The worcestershire grapevine dec 2015 jan 2016 v2 by Betty-Ann Ambury

TThe Worcestershire

www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

December 2015 Issue No. 66

Your Free Magazine

BUSINESS EDITORIALS  HEALTH & BEAUTY  COFFEE BREAK  LOCAL EVENTS

Cosmos Party & Toys

Birth • 1ST Birthday - 12 Years Christening Gifts • Christmas Decorations Toys • Cups • Balloons • Plates • Invites Confetti • Napkins • Loot Bags • Tableware Heleum Gas • Bunting • Pinatas • Costumes & much more

01531 660991 Enquires:

info@cosmospartytoy.com

www.cosmospartytoy.co.uk 2

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@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!

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

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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 4

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e ine minc ay w ! lled made nesd ber u d m M me e ce o ch W De h & ea out s h pie roug th

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Hello Readers... ... and welcome to the Christmas issue of The Worcestershire Grapevine.

Another year has flown by and in a few short weeks, we'll be welcoming in 2016.

Grapevine TThe Worcestershire

Publisher & Advertising Grapevine Publications (Worcestershire) Ltd 3 Rye Street • Birtsmorton • WR13 6AS Tel: 01684 833715  Mob: 07754 170286 info@grapevinepublications.co.uk www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Editor Betty-Ann Ambury betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Advertising & Editorial Betty-Ann Ambury

Contributors

Age UK Amy Marshall Fran Holder Jonathan Bishop Pamela Green

Printers

DC Print (Yorkshire) Ltd Tel: 01977 642331

But before that of course, there's still all the Christmas shopping to do, puddings to make and turkeys to eat! This year we've got two local butchers advertising, so pop along to either Manor Farm or Abbey Butchers and get your turkeys and hams ordered. As always at this time of the year, there's lots of festive events, in particular don't miss the Mistletoe Festival in Tenbury Wells on December 5th. This year instead of the traditional Christmas recipes, I thought it might be fun to do something a bit different ... I hope you have fun making and eating the Chocolate, Orange & Cranberry Red Velvet Bombe! Christmas is a time for giving and sharing, so whilst you are planning your celebrations, spare a thought for those who are on their own, especially the elderly. If you would like to share Christmas with someone less fortunate, please give Age UK a call they'd love to hear from you. And now all that's left is for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Keep well and see you again in 2016!

Next Issue Copy Date

Betty

10th January 2016

DISCLAIMER. All information published is correct according to those who supplied it and no responsibility is taken if it is not. Care is taken to ensure all advertisements are truthful and no liability is accepted for errors or emissions. Artwork is accepted on the understanding that there are no copyright restrictions.

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. © 2015

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Contents...

30 8

Christmas Chocolate Bingo

Christmas Recipe

What's on in December & January

Star Horse of the Year Show

A Right Royal Romance

Christmas Break

AEDdonate

Community Contacts

Index of Advertisers

Aspen Retirement

Abbey Butchers

Age UK

A W Parker

ALM Fitness

Hospice Santa Dash

Cats Protection

26 24

The Cheeseboard

Movement in the Garden

West Midlands Safari Park

The Beauty of Exmoor

42 Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to29 advertisers

Enjoy an active retirement whatever the weather BRAVING the wind and the rain to meet friends for lunch or to watch a film could be a thing of the past for retirees in Worcester. While some older people may not go out as much during the winter months for fear of slipping on leaves or ice, those who move to a brand new apartment at Eastbank Court will be able to enjoy an active social life all year round in the company of their new neighbours. Boasting hotel-style communal facilities, the Aspen Retirement development is perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Liz Herring, sales and marketing manager for Aspen, said: “Friendships have quickly blossomed amongst homeowners at Eastbank Court and there’s now an active social committee who organise events from bingo and quizzes to trips to the theatre. But what many of them appreciate most, particularly in the winter, is that they don’t have to go outside to meet up with friends. That’s because there’s so much to do here thanks to the range of communal facilities and social activities; homeowners could have their hair styled in the salon, then meet friends and neighbours for a spot of lunch in the restaurant, followed by a game of Scrabble in the activities room - all without ever having to venture outside.” The development also offers a communal lounge; conservatory style lounge known as the garden room, plus a library.

