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FR
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Local Times October 2010
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Contents Circulation: 12,500
How to contact us: Editor: Fiona Pennington 08456 199 038 editor@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Contributors: Trevor Kirton Des Taylor Steve Gould Features and Editorial: Sarah Williams sarah@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Advertising: Sales Team advertising@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Studio Team studio@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Credit Control 08456 199038 Accounts: Ken Bell accounts@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Published by Your Local Publisher Ltd Bridge House, Severn Bridge Riverside North, Bewdley DY12 1AB DEADLINE next issue:
20th October 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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your
Local Times
Welcome… … to the October edition of Your Local Times.
For many of us we associate October as the start of Winter - we dread the clocks going back and the nights drawing in. However, for me, there is nothing better than getting a steaming mug of coffee, some yummy biscuits or a piece of cake and settling down in front of the fire with a good book. I have just finished reading Cutting for Stone, one of the books featured in our Books We Like (or should that be Books I Like!). It is a beautifully written wonderful story, even the surgical descriptions entranced me and the twin story was so engrossing and so sad. Take a look at the others books we mention; hopefully there is something there for everyone. One of the things on my list to do during October is the Worcester Ghost Walk. It’s on most Friday and Saturday evenings from the end of September right through until March 2011. Ghost walkers will have unprecedented access into some of Worcester’s most haunted locations, including exclusive access inside The Commandery at night. We would like to hear from anyone who sees a ghost ! Warm regards,
Fiona
Fiona Pennington - Editor editor@yourlocaltimes.co.uk
This month YOUR FEATURES
Local History The true tale of the Kidderminster Workhouse
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Local Oratory Improve your public speaking at the Stourbridge Speakers Club
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Books We Like Books by Tom Sharp, Mrs Mills, Kathryn Stockett and Abraham Verghese
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Local Recipe Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives
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Local Business Important information from Bewdley Alarms
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Local Knowledge Catherine Carlton on the origins of Halloween plus information on the Bewdley Christmas Lights Festival
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Local Personality A brief history of Stanley Baldwin
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Local Business Derek Norval - Curative Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner
Front Cover photograph by John Robinson www.natural-history-pictures.co.uk
YOUR
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Community News Announcements from All Saints Church and the Wyre Forest District Council
FEATURES
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Christmas in the Wyre Forest Your Local Businesses Local Attractions
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Local Health & Beauty Shear Illusions and A Lighter Life
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Your Local Computers Movie Madness Part 1
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Local Sport Winning news from The Harriers
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Fred’s Shed Advice from the allotment
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Whitlenge Diary Your garden in October
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The Northern Lights Adventure Tales of high adventure in Alaska by Frank Cartwright
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Local Business Rednex Specialist Skate Shop and Sharon Haycock at Divas Ladies Gym
Community News Bewdley Pumpkin Day and the Continental Market
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Community News Trinity Methodist Church
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Local Health & Beauty Holistic healing and headaches by Your Local Times’ own Health Correspondent Sue MacLusky
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Your Local Directory Advertise your business here
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your
Community News
Local Times
All Saints Church, Wribbenhall, Bewdley
Nearly New Book Sale
4th October – Monday 10.30am to 12.30pm
All books 25p each or 5 for £1
Also Cards for any occasion together with gift pack accessories etc.
Entrance, Tea and chat free
(proceeds to church renovation Lighting Fund)
Get your old books valued free by Ivor
Best Practice Highlighted in New Landlord Accreditation Scheme Landlords in the Wyre Forest district are invited to be part of new venture which aims to promote best practice in the rented sector. The Landlord Accreditation Scheme is a national initiative for landlords to support them with information and training so they can operate to the highest management standards, benefiting both landlords and tenants. Councillor Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing & Environmental Services said, “We would like to invite all landlords in the area to be members of this new scheme. Members will be kept in touch with changes to legislation which affect the management of properties and will give landlords the opportunity to inform us of any issues they may have or the type of support they would like to see provided in the future. Information will also be available on issues including fire safety and energy performance
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certificates. Becoming a member of this scheme will give landlords a competitive advantage because it will show that you provide good quality housing that is well equipped, hygienic, safe and secure.” Benefits of accredited status include a variety of landlord services such as: discounted Energy Performance Certificates (EPC); access to a network of local suppliers and trades including electricians and gas engineers; help with advertising vacant properties, and a personalised membership certificate, window stickers and the ability to use the Accreditation logo for publicity purposes. For further information or to apply to be a member of the Wyre Forest Landlord Accreditation Scheme, please contact Rose Leonard, Private Sector Liaison Officer at Wyre Forest District Council on 01562 732563 or email rose.leonard2@ wyreforestdc.gov.uk
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your
Local History
Local Times
Kidderminster Workhouse
Wyre Forest History Day
The first Kidderminster Workhouse, housing the poor from the Borough of Kidderminster, was built before 1753, sited along Vicar Street, not far from the current Town Hall. In 1784 a larger one was built in Vicarage Meadow, in the Oxford Street and Worcester Cross area. Even this one proved to be insufficient and a third one was eventually built in Broad Street, with an entry in Paradise Street, off Churchfields. There was also a workhouse for the Foreign of Kidderminster, housing the poor from the outlying parts of the parish, in the Blakebrook area, built between 1784-85. It is this workhouse which formed the nucleus of Kidderminster Union Workhouse, built in 1837-8 and is now the site of the current Kidderminster Hospital. Kidderminster Poor Law Union was set up after the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act after a petition from seventy of the leading ratepayers. Just why they were so desperate for the formation of a Kidderminster Union has only now come to light thanks to the work of the Wyre Forest Historical Research Group, in conjunction with the National Archives. The records kept by the Poor Law Commission, housed at the National Archives at Kew, have been indexed as part of a nationwide project and are now available online at www.nationalarchives/ documentsonline/livingthepoorlife There will be a chance to hear some of the case studies from these records at the
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Wyre Forest History Day on Saturday October 16th at the Elizabeth Mills Day Centre (formerly the Social Day Centre) off New Street, Stourport on Severn. Places cost ÂŁ8 for non-members, ÂŁ4 for students under 18. For further information and a booking form telephone Moira Brown on 01562-756903.
