The villager july 2013 upload by Betty-Ann Ambury

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Hello and welcome to the July edition of

T he V illager Once

again

several

new

have

advertisers

and a range of articles from

Computer Problems? -

PC repairs and upgrades Spyware and virus removal Health checks and PC servicing Website design and site marketing PCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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:

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

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

Pendas Computer Services Ltd - Pershore -

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

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

Tel: 01386 555588 4

Andrew

Brooks'

offering

about

Hereford Hop cheese, to Brian Joyce's coverage of the Pershore Carnival. And for those of you who were at the Carnival and would like to see the full range of photos taken by Brian, please have a look at his website www.bgdigitalphotographs.co.uk. Another item of interest is the article on page

about

Pershore's

own

musical

talent, The Indigo Kings. And of course we have our usual items from Amy Marshall at ALM Fitness and Hilary Collins at Grafton Nursery, as well as practical tips for paddock maintenance from Jordan Massey. Some of you may have noticed that last month we ran out of space, and had to forfeit our monthly dose of humour!

This

month however, with a bit of crafty juggling, we've managed to include a couple of small, but tasty helpings of everyone's favourite medicine - just make sure you read the magazine from cover to cover so you don't miss them. And as always, if you'd like to talk about your advertising needs - whether its a one-off for a special event, or a long-term campaign for your business, just give me a call on 01684 833715.

BettyB e t

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

The Villager

contents 3

Welland Steam & Country Rally

The Indigo Kings

Shuttercraft

Pershore Carnival

The Bell at Salford Priors

Evesham Self Drive

More Cannas please . . .

Avon Leisure River Cruises

Betty-Ann Ambury

JM Paddock & Field

Contributors

ALM Fitness

The Cheeseboard

Events in July

Coffee Break

Malvern Food Festival

Your Community Directory

July 2013

Issue No. 38

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

Publisher & Advertising Grapevine Publications

3 Rye Street • Birtsmorton • WR13 6AS Tel: 0845 224 7061 Mob: 07754 170286 info@grapevinepublications.co.uk www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Editor

Betty-Ann Ambury Info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Advertising & Editorial

Andrew Brooks Amy Marshall Brian Joyce Hilary Collins Jordan Massey

Front Cover Photography Mike Ambury

Next Issue Copy Date 10th July 2013

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. © 2013 DISCLAIMER. All information published is correct according to those who supplied it and no responsibility is taken if it is not. Please mention VILLAGERare when responding tois advertisers Care is taken to ensureTHE all advertisements truthful and no liability accepted for errors or emissions.

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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

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Fairfield House, Defford Road, Pershore, WR10 1HZ

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Searching for Mr Right on vintage ‘Blind Date’

f you haven’t yet heard of The Indigo Kings, jiggle around a few memory cells and make room for those three words, as you may just hear them coming from your radio soon. Vintage pop band The Indigo Kings are proud to be local. Their home turf is Pershore, but this doesn’t mean they’re only concentrating on the local music scene, far from it. They’ve set their sights on dizzy heights and this summer and are performing at some of the UK’s most prominent jazz, blues and vintage festivals including Callander in Scotland and Twinwood, the UK’s #1 vintage and nostalgia festival. The really big news though is that they are officially releasing their debut single. The song, called “When I turn out the light” is in a vintage pop style, similar to the likes of Caro Emerald, Amy Winehouse and Paloma Faith;

which essentially blends jazz, blues and a bit of pop. For Caroline Boucher, one of the band’s lead singers, the most exciting part was filming the video for it. As the song’s writer (along with Carl WardBrassington) it has been her labour of love from its first creation and naturally, when it came to making a music video for it, Caroline took the lead in producing and directing the video. “It was an exhausting process, but incredible fun”, said Caroline. “The song features a woman who is essentially searching for Mr Right and the lyrics tell of three possible suitors. We wanted something quirky and fun, vintage in style and a little different to the usual music videos, so I came up with the idea for a vintage ‘Blind Date’ parody called ‘Blind Fate’, complete with

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cheesy game show host and some handsome young men. It came across brilliantly on camera.” The song itself will be released to radio on 5th August and will have its live premiere at Lakefest (Bredon, near Tewkesbury) where The Indigo Kings are opening the main stage on 9th August. “When I turn out the light” will be available through iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and all good online outlets from 5th August, however, you can download it now for free via the band’s website: w w w.t h e i n d i g o k i n g s . c o . u k To keep up with the latest developments and to be first to hear about band news, The Indigo Kings can be found on facebook (theindigokings), twitter (@ theindgiokings) and youtube (TheIndigoKingsBand). 9

huttercraft West Midlands are based in Droitwich Spa and offer a regional service throughout Worcestershire, Warwickshire and West Midlands, installing the very highest quality made-to-measure Window Shutters and Blinds from S:CRAFT.

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Carnival 2013 PershoreThrough the Ages" "

ay Bank holiday has come around again bringing with it the annual Pershore Carnival. Preparations for the procession started as usual at the Football Club, alongside the River Avon. The regal participants of Carnival king Wesley Blight, from Abbey Park Middle School, Footman Tee Jay Challenger, from St Barnabas First School, and Lady in Waiting Emily Blunsom, from Abbey Park First School, were this year joined by a very special lady by the name of Evelyn Jones.

