, leaving the bottom intact. Pierce all over with a skewer and carefully spoon over 5 tablespoons brandy or dark rum. Wrap carefully in a double layer of parchment then in two layers of foil. The cake must be completely enclosed by both.
Prepare the cake tin. Double-line the inside of the tin with baking parchment, greasing it first. Allow the parchment to come about 1cm (1/2 in) above the top of the tin which should be in the region of 8cm (3 1/2 in) deep and 23 to 25cm (9 to 10 in). Cut a double
Keep for at least 4 months. ‘Feed’ monthly with four additional tablespoons brandy or rum. Rewrap carefully each time. Two weeks before required, cover with almond paste. Allow to dry for 5 days. Ice with fondant or royal icing as desired.
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Lucky 7’s Snack Wagon **** 4-star rated **** We specialise in
Fine Dining and Weddings Informal Events ● Corporate Catering BBQs ● Show Catering Tel: 0121 604 7437 or 07968 830 755
www.caterforme.co.uk liam@caterforme.co.uk 5 Bourlay Close, Rubery, Rednal, Birmingham B45 0LR
Hot snacks – Cold snacks – Chips – Tea – Coffee Where to find us in Kiddy: Howdens car park, Worcester Road Monday to Friday 8:00am till 2:30pm
Orders: 07528 798 210
The Sun & Slipper Inn Mamble, Worcs, DY14 9JL Off A456 between Clows Top and Newnham Bridge
Traditional Pub and Restaurant
For Reservations 01299 832018
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Puzzle Corner
Oil Paintings Commission your own unique artwork today Phone Colin on 01905 428 252
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Answers to puzzles on page 42‌ www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
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Solutions to Puzzle Corner page 40
Bewdley Gallery
Cuba Coffee Lounge Coffee, cakes, toasties, jacket potatoes and a selection of light snacks available daily. Children’s Menu Also Available. Open to members and non-members. Mums & Babies groups welcome.
Trevor Price established Bewdley Gallery in 1980 and has a range of original paintings, limited and open edition prints all at competitive prices. The Gallery also has a picture framing service with hundreds of designs to choose from and with 25 years of experience. All work carries a lifetime guarantee.
Free car parking Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 9.30am – 2.30pm
Please call Julie on: 07925 922 493 Situated in Sebastian Coe Health Club, Ramada Hotel, Bewdley
Lax Lane, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2DZ 01299 400 918
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Simply Silks Whilst we all love the smell of fresh flowers, sometimes our budget won’t stretch to a new display each week. If you’d still like a beautiful flower display to brighten your home or office that’s when you should consider our stunning silk flowers as a modern and more cost effective alternative. Choose between a traditional style to a bespoke, contemporary design with colours to suit.
To create your design please call Tracey
On 08456 199038 local rate or email tracey@candycarousel.co
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Fire in Kidderminster A fire has left two shops destroyed and others damaged in Kidderminster.
Foundation store in Market Street and others buildings nearby were evacuated.
off, the second one took the front side of the building down, it just collapsed.”
Eleven crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were sent to put out the blaze that broke out at Levine’s furniture store at 13:00 BST.
Kim Ward, who works at Iceland, said: “It was absolute chaos, you couldn’t see anything from the smoke.
Ms Ward said they managed to evacuate customers safely, adding: “It was all really fast, people were quite scared - some of them were crying.”
It spread to the British Heart
“We just kept hearing these big bangs - the first one took the roof
George Sherry, from the fire service, said: “We’ll get local authority structural engineers in to make absolutely cast iron sure these buildings are safe to re-occupy.” He also said the fire could have been worse. “It’s a testament to which we got this fire under control, we were here very quickly,” he said. West Midlands Ambulance Service said there were no casualties. It is still unclear how the fire started.