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Local Oratory
your
Local Times
Speak With Your Eyes… “There was something about her eyes that went beyond radiance. They locked onto you and were utterly mesmeric.” So wrote Alastair Campbell on first meeting Princess Diana. It seems that Diana had the ability to make you feel that you were the only person in the room when she spoke, even if there were dozens of others there as well. Apparently Richard Branson and Margaret Thatcher have similar ability. Whether we are speaking to one person or 100, we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of eye contact to give power to our communication. Which is, of course, why a presenter who uses lots of PowerPoint slides or a speaker who reads from notes often fails to connect with the audience. In one to one conversations we can look into the eyes of the other person much of the time. In fact, if we don’t we may look shifty, as though we have something to hide. But as audience size increases we need to divide our attention. Here the opposite applies. If we lock onto one person, they will feel uncomfortable very quickly. If there is one
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smiling, friendly face in an audience it is tempting to address them only, but we must resist. The trick is to scan everyone and make brief contact with each before moving on. With a very large audience we may not be able to see actual eyes but the same principle applies. Just one word of caution. There is a risk that we look like we’re watching a tennis match if we turn our head from one side to the other on a regular basis. This also has the effect of restricting the ability of our voice to project. The answer is to keep our head still and pivot the upper half of the body from the hips. Next time you are in conversation with a group of people, try making eye contact with them all and notice how much more they will listen to what you have to say. Find out more about Stourbridge Speakers Club and our meetings from our website: www.StourbridgeSpeakers.org.uk or phone 01527 835161. David Wike Communications Officer Stourbridge Speakers Club
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your
Books We Like
Local Times
Books We Like ‘Wilt’ by by Tom Sharpe
Henry Wilt is a demoralised lecturer who wastes his days attempting to bestow the wonders of literature upon uninterested construction workers. Set in the 1970’s this title takes a look at British Culture, “MickeyMouse” academia and the comical ways of the middle-class.
‘Mrs Mills Solves All Your Problems’
All Sunday Times readers will be familiar with the sharp and witty style of agony aunt Mrs Mills, as she delivers knock-out punches to those seeking advice about issues which range from what to feed obese guests to how to deal with cross-dressing boyfriends.
“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
In Jackson, Mississippi, there are lines that are not crossed. Black maids raise the white children, but no one trusts them not to steal the silver. But The Help is not just about race, it’s about how women, whether mothers or daughters, the help or the boss, relate to each other.
“Cutting For Stone” by Abraham Verghese
Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born of a secret union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon at a mission hospital in Addis Ababa. An unforgettable journey into one man’s remarkable life, and an epic story about the power, intimacy, and curious beauty of the work of healing others
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Dizzy Dollys Laundrette Self Service • Service Washes Ironing Service Football Kits • Curtains etc Free Collection Delivery Whole Wyre Forest
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S & T HOME CARE LTD YOUR SAFE & TRUSTING SERVICE
We are a Domiciliary Care Agency looking after the elderly and disabled in the community. S & T Home Care provides the highest standard of care & support for people who want to stay in their own home. We take pride on offering reliable flexible & friendly care which is individually tailored to your needs. Our experienced team are available to assist you with:
Personal Care Preparing and serving meals Weekly shopping Domestic help and Laundry Waking and sleeping nights Assisting with medication
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Unit 3 Ditton Priors Trading Estate, Ditton Priors, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6SS 11
your
Local Recipe
Local Times
Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives This is possibly the most famous of all Moroccan tagines. The lemons are preserved in salt, which makes even the skins edible once cooked and imparts a pungent salty sweet citrus flavour to the chicken. If you haven’t tried this, you haven’t lived!
Serves 4 - 6 Ingredients
• 600g free-range skinless chicken legs or thighs • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 large onion, roughly chopped • 3 - 4 cloves garlic • 1 tablespoon Arabica Ras el Hanout • A generous pinch of black pepper • 1-2 Arabica Preserved Lemon • 12 cracked green olives, de-stoned • A good handful of flat leaf parsley • Suggested Condiment: Arabica chilli Sauce ( optional )
Method
Put your tagine on the stove on a low heat. While the tagine is gently heating up - soak the green olives in water to reduce the saltiness, changing the water a couple of times. Quarter the preserved lemons. Add the olive oil and the onions- slowly cook them until they soften and become translucent. Add the garlic and cook gently for a further 3 minutes. Dice the skinless chicken pieces into large morsels and then add to the tagine and cook for a further 5 minutes, turning occasionally. Stir in the Ras el hanout spices and pepper allowing the spices to cook in for a few minutes before adding the chicken stock (or water if you don’t have time). Bring to gentle simmer then cover and leave to cook on a low heat for 1 hour. Add the lemons and olives and leave uncovered and cook for a further 15 - 20mins to reduce the juices until - you should end up with a thick, citric, spicy gravy with chicken that is juicy, tender and falling apart .We usually balance the 12
seasoning with the natural saltiness of the green olives and preserved lemons so wait until they’ve cooked in before adding any more salt according to taste.
Assembly
Garnish with roughly chopped fresh flat leaf parsley and serve with some steamed couscous and our infamous Arabic Chilli Sauce on the side for those that like to live dangerously. Alternatively if couscous isn’t your thing or you can’t eat wheat then why not serve with some crispy roasted potatoes? All Arabica products are available at the deli@bewdley www.thedelatbewdley.co.uk Telephone 01299 401901
Suppliers of Bread, Cakes and Freshly Made Sandwiches to Take Away Buffet Service to Your Office or Home Bewdley Bake Away Limited 50 Load Street Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2AP
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Local Business
your
Local Times
Stop Press Unfortunately, we live in a crime ridden world. Every 37 seconds, someone in Britain is getting burgled. With over 1 million burglaries and attempted burglaries each year,. Alarms can help deter crime. Burglar alarms have become standard equipment in stores and other businesses, and they’re becoming increasingly common in private homes as well. If you’ve ever shopped for a home security system, then you know there are a wide variety of options available. At Bewdley Alarms professionals install security to your home or business. But, as it turns out, most alarm systems are actually built around the same basic design concepts. Some of the most effective alarm systems are also the simplest. With an external alarm box having a flashing strobe light and bell when activated many potential burglars would think twice whether to force an entry to your property. Inside, rooms have sensors, which detect movement all programmed by a simple to use control panel, which is conveniently situated, in an entrance hall.
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Insurance companies, in general, will reduce premiums if an alarm is professionally fitted to your property and while you are away on holiday, at work during the day or night, or just going shopping you have the confidence that your property is protected. Full CCTV systems can also be supplied and fitted. So why wait until your property has been broken into? Call Bewdley Alarms and get a free no obligation quote to have an alarm fitted to your property. Whether you have a private dwelling or a commercial property you need to have security and no better place to start is with a call to Bewdley Alarms on 01299 405183.
