The villager april upload by Betty-Ann Ambury

The Villager April 2014

Your

FREE Magazine

Healthy Hobbies

Bees

White Cliffs of Dover

Puppy Care

Beautiful Scotland

Luke's Garden Maintenance

*All Interior & Exterior Work Undertaken *Domestic & Commercial *Paper Hanging *Insurance Work *Airless Spraying *Plastering *Wall & Floor Tiling Free Fully Itemised Quotations

Any gardening job quoted for, including: • Fencing • Hedge cutting • • Patio cleaning • • Mowing • Strimming • • Rubbish removals • • Tree work • • Vegetable patches rotovated • • Fence and shed painting • • Guttering cleaning • and more...

call now for a FREE, no obligation quote

Local ~ Professional ~ Reliable

For a professional and reliable service please call:

CHRIS BOTTRELL Tel: 01905 700142 Mob: 07867 813616

Find us on

Tel:

01386 244680

Find us on

Mobile: 07892447450 or email lcgardening@yahoo.co.uk

Fully Insured member of the Painting & Decorating Association

Handyperson Services – Caring for your Home Are you looking for affordable and reliable help to sort out DIY jobs around your home?

Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire offer a professional Handyperson Service across South Wychavon, carrying out jobs such as:  Fitting keysafes and other security measures  Fixing broken doors, cupboards and door handles  Hanging pictures and curtains  Small painting jobs and tiling  Replacing washers for taps  Fitting grab rails  And much more….

For more information, call us on 01386 422700 Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire 12 Vine Street, Evesham, WR11 4RE Email: evesham@ageukhw.org.uk Web: www.ageukhw.org.uk

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile! It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Papandreou feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people

money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Malvern, Worcester & Hereford areas and Paul is finding that his approach is a major

factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people

I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!

Broken or Damaged Windows? Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks? Want The Latest Energy Saving Glass? All Glazing Backed By Our 5 Year Manufacturers Guarantee Priority Freephone

0800 61 21118 www.cloudy2clear.com ...we make saving money perfectly clear... Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

The Villager April 2014

Issue No. 47

Hello and welcome to the April edition of

T he V illager

Publisher & Advertising

Grapevine Publications 3 Rye Street â&#x20AC;˘ Birtsmorton â&#x20AC;˘ WR13 6AS Tel: 01684 833715 Mob: 07754 170286 info@grapevinepublications.co.uk www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Editor

Betty-Ann Ambury Info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Advertising & Editorial Betty-Ann Ambury

Contributors

Andrew Brooks Amy Marshall Brian Joyce Jean Haynes Pamela Green

Front Cover Photography (Karli Sana aged 6 months)

Mike Ambury

Next Issue Copy Date 10th April 2014

DISCLAIMER. All information published is correct according to those who supplied it and no responsibility is taken if it is not. Care is taken to ensure all advertisements are truthful and no liability is accepted for errors or emissions.

The fields are full of bouncing lambs and the gardens are full of daffodils ... looks like Spring has sprung! This month our articles cover everything from raising puppies, to the origins of the Easter Bunny, and a piece about something you've probably never heard of ... Primrose Day! There's details of a campaign to save the White Cliffs of Dover, and do you know if you are drinking the right amount of water? Not sure, then have a look at page 9. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter, with lots of chocolates and Hot Cross Buns. And if you're not sure where to go for lunch on Easter Sunday, or any other Sunday for that matter, then why not pop along to The Dolphin in Bishampton ... if their rave reviews on Trip Advisor are anything to go by, then their Sunday lunches are not to be missed.

Betty

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

contents 9

Drinking Enough?

Severn Seating

The Beauty of Scotland

What's happening in April

The Flowers Band

Bee Vigilant!

ALM Fitness

White Cliffs of Dover

Preparing Puppies for Life

Coffee Break

St Richard's Hospice

Primrose Day : 19th April

The Cheeseboard

Community Numbers

First World War

The Easter Bunny ...

Hobbies

Handy Hints & Tips

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All artwork and copy appearing in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The right to refuse advertisements is reserved. The use of this publication for canvassing, direct marketing or any other activity apart from sourcing local goods and services is strictly prohibited. ÂŠ 2014

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Round up a tax specialist Crowthers help private clients complete Tax Returns and minimise tax bills For Income Tax and IHT Planning that makes sense: Ledbury: 01531 631500 Pershore: 01386 552644 tax@crowther.co.uk

www.crowther.co.uk

SIMON HAINES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES LTD

● ● ● ●

General Building Conversions & Extensions Property Maintenance Groundworks

Over 16 years experience Telephone: 01386 550002 Mobile: 07971 002637 Email: simon@shcsgroup.co.uk www.shcsgroup.co.uk 32 Ashdale Avenue, Pershore, WR10 1PL 6

Zoo work A new bloke applies for a job at the local zoo. The problem is, he is not experienced at anything, so forges a few references and blags his way in. He gets the job and starts on the following Monday. On his first day, the head zoo-keeper tells him to clean all the fish ponds and remove the weeds which are silting up the ponds. He duly starts in there with his wellies on and while he is doing it, a carp bites him. He loses it and grabs the carp and stamps on it with his wellies. When he cools down, he starts worrying about what would happen if they find the dead fish, so decides to throw it into the lion enclosure. He does this and the lions grab it and gobble it up. The next day he is told to clean out the monkey cages and while he is in there the chimpanzees throw coconut shells and other nasty stuff at him. Once again he loses his temper and hits a few of them with his spade. Of course they are mortally injured, so once again he has to get rid of the corpses. After brief deliberation, he again throws them to the lions, and again, the lions gobble them up. On the third day he is told to fetch some honey from the bee hives. He goes down to the gardens where the hives are and starts taking some of the honey off the combs, and of course the bees attack him and sting him. Once again he loses his temper and squashes hundreds of them with his spade. In absolute fear of his job again, he scoops them all up onto his spade and throws them into the lion enclosure. The lions gobble them all up and he is quite relieved. The next day, a new lion is brought into the zoo and once he settles down with the others, he says, “Look chaps, I am new here. What’s it like at this zoo?” One of the other inmates who has been there for many years says, “Well, the food is excellent. In the last few days we have had fish, chimps and mushy bees.”

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Dream Doors Worcester A5 (01386)_The Evesham Villager 24/02/2014 14:57 Page 1

40% Save upatdoe to on m ure meas s* kitchen

Transform your kitchen in a just a few days...! Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it?

Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops. • Installed in 1-2 days by professionals • Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks & taps • For a total peace of mind use an established locally based company Less hassle, Less time, Less cost...

* Terms & Conditions apply, please ask for full details

Free planning & design service in the comfort of your own home or visit our showroom

Call Mark for a FREE Quote on 01386 898409 Showroom: 42 The Tything, Worcester WR1 1JT Find us on Proud members of

Covering Evesham, Pershore & surrounding areas.

www.dreamdoors.co.uk Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Garden Machinery Mobile Service & Repair for an estimate call

Will White t: 01386 860918 m: 07716 404489

Fern’s Cattery Windmill Hill Field Alcester Road Radford WR7 4LS

Are you planning a trip? Now your feline friends can have a luxurious time too...

The Nathan, Radford, Inkberrow, Worcestershire,WR7 4LN www.mhf.uk.com

Skip Hire We are renowned for our skip hire services in and around the surrounding area. Our service is secondto-none, our drivers are polite and considerate, and we always go the extra mile for our customers. BUT did you know that here at MHF (UK) Ltd we also sell and hire hook, cable and chainlift trucks and drawbar trailers? We are a major supplier of spares for demountables and have a wellequipped workshop and trained mechanics.

- Purpose built cattery situated in beautiful countryside. - Our chalets are constructed to the highest standards using the most up-to-date materials to comply with the model license conditions. - All chalets are heated, secure, hygienic and designed to offer interested, comfortable accommodation. - Any medical conditions are catered for. - Collection and delivery service. - 24 hour veterinary care. - Fully qualified staff.

For more details contact Ayley on: Tel: 01386 792554 Email: ayley@fernscattery.co.uk www.fernscattery.co.uk

Lady Cleaner & Gardener Honest & Reliable

Call Dee 07770 836414

SPECIALISTS IN GROUND DEMOUNTABLE HOOK & CABLE TRUCK HIRE ● SALES ● SPARES ● REFURBISHMENT ● CONTAINERS ● WASTE DISPOSAL Registered Office: Address as stated Incorporated in England Company Reg No. 2721020 VAT Reg. No. 770281436

Fax: 01386 792184

Tel: 01386 792354 To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Drinking enough?

e all know that not drinking enough water is bad for you, but it seems drinking too much can be equally bad, according to recent reports. With all these mixed messages it's hardly surprising that many of us are left wondering how much water is enough. As most of us know, it's very important to make sure we are drinking enough because our bodies need water and other fluids to work properly. Water makes up about two-thirds of our body weight. It's important for this to be maintained because most of the chemical reactions that happen in our cells need water. Our blood also needs water to carry nutrients around the body as well as to expel toxins. As your body works it produces waste products, some of which are toxic. These are got rid of through the kidneys in urine, and urine is mainly made up of water. Unfortunately, we lose a lot of this water through evaporation, when we breathe and sweat. As the temperature rises or as we do more activity, this increases the amount of water the body loses. As a result you need to replace the fluids you lose to stay healthy. In the British climate, we should drink approximately 1.2 litres (six to eight glasses) of fluid a day to stop us becoming dehydrated. In hotter climates the body needs more than this. It's also worth remembering that we get some fluid from the food we eat. While it's not wrong to drink caffeine, its best to avoid too much, particularly when it is very hot or you are in danger of becoming dehydrated. This is because drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola, can act as mild diuretics, which means they make the body produce more urine. This affects some people more than others, but it also depends on how much caffeine you drink and how often.

