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June 2009 Free issue
Local Times
Special feature: Little Larford, a beautiful cottage garden
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Local Times
Contents: Local Attractions Local Parish Focus on Bewdley Local Attractions Local Business Local Motoring Local Health Local Business Local Inns & Pubs Gardening Calendar Local Business Editor’s Letters Community Links Recruitment Local Business Local Marketplace
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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. Your Local Times is a trademark of Whyte Knyght Creative. 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.
Welcome… As I write this editorial the summer weather has appeared to have deserted Bewdley and I have resorted to turning back on the central heating. The April showers are now in May and there is a chill wind blowing so it is not the time to put away those cardigans and jumpers just yet. Looking forward to Summer and the attractions Bewdley has to offer its tourists I was pleasantly surprised by a group of people from Essex waiting at the station waiting to be transported to Bridgnorth by the Severn Valley Steam train. They were delighted at how well our Georgian town had been preserved and, having stayed overnight in one of the many bed and breakfast establishments we have to offer here, their holiday along the River Severn was being enjoyed by all. They were doing part of the journey by coach, train and boat along the river and their next overnight stop over was at the Lenchford Inn at Shrawley. I am glad that it was a day the sun was out so the beautiful surroundings could be enjoyed. The Museum has now reopened and there are craft shops to visit situated around the courtyard area with the artists only too willing to demonstrate their skills. If you have any items for sale try selling them by advertising in the magazine. It goes to all the homes around this area and it’s on-line as well. Let’s have more letters about the area to publish and have your say what goes on.
Robert Cooper Editor
Front cover photo: Little Larford Cottage. Photo by Val Cooper 3
Local Attractions
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Local Times
1940’s Weekends Once described as like “a sixteen-mile long Hollywood filmset”, the Severn Valley Railway’s annual 1940’s Weekends have become a ‘mustsee’ event for many people.
One of the highlights for many visitors is the battle re-enactment at Highley. We are very lucky this year in that we should have flypasts by a Spitfire on three of the four days.
This year, the event is on June 27th/28th and July 4th/5th and sees a heady mix of re-enactments, displays, music and period costumes. The event has become so popular with some visitors, they now come in costumes, both military and civilian. This all adds to the overall atmosphere of the occasion.
Finally, there is a Big Band Show at Kidderminster on the two Saturday evenings. Tickets for these two concerts are limited in number and must be booked in advance.
Trains run at regular intervals throughout each day and take you to stations along the line to see the displays. There are appearances by the ‘Prime Minister, Winston Churchill’, an E.N.S.A. concert, spivs on the train, an Anderson Shelter as well as a living room and kitchen display with re-enactors ‘living’ in the 1940’s too. There are regular ‘workers playtime’ concerts providing entertainment at Kidderminster, where there is also a ‘dig for victory’ garden display. A 1940s bus also provides journeys from the forecourt. 4
Concert tickets, along with travel tickets, may be purchased on-line at www.svr.co.uk or by telephone on 01299 403816 during usual office hours.
The Land Rover Day on the 14th June is now an annual event. There will be many Land Rovers at stations along the line. A new event for the SVR on the 13th Sept is the Bus Rally. Bewdley Station will host a variety of historic buses.
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Your Local Parish
your
Local Times Wribbenhall
Focus on Wribbenhall My name is Pete Williams and I am Chairman of the Finance Committee at a lovely late Victorian Church, All Saints’ Church, at Wribbenhall which is just outside Bewdley. Just over 3 years ago we discussed the point of how we could help our community, support our community at our Finance Committee meeting. We recognised the significant financial assistance those of our community had given to their local Church and we felt very strongly we needed to be a force for good with in the community. Following numerous ideas of possible things we could do an idea formed whereby we would bring “experts” / “specialists” into our community to provide information, advice & support where it was needed the most; and we felt the most needy sections where young families, the disabled/disadvantaged, late teenagers/ early 20yr olds who were unable to find employment and the elderly. The growing centralisation of agencies and the lack of knowing where to go to find advice was an opportunity for us to exploit. We recruited, from our congregation, ladies who would welcome people, provide a refreshing warm drink, organise the day -- these have come to be known as the Monday Girls. We also recruited a team of people who would distribute posters weekly to make our advertising relevant & the local free weekly newspaper, The Shuttle, and monthly magazine, The Bridge, agreed to run reports. Financial support was obtained, firstly from the Awards for All Scheme & subsequently from a local County Councilor. Our P.C.C where in total agreement, Monday was selected so on Monday May 21st 2007, with two sessions 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm 3.30pm, we opened our doors. Since then we have been fortunate to provide information using over 70 different organisations/ agencies/ people. Subjects such as: Alzheimer’s Society, The Pension Service, Benefits Office, debt advice, Volunteer Centre, Age Concern, Community Alarms, Family Information Service, Speech Therapy, Breast Cancer, Osteoporosis Society, W.R.V.S., Trade Craft, Arthritis Care, Headway, Bereavement support, Stroke Association, Diabetes U.K., Wyre Forest Talking Newspapers, Will Writing,
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Trading Standards, Fire Service, Local Policing Team, local estate agent, local solicitor, local financial expert, local garden centre owner & all three of our local political parties. Lesser known: Kumon, an organisation running after schools programmes especially English & Maths; T.O.P.S., an organisation providing free tax advice to the elderly & retired; Live Wires, a support group for those who have become single; Book Doctor, a specialist in sorting medical reasons preventing reading; Night Stop, a charity trying to provide short term instant accommodation for teenagers in need. We have run training sessions on Computer use for those struggling or who would like to learn; skills in using art therapy when dealing with the disabled, disadvantaged and speech therapy for children. We have run specialist days for the elderly, history day, book reading and two junior Swap Shops. Our latest day is on May 18th when we provide help & advice on all areas of concern as a result of the consequences of the credit crunch & we await a day being run by the Barnardos organisation. People “dropping in” to seek advice have not been as prolific as we initially hoped but we run this project based on the premiss, “if we can help one person per week then we have made a difference.” Reports of our project regularly appear on local radio, we have had two reports in the national Anglican newspaper The Church Times, a number of reports in the Diocesan Monthly Magazine and our project was featured on the information accompanying the annual report of the finances for Worcester Dioceses last year. We initially planned to run for a year, we will run indefinitely.