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your
Local Knowledge
Local Times
Trick or Treat The 31st October sees us celebrating the festival of Halloween, the origins of which stretch back through millennia into Celtic history. The Celts were known to hold an important fire festival at this time called ‘Samhain’, meaning ‘summer’s end’, which honoured the dead and heralded the beginning of the Celtic New Year. Samhain was believed to be a time when the normal laws were suspended and the spirits of the dead were able to return to the earth plane. In their honour, the Celts would leave offerings of food outside their homes in order that the ancestors might refresh themselves and it was these traditions that eventually wove themselves into our familiar ritual of trick and treating. As time went by children began to dress up as their deceased ancestors, an act known as ‘guising’ and played tricks on their neighbours if food or other treats were not forthcoming.
The familiar word of ‘Halloween’ means ‘Eve of Hallowtide’, the name given by the early church to their ‘Festival of Saints’, which eventually came to overlay what was once considered to be a sinister pagan festival. Carole Carlton is a lecturer, writer and author on ancient spirituality and complementary therapies. Her first book, ‘Mrs Darley’s Pagan Whispers’, outlines the eight major Pagan festivals (Prehistoric and Celtic) as they fall chronologically throughout the year. Carole can be contacted via her website: www.arcanus.co.uk or follow her blog www. mrsdarleyspaganwhispers.blogspot.com
BEWDLEY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FESTIVAL Saturday 27 November
As usual the centre of Bewdley will be filled with stalls, music ,food, fair ground rides and lots more. New for this year will be the Circus Skills Workshop, this is open to all ages so bring the kids and come and have a go. We are now inviting applications from potential stall holders, both charity and trade, so if you would like to book a place please contact us as soon as possible. Although we have entertainment booked we can usually find space for extra music etc etc 16
again please contact us. This years Fancy Dress Competition is open to teenagers and adults as we try to find Bewdleys best SUPERHERO’S. Don’t be embarrassed, challenge your neighbours and friends ! You must enter as a couple. Competition is also open to children. In case of world invasion by aliens telephone boxes will be made available for changing!!! Those entering need to be at the Bridge by 5.00 to join the parade. Last years Festive Advent Wreath Exhibition was very
popular, if your organisation or business would like to make one and take part please ask for details. Exhibits will be in St Annes Church from 20 to 28 November Would your organisation like to take part in the parade? Again, just let us know. AND FINALLY - Yes, we have invited Santa to come and help switch on the Town lights. Contact Ann 01299 404226 (lymanhughes34@aol.com) Maggie 01299 404065 Lynne 01299 400563 (hazelynne@sky.com)
The Sun & Slipper Inn Mamble, Worcestershire DY14 9JL
Find us off the A456 between Clows Top and Newnham Bridge
Traditional hand pulled local beers and lagers Meals cooked fresh to order using local produce Try Rogers “famous” hand cut chips using local potatoes
A La Carte Menu and traditional Sunday lunch Best in the area Fixed price Menus 2 course lunch £10.95 Tuesday to Saturday 2 Course Dinner £12.95 Tuesday to Friday Due to popular demand now Saturday night 2 course £15.00 3 course £18.00 All our meals are now seasoned with Himalayan Crystal Salt Closed all day Monday We cater for small weddings, Christenings, Funerals and luncheon Clubs
TEL 01299 832018 for reservations www.sunandslipper.co.uk
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your
Local Personality
Local Times
Stanley Baldwin
(3rd August 1867- 14th December 1947)
Stanley Baldwin was born at Lower Park House, on the corner of Lax Lane and High Street, Bewdley, the only child of Alfred and Louisa (nee MacDonald) Baldwin, and through his mother was a first cousin of the writer and poet Rudyard Kipling, and the nephew of the artist Sir Edward BurneJones. The family owned an iron and steel making business in Wilden that later became part of Richard Thomas & Baldwins. Stanley was educated at Harrow, and Trinity College, Cambridge where he gained a third class degree in History. As a young man, he served briefly in the Artillery Volunteers at Malvern. In 1892, he married Lucy Ridsdale and they had seven children. Joining the family business, he proved to be a good businessman and modernising Industrialist. In the 1906 general election, he contested the Kidderminster seat, but lost amidst the Conservative landslide defeat. In 1908, upon the death of his father, Stanley inherited £200,000 and a directorship of the Great Western Railway and succeeded his father as Conservative Member of Parliament for the Bewdley division of Worcestershire. During the First World War, he became Parliamentary Private Secretary to Andrew Bonar Law. Later he rose to become Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1917-1921), President of the Board of Trade (1921-1922), and Chancellor of the Exchequer (1922-1923). When Andrew Bonar Law resigned after only seven months in office due to ill health in May 1923, Baldwin became Prime Minister. He was ousted in January 1924, but returned to office the following November, remaining Prime Minister for more than 5 years. When Britain’s workers came out in the General Strike of 1926, he steadfastly refused to meet their demands,
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and in 1927 took steps to curb the power of the trade unions by introducing the Trade Disputes and Union Act, which obliged workers to contract into a union, rather than have to pay an automatic membership fee. It was hoped that this provision would reduce Labour Party membership and income, which it did. He resigned in June 1929 following the Labour victory in the general election. In September 1931, he became Lord Privy Seal. Baldwin, for the third time, was again Prime Minister from 1935 to 1937. In 1936, his stand against the projected marriage of King Edward VIII to American divorcee, Wallis Warfield Simpson, was instrumental in bringing about the abdication of the King that year. Baldwin retired in 1937 and was created 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley. He spent his declining years at Astley Hall. When he died, he was cremated and his ashes buried in Worcester Cathedral. His estate was probated at £280,971. As you can see, he was an influential British politician of his time and wrote many books, although he has since been criticised for ignoring the preparations Germany was making for World War II. Article supplied by Trevor Kirton
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Opening Times Lunch 12pm - 2pm Tuesday to Sunday Dinner 7pm - 9.45pm Tuesday to Saturday (Every second Wednesday is Fish Evening) High Street, Ombersley, Worcs WR9 0EW
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The Farm Shop & Deli A Local Convenience Farm store
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your
Local Business
Local Times
Derek Norval - Curative Hypnotherapist & NLP Practitioner Is there something in your life you want to change? Derek Norval is a successful and experienced Hypnotherapist who works from both Kidderminster and Bromsgrove bases. There are lots of misunderstandings about hypnotherapy; hypnosis is simply the practice of causing you to enter a state in which you respond more readily to suggestions. Louise from Bromsgrove gives a first hand account of her experience - “I went to see him because I lacked the confidence to speak up for myself. Of course I was nervous. But I needn’t have been because I soon felt comfortable with Derek. “I’d describe him as a kind and gentle fatherly figure but more importantly he’s got a really smooth ‘radio’ voice. If you’re going to sit back and really listen to someone talking to you a really pleasant and soothing voice is just what you need. “You’ve got to be able to trust Derek. He took time to explain that I wouldn’t be put into a trance or
forced to go into a deep sleep. Next, I snuggled up in a comfy armchair where I felt nice and relaxed. Then, very slowly, I was lulled into a deeply relaxed state by his dulcet tones. Without giving away too many secrets, he asked me to repeat certain words. It was a bit like counting sheep. Of course I thought, ‘this is really stupid” I was convinced it wasn’t working. But as it turned out it was very effective; it just took me a few more days to realise it.” Derek charges £50 a session (which can last up to an hour & a half). I found the session had an incredible effect. I’m starting to speak up for myself and feel so much happier. Yes I’ve booked more sessions. I want to see just how much more I can achieve.” Special Offer: book 5 sessions and get one free when mentioning Your Local Times. Tel Derek Norval: 01527 877333 or 07785 937377 www.bromsgrovehypnotherapy.co.uk read more client testimonials on the website.