It's fine to drink these sorts of drinks, but we should also Water: are you getting eno ugh? try to drink some fluids each day that don't contain any caffeine. This shouldn't be too difficult, as there are plenty of options. You don't just have to stick to plain water. A few drops of fruit juice in a glass of water gives it an instant injection of flavour, while a pure fruit juice or home-made lemonade makes a welcome change from tap water on its own. However, if you should fall foul of the recommended drinking guidelines, you could find yourself battling dehydration, so it worth remembering the tell-tale signs. One of the first is feeling thirsty. Then you may feel tired and lethargic, which will decrease your capacity for exercise. This is why extra fluid is needed in hot weather or during strenuous activity. For each hour of exercise you should drink an extra litre of fluid. If you have an illness that is causing sickness, diarrhoea or sweating, you will need to up your fluid intake to make up for the extra loss. If you think you might not be getting enough fluids, check if you are showing any of these other common signs of dehydration: • Dark-coloured urine and not passing much when you go to the toilet • Headaches • Confusion and irritability • Lack of concentration

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

The Beauty of

Scotland article & photos by Pamela Green

cotland is a land flowing with culture and fascinating history. I love to visit and I always leave wanting more. The views are magnificent and the people are friendly. You'll be left amazed by the sheer perfection of beauty in the soaring, snow-capped mountains and the watery lochs extending as far as the eye can see. Being a photographer I mostly love the uplands and the vast space they offer as well as the spectacular views. On the slopes you can find colourful wild flowers and heathers in abundance. These areas also provide valuable breeding grounds for the red kite. They are a beautiful sight as they glide hunting for food. You can also see the common buzzard. It has phenomenal eyesight, eight times stronger than the human eye and this co m e s in handy when searching for food such as s m a l l mammals. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky you may also see the Golden 10

Eagle or the Peregrine Falcon but these are rare sightings as the birds are sensitive to human presence. Many larger animals find a haven in the uplands. The red deer is one of the largest deer species and can grow up to 1.2 metres high. The stags can be recognised by the large antlers. The female deer (the hind) live in separate herds for much of the year and come together in late September. These meetings are called the rutting season and the stags become very vocal as the females are only fertile for a day or less each year, so the competition to mate is incredibly high. A stag will lose up to 20% of its body weight during rutting season because of the effort involved in fighting other stags. If you are planning to view this amazing spectacle, please remember to give the animals

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

space and respect. Disturbing deer during the rutting season can be dangerous. The Red Squirrel is one of Scotland’s most recognisable and popular mammals. It is Britain’s only native species of squirrel and Scotland boasts over 80 percent of the UK’s population. Although quite difficult to observe, these woodland characters can be found in native Scots pine and oak woodland areas.

From the wild marshlands shrouded in morning mist to the rugged mountain peaks and glistening lochs, Scotland has no shortage of jaw-dropping views. When you visit you will never leave disappointed.

Scotland has some fascinating history, amazing castles diverse cultures and an intricate past.

Culzean Castle

HUXLEY IMAGING BESPOKE PICTURE FRAMING F i n e A r t Tr a de G u i ld me m be r

Free quotes and consultations. All types of framing undertaken – no job too small. • • • • • • • •

Prints, paintings Photos, certificates Sports Shirts Memorabilia, box frames Needlework, fabric Groupings & combinations Mirrors to order Sourcing prints & photography

t: 01386462026 m: 07738618470 e: richard@huxleyimaging.co.uk

www.huxleyimaging.co.uk Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Mark Ellis Interiors

Skinny Hugo's weight loss program

After reading an advert from ACME Weight Loss Co. about their various guaranteed weightloss programs, I Kitchens called the• Bedrooms company and ordered their Kitchens Kitchens•Kitchens •Bedrooms Bedrooms Kitchens Kitchens • Bedrooms Kitchens • Bedrooms Kitchens • Bedrooms Kitchens • Bedrooms • Bedrooms • Bedrooms Kitchens Bedrooms Kitchens Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms Bedrooms Studies &• Storage StudiesKitchens Studies Storage Studies Storage Storage Studies Storage Storage Storage Storage Storage 5-day, 5kg weight loss••&program. Kitchens Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens Kitchens •Studies Bedrooms Kitchens •Studies Bedrooms Kitchens • Bedrooms Kitchens •Studies Bedrooms • Bedrooms Kitchens •Studies Bedrooms Bedrooms

StudiesKitchens Studies Storage Studies Studies Storage Studies Storage Studies Storage Studies Storage Storage Studies Storage Storage Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms •& Bedrooms Studies Studies Storage Studies Studies Storage Studies Storage Studies Storage Studies Storage Storage Studies Storage Storage Kitchens Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms •& Bedrooms Kitchens •& Bedrooms •& Bedrooms From door From door From From door From door From door From door From door door From door Studies & Studies Storage Studies & Studies Storage & Studies Storage & Studies Storage & Studies Storage & Storage & Studies Storage &knock Storage The next day, there's a on the door and there From door From From door From door From door From door From door door From door Studies replacements & Studies Storage Studies & Studies Storage & Studies Storage & Studies Storage & Studies Storage & Storage & Studies Storage & Storage replacements to fully replacements replacements to fully replacements replacements to fully replacements to fully replacements to fully to fully replacements to fully to fully to fully From door From From door From door From door From door From door door From door replacements replacements replacements to fully replacements replacements to fully replacements to fully replacements to fully to fully replacements to fully to fully to fully 19-year-old babe stood a voluptuous, athletic, From design door From From door From door From door From door From door door From door bespoke bespoke bespoke design bespoke bespoke design bespoke design bespoke design bespoke design design bespoke design design replacements replacements replacements tobespoke fully replacements replacements todoor fully replacements todoor fully replacements todoor fully todoor fully replacements todoor fully to fullydoor to fully From door From From door From From From From From bespoke bespoke design bespoke design design design design design design replacements replacements replacements to fully replacements replacements tobespoke fully replacements tobespoke fully replacements tobespoke fully fully replacements tobespoke fully tobut fullyadesign to fully dressed intonothing pair of Nike running shoes bespoke bespoke design bespoke bespoke design bespoke design bespoke design bespoke design design bespoke design design replacements replacements replacements to fully replacements replacements to fully replacements to fully replacements fully fully replacements to fully to fully Extensive range of Extensive Extensive range Extensive ofExtensive range Extensive range of Extensive range ofto Extensive range oftorange of Extensive range ofto fully of range of bespoke bespoke design bespoke bespoke design bespoke design bespoke design bespoke design design bespoke design design and a sign around her neck which read, 'If you can Extensive Extensive range Extensive of Extensive range Extensive range of Extensive range of Extensive range of range of Extensive range of of range of bespoke bespoke design bespoke bespoke design bespoke design bespoke design bespoke design design bespoke design design finishes including high finishes including finishes finishes including high finishes including finishes including high finishes including high finishes including high including high finishes high high Extensive Extensive range Extensive ofExtensive range Extensive range ofExtensive range ofExtensive range of range ofExtensive range of including of range high of finishes including finishes finishes including high finishes including finishes including high finishes including high finishes including high including high finishes high including high Extensive Extensive range Extensive ofcurved Extensive range Extensive range of Extensive range ofcurved Extensive range ofcurved range ofExtensive range ofcurved of range of gloss, curved and hand catch me, you can have me.' gloss, curved gloss, gloss, and curved gloss, hand gloss, and curved gloss, hand and curved gloss, hand and and hand gloss, hand and and hand hand and high hand finishes including finishes finishes including high finishes including finishes including high finishes including high finishes including high including high finishes high including high high Extensive Extensive range Extensive ofcurved Extensive range Extensive range ofcurved Extensive range ofcurved Extensive range ofcurved range ofExtensive range ofcurved of range of gloss, curved gloss, gloss, and curved gloss, hand gloss, and curved gloss, hand and gloss, hand and and hand gloss, hand and and hand hand and hand finishes including finishes finishes including high finishes including finishes including high finishes including high finishes including high including high finishes high including high high made solid wood. made solid made wood. made solid made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. solid wood. made wood. solid wood. gloss, curved gloss, gloss, and curved gloss, hand curved gloss, and curved gloss, hand and curved gloss, hand and curved and hand curved gloss, hand and and hand curved handand hand finishes including finishes finishes including high finishes including finishes including high finishes including high finishes including high including high finishes high including high high made solid made wood. made solid made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. solid wood. made wood. solid wood. gloss, curved gloss, gloss, and curved gloss, hand curved gloss, and curved gloss, hand and curved gloss, hand and curved and hand curved gloss, hand and and hand curved handand hand Without a second thought, I took off after her. A made solid made wood. made solid made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. solid wood. made wood. solid wood. gloss, curved gloss, gloss, and curved gloss, hand curved gloss, and curved gloss, hand and curved gloss, hand and curved and hand curved gloss, hand and and hand curved hand and hand Local workshop Local workshop Local Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop workshop Local workshop made solid made wood. made solid made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. solid wood. made wood. solid wood. few miles later huffing and puffing, I finally gave up. Local solid workshop Local Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop workshop Local workshop made made wood. made solid made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. made solid wood. solid wood. made wood. solid wood. facilities in Pinvin to facilities in facilities Pinvin facilities in to facilities Pinvin in facilities Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin in to facilities Pinvin to in Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin to to in Pinvin to Local workshop Local Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop workshop Local workshop facilities in facilities Pinvin facilities in to facilities Pinvin in facilities Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin in to facilities Pinvin to inmake Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin to to in Pinvin to Local workshop Local Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop workshop Local workshop hand make any item hand make hand any hand make item hand make any hand make item any hand make item any hand make item any item any hand item any make item any item facilities in facilities Pinvin facilities in to facilities Pinvin in facilities Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin in to facilities Pinvin to inmake Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin to to inup Pinvin to next four days and workshop Local Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop Local workshop workshop Local workshop The same girl showed foritem the hand make hand any hand make item hand make hand make item any hand make hand make item any item any hand item any make any facilities in facilities Pinvin facilities in to facilities in facilities Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin in to facilities to inat Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin to to inatPinvin toat for aLocal design at for aunique unique for a design for unique a for unique atPinvin aany design for unique a design for unique atitem aany design for unique atPinvin a design unique design for at a design unique atitem design hand make hand any hand make item hand make any hand make item any hand make any hand make item any item any hand item any make any item facilities in facilities Pinvin facilities in to facilities in facilities Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin in to facilities to inmake Pinvin to in facilities Pinvin to to inatPinvin toat for a unique for a design for unique a for unique atPinvin a design for unique a design for unique atitem a design for unique atPinvin a design unique at design for at a design unique atitem design hand make hand any hand make item hand make any hand make item any hand make item any hand make item any make item any hand item any make item any item a reasonable price the same thing happened. a reasonable a reasonable a price reasonable a reasonable a price reasonable a price reasonable a price reasonable price a price reasonable price price for a unique for a design for unique a for unique at a design for unique a design for unique at a design for unique at a design unique at design for at a design unique at at design hand make hand any hand make item hand make any hand make item any hand make item any hand make item any make item any hand item any make item any item aa reasonable aa reasonable aprice reasonable aata reasonable aprice reasonable aprice reasonable aprice reasonable price aat price reasonable price priceat for unique for design for unique a for unique design for unique a design for unique ata design for unique ata design unique atdesign for a design unique at atdesign at aBeautiful reasonable a items reasonable aprice reasonable aata reasonable aprice reasonable aprice reasonable aprice reasonable price aat price reasonable price priceat for a unique for a design for unique a for unique design for unique a design for unique atBeautiful a design for unique atBeautiful a design unique atdesign for a design at atdesign items Beautiful items Beautiful items items items items Beautiful items items a Beautiful reasonable a Beautiful reasonable aprice reasonable a Beautiful reasonable aprice reasonable aprice reasonable aprice reasonable price aprice reasonable price price and was delighted On the fifth day, I unique weighed myself Beautiful Beautiful items Beautiful Beautiful items Beautiful items Beautiful items Beautiful items items Beautiful items items amade reasonable a reasonable a price reasonable a reasonable a price reasonable a price reasonable a price reasonable price a price reasonable price price made in wood to in made wood made to in wood made in made wood to in wood made to in wood made in wood to in wood made to to in wood to Beautiful Beautiful items Beautiful Beautiful items Beautiful items Beautiful items Beautiful items items Beautiful items to find Ito had lost 5kgs. asitems promised. infitmade wood to infitwood made incranny wood to incranny made to incranny made to in wood to incranny made tocranny to in wood to Beautiful Beautiful items Beautiful Beautiful items Beautiful items Beautiful items Beautiful items items Beautiful items items fitfitmade any cranny anynook, nook, any cranny fitmade nook, any nook, any fitmade nook, any fitwood nook, any fitwood nook, any cranny nook, fitwood any nook, cranny infitmade wood made to infitwood made incranny made wood to incranny wood made to incranny wood made to in wood to incranny wood made tocranny to in wood to Beautiful Beautiful items Beautiful Beautiful items Beautiful items Beautiful items Beautiful items items Beautiful items items fitmade any nook, any cranny fit nook, any nook, any fit nook, any fit nook, any fit nook, any cranny nook, fit any nook, cranny made in made wood made to in wood made in made wood to in wood made to in wood made to in wood to in wood made to to in wood to or alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. fitmade any fit any cranny fit any fit any cranny fit any cranny fit any cranny fit any cranny cranny fit any cranny cranny in wood made to in wood made in made wood to in wood made to in wood made to in wood to in made tocranny to in wood to Ifit called the company and ordered their 5-day, 10kg ornook, alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. ornook, alcove. fit any fitmade any cranny fit nook, any fit nook, any cranny fit nook, any cranny nook, any cranny fit nook, any cranny nook, cranny fitwood any cranny or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. fit any fit any cranny fit any fit any cranny fit any cranny fit any cranny fit any cranny cranny fit any cranny cranny ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. ornook, alcove. program. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove. or alcove.or alcove. www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk The next day there was a knock at the door and www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk 07976 301794 www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk 07976 07976 301794 07976 07976 301794 07976 301794 07976 301794 07976 301794 301794 07976 301794 301794 there stood the most stunning, beautiful, sexy www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk 07976 07976 301794 07976 07976 301794 301794 07976 301794 07976 301794 301794 07976 301794 301794 free 3D design &07976 www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk www.markellisinteriors.co.uk freeconsultation, consultation, free free consultation, free consultation, 3D free design consultation, free consultation, 3D &quote. design free consultation, 3D quote. design consultation, 3D &design free 3D quote. &design consultation, quote. 3D &design 3D quote. &design quote. & 3D quote. &design quote. & quote. 07976 07976 301794 07976 07976 301794 07976 301794 07976 301794 07976 301794 301794 07976 301794 301794 I have ever seen in my life. She is wearing 07976 07976 301794 07976 07976 301794 07976 301794 07976 301794 07976 301794 301794 07976 301794 301794 free consultation, free free consultation, free consultation, 3D free design consultation, free consultation, 3D &design free consultation, 3D quote. design consultation, 3D &design free 3D quote. &design consultation, quote. 3D &woman design 3D quote. &design quote. & 3D quote. &design quote. & quote. free consultation, free free consultation, free consultation, 3D free design consultation, free consultation, 3D &design free consultation, 3D quote. design consultation, 3D &design free 3D quote. &design consultation, quote. 3D &design 3D quote. &design quote. & 3D quote. &design quote. & quote. 07976 07976 301794 07976 07976 301794 07976 301794 07976 301794 07976 301794 301794 07976 301794 301794 nothing but Reebok running shoes and a sign free consultation, free free consultation, free consultation, 3D free design consultation, free consultation, 3D&design free consultation, 3D quote. design consultation, 3D&design free 3D quote. &design consultation, quote. 3D&design 3D quote. &design quote. & 3D quote. &design quote. & quote. free consultation, free free consultation, free consultation, 3D free design consultation, free consultation, 3D&design free consultation, 3D quote. design consultation, 3D&design free 3D quote. &design consultation, quote. 3D&design 3D quote. &design quote. & 3D quote. &design quote. & quote.