There’s a whole host of activities homeowners can participate in from film nights, to knit ‘n’ natter sessions, bingo and themed meals in the restaurant. Eastbank Court offers a choice of stylish, spacious energy efficient one and two-bedroom apartments with prices from £184,950. There’s a manager on site around the clock, offering homeowners and their families peace of mind. Ninety minutes of domestic help a week is included in a service charge, which also covers buildings insurance, window cleaning and maintaining the gardens and communal areas. Plus, with the option to add extra care if and when it’s needed, moving to Eastbank Court now could prevent a further move in future. Located on Eastbank Drive, Northwick, the Aspen Retirement development is ideally placed in a quiet residential area. There’s a post office, shop and chemist close by; while the city centre is easily accessible by bus. To enjoy a taste of life at Eastbank Court, visit the show apartment, open Monday to Saturday. For more information call 01905 455 182 or see www.aspenretirement.co.uk/developments/ eastbank-court.

The on-site restaurant with licensed bar, known as the piano room, ensures that homeowners can k enjoy a nutritious meal. They can also invite friends and family for lunch without having to worry 8 about washing up. To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

% 80 D Y OL RR S U H OW N DR

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EASTBANK COURT

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01905 455182

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TO FIND OUT MORE AND HOW YOU COULD GET MOVING CALL:

YS NEWE

ETT

Prices from £184,950 or just £147,960 through shared equity *

Ideally located in a quiet residential area, there are a host of local amenities 250 yards away, such as a post office and chemist, whilst the city centre is easily accessible by bus.

PINK EAS

A TB

Eastbank Court offers a luxurious standard of living with a range of extra facilities, services and move-making incentives that aren’t available from its competitors.

Nobody does it better

Facilities include: • Duty Manager 24/7 • 1½ hours of domestic help weekly • Licensed restaurant • 2 communal lounges • Piano room bar • Library • Hair salon & treatment room • Games room • Optional care packages available

NORTHWICK AVE

TO THE CITY CENTRE

CO-OP

Eastbank Court Eastbank Drive,

Northwick, Worcester WR3 7EW

Mon-Sat 10.00am - 4.00pm eastbank.court@aspenretirement.co.uk www.aspenretirement.co.uk Images are representative only. *Terms & Conditions apply. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, please ask Sales Advisor for further details.

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Simon Haines Construction Services Ltd

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Abbey Butchers

Pershores Premier Butcher and Delicatessen Unit 1, Pershore Retail Market, King Georges Way, Pershore, Worcestershire

01386 554349

Email Ken@kctallis.wanadoo.co.uk

Home produced Christmas Fayre for your Christmas Table!! The Christmas trail starts here, with butchers that you can trust and know.

As a special time of the year treat yourself to one of our fresh barn reared or free range turkeys from Robert Caldecott of Wythall, or try one of our fresh cockerels, free range geese or boneless English turkey crowns, accompanied with selected 30 day matured beef, from topside, beautifully marbled ribs of beef or even matured sirloin. A selection of our own made traditional pork sausages and pigs in blankets A huge selection of our home cured bacon, both plain and oak smoked, or tries one of our own popular cooked half hams on the bones – prices to suit everybody. Various selected prime gammon joints if you prefer to cook your own!! You tell us what you would like From Natalie’s Delicatessen counter, try her home-cooked honey glazed ham on the

bone, or Natalie’s home-made award winning pork pies, game pies, turkey and ham pies and beautiful smooth home-made chicken liver pate mmmm... just to mention a few Items that she has ready for you, look for the infamous Pershore pork pie Then move on to our cheese counter!! A selection of over 60 cheeses! Superbly matured Cropwell Bishop Stilton, whole Baby Stilton’s, selected cave aged mature cheddar, specially selected English mature cheddar, and a variety of local made cheeses, tell us what you would like on your Christmas cheese board. All of these can be accompanied by a selection of our own pickles and chutneys or try some of the super products from Cottage Delights Big enough to cope small enough to care!!