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your
Northern Lights
Local Times
The Northern Lights Adverture Alaska 2009
By Frank Cartwright
Wishing to photograph the northern lights, Chris, a much better photographer than me, we set off to Alaska in October last year. Although October is not the best month for the Aurora images we also wanted to photograph Polar Bears, which Den-up in November. After a long air journey we met up with our photoguides in Fairbanks Alaska and set off, in two vehicles, up the ice road (off TV fame). We were lucky enough to meet on or two of the truckers at Coldfoot, the only cafĂŠ on the 500-mile ice road.
and was warm. All its other attributes were negative. In high winds we were convinced it would only stand up for ten minutes.
Our life threatening story unfolds on our first day on Barter Island. We had at our disposal an American yellow School bus with many seats removed and had opening windows which was ideal for Along this road photography. we photographed We set off foxes, muskfox, slowly along Caribou, Moose, a rough track Tarmigon, Owls taking landscape as well as the images as we drove. Late in the afternoon stunning Alaskan we stopped at a Whale carcass on the landscape. Champagne flowed as we crossed seashore and took pictures of the blood the Arctic Circle. and gore being devoured by sea At Deadhorse (Prudoe Bay) we changed birds. Eventually from the two four by four vehicles to a light a couple of Polar aeroplane for our journey to Barter Island in bears arrived the Beaufort Sea. Our accommodation was for their dinner. a small timber hotel, which had good food The were not
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interested in us, just the whale meat, so we got off the bus and set our tripods and took pictures, many pictures.
The sun began to set when Chris shouted, “Back to the Bus.”.Moving swiftly towards our backs out of the sun was a rather large Polar bear who did not want whale meat. There was a scramble up the steps of the bus and only a couple of feet separated the closing of the door from who knows what. The bear walked several times around the bus before joining his friends at the whale carcass. None of us slept that night. After three days of photography and still trembling we flew back to Deadhorse for our drive South. Snow was beginning to drift as we slowly climbed the Atigan Pass. Looking down on overturned and burnt out trucks poking through the snow did not help our already tattered nerves. We arrived late in the evening at our log cabin for our two to
three day stay at Wiseman, a couple of miles off the Ice road. In great excitement we fitted wide angle lenses to our cameras and made our way to the local river where we took several hundred images of the northern lights, some with mountains as foreground and others including reflections in the river. My Grandson Thomas recons the image of the Aurora between the trees should be captioned “The Demented Ghoul” or simply “Death”. As we were taking the photograph of this we could hear the howling of wolves. Very spine chilling. Memories of this Alaskan Photo Holiday will last forever.
Photographs by Frank Cartwright
No reproduction of photographs without permission
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your
Local Business
Local Times
Rednex Specialist Skate Shop Situated in Dog Lane is Bewdley’s best kept secret. Rednex Specialist Skate Shop, specializing in Skate Hardware, Clothing and Accessories.
Priding themselves on stocking the Best of British Skateboard and leading hardware brands including, Death, A Third Foot, Heroin, Krooked, Anti Hero, Creature, Santa Cruz and Mindless Longboards, Independant and Venture Trucks, Bones Bearings, OJ and Spitfire Wheels, Mob Grip, Stickers and much, much more.
The shop has been open for nearly a year and has, by demand and need by the local skaters, developed so that it can now offer as official stockist the best money can buy, from starter hardware to the absolute ultimate must haves. The shop policy is to remain as competitive as possible often with prices equal or lower than the internet, with the added bonus of being able to see and try the goods. Customers are extremely important and have been incredibly supportive in every way.
Rednex also stock a wide and varied range clothing and accessories for both men and women including T-shirts, hoodies, belts, rucksacks, wallets, men’s and women’s jewellery. There is a Christmas Savings Club and layby services available, with a deposit securing any item. The shop opens during the week with late nights on Wednesday and Thursday. It is also open Sundays 11.30 till 5.00pm. Rednex Supports Get Bewdley a Skate Park.
Sharon at DIVAS LADIES GYM
“How Sharon turned my life around” by Sue MacLusky
I was fat and fed up. So a good mate told me it was about time I went to see Sharon, at DIVAS. “She’ll sort you out” she said. Sharon Haycock loves ‘sorting people out’. She’s much more than a Personal Trainer. She’s a miracle worker. I went from a heavy Sharon Haycock size 18, to a trim size 14. People keep telling me how I look like a new woman. Well I am! There are one in a million people who have the unique ability to inspire and motivate you to change. Sharon is one of them. “I love getting results and I get excited about seeing women change. To be a part of their journey is magical.” Sharon has a special ‘Before and After’ photo board so you can see her success stories. As well as pushing you hard, she also gives you great nutritional advice and keeps you motivated every step of the way.