“We hired Attic Access on recommendation. They were sympathetic to the layout of the loft within our Grade II listed house, the survey was free and there was no pressure just sensible advice. We chose their special offer package which represented great value for money and are delighted with the results.” Mr & Mrs K, Ribbesford (see more testimonials on our website). 44
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Bewdley Tackle and Leisure
WINDOW CLEANERS WINDOWS CLEANED TO A HIGH STANDARD FRAMES AND SILLS INCLUDED HARD TO REACH WINDOWS NO PROBLEM WE ALSO CLEAN SOLAR PANELS FULLY INSURED
Fresh bait and all your tackle needs for river, lakes or pools including nets, rods, poles reels etc.
All at competitive prices Web: www.bewdleytackle.co.uk Email: bewdleytackleandleisure@ yahoo.co.uk
CALL RUSS g-forcecleaningservices.com 01299 404435 / 07899 726707
Phone: 01299 403386
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Carpets Vinyl & Vinyl Tiles Laminate Real Engineered & Solid Wood Ceramic Floor & Wall Tiles
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Beautiful Real Slate & Stone Flooring Entrance Matting Safety Flooring Domestic & Commercial Specialist in Underfloor Heating
High Quality Workmanship Guaranteed. All Jobs Left Clean, Tidy & Vaccuumed. Supply & Fit or Fitting Only Service Available.
Mike Green Flooring Office: 01299 266421 Mobile: 07889 248946 www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
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GRM Web Systems deliver a range of services designed to ensure your website seriously contributes to your business. As well as all the traditional web design services, what makes us different is that we specialise in building and maintaining your website to be consistently up to date.
Website Design - Website Build - Website Maintenance Site Management - SEO - eCommerce Call Us Now on 01905 863 988 | Email Us: info@grm-websystems.com
Kashflow On-Line Accounting with KBBS
Serving the LOCAL business community
• On-line bookkeeping • Year end accounts • Tax returns • VAT • Payroll • Business advice • Budgets & Cashflow Forecasting
Integrated Accounting & Bookkeeping Service Call Ken Bell
07904 205 149
email kenneth@kbbsaccounting.co.uk
www.srcaccountants.co.uk
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Jargon Busters Part 2:
Kidderminster Mirror & Glass • All types of glass and double glazing supplied and fitted • Coloured kitchen splashbacks made to size (inc plug socket cut outs) • All glass shower screens and enclosures made to order • Glass balustrading projects • Large mirrors for home and commercial use, supplied and fitted • Bespoke mirrors made to your design • UPVC windows and doors supplied and fitted Blackwell Street, Kidderminster DY10 2DZ
01562 823117
View our previous projects on-line www.kidderminstermirror.co.uk
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Good day and welcome to the second part of our new series where we attempt to destroy the myths, debunk the junk and decode the tech surrounding all things computer. For those of you fortunate enough to have read last month’s feature, you may recall that we’d started our journey by taking a look at the case, the box the chassis of your PC and how important it is to allow adequate room for cooling and heat dissipation. Well, when it comes to laptops, the situation is far worse as not only do you have to allow plenty of space around it for ventilation, it is imperative what work surface you use it on, please allow me to explain... In a typical PC, you could have maybe four or five fans running at any one time, all the … time the pc is powered check out up – one mounted in the side of the case, ‘exploding one (or even two) in the laptop’ on power supply, one on YouTube the graphics card and … one on top of the main processor heat-sink. Now when you consider that all the fans are running 100% of the time when the PC is powered up, a typical PC can be quite noisy, even if the case is sound-proofed. It is possible to source a sound-proof case, but at a cost. It is far more important to be aware of heat dissipation and this is easily achieved in a tower with plenty of room inside. This is obviously NOT the case with your average laptop... URGENT SAFETY NOTE - I cannot stress how dangerous an unattended laptop can be, especially if the charger is left plugged in and the machine powered up for hours on end. I’m sorry if you think I’m scaremongering, but this is a very real danger and subsequently, can’t emphasise enough that an unattended laptop could literally burn down your house... www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
