Care Guide

Lady Katherine Housing & Care

Housing and Care In Temple Balsall

In a codicil to her will Lady Katherine Leveson bequeathed a legacy to build almshouses for poor women and to build a school for poor boys at Temple Balsall. So for almost 350 years housing for and care of older people has been provided at Temple Balsall by our ancient charity. Today LADY KATHERINE HOUSUING AND CARE provides accommodation for over 50 residents, both men and women, in residential care and sheltered housing. SHORT RESPITE BREAKS are also available giving Carers and/or those they care for a short holiday in our glorious, peaceful surroundings. Although Temple Balsall is in the heart of the countryside we are within easy reach of Knowle, Solihull and Balsall Common. Our chef produces delicious home cooked food with a much as possible sourced locally. We have a weekly program of activities for our residents and have our own in-house hair salon. If you would like to find out more about living in Temple Balsall or would like to pay us a visit, please contact Chris Mundell on 01564 772415 or email cmundell@leveson.org.uk

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Editor’s Choice

A unique glampsite experience, a chance to relax and unwind with exclusive use of the whole site. A low cost glamping break where only you get the use of the farm based facilities. These include a whole field! Play area with climbing wall, swing bridge and wendy house full of toys and both caravans with a gorgeous outdoor shower and kitchen. Well behaved dogs welcome. There is space to relax in peace, play and meet the super-friendly farm animals. You can book to do the farmyard experience and walk alpacas, brush the sheep, collect the eggs, take loads of selfies and help feed all the animals. You can also book in advance to use the bell tent for family activities such as cake and crafting fun, birthday parties or biscuit decorating. Becca is very flexible at fitting around the guests. Barlefield Glamping is an ecofriendly site with beautifully refurbished caravans. Each has a kitchen area, microwave, hob and fridge freezer. We offer a fabulous outdoor hot shower, al fresco washing up area and compostable toilet. There is no pressure to book any activities just come along, relax and enjoy the fresh air and peace and quiet. Off-site within an easy drive there is lots to explore, including premium attractions like Leicester’s National Space Centre, Bosworth Battlefield Centre, Mallory Park race track, Twycross Zoo and Tropical Birdland. Barlefield Glamping, Barlestone, Leicestershire T 07790 037046 E beccagodfrey@hotmail.com www.barlefieldglamping.wordpress.com Facebook @ Barlefield Glamping

Deluxe glamping in Yorkshire hideaway

North Yorkshire has so much to offer visitors it’s a job to decide where to stay, but Wighill Park Glamping offers luxurious accommodation pods on a farm fringed by ancient woodland. It’s ideally placed between York, Harrogate and Leeds - three great places packed with things to do – and it’s closer still to the historic market town of Wetherby and also Tadcaster, famed for its beer brewing heritage. The 12 pods on this family-run site are all modern, purpose-made and self-contained, the smallest for two adults and the medium and large ones for two adults and three children. They are made to superior specifications with full central heating, upmarket furniture and fittings, fully-equipped kitchens and en-suite flushing toilets and hot showers. They even have smart TVs with Netflix, along with decking, firepits and outdoor dining space. The outlook is idyllic, especially at this time of year when there are cattle grazing and newborn lambs gambolling in the fields outside. Some pods even have a hot tub available for that perfect, relaxed end to the day, perhaps with a glass of something special under the stars. Well-behaved dogs are welcome along to enjoy the accommodation and the setting, with many pleasant walks available on-site and beyond. Site operator Charlotte Wood says: “It’s very tranquil here and you can walk to two lovely pubs without going on the roads.” Wighill Park, Featherbed Lane, near Wetherby LS24 8BL T 01937 423889 E bookings@wighillparkglamping.co.uk www.wighillparkglamping.co.uk