If you book in with Sharon @ DIVAS for six sessions she’ll give you one session free. Call Sharon: 01562 825887 or 077222 98776
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DIVAS Make an excuse, or Make a Difference!
Ladies Personal Training and Swedish or Sports Massage at Unique Fitness, Mill Street, Kidderminster
Call Sharon on: 01562 825887 077222 98776 Discover the DIVA in you !
29
Local Health & Beauty
your
Local Times
Holistic Healing & Headaches
by our own Health Correspondent, Sue MacLusky
Over the years I’ve seen lots of clients who have suffered with headaches. The majority are caused by tension in the scalp or neck muscles so massage can really help. However, I always tell my clients there’s lots more they can do for themselves at home. Acupressure Massage the skin (the fleshy pad) between the base of your thumb and forefinger with firm circular movements; then switch hands and repeat. This is a ‘trigger point’ which is linked to the areas of the brain where a headache starts. Hot & Cold If you soak your feet in hot water it will make
For THE best massage ever call Sue 07810 578 075 BESPOKE MASSAGE THERAPIES
• Do you feel in need of an energy boost? • Or some deep relaxation to ease those aches and pains? • Want to feel good now? “Sue’s massages should be available on the NHS. The benefits last for ages. She irons out all the kinks & bumps in my back and makes me feel at peace with the world” - Sue Davies. e-mail: maclusky@btinternet.com website: www.sootheoutstress.co.uk Wyre Forest McTimoney Chiropractic & Integrated Health Clinic Burgage Lodge, 184 Franche Road, Kidderminster DY11 5AD Telephone: 01562 60823
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your head feel better by drawing blood to the feet. If it’s a really bad one, then add mustard powder to the water. For a tension headache put a hot compress on your forehead or back of your neck. Follow up the hot compress with a cold one. Use ice cubes or frozen peas. Soak your hands in iced water for as long as you can and open and close your hands. Essential Oils Certain oils, like lavender and peppermint can ease tension. Gently massage a little lavender oil into your forehead and temples. If you have a vaporiser, a few drops of lavender and/ or peppermint will help dissolve a headache. Or you could wring out a two peppermint tea bags and place them on your closed eyelids for 5 minutes. There are lots of other things you can do without taking pills. If you come and see me I’ll make up a special ‘headache blend’ of oils for you to use at home. (*I’m a qualified Aromatherapist as well as a Holistic Massage Therapist*) One of my regular clients, Katharine, has found coming to me for regular massage has staved off her headaches. This is what she wrote in my ’Vistors Book’: “Dear Sue, thank you so much for contributing towards my better health - I can enjoy life much more now I don’t get headaches!” So if you suffer from tension headaches, (or any tension anywhere else) give me a call on 07810 578 075. I have clinics in Kidderminster, Stourbridge and Birmingham. www.sootheoutstress.co.uk
off
New clients only, when having your hair cut and styled by Tom. Not in conjunction with any other discount. Offer ends October 31st 2010.
RAMADA HOTEL & RESORT Habberley Road, Bewdley, DY12 1LJ
ÂŁ5 Voucher
01299 405020
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your
Local Health & Beauty
Local Times
Shear Illusions
A Barber in the 21st century
Men ventured to the barbers every six weeks or so to have the customary haircut usually performed by a middle-aged man who reminisced about how the world had changed but his prices had remained static since barbering began. The customary nod and wink when money exchanged hands when the weekend was brought into question signalled the swift exit until the next visit. Gone are those nostalgic days as we usher in a new era of hairdressing for the male customer performed in this modern society by the female barber. At Shear Illusions, in a bright contemporary style salon, we await our turn, lounging upon a leather sofa reading relatively up to date magazines and listening to the music from the local radio station, which competes with the chatter from the person cutting hair. Kelly Chadwick, who is the owner, has a regular clientele but with new services on offer, such as shaving and grooming they are appealing to the modern man who requires pampering as well as having his hair washed, cut and dried. Young children are catered for along with those in teenage years experiencing hair dressing by young women is nothing new in society today.
Lighter Life I struggled with yo-yo dieting for many years and had tried every diet possible, says Juliet. I thought I was destined to repeat this cycle. After seeing an advertisement I decided to give Lighterlife a call. I joined in August 2009 and with support from my counsellor Marion Wilson, lost over two 32
shear illusions Mens & Boys Barbers
NOW OPEN Monday 12.00-4.30 Tuesday 9.30-5.00 Wednesday 10.00-8.00 Thursday 9.30-5.00 Friday 9.00-6.00 Saturday 9.00-3.30
Price list Adults £7.50 Child under 12 £5.00 O.A.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
Look for the new opening times, which are Mondays now from 12 noon until 4.30pm and Saturday from 9am until 3.30pm as well as the regular opening hours shown in the advert.
stone in just 12 weeks with LighterLife Lite, which this time I’ve managed to maintain. It was so easy and I was absolutely thrilled that I had finally acquired the tools through the group work to address my issues surrounding food. I was so impressed with the programme that I decided to become a counsellor myself, and now work
alongside Marion to help others achieve their goals. If you’d like to lose weight but need some support staying focussed and motivated to succeed, call us. We can help you change your life for the better. Call Marion on 07766 694182 or Juliet on 01746 218003.