Evelyn is special in many ways, but in particular because she has lived most of her 100 years in and around Pershore, working for a number of years at the Pershore Comprehensive School – Pershore High School as it is now. Our celebrated Centenarian was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Mayor of Pershore, Charles Tucker, just before setting off around Pershore. With a lovely smile and a cheeky sense of humour, Evelyn led the Carnival Parade from the start through to the Abbey Grounds, smiling and waving as she performed her regal duties. The air was full of excited chatter and laughter as the kids, costumed and made-up, ascended their chariots (trucks, trailers, steam engines and planes) ready to follow Evelyn, the Pershore Fire Service volunteers, St Andrews Pipe Band, Majorettes/ Baton Twirlers and a host of folks, many in costume or fancy dress, all parading through the streets of the town. The streets were packed (I’d suggest even more folks than last year?) on both sides and yours truly had to compete with photographers of all sorts, trying their best to get images of the Parade participants and Evelyn in particular. A smooth transition through the streets and onto the Abbey Grounds, due to the efforts of Colin Shepherd (Carnival Chairman) and his dedicated band of organisers: the hard working and unsung heroes of the Carnival. The crowd followed the procession onto the Abbey Grounds where an abundance of entertainment and food was to be found. Fairground swings and rides, Birds of Prey on display with a Falconry 12

demonstration, as well as stalls of all shapes and sizes, all peddling their wares. The ‘Bouncy Castle slides’ proved very popular with the youngsters as did the ice cream vendors, with the good weather helping to boost the attendance. Pete and Lola from Evesham Hospital Radio once again compered and pumped out the music, Mayor Charles Tucker announced the prize winners and Evelyn beamed as she handed out the cups and prizes. Holy Redeemer School ran away with the overall prize for best float and the kids all vied with each other to receive their trophy from Evelyn. Music was the theme for the evening as the Fabulous Boogie Boys, Will Bewley and Reverend Elvis performed rock and roll favourites. For once the weather co-operated, a good time was had by all, and hopefully everyone gave generously to support the local charities of Headway and the Pershore Volunteer Centre. Another cracker for Pershore – well done all who were involved. Article & Photos by Brian Joyce

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vesham Self Drive - a family-owned and run business, well-established in Evesham for the last 8 years - has recently taken on a new lease of life under the management of new owner Ian Jervis.

Quote IJ17 to get 10% discount Valid until 31st July

Car, Van and Mini Bus Hire ✔ by the hour

The company has a fleet of new, small and medium-sized registered cars, augmented by small commercial vehicles suitable for both business and private users. Evesham Self Drive is well-known in the area, with an excellent reputation for friendly reliable service, and a first class team of vehicle hire specialists who are always available with help and advice. The company’s emphasis is very much on high quality service and competitive pricing to meet local needs, including a local delivery and collection service. All vehicles are thoroughly cleaned before and after each hire, and with a fleet of 45 vehicles comprising vans, mini-buses and cars, Evesham Self Drive can always accommodate your requirements. No matter how long or short the hire period, you will receive the same attention to detail and customer care, with a clearly defined hire agreement that is understandable and free from ‘catch out’ clauses.

✔ by the week ✔ by the day ✔ or longer

What’s included? • 24 hour vehicle rental, from 8am - 8am following day • Insurance • VAT • RAC Breakdown Cover • Free unlimited UK mileage • Out of hours drop off available • Free additional drivers

To Hire

• Driving Licence held for 12 months (both parts if photo card) • Proof of address. eg utility bill • Debit/Credit card

On Return

• Interior vehicle clean • Fuel level returned to pick up level • Report of any damages/faults Quote IJ17 Quote IJ17 • Return keys to get to get 10% 10%discount discount

01386 833700

Valid until Valid until 30th 31stJune. July

info@eveshamselfdrive.co.uk

www.eveshamselfdrive.co.uk www.facebook.com/EveshamSelfDrive

With their competitive rates and a high quality personal service, Evesham Self Drive is place for all your vehicle hire needs, whether it’s a runabout car whilst your’s is being repaired, or one of our 9/16 seater mini-buses, perfect for a continental touring holiday.

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 Mixed ability daytime and evening classes in

Pershore, Worcester & Upton area

Beginners welcome, 1st session

FREE

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

Also offering one-to-one sessions

Pam Griffiths - 01386 552004

BWY Yoga tutor - 'REAL YOGA' Therapist email: penshamyoga@gmail.com

www.penshamyoga.com

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

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

don’t know about you, but I have a real problem with eating my ornamentals. This stems I think from memories of my father leaping amongst our perennials, emerging triumphant, waving short green shoots, which we would then eat at dinner. Aged 8, I felt wary: these were strictly herbaceous plants, they didn’t grow in our vegetable plot. Of course, the asparagus was delicious, but I am very glad he didn’t grow cannas, no doubt they would have been on the menu too! They are edible (apparently). They have the largest starch cells of all plant life. Cannas are turned into flour for biscuits, the Vietnamese use them to make cellophane noodles, but mainly they are fed to livestock!