Active people find everything they need and love on hand at Emlyn’s Coppice, an idyllic glampsite in North Wales, ‘the adventure capital of Europe.’ Self-contained accommodation pods sit in ancient woodland beside a hillside stream, providing affordable luxury including their own steaming hot tubs. The surroundings attract badgers, rabbits, woodpeckers, even water voles. The spot is just two miles inland from the coastal village of Talacre, golden beaches and the stunning Wales Coast Path. Just outside the gates are the Offa’s Dyke long distance route down the Welsh Marches to Chepstow and the Sustrans cycle route crossing into Wales from Chester and continuing all the way to the Isle of Anglesey. The site was developed by passionate outdoor adventurers Nic and Caroline in the grounds of a former school and named after a pupil, Emlyn Williams, a noted actor, writer and director. Their pods are fully equipped and cosy in all seasons, with underfloor heating, woodburning stoves, comfy beds, kitchenettes, their own showers and toilets, firepits and outdoor space. Two are designed for couples. A third pod for young families will arrive in June. Nic says: “It’s an amazing place and there’s so much to do, but the surroundings are so attractive some people just come for a break in the woods. They stay put and chill out.” Emlyn’s Coppice – Luxury Woodland Glamping, School House , Llanasa Road, Gwespyr, Flintshire CH8 9LU T 01745 270156 E info@emlynscoppice.co.uk www.emlynscoppice.co.uk Anyone who craves a simpler way of life for a few days will love the tranquillity of Deerstone Glamping, a pet-friendly site set in glorious Lancashire countryside overlooking the Yorkshire Dales, Pennines and Pendle Hill, erstwhile home of the famous 17th century ‘witches.’ This exceptional site offers luxurious but affordable camping in furnished bell tents, erected and ready to use on arrival. Deerstone Glamping extends over 80 idyllic acres, plenty of space to spread out and relax. Birdsong fills the air and the local wildlife wandering at will includes deer, hares, rabbits or even nesting curlews. The bell tents themselves each have a comfy double bed and either single beds or bunk beds and bedding, bean bags for comfy lounging and a wood burning stove, cooler, cutlery and crockery, towels, toilet and shower. Additional facilities provided by owners Karin and Chris include a kids’ play park, film nights, picnic benches and a communal firepit where people gather to socialise. If wished, added extras can include a cooked breakfast delivered to your tent by local businesses and use of a sauna and cold plunge barrel. There are also plenty of bike routes and footpaths. Popular places to visit include Skipton, ‘Gateway to the Dales’ and picturesque Bolton Abbey with its famous ruins, ancient woodland, riverside and waterfalls, both within about 10 minutes’ drive. Deerstone Glamping, Windlefield Farm, Birch Hall Lane, Earby, Lancashire, BB18 6JY T 07546 900656 E hello@deerstoneglamping.co.uk www.deerstoneglamping.co.uk

Sunrise Pods, Luxury Glamping in the Shropshire Hills

Glampers chill out with smart TV, en-suite showers and their own private hot tubs when taking a break with Sunrise Pods, in the beautiful borderlands between England and Wales. The luxurious pods are styled to contemporary taste, electrically heated, fully equipped and ideally suited for romantic breaks, walking holidays or personal space. The three pods are nestled in countryside near Chirbury, in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just a few minutes’ walk from two ancient stone circles. Lovers of the outdoors often seek out Stiperstones National Nature Reserve or challenge themselves walking Wenlock Edge or parts of Offa’s Dyke. Others head for the towns of Shrewsbury, Welshpool and Montgomery, enjoying shops, eateries, castles and attractions, perhaps taking a ride on the Welshpool and Llanfair steam railway or visiting the exotic collections and world class gardens of Powys Castle. At the end of a hard day’s exploring, guests love to relax in the hot tub glass in hand under the stars, perhaps after a meal rustled up in their wellequipped kitchen then snuggle on the sofa to end their day. Angie Adams, who runs the site with her husband, Stuart, says: “The views here are amazing. Some guests come just for those, the pod and the hot tub. They don’t go anywhere, just chill and watch Netflix.” Sunrise Pods, White Grit near Chirbury, Shropshire T 07854 976593 E sunrisepods.shropshire@gmail.com Facebook @ Sunrise-Pods-LuxuryGlamping

Editor’s Choice

Glamping in a Kent wildlife haven

Nature lovers will think they’re heading to the countryside but find themselves in something akin to heaven when they alight on Moat Farm Kent. The charming shepherd’s hut and bell tent accommodation stands in a stunning wildflower meadow teeming with bees, butterflies and grasshoppers and ablaze with colour in all seasons. Guests can even see four generations of longhorn cattle, relaxing at leisure. Sleeping two people, the hut has everything needed for a comfortable stay, including electricity, hot water, a flushing loo, shower and a comfy double bed. Set in an oak worktop there is a butler sink, hob and fridge. A log burner to keep your evenings cosy and, for warmer evenings, a firepit overlooking the meadow. Romance is fuelled by barbecued meals under the stars, perhaps with a glass or two of wine from the Kent vineyards and an audience of overhead barn owls. In the daytime, guests enjoy use of a heated outdoor swimming pool in an idyllic country garden bursting with roses in summer and may wander the 250 acre farm, all of which has been turned over by owners Mike and Jan Bax to nurturing wildlife. The project utilises 160 acres of ancient woodland, 30 ponds supporting frogs, toads and lizards and meadows with an abundant array of flowers and wildlife, including a thriving population of nightingales filling the air with enchanting birdsong. The attractions of Dover, Canterbury and Rye may beckon, but for wildlife enthusiasts, they simply couldn’t compete. There are three great country pubs within walking distance for you to enjoy! Moat Farm, Church Lane, Shadoxhurst, Ashford, Kent, TN26 1LY T 01233 732220 E jan.bax59@gmail.com www.intothewildkent.com Facebook and Instagram @ MoatFarm_Kent