Just Beautiful Stockist of Dermalogica Skin Care, Jessica Hand & Foot Care & Fake Bake Tanning OPI Axxium Gel Extensions Waxing Eye Treatments Holistic Therapies Fake Bake Tanning Gift Vouchers & Gift Packs Available Opening Times Mon 9.00 - 4.00 Tue 10.00 - Late Wed Closed
Thu Fri Sat Sun
10.00 - Late 9.00 - 5.00 9.00 - 2.00 Closed
11 Lombard St, Stourport-on-Severn
01299 827028
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your
Local Computers
Local Times
Movie Madness - Part 1 Following on from last month’s feature, I thought it might be interesting to review the development of home entertainment ( movies in particular ) over the last 90 years, as my wife and I are avid film buffs and have been for many years... ( as for the computer connection, stay with me as I set the scene, all will be revealed next issue ) So, where do we start ?? Although we could go further back, to the days of “magic lanterns” the physiological principle usually referred to as “persistence of vision” has a lot to answer for. Early experiments established that the slowest frame rate to give the illusion of movement using a rapid succession of images, was 16 frames per second. In fact, the industry standard soon settled on 18 frames per second for silent movies and 24 for sound, although I’m sure you’ll agree that the early silent movies ( Chaplin, Keaton etc ) looked like they were filmed after the performers had consumed several cans of Red Bull !! 16mm film was released in 1923 by Eastman-Kodak, the early version was silent, but as technology advanced, a magnetic strip was added to the film stock that enabled sound to be added. Due to the high cost of projectors and the limited range of commercial films available, as a vehicle for bringing movies into the home, the format never really took off as it was only really affordable by the super wealthy home cinema for the masses was still a few years away. In 1932, a new format was introduced, Standard 8, half the size of 16mm. Again, early versions were silent only, but a sound version was eventually developed. Although standard 8 mm was originally intended as a format for creating amateur films, condensed versions of popular cinema releases were available on the format up until the 1970s, for projection at home. Once Super 8 hit the scene in 1965, things began to get very interesting as film studios welcomed it with open arms, consequently a new market was born, home cinema!! With sound movies ripping thru’ the projector at a phenomenal 24 frames per second, most films came on multiple reels ( a 400 ft spool would hold around 18 minutes of film-time so an average ninety minute movie would be stored on 5 reels !! ), it was a far cry from today’s digital downloads. Imagine going to your local Blockbusters to hire a few movies for the weekend, you’d have to borrow a wheelbarrow.... Once Super 8 had established itself, the catalogue of movies grew, but again the price was prohibitive with an average Super 8 sound projector costing in excess of £200 - £300, you also needed a decent screen, unless you were fortunate to have a large white wall in your home ( preferably matt ) and access to rental movies ( to buy, a typical Super 8 movie would set you back around £200 and this was back in the late 70s, early 80s !!! ). Fortunately, we discovered Derann
34
Film Services in Dudley who would rent out a full movie for around a tenner for seven days, but imagine the frustration and patience required when you had to swap reels every 18 minutes plus you couldn’t pause the action if you needed a toilet break. I suppose the only consolation was, a change of reels every 18 minutes meant you got plenty of opportunity to make a drink, have a quick fag or sort the dog out!! One bonus of using a projector, was that you could adjust the image to suit your environment and a half-decent machine could throw an image that would fill a wall, 72” Plasma screens eat your heart out. Of course you can now purchase digital projectors, so don’t get too cocky all you Super 8 buffs.... Also, unlike the video revolution that followed, it was extremely impractical to even dream of copying a Super 8 release, after all, what would you copy it too ??? Needless to say there were NO Super 8 “Knock-Off Nigels” down the local market !! Super 8 would rule until October 1977 when JVC launched the VHS format ( Video Home System ) onto an unsuspecting World, Sunday Car Boot sales would never be the same....... To Be Continued…
Steve Gould
35
Local Sports
our yyour Local Times
The Harriers The Football season over at Kidderminster Harriers is ticking over quite nicely. Coming into October, the men from Aggborough have enjoyed some good form – having picked up wins against Altrincham and Hayes & Yeading as well as getting valuable draws against the likes of Cambridge United and Fleetwood Town. October will prove to be just as tricky a month, though – and what a start! Harriers make the trip to big-spending Crawley Town on the 2nd. Town have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on their new squad for this season and are already making good progress towards their target of promotion. After that is a double-header of home games as the football returns to Kidderminster. On Tuesday, October 5 Harriers entertain Gateshead, and just a few days later on Sunday, October 10 they play host to Grimsby Town.
There’s an away trip to Kettering to look forward to as well as the start of this season’s FA Cup, Sponsored by E.ON. What’s more, Harriers will also be on the television this month – the match away at Southport on Thursday, 28 October will be live on Premier Sports TV which is part of the Sky package.
EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION
If you want to see one of Harriers’ home games during October, you can do so for FREE, thanks to Your Local Times. We’ve teamed up with the club and can give away two free match vouchers for any home League match this season; and all you have to do to win them is answer this question correctly: Harriers make their TV debut for the season in October – but against which team? A: Crawley Town B: Southport C: Gateshead Good luck! * Terms and conditions at end of magazine.
36
D M ELECTRICAL SERVICES
• Full or part re-wires • Security lighting/CCTV • Additional Sockets
17 Severnside South Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 2DX
Tel: 01299 402960 Fax: 01299 405143 Opening times Mon-Fri 8.30am-6.30pm Saturday 9.00am-11.30am
We are currently running promotions on Neutering and Vaccination Please contact the Surgery for more details
The Future of Accounting &
Bookkeeping is on-line
However big or small your requirement and for all your electrical needs, whether you want to add more sockets, install security lighting or a whole house re-wire our specialist team can provide the solutions for you. Call Dean 01299 250 815 or 07799 584 266 (24 hr callout) for your FREE electrical safety check. Email: deanmullins@tiscali.co.uk
SBS
Fishing Baits Factory Shop Public & Trade Special deal to all anglers who visit the shop – Buy 2 get 1 free on any SBS product. SBS Fishing Baits are now available direct to you, the Angler, from our factory shop in Kidderminster
Serving the LOCAL business community
ACE TERMINAL TACKLE ge Hemp 70p per pint On s n h Worms £12 per Kilo ra ll Wave Runner Bait Boats for Sale ow u F
Integrated Accounting & Bookkeeping Service
email: sbsbaits@btconnect.com
• On-line bookkeeping • Year end accounts • Tax returns • VAT
• Payroll • Business advice • Budgets & Cashflow Forecasting
Call Ken Bell
01299 402776
email k.bell@talk21.com www.srcaccountants.co.uk www.kbbsaccounting.co.uk
www.sbsbaits.com Mon - Thur 7.30 am - 4.30 pm Friday 7.30 am - 1.30 pm Saturday 8.00 am - 2.00 pm Units 27 & 28, Meadow Mills, Dixon Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1HH.