C. ‘Pretoria’

Personally I think they are great garden plants, good for times of climate change. You would think these exotic beauties would demand deep rich ground and

C.‘Ehemannii’

oodles of water. Not so! Water cannas grow in bog gardens, but floral and foliage types are great for borders and pots. Cannas are very adaptable, able to hold their own, when all around is drooping in drought; but given moist fertile soil, cannas go mad, producing tall, fat stems. Vibrant, firey colours of red, yellow, apricot/ orange and hot pinks look great in bright light, but I have found in my own garden that strong sun bleaches canna flowers and the foliage, especially of striped foliage of C. Pretoria and dark purple varieties, becomes pale. Cannas do best in semi-shade and will illuminate dry, dull, garden corners. Originating exclusively in the Americas, cannas are closely related to the families of 18

Ginger (Zingiberaceae) , Banana (Musaceae) and Bird of Paradise (Streliziaceae) . Once simply a wild tropical plant, the canna travelled to Europe (16th century) and on to England. Unsurprisingly, the Victorians became involved, breeding and growing large numbers for spectacular flower and foliage displays. The large lush leaves and beautiful blooms of the modern day cultivars are deeply attractive and easily cultivated (treat like a dahlia); but requiring only 6-8 hours sunlight in summer and frost-free winter protection. They are now grown all over the world: even in the Arctic Circle, with its short growing season. I have collected cannas over many years, but became disillusioned in the mid-noughties. Initially unaware of canna virus, I gave up eventually, as my plants failed to thrive. Later, I was disappointed to learn that most of the Canna world was, back then (and still is) contaminated with virus, which manifests itself as yellow streaks through the foliage; plants contort, turn brown and wither. There C. ‘Stuttgart’ is a distinct lack of willpower and effort being put into cleaning up the industry, particularly on the part of the big European producers, supplying the major retail outlets of this country. However, at the RHS Malvern Spring garden

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

show, my fascination for these exhuberant, bold architectural plants was rekindled, whilst visiting the stand of Keith Hayward. Keith, with his wife Christine, holds the National Collection, and together they run Hart Cannas. I was very encouraged to hear from Keith about their concerted effort to source, grow and supply only disease free tubers. Any infected plants are instantly destroyed. You can read about Keith’s crusade to clean up cannas at http://cannanews.blogspot. co.uk/2008/01/thoughts-on-virus-from-hartcanna.html Which varieties to choose? Once, there were 100’s of varieties available, but 2 world wars depleted many collections. Of late, Cannas are gaining in popularity, as gardeners identify with this easy, drought resistant plant A few of my favourites: C. ‘Pretoria’ RHS AGM (aka ‘Bengal Tiger’) herringbone stripes of cream on green with large apricot orange blooms. One of the best ‘classic’ canna varieties

C.‘Shenandoah’

C. ‘Ambassadour’: large, nicely shaped creamy white flowers, against deep green foliage. Good for gloomy corners.

C.‘Ehemannii’ AGM: this hybrid of C. iridiflora from the cloud mountains of Peru is a most beautiful, large, dramatic plant with nodding trusses of cerise flowers C.‘Shenandoah’: an oldy, but good. ‘Barbara Cartland’ Shocking pink flowers set against perfect bronze foliage. C.‘Wyoming’ AGM: 2m tall dark bronze foliage as a background to tangerine blooms stunning all-time favourite. Getting ‘Jungle Fever’ I love the mad C. ‘Musifolia Grande’. A 2m tall column of emerald green foliage, red

veins, leaf-edges and stems: most spectacular when backlit by a setting sun. Plant with Ricinus carmencita, Bamboos or Miscanthus and you would think you were in the C. ‘Russian Red’ jungle.

C. ‘Ambassadour’

C. ‘Stuttgart’: 3m of glaucous leaves splashed with white will brighten the gloomiest garden recess. C. ‘Russian Red’ AGM: Keith’s own selection: a mouth-watering burgundy beauty, with orange flowers. Best grown in front of a light green shrub to display the dramatic redbronze foliage. So the message is clear: purchase healthy Canna rhizomes and plants from a reliable supplier and enjoy vibrant colour all summer long, just don’t reach for the cookery book! To view Haywards extensive disease-free selection visit: www.hartcanna.co.uk written by Hilary Collins BSc. (Hons)hort., M.I.Hort. Envisage...gardens by design Grower, Horticultural Consultant and Garden Designer Grafton Nursery Grafton Flyford, Worcester WR7 4PW For advice on garden design, landscape construction and planting contact: email: hilary@envisage-gardens.co.uk www.envisage-gardens.co.uk www.grafton-nursery.co.uk (photos courtesy of Keith Hayward at Hart Canna)

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Tel: 01386 792354 www.mhf.uk.com

HF (Uk) LTD started life in 1975 as MHF Plant and Skip Hire. A young man named Martin Harvey Fernihough, with one skip lorry, a trencher and lots of enthusiasm worked all the hours he could, doing groundworks and skip hire, in and around Radford, Inkberrow and the surrounding villages. Over the years, the business has expanded and locally, the distinctive green, red and gold livery on our trucks is easily recognisable as we collect and deliver skips around Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