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Do you know someone who is lonely?

here is a lot in the news at present about older people being lonely. The fabulous new advert from John Lewis, the Age UK ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’ campaign and the local Waitrose fundraising programme to help support lonely isolated people this winter are just three you may have seen. The facts about loneliness are really worrying. Loneliness is considered as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and it costs our health service about £12,000 per person to deal with the consequences! Here at Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire we have embarked

Our ‘Reconnections’ programme across Worcestershire has identified 35,000 older people who see their TV as the main form of companionship and about 11,000 of those who may not have spoken to anyone for a month.

What you may not realise is that when someone reaches a certain stage of loneliness, they need a bit more support than just the occasional chat from a neighbour or the postman. Most people need a little help and support to reconnect with their communities. The reasons for loneliness are many – bereavement; decreasing mobility; less transport access and poor health to name just a few.

In Herefordshire there are some 10,000 people seen as lonely. Our ‘Keep in Touch in Herefordshire’ programme is currently a pilot in Ross and the surrounding area. It is identifying social isolation a key driver of the condition.

If you know of someone whom you think might be lonely, give us a call to discuss it further on 01905 740953 or email us at reconnections@ageukhw.org.uk or volunteer and help us tackle the problem practically.

on a couple of significant new programmes to address what is fast becoming the most prevalent long term condition to affect communities across the country.

MakeaaaDifference Difference….. ….. Volunteer! Make Volunteer! Make Difference ….. Volunteer!

Volunteeringnot notonly onlychanges changes lives of the people we work can change Volunteering thethe lives of the people we work with,with, but itbut canitchange yours yours too! too! Volunteering not only changes the lives of the people we work with, but it can change yours too!

Volunteering not only changes the lives of the people we workProfessional with, but itSupport can change yours too! What we offer Reconnections Home from Hospital Footcare Assistants Home What we we offer offer Professional Support Support What Home from from Hospital Hospital Footcare Footcare Assistants Assistants Professional Support Reconnections Footcare Assistants To help us identifyWhat we After Hospital a stay in Our footcare serviceProfessional  offer Training Reconnections aims to Home from

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After aa stay in After stay in older hospital many After many a stay in hospital older people feel hospital many older people feelisolated people feel vulnerable, people feel vulnerable, isolated vulnerable, isolated and unable to cope vulnerable, and unable isolated to cope with day to cope day life. and unable and unable to cope with day to day life. We are looking for with day to We are for with daylooking to day day life. life. people who can We are looking people who can We are looking for for support older support people peopleolder who canpeople regain their to to regain support oldertheir people independence independence andand to regain their improve their quality improve their quality independence and independence of life.and of life. improve improve their their quality quality of of life. life.

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Training Training  Personal Training PersonalDevelopment Personal Development Development  Expenses Development Expenses Expenses  Events and Social Expenses Events and Social Events and Social Activities Events and Social Activities DBS checks Activities Activities DBSchecks checks Flexible DBS Flexible roles roles  and Office Office Flexible roles and community community based based Office and roles rolesbased community community based much Andmore… much more… And roles roles And much more… And much more…

ToTo find outout more, please contact us: us: find more, please contact Tel: volunteering@ageukhw.org.uk www.ageukhw.org.uk Tel:01905 01905740950 740950Email: Email: volunteering@ageukhw.org.uk Website: www.ageukhw.org.uk To find out more, please contactWebsite: To findBromwich out more,Road, pleaseWorcester. contact us: us:WR2 4BN Malvern Gate, Malvern Gate, Bromwich Road, Worcester. WR2 4BN Tel: 01905 740950 Email: volunteering@ageukhw.org.uk Website: www.ageukhw.org.uk Charity No: 1080545 Tel: 01905 740950 Email: volunteering@ageukhw.org.uk Charity No: 1080545 Website: www.ageukhw.org.uk Malvern Gate, Bromwich Road, Worcester. WR2 4BN Malvern Gate, Bromwich Road, Worcester. WR2 4BN Charity No: 1080545

Charity No: 1080545

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Garden Machinery Mobile Service & Repair for an estimate call

