The Villager January 2013 by Betty-Ann Ambury

The Villager January 2013

148 A1 Thermoline / Vale Stoves

9/20/11

12:54 PM

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Ice Cream Soda

Vintage Clothing Millies Milk Bar

'Gertie'

the retro caravan

Vine Court  Vine Street Evesham  WR11 2NN

tel: 07808 792896 Open: Wednesday to Saturday

You’ll adore the NEW innovative wood burning range from BURLEY

Visually Stunning Flames from the most efficient wood burning stove ever made...

NOW G IN STOCK

oonoedd w FiFrue s a e s lly logs or od hardwoquettes bri ces r pri

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Fuel is burnt so economically and completely that in tests the ash produced from burning a 100kg stack of logs can fit into a pint glass!

NOW AVAILABLE AT

Vale Stoves tel: 01386 862900

email: sales@valestoves.co.uk

www.valestoves.co.uk

covering pershore and surrounding areas . . . . . . evening and weekend appointments always available To advertise call 0845 224 7061 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

The Villager

contents 5

Cloudy2Clear Windows

Recipes

Pendas Computers

Business Editorial

The Bell at Salford Priors

MJ Print Ltd

3 Rye Street • Birtsmorton • WR13 6AS

Envisage. . .gardens by design

Telephone 0845 224 7061 Mobile 07754 170286

ALM Fitness

January

info@grapevinepublications.co.uk www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

The Fabrik Shop

Health & Nutrition

March Hare Health & Leisure

Huxley Imaging

My Little Satnav

From the Sticks

Blonde on a Plane

Coffee Time!

Events in January

Your Community Directory

Pershore Market

January 2013

“Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising.” Mark Twain

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING

Grapevine Publications

EDITOR Betty-Ann Ambury info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Betty-Ann Ambury FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Ambury NEXT ISSUE COPY DATE

10th January 2013

The aims of The Villager are to bring local buyers and businesses together to encourage the people of Worcestershire and surrounding areas to support these businesses to help the local community to flourish. © 2012. 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. 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 use ofmention this publication canvassing, direct marketing or any other activity apart from sourcing local goods and services is strictly prohibited. Please THEforVILLAGER when responding to advertisers

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

QUALITY DENTURES DIRECT

Telephone:

Skip Hire

Fax: 01386 792184

Tel: 01386 792354

SERVICE SALES SPARES Triple C (Cropthorne) Autos Limited Unit 1, Field Barn Farm Field Barn Lane, Cropthorne Worcestershire WR10 3LY Call Chris or Kev

01386 861232 / 07858 261449 4

Plumbing

S EE ON FR ATI OT

TRUCK HIRE ● SALES ● SPARES ● REFURBISHMENT ● CONTAINERS ● WASTE DISPOSAL

Registered Office: Address as stated Incorporated in England Company Reg No. 2721020 VAT Reg. No. 770281436

01 684 574507

SPECIALISTS IN GROUND DEMOUNTABLE HOOK & CABLE

DENTURE CENTRE

209b Worcester Road ● Malvern ● WR14 1SP

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.

MALVERN

For all your plumbing needs:  Gas

safe registered  Landlord certificates  Boiler changes  System upgrades  All plumbing work  Bathrooms and Tiling

t: 01386 861676 m: 07976 420150

Reg No. 207290

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

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

Tel: 01386 555588

To advertise call 0845 224 7061 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

Recipes

from far & wide

Quick Jambalaya 2 tablespoons butter 1 onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 200g rice

500ml chicken stock 1 tin tomatoes 250g diced ham salt & black pepper a few drops Tabasco

Combine all ingredients in a large pan.

Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally.

Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked and all liquid is absorbed.

Serve with green salad and crusty bread.

To advertise call 0845 224 7061 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

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Bowls Touring Teams, Clubs, Group Organisers & Coach Operators

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visit the English Riviera!

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294844

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 Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

endas have been creating and designing low cost client websites for smaller businesses for over eight years now and have watched the importance and reliance on a company website grow during that period.

The single most important point in designing a bespoke site is to match client expectations with a good solid set of relevant web pages. The initial stage is always to visit the client and gauge expectations, take copies of any current marketing material plus any current corporate images and colours. Finally the all important questions: what it is to be used for, what are they hoping it to achieve, do they want to sell from it, etc., etc? This can only be achieved by a number of face-to-face information gathering meetings, where ideas and expectations are bandied about until common ground is reached. One suggestion is for them to provide a list of competitors sites they like and a similar number of those they do not and this helps immensely in the design stage. Often clients do not really know what they want in terms of overall design and here we help during the preparation and build stage and are quite happy to write the texts required to provide relevant information for a site. It is far easier to ask a client to critique a prepared page than disrupt their busy schedules and request they attempt to write positive prose about themselves and their companies! Where photographs are required we can take these as well; the less we disturb clients during the design process the better we have found. We do not believe you can create a relevant site using a template system, so each site is unique and starts life as a blank sheet.

rest of the site, providing a common theme throughout, and where a customer already has marketing material this scheme would be incorporated too. Our single most often repeated statement is to remind clients that the site is theirs, not ours. We are merely putting onto the web a site to reflect their company and their ethos as well.