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

Nationally however, we are better known for the other side of our business – truck, trailer and bin hire and sales. We hold a corner of the niche market of ‘Demountables’! Any truck that carries a bin has to be fitted with some kind of equipment for picking up and dropping bins and we are the UK’s leading dedicated supplier of vehicles equipped with such kits - specifically hook, cable and chainlift systems and as well as supplying our specialist vehicles to companies within the waste management sector, building and associated industries, we are also the first port of call for many local authorities. To the lay person, a truck is just a truck! In our industry though, our trucks are a vital part of the economy – whether w e ’ r e 20

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

Fax: 01386 792184

Tel: 01386 792354

thinking about block pavers, landfill sites, tree surgeons, scaffolders, council park works, skip-hire operatives, etc., the list is endless! Where would we all be without the humble skip lorry?

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

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: Accountancy Tax Compliance Bookkeeping & VAT Payroll & CIS

Phone 01386 764 765 or Email enquire@focusas.co.uk 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 Call Free! 0800 0832 660 info@pjimprovements.co.uk

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

ate Birthday Parties, Wedding Celebration s, for Priv Ideal

a just ns or emed Events, Corporate Functio

SMALL PARTIES

Spirit Of Freedom is suitable for parties of 20 to 38. Ploughman’s Lunch, Bangers & Mash £11.95 - 90 minute Cruise £14.95 - 2 hour Cruise £19.95 - 3 hour Cruise

Suitable For Parties to hour 12 £90 per hour £45 peruphalf per hour (A£90 minimum cruise£45 timeper of 1 half hour hour 30 min-

(A minimum cruise time of 1 hour 30 minutes. Sunday a Weekend Premium Premiumof of£15 £15applies) applies)

HEATING

2 OPEN DECKS

All Day Charter Only £350

Bring your own food & drink!

FISH & CHIPS SUPPER

Fish & Chips Cruise 1hr45min ONLY

£12.95 per person

Fridays 7:45pm 5th July & 30th August

CREAM TEA CRUISE

Cream Tea with Jam & Scones Cruise 1hr45min ONLY

£11.95 per person

Sundays 1:00pm on 14th July & 1st September

SUMMER SUNDAY SPECIAL

ONLY

per person

English Country Lunch/Supper £13.95 - 90 minute Cruise £16.95 - 2 hour Cruise £20.95 - 3 hour Cruise

BBQ Cruise

£30.95 - All day event with a 4 hour Cruise £28.50 - 3 hour Cruise

Weekend Premium of £1.50 applies per passenger)

EVESHAM RIVER FESTIVAL

Best View of boat parade with Ploughman’s or Lasagne ONLY

£13.50 per person

Saturday 13th July 7:00pm Drinks & light snacks will be available all day

3 COURSE SUNDAY LUNCH

Dinner Cruise 3hrs

Glass of wine and Ploughman’s or Lasagne Cruise 1hr45min

£12.95

ing on the River Even

LARGE PARTIES

Hire our passenger vessel Frederick for all occasions, suitable for parties of 12 and under. Frederick Hire Cost

SPECIAL OFFER

z La

r ay o yD

ONLY

£29.75 per person

Sundays 12noon 21st July, 4th August & 15th September

Unless otherwise stated all cruises depart from: WORKMAN GARDENS, WATERSIDE, EVESHAM

www.avonleisurecruises.co.uk

Sundays 1:00pm Sundays 1:00pm 28th July, 18th August & 28th July & 8th September 8th September

Tel: 07774 653 112

enquiries@avonleisurecruises.co.uk

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

von Leisure Cruises was founded in 2003 by Dave and Geraldine Smith with the pride of our fleet, Spirit Of Freedom. Since then we have been successfully operating for 10 years, grown as a professional family business and now have a number of vessels designed for all occasions, clients and customer requirements.

One of our main advantages over other operators is that the Spirit of Freedom has been designed with wheelchair users in mind and those not so good on their feet. She boasts two hydraulic lifts, low-lying windows for easy viewing, disabled toilet, central heating . . . and let’s not forget the On-Board Bar! We operate our passenger vessels in the Heart of Worcestershire in The Vale of Evesham, on Shakespeare's Avon and our passengers enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the countryside in this tranquil setting. We pride ourselves on being the best value cruise operator in the West Midlands, offering a wide range of menu and cabin services to suite all budgets. During our 10 year service we have won many local and national awards including: Heart Of England Tourism For All Award (Bronze, Silver and Gold) We also have over 100 recommendations for our high standards of customer service, and we also hold a 5-star food hygiene rating. All our vessels are regularly inspected by the Maritime Coast Guard Agency, and we have the latest on-board safety technology in the industry. In addition, all the crew are trained to the highest of safety standards.

from left to rig ht: Company Di rectors, David Smith and Cruis & Geraldine e & Operations Manager, Guy Vann

crew have all received the industry’s highest standards of Customer Service, Hospitality, Catering, and Passenger Safety training. Your crew will be on hand from the very beginning: from booking to wishing you a warm welcome on-board . . . and, finally a sad, but fond farewell. We welcome you to see our reviews for yourself on The Best Of Evesham website. Until then, my crew and I look forward to helping you organise your special event and welcoming you On-Board! Capt. G. Vann Cruise & Operations Manager Avon Leisure Cruises