Will White t: 01386 860918 m: 07716 404489

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Business Profile

Business:

A W Parker Coal Merchants Ltd

Type:

Solid Fuel Suppliers

Established:

1920

Address:

34, Bronte Drive, Ledbury. HR8 2FZ

Owner:

Graham Parker

Website:

www.awparkercoalmerchants.co.uk

Email:

awparker.ledbury@hotmail.com

here is a chill in the air as the nights draw in so get your coal delivered to your home for free! “Why drive to your garage to pick up pre-packed coal when we can deliver straight to your door?” asks Nick Fish of AW Parker Coal Merchants Ledbury. AW Parker started their coal delivery service in Herefordshire and Worcestershire one year ago and business is thriving. Nick explains, “A W Parker are well established within the Forest of Dean and it’s an exciting challenge to continue to expand the delivery area. We have lots of experience and knowledge within the company, which employs six family members.” Nick’s wife Melanie, whose great-grandfather started the business almost a hundred years ago, adds: “I have been bookkeeping for the family business for over fifteen years and it’s great to be part of the expansion and continuation of the family business.” A W Parker Coal Merchants supply quality British house coal and smokeless fuel from Wales. They provide excellent value for money whether you need coal, anthracite, charcoal or manufactured fuels. Kindling and nets of logs are also available for delivery.

We’re offering top quality fuels with a traditional, personal, friendly service to all parts of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. We pride ourselves on a polite, professional and timely service, so why not give us a try.

The Warmth of a Real Coal Fire

For quality pre-packed coal delivered to your door at competitive prices contact Nick Fish at: A W Parker Coal Merchants Ltd Ledbury 01531 631675 or 07483 350639 www.awparkercoalmerchants.co.uk

Business Profile • Business Profile • Business Profile

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Here are the Top 7 Reasons to Exercise ... Reason 1: To Melt Fat Away The most coveted side effect of exercise is, of course, fat burn. The combination of a challenging exercise routine and a balanced meal plan is the best known way to lose fat. Here’s what losing fat feels like: • Your trousers become loose • People around you begin to say that you look great • A glance at yourself in the mirror makes you smile • Your energy levels soar • You feel amazing Reason 2: To Alleviate Pain Regular exercise is a great way to alleviate chronic muscle and joint pain. Persistent back pain can be lessened by strengthening your core and you’ll protect yourself against injury. It amazes people when the chronic pain that they’ve lived with for years begins to fade after starting a regular exercise programme. Reason 3: To Increase Lean Tissue More muscle is good for many reasons. Muscle uses many more calories each day than fatty tissue. In fact, one pound of muscle 16

burns 30-50 calories each day at rest—compared to a measly 9 calories per pound of fat. When you exercise your body composition will change to contain more lean tissue, thus resulting in extra calories burned while you sleep. What could be better than that? Reason 4: To Stay Young Tim D. Spector, a professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College in London, led a study on the effects of exercise on aging. The results were astounding. They found that exercise appears to slow the shriveling of the protective tips on bundles of genes inside cells (called telomeres), which means a slowing of the aging process. Here’s the study in a nutshell: • Telomeres cap the ends of chromosomes and every time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter. • Once a telomere gets too short, that cell can no longer divide. • Ageing occurs as more and more cells reach the end of

their telomeres and die. This results in weakened muscles, skin wrinkles, loss of eyesight and hearing, organ failure and slowed mental functioning. • The study analysed the telomeres from the white blood cells of twins over a 10-year period. Telomere length was used as a marker for the rate of biological aging. • It was found that the length of telomeres was directly related to that twin’s activity level. "There was a gradient," Spector said. "As the amount of exercise increased, the telomere length increased." • People who did 100 minutes of weekly exercise had telomeres that looked like those from someone about 5-6 years younger than those who did 16 minutes of exercise each week. • People who did 3 hours of vigorous exercise each week had telomeres that looked like those from someone about 9 years younger.