Keep It Cool For a start, the internal fan in a laptop is NOT meant to be running 100% of the time, if it is, there is something very wrong (see point 4 below). A laptop cooling fan is thermostatically controlled, a bit like the cooling fan attached to your car radiator that kicks in when stuck in traffic on a warm day. To keep a laptop as cool as possible, there are a number of things you can do to aid the situation; 1. Try to use it on a FLAT, solid surface (desk, table, lino floor etc) NOT a bed, sofa, carpet, quilt. In their infinite wisdom, the majority of laptop manufacturers always design their laptops to suck in air from the bottom and blow it out the back or sides (take a look). If the inlet is blocked or obstructed, you are increasing the chances of overheating the internal circuit with potentially critical results !! Check out “exploding laptop” on YouTube... 2. Limit the amount of time you spend on the laptop, if you feel it getting too hot or its burning your legs, I think it’s time to call it a day !! 3. Use a laptop cooler, especially if you have it on your lap (after all, it is a LAPtop !!). We sell them for £14.99 and usually come with built-in fans powered from a usb port. 4. If you can, try and use the machine in a dust, fluff and animal hair-free environment as this could potentially contribute to blocking air flow INTERNALLY. One of the give away signs is that the internal fan is very loud and running constantly. Try feeling for air flow from the air outlet, if you can hear the fan running flat out, but little or no air flow, it means that the processor’s heat sink may be partially or totally blocked with dust and fluff. The only way to clean this out is by taking the laptop apart. Ironic really that something so important and easy to achieve (removing fluff build-up from the heatsink) can only be accomplished by literally taking the infernal thing apart, something I would only recommend be carried out by a qualified and/ or competent computer engineer. This is basic maintenance and for years I have looked at ways www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
of trying to minimise this (external filters etc) but due to the fact the shell of every laptop is different, it is nigh on impossible to manufacture a generic filter housing that will fit EVERY laptop, back to the drawing board eh ?? I hope I haven’t scared you to death, but hopefully you will adopt a more wary approach now where you use your laptop / netbook... Stay safe folks. Next month – we go internal !! Steve Gould
E. tony@ovenbrite.com
W. www.ovenbrite.com your
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Dizzy Dollys Laundrette Self Service • Service Washes Ironing Service Football Kits • Curtains etc Free Collection Delivery Whole Wyre Forest
01299 828 386 Opening Times 7:30am - 8:30pm 7 DAYS A WEEK Last Wash 8:30pm 9 Lombard Street, Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 8DP
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& PEST CONT N I RO M R L WILDLIFE VE
MANAGEMENT
Rats, Mice, Moles, Ants, Fleas, Bedbugs, Cockroaches, Wasps, Squirrels, Rabbits,
Foxes, Corvids, Feral Pigeons, textile moths and all other vermin and pests dealt with.
BUILDER Roofer and General Builder Fencing, Patios, Gutterings, Fascia Boards, Garden Walls etc Call Jeff for a Free Quote
Telephone 01299 878630 Mobile 07810 706600
Phone: 01299 266447 Mob: 07955 124317
ANNUAL CONTRACTS A SPECIALITY
7 DAYS A WEEK B.A.C.S MEMBER
Established 30 years
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Bliss Gate Dog Training “Be part of the pack” We believe it is vitally important that ALL dogs learn basic obedience, and ALL responsible dog owners know how to teach their dogs these basic lessons. Good relationships are based on trust, understanding and respect and this can all be achieved through basic training with your dog. The lessons you will learn will stand you both in good stead for the rest of your lives together. It will enhance the bond you share and enrich both your lives. However it is important to understand that dog training takes time, perseverance and a lot of patience. It will not be easy at times and dogs, just like humans have their off days. Although we will teach you week after week, it is VERY important that you put these lessons into practice at home. We can`t do the hard work for you! So make a pact no matter what age your dog is, today is the first day of your new life together. Today you and your dog begin to work towards a happy, healthy, respectful and fulfilling relationship. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks! This goes for the owners too! No matter what age you or your dog may be you can still gain a great deal from training. Remember your only as old as you feel and most dogs never get old!! So, not only do we hope you enjoy your time with us, but that you will want to stay with us. Keep training; take your bronze, silver or even gold pet code! But, most of all that you and your best friend learn and grow together. 52
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Bliss Gate Dog Training is based in North Worcestershire Beginners’ Classes Wyre Forest Walkers One-to-One training
Telephone 01299 266271 Mobile 07739 551043 www.blissgatedogtraining.co.uk
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Whitlenge diary October by Fran Southall “It is wise to listen to the voices of the trees, for they tell us much that we might otherwise forget” Tacitus 2nd century Rome. Autumn shows us the beauty of the trees in all their glory, the brilliant foliage tints of golds and reds of Acers, through to the bronze and purples of the maples. Trees have been held as sacred since ancient times and were important to the history of every culture. The Saxons word for tree was Treow which also meant truth and trust. Vows, pledges, marriages and even the Magna Carta were made and signed under the trees. People believed that the trees would bear witness at the deepest possible level.