Once the initial design has been approved this design would then be used to underpin the

email: info@pendas.co.uk web: www.pendas.co.uk

So the site is complete and is live on the web but this is not the end. Sites need to be optimised (SEO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; search engine optimisation) so the site can be found easily when searching on the web: searching using Google, Bing and the other search engines. Marketing a website can be as big or even bigger task than producing the site in the first place, but a well designed site will get the ball rolling from the off. These days the search giants interrogate sites and in particular index them using the actual wording used on the pages making this arguably, the most important aspect of a new site. They will also look for keywords from within the site but these have diminished in importance. Pendas will register sites with Google to speed up this indexing process but there is always a gap between going live and finding a site using a search engine.

For more information contact Pendas:

tel: 01386 550191 mob: 07435 964579

To advertise call 0845 224 7061 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Computer Problems? -

Construction Services Ltd

● ● ● ●

Telephone: 01386 550002 Mobile: 07971 002637 Email: simon@shcsgroup.co.uk www.shcsgroup.co.uk

Onsite support for all your computer issues, for both the home and business user

Pendas Computer Services Ltd - Pershore -

Farm Mechanisation (Hartpury)

General Building Conversions & Extensions Property Maintenance Groundworks

Over 16 years experience

01386 550191 07435 964579 info@pendas.co.uk www.pendas.co.uk

Jordan Massey Fully Insured & Qualified

Simon Haines

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: m: e: w:

32 Ashdale Avenue, Pershore, WR10 1PL

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Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Business Editorial 3 Good Reasons not to Advertise? My business is on the high street . . . everyone knows where I am.

in the first place . . . look in my local newspaper, or the Parish magazine, or the local small business advertising directory, such as The Villager. If you are a small or medium sized business, the best way to use online advertising is to combine it with paper advertising: paper advertising is an easy (and affordable) way of telling people you have a website, and on your website, you can put as much information as you want about your business – who you are, where you are, what you do, etc., etc.

Good reason? Definitely not! And here’s why: have you ever put something down on a table and said “I’ll put that away in a minute”, and six months later that item is still in the same place? The reason for this is simple: when you see something day after day, it very soon blends into the background and you no longer notice it. The same thing happens with shops and businesses on the high street: you see them there every day, but you don’t When I want to advertise, I distribute actually notice them. Think about the flyers. high street in your town . . . can you name all the shops on it? Of Good reason? Definitely not! advertising course you can’t, and yet you’ve And here’s why: unless the is like the lottery: probably seen them every day person reading your flyer you've got to be in it wants your services or product for months, if not years. So, the next time you decide not to at that precise moment, the to win it advertise, stop and ask yourself lifespan of that flyer is as long as two questions: first, is business that it takes to read it – about 1 minute! good that I really don’t want any more Then it will be thrown away. Let’s look at customers, and second, if Tesco is still advertising the cost: on average, 5000 A5 flyers will cost about when in 2011 they made £3.8bn profit - that’s £200. Then they have to be distributed, unless £3.8bn profit – maybe I should reconsider. you do it yourself, which is very time consuming. Most will end up in the recycle bin. Now look at the cost of a similar sized advert in The Villager. For I have a website, I don’t need paper advertising. just £100 you can have a full page advert, in 7,500 Good reason? Definitely not! And here’s why: copies, distributed free of charge. And the lifespan websites are great – in fact I think every business of your advert: at least 1 month! should have one, but to work efficiently, they have to be found! Without going into technical detail, Advertising is not an exact science and there are no the only way a website will work on its own is if guarantees. There is also no way to determine why it gets on the first page of the search engine, and one advert generates a good response and another that’s not as easy as you may think. Let’s look at doesn’t. It’s very much a trial and error process; a simple example. You need a plumber. You go on but one thing is certain: if you don’t advertise, you the internet and search for plumbers in your area. definitely won’t get a response! It’s like the lottery: As an exercise I did exactly that . . . and there are if you don’t buy a ticket, you can’t win! more than 10 pages of plumbers in my area, so over 150 plumbers. How do I choose the one I want? tel: 01684 833715 Well, I have two choices: I can either call the first mob: 07754 179286 one on the list, or I can do what I should have done email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk 10

To advertise call 0845 224 7061 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Rejuvenate your body and

reduce the stress with

Therapeutic Yoga Beginners welcome, 1st session

Mixed ability daytime and evening classes in Pershore, Worcester & Upton area

PAUL COOPER Plastering, Rendering and Screeding Services Overskim Old Walls and Artex 25 years experience

tel 01905 381082 mob 07977 742245

FREE

Pam Griffiths - 01386 552004 BWY Yoga tutor - 'REAL YOGA' Therapist email: penshamyoga@yahoo.co.uk

www.penshamyoga.com

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... - 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.