Tel: +44(0)1562 754172 • Fax: +44(0)1562 754173
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your
Local Allotment
Local Times
Fred’s shed
Advice from the allotment
A yearly stroll through the season on Fred’s allotment September is the end of summer although we’re often lucky to have an Indian summer with blue skies and sunshine, nothing is certain with the weather. The bulk of the harvest comes home now and as crops come out the plot begins to empty. Harvest By now the maincrop potatoes should be ready. As the foliage dies back you can cut this off and leave the potatoes for a couple of weeks. This will prevent any stray blight spores from infecting your crop. Wait for a sunny dry day and dig up the potatoes, brushing off excess soil and letting them dry before storing in hessian or paper sacks in a frost free, dark shed. The last of the beans should be picked now, compost the foliage but leave the roots with their nitrogen full nodules in the soil as a fertiliser. Carrots can come up to be stored in sand or peat through the winter but leave the parsnips in the ground. They’ll be sweeter after a frost. Cabbages should come up now too, they’ll keep remarkably well in that frost-free shed but beware the slug that may be lurking under the leaves. Sprinkling the outside with salt will deter them from eating away through the winter, Any green tomatoes on outdoor plants may as well come in now before the frost gets them. You can make a green tomato chutney or ripen them up indoors. Green tomatoes will actually store quite well in cool conditions and slowly ripen or you can hasten the ripening process by popping them in a tray in a sunny windowsill with a ripe banana. General Jobs in the Garden As ground becomes vacant you can dig it over and spread manure over the surface. Leave the soil roughly dug in large clumps and the worms will break these up as they get the manure. The freezing and thawing of water in the soil will cause the soil to break up finely so becoming easier to handle in the 38
spring. October and November are good months to undertake double digging, incorporating manure into the bottom of the trench and deepening your topsoil. With finer soils where digging each year is not necessary, you can plant a green manure crop to overwinter such as field beans. Dig in any green manure crops such as mustard that you planted earlier in the year. Your compost bins will be filling up as the last of the crops come in so now is a good time to give them a turn to help even decomposition and cover them to keep them warm and damp rather than soaking wet. If you’ve got a comfrey patch you may as well take the last cut and add to the heap to activate it. The leaves will start to fall very shortly and these are a valuable resource. Prepare for them by building a leaf mould cage. Very simple to do, you just drive four stakes into the ground and staple chicken netting around to make the cage. Pile in the leaves and leave them alone for a year. You will find the pile reduces by two thirds at least, so keep filling the bin as more leaves fall. If you have one those marvellous garden vacuum mulchers that suck up leaves and chop them, you will find the leaves rot down much more quickly.
Lickhill Road North, Stourport, DY13 8RU
01299 828988
(100 yards from Burlish Crossing)
Fencing Lap panels 6ft x 3ft £11.00
6ft x 5ft £13.00
6ft x 4ft £12.00
6ft x 6ft £13.50
Concrete Posts. 8ft. £8.10 12 inch Gravel Boards. £8.10 6 inch Gravel Boards. £6.00 All other fencing available
6ft patio circles £115.00
Patio pack approx 7.2 metres £135.00 Aggregates & Decorative Stone eg. Cotswold Stone £2.20 per bag
COMPOST 3 x 70ltrs £10.00
Open 7 Days 9-5
B
ournewood NURSERY
CALOR GAS all sizes available 15Kg BUTANE £26.00 7Kg BUTANE £18.00 13KG PROPANE £22.00 47Kg PROPANE £50.00 WINTER FUELS
Single bag COAL - Household 10Kg - £3.10 Single bag COAL - Household 20Kg - £6.20 Single bag COAL - Smokeless 10Kg - £4.35 Single bag COAL - Smokeless 20Kg - £8.50 Three bags COAL - Smokeless 10Kg - £13.00 Five bags COAL - Household 10Kg - £14.90
LOGS
Single NET £3.10 5 Nets £14.90 5 Nets LOGS plus 5 10Kg bags Household Coal £29.90
pet food James Wellbeloved, Royal Canin, Burns, Wagg, Bakers, Iams & many more
BELL’S FARM SHOP & P.Y.O.
Full of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Locally produced Milk, Bread, Cheeses Cakes, Free Range Beef, Lamb, Pork, Bacon and Sausages from Castlemoor Farms and Buttercross Meats plus lots more for you
Open All Year 9 - 5 Everyday on the A4025 nr Stourporton-Severn
N OW N R O OU K Y STILL C I P SON A E S
Visit our website www.bellsfarmshop.co.uk for information and directions
01299 251364
Wyre Forest Roofing All aspects of Roofing undertaken UPVC & Guttering General Property Maintenance Tiling, Slating, Felt Roofing, Pointing, Leadwork, Fascia & Guttering Call for a free quote 01299 823645 (Evenings) 07817 827862 07805 231994 39
Local Gardening Calendar
your
Local Times
Whitlenge diary October Plant all your spring bulbs this month, except tulips which need to wait till November. Plant with bare root wall flowers for a striking show next spring. The wall flowers should be planted deep to stop them becoming leggy. Create natural drifts of spring bulbs in lawns for maximum impact e.g. Narcissus ‘February Gold’ which lives happily in well drained soils. Damp areas can be planted with the indigenous and unusual Snakes Head Fritillary. They can be best established by growing in pots and planting out with a bulb planter just before flowering. Remember that you cannot mow this area until at least six to eight weeks after flowering. (What a good excuse). This gives the bulbs time to build up sufficient resources to bloom next year. Most of our lawns are expected to look good year after year without very little attention or nutrition. Lawns can be easily invigorated at this time of year by top dressing with compost. Sprinkle a thin layer of compost over the whole lawn, using an equal parts mix of sharp sand and loam based potting compost. If you didn’t keep up with pruning the roses for late flowers do not despair, they will provide you with wonderful autumn colour and food from the hips.
Rose hips give eye catching colour from early autumn to well into winter, glowing luminously as they reflect the light. Roses are in the same family as apples so it is not surprising that the hips are edible and a source of nutrition.Rose hips are rich in vitamin C with levels up to ten times higher than oranges and can be made into jams, cordials, added to soups and crumbles. For a rosehip syrup recipe please visit www.whit-lenge. co.uk, click on to the events/ newsletter page.
To shorten the dreary winter months plant herbaceous perennials that will flower into this November and come back every year after. There is still a large choice e.g. Crocosmias, Asters, Chrysanthemums, Heucheras, Erica gracilis, Houttynia and Heleniums. What with this array and all the spring bulbs we have planted the garden should have colour and interest almost through the whole winter.
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. 40
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
Community News
Local Times
Saturday 30 October, Bewdley
PUMPKIN DAY Every year Bewdley shops enter our ‘Best Decorated Pumpkin Competition’ and we are amazed by how innovative and amusing the entries are. We are sure this year will be even better. So, why not shop in Bewdley today and come and see the pumpkins? Childrens competition : All children are invited to
bring their own decorated pumpkin or pumpkin lantern to the Guildhall in the morning for judging at 12.00. The childrens pumpkin competitions will be judged by the Mayor of Bewdley, Councellor Paul Gittins. The Mayor and Mayoress will be holding a coffee morning in the Mayors Parlour at the Guildhall and children will be welcome to come and have a look.