Whatever type of cruise you choose you’re sure to be in good hands! Our team of captains, cabin managers and cabin Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

A MORE PERMANENT SOLUTION TO A FLAT ROOF PROBLEM SOLVE IT WITH

DON’T WASTE MONEY ON RE-FELTING 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

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• 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

SALLY’S Bargains Collectable & Furniture

71 High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire. WR10 1EU

01386 554427

A collection of brings everything beautiful second-hand Sally's Bargains you a from collection of everything from beautiful second handtofurniture to delightful collectables. furniture delightful collectibles veritable Aladdin's cave fullofof everything AA veritable Aladdin's cave everythingfrom fromthethe enchanting to the practical.... All at a very affordable price. enchanting to the practical

Unhappy with the state of your lawn. Call for a free Lawn Care Analysis. We provide amongst other services: • Fertilisation •Weed and moss control • Aeration • Scarification • Insect control • Disease treatment • Growth regulation • Water retention We buy good quality furniture and bric-a-brac. Open Tuesday to Saturday. 8.45am - 4.45pm Free Local Delivery! No reasonable offer refused.

www.trugreen.co.uk Tel: 01531 890972 E:herefordandworcester@trugreen.org.uk

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

oo picking is most definitely a labour of love and one of life’s necessary evils. We all want our equine friends to be happy and healthy so providing lush green paddocks is important for their welfare. Regular (daily/weekly) poo picking is essential in reducing parasitic worm counts, eliminating patches of rank grass and preventing selective grazing; horses are just that, selective grazers. They won’t eat where they poo so their grazing area is reduced considerably (costly if your grazing is limited), the surrounding grass gets long and out of hand and any parasites can easily spread and become a health risk to your horse or pony. Now’s the time to consider an Automated Poo Picking Service. Need some advice? JM Paddock & Field Maintenance, run by Jordan Massey, who holds a Diploma in Farm Mechanisation from Hartpury College offers a high quality and professional service to suit all your requirements, from one off jobs to monthly contracts. Using Agricultural ATVs and the most advanced Logic implements, Jordan provides what he describes as “compact farming at its best”. “Any animal is an investment in both time & money so it’s important both for your pet and your pocket that your paddocks remain healthy & safe for animals. Take the labour out of laborious and use an automated poo picking service, it’s all part of our complete range of paddock & field maintenance services.” says Jordan. “It’s quick, easy & affordable, minutes not hours & so many benefits! All our machinery is compact so small access to fields & paddocks with trees are easy to maintain. It’s time to treat yourself and your paddock to some TLC – it’s cheaper by contract.” Don’t forget to check in next month – Topping & Harrowing, why bother?

Jordan Massey Fully Insured & Qualified Farm Mechanisation (Hartpury)

Using an ATV and best implements

ck Clearing

Topping, Clea ring & Lamanitic Padd ock Maintena nce Small Access

Maintenance

Chain Harrow

ING & Rolling

Boom & Spot Sp

raying

Fertilising

All weather Leaves NO MARKS or damage to your paddocks

Automated Mu

For All Your Equestrian Needs

maintaining yo ur land the easy way Small acc ess to paddoc ks & fields catered f or

Menage Gradin

Slug Pelletin g

Highly Competitive Rates Please Call for a FREE Quote

01386 791572 • 07833 944166

www.jmpaddockandfieldmaintenance.co.uk

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Eleven Fat Loss Lessons from . . . Kids!! (Part 1)

veryone is looking for ‘answers’ to weight loss success, like its black and white and someday the Holy Grail will be found. The answers are not in the latest book; you won’t find them in government research labs; forget about radio and TV shows, and magazines full of scantily clad, impossibly thin, models. Many of the things you need to know about fitness and weight loss, can be learned from kids - and you don’t have to have any to learn from them! Have you ever watched a child completely some of that advice and get moving more – run engrossed in a project? They have the ability up the stairs instead of walking. This is a quick to be serious about what they’re doing, be energy booster as well. This rule is closely ‘in the moment’, enjoy what they are doing, related to “don’t drive when you can walk.” Park further away and walk to the place you without worrying what people think and are going to. without taking it (or themselves) too seriously (people taking 3) If you don’t like it, don’t eat it. themselves too seriously should Kids will quite happily spit out be an offense). PLAYING BECAUSE WE food they don’t like! Whilst I'm not suggesting you do that, we You can do the same with weight need to think about enjoyment of WE GROW OLD BECAUSE loss. You can live every day with our eating habits. People more focus, and every week with WE STOP PLAYING oftenhealthy fall into this trap when they more motivation. Here’s what go on a fad diet. Once you hit your every child knows - see if you can goal weight, chances are your eating apply some of these lessons to your daily habits will change if you didn’t actually enjoy program: what you are eating. Experiment, use your imagination and try something new; don’t just 1) Everything can be a game. Why trudge stick to the same meals and same ingredients your way through a boring workout routine every day! when you can add a little fun? YES, FUN! Make up rules, go for personal records, regain 4) Laughter feels good. The average child your competitive spirit. The guys that attend laughs about 300 times a day! The average circuits with ALM Fitness can vouch for the adult laughs about 17 times a day! Children’s ‘fun games’ incorporated into the sessions. bodies and minds seem to know instinctively that laughter can ease blood pressure, reduce 2) Don’t walk when you can run. Every day is cortisol (stress hormone), help brain function, full of opportunities to increase your fitness. increase energy, actually improve your Kids run everywhere, just ‘because’. Let’s take hormonal profile, eliminate depression and