Nikki Walding ACA & Ian Cooke ACA Nikki Walding ACA & Ian Cooke ACA

Check your tax position with our Check tax position with our Freeyour Financial Healthcheck Free Financial Healthcheck Call for a free review PERSHORE 01386 552644 Call for a –free review LEDBURY ––01531 PERSHORE 01386631500 552644 LEDBURY – 01531 631500

Crowthers Chartered Accountants at The Courtyard, 19 High Street, Pershore,at Crowthers Chartered Accountants Worcestershire, The Courtyard, 19 HighWR10 Street,1AA Pershore, and WR10 1AA Worcestershire, 10 The Southend, and Ledbury, 2EY 10Herefordshire, The Southend,HR8 Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2EY www.crowther.co.uk

www.crowther.co.uk

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

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

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he Festivities are over, the rituals of 12th night duly observed. The view from the sitting room window is bleak, the garden’s at rest and we settle back into our cosy sofas, surrounded by a myriad of seed catalogues. Their glossy photographs entice us to grow all manner of exotic flowers and vegetables; the new, the rare and the irresistible. January, the month Be fo re named after the twoheaded Roman god Janus ; one bearded head looking to the past, the other clean shaven looking to the future. He is the pagan deity of beginnings and endings, of transition and the origin of the dreaded New Year’s resolutions. Generally the concept of which, is to implement a plan of self-improvement, but depressingly, I believe the failure rate is a massive 88%. Nevertheless it is a good time for us gardeners to reflect on the horticultural triumphs and debacles of the previous growing season. Gardeners are perennial optimists; we need to be. Our horticultural plans often dashed by ‘unseasonally wet weather’, trampled by an escaped herd of cows with unseemly desires on ones dahlias or slurped to death overnight by a plague of molluscs. We emerge from these

A Garden Audit . . . but it shouldn’t be too taxing! experiences crestfallen, but not crushed and often mumbling the phrase ‘next year will be different’. At a recent dinner party, I fell into conversation with a professional photographer and gardener who photographs his clients’ gardens once a month for a whole year so they A ft er can observe the seasonal changes. It got me thinking; how can this artistic ritual be used to develop and improve one’s own garden - a sort of visual garden audit? This January, why not resolve to look at the bigger picture? Resist the temptations of the seed catalogues to buy something you didn’t know you needed; start a garden journal instead. It could be a digital record or a scrap book. I find the latter easier, because I can jot down notes with muddy fingers and stick in seed packets, nursery receipts and the odd diagram. I am not aiming for the Diary of an

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Edwardian Lady, but it does help when I have a pot of soggy autumn leaves with no label, I can get out the journal and forensically identify the anonymous culprit. Photograph the same garden view from your conservatory, your kitchen window or that border which needs a bit of ‘gingering up’, once a month-ish and stick them sequentially in your journal. After a few months, you will have a series of photographs that will either delight or bore you to death. The point being that when standing in the garden, we are drawn to the seasonal focal point, the brilliant tulips in bloom, the fresh leaves of the Spirea and our brain conveniently diverts our attention away from the uninteresting and untidy. Only when confronted by the evidence at our kitchen table, do we see the embarrassing bits of garden that ‘could do better’. On a small scale: • Improve a border by introducing some winter flowering shrubs like Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’ or a vibrant Hammamelis mollis, but not together (pink and yellow don’t go together!) • Buy some wattle fencing and finally screen off the compost heap from view!

• Install a small and easy water feature, bringing life to a static garden scene. • Crown raise an old Philadelphus or Cornus; under plant with some fresh spring flowering perennials: Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’, Ferns, Primroses, Violets. • Indulge in a large terracotta urn from Whichford Pottery as a border focal point - you don’t even have to fill it. • Install a stained glass and stone sculpture. If possible, position it so you can view it from your house and the sunlight shines through it on December 20th, reminding you that Spring is on its way. When bold decisions are needed to clear out an entire border, start from scratch. Plan it first on paper, use your photographs, sketch some shapes, build in the layers and all year round interest; may be even buy a little consultation time with a garden designer, before you even lift your secateurs. The trick is to pick a project, implement some changes; above all, be in the top 12% and complete it! Start small and build up to your magnum opus. And my New Years Resolution? It’s to buy more plant labels!

Hilary Collins Design ConsuItant & Horticulturist Envisage . . . gardens by design at Grafton Nursery www envisage-gardens.co.uk t: 01386 898196 or 01684 878571 Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

New Year New You: Tips on turning your New Year's fitness resolutions into reality

ith the New Year here, the chances are you or someone you know is resolving to lose weight or get in shape. Part of what makes these resolutions so difficult is that we expect to see results quickly, and when we don’t, we tend to give up. Getting into shape and becoming healthier isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon (but without all the sweating and fatigue of an actual marathon). Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and eating the right foods are lifelong activities. Here are some ideas to help you make living fit a part of your life. 1. Get Specific

The more details you include in your plan, the better your chances of success. If you’ve got “exercise” or “eat better” on your New Year’s resolution list, you probably won’t be doing much of either. That’s because “exercise” isn’t a specific plan. For example, set aside 25 minutes each morning, say between 6:45 and 7:10, to stretch, walk or go for a jog -‐ whatever. Just be specific. For eating better, schedule specific healthy meals and snacks for specific times throughout the day.

a healthy protein shake every day. The key is to establish a routine of things you do at specific times. The sooner it becomes part of your day, the sooner it will become part of your life. 3. Celebrate your successes If you create specific plans for exercise and healthier eating, and you make them part of your daily routine, chances are you’ll be seeing positive results. Celebrate! You’ve earned it. And a little pat on the back is a great motivator to keep the good results coming - through the next New Year and beyond.