We are also inviting anyone who would like to have a stall on Severnside North to get in touch as soon as possible. Local food producers, sellers of apple juices etc particularly welcome. Contact Ann 01299 404226 (lymanhughes34@aol. com), Maggie 01299 404065
Traditional Continental Market A Continental market will be coming to BEWDLEY for the first time the SUNDAY 17TH OF OCTOBER. The town will be playing host to a wide variety Continental market stalls. Over 25 traders from France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Holland and Poland. Many wearing traditional costumes, will arrive in the town to take part in the market. The market also features fare trade produce such as arts, handycrafts and wooden carvings from Africa, south East Asia and Latin America. For food-lovers there will be a chance to buy a whole range of delights including Brittany biscuits, olives, Italian nougat, pungent cheeses, aromatic garlic, saucissons, Tartiflette from the Alps, charcuterie, fresh breads, croissants, bagels and much, much more! Or, for those of you wanting something a bit stronger
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there will be a range of Normandy ciders and calvados to ward off the spring chill. As well as the fine edible goods, you will also be able to choose from a wide range of products including hand bags & leather items, Marseille soaps, lavender, children’s toys and pachminas, wooden arts and crafts! These products cannot normally be found in your high street and there really will be something for everyone! The town will be the scene of a bustling and colourful market. Most of the products on sale will come from “the terroir” (the land) of the stall holder, where they are produced by small organisations such as family businesses, farms or small factories using traditional methods, maintaining a high standard of quality! The Market will run from 10am until 5.30pm.
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Plumbing Problems? Call Nigel on 01562 631735 • 07542 045940
N ever let you down i nstant response g eneral plumbing e xcellent rates l eaves no mess Water Regulations Trained
Flipping Dripping? Gushing Flushing? Call Nigel NOW to solve your problems
AUCTION
20th November Starts at 10am Being held at the Riverside Church Dog Lane, bewdley Pledges received you can bid for at the auction are
One weeks holiday at a log cabin in the beautiful Wyre Forest A room in your home designed by a qualified interior designer
All proceeds are being donated to the Hope & Kindness Planting and Growing project in Koselle, Kenya New or nearly new items required no clothes
Please call 01299 404011 or 07866517320 44
W
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Bewdley Gallery
SLATING
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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.
Lax Lane, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2DZ 01299 400 918
Gavin Smith
Plumbing and Heating 07967 837141 01299 401045 15 year’s experience • Free Estimates Boiler Changes • New Heating Systems Repairs and Servicing • 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
45
Local News & Business
your
Local Times
Trinity Methodist Church, Churchfields, Kidderminster Harvest Festival Weekend Sat 2 and Sun 3 October
FLOWER FESTIVAL Open Saturday 10 - 4 Sunday 12.30 - 4.00 Harvest Festival Service Sunday 10.30 Harvest Songs of Praise Sunday 6.30 ALL WELCOME Come and see our newly refurbished church Proceeds and donations will go to the Trinity Methodist Restoraton Fund Saturday 2 October at 7.00 A concert with Birmingham Community Gospel Choir and also Stan Proudman Tickets £7.50 (children £5.00) available on the door or ring 01562 824450
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47
Local Sport
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Community Pulling Together Wribbenhall Bewdley Summer darts league was set up three years ago because many of the Winter league players who played in the Bewdley Winter league wanted a Summer league in Bewdley to continue their Friday night habit and also they did not want to travel to Stourport or Kidderminster to play darts in the Summer because of the distance and the driving, so it had to be Fridays and walking distant only. The league also had to run between the months of late May to August The current HIRE IT Wribbenhall league champions because of the Winter league ran who are Wribbenhall social club ‘A’ from September to the first week of April. Giving seven weeks break from Winter to social x two teams , Great Western, Red lion and the Summer leagues. The window of opportunity to Bowling club giving us seven teams and a bye. play the league was fifteen weeks allowing up to eight teams. As well as these fixtures we also needed Once we formed a committee to run the league we to play a number of cup matches in various formats decided that it had to be different to the winter league throughout the season which includes team games as as we thought players would get fed up playing the well as singles and doubles matches. same format week in week out all year. These’s cup games and other competitions needed to be held on Friday nights. With a short season this was difficult to do so what we did was play the Singles and Doubles at one venue on a Sunday night and the team knockout competition was to run concurrent with league fixtures i.e. teams that played each other in the opening league game of the season, this would double up as a team knockout cup match with the winning team going through to the next round of the cup but they would only play the league match and not to separate games. We would then make a draw and when the two teams met in the league it also doubled up to the team knockout solving our problem with the knockout cups. The Winter league had thirteen teams coming from all over Bewdley, so we decided to call the league Wribbenhall summer league using the pubs and clubs in Wribbenhall only. So if you played over the bridge you would have to join a Wribbenhall pub or club. We had Rising sun, Waggon & Horses, Wribbenhall 48
Winter league played five singles of 301 double start and double finish, two doubles of 501 double start and finish. Summer leagues format would be five singles 401 no double start only double finish, one doubles 601 and one trebles 701, making the format different to the Winter league. All the publicans of Wribbenhall chipped in to buy the league trophy known as the publicans trophy and the players chipped in to buy the team knockout trophy. The league is very popular with its players because its different and the results features weekly in the Kidderminster shuttle, plus we now have a league sponsor in HIRE IT of Kidderminster for the last two seasons and we are now The HIRE IT Summer darts league. May it continue. The league is run by League secretary: Gary Hodgkins League Chairman: Dave Green League Treasure: Paul Welsh. Gary Hodgkins
Instructions for sudoku For anyone new to Sudoku puzzles, fill in the blank spaces so that each row, each column and each 3 by 3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9.
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Forthcoming Attractions A look at what is coming in future issues‌ Getting Ready for Christmas Your Local Traders are getting ready for Christmas with innovative and unusual gifts for the Yuletide Season. Plus a look at buying on-line for Christmas.
Holidays For those who have been on holiday or have found the place of their dreams we will feature a destination. There are many owners of villas, bed and breakfast establishments, guest houses and holiday homes which may have vacancies for those wishing to book a late holiday or plan for next year.
Christmas at your local eatery Pubs and restaurants will feature prominently over the next few issues as they will be advertising for Christmas.
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