Riverside Hotel and Restaurant Leading Venue for Conferences, Weddings & Functions Stourport Road, Shrawley, Worcs WR6 6TB
01905 620 229 www.thelenchfordinn.co.uk
SPECIALS
Take advantage of the special opportunities the Lenchford Inn offers
YOUR BIRTHDAY
If you’re free on your Birthday, so are we! Celebrate between 12 noon and 3 pm or Between 6 pm and 9 pm and have your main course on us FREE Birthday Specials must be pre-booked and only honoured on the day of your birthday (proof required). The meal eaten by the adult Birthday Guest will be the meal given free Any child birthday guest of 10 years and under can enjoy a main course from the children’s menu entirely free of charge Saturday birthdays will be honured before 6 pm only
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your
Focus on Bewdley
Tipplers
Another great business on Load street is Tipplers of Bewdley, a unique emporium of beers, wines and spirits from countries throughout the world. With over one hundred and fifty different Beers and Ciders, many from outside these shorelines, you are spoilt for choice. Ranging from the real ales on draught to the bottled beers, the local Astley wines and the Broadland Country Wines and Mead there is a drink to suit most drinkers’ pallets. There is a wide selection of special bottled beers to choose from and if you are a discerning advocate of spirits then a selection of malt whiskies may be just what you are looking for. He also supplies ‘The Party Service’, drinks on sale or return for that special occasion, or you can hire extra glasses for those few extra guests which you have invited. If you require a drink which you have a thirst for and can not see on the well
Local Times
stocked shelves, then they will endeavour to obtain it for you. Open from 10am to 10pm seven days a week, including Sunday from 12 noon to 10pm you are never far from the local supplier of your favourite tipple. Pop into Tipplers of Bewdley at 70 Load Street, or phone 01299 402254.
Unit 7, Bewdley Craft Centre, Lax Lane, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2DZ
01299 405148
www.bewdleybrewery.co.uk
GRANDEE PET MATTRESS HOLLOW FIBRE FILLED INNER WITH A REMOVABLE WATERPROOF OR FABRIC OUTER COVER
Small Medium Large Extra large
£7.50 £8.50 £10.00 £15.00
Post and packing UK £8.00 LOCAL DELIVERY FREE within five mile radius of Kidderminster town centre Credit,debit cards and paypal accepted
Telephone Sales: 01299 402094 8
TIPPLERS
The Specialist Off Licence Draught Real Ales Ciders and Fruit Wines A wide selection of bottled beers Party service drinks on sale or return If we don’t stock the drink you thirst for we will endeavour to obtain it for you
70 Load Street, Bewdley 01299 402254
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Local Attractions
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Local Times
Little Larford Three miles from Stourport on Severn lies a cottage garden open to the public on Nation Garden Scheme Day, the 19th July, for ‘Lily Time’. Little Larford is a hillside ½-acre garden surrounding a picturesque thatched cottage (not open) in a woodland setting. ‘Tulip Time’ attracted a great number of visitors in April, with many thousands of tulips in ambitious bedding displays lying amongst shrub and herbaceous borders. There were also colourful containers and hanging baskets, cut flowers, a vegetable garden, glasshouse and frames. July is ‘Lily Time’, where you can visit and enjoy the garden with its Woodland Walk with numerous bird boxes along the way and a viewpoint overlooking the cottage towards the Severn Valley. The garden has been featured in the local and national press many times for its wonderful displays. Being in the National Garden Scheme the modest
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entry fee of £3.00 for Adults goes to Charity. There is ample parking space and private parties are welcome, by appointment, where guests can enjoy afternoon tea or in the evening choose from wine and nibbles. There is a plant sales area where you can take home a souvenir plant to remind you of your day. Derek and Lin Walker invite you to share their beautiful cottage garden on the 19th of July at Little Larford, Scots Lane, Astley Burf, Stourport-on -Severn, DY13 0SB. The contact number is 01299 823270 or visit their web site at www.littlelarfordcottage.org.uk where you can read all about the gardens which are in the scheme.