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Reason 5: To Prevent or Control Type 2 Diabetes Regular exercise helps to stabilise blood sugar levels. This is something that people with type 2 diabetes, or at risk for type 2 diabetes, gain substantial benefits from. Exercise improves the body’s use of insulin, and the related weight loss improves insulin sensitivity. Of course patients with type 2 diabetes need to follow guidelines from their doctor before starting an exercise programme. Reason 6: To Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels Exercise has shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels for these two reasons: • Weak Heart Muscles pump little blood with lots of effort. By exercising, you

strengthen your heart muscles and train them to pump more blood with less effort. The stronger your heart is the less pressure will be exerted on your arteries. • Exercise Increases HDL levels in some people—this means a decrease in your risk for heart disease. Other heart disease risk factors such as weight, diabetes and high blood pressure all show improvement with regular exercise. Reason 7: To Feel Great The first thing that clients tell me after starting an exercise programme is how much better they feel. Most didn’t even realise how bad they felt. It is easy to get used to feeling sluggish, achy and

unmotivated. Exercise boosts your energy levels and makes you feel amazing. The quickest, easiest way to guarantee that you’ll meet your fitness and weight loss goals is to work one-on-one with a qualified fitness professional. You’ll be held accountable with your workouts and you’ll be instructed properly and shown techniques and strategies that will expedite your results. If you want to find out more or are interested in Personal Training, Group Training or attending any of the Fitness Classes I offer, go to www. almfitness.co.uk for more information. Alternatively call Amy on 07740 366419 or email info@almfitness.co.uk

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HUXLEY IMAGING BESPOKE PICTURE FRAMING

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

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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.

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nails included in full friends can have a luxurious time too... grooms or separate - Purpose built cattery situated in beautiful countryside. collection and are constructed to the highest standards - Our chalets delivery service freeup-to-date materials to comply with using the most within 5 miles thefirst model license conditions. - All chalets are heated, secure, hygienic and designed all breeds catered to offer interested, for professional one comfortable accommodation. - Any medical conditions are catered for. on one service - Collection and delivery service. quiet and stress - 24 hour veterinary care. free environment - Fully qualified staff.

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THE

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Jodi Brandwood of St Richard’s Hospice dashes past Paul Barratt MD Karndean Designflooring and Maria Hughes, Centre Manager of The Valley

Kick Off Seasonal Festivities With Hospice Santa Dash

udding Santas are being invited to take part in a Santa Dash to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice. Santas young and not so young can sign up to take part in the hospice’s fundraising event on Sunday 6th December at The Valley, Evesham (formerly the Evesham Country Park). The 5km multi-terrain route is suitable for all the family. Santa suits will be provided to all participants to help everyone get into the seasonal spirit. Before the fun run starts, Santas can take part in a warm up activity which will be run by British Military Fitness. Last year the hospice’s Santa fun run raised over £6,000 to help fund compassionate care for patients at the end of their lives, and support their loved ones. The St Richard’s Santa Dash is being sponsored by Karndean Designflooring, Evesham. Paul Barratt, Managing Director at Karndean Designflooring, said; “We’re delighted to be doing our bit to support such a

worthy cause, and at the same time encourage all to have some fun during the festive period. As a family run local company, we’ll be getting our staff and their families in the Christmas spirit by encouraging all to take part in the dash.” The event is open to all ages, and offers the ideal opportunity for families to enjoy some fresh air and the lovely scenery around The Valley country park. However, due to the uneven surface, the route is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Administration fee is £12 for adults, £7 for under 18s and participants are asked to raise as much sponsorship as they can. Santas aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Jodi Brandwood, Community Fundraiser for St Richard’s Hospice said; “Our annual Santa run is always loads of fun and is a really great way to start your Christmas celebrations this year. What better way to get into the spirit of things than to dress up as Santa and take part in a bit of friendly competition as you walk,

jog or run for a good cause.” To find out more and to register visit www.strichards.org.uk/ event/santa-dash St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,600 patients and family members in Worcestershire with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect. Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers. In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work. For more information please visit www.strichards.org.uk

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vesham Cats Protection would like to thank everyone who supports the rescue in any way. We are very lucky to have a huge amount of support from the local community, from people adopting many of the cats who need a new home, to people who bring us newspapers for use in the catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pens, to people who donate cat food in the food collecting bins at Tesco and Morrisons in Evesham.