2. Make it routine One effective way to introduce a new behaviour is to make it part of your day. For exercise, set up a routine -‐ maybe a walk around your local area, maybe to the park or the shops each morning. If you’ve resolved to lose weight, replace lunch with 18

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January Article by Marion Freeman

n the Roman calendar the year began on 1st March and ended on 31st December. January and February were added later, with January being named after the Roman god Janus, meaning 'opening' in Latin. Statues of Janus show him with two faces: one looking back and the other forward. In the past it was common practise in many parts of the country for children to go 'apple gifting' on 1st January. Apples would be decorated with evergreen twigs, usually rosemary and box, together with grain and raisins. These were carried from house to house as New Year blessings, offered in exchange for small gifts of food or money. In Scotland children still sometimes go 'guising', smearing their faces with soot and singing New Year rhymes in exchange for gifts and goodies such as slices of Black Bun, a sort of pie with a type of mincemeat filling. As it is considered unlucky to visit any house empty-handed on New Year's day, and guisers often leave a piece of coal, this symbol harking back to the old pagan celebrations when fires were lit throughout the country to encourage the waning sun and as a protection against evil and witchcraft

most important day of the year, but was adopted by the western church in the 4th century. They concentrated on the manifestation to the three wise men representing the nonJewish Christian world. The 6th January was chosen as it coincided with this and therefore superseded pagan celebrations of the New Year. An interesting Epiphany gift ceremony used to take place on 6th January at St James Palace in London. British monarchs would re-enact the visit of the three wise men bringing gifts to the Christ-child, but from the time of George III this has been done by appointed representatives. Gifts of gold in the shape of gold sovereigns, frankincense and myrrh are placed on the altar of the Chapel Royal and blessed by the Bishop of London.

Sirens, bells, hooters and fireworks still welcome in the New Year at midnight and with toasts, kisses and singing of 'Auld Lang Syne'. Recently the Scottish tradition of "first footing" has become more celebrated south of the border when a tall, dark male is welcomed to the house on the stroke of midnight, bearing gifts of coal, bread, salt and whisky, traditionally entering by the front door and leaving through the back. Should the visitor be a stranger, even more good luck is ensured to the household especially if he is offered a glass of whisky and a piece of shortbread.

In pagan times Twelfth Night signified the end of yule and the culmination of the Christmas jollifications. It was time to take down decorations as it was thought if holly was kept in the house after this date, each leaf and sprig of berries turned into a mischievous spirit. It was traditionally an occasion for games, feasting and general merriment. The Lord of Misrule, appointed at the beginning of the Christmas season held his final court on this day, having led all the festivities of the previous twelve days. In Tudor times a masque or play would often be presented such as Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the revels presided over by the King of the Bean or Queen of the Marrowfat (pea). A bean was cooked into a cake and whoever found it in their portion was crowned and in more recent versions, had to buy a round of drinks.

Twelfth Night is a pagan festival adapted by the Christian church into Epiphany. This signified the four manifestations of Christ: to the shepherds, to the wise men, at his baptism and when he changed water into wine. At first this celebration occurred only in the Eastern Orthodox Church calendar, where it is still the 20

Old Twelfth Night was held on 17th January and it is around this time that wassailing takes

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place. The word 'wassail', from the Old English salutation 'was hal' (be in good health) is said when presenting wine to a guest. Wassailing takes place particularly in areas where apples are extensively grown and takes various forms depending on the part of the country. However in essence they are the same, all originating in an ancient rite for protecting the orchards from evil. Parties assemble amongst the trees carrying shotguns and horns and copious supplies of cider or ale, which may be poured over the roots or branch tips, whilst traditional songs are sung. A gun may be fired through the top branches to drive away evil spirits, whilst in some cases bread soaked in cider is placed on the branches, the whole accompanied by singing and the performance of Morris dancers. In east Cornwall one special tree is saluted and sprinkled with cider, and in parts of west Sussex 'apple howling' takes places where horns are blown and the trees thrashed with sticks to encourage them to bear fruit. You won't need to go far in order to take part in one of these events for each year such a ceremony takes place at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton. The 2013 event will take place on 12th January commencing at 6.30pm but arrive in good time if you need a parking space! It is a really fun evening when folk singers and Morris men entertain, whilst a huge brazier burns and traditional cerebrations take place. The Monday following Twelfth Night is known as Plough Monday and marked the end of the Christmas holiday period - often the only holiday of the year for farm labourers - when ploughing would begin for the next crop. It was a feast day in many parts of the country. Athletic young men would be chosen to take part in 'leaping dances' as it was thought the height they leapt would be the height of the next corn harvest. In some areas labourers with blackened faces dragged a decorated plough (often called a 'fool plough') around the streets with threats to those not donating to a collection box to have their gardens ploughed up in retaliation. Sometimes a fool, dressed in skins and with a

tail would dance behind the plough. The 20th January marks St Agnes' Eve when tradition says that a girl will dream of her future partners if she takes pins from a pincushion whilst reciting a Pater Noster, and stick them into her sleeve. Once in bed, she should lie on her back with her hands behind her head, and she will then dream of being kissed by her future husband. (I haven't been able to ascertain whether she should still be wearing her sleeve of pins!). St Agnes lived in Rome at the time of the Emperor Diocletian, and because she refused to marry and deny her faith, was stripped and sent to a brothel as punishment. According to legend her hair miraculously grew to cover her whilst an angel brought her a white robe. The month's end sees Burns' Night on 25th January. Not so well observed in our part of the country as north of the border, where events are held to honour Scotland's greatest poet, Robert Burns. This is celebrated by a special Burns' Night Supper involving much merrymaking, drinking of toasts, eating of haggis, speeches and recitations of Burns' poems, and culminating of course, in the singing of 'Auld Lang Syne' . . .