Cherish Glamping has provided camping luxury in the Yorkshire Dales since it opened in 2019, providing quality yurts with kingsized four poster beds and en-suite facilities including their own rainfall showers and private hot tubs. This season it has upgraded the amenities by providing a spa, with guests able to book sessions with a larger hot tub, barrel sauna and plunge pool. The site is a 27 acre smallholding with fabulous views near the heritage village of Askrigg in Wensleydale, ‘Darrowby’ in the TV series ‘All Creatures Great and Small.’ Owners Steve Graves and Jo Holtom moved north from London for a wildly different lifestyle and now have pigs, chickens, lambs and other companions helping to keep the campers entertained. The yurts are dog friendly and there are meadows where pets can run free. They even come with room service breakfasts and dinners, locally produced and ordered by What’s App. Many visitors use Cherish Glamping to explore the stunning local scenery, including Yorkshire Dales National Park, and frequently Wensleydale Creamery, home of famous cheeses. The adventurous go wild swimming in nearby Mill Gill or hike parts of the Pennine Way, Coast to Coast or Dales Way. Sometimes, though, Cherish Glamping has everything its guests want or need on-site. Steve says: “Sometimes the kids are in the hot tub while their parents are still unpacking.” Cherish Glamping, West Shaw Cote Farm, Low Abbotside, Askrigg, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3JH T 01969 650932 E contact@cherishglamping.co.uk www.cherishglamping.co.uk Facebook and Instagram @ Cherishglamping Most people hope that the future will be greener than the present and the planet a whole lot safer. Jan Oliff Financial Planning is helping that vision come true by guiding clients toward ethical investments linked to renewable energy sources, cleaner manufacturing, positive health developments and sustainable business practices, all the while ensuring a good return on their money. Business owner Jan is especially concerned to release and redirect some of the billions of pounds currently sitting in pension funds which profit from interests which investors might feel extremely uncomfortable about supporting, if only they knew about them. Jan says: “I want to take them in different directions. It is important to me to work with the sort of clients who care about outlook as well as outcomes.” Jan has been providing independent financial planning advice for some 40 years and has specialised in Socially Responsible Investments for the last 15, always

Shop here for Wildly original home furnishings and lighting

There’s something wonderfully wild about the street scene in the chic market town of Alcester these days. Shoppers already love the awardwinning Wild Bunch floristry and gift business which moved in some time ago. Now its sister business, Wild About Interiors, has set up shop midway along the high street, selling fashionable homewares with a sustainable twist, such as upcycled furniture, handmade pebble glass lamps and quirky lighting. Items sold in Wild About Interiors are all one-offs, crafted with skill and made to last. That means every visit will be different. If you want to fill your home with personality, this is the place to shop for those unique statement pieces and accents. The business is the brainchild of Wendy Higgins and her husband, Justin, who source all their stock locally. For Wendy it is a dream come true as it enables her to use her considerable artistic skills in practical and beautiful ways. She does the furniture upcycling herself, paying great attention to quality and detail. Wendy is delighted to work with Chalk Paint®, and also to now be able to sell it in its many fashionable colours, so customers can also put their upcycling inclinations to work. It’s only available to the independent businesses which its inventor, decorating expert Annie Sloan, supports. Wendy says: “We’re very keen on recycling and reusing what we have. The focus is on sustainability.” Wild About Interiors, 33A High Street, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5AF T 01789 765477 E wildbunchalcester@outlook.com www.wildaboutinteriors.co.uk Facebook and Instagram @ wildaboutinteriors tailoring advice to her clients’ own preferences and simultaneously matching – even outperforming – the returns of regular investment portfolios. The funds she encourages are involved in diverse ventures. They include: reducing climate change by investing in biodigesters, wind and solar farms and hydroelectric projects; developing new drugs and diagnostic tools to improve people’s lives; reducing pollution; and saving resources, as in a revolutionary fabric-making process using 60% less water than standard manufacturing. Visit www.oliff.info or email contact@oliff.info today to find out how Jan could help you invest more ethically.