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, and thank everyone for their kindness and generosity through the year. It really is much appreciated by all. And last but by no means least, please remember that there are always many cats needing a new home at this time of year, so please consider giving a rescue cat the gift of new home.

There wouldn't be a rescue without a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time 365 days a year to care for the cats, in all weathers too. A very special thank you to all of them. And just a reminder to everyone to keep their pets healthy and not to over-feed them at Christmas, and remember to keep your Christmas tree safe from hazards.

95 Pitchers Hill Wickhamford, WR11 7RT

Tel: 01386 833343 www.eveshamcpl.org

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The Cheeseboard

01684 891900

100 Barnard's Green, Malvern, WR14 3ND

Christmas Cheese Menu by Andrew Brooks

o what's the best cheese to buy at Christmas time? There are some fantastic cheeses out there at this time of year and some are very seasonal. So let's start of with some good basic cheeses: Cropwell Bishop Stilton, Snowdonia Black Bomber, Hereford Hop, Hawes Wensleydale & Cranberry and a nice soft Somerset Brie.

Irish Cashel Blue, made in Tipperary in Ireland, a soft pressed creamy blue cheese. As for a seasonal cheese this time of year, between November and January you can get a French Vacherin Mont dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Or - a soft creamy cheese with a wonderful sweet taste from the summer milking. All of these cheeses are available at The Cheeseboard along with 70 others.

For something a bit different why not try some Cave Aged Cheddar Gorge, matured in the caves in Cheddar - there are only 20 shops in the UK allowed to sell it. Or how about some

At this time of the year we are always very busy with cheeses, cooked

meats, local wines and ciders, as well as our Christmas hampers made to order with delivery to anywhere in the UK for just ÂŁ6.95. To take a look at our shop just go to Google Maps and take a virtual shop tour or scan the QR Code to go straight there.

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To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Premier Paving & Driveways T: 01905 311029 M: 07747 776179 Freephone: 0800 858 9896 E: premierpavinganddriveways@yahoo.com

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Creating Your Garden Paradise article by Jonathan Bishop

Movement in the Garden T

here are various options for getting movement into a garden, some are really obvious like a water feature, others are really more subtle such as encouraging wildlife in for, example birds, butterflies, etc., that can also bring the element of movement in. Plants are another instrument for bringing movement into a garden, the movement of leaves and the resulting rustling sounds they can bring, for example bamboo blowing in the wind, is an excellent way of bringing movement into a very small space. 26

Water features are a good option. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily have to install a pond to create a water feature, just water bubbling over a stone creates a rippling sound and promotes a relaxing environment. This is a cheap option with just some outside power needed. In turn, a pond with a waterfall can bring in birds as they will be encouraged to come in and bathe, bringing additional movement into a garden. The Japanese are experts in using the element of water in a garden and have a tipping water feature called a Deer Scarer, which is a bamboo chute that fills up with water from a pump and when full tips back and knocks against a rock. Giving movement and sound but not all the time. Increasing wildlife into a garden is reasonably easy: you can feed the animals to bring them in, i.e. birds, or create an environment for them to breed and nest, such as bird boxes. However, having a cat or a pet in a garden would have a detrimental effect on attempting this. If you are really restricted for space and large rustling leaves aren't really an option, but you still have some planting in the garden, putting things like windmills, wind chimes, suspended mobiles, etc. can bring in sound and movement. Nowadays you can also get things that move and are operated by sunlight. Solar powered

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

ornaments such as fluttering butterflies will rotate when the sun shines on the power cell making it flutter and move around. These are only a few pounds to buy from a garden centre, but will add some interest reasonably easily and cheaply into a very still garden. Planting: I have already mentioned bamboos as a way of adding movement, but some trees have the same effect. Anything with large leaves that can be caught by the breeze will obviously move around, for example an Indian Bean Tree (Catalpa bignonioides). Alternatively you can bring dead wood back to life, for example if you have a dead tree in the garden, rather than taking it out you could grow a vine up it. When the tendrils develop and hang off it they will then move around in the wind and make the space look alive again. This can also be done with a rose, a good strong climbing rose, a Kiftsgate or a Rambling Rector. These are very big climbing roses that will scramble up a dead tree and easily take over.