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THE FABRIK SHOP In recent years, there has been a surprising resurgence of interest in arts and crafts. It may be in response to recessive times or perhaps the ‘Kirsty’ effect, following Kirsty Allsop’s successful series last year which actively promoted crafting and being creative in your home. Her new series is currently being broadcast on Channel 4. The Fabrik Shop based in Pershore is extremely happy to report a healthy increase in interest in dressmaking; so much so that proprietor, Lisa Haggitt, has extended the range of fabrics by a third to cope with demand. Lisa says “people seem to be very disappointed with the quality and choice of clothes on the High Street. Many have returned to dressmaking to ensure they have clothes that are individual, made of a superior quality fabric and of course offer a great fit.” Making your own clothes still provides very good value for money, especially when you consider the type of fabrics you can buy. A typical straight skirt, fully lined in a boucle wool, which is very fashionable at the moment, will only cost around £15 in total, more of course if you need to purchase a pattern; but this is still great value considering the same skirt may well cost in excess of £45 in the shops. “Quality and fit is the issue here” Lisa says, “wearing clothes made just for you will make you feel good and of course no one will have anything like it.” Should there be enough interest Lisa plans to run dressmaking courses in the New Year. Those people who are interested should telephone or email the shop and register your details as soon as possible. Lisa suggests you make the most of the cold dark nights and tap into your creative spirit. Dressmaking can be very satisfying, a great confidence boost and save you money as well.

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 Fat quarters from £1

The Fabrik Shop, Broad Street, Pershore stocks a full range of fleece, quilting and dressmaking fabrics and equipment.

Tel: 01386 553626 email: thefabrikshop@btinternet.com 22

To advertise call 0845 224 7061 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Part-time Courses

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We have a great choice of courses on offer including: • Creative Cup Cakes • Zumba

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chill

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Your local College in Evesha m and Malvern

The Willow Spa Experience White Ladies Aston Worcester WR7 4QQ

Davies Road, Evesham Albert Road North, Malvern

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01905 345605

Email mail@willowspa.co.uk www.willowspa.co.uk

S and H

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Unit 4 the Hop Farm • Broadwas on Teme WR6 5NZ • Tel 01886 822032 Andy 07884 274976 or Terry 07847 275357 Email: simonallard@sky.com www.aandsmemorials.co.uk

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30 years of experience Unit 4 the Hop Farm • Broadwas on Teme • WR6 5NZ • Tel 01886 822032 Julie 07969 333203 or Simon 07969 333497 Email: simonallard@sky.com www.aandsmemorials.co.uk 24

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Septic Tank? Cesspit?  Cesspit, Septic Tank & Sewage Treatment Plant Emptying

Independent Financial Advisers • Pensions and Retirement Planning • Savings and Investments • Later Life Advice • General Financial Advice

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Call: 01684 891768 Email: advice@candcfp.co.uk

Waste Solution Specialists

visit us at www.csg.co.uk or email enquiries@csg.co.uk

Health & Nutrition For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on health and nutrition: 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits. 2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits. 3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits. 4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits. 5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Brits.

Pinvin, Pershore

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like: apparently speaking English is what kills you!!

Please mention THE VILLAGER when Focus responding 25to advertisers Ledbury

MARCH HARE HEALTH & LEISURE COMPLEX

Article & Photography by Brian Joyce

ouncillor Richard Morris, Chairman of the Wychavon District Council opened the newly formed joint venture between Exclusive Gym and Select Physio.

a special interest in The joint venture is based in the purpose built Biomechanics and premises at Broughton Hackett, near Worcester rehabilitation. By and will combine bespoke, one-to-one fitness assessing coaching using their indoor gym and unique the clients outdoor ‘Boot Camp’ assault course with the problem(s) full service Physio practice offering a wide a n d range of specialist treatments for all ages. then coThese treatment regimes are aimed at those ordinating with a variety between of muscular and skeletal problems the Physio from arthritis and programme general injuries, and the rehabilitation, fitness and strength or injuries from development in the gym, the joint venture has sporting accidents. proved they can accelerate and improve the Sarah Collierrecovery process in many cases. Meanwhile, Smith, MD of Phil Newbury, the MD of Exclusive Gym says, Select Physio who ”We are helping some members lose weight, has previously others want to train for a specific sport and worked within some are elite athletes – they all have very the NHS in specific and personal goals that we can help Birmingham them achieve”. and BUPA South Bank Councillor Morris, who cut the ribbon to Hospital, is officially open the joint venture, after taking quoted as a tour and testing the facilities was quoted as saying, “Our saying, “I am always happy to support new new joint initiatives in the Wychavon area and one that venture will supports a healthy certainly be lifestyle should prove beneficial to many of our physio clients because to be very popular having a state-of-the-art gym at our disposal will boost what we can achieve. Exclusive Gym indeed”. is also unusual because it provides a non-competitive, small numbers environment where fitness coaches and personal trainers can concentrate on helping members to achieve real personal results, without the hype and image that goes with so many other gyms”. The Select Physio practice was established inTo2011 by Sarah and advertise call 0845 224has 7061 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk 26