www.whit-lenge.co.uk
rain and are detoxified by the micro biota of the living soil. A healthy tree with a wide canopy around the house will significantly reduce pollution. So any urban woodland or parks will have the same effect on the urban environment. Trees provide a living wall or barrier to pollution So let’s get planting, you don’t need a vast estate there are alternatives for the smaller gardens, Rowans are a good choice giving spring blossom,wonderful autumn colour and vibrant coloured berries. Acers come in so many beautiful shades and are happy grown in pots, but give winter protection.
Trees provide us with materials to build our homes, fuel our fires and are vital to the functions of the planet. They balance the ground water table, the electrical charge of the atmosphere, the weather, the climate and even the magnetic field of the earth. Listening to a programme recently on urban pollution the conclusion and most effective solution was found to be plant more trees. The leaf within the canopy of the tree acts as a fine filter to the air. The pollution in the air gets caught in the microscopic hairs in the leaf. These number in billions and clear the air of tiny particles; these are then swept down the trunk by
A sure sign of the time of year is the constant leaf fall and collection this job seems to take over from the time spent mowing. It’s a job you can’t ignore if left the leaves will kill off the grass, but don’t burn them that’s a terrible waste of a valuable commodity. Pile in a heap and they will decompose within a year or two and make a rich organic matter to use as a mulch or soil conditioner. It’s very easy to make a special container for leaf collection this stops them blowing all over the garden again after you just raked them all up! All you need is 4 stakes and some chicken wire, make a square with the stakes and nail he chicken wire to it. There is always an exception to the rule and that would be the collection of leaves from around roses, these can over winter black spot spores, and a normal garden compost heap may not be hot enough to kill them off. Well what would autumn be without the odd bonfire and smell of burning leaves.
Even in Shakespeare’s time English summers were tricky “Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summers lease hath all too short a date” so lets be ready when and if it arrives to enjoy every minute. 54
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Autumn Basket Refills and new baskets Available from Mid September
Pansy, Viola, Cyclamen, Primrose, Wall flowers suitable for Bedding Patio tubs and Baskets
6 Pack at ÂŁ1.30 each
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Discount available for block bookings
Feeds & Needs for Feeds for Chickens Feeds&&Needs NeedsEquimix for Chickens Feeds Feeds & Needs for Chickens Equimix Feeds
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Pet Portraits HURRY !!!