around her neck that read, 'If you can catch me, you can have me'. Well, I was out the door after her like a shot. As before, this girl was in excellent shape and although I did my best, I couldn't catch her. For the next four days, the same routine happened and I was gradually getting in better and better shape. Much to my delight on the fifth day when I weighed myself, I found I had lost another 10kgs. So I decide to go for broke and called the company to order the 7-day, 25kg program. "Are you sure?" asked the representative on the phone. "This is our most rigorous program." "Absolutely," I replied, "I haven't felt this good in years."

Pinvin, Pershore 12

The next day there's a knock at the door; and when I opened it I found a huge muscular guy standing there wearing nothing but pink running shoes and a sign around his neck that reads, "If I catch you ... you're mine!" ... I lost 35kgs that week!

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

DIRTY OVEN

Hate cleaning your oven?... Then let us do it for you!

SAFE TO COOK STRAIGHT AWAY

* All totally non-corrosive and safe solutions * Specialist equipment * OFTEN copied but never equalled * Non-caustic * No smells

£5

OFF PROMOTIONAL

Call us to arrange a free no obligation appointment, at your place or ours, to see how we can help you and your business. Welcome to Focus Accountancy. We are a firm of accountants, tax advisors and business consultants based in Evesham, Worcestershire. We offer all of the services you would expect to find from a firm of accountants including:

Accountancy Tax Compliance

OFFER

Also specialists in cleaning: * Microwaves * BBQs * Hobs * Extractor Fans IF NOT TOTALLY SATISFIED * AGAs YOU PAY NOTHING

07730 620153

Bookkeeping & VAT Payroll & CIS Business start ups

Phone 01386 579999 or Email enquire@focusas.co.uk Vale Business Centre, 9 Abbey Lane Court, Abbey Lane, Evesham, WR11 4BY

www.focusas.co.uk

Doors, windows, porches and conservatories • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Insurance backed guarantee FENSA registered Trader Register member Local references available Locally based in Worcester Tidy, polite & reliable Argon-filled, double-glazed units fitted as standard. Composite doors in a range of colours. Eight-point locking system on all new PVC doors. Order to installation within a fortnight! Range of prices to suit No pushy salesmen Full design service Free! 0800 M: 0832 660 373648 T: Call 01905 679962 07976 info@pjimprovements.co.uk info@pjimprovements.co.uk

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

FABULOUS SELECTION OF FOOTWEAR FROM THE LEADING BRANDS FOR ALL THE FAMILY MOST STYLES IN FULL AND HALF SIZES ~ SIZE 3 - 8 LADIES & SIZE 6 - 12 MENS

Childrens' main fitting centre in the area for both CLARKS & START-RITE at Redditch Our Alcester shop also has a large selection OUR STOW SHOP SPECIALISES IN LADIES & MENS FOOTWEAR Owned and run by a local family BRANDS INCLUDE: CLARKS, ECCO, RIEKER, HOTTER, LOTUS, LELLI KELLY, ROHDE, GABOR, ANATOMIC, LOAKE, BARKER, START-RITE, GEOX, MERRELL, SKECHERS, SEBAGO, VAN-DAL, EQUITY, TAMARIS, TIMBERLAND ~ HANDBAGS BY RADLEY & TULA

KINGFISHER CENTRE, REDDITCH - REDDITCH Tel: 01527 62416 HIGH STREET, ALCESTER 4 PARK STREET, STOW-ON-THE-WOLD

For Forall all allyour your your For plumbing plumbingneeds needs needs plumbing Gas Gassafe safe saferegistered registered registered Gas Landlord Landlordcertificates certificates certificates Landlord Boiler Boilerchanges changes changes Boiler System Systemupgrades upgrades upgrades System

THE FABRIK SHOP 24a Broad Street, Pershore. Tel: 01386 553 626 e: thefabrikshop@btinternet.com

Stockist of: Linens, Cotton Poplins, Lawns and fabrics for evening wear Full range of fleece, patchwork cottons, waddings, stencils, cutters and boards

All Allplumbing plumbing plumbingwork work work All Bathrooms Bathroomsand and andTiling Tiling Tiling Bathrooms

Fat quarters from ÂŁ1

FREE FREEQUOTATIONS QUOTATIONS QUOTATIONS FREE 01386 01386861676 861676 861676 t:t:t:01386 m: m:07976 07976 07976420150 420150 420150 m: 207290 207290 207290

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

1/4pp advert for Guide to Pershore 2012.

The Rotary Club of Worcester Wychavon

Presents

The Flowers Band Conducted by Paul Holland

Pershore Abbey

Saturday, April 5th at 7.30pm All seats ÂŁ12 In aid of

Featuring a wide and varied programme of popular old and new arrangements for brass bands.