Photos: Val Cooper
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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 Business
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Local Times
Welch Gate
Cafe and Guest House Chip shop closed Steve and Linda opened it as a cafe diner with the ambience of old charm, the traditional tea and coffee and the excellent menu including the classic English breakfast. It now has become another jewel for those seeking refreshment. Recently, now the children have left the nest to seek their own fortunes, the building has seen another renaissance with the conversion of the bedrooms into guest suites. With the old charm of the beamed ceilings and the well appointed decor, bed and breakfast for the Welch Gate has gone full circle where weary travellers can now rest again.
Another of Bewdley’s gems steeped in history of this Georgian Town is The Welch Gate Cafe and guest house. Its present owners, Steve and Linda moved here in 1985 and took over the fish and chip shop then known as Mary Martins. Its reputation over the years had spread far and wide and people used to travel miles to sample the best fish and chips in the area. They changed the name to the Welch Gate Fish and Chip Bar and ran it until it closed at the turn of the Millennium. Originally the Welch Gate, as the name implied, was the gateway to Wales before they moved the border to Shropshire and the property was originally an Inn known as The Pack Horse where weary travellers would arrive by coach and horses and stay to sample the fine ales and ciders brewed on the premises, which was enjoyed by many of the locals. The structure of the building has changed little over the centuries with it’s snow-white exterior, but the oak beamed interior has been updated to include facilities enjoyed by today’s travellers. After the Fish and 12
Enjoying Bewdley has never been so good with accommodation and food served by Steve and Linda which is open every day from 8am till 3pm to enjoy an early morning breakfast or venture to taste a continental Latte or Cappuccino with snacks at any time. Go and view the accommodation and read more about Welch gate on the web site at: www.welchgate-guesthouse.co.uk where you can see the menu, find the rates for the rooms, the location map, read the history of Bewdley and explore other attractions such as the local golf courses and the Museum that Bewdley has to offer. Call Steve or Linda on 01299 402655 or email welchgateguesthouse@live.co.uk.
Welch Gate Daytime Cafe • All day breakfasts • Omlettes
• Jacket Potatoes
• Baguettes, baps or sandwiches • Pizza, pasta and salad bar • Garden open in Summer • Sunday lunches
Open 8am to 3pm every day 1 Welch Gate, Bewdley 01299 402655
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Local Motoring
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Local Times
GT School of Motoring Hi, my name is Rebecca Bevan, you may have seen my training car around Bewdley; the new, red Vauxhall Corsa TDi 1.3. It has ‘GT School of Motoring’ logo with ‘Rebecca of GT signed across the boot lid. It has dual controls for worry free motoring and has the benefit of air conditioning for ‘cool lessons’! I am a fully qualified and experienced Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and also a full member of The Institute of Advanced Motorists which promotes a defensive and safer style of driving. I have won distinction for my high standards of driver training through GT . Learning to drive is a skill, hopefully, to be used for life. Your future safety could depend on a thorough and in depth training course being followed from onset. Each client of mine will follow an individual driving development plan designed after my initial assessment of your very specific and personal needs. This will be based on your entry skills, your confidence levels, your aptitude, your personal needs, and your strengths and weaknesses. In essence, my driving tuition shared with you will be modelled to best suit your requirements as a very unique and individual person. No blanket treatment of ‘one cap fits all’ will suffice for us. I am committed to raising standards of road safety through your personal awareness of this and your taught practice of this. I make learning to drive a fun experience even though it may be one of the most complex skills you may ever be taught. Once the joyful day is reached and my client passes the Practical Test, I will then eager to encourage extra training for motorway skills and higher level Pass Plus tuition. The superior standard of driving achieved through these will raise client self esteem and open the door for more favourable insurance quotes. 14
My clients are always relieved that I provide advice, support and guidance with their Theory Test; this is all an integral part of my teaching style, which you will find to be honest, open and always very positive in all aspects. We don’t do ‘tears’! I guide and care for all levels and type of client, from the disqualified driver returning to the road, to refresher training for the latent driver and, of course, new drivers of any age. The pick up point for each lesson is always of your choosing and may vary due to your circumstances I cover all local areas including Bewdley, Kidderminster, Worcester, Stourport, Droitwich and Blakedown. I welcome all calls from prospective candidates, so why not make that first exciting move and speak with me without any obligation on 07843 699593?