Another variety is a Banksia Rose which is a non prickly and highly scented rose. Any of these varieties will clamber all over the dead wood and give the visual appearance that the tree has been given a second life. If you have a pond then adding some reeds around the outside will contribute to movement when it is windy. Obviously make sure you get the correct ones, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want something that is going to take over the pond or the roots are going to puncture the liner or base of the pond. If you have a straight forward flower bed and you want to create some movement in there, some fine grasses strategically placed around would be a good recommendation. These will give the impression that they are almost floating and moving around amongst the plants when there is a breeze. Next month I will look at arches and wooden structures.

If you have an upcoming event please let me know. If you have a problem in the garden then please contact me and I will do my best to answer your questions. Are you interested in Foliation looking at any aspects of your garden from hard to soft landscaping, small to big projects? Get in touch with your questions or to discuss your garden project call my office number 01531 821336 or email: jonathan@foliation.co.uk Foliation Ltd 44 Lakeside, Newent, Glocestershire GL18 1SZ

www.foliation.co.uk

Follow me on Twitter @JonBishop15

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The elves were playing up and had gone on strike for more pay. The replacement elves were much slower and were behind with the toy making. Two of the reindeer were pregnant, two more were lame, another two had kicked down the fence and had disappeared into the forest, and to top it all, Rudolph's nose had turned black! Then he discovered that one of the runners on his sleigh had come off and the bells were missing. What I need is a good strong cup of coffee, he thought, but when he opened the cupboard, the jar fell out and the coffee spilt all over the floor! By now Santa was thoroughly fed up. He went to fetch the broom to sweep up the mess, but found that the mice had chewed off all the bristles! At that moment there was a knock at the front door. Upon opening it, Santa was confronted by a beautiful Fairy holding a lovely Christmas tree. "Good Morning, Santa" she trilled "Isn't it a perfectly gorgeous day? I have brought you this beautiful tree, isn't it lovely? Where would you like me to stick it?" … and that is why by tradition we have a Fairy sitting on top of the Christmas tree.

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est Midland Safari Park has teamed up with Disney Pixar to offer an extra special, dinosaur-themed surprise to visitors heading to its popular Santa Safari this November.

The Safari Park was approached by Disney, looking for a venue to work with to help promote its newest animated blockbuster ‘The Good Dinosaur’, hitting cinemas in the run-up to Christmas. Thanks to the Safari Park’s latest £2.5m Land of the Living Dinosaurs development – the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur attraction - plus its extensive festive visitor events and illuminations, Disney deemed it the perfect venue through which to promote the fearsome fun. Over the weekends of November 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd the park’s resident dinosaurs will be joined by stars Arlo and Spot in a themed ‘The Good Dinosaur’ display where the Safari Park will be giving away ‘The Good Dinosaur’ balloons. Children taking part in the everpopular Santa Safari will receive free The Good Dinosaur goodies, including balloons and badges, and families can take the perfect family ‘selfies’ in front of film cut-outs and range of posters, on display throughout the venue.

Safari Park joins forces with Disney Pixar for Santa Trail deal notebooks and jigsaws, as well as a West Midland Safari Park annual pass. Facebook users can visit the page and look out for the competition posts.

you combine a truly festive, snowcovered trip to meet Santa at the North Pole with a spine-tingling encounter with more than 30 living, breathing dinosaurs?”

The special Disney Pixar deal adds an extra dino-dimension to this year’s festive fun at the Safari Park, which has enjoyed record visitor numbers following the launch of its Land of the Living Dinosaurs attraction earlier this year.

The attraction is now fully prepared and ready to transport visitors on a magical journey to the North Pole to enjoy its ever-popular Santa Safari experiences, combining the fourmile safari drive with the chance to meet Santa in his grotto.