Tickets available from:

Blue, 19 Broad Street Pershore Or telephone 01905 426537 Concert supported by:

www.sourcedesignandprint.co.uk Tel. 01905 29048

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

fter the recent months that we have experienced, I should think that everyone is keen to get outdoors. Even the most unlikely want to join a sport or become a runner, walker, anything to come alive with the signs of spring upon us. Your mind is ready for bright, warm days. Now, prepare your body … Perhaps you’ve been considering your first racing event, maybe just becoming part of your local fitness facility; it just might be the time to put your physical self in full gear. With cold, rainy days and dark nights behind us, there is one less excuse for delaying your workout. Whatever your goal, capitalise on the promise of spring to get you there. If you have fallen behind on your fitness endeavours, get ready to kick-start your exercise program, the season for wearing shorts is almost upon us. Admit any slacking, get strict and get active. 16

Thrive with Variety Establish a routine that’s the most effective and efficient way to get in shape. Like a machine, the body can get accustomed to a workout and execute exercises like a habitual process and you won’t see the results that you want. Your mind gets equally bored. Suddenly, you’re susceptible to skipping your workout for more exciting things — like watching TV and other pastimes. Save yourself and change things! Cross training keeps the muscles guessing. It also helps you accomplish total body workouts through its variety. Different muscles get used in unique ways of training, so mix it up and try something you’ve not done before. Look at what’s in your local community and take advantage, get involved with sports teams or try a fitness class that you’ve never been to, even look into a personal trainer to give you that extra push. Take advantage of what’s available to you and switch activities. Make it a goal to rotate your exercises each day. Timing is Everything Its early days so don’t expect results in a week or two. Your new Pilates-adjusted golf swing takes practice, the butterfly stroke can be

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

tricky to master. Congratulate yourself on taking an early initiative to get summer-ready.

a true mental break. Perhaps try a new group fitness class or unfamiliar exercise. You will be forced to focus on fitness tasks, not that annoying colleague or overwhelming project. -o0o-

Many fitness benefits arrive gradually, especially improved health issues or desired weight loss. Blood levels, body fat measurements, or the scale may not seem to budge. Stay dedicated and you will reach these goals. They are your reward for longterm commitment. In the meantime, focus on the here and now and use the everyday fitness rewards to carry you along. Feel Good Factor As well as having the arrival of better weather to help us feel great, an invigorating rush of endorphins can also be your prescription to a happier, more energetic day. These feel-good transmitters are released at the onset of exercise. You don’t need to wait for the millionth repetition for them to kick in. You don’t need to accumulate them over a threeweek period. Take 20 minutes right now and let the good mood begin! Approximately 14 percent of the population uses exercise to reduce stress, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association. Unlike those stubborn pounds, tension can melt off your body in one sweat session. Increased blood circulation, pumped up with those endorphins, is mainly responsible. Physically exhausting yourself in a positive way also provides relief. Exercise helps to calm stressful or obsessive thoughts by distraction; workout mindfully for

Would you like your child to get fit this Easter? I will be running fitness sessions for children aged 5-11 at Inkberrow Village Hall during the school holidays. Wednesday 16th & Wednesday 23rd April 2014 Circuits for kids 10.45am to 11.45am This session is lots of fun doing a variety of exercises, which will get you fit and healthy. Running, skipping, jumping, fun team games and lots more ... Zumba for kids 12 noon to 1.00pm This is a highenergy fitness class that is packed with the latest Latin and contemporary music and dance moves to create a fun atmosphere, where kids can have an enjoyable time dancing and exercising!! £3 per session or £5 for both (Circuits and Zumba). Places are limited and are first come, first served. BOOK YOUR CHILDS PLACE NOW! For more information on Personal Training, Classes and other services I provide visit www. almfitness.co.uk or call Amy 07740 366419 or email info@almfitness.co.uk

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Curtains & Blinds

BG Digital Photographs

by sunflower soft furnishings

Digital Photography for you. Contact me to cover your event, photograph your product, take images of you or your loved ones.

inds

• Complete curtain design service

Getting married and want images of the whole event. Preparing product or website advertising and need images (including digitally manipulated), need shots taken of architecture, landscapes or landmarks.

• Made to measure curtains, blinds, soft furnishings

ain

• Wide range of fabrics & wallpapers to view ure curtains, • Poles, tracks & all curtain shings accessories abrics • Roller, vertical, venetian view blinds all curtain • Complete fitting service

venetian

service

Are you a model or an agent needing portfolio or fashion shoot photographs. All of these and more can be provided by BG Digital Photo-graphs. Just contact me by email, mobile phone or the contact form on the website. BG Digital Photographs, your friendly, experience local digital photographer in the Vale of Evesham.

The Old Smithy, Worcester Road Grafton Flyford, WR7 4PW

t: 01905 381811 Smithy, er Road m: 07976 640307 Flyford, sal.williams@btconnect.com sales@sunflowersoftfurnishings.com 4PW

www.sunflowersoftfurnishings.com 381811 6 640307

BG Digital Photographs Primary Business Contacts: brianjoyce@usa.net

Mobile: 07864 264 459 www.bgdigitalphotographs.co.uk

tconnect.com

10% OFF

oftfurnishings.com

ALL TREATMENTS throughout April

with this advert

We are celebrating the first anniversary of

Le petit parlour and would like to say a big thank you to all clients for their support throughout my first year. Le Petit Parlour, Old School, Main St, Bishampton WR10 2LX

01386 462233

www.lepetitparlour.co.uk 18

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

CRAIG MERCHANT ELECTRICAL SERVICES Call for a FREE

Part p' Domestic Installer Registered

• New Builds & Extension • Full/Part House Rewires • Outdoor Security Lighting • Mains Smoke Detectors • Extra Sockets & Lights • Night Storage Heaters • Fuseboard Changes

Inspection / Quotation t: 01905 828004 or m: 07899 964866

For all your Trade & DIY needs! Over 15 years experience

From Roofing Systems to Screws YOU CAN FIND IT ALL HERE!

Tel: 01386 244042 Beautiful Beads and Accessories Costume Jewellery Repairs New clasps (including Magnetic), re-threading, knotting, replacement stones

Unit 2, Site 14, St Richards Road, Four Pools Ind Estate, Evesham, Worcs WR11 1XJ (Next to Howdens Joinery)

E. Hill & Son Funeral Directors Established 1960

Independent Family Run Business Holders of Diploma in Funeral Directing Professional & Sympathetic Service Available 24 Hours Prepaid funeral plans available

01386 552141

www.beautifulbeadsandaccessories.co.uk/index.php/5/

Telephone 07530 141283

www.ehillandson.co.uk

Fairfield House, Defford Road, Pershore, WR10 1HZ

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Preparing Puppies For Life

ew puppies can melt the coldest heart - their adoring eyes defying even the most determined among us to ignore them.

But while it's tempting to give in to their pleas for treats from the table, it's far better to be cruel to be kind and resist repeated begging for the sake of the pup's behaviour patterns and health. Growing puppies need careful consideration when it comes to their menu, and breed, size and adult activity levels should be the determining factors for the proper selection of type, amount, and composition of food.

As they reach their first birthday, the period of development comes to a close, and a mature medium-breed dog with an established personality should be emerging from the young adventurous pup

In the case of medium-breed puppies, which at their adult age will weight between 11 and 25 kilos, it is vital to provide the body with a properly balanced food for both energy and growth. Puppies in this group will grow up to have a variety of tasks such as companionship dogs, athletic dogs, exhibition dogs, herd dogs, and working dogs. Experts say it is necessary to provide a proper amount of energy that matches the animal's rate and phase of growth.

The first year of life creates the basis and the conditions for the health of the dog over its entire lifetime, with the formation of a motor system with strong and healthy muscles, a properly developed digestive tract, circulatory and respiratory system, as well as immune system and healthy skin to serve as a barrier against micro organisms that can cause illness. This is a time when the body needs the proper amount of energy and nutrients in the form of proteins, fats, carbohydrates,

The development of medium-breed puppies is divided into two stages. â&#x2014;? the first stage is a period of intense growth and takes place from birth to the sixth month of life. â&#x2014;? the second phase is the period between the seventh and twelfth months when growth gradually slows. During the first phase, the skeletal system undergoes rapid development. The young body makes use of the energy it receives, including protein, to build up its bones.

Puppies of medium-sized breeds require three meals a day for the first six months of life and two meals a day for the next six, until they reach the age of one. Feeding should occur at regular times of the day, and it should be accompanied by fresh, roomtemperature drinking water. In the case of nutrition for puppies, both wet and dry readymade foods should be used according to the producers' recommendations, including those of portion size.

During the second period, the formation and Improper selection of the daily amount, reinforcement of the muscles that connect to the overfeeding, feeding with table scraps, and bones and joints occurs, and the dog's shape allowing the dog to eat as much as it likes will begins to resemble that of an adult dog. During lead to obesity, which in turn will result in this time, the process of tooth replace-ment irreversible changes in the skeleton and problems from baby to adult teeth also takes place. in adult life. 20 To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

SparkyWilliams Electrician

Full Re-wires to Additional sockets & Light Full fittings Re-wires to Additional

sockets & Light Fittings

Call Ian for a free no obligation quote

Call Ian for a free Tel: 07857 139 380 or 01905 24968 no obligation quote

SparkyWilliams

www.sparkywilliams.com

Electrician

E-mail: sparkywilliams@live.co.uk Tel: 07857 139 380 Full Re-wires to Additional sockets ELECSA Registration Number: 38267 & Light fittings or

01905 24968

Call Ian for a free no obligation quote

www.sparkywilliams.com Tel: 07857 139 380 or 01905 24968 www.sparkywilliams.com

E-mail: sparkywilliams@live.co.uk ELECSA Registration Number: 38267

beautiful & energy efficient Choose from our extensive range and enjoy high quality products combined professional design and quality installation. With years of experience we offer a relaxed and friendly service at great value prices!

Let us transform your home... No pressure, No hassle, just quality products and workmanship at honest prices

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

ETC Windows Doors & Conservatories are proud to be Worcestershireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s select installer for Vevo products

tel : 01386 800600

Unit 2, Site 14 Four Pools Ind Est. St Richards Road, Evesham, Worcs. WR11 1XJ

www.vevowindows.co.uk www.etcwindows.co.uk Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to to advertisers advertisers

21 13

A Gift for the Future After you have provided for your family and friends, perhaps you would consider a gift in your Will for St Richard’s Hospice. Leaving a gift in your Will is easy and it can be for as little as 1% of what you leave behind. Gifts from Wills to St Richard’s ensure that we can continue to care for our patients and family members in the future. There a number of options when it comes to writing your Will, but we always recommend consulting a solicitor. If you already have a Will and wish to add a gift to the hospice, your solicitor will advise on the best way to do this.