GASOTRONICS
Dual Fuel LPG Conversions 1/2 your fuel bill !! Run on LPG Full Diagnostic Service Available American Vehicles Range Rover & Land Rover Discovery Specialists
Collection & Delivery Specialists Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 9am-12pm
Mobile Auto Repairs Proprietor: John Ramdin
We are fully LP.G.A. approved. The systems carry a 12 month Parts and Labour Warranty and come with Insurance Company Approved Certification. We are installing the latest Prins, AG and Romano Sequential Injection Systems. We are also Approved Installers of Emmegas and Tartarini Systems
Unit 6, St. Johns Lane, Bewdley DY12 2QY (Off A456 between Bewdley & Callow Hill)
Tel: 01299 403827 / 01299 403749 Mob: 07974 454785
ADVERTISE HERE For just £26 per month you could reach the entire community through our printed magazine… and the WHOLE WORLD through the Local Times website !!!
Range Rover Specialists
MOBILE AUTO REPAIRS Exhaust & Tyre Services
• Service and repairs to all makes and models • Engine tuning, clutches, brakes and exhausts • Car electrics and fault diagnostics • Fabrication and custom work • Car valeting • LPG converted used car sales • Pre MOT checks
Tel/Fax: 01299 403 827 Mob: 07974 454 785
Unit 6, St. Johns Lane, Bewdley DY12 2QY Proprietor: Kash Ramdin
Rebecca Bevan Approved Driving Instructor
SCHOOL OF
Phone 01299 402 094 Mobile
OG AUTOMOTIVE
GT MOTORING
07843 699 593
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
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Local Health At Can’t Cook will Cook we are passionate about good food and teach you the skills you will need to produce nutritious, quick, quality dishes from scratch using locally sourced ingredients in a fun and supportive environment. Small classes of up to five people at our purpose built location at The Top Barn Training centre will leave you feeling confident in your cooking abilities and keen to impress family and friends with your perfect pasta, delightful deserts and sensational stir fries. Whether you want to improve your basic cookery skills or conjure up a cost effective meal, Sara Dover, who is a trained and experienced chef, is only too willing to pass on those culinary skills to others. As well as the cookery school you can arrange your own bespoke individual training in your own home or arrange a corporate cookery lesson for those companies wishing to present an alternative to the outdoor activity associated with team building. We are located at Top Barn Farm on the A443 Worcester to tenbury wells Road. For more information you can visit our web site at www.cantcookwillcook.co.uk, email sara@cantcookwillcook or telephone 01299821069 or mobile on 07818 050108.
If you are… • Confused by the difference between a wok and a whisk • Wanting to eat healthily but haven’t a clue • Bored of expensive take away baltis Then Can’t Cook Will Cook is for YOU!
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your
Local Times Why can Nutritional Therapy help you?
A busy life style prevents most of us from a eating healthy diet whether we are at work in an office, factory or out on the road visiting customers, so it is no wonder at times we feel tired, suffering from any condition that is preventing us from living life to the full. So what is Nutritional Therapy? What we eat, when we should eat it, how we should cook it and what difference it will make to our life style. Our therapy starts with an individual assessment of your needs taking into account every aspect of your lifestyle and background which may have a bearing on your current status. After the assessment we can offer advice about diet, eating habits which have a positive impact on achieving better health. Recommendations about nutritional supplements are carefully matched to your needs. Tongue, face and nail analysis are part of the diagnostic process with the laboratory tests confirming the presence of particular conditions. Using muscle testing we can identify food intolerance. By contacting Sara on 01299 821069 or visiting the web site at www.nutrition-clinic.co.uk you can take the first steps to a lifestyle change to healthy living.
Are you… • Tired all the time? • Wanting to loose weight and keep it off? • In pain and discomfort? • Suffering from ANY condition that is preventing you living life to the full? The Nutritional Therapy can help YOU!
Small classes in a fun and suppoortive environment taught by an experienced chef / teacher / nutritionist
Learn how food and supplements can help you feel to feel full of beans
Please contact Sara on 01299 821069 or sara@cantcookwillcook.co.uk www.cantcookwillcook.co.uk
Please contact Sara on 01299 821069 or sara@cantcookwillcook.co.uk www.thenutrition-clinic.co.uk
Sue MacLusky
About three years ago Sue MacLusky set up her dream therapy business, ‘Soothe Out Stress’. “Giving up my stressful job and re-training as a therapist has given me the energy, ability and enthusiasm to help others. I used to feel tired and constantly wiped out. I was busy and successful but stress was ruining my life. So I booked a Massage and afterwards experienced a wonderful calmness. More sessions followed and I asked my therapist about her training.” Sue has sought out the best trainers in the field. She travelled to London and qualified with TouchPro UK to offer fully clothed seated acupressure massage to the business world and has also studied Sports Massage and Injury Prevention Massage. Sue has been employed by local Medical Centres, Schools and businesses to offer relaxation therapies to people at work.