Layers Pellets Mixed Corn Poultry & Water Feeders Chicken House Layers Pellets Feed Advice Mixed Corn Hen Care Products
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Feeds & Needs for C Equimix Feeds
The ideal Christmas present
Poul
Oil paintings on canvas of your dog, cat or horse! Phone Pet Portraits on 0798 999 5180
or email pet-portraits@live.co.uk
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Established 1989
A Local family run business at Dog Lane, Bewdley DY12 2EF
Be Inspired, Be Unique
• CARPETS • KARNDEAN • RUGS • WOOD FLOORS Professional, Reliable & Friendly Team TEL: Alison or Justin 01299 404014 : 07767 206433
www.justin2carpetsrugs.co.uk
Richard Wilks Animal Bedding & Landscape Material Merchants
We Supply
Top Soil & Compost Coal, Fire Wood & Calor Gas Hay, Straw, Wood shavings & Sawdust Sand & Gravel Rockery & Walling Stone Decorative Gravels & Slate Woodchips & Bark for Landscaping & Play Areas
Open 7 days a week 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturdays 10.00am - 2.00pm Sundays
Telephone / Fax: 01299 402992 Mobile: 07813 093803
Whartons Park Farm, Cleobury Road, Bewdley, DY12 2QJ (Situated 200 yards from the top of Bewdley by-pass)
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Local Speaking
How Public is our Speaking?
Public speaking isn’t just climbing onto any available soapbox and spouting to the world. In fact, I prefer the term, speaking in public. The differences are subtle but speaking in public sounds less grand and maybe more relevant to the majority of us. People often say, “I get nervous when I speak to an audience … I’m OK with one or two (or three or four) people but …” And that’s the thing, speaking becomes ‘public’ with different audience sizes depending on your point of view. What’s the difference between a conversation with a few people and speaking to an audience? It will vary from person to person. And when does a conversation become a speech or presentation? If I talk to two or three people and illustrate my point with a couple of visual aids, is that a presentation? And what’s the difference between a speech and a presentation? How people feel about speaking to a group of people will often depend on their perception 58
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as to what is an audience and what is just a small group of people. This will be the trigger point for the onset of feeling nervous or even terrified. My own view is that the size of audience is largely irrelevant; it’s the context that is more important to how we feel. In other words, how important it is to us that we don’t mess up. Whilst most of us may say we don’t do public speaking, the reality is that most of us will speak ‘in public’ at some point in our lives. And many will do it on a regular basis. A waitress speaking to four people round a table is speaking in public as much as someone addressing a sales conference with 200 people present. There are no rules as to which is the more nerve racking. So next time you are part of the audience, however large or small, smile at the speaker; they will appreciate it and it might just be the confidence booster they need to get them through their speech; or is it a conversation? Or a presentation? Never mind, just smile and nod appreciatively! David Wike David Wike runs short workshops that specialize in helping people who are nervous, or even terrified, of speaking in public: www.SuccessfulSpeaking.co.uk He is also Communications Officer for Stourbridge Speakers Club: www.StourbridgeSpeakers.org.uk www.yourlocaltimes.co.uk
OZONE Electrical Services
For all your electrical requirements Fault Finding • New fuse boards • Outdoor lights Rewires • Additional sockets • Inspection and testing All work approved • No job too small
01562 823825 • 07814266970 Glyn Morgan
Glynm21@hotmail.com www.ozone-electrical.co.uk
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Call us now on 07837 939382
for a free no obligation estimate
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Escape city life and step into tropical paradise in the heart of the buzzing city of Birmingham. At the National SEA LIFE centre you can take an amazing marine voyage beneath the waves and experience so much more…
• See the UK’s first Hammerhead Sharks • All day Rock pool Experience - Hold a crab and touch a starfish! • Visit the 4-D Cinema with films that you can feel and even smell • Walkthrough our 1million ltr underwater tunnel full of sharks & tropical fish! • Fun and educational feeding demonstrations throughout the day • Meet our largest residents, 2 enormous giant sea turtles Molokai and Gulliver •Over 60 spectacular displays including rockpools, turtle breeding and awesome tropical features •Over 1,000 creatures including Sharks, Seahorses, Otters and Rays • Help save the whales by joining our campaign • Children’s play area.
Visit www.sealife.co.uk for more information and for best prices book online!
COMPETITION: We have five family tickets to the National SEA LIFE Centre to give away. Simply answer the question below… Question - How many hammerhead sharks are at the National SEA LIFE centre in Birmingham? Email your answers to winner@ yourlocaltimes.co.uk or text with your contact details to 07736 540136. Visit the SEA LIFE Centre or check out our website to find the answer. 60
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