For more information about leaving a gift in your Will to St Richard’s Hospice, please contact Fundraising Director Tricia Cavell on 01905 763963 or email tcavell@strichards.org.uk www.strichardshospice.org.uk/giftsinwills

St Richard’s Hospice – celebrating 30 years

ill you help us secure our future? Our vision – we do all we can do support our patients and their families. We help families through difficult times each and every day and we are committed to continuing to do so in the future. We can only fulfil this commitment with your help. We rely on you for as much as 68% of our funding, so the majority of patients are cared for using your donations, including gifts in Wills. A gift in a Will is an extremely generous, thoughtful and caring way to donate to St Richard’s. Leaving a gift in your Will is easy and it can be for as little as 1% of what you leave behind. Families always come first, but please think of St Richard’s and help us to continue to be here for the local community for years to come. Leaving a gift in a Will may also save on your inheritance tax We are delighted that due to unexpected and generous gifts in Wills we have brought forward plans to meet the specialist palliative and end of life care needs within the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week . This means expanding our Hospice at Home

services. Our Hospice at Home Health Care Assistants can make an immediate difference to the patient and family. For example, with our Hospice at Home help, a patient who wanted to leave hospital and die in their own home, surrounded by their family, was able to do so at short notice. In another instance, within 30 minutes of receiving a request for help from a worried District Nurse, a Hospice at Home team member was on her way to a distressed patient and family to provide support and reassurance. There are many more ways the team can help patients and families: for example providing support for carers in extreme situations. By supporting the carer we can help prevent them becoming too exhausted

to carry on, or perhaps providing immediate care over several days whilst temporary problems are resolved. Income from gifts in Wills has allowed us to increase the number of Hospice at Home staff to 11 so we can help more patients stay at home if that is their wish. Gifts in Wills have also helped us to start expanding our In-patient Unit to care for more patients and offer greater privacy in more single rooms. The new extension will open in our 30th anniversary year, 2014. If you feel you are able to help by leaving a Gift to the hospice in your Will, whenever the time is right for you, your generous gift will allow us to offer our existing services and look to the future. If you would like to discuss leaving a gift in your Will, please contact Fundraising Director Tricia Cavell on 01905 763963, email tcavell@ strichards.org.uk A GIFT IN YOUR WILL, HOWEVER LARGE OR SMALL, WHENEVER THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR YOU, WILL HELP ST RICHARD’s TO CONTINUE TO CARE.

www.strichards.org.uk/giftsinwills 22

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

The Cheeseboard

100 Barnard's Green, Malvern, WR14 3ND

01684 891900

o o k Ga r d

Hawes Wensleydale Cheese by Andrew Brooks

• • • • • •

Imaginative High Quality Landscaping Patios & Garden Walls Pond & Patio Cleaning Ponds & Water Features Swimming Pools & Ponds Fibreglassed Fencing & Hedge Cutting

Local Friendly Service ~ References Available contact Glenn Baker 01905 380128 or 07792 613020

01789 762450 LOCKSMITHS and SAFE ENGINEERS • Lock sales, fitting & opening • Safe sales, fitting & opening • Key cutting • Electronic locking solutions • Full mobile service • Car key specialists Unit 12, 34 Tything Road, Alcester B49 6ES Phone: 01789 762450 Fax: 01789 400799

www.alcesterlocks.co.uk

rue Wensleydale cheese, with its roots set firmly in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is made by the Hawes creamery in Wensleydale itself, and has a heritage s p a n n i n g centuries. First crafted in the 12th Century, the art of Wensleydale cheese-making was perfected over time, until 1897 when the first creamery was built in Hawes when Wensleydale cheese-making began on a large scale. Handcrafted and wrapped in muslin cheese cloth, Wensleydale cheese has a mild, fresh clean flavour with a honeyed aftertaste and a crumbly, flaky texture. A l w a y s featured in the famous Wallace & Gromit films, this cheese is great for all occasions. Lightly crumbled into salads gives them a bit of lift, or just on your favourite cheese biscuit. Such a versatile cheese.

www.cheeseboardmalvern.co.uk

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

First World War: Man’s inhumanity to man! article by Brian Joyce "Man was made to Mourn" a dirge written by Robert Burns in 1784

ever were words so apt than when applied to wars waged over the centuries. You would expect in more recent times and throughout the ‘oh, so very civilised world’ that such words would no longer apply, and yet they do!

Christmas Day, in No Man’s Land. One could almost be forgiven for calling this the imagery of a “civilised war”.

Contrary to popular belief, the assassination of Austrian Archduke Ferdinand was not the primary causal factor leading to the start of WWI, but a series of complex political alliances that fell apart and resulted in the deaths of 15 million people. France entered the affray because of their treaty with Russia since Germany had declared war on Desolation: A staircase once encased in a Russia, and Britain building is left standing after the walls were destroyed during fighting in the Flanders entered through region of northern France. This area saw their treaty with huge amounts of fighting and was the first France (a very battlefield experienced by British troops when they travelled to mainland Europe. simplistic view).

We all know about the atrocities of WWII - Japanese POW and German Concentration Camps - but how many of us know about events of this ilk during The First Great World War? I suspect not many, and probably not just because of the scale or the numbers involved. When we think of WWI - centenary this year - we think of The Somme; long winding trenches filled with Tommies; prolific barbed wire all across No-Man’s Land; German troops just yards away from the British Trenches, filled with Troops waiting to ‘go over the top’, to be subjected to shelling, mud, machine guns, comrade’s bodies and worse. And we think of that very famous football game on 24

Wars are mostly territorial, political, economic or religious but none of these are good reasons to sacrifice lives, so one assumes that the German invasion of Belgium was less territorial than tactical? The strategy of outflanking the French Army (Schlieffen Plan) made the route through

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Belgium in August 1914 an obvious choice, So much of this has subsequently been though the latter was a neutral country! The validated and documented by later brutality and savagery forced upon the historians, who filtered out the propaganda Belgian people, and embellishments and the blatant disregard exaggerations. for human rights in general was both So many deaths, so popularised and many tortured and publicised by the brutalised in the free press as the four long years of Rape of Belgium – this war that we truly shocking and learned from our horrifying even to mistakes ... did we the most stoic. not? World War II Destroyed: The Hotel de Ville in Arras, Northern Civilians - men, France, looks more like a medieval ruins after it proved that we did women and children was heavily shelled during World War One not! subjected to unexpected and unacceptable hardships and horrors with so Let us all pray that we have now learned much of this buried or suppressed in the these horrible lessons as the next one – name of propaganda (often British in origin, WWIII, God forbid! - could be the end of us as they sought to retain popular support for all. the war effort). Of the c100,000 Belgian deaths during this war, about 60% were civilians and of those, some 6,000 were In the words of the late, great John Lennon executed. In August of 1914, the German … Give peace a chance. army took revenge upon the Belgian city of Dinant for what it falsely believed to be the actions of Belgian francs-tireurs (nonmilitary partisans). This took the form of the burning of over 1,000 buildings and executing 674 civilians, the oldest among them in his 90’s and the youngest barely a month old! This sacking was repeated in many other Belgian cities including Liege, Leuven and many more - the torture, brutality and killing, merciless and completely unjustified in any sane man’s Forlorn: A little girl cuts a sorry figure eyes; and all this apparently in the name of surrounded by the ruined buildings in the Belgian village of Neuve Eglise, also known tactical advantage! as Nieuwkerke, which was heavily bombed.

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Marshalls of Evesham Marshalls of Evesham LtdLtd

Car Commercial and Commercial Vehicle Repairs Car and Vehicle Repairs www.marshallsofevesham.co.uk www.marshallsofevesham.co.uk

MOT Aircon Repairs MOT andand Aircon Repairs etcetc

Car

MOT

Maintenance Contracts Available Maintenance Contracts Available Marshalls of Evesham Ltd

and Commercial Vehicle Repairs Car, Van & Commercial Vehicle Repairs Car,Car Van & Commercial Vehicle Repairs www.marshallsofevesham.co.uk Contact Brian or Des Contact Brian or Des on on MOT and Aircon Repairs etc 01386 556808 01386 556808 07836 217354 07836 217354 Marshalls of Evesham Ltd Maintenance Contracts Available

Mai Ma

Car,Car V

MOT

E: brian@marshallsofevesham.co.uk E: brian@marshallsofevesham.co.uk Car and Commercial Vehicle Repairs Throckmorton, Pershore, Pershore Airﬁeld, Throckmorton, Pershore, WR10WR10 2JH 2JH Car,Pershore Van &Airﬁeld, Commercial Vehicle Repairs www.marshallsofevesham.co.uk

Ma Mai

E: Car Pershore Car, V

Contact Brian or Des on

SALLY’S MOT and Aircon Repairs etc Bargains MOT 01386 556808 71 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1EU steve.tirebuck@btinternet.com

07836 217354 Maintenance Contracts Available01386 554427

Mai

E: brian@marshallsofevesham.co.uk E: For good quality furniture, Car, Van & Commercial Vehicle Repairs Car, V & Elite Stoves Pershore Airﬁeld, Throckmorton, Pershore, WR10 and 2JH white goods.Pershore bric-a-brac ● Fully qualified by the Contact Brian or Des Come on and see just what we have to offer by Guild of Master way of good quality second-hand furniture Sweeps and fully insured. 01386 556808 and bric-a-brac. ● Stove/Log burner And we now stock brand new electrical Installations. 07836 217354 items, such as fridges, freezers and other

● Prompt, reliable & friendly service ● All types of flues & appliances cleaned. ● Cowls and bird guards fitted. ● Guild certificates issued after every sweep.

● HETAS Approved white goods! E: brian@marshallsofevesham.co.uk E: Installer. Pershore Airﬁeld, Throckmorton, Pershore, WR10 2JH Pershore You will be surprised at

Call Eddie T 01905 700701 / 07895 612915 www.elitesweeps.co.uk

We also buy items of furniture or bric-a-brac.

how reasonably priced our items are. If you cannot find what you are looking for, we will be happy to find the items you require.

OPEN Tues & Sat 8.45am to 4pm Wed, Thurs, Fri 8.45am to 4.30pm Local Delivery Available. No reasonable offer refused.

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Hobbies keep work-life balance in check

e've all heard the old adage "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy", which is why so many of us take up a hobby. However, with less free time to spend on hobbies and more time spent in the office, it seems Britain's work-life balance has fallen seriously out of kilter.