“The Massage I do is both gentle and strong. I use slow rhythmical movements and use my forearms to give a massage which is deeper and more effective than most. A good massage makes you feel great! My clients always walk away feeling very different!” Sue is a full time Massage Specialist who works from several renowned centres. She is available at the FAB Clinic in Mill Street, Kidderminster on Thursdays and Saturdays. If you mention this ad you can have a special introductory back massage for £20. Sue is qualified in Aromatherapy, Hot Stones, Sports, Indian Head, Reflexology and Acupressure. Massage sessions are designed for you so can include a blend of different therapies. Contact Sue on 07810 578075 or the FAB on 01562 740840.
Massage Specialist to Sooth Out Stress • Indian Head Massage • Aromatherapy • Hot Stones • Acupressure • Sports and Remedial Massage
Special Offer:
Introductory back massage just £20 Based at FAB, Mill street Kidderminster
Tel: 01562 740840
Book now with Sue at FAB. Sue MacLusky is a massage specialist. The massage I practice is powerful & dynamic - “it transforms you”
Maclusky@btinternet.com Tel 07810 578075 17
your
Local Business
Fresh Local Produce… A Farm shop serving the residents of Kidderminster has opened on the main
Worcester Road. They sell seasonal locally produced fruit and vegetables, preserves, bread and a two litre milk at 99p, as well as having a nicely stocked chiller cabinet with essentials. With many years in the green grocery business, Brett Wilson knows how to source produce locally and will ensure his customers receive the best quality and service. After two months of trading on the Worcester Road site the Farm Shop with its colourful displays of vegetables and produce has seen a steady increase in customers. With off road parking at the front of the building and with the colourful plant sale displays outside you will have no worry of parking charges or restrictions that exist in the centre of the town.
Local Times
THE FARM SHOP worcester Road Kidderminster
Fresh local produce - plants, preserves, fresh bread, eggs
2 litres Milk only 99p 9.00am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday 10.00am to4.00pm Sunday
01562 743282
Treat yourself to the feel good factor with:
Freestyle Yoga Stretch Classes Button Oak Village Hall, Pound Green Every Friday 12pm – 1pm
The Wheatsheaf Room, Bewdley Institute Every Thursday 7pm – 8pm Come along & join in, it will greatly improve your Mobility, Flexibility, Back Strength & Overall Physical Tone!!!
Professional Beauty & Mobile service Offering: • Organic Facials • Pedicures – OPI Manicures • Eyebrow & Eyelash treatments
• • • •
Hot Stone Therapy Reflexology Aromatherapy Deep tissue Massage
For more info or to book a treatment call
Lisa Johnson 07813 776263
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shear illusions Mens & Boys Barbers
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
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Closed 9.30-5.00 9.30-8.00 9.30-5.00 9.00-6.00 8.30-4.00
Price list Adults £7.00 Child under 12 £5.00 A.O.P’s £5.00 Crew cuts £5.00 Childrens chair for under 4 year olds
Kelly Chadwick 01299 400555
No. 27 Dog Lane, Bewdley DY12 2EF
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
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
Come Dancing Join Philip Jackson - the voice of Strictly Come Dancing’s expert commentary ADULT - ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS CLASS Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha Cha, Salsa, Rock n Roll, Rumba etc.
Starts Tuesday 28th April at 7.45 pm Also classes for those who have danced before. Hartlebury Parish Hall, Waresley Court Road.
If the celebs can do it, so can you!
Tel: Philip on 0121 422 3032 www.learntodance.co.uk/harlequin email: pipjak@blueyonder.co.uk
s at y sse cla nesda o s ed Al yW gle Ha
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your
Local Inns and Pubs
Local Times
The Hare and Hounds at Shenstone The latest eatery to serve those homemade, freshly prepared meals has opened on the Worcester Road at Shenstone. Nigel and Sally the proprietors of this lively family pub cater for children, senior citizens and the discerning diner who has the palete for the freshly cooked meals and the selection of wines and beers. From snacks to the Sunday lunch at £7.25 there is something on the menu for the whole family as well as the guest ales on offer for the serious ale drinker. For those wishing to partake of an early English breakfast the establishment opens at seven in the morning through to eleven when the preparation starts for traditional lunches including peeling and preparing the potatoes for “proper chips”. The Mixed Grill is served throughout the day at just £6.95 and Thursday night is “Fish Night”. No frozen food is permitted in this kitchen where emphasis is placed on locally sourced fresh produce displayed on the specials board in the restaurant in a never ending change to the menu.
The last Bank Holiday saw live bands performing and a pig roast was provided, with a repeat performance scheduled for the August Bank Holiday on the 31st when there will be an Elvis tribute, Barbecue Owners Nigel & Sally and another Pig Roast. The Bouncy Castle keeps kids occupied while parents enjoy their drinks or meal. The Hare and Hounds is on the Worcester Road at Shenstone so it is easy to find and has ample parking and with the warm hospitality from this enthusiastic team it’s the place to go. More attractions are scheduled throughout the year and Your Local Times magazine will keep you up to date with the entertainment and the new menus by logging onto www.yourlocaltimes. co.uk/hare&hounds.