Jacksons Jewellery Ltd Jewellery Sales & Repairs

Helping our clients to Earn More, Keep More &

PAY LESS TAX

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 firm of accountants including:

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Phone 01386 764 765 or Email enquire@focusas.co.uk www.focusas.co.uk

Stay safe and healthy this winter…….. Staying Warm and Well over the winter months, both inside and outside of your home, is vital for remaining healthy. We can help you prepare for the cold weather through our range of services and support designed especially for the winter season:     

Winter Warmth Checks - an all-round health check for your home Help around the home including shopping, preparation of light meals and pet walking Installation of draft proofing Advice on cheaper fuel And much more…..

For more information or to book a Winter Warmth Check, call us on 01386 422700 Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire 12 Vine Street, Evesham, WR11 Tel: 01386 422700 Email: evesham@ageukhw.org.uk Web: www.ageukhw.org.uk

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HUXLEY IMAGING BESPOKE PICTURE FRAMING

uxley Imaging is constantly evolving: the central aim is to offer affordable, specialist bespoke framing to local customers. Trading since 2004, the business is now a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, working within their guidelines to deliver best quality. Our speciality is to come up with creative framing ideas for whatever customers bring in. Recently Richard has framed “Baby Grows”, rugby shirts, many cross–stitches, a variety of medals and even had the chance to work on a 100 years birthday telegram from “The Palace”! Really keen to give the message that Huxley Imaging can also help art groups, camera clubs and local businesses / enterprises, Richard has also been happy to give free presentations and demos: just get in touch and, if the diary is clear, he can set something up. The latest idea in unique framing has been to provide a rustic look, using reclaimed floorboards. Have a look on the new website - www.huxleyimaging.co.uk - to see examples of this work, the artists / photographers using Huxley Imaging and the many other framing ideas on show. And please remember, while we love the challenge of the more complex pieces, we also derive real satisfaction in doing the more straightforward, really well.

To advertise call 0845 224 7061 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Home Handyman Painting  Decorating  Tiling Someone to do those odd jobs around the house No job too small Tel: John 01386 550263 Mob: 07770 442851 email: johnstbbrt@gmail.com

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

“Come and experience how good village shopping can be !!” Open: 8am – 6pm Monday – Friday 9am – 12noon Sat 9am – 11am Sun Post Office: 9am – 3.30pm Mon- Fri.

Tel: 01905 841616 (Shop & Orders) 01905 840471 (Post Office)

For a personal and helpful service with:

SELF-ASSESSMENT TAX RETURNS BUSINESS ACCOUNTS VAT RETURNS COMPUTERISED ACCOUNTS Contact Paul Jenkins, Chartered Accountant

01386 552223 paul@pjaccounts.co.uk 39 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1EU

CRAIG MERCHANT ELECTRICAL SERVICES

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

Call for a FREE

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Chase Heating | Racecourse Road | Pershore | Worcs | WR10 2EY

Plan NOW to save money in early 2013

Start saving money on your fuel bills! Today's woodburning stoves not only keep your living space lovely and warm they provide a luxurious focal point to your home in both traditional and modern styles.

Invest in a woodburner - make your house a home! Contact us for our latest brochure

SUMMER FUEL OFFERS... Kiln Dried Logs by Certainly Wood £5.99 per bag 10 BAGS £50 Kiln Dried Kindling by Certainly Wood £3.99 per box. BUY 4 GET ONE FREE Burning Briquettes £5.80 per 10kg pack. 10 PACKS £50

Visit our large showroom

to view our extensive range of quality Wood-burning Stoves and Range Cookers - working models on display.

NOW IN: Kiln Dried Wood, Coal, Kindling and Eco Fuels.

Chaseheating ‘Warming the heart of the local community since 1969’

tel: 01386 555333 www.chaseheating.co.uk OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM TIL 5PM SATURDAY 9AM TIL 1PM 30

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My Little Satnav I have a little Satnav It sits there in my car A Satnav is a driver's friend It tells you where you are

It lists the vehicles just in front And all those to the rear And taking this into account It specifies my gear.

I have a little Satnav I've had it all my life It’s better than the normal ones My Satnav is my wife!

I'm sure no other driver Has so helpful a device For when we leave and lock the car It still gives its advice

It gives me full instructions Especially how to drive "It's thirty miles an hour", it says "You're doing thirty five"

It fills me up with counselling Each journey's pretty fraught So why don't I exchange it And get a quieter sort?

It tells me when to stop and start And when to use the brake And tells me that it's never ever Safe to overtake

Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, Makes sure I'm properly fed, It washes all my shirts and things And . . . . keeps me warm in bed!

It tells me when a light is red And when it goes to green It seems to know instinctively Just when to intervene

Despite all these advantages, And my tendency to scoff, I do wish that once in a while I could turn the damned thing off!