Pastimes play such a vital part in our lives, helping us to reduce stress, keep fit and meet new friends, that its hardly surprising we are beginning to harbour some resentment toward increased office hours. More than half of us Free hobbies such as cycling, running If you find yourself too tired to believe work severely and walking are increasing in popularity. go to that yoga class you've gets in the way of our been meaning to join or long social life at least once a week, office hours prevent you from while an additional quarter of indulging in after-work the UK workforce think their Work is also impacting our activities, you are not alone. career impacts on their hobbies choice of hobby, as one in at least twice a week. four of us finds colleagues far As many as nine out of ten of us Cumulatively this shows that more motivational than our would like more free time to more than three-quarters of us own family and friends spend on our hobbies, feel that work has a noticeable, particularly in terms of getting according to a study by leisure and ultimately negative, impact us to do a more physically information website realbuzz. on the enjoyment of their free challenging activity. Going to com. time. the gym, walking and running are some of the more physical The independently commisWork hours are not only hobbies we are most likely to sioned survey delves into curbing our free time but they start because of our perceptions regarding the UK's are now curbing our spending workmates. work-life balance and the on hobbies too. When asked amount of time and money the how much money people This growing level of British public invests in a hobby spend on a hobby or pastime resentment toward work from or pastime. the results showed that 38 per hobby-loving Britons surprises Unsurprisingly, due to increased cent - slightly more than one in Fiona Gibbins, marketing office hours, the study shows three of us - do not actually director of realbuzz.com. "Our that the British don't have spend any money on their research has thrown up some enough time to do the things hobby or pastime. This has interesting findings," she says. they enjoy doing - with 87 per triggered a resurgence of free "It's staggering to see how cent wishing they had more pastimes such as, walking, strongly the British public free time for a hobby or cycling, reading and jogging feels about work impacting on pastime. Only five per cent said and now more of us are their free time and ultimately they have ample free time to beginning to indulge in a more getting in the way of them physical pastime. enjoying a pastime." themselves. 27 Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

a reclamation business in Herefordshire. I found a supplier for the Sapele hardwood timber, galvanised metal supports, stainless steel nuts and bolts, and got started. hree years ago whilst gardening, I decided that the bench we had was so old and unsafe, it was time to invest in a new one.

I made four, which immediately sold, so I then designed a colour leaflet to give to potential customers.

I spent many happy hours visiting garden centres and DIY stores, but nothing caught my eye. Then by chance, whilst on a trip to Dorset, I saw two sets of cast iron bench ends in a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;junkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shop and decided to buy them and make the benches myself.

The feedback I have had has been very encouraging; my customers like the cast iron ends as these can't be found at garden centres or DIY stores. Each set of ends is first sand blasted and then given two coasts of Hammerite paint. The Sapele timber has two coasts of Sandolin wood preserver, and all the fitting being high grade stainless steel, will never rust.

Once completed, the benches looked so good in the garden, that several of my friends and family asked me to make benches for them. I found some more cast iron ends and did just that. Everyone I made them for was so pleased with the quality and finish, that they recommend I go into business to produce them commercially. So I bit the bullet and invested in ten sets of Victorian cast iron bench ends purchased from

The benches look great in any garden, and as they will last for years could be handed down through the generations. I feel very proud that my little workshop business has become so successful. article by John Roberts

Local Handmade Garden Seats

Designed and manufactured in Gloucestershire using high quality cast iron bench ends with hardwood slats and stainless steel bolts.

Stratford 1600 3 Seat Bench Cast Iron Period Design Ends Sapele Hardwood Slats Centre Support Stainless Steel Bolts

Hanley

Ripple

Stratford

Ripple 1200

Hanley 1600

2 Seat Bench Cast Iron Ends Sapele Hardwood Slats Stainless Steel Bolts

3 Seat Bench Victorian Style Cast Iron Ends Sapele Hardwood Slats Centre Support Stainless Steel Bolts

Made to order, selection of colour frames Contact

John Roberts

01684 594164 / 07850 319927

Email: severninstrument@aol.com Website: www.severnseating.co.uk

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Here are some of the mouthwatering dishes we oﬀer Bloody Mary soup with warm home made breads £4.30

Quality lunches available every Sunday

Hand sliced smoked salmon with beetroot and horseradish cream, granary bread and butter £5.25 Jumbo crevette and crayfish cocktail £5.25 Baked Cornish Brie with chilli jam £4.95

from 12 noon to 2.30pm

* * * Roast rib eye of Herefordshire beef, Yorkshire pudding £12

Extensive menu with a selec�on of starters, main courses and sweets

Roast loin of orchard pork, black pudding stuffing £9.99

Have you seen our fantas�c Trip Advisor reviews?

Roast leg of lamb and onion sauce £9.99 Olive oil poached halibut, salsa verde and sauté potatoes £10.50 Baked field mushrooms with creamy Stilton sauce on Foccacia toast £8.95 * * * Home Made Sweets £4.70 Marmalade and chocolate bread and butter pudding with custard Vanilla creme brûlée Warm chocolate cake with home made vanilla ice cream Sticky toffee and banana pudding, caramel sauce Opening Hours: Monday 6pm to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday 12noon to 3pm & 6pm to 11pm Sunday 12noon to 8pm Meals Served: Monday ‐ closed Tuesday to Saturday 12noon to 2pm & 6pm to 9pm Sunday 12noon to 2.30pm

The Dolphin, Main Street, Bishampton, WR10 2LX

Tel: 01386 462343 Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Chocolate & Orange Pancakes These chocolate and orange pancakes make a nice change from plain versions.

Serves 4-8 Ingredients 90g plain flour 25g caster sugar 300ml milk Sunflower oil, for frying For the filling:

20g cocoa powder 1 large egg ½ tsp vanilla essence

2 medium oranges 250g tub ricotta cheese 25g plain chocolate, grated 25g sugar

Method To make filling ●

Grate the zest from one of the oranges into a bowl.

●

Cut away the peel and pith from both oranges and cut into segments, allowing the juice to drip into the bowl, but put the segments on a plate to one side.

●

Beat the ricotta into the orange rind and juice until smooth and fold in the grated chocolate.

To make the pancakes ●

Sift the flour and cocoa into a bowl and add the sugar. Beat the egg, milk and vanilla extract together then add to the dry ingredients and whisk to make a smooth batter.

●

Warm a non-stick frying pan, add a teaspoon of oil, then pour in a very large tablespoon of batter which should be enough just to cover the base thinly. Tilt the pan to distribute the batter evenly. Place on the hob and cook over a medium hot setting.

●

When the edges are golden and the batter looks set, toss or turn with a palette knife and cook the other side for about 1 minute until golden. Remove from the pan and keep warm.

●

Lift the pan off the hob, add another teaspoon of oil and add another spoonful of batter. After tilting the pan, set back on the hob to cook. Continue cooking the pancakes in this way until all the batter is used.

●

Place a tablespoon of the ricotta filling onto each pancake and either roll up or fold into a cornet, and decorate with two orange segments.

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Mark & Will Hartley heating & plumbing • All heating and plumbing work undertaken • Aga • Rayburn • Esse • Stovax • Gazco: servicing and repairs by authorised engineer • New boilers natural gas/LPG installed • Landlord certificates • All boilers and Gas fires serviced and repaired • No job too small

M he

Tel: 013867 93221 Mob: 07846 198197

• • • • • •

All heatin Aga • Ray repairs by New boile Landlord All boilers CR Decorating aims to meet to No job and exceed your painting and decorating needs.

Dining in?Tel:

Our Services include: 013867

Have your dinner cooked by a top London chef.

Painting - interior and exterior Domestic and Commercial Wallpapering

We specialise in dinner parties, whether its dinner for two or larger parties, with menus tailored to your tastes. We come to you – we cook, serve and clean – you just relax and enjoy.

Colour Advice Material selection and recommendation Plastering & Rendering Tiling - walls and floors

We can also cater for BBQ's, paella parties and buffets.

Pre-preparation including timber and masonry repairs

Want to learn to cook?

Timber treatments

Paint spraying technicians

How about private lessons at home?

Fully insured • Over 10 years’ experience

Call 01386 552004 / 07881 277820

Dineley Road, Peopleton, WR10 2EJ Call Chris Rabot on

www.intheframecatering.co.uk

Valentines hampers available ❤

M: 07801 271038 T: 01905 412150

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

E: crdecorating@gmail.com

www.crdecorating.co.uk

Comprehending Engineers: Take Six There was an engineer who had an exceptional gift for fixing all things mechanical. After serving his company loyally for over 30 years, he happily retired. Several years later the company contacted him regarding a seemingly impossible problem they were having with one of their multimillion-pound machines. They had tried everything and everyone else to get the machine to work but to no avail. In desperation, they called on the retired engineer who had solved so many of their problems in the past. The engineer reluctantly took the challenge. He spent a day studying the huge machine. At the end of the day, he marked a small "x" in chalk on a particular component of the machine and stated, "This is where your problem is." The part was replaced and the machine worked perfectly again. The company received a bill for £50,000 from the engineer for his service. They demanded an itemised accounting of his charges. The engineer responded briefly: One chalk mark £1 Knowing where to put it £49,999

The Credible Alternative to Liposuction creating Inch Loss, Body Contouring and Skin Tightening all in One Treatment

NEW

The bill was paid in full and the engineer retired again in peace.

Comprehending Engineers: Take Seven An architect, an artist and an engineer were discussing whether it was better to spend time with a wife or a mistress. The architect said he enjoyed time with his wife, building a solid foundation for an enduring relationship. The artist said he enjoyed time with his mistress, because of the passion and mystery he found there. The engineer said, "I like both." "Both?" said the architect and the artist.

• • • • • • • •

Additonal services: facelift treatment lipolift body wrap massage reiki reflexology body alignment pedicure paraffin wax treatment

• • • • • • • •

Additonal services: facelift treatment lipolift body wrap massage reiki reflexology body alignment pedicure paraffin wax treatment

The Credible Alternative to Liposuction creating Inch Loss, Body Contouring and Skin Tightening all in One Treatment

Before

After

Before

After

Golden Hands Advanced Esthetics Clinic Meeting the demands of our customers needs all day, every day!