The Hare and Hounds • Home cooked food
• Every Thursday is Fish Night!
• Huge wine and beverage selection • Senior citizen menu • Kids menu • Guest ales
• Brilliant professional team • Family pub
Worcester Road, Shenstone, Nr Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 4BU
01562 777380 www.hareandhoundsshenstone.com
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The only Italian Restaurant in Kidderminster
Opening Times
Mon-Thur 12-3 & 6-11 • Fri & Sat 12-3 & 5-11 • Sun 12-3 &6-10
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your Gardening Calendar
your
Local Times
Whitlenge Garden Calendar January
JUNE
August
Summer’s here. Typical English weather could be warm, wet, thunderstorms, hot, dry, rain so be prepared for anything!
February
Lawns: At Whitlenge we are mowing and edging weekly now and we need to cut down the long grass on our turf labyrinth to stop the visitor’s knees from getting wet! We like to feed our lawns with a fast acting liquid fertilizer as a perfect tonic for a tired lawn. April
September
Ponds: Should the sun shine the blanket weed threatens to take over the Whitlenge ponds, so we put in some barley straw bricks to inhibit it. We remove excess with a cane or rake (think candyfloss). Leave on the bank for a while so that aquatic creatures can escape back to the depths then throw on the compost heap as it’s high in nutrients.
March
April
May
Shrubs: Now’s the time to prune the Wisterias, remember the old “aide de memoire” 2/6. Cut back to two buds every February and June for masses of flowers next year. We also prune Deutzia, Kolkwitzia, Philadelphus and Weigela. Cut out one in three stems, choose the oldest and thickest to keep the bushes in a full shape. After pruning give them a treat with a general organic fertilizer and mulch with organic matter. We love the bearded Iris that flower briefly at this time of year (Keith has an affinity with anything with a beard)! They have such rich and unusual colours and are good value as you can lift and divide them to create a strong display next year. Vegetables: In the Whitlenge potager we plant out our runner and French beans into areas with the canes already set out. We make arches for the runner beans with our own willow and interplant with sweet peas. We keep sowing salad veg and if you have room Marrows, Courgettes and Pumpkins are fun for the children to grow. Hopefully you are already harvesting your first peas and potatoes. Enjoy!
July
This is the month in which to relax, to enjoy not only the richness of the borders but the delicious scents of summer. Nurturing and tending and weeding or enjoy alfresco dining.
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October
November
December
Don’t move But improve!
Your number one asset is
Your Home and Garden!
So let the professionals look after your investment.
Gold Medal winner Keith Southall’s
We enjoy projects of all sizes, from window box to family estate. Full Design, Construction and Planting all within the one company. If you are looking for that Visual Inspiration then visit us at: Whitlenge Gardens, Whitlenge Lane, Hartlebury, DY10 4HD Take the opportunity to watch our ‘before & after’ presentation in our cosy Tea Room and Craft Shop
Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun 10am - 5pm.
Telephone:
01299 250720
www.creativelandscapes.co.uk
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your
Local Business
Local Times
Top Tips to Survive Financial Problems Survival in this Recession is dependant on who best to talk to about your finances. Simon Insull has immediate, independent and impartial advice, which can help you get your finances back on stream. Some tips when taking any decisions about finance depends on: • How quickly you act • Use an independent expert who has a full range of solutions • Let the expert deal with your debt so you can use your time to improve your income • Be wary of offers for loans or funding from third parties And the most important tip: • Take advice It is so easy to ignore your creditors hoping they will go away. This will not happen and if you do nothing
the debt will only grow. You should never sign anything without first taking professional advice and borrowing more money to get out of trouble never works. It just makes matters worse. Making offers you can’t afford just to buy yourself time again makes the matter worse and prolongs the agony for you and your family as does paying one creditor before another. Without getting the proper advice it could end in serious trouble. So we all hear in the media about the recession and its effects on jobs and people losing their homes but are you going to be one those who do nothing if debt comes knocking on your door? Take advice. Make that impartial FREE advice call to Simon Insull on 07833 469459 or 0701 427 4949 your local Cartel Client Review Representative. Your family depends on you to make that call.
Have you had any form of finance, loan or mortgage? Do you have a credit card with an outstanding balance? Did you know you may be able to claim significant compensation or claim to have your outstanding balance written off? To find out more call your local Cartel Client Review representative now!