WE DON'T STOP

GROW OLD;

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

Crystals Incense Oracle Cards Jewellery Books

truly help you to reach your goals. 5) Playtime is important. We get so caught up in work, house jobs and loads of ’to-do’ lists that we forget to take time for ourselves. Not only do relaxing, playing and regrouping make life worthwhile, they have real health benefits. Most of all, they will help you stay consistent and motivated. 7) It’s always more fun with friends around. Children tend to gravitate towards other children. Working out with other people is almost like having your own little playgroup. This is exactly why partner and group personal training, Body Conditioning Circuits and Steady Circuits are excellent ways to increase motivation. Or any group class in fact; attend with a friend - that way you can’t let each other down. ALM FITNESS FRIEND OFFER: You and a friend can attend any of the ALM Fitness classes HALF PRICE for a month. Join with a friend and then all you have to do is attend together to claim the offer. QUOTE ‘The Villager”. (Discounts can also be used for group/partner personal training). So you can see that some of the big answers to fat loss and fitness success (and any other success) come in the form of 3-foot monsters/ angels, and may be closer than you think.

Visit us on the web at www.yuuki-mitsukai-online.co.uk

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

When you act more like a child, suddenly the world opens up. Try it. Living a healthy lifestyle becomes something you want to do every day. Start enjoying yourself again. (Part 2 of this article will be in the August edition of The Villager.) For more information on Personal Training, Classes and other services I provide visit Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Let your views be heard Help make a positive difference to the care and support you receive with

“My Say, My Way”  Are you 18 or over and living with a disability in Worcestershire?  Do you have opinions or ideas about the health and care services which affect your life?  Do you want to see changes to these services? If the answer is YES, then join My Say, My Way. For more information call us free on 0800 0086077 Email: mysaymyway@ageukhw.org.uk Web: www.ageukhw.org.uk

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

01684 891900

The Cheeseboard 100 Barnard's Green, Malvern, WR14 3ND

Hereford Hop

article by Andrew Brooks

oated with toasted hops, this cheddar-style cheese offers up an autumnal taste and an unusual texture.

Hereford Hop is made by Nick Hodgetts at Pond Farm in Worcester. Nick has been making cheese for over 20 years, and has won medals at every British Cheese Awards since 1994, including seven gold medals and Best Speciality Cheese. There are a few other manufacturers of this cheese, but Nick Hodgetts' is the best. I have known Nick since we started the business back in June 1995 when Hereford Hop was then made at Bennetts Dairies in Worcester. Of all the local cheeses that we sell, the Hereford Hop is the most popular and is a great addition to any cheeseboard.

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

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.

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

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

Professional Paws & Claws

Dog Grooming Salon

clipping, bathing,

nail cutting etc...

1 Cowleys Way, High Street, Pershore

07933 153433 (Find us in Pershore Market)

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

We also sell bowls, collars and accessories.

Recipe of the PLENTY OF FREE PARKING

Lydbury suite in Nearstone July offer £599.99

month

For Gas or Electric Fires

*Fire not included

200g digestive biscuits, crushed 85g butter, melted 1 tin condensed milk 2 eggs, separated 10mls Cream of Tartar juice & rind of 2 lemons 65g castor sugar

Luke's Garden Maintenance

Mix together biscuit crumbs and melted butter and use to line a 20cm pie dish.

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 •

Bake at 1800C for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.

and more...

call now for a FREE, no obligation quote

Local ~ Professional ~ Reliable Find us on

Tel:

01386 244680

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

Find us on

Mix together condensed milk, lemon juice and rind, egg yolks and cream of tartar. Pour mixture into cooled biscuit crust. Beat egg whites until stiff, then beat in the sugar. Spread over lemon filling, then bake at 1800C for 15 to 20 mins until meringue is set and lightly browned. Serve hot or cold.