Engineer: "Yes. If you have a wife and a mistress, Karla Ryland t:01386 m:07425 804922 Karla Ryland561055 01386 561055 they will each assume you are spending time 55Crown Row,Pershore, Pershore, CrownHouse, House, 2 Church Church Row, Worcestershire, WR10 1BH Worcestershire, WR101BH with the other woman, and you can go to the lab E: goldenhandsclinic@aol.com e:goldenhandsclinic@aol.com and get some work done." 32 To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

3’s free. All Things Wild at The Domestic Fowl Trust, Worcestershire, WR11 7QZ. Tel: 01386 833083. www.allthingswild.co.uk Wednesday 2nd April Bishampton Spring Show Show off the first blooms of spring from your garden and win a prize, or come along and enjoy the displays! For more details pick up a programme from the village shop or download a copy from our website. Tel: 07854 362318. Bishampton Villages Hall, Bishampton, WR10 2LY. www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk

Sunday 6th April Scenic Six Start time 11am. A multi terrain 6 mile run or 2 mile fun run/walk around the fields and towpaths of Peopleton. Entry fee: 6 mile run £10 (£12 on the day) or 2 mile fun run/walk £3. For more info or to register go to www.strichards.org.uk/ scenicsix or call 01905 763963. Peopleton Village Hall, Worcestershire, WR10 2EG.

Thursday 3rd April The Ramblers group walk: Distance 7.5 miles Enjoy British wildlife on a Ramblers group walk. An earlier start for this gentle circular walk with only twelve stiles including section of the Millenium Way, Drakes Broughton and Wadborough villages. Lunch Plough & Harrow. Time: 9:30am. Contact: Sandra mob: 07553 637671. The Ramblers group walk starting point: Grid Ref: SO910491 Worcestershire WR7 4RW. www.ramblers.co.uk/walksfinder/walkInfo.php

Mon 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th April Quiz Night at The Old Oak Pub Every Monday at 8.30pm. Free entry. First prize £30 cash. The Old Oak Pub, 40 Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton, Pershore WR10 2AP. Tel: 01905 841897

Saturday 5th April Our Brave Sons A Boys Dancing event involving 80+ young men that seeks to remember the boys under the legal age of 18 that fought in WW1. Through this powerful, dramatic performance we pay our respects and thank them for their bravery and sacrifice. 7.30pm. £2. College Hall, College Green, Worcester, WR1 2LL. Tel: 01905 611199. www.dancefest.co.uk Saturday 5th to Sunday 27th April 2014 Eggstremely Wild Easter This Easter, visit us at All Things Wild Nature Centre for fun with eggs! Learn about animals that lay eggs, enter our colouring competition, challenge your friends to an egg and spoon race, follow our egg trail and experience some science ‘eggs-periments’. Don’t forget, we have a full itinerary every day during the Easter holidays. Opening Times: 10.30 - 5.00. Admission: Adults £5.50, Children £4.50, Concession £4.50 Under

Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th April The Yeomen of the Guard Gilbert & Sullivans poignant but witty plot is very tuneful. Here it is brought to you by Great Witley Operatic Society with musical director Sue Black. From 7.30pm. Prices from £11 to £15. Tickets through Worcester Live box office. Tel: 01905 611427. The Swan Theatre, Worcester, WR1 3ED Saturday 12th April International Feltmakers Association The International Feltmakers Association was formed in order to foster a worldwide interest in felt and to promote felt in all its forms. I have recently taken over as regional co-ordinator for this area, and hope to start a new group with the following meetings in Bishampton: Saturday 12th April - Easter Eggs: decorate your home for Easter with felted eggs. Suitable for absolute beginners. Saturday 7th June - Friendship, felt and sharing: A day to get together and share ideas, swop spare materials, and work on your own projects with a little help from your friends. Beginners welcome.

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Venue TBA; booking essential. Contact Cheryl Cracknell on 01386 462385, or e-mail cherry@ cracknellz.freeserve.co.uk All meetings start at 10.30am. Sat 12th, Wed 16th & Saturday 19th April “The Cadbury Connection” Follow the Chocolate Trail and investigate “The Cadbury Connection” at Tudor House, Friar Street, Worcester. Fun for all the family in the Easter Holiday. Find out about Chocolate and follow the Chocolate Trail. See where Richard Cadbury had his Coffee Shop. Find out where chocolate came from. Solve puzzles and follow the chocolate trail to win a prize. 10am – 4pm. Admission free, £1 for the Chocolate puzzles. Call Judy: 01386 553536 / 01905 612309. www. tudorhouseworcester.org.uk Monday 14th April Aztec Easter Holiday Clubs Aztec Watersports will be running 2-day multi activity courses and 2-day sailing courses aimed at ages 8-15 at the centre in Lower Moor. These action packed days start at 9am and end at 4pm. £30 per child per day. For further info please contact tel: 01386 860013. Aztec Watersports, Salters Lane, Lower Moor, Pershore, WR10 2PD. www.aztecwatersports.com Thursday 17th April Country Tastic Country Tastic is a hands-on, interactive and fun day out with food, farming and countryside at its core. This fun indoors and outdoors children's event has over 50 FREE activities, plenty of entertaining displays, tractor rides and so much more! Don't miss out on the perfect Easter day out for all ages! Tel: 01684 584924. Admission £6, Groups +8 £5.50 (in advance) Under 4yrs go FREE. FREE parking. Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW. www.threecounties.co.uk Friday 18th April Philomusica Concert Philomusica Chorus and Soloists will be performing The Passion Music from Handel’s Messiah and other Passiontide music and readings

at St Peter and St Paul Church, Upton-uponSevern at 7.30pm. Admission is free with a retiring collection for Church and Philomusica Funds. St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Upton Upon Severn, WR8 0JQ. www.philomusica.org.uk Saturday 19th April Easter Craft Fair Easter Craft Fair to be held in the quaint Rushwick Village Hall. A variety of stalls, exhibiting some unusual, affordable gorgeous gifts. Tea, coffee, cakes served all day. If you would like a table, the price £15. Contact Mrs E. Bridges mob: 07454 400893. 11am to 4pm. FREE ADMISSION. Rushwick Village Hall, Bransford Road, Rushwick, Worcester, WR2 5TA Saturday 26th April Local Crafts & Gifts Fair We are a group of local artisans who make some beautifully unique, lovingly handcrafted gifts, ideal for you or someone special when you are looking for something a bit different. Why not pop in and browse and we will provide you with some inspirational gifts for everyone. Tea Room with Homemade cakes and sandwiches. Opens 10am to 4pm. Admission Free. Pershore Town Hall, 34 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1DS. www. creatorsofcraft.co.uk Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th April RYA Sailing courses at Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre Upton Warre Outdoor Education Centre is running RYA Level 1 and Level 2 Sailing courses suitable for anyone aged 14 and above. The twoday courses run 9.30am - 4.30pm on various dates throughout the year. Please contact us for further information and availability. Level 1 courses cost £145 per person (inc Logbook and Handbook) and Level 2 courses cost £135 per person. Pre booking is advised to avoid disappointment as places are limited. Tel: 01527 861426. Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre, Upton Warren, Bromsgrove, B61 7ER. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/outdooreducation-centres/upton-warren-oec.aspx

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Bee Vigilant! How to Garden on Behalf of the Bees

ith the global decline of bees, it has never been more important to support the pollinator population in your garden. This spring make sure you fill your garden with as many pollen-rich plants as you can to give our bees a fighting chance, as they are vital components of our biodiversity. The Royal Horticultural Society reports Britain as having 25 species of bumblebees, of which about 11 commonly visit garden flowers. They also state that there are about 260 species of solitary bee in Britain, all of which have been in decline in the last 50 years for a variety of reasons. Nectar and Pollen Flowers attract insects by providing them with two rich sources of food: nectar and pollen. Nectar provides insects with an energy source as it contains sugar, while pollen grains contain proteins and oils. It's also a good idea to have at least two nectar or pollen-rich plants in flower at any one time during this period. The nectar feeds the adult bee, while the pollen is collected to feed their larvae. It is vital that gardeners provide flowers throughout the bee's life-cycle, from March to September. Bumblebees Different bumblebee species have tongues of differing lengths and so prefer different flowers. 36

The longest-tongued species, Bombus hortorum, prefer deep flowers such as honeysuckle, foxgloves and aquilegia. There are six plant families bumblebees are particularly attracted to, but they will also appeal to other pollinators such as honeybees and butterflies. These include Boraginaceae (the wildflower comfrey, which makes a potassiumrich compost), and Fabaceae (peas). Viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) is perhaps the best single plant to attract bumblebees to a garden, and attracts both short and longtongued varieties. Planting just one or two of these will attract many bees. It has beautiful blue flowers two feet tall, and blooms from June to August, making a good herbaceous border. Preferred Flowers The rose family, especially hawthorn and potentilla, seems to be irresistible to bees, as are fennel, angelica, cow parsley and sedum flowers. Tubular-shaped flowers, such as snapdragons and heathers, are also all favourite feeding grounds for bees. Spring flowers attracting bees include bluebell, bugle, crab apple, daffodil, flowering cherry and currant, forget-me-not, hellebore, pulmonaria, pussy willow, rhododendron, rosemary, viburnum and thrift. To tempt the bees in early summer plant aquilegia, astilbe, campanula, everlasting sweet

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

pea, fennel, geranium, potentilla, stachys, teasel, thyme and verbascum. Late summer flowers attracting bees include angelica, aster, buddleia, cardoon, cornflower, dahlia (single-flowered), delphinium, eryngium, fuchsia, globe thistle, ivy, lavender, penstemon, scabious and sedum. Make Your Garden a Home for Bees One of the best ways to encourage bees in your garden is to keep your own bees with a hive, or allow a beekeeper to place hives in your garden. You could also add a bumblebee box to your garden. Nest boxes containing cardboard tubes or hollow plant stems, or holes drilled in blocks

of wood, ranging from two to eight millimetres wide, will provide nest sites for some species of solitary bees. The more flowers you plant, the more varieties of bees you will attract into your garden, and the more flowers and vegetables will be pollinated. This is particularly important for fruit and vegetable growers as apples, plums, pears, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, red currants, gooseberries and strawberries, broad beans, runner beans and some members of the marrow-pumpkin family all rely on insects to bring about pollination. Be conscious that you should never use pesticides on plants while they are in flower, as this will harm bees

FREE LAVENDER PLANTS 10 Super Plug Plants FREE plus ÂŁ4.99 P&P. Use offer code AFB14. ORDER NOW CALL 0844 522 0606 Quote 242994 or visit www.suttons.co.uk/afb14 - Offer closes 30/5/14 - Delivery: May

Commercial and Domestic Grass Cutting Service Tel:01386 462706

Fertilising email: info@smartcut.co.uk Scarifying Aeration www.smartcut.co.uk Weed Control Shrubs Fields Farm House, Hill Furze Road, Bishampton, Hedges Pershore, Worcs, WR10 2LZ Clearance

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Industrial Units Private Estates Large Gardens Hotels/Pubs Schools Parish Councils Recreation Grounds Local Authorities

The Pantry, Peopleton

as featured on the TV programme BBC Countryfile Fresh British & Continental Bread & Patisseries High Quality Meat & Cheeses Local Honey & Eggs • Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Pickles & Preserves Plants & Fresh Flowers • Gardening Supplies Flower & Vegetable Seeds Newspapers, Greetings Cards, Gift Paper & Stationery • Post Office

LPG Installations:Servicing:Repairs

Traditional bicycle delivery service to Peopleton - unique in our area.