■ Local company based in Worcestershire ■ Vast knowledge of felt, tile and rubber roofing systems ■ Fascias, sofit and rain water systems

Morton Hall Lane Holberrow Green Redditch Worcestershire B96 6SD

Call for any help and advice 01386 792638 01527 526207 07516 225321

■ Supplies to trade and public ■ Large stocks of roofing products including felt, tiles, lath and fixings ■ A good selection of reclaimed tiles and slate ■ All work fully guaranteed and insured ■ Free no obligation quotations

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rom the Sticks is a design and marketing company based on the Worcestershire and Herefordshire borders.

We are a local, friendly and professional company specialising in giving smallmedium sized businesses a helping hand with all their marketing requirements, large or small. Unlike many other design companies we do a lot more than just design â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we offer a complete service encompassing everything creative, plus marketing advice and planning. Whatever your requirements we can help â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from websites, to logo design and branding, flyers, brochures, vehicle graphics, e-marketing, corporate stationery and business cards, exhibition material, signage, promotional literature, adverts and more . . . . . We understand that marketing can often get overlooked amongst the many demands of running a business, however the New Year is a great time to have a good look at your business goals and make a plan for the year. If you think we can help, we'd love to talk to you. We take a pride in getting to know our customers, so together we can help you deliver great results. Call us, or visit our wesbite to hear what our clients have to say about us.

tel. 01432 617 013 mob. 07778 355 186

email. info@fromthesticks.co.uk web. www.fromthesticks.co.uk

01432 617 013 07778 355 186

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

sunflower soft furnishings

• 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 • Wide range of fabrics & wallpapers to view • Poles, tracks & all curtain accessories

Are you a model or an agent needing portfolio or fashion shoot photographs. All of these and more can be provided by BG Digital Photographs. Just contact me by email, mobile phone or the contact form on the website.

• Roller, vertical, venetian blinds • Complete fitting service

BG Digital Photographs, your friendly, experienced local digital photographer in the Vale of Evesham.

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

t: 01905 381811 m: 07976 640307

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

sal.williams@btconnect.com

Mobile: 07864 264 4 59 www.bgdigitalphotographs.co.uk

Blonde on a Plane

www.sunflowersoftfurnishings.com

(with apologies to all my fellow blondes!)

A plane is on route to Toronto, when a blonde in economy class gets up and moves to the first class section and sits down. The flight attendant watches her do this and asks to see her ticket. She then tells the blonde that she paid for economy class and that she will have to sit in the back. The blonde replies, "I'm blonde, I'm beautiful, I'm going to Toronto and I'm staying right here." The flight attendant goes into the cockpit and tells the pilot and the co-pilot that there is a blonde bimbo sitting in first class, who belongs in economy and won't move back to her seat. The co-pilot goes back to the blonde and tries to explain that because she only paid for economy she will have to leave and return to her seat. The blonde replies, "I'm blonde, I'm beautiful, I'm going to Toronto and I'm staying right here." The co-pilot tells the pilot that he probably should have the police waiting when they land to arrest this blonde woman who won't listen to reason. The pilot says, "You say she is a blonde? I'll handle this: !'m married to a blonde and I speak blonde." He goes back to the blonde and whispers in her ear, and she says, "Oh, I'm sorry", gets up and goes back to her seat in economy. The flight attendant and co-pilot are amazed and ask him what he said to make her move without any fuss. The pilot smiles and says, "I just told her first class isn't going to Toronto!"

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Number Workout Fit the numbers 1-6 once in every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

6 5 4

2 1

1 5

Fill in the blank squares so each row and each mini the numbers 1 - 9 without same number in any row,

8 5

8 8 9 5 34

4 8

2 4

6 1

8 9

6 5

1. What is also known as the monkey nut? 2. Which musical gave the world "With a Little Bit of Luck"? 3. In Oliver Twist, what is Jack Dawkins nickname?

5. In the film Dr No, what colour was Ursula Andress's bikini?

4. Who was the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali in a professional bout?

4 4

Coffee Time!

that each line, square contain duplicating the line or square

Trivia

(answers on page 37)

Sudoku

17 16

Fill in the blank squares, ensuring that the numbers add up to the number in the grey box to the left of the row or above the line. Only numbers 1 to 9 can be used and no number can be repeated in the same row or line.

5 4

Kakuro

6. Which Greek letter is used to calculate the area or circumference of a circle? 7. Over whose skull does Hamlet wax eloquent in Shakespear's play? 8. What does the Latin term "Tempus fugit" mean in English?

4 3-

9. Who are more prone to colour blindness - men or women?

10. Inor 1899, what became the tallest To advertise call 0845 224 7061 or 07754 170286 visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk structure in the word?

Heating & Plumbing Gas Safe Registered Engineer

Mark Hartley

[based in Inkberrow]

Gas & LPG Boiler Servicing from £65

Tel: 01386 793 221 Mob: 07846 198157

Professional Paws & Claws

Dog Grooming Salon

clipping, bathing,

nail cutting etc...

ft rs Gi che le u lab Vo vai A

Beauty Therapy by Katie Haines

Stockists of: Dermalogica Shellac Jessica as well as a full range of traditional beauty products and treatments Pello Bonito • Church Street • Fladbury Pershore • Worcs • WR10 2QB

Tel: 01386 860110 Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday Late night opening Wednesday

1 Cowleys Way, High Street, Pershore

07933 153433 (Find us in Pershore Market)

We also sell bowls, collars and accessories.