Simon Insull 07833 469 459 simon.insull@cartelgroupholdings.plc.uk Cartel Client Review Ltd is regulated by the Ministry of Justice in respect of regulated claims management activities. Our authorisation number is CRM8663 and our registration is recorded on the Ministry of Justice website www.claimsregulation.co.uk Cartel Client Review Ltd: Building 5, Universal Square, Devonshire Street, Manchester, M12 6JH
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Lucky 7’s Snack Wagon **** 4-star rated ****
Whatever time, day or night • Hot snacks – Cold snacks – Chips – Tea – Coffee • Favorites like bacon butties and lots more Use us for your outdoor event, function or party
Where to find us in Kiddy: Howdens car park, Worcester Road Monday to Friday 8:00am till 2:30pm
Grannystap Victorian tea room Traditional homemade fayre Afternoon teas, cakes,sandwiches A real ploughman’s and cheese A real cuppa tea made the traditional way with loose tea of your choice from English breakfast to Jasmine
Open 8:30am-8:00pm Monday-Sunday 93 Welch Gate, Bewdley
LAWRENCE Tailored Loose Covers & Re-Upholstery Boat interiors Bars - Commercial
Quality Fabrics
Master Craftman 35 yrs Experience For Free Quote Tel: 07866 237745 • 07748971467 email: lawrenceupholstery@hotmail.com
Catering made easy by having a kitchen brought straight to your event. Function, fete, car boot, jumble sale or bonfire night. Variety of foods available - not just the traditional burgers, hot dogs but menu style food, pre-prepared for your event.
Orders: 07528 798 210
* SNAZZI * FASHIONS • ACCESSORIES • GIFTS Unit 3, Wyre Court, Bewdley, DY12 2AW
07979 092081
Notions
for Knitters, Stitchers & Cardmakers Haberdashery Cross-stitch Tapestry Embroidery
Curtains made to order Fabrics & accessories Clothing alterations Dry Cleaning services
01299 404510
31 Load Street Bewdley DY12 2AS 25
Editor’s Letters
your
Local Times
Your views are welcome in our magazine Dear Editor, I would like to talk about The Bewdley School & Sixth Form Centre. Almost all the locals now have encountered the polite, energetic and well behaved students from the school, and I think ‘The Bewdley School’ is making the residents proud. The New Secondary school has done a huge amount for the bewdley community, such as creating Bewdley’s most unique visitor trail, which takes tourists all around the area’s most desirable places. Also the school was asked to re-open Bewdley’s most popular attraction, the Bewdley Museum, which included talented individuals from the school performing dance routines based on Bewdley. The Bewdley School Prides it self on achieving some of the Best GCSE and A-Level results in Worcestershire, if not the best, which has brought about an outstanding reputation for the School.
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You have probably seen the new youth Cafe, called Cafe 54, which was set up in favour of the young people in Bewdley. The Cafe opened only a few weeks ago by request of the children and is already very popular. A number of assemblies were held at the at school to discuss what the students would like in the new cafe with a high number of suggestions, such as Internet access, which is to be installed in the next few months. Bewdley, with it’s heritage and history, it’s pretty little shops and thriving attractions is home to one of Worcestershire’s highest performing schools with an outstanding reputation, as well as having kind and considerate students, who are always willing to lend a helping hand. Congratulations to The Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre. Gill Parkinson Bewdley School & Sixth form Centre
Bewdley Gallery
Trevor Price established Bewdley Gallery in 1980 and has a range of original paintings, limited and open edition prints all at compeditive 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.
Fine arts has experienced a renaisance over the last few years and Bewdley Gallery exhibits many of the paintings that appeal to collectors and enthusiast alike. You are welcome to come and browse, admire or begin collecting fine artwork.
Lax Lane, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2DZ. 01299 400 918
Pam-purr-ed Pet Portraits
Professional paintings of your Puss or Pooch! Oil paintings on canvas of your dog, cat or bunny! The perfect Birthday present, Wedding gift or anniversary surprise!! Oil on canvas portraits ÂŁ50 plus postage and package. Simply post a high quality photo or email digital pics and I will paint them onto canvas for you.
Phone Colin on 0798 999 5180 to discuss or email colinhanley@hotmail.co.uk 27
Local business
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your
Local Times
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
Opening Times: Summer – Sun-Thurs 9.00 - 4.30pm
Fri- Sat 9.00 - 5.30pm Winter – Mon-Sat 9.00 - 4.30pm Sunday 9.00 - 4.00pm
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
Opening Times:
Summer: Mon-Sat 9.00 - 6.00pm • Sunday 9.00 - 5.00pm
VISIT OUR NEW TEA ROOM AND RESTAURANT
Lodgeford Hill, Lower Chaddesley Corbett, Kidderminster, DY10 4QN
01562 777017 29
Recruitment & Local Business Major British PLC requires a
limited number of motivated individuals in Wyre Forest district to join them, on a self employed basis, to help people locally reduce their outgoings. Full training provided with no need to give up your day job, as the business can be operated in your spare time and at your own pace. No cold calling. Potential company vehicle, share options and ongoing passive income. For a free introductory DVD call Peter Moxon 07942 818644.
ADVERTISE HERE For just £26 per month you could reach the entire community through our printed magazine… and the WHOLE WORLD through the Local Times website !!!