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

S EE ON FR ATI OT QU

Plumbing

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

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 Reg No. 207290

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

CET Property Care “You Care We Care” Locks Changed

Painting Service

Flat Pack Assembly

Guttering Cleaned/Repaired

Handyman service

Shelving Fitted

Carpentry

Free Estimates

o o k Ga r d

534014

Professional, Reliable Service CALL DALE or TREVOR Mobile: 07825 139506 Daytime: 01242 506101 Evening: 01386 882646

CET Property Care • • • • • •

“You Care We Care”

Imaginative High Quality Landscaping Locks Changed Patios & Garden Walls Flat Pack Assembly Pond & Patio Cleaning Ponds & Water Features Handyman service Swimming Pools & Ponds Fibreglassed Carpentry Fencing & Hedge Cutting

Painting Service Guttering Cleaned/Repaired Shelving Fitted Free Estimates

Local Friendly Service ~ References Available Professional, Reliable Service contact Glenn Baker CALL DALE or TREVOR 01905 380128 or 07792 613020 Mobile: 07825 139506 32 To advertise call 0845 224Daytime: 7061 or 0775401242 170286 or 506101 visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk 534014

What's on in

July

Wednesday 3rd Jul 2013 Cotswold & Wyvern Labrador Show Event held at Three Counties Showground. See website for more information. Phone: 01142 694089. www.threecounties.co.uk/whatson Saturday 6th July Bead Fair We sell all kinds of beads for all kinds of crafts. If you are looking for a new hobby, this is a great place to start. We have seed beads, Czech glass beads, Murano style beads, big statement beads, tiny delica beads, threads, wires and clasps etc. Open 10.30am to 3.30pm. Admission Free. Belbroughton Recreation Centre, Belbroughton, Worcs, DY9 9TJ. www. beadsupermarket.co.uk Tuesday 9th and Sunday 21st July Shakespeare at The Commandery "The Tempest". Another must-see production from Worcester's premier professional company. Free pre-show entry to the Medieval Great Hall. Tel: 01905 611427. Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU. www.whub.org.uk Thursday 11th July Rugby Dinner with Shane Williams MBE Love rugby? Then why not come along to our Rugby Dinner with guest speaker Welsh Rugby legend Shane Williams. Tickets £50 and include a delicious three-course meal. Auction and raffle in aid of St Richard’s on the night. Dress is black tie. For more information call 01905 763963. Peopleton Village Hall, Worcestershire, WR10 2EG Saturday 13th July Drakes Broughton Classic Car/Bike Show & Village Fete Stalls, Refreshments, Climbing Wall, Bouncy Castle, Raffle, Music, Tug of War, and lot more. Fun for all the family. 10am - 4pm. Pitches available - call 01905 840572 or 01905 841564 for more information. Friday 19th July The Art of Pyrography Pyrography is the ancient art also known as fire writing. It’s an effect produced by burning the surface of wood to various depths of brown

to create a design or picture. The technique is similar to drawing or sketching with an pen or pencil. There will be an extra charge for materials of between £15 and £20. Phone: 0333 4568580. Farncombe Estate, Broadway, WR12 7LJ. www.farncombecourses.co.uk/ event/art-pyrography/ Saturday 27th July Badsey Flower Show and Fete A traditional village event with a marquee display of flowers, horticultural, domestic products etc. There is a show ring for displays, side shows and a variety of stalls, plus a local dog show. 1pm to 5pm. Sands Lane, Badsey, Evesham, WR11 7EZ. wwwbadseyflowershow. co.uk Saturday 27th July Pershore Plum Festival Orchards in Pershore produce tons of popular plums every year. Varieties such as Victoria, Majorie Seedling, Heron, Monarch, Pershore Purple, Pershore Yellow Egg Plum and Pershore Emblem are some of the most well known and sought after plums the Vale produces. Pershore and its association with the plum is not a new thing, the area has been famous for its fruit growing since medieval times. Phone:01386 556591. High Street, Pershore, WR10 1DS. www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk Saturday 27th July Play Across the Years - A Summer Holiday Event Come and play 2,000 years of toys and games with Mrs History (Glo Pringle). Will some be similar to those of today? You know it will be great! History will come to life!! 10am to 4pm. Free entry. Tudor House, Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NA. Judy 01386 553536. www.tudorhouseworcester.org.uk Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July Broadfest A weekend of music, entertainment and local food and drink in the beautiful honey coloured Cotswold village of Broadway. Phone: 01386 852937. Free entry. The Green, Broadway, WR12 7AA.

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Business Editorial

Good Business Sense!

t’s a well-known cliché that the most common topic of conversation in this country is the weather. Running a close second these days, is the state of the economy. If you are in business, the conversation will go something like this “How’s business with you?” and the stock reply is “Bad”!

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, if you are in business, your customers must be able to contact you every working minute of every working day – because if they can’t contact you, they will go to your competition!

Phone calls and texts are the most popular forms to communication today because they And there’s no denying it, very few are the quickest, but following close behind businesses have managed to avoid being these are emails, particularly if you want to affected by the recession to some degree. send an attachment – letter, invoice, photo, However, there are one or two basic rules etc. So again, its amazing the number of websites there are with no email address, that anyone in business must adhere to if just an enquiry box. I realise the they want to succeed, and one of reason for this is to prevent these is being contactable. spam, but I would rather deal . . . "who" Now this may seem like with a couple of hundred "what" stating the obvious, but junk emails than risk losing it never fails to amaze me one customer! "where" the number of times I try to "when". . . To summarise: if you run a contact a company and fail business, it doesn’t matter if because either I can’t find a you are a local odd-job man or a phone number for them, or if I’ve got a number there’s no answer when I call. rising-star in your particular field; make sure your customers can contact you at all To put it bluntly, this is sheer business- times, by every available means. And if you suicide! And in this technological age, run a shop and your opening hours are 9am there is no excuse for this. Everyone has to 5pm Monday to Friday, then make sure either a land-line or a mobile, or both, and your shop is always open from 9am to 5pm these numbers should be on every piece of Monday to Friday, because if it isn’t, well . . advertising possible: business cards, flyers, . you’ve guessed it . . . your customers will letterheads, websites, adverts. go elsewhere!