Jackie Richards MAAT MAAT Bookkeeping and Accountancy Services Based in Inkberrow in Worcestershire, Bookkeeping • VAT • Payroll Personal Income Tax • Business Income Tax Corporation Tax • Final Accounts Preparation 16a Stonepit Lane, Inkberrow, Worcestershire WR7 4ED www.jackierichards.co.uk • 01386 793725 • 07967 791317

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Events in

January Thursday 3rd January The Ramblers group walk. Distance 4 miles. Enjoy British wildlife on a Ramblers group walk. Breakfast before the Hills. Meet in The Foley Arms for breakfast after which we will head up the hills at a leisurely pace and return in time for lunch. Bring a mid morning snack and drink and money for your breakfast and lunch at a hostelry in Malvern. Time: 9am. Contact: Dave C tel: 01386 556543 mob: 07810 398233. Most walks are intended primarily for Ramblers’ Association members. Non-members are welcome to join us as guests. The Ramblers group walk starting point. Grid Ref: SO774461 Worcestershire WR14 4QY Saturday 5th January Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra Welcome in the New Year with our traditional New Year’s Viennese Concert. This concert is a wonderful selection of world famous waltzes, polkas and marches. Popular local dramatic soprano, Susan Black joins the orchestra in music to evoke warmth, romance and passion. 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Phone: 01905 359247. Church Street, Pershore, WR10 1DT. Saturday 12th January Purple Zeppelin The dream gig that never was – until now! Purple Zeppelin are proud to pay tribute to the two greatest Rock Bands of all time Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, together on the same bill for the very first time!!! Many years have passed since the last UK gigs from the classic line-ups of both bands. Whether you were lucky enough to have seen the originals live or not, Purple Zeppelin will take you back to the magic, the excitement and the sheer raw energy generated by those incredible musicians. 8pm. Phone: 01527 57733. £13 & £11. Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1PQ Saturday 12th January Wassail Christmas is over and January sees the return of the Fleece Inn annual Wassail. From dusk the apple orchard is alive with cider, singing and Morris men. Join us for this pagan tradition of waking the trees to encourage a good harvest for next years cider, fun for all the family and a brilliant way to dispel those winter blues! 6.30pm to 11pm. Phone: 01383 831173. Free entry. The Cross, Bretforton, Evesham, WR11 7JE. www.thefleeceinn.co.uk

Friday 18th January Alan Barnes/Art Themen Quintet Top UK clarinet and alto/tenor/baritone saxophone star Alan Barnes, returns to Hanley Castle High School in the company of Art Themen, David Newton, Andy Cleyndert and Steve Brown. 8pm to 10.30pm. Doors open 7pm. Phone: 01684 593794 £15 inc. tea/coffee. Church End, Hanley Castle, Upton-upon-Severn, WR8 0BL Saturday 19th January Exclusively Men Cookery Course It is not surprising that most professional chefs are male, proving that men can be very gifted cooks. This course is aimed at both amateur and enthusiastic male cooks wanting to develop their culinary skills. Exclusively Men is one of our most popular courses. Price includes all ingredients, refreshments on arrival and during the day, 2 course lunch with wine and a recipe pack to take home. Max number of people 18. Phone: 01386 751600. Full Day: £175 pp, Half a Day: £99 pp. Manor Farm, Manor Road, Eckington, Nr. Pershore, WR10 3BJ. Friday 25th January Burns Supper St Richard's Hospice invites you to a traditional Burns night at the Guildhall Worcester. Includes a 3 course dinner, a Piper and Ceilidh plus poetry by Alan Feeny. Tickets £35 pp, arrival 7pm, carriages 1am. For tickets or more information contact Rachel Jones on 01905 763963 or rjones@strichards.org. uk. Guildhall, High Street, Worcester WR1 2EY Sunday 27th January Creative Cupcakes If you thought decorating cupcakes just meant a swirl of buttercream and a few sprinkles, then you are very mistaken. The Creative Cake Academy show in this one day workshop how easy it is to create a stunning box of 12 cupcakes. Whether you are a novice or experienced cake decorator looking for new ideas, this workshop will give you all the skills you need, including a step by step tutorial on creating beautiful sugar flowers. You are not required to bring anything with you to the workshop, other than an apron!! A box of 12 freshly baked cupcakes with be provided to you, together with all the materials and all included within the course fee. Phone: 0333 456 8580. £115. Farncombe Estate, Broadway, WR12 7LJ.

To advertise call 0845 224 7061 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

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26/07/2011 13:23

MJsRealDeals Unit 6-7 Bakers Arcade, 54, High Street Pershore WR10 1DU

SECOND HAND DEALER Tel: 01386 552031 Mobile: 07846 390357 E-Mail: mjsrealdeals@sky.com PLEASE CALL IN TO BROWSE OR BUY

Why give your items away?

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

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We can often sell them for you On a 50/50 basis WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS

Answers to Trivia on VILLAGER page 34: (1)when The peanut (2) MytoFair Lady (3) The Artful Dodger (4) Joe Frazier (5) White37 Please mention THE responding advertisers (6) Pi (7) Yorick's (8) Time flies (9) Men (10) The Eiffel Tower

VETS & ANIMAL CARE