Phone 01299 402 094
Employers - Do you need to fill a vacancy? Advertise locally. Why use costly recruitment agencies when you can find local people who need work? It costs from £26 for an advertisement and it is on-line at no extra cost. Call 01299 402094 or email: editorial@yourlocaltimes.co.uk
BOOK-KEEPER
Are you a small business? Is your paperwork one big headache? Do you need a reliable, experienced and qualified Book-Keeper?
For a FREE consultation, Tel:
07770 961539 30
S L Tramontana Plastering, Rendering, Floor Screeding, Coving All plastering work undertaken Free, no obligation quotes Your Local Plasterer T: 01299 403 669 M: 07977 137795 E: tramontana27@yahoo.co.uk
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 Replacement Glass Units Dry Verge at ÂŁ6.50 per unit fitted Family-run business Tel: Geoff Orchard on
01299 401449 or 07749 663028
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Local Business
your
Local Times
Choosing your first PC or upgrading your existing one Do you remember the very first mobile phones ?? Well, the term mobile may be used quite loosely here as they were the size of a suitcase and the battery had its own wheels !! The more expensive models, no less portable, allowed the use of a small nuclear reactor to give extended usage. Compare that to current models which fit snugly in your purse or wallet and offer features and services way beyond the needs of the average user…. PC’s are much the same. Ultimately, it boils down to two factors – how much do you have to spend or what do you want to do with it. In all honesty, the average user wants pretty much the same – internet, word processing and the odd game of solitaire !!! Well I can assure you, you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds, despite what salesmen might tell you. If this is your first computer, especially if you believe in recycling, why not check out the used PC market, many cheap and cheerful systems are out there that will more than cater for your every need and you won’t have to take out a second mortgage or rob the nearest bank. A computer system, complete with printer I hasten to add, should NOT cost you more than a few hundred pounds and away you go - welcome to the twenty-first century, internet heaven and the rest of your life glued to a screen and keyboard !! As for the internet, most service providers offer packages that include line rental, all your calls and a very fast internet connection for less than twenty pounds per month. Those of you with existing systems – don’t tell me, you were given it by a relative, it was due to go in the skip or you bought it years ago and cost you over a thousand pounds. Well, sorry to say, it’s now worth ten pounds and even your grand kids will turn their nose up – fact of life, technology moves on. Dial-up internet is now very expensive, it ties up your phone 32
line and is so slow you’d probably be better off hand delivering a letter than try and send an email!!! By the time your computer’s loaded you’ve been on holiday or at least been shopping and read “War & Peace”. The time to upgrade has come, embrace the latest technology, dump the dinosaur and maybe consider a laptop. Again, the second user market is very healthy, you could pick up a half decent machine for less than a long weekend in Brighton in the off-season plus you can store it away while you’re not using it. So, if you’re buying your first or simply upgrading your old one, check out the used PC market, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Want to turn your hobby into a business?
Problem with your computer?
Advertise your skills, hobby and products in Your Local Times. Contact the whole of your local neighbourhood for as little as £26 per month! Advertise in the magazine and get an advert on the Local Times website too! Advertise locally, sell internationally! Call
KEIRAN
PC & Laptop Home Help Service Repairs - upgrades - maintainance - advice From a friendly qualified engineer For home or business visits call Keiran
01299 402094
for details or email editorial@yourlocaltimes.co.uk
07864 300174
Also available evening & weekends
10% Discount with this advert on Broadband Internet Setup
GAYTSMAID Custom-Made Ironwork Domestic, Commercial & Security RING FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Tel/Fax: 01299 405153 www.gaytsmaidwroughtiron.co.uk Email: gaytsmaid@sky.com
Gavin Smith
Plumbing and Heating
Combi Boiler and Gas Specialist 07967 837141 • 01299 401045 15 year’s experience • Free Estimates Combi-Boiler Specialist Bathrooms Fully Fitted
All Gas Engineers have to be Gas Safe Registered
All plumbing and heating work undertaken
gavinsmith9@tiscali.co.uk
Gas Safe Number: 215565
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your Local Marketplace
your
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.
ITEMS FOR SALE
Mountfield petrol mower HP 474 with Honda engine 11 months old excellent condition. ÂŁ75. Tel: 01562 746 851 Double-glazed window for sale. Surplus to recent buiding work. Call for details on 0798 999 5180
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ITEMS WANTED
To complpete a large 00 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
SERVICES
Advertise your services or goods for sale or wanted here. This magazine is delivered to every house in the area as well as being published on the internet!
Whyte Knyght Creative Printing and web design has never been easier
Every business requires printing All th
• • • • • •
Business card, Invoice, Complement slip, Letterhead, Brochure or an Advertising flyer
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Our graphic designers can create or re-design your stationery for that professional look
Print in four colour at competitive rates
Web site design
Is your company on-line and trading Globally?
For a free quotation call 01299 402 094 35
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 DY10 1QN Once we have sorted your motor and house insurance, ask for a comprehensive travel insurance quote.
T: 01562 751003
F: 01562 862504 e: radaviesltd@btconnect.com www.radaviesltd.com
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