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And it doesn’t stop there; if you use a mobile, take the time to record a personal message on it – then if you can’t answer your phone, the person calling knows they’ve got through to the right number and can leave a message. Similarly if you use a land-line, get an answer-phone and do the same thing. 34

And finally, don’t forget to advertise. You may be the best in the world at what you do, but if you don’t attend to the 4 “W’s” in business, you might as well shut up shop and go home. What are the 4 “W’s”? Tell people: “Who” you are, “What” you do, “Where” to find you and "When" you are open.

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Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers August 2012

Ledbury Focus

35 25

Trivia (answers on page 42)

Sudoku

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

Apart from Julius Caesar and Richard III, in which two Shakespeare plays feature ghosts?

What is another name for aubergines?

Do apes have tails?

What soup has saliva as the main ingredient?

Which sense develops last in cats?

What is the international radio code word for the letter R?

How many sides does a snowﬂake have?

7 8

What other insects are classed in the same order as damselﬂies?

What word describes the scientiﬁc study of mankind's customs and societies?

8 1

3 4

6 9

5 8

3 9

Coffee Break 6

DOWN 1 Having left no will (9) 2 The Cunning Little ___, Janacek opera (5) 3 Metal container (3,3) 4 Irk (4) 5 Red ___, international charity (5) 1

10. Which sport uses a diamond as its ﬁeld?

ACROSS 1 Asking to a social event (8) 5 Hurl (4) 8 Melodies, tunes (4) 9 Income duty (3) 10 Invalid (4) 12 Milky gem (4) 13 ___ Smith and Jones, comedy TV series (4) 15 Father Christmas (5) 17 Expend (3,2) 19 Concludes (4) 21 Having the means to perform a task (4) 23 List showing jobs to be done (4) 24 Large rodent (3) 25 Deborah Kerr's character in The King and I (4) 26 Swirl gently (4) 27 With authority (8)

7 11 14 16 20 22

Small snake supposed to have killed Cleopatra (3) Mind-reading (9) Capture with a rope (5) Well-informed (2,4) Wee (5) Tot of spirits (4) A Shropshire ___, collection of poems by AE Housman (3)

8 9

11 13

16 19

12 14 17

20 23

25 26

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A blonde man is in the bathroom having a shower.

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His wife shouts to him: Alcester Road"Did you find the shampoo?" Radford

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Blonde man joke . . . !

Another blonde man joke . . . ! A blonde man is in jail. The guard looks in his cell and sees him hanging by his feet. "Just WHAT are you doing?" the guard asks. "Hanging myself," the blonde replies. "It supposed to be around your neck" says the guard. "I tried that," the blonde replies, "but then I couldn't breathe."

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ay Bank Holiday weekend saw Great Malvern playing host to a plethora of food and drink, cooking demonstrations and street entertainment, all set in the lea of the beautiful Malvern Hills. As I strolled around in the fabulous summer sunshine on Abbey Road, Belle Vue Terrace and into the Courtyard, I drooled and salivated from the wares on sale, partaking a little too - in the interests of reporting only, good readers, I do assure you - and equally those wares which were being prepared in the Wots Cooking kitchen. Egyptian Chef, Marina Ibrahim got the ball rolling with her first of two sessions sharing her knowledge and skills on vegetarian cooking and her family recipes. Our Lizzy followed Marina and likewise demonstrated her own style of vegetarian cooking, sharing some of her favourites recipes with those in attendance during both sessions. James Garth as the third in the Trio of experts, shared his recipes that have seen him awarded AA Rosettes and a Good Food Guide award. I nearly tried to wrestle that dish out of his hands, so delicious did it look!! Meanwhile, Solo Circus (the pseudo-Frenchman 38

on stilts) was encouraging folks to buy his garlic and baguettes but also directing passersby to come along and investigate the displays and demonstrations, whilst Alan Pianosmith serenaded us with his unique style of music on the accordion. Later in the day The Wrens played their guitars in The Courtyard belting out some unique material and some old favourites. Cider, chocolates and chips there were, breads, beer and bakes, scotch eggs, sausages, sweet tarts and sausage rolls, falaffels and fudge, Indian savouries and ice cream, onion bhajis, potted plants and pig roast, wines and my favourite of all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; strawberries . . . all to be savoured and sampled, or so I thought! Thinking to consume these delicious looking strawberries later in the afternoon as my treat, foolish fellow that I am, I returned only to find a completely empty stall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; strike while the iron is hot, they do say! Undaunted, I sampled some of the delicious, freshly prepared wares available in the stores along Abbey Road. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about those locals who attended but I certainly enjoyed the sunshine, the experience and I am really looking forward to next year. Well done Malvern . . . with a little help from the Chefs! Article & Photography by Brian Joyce

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