Ross Reclamation, reclaiming the past to restore the future

More and more people are embracing the eco-friendly culture of cutting waste and reusing materials. Ross Reclamation supports the trend by reclaiming building materials from both modern and period properties, ‘reclaiming the past to restore the future.’ The business ensures that materials stay out of landfill and have a prolonged period of usefulness. Ross Reclamation is an independent dealership with more than 30 years’ experience specialising in architectural salvage. It has a treasure trove of materials including brick, stone, slate, tile, floorboards, flagstones and accessories from door knobs to garden ornaments. The horde spans Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and the 20th century periods. Customers range from people seeking the ‘just right’ feature for a DIY project to property developers sourcing ongoing supplies for restorations and new builds. Visitors to the site could find anything from antique water troughs to window frames, fireplace surrounds to parquet flooring, railway sleepers to beams and joists. New stock is constantly being added and the company stocks reproduction materials as well as originals. Everything is handled sympathetically and a cleaning service is offered for pre-used bricks. Business founder and owner Michael Meredith says: “People always find it interesting when they see all the quirky things we have displayed and we are always pleased to offer advice.” Public viewing is 9am to 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 10am to 1pm on Saturday. Customers can also buy online. Ross Reclamation, Unit A7, Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, Rosson-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7AQ T 07794 411143 E rossreclaimed@gmail.com www.rossrec.co.uk

Customers can be confident their roofing works are watertight when they’re in the hands of W L Roofing, professionals with more than 30 years’ experience and a solid reputation for high standards and reliability. Based at their newly located, more convenient premises in Stourport-on-Severn, this family business undertakes all kinds of roofing work throughout Worcestershire, from shed and garage repairs, chimney rebuilds, moss removal and cleaning up to complete house re-tiling with the latest Dry Ridge and Verge systems for great looks with minimal maintenance. It always uses top quality products for looks and durability, such as Firestone rubber roofing materials and UPVC fascias, guttering and soffits. The company carries out video inspections by drone, showing customers exactly where any problems lie. A bespoke plan of work is then drawn up to be carried out by its experienced installers to ensure a fabulous finish which will last for many years. Ten year guarantees come as standard on all completed work and W L Roofing has consistent 5 Star ratings on Checkatrade, the website for feedback on tradespeople’s work. Testimonials left by real customers invariably read along the lines of: “Excellent, professional service, could not ask for a better experience.” W L Roofing was started by William Smith and joined by his son, also William, even before he left school. William Junior says: “The fact that we have our own premises gives peace of mind for our customers because it shows that we are here for the long term, and our reviews speak for themselves. “We aim to exceed customer expectations and provide each project stress-free and at a competitive price.” Surveys are carried out and quotations given free of charge. Get in touch now to find out how W L Roofing can provide peace of mind for your roofing project. W L Roofing, 102 Minster Road Stourport-on-Severn DY13 8AJ T 01299 827333 or 07730 478309 E wlroofing1uk@gmail.com www.wlroofing.co.uk

Warren’s Removals & Storage, making moving easy

Moving house or office can be seriously hard work, even for the fittest people, and virtually impossible for those who are older, frailer or just less inclined. Warren’s Removals & Storage takes away all of that work and associated stress through an exemplary service operating right across Worcestershire and recommended by a growing number solicitors, estate agents and satisfied customers.

Even under its standard removals package, the company disconnects and replumbs washing machines and dishwashers, disconnects and reconnects TVs, dismantles and reassembles furniture, provides bespoke furniture protectors and place boxes in the correct rooms at the new address. There are no weight restrictions on removals. Within its premium package, the team arrives the day before the move and packs everything for you. It even unpacks some items, such as kitchen equipment, the day after the move. Both packages are covered by full like-for-like insurance and carried out by a super-friendly team for whom nothing is too much trouble. The company also has high security storage facilities in Worcester, Upton and Inkberrow, for property ranging from something that will fit in a crate up to the full contents of a large house or business. Company founder Warren Leggett says: “We cater for all removal and storage needs and we can do literally everything. We make it really easy for our customers.” Warren’s Removals and Storage T 01905 896600 E info@removalsworcester.com www.removalsworcester.com Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @ Warren’s Removals and Storage

Enjoy bespoke sheds and fencing from BMT Timber

BMT Timber is pleasing customers all over Worcestershire thanks to sheds, summerhouses and fencing made bespoke to their own specifications. Whether they want a log store or a place to entertain, some extra storage or a garden bar, this is the company to make it happen in just the right way and always at competitive prices. The carpenter behind the company, Ben Harris, designs and makes each structure personally, always working with top quality pressuretreated timber so they achieve their purpose, look good and last long. He also offers an installation service, if desired. The beauty of having structures purpose-made by BMT Timber is that they can be made to the perfect size for the available space and for any specialised purpose, such as being a shelter for a motorbike or mobility scooter or even being a deluxe dog kennel. They can add the windows of their choice to create a summerhouse, workshop or hideaway retreat. Fittings can be made extra secure as wished. Fencing can be made to give simple security for dogs, children or belongings, screen off certain areas or even create a decorative feature. Customers can count on friendly, prompt and reliable service from Ben. So, if you have any timberbased projects in mind, why not call today to see how he could help. T 07990 913855 E amyben1030@yahoo.co.uk Facebook @ BMT Timber