Oil Installations:Servicing:Repairs

“Come and experience how good village shopping can be !!” Open: 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday 9am to12noon Sat 9am to11am Sun Post Office: 9am to 3.30pm Mon to Fri

Tel: 01905 840471

Gas Installations:Servicing:Repairs

Landlord's safety inspections and certification. All aspects of heating and plumbing undertaken from new boilers to replacing washers Contact us on t: 01386 793720 or 0845 5390 329 m: 07872 824482 or 07872 824481 We are based in Worcestershire

A MORE PERMANENT SOLUTION TO A FLAT ROOF PROBLEM A+ PLUMBING QUARTER PAGE AD.indd 1

DON’T WASTE MONEY ON RE-FELTING

26/07/2011 13:23

SOLVE IT WITH

Rubber roofing resists water, snow and sunlight and can be laid over old roofs Before

After

Tough Single Ply EPDM Rubber Roofing Membrane 20 YEAR GUARANTEE WITH A 50 YEAR PROVEN PLUS LIFE For a free no obligation survey and quote, call your approved residential installer

NCE

G.M. ROOFING INSBUARCAKEDTEE You only fit a rubber roof once!

GUAR

• UPVC Roofline – Fascias Soffits & Gutters • Traditional Roofing • New or Repairs

Tel: 01386 800400 Mike 0751 316 9244 or Glen 0779 534 2498 www.gmroofingservices.co.uk

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Campaign to save one of the Nation's symbols

he National Trust has launched a £1.2 million fundraising appeal in a bid to secure the long-term future of the world famous White Cliffs of Dover in Kent.

The appeal is the charity's biggest ever coastal fundraiser and will help ensure that public access to the White Cliffs can be improved for future generations to enjoy. It will also mean that this much-loved stretch of the Kent coastline can be cared for in a way that will improve the habitat for local wildlife. If the appeal is successful, the most iconic stretch of the White Cliffs - the 1.35km sweep overlooking the port of Dover - will be looked after and managed for the benefit of the public and for wildlife. It will complete the missing link of coastline under National Trust care, uniting a stretch of more than 7km between the Trust's visitor centre and South Foreland lighthouse. Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust, says: "Immortalised in song and literature, the White Cliffs of Dover have become one the great symbols of our nation. "We now have a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure their future for everyone to enjoy. "If we don't raise the money then the future of the White Cliffs is uncertain and this stretch of coastline might one day be disrupted by inappropriate management or development." Standing proud at over 110 metres - taller than Big Ben or the same height as 25 London buses stacked on top of each other - the White Cliffs of Dover have witnessed many dramatic moments in England's history.

evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II. The cliffs are also home to a rich array of wildlife including the Adonis blue butterfly, rare coastal plants such as oxtongue, broomrape and sea carrot, and birds including skylarks, the only colony of Kittiwakes in Kent, and peregrine falcons. Historian and television presenter Dan Snow, who is supporting the appeal, adds: "For me it's simple. The White Cliffs of Dover are one of the country's greatest and most iconic landmarks. "When I heard that the National Trust had this opportunity to safeguard this crucial stretch of the Cliffs, I thought: great. "It's brilliant that they have a chance to secure this important section of the cliffs, for ever, for everyone." Hundreds of thousands of people come to visit the dramatic chalk cliffs every year to enjoy the coast and take in the wonderful views across the English Channel. The funds need to be raised by the end of the year to help acquire this piece of the Kent coastline and help with the conservation and management of the White Cliffs of Dover. Make a donation online at www.nationaltrust.org. uk/whitecliffsappeal and you can also choose to have your name engraved on the Trust's virtual White Cliffs of Dover.

You can also text a donation to support the appeal. For example, if you want to donate £5, text DOVR02 £5 to 70070. The amount These include the arrival of the Romans, and the must be included in the text. Or you can welcome return of British armed forces after the make a donation by calling 0844 800 1895. 39 Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Trivia (answers on page 46)

Sudoku

Who, in 1971, became the first person to earn $1m playing tennis?

What is the main ingredient of foo-yung?

What is the Latin for "and the rest"?

What is a swimming pool that measures 50m x 22.8m better know as?

What relation is Queen Elizabeth II to Queen Victoria?

In Shakespeare's play 'Romeo & Juliet', how old is Juliet?

Which is the only country in the world that doesn't put its name on postage stamps?

How many ghosts appear to Scrooge in Charles Dickens' story 'A Christmas Carol'?

Which Biblical passage begins "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want"?

Fill in the blank squares so that each line, each row and each mini square contains the numbers 1 - 9 without duplicating the same number in any row, line or square

1 9 4

4 8 9 11 13 15 17 18 20 23 25 26

Get away (6) Process of delivering a baby (10) Meg ___, In the Cut actress (4) Toys that go up and down on strings (2-3) Pulls (a vehicle) (4) Strong, healthy (3) Shabby articles (3) Gaze, glance (4) Male public toilets (5) Small car or skirt (4) Wholemeal biscuits (10) Cooks (potatoes) in fact in the oven (6)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Exercise/massage therapist (6) Kill with a sword (4) Act upon orders (4) Makes a mistake (4) Pig's home (3) Informal conversation (4) Survive, live (5)

3 2

9 5

Coffee Break 10 The World Is ____ Enough, 1999 Bond movie (3) 12 Have bills to pay (3) 14 Launders (6) 15 Handout, advert (5) 16 ___ Cruise, Jerry Maguire actor (3) 1

19 2000 Robbie Williams/Kylie Minogue hit (4) 20 Pop group's live performances (4) 21 Breathing and smelling organ (4) 22 Earth prepared for planting (4) 24 Louse's egg (3) 4

8 9 11 15

DOWN

10. What is the collective noun for rhinoceros?

ACROSS

10 13

14 17

19 23

24 25

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

173 Karl Kertess Pershore Self Storage 16/01/2014 16

PERSHORE SELFSTORAGE

Affordable Self Storage * * * * * * * *

Fexible Storage Terms Secure Self Storage Access Seven Days a Week Excellent Security with 24 Hour CCTV Controled Heating Operated Collection & Delivery Service Packing Materials Can Be Supplied Ideal for Confidential Files and Legal Documents

For all enquiries call: 01386 554949 Find us at: 23C Pershore Trading Estate Station Road, Pershore, Worcs. WR10 2DD

NEXT TO PERSHORE RAILWAY STATION

Observations on Advertising 

Advertising is the “Wonder” in Wonder Bread



Creative without strategy is called “art”. Creative with strategy is called “advertising”



Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising



Nothing except the Royal Mint can make money without advertising



The most powerful element in advertising is the truth



Advertising is the life of trade.



Advertising says to people, 'Here's what we've got. Here's what it will do for you. Here's how to get it.'



Sanely applied advertising could remake the world.



The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time

Flyers & Leaﬂets ur flyers and leaflets delivered w o y e v ith Ha

The Villager

villages d n a s n w to 0 2 r e ov to We can design, print and deliver!

For quotes and delivery rates please call Grapevine Publications on 0845

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

224 7061 41

Primrose Day : 19th April article by Jean Haynes

rimrose Day - a day in our country’s heritage lost in time, unheard off by most of us today.

This day was launched on 17th November 1883 to form a grassroots auxiliary movement to the Conservative Party, to connect to the rank and file of the party membership in memory of a past conservative - Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, First Earl of Beaconsfield. The League was the brainchild of Lord Randolph Churchill (18491895) and other members of the radical conservative faction. They were frustrated by the Tories' continued identification with the landed gentry interest, and inability to adapt to the age of mass politics. Disraeli’s legacy was hailed as the inspiration behind this wider approach. The day chosen to celebrate this League was 19th April – the day Disraeli died, and his favourite flower was the primrose. Queen Victoria sent bouquets of primroses instead of a wreath for his funeral with the message that they came from Osborne

House gardens. He was born of Jewish parents but did not support this religion. By 1886 200,000 members had been enrolled in the League, and over a million by 1891 of which half were women. Many towns held meetings, Pershore being one of them. By 1918 the numbers of members had dropped considerably, and were absorbed into the official party.

Benjamin Disraeli 1804 - 1881

Pershore still has a descendant from one of these women Maude Rathbone. Maude was enrolled (enrolee No. 604) as a member on the 12th August 1893 and lived in Hillmorton (Rugby) Warwickshire. For more about Primrose Day and the Primrose League go to: h t t p s : / / w w w. britishmuseum.org / explore/highlights/ highlight_objects/cm/p/ primrose_league_badge. aspx Primrose League Fete at Avon Bank 1912 The instigators of this were General Davies Captain Cartland Mr Goscther

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Avon Safe Home Ltd

Computer Problems?

Electrical – lights, sockets, rewires, repairs etc Locksmith – locks fitted, repaired, opened Double glazing repairs - misted/broken glass, handles, hinges, locks, patio wheels.

Tel: 01386 898422 (24hr) Qualified, Registered, Insured

Pershore Rugs Pershore Retail Market Cherry Road, Pershore WR10 1EY

Rugs of all colours, shapes & sizes Doormats & Kitchenmats Curtain Accessories

Tel: 01386 555588

PC repairs and upgrades Spyware and virus removal Health checks and PC servicing Website design and site marketing PC’s and media centres built to order General troubleshooting & support Configuring wireless networks Email and internet problems Advice and ongoing help Apple Mac and Windows p: 01386 550191 m: 07847 287376 e: info@pendas.co.uk w: pendas.co.uk Onsite support for all your PC issues, for both the local home and business user

Pendas Computer Services Ltd - Pinvin -

Are you

looking

at this page? So are your customers! What would you prefer them to see … this advert … or yours! TO ADVERTISE IN

The Villager call Betty on 01684 or email

rates start from as low as £25 per month

833715

info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

VETS & ANIMAL CARE