The ground-breaking attraction takes visitors on a safari through the Permian, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, offering people the chance to encounter no less than 38 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs, plus realistic fauna and sound effects.

Every child will be taken by sleigh to meet Santa himself before heading to the Elves Workshop to choose a gift. The snow-covered Santa Trail invites over threes to solve the clues and find the presents that Santa has bought for his reindeers, but have been hidden by a naughty elf. Those who successfully solve the clues will receive a special gift.

Daniel Griffiths, marketing manager at the Safari Park, said: “We are delighted that we have been chosen by Disney Pixar to promote The Good Dinosaur – it is a perfect fit for us, and gives us the opportunity to offer our visitors this special merchandise ahead of everyone else.”

Admission for the Santa Safari costs £19.99 for adults, £15.99 for children between three and 15 and £7.50 for under threes. All tickets include a Fans of West Midland’s Safari Park’s free return ticket valid until 7th Facebook page can also join the February 2016. Group and school fun, with opportunities to win bookings are available. For further He added: “This year, Christmas at sought-after The Good Dinosaur information, call 01299 400700, or the Safari Park will be even more prizes, including T-shirts, bags, email santa@wmsp.co.uk. magical than ever – where else can 29 Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

ith its spectacular moorland, rich oak woodlands, clear streams and dramatic coastline, Exmoor is a great place to explore. It has been shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. I love it simply because I love nature and capturing it with my camera, but most of all because it has buckets of peace and quiet, and massive areas where you can just roam. Would you believe that the longest stretch of continuous coastal woodland in England is on Exmoor’s north coast? It is home to a fantastic array of wildlife, with 10% of any felled woodland left to decay naturally. This is good for beetles, and makes excellent homes for birds, bats, small mammals and invertebrates, as well as lower plants like fungi, lichens, mosses and ferns, and you may even catch a glimpse of red deer. I was just amazed by the clear dark skies full of stars. The moorland and the forest support some magnificent birds of prey like the kestrel, merlin, and the buzzard, as well as many others such as snipe, cuckoo, dipper, red start and shelduck.

our favourite places to eat lunch was at Hurlstone Point, where the earth drops dramatically down into the Bristol Channel. The famous Exmoor ponies are a part of the history and heritage of Exmoor National Park, and Matthew has a herd of twelve Exmoor ponies and one stallion named Farley-water Zeus. Born in the wild, these ponies are free living and a wonderful sight to see. They don’t mind people being around, but you are advised for your own safety, not to get too close, especially to mares with foals. The MEPBG, (Moorland Exmoor Ponies Breeders Group), was formed in 2014 by the farmers and landowners of Exmoor. This was to safeguard the pedigree and improve breeding practices. These ponies are an endangered species and now each year they have a show. They each have their own passport and are now micro chipped. Also living free on the moor are herds of long horned sheep and cattle. You are advised to drive carefully, especially where open moorland spans either side of the road, as animals frequently wander across the roads.

article & photography by Pamela Green

as he settled on a flower near me. I think my favourites were the holly blue, with the most delicate lilac wings, and the skippers, with their bright orange wings. Our time on Exmoor was far too short. If we had managed to stay until the end of August we would have witness the round up of the largest herd of feral ponies and foals. This is a spectacular sight, almost like something out of a Wild West movie. To me Exmoor is nature’s home and if you want to experience it then you have to get under the skin of the place. Wander at your own pace and always have your camera ready; you can capture some fantastic wildlife photos. If you would like more information about Exmoor or the ponies, there is now list of promotions and events on Facebook, and You Tube, or if you are interested in attending the festival you can email them at MoorlandExmoorGroup@hotmail. com.

If you walk towards any of the Whilst on holiday in the area, my lakes, you will find many brightly husband and I were invited to stay on our friend, Matthew’s farm. Our coloured wild flowers and butterflies. I saw so many and even days were spent just wandering managed to capture a red admiral through beautiful scenery. One of 30 To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

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Hotels & Pubs catered for

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Christmas Chocolate Bingo Christmas just isn’t Christmas without chocolate!

Wednesday 2nd December Doors open 6.30pm • Eyes down 7.00pm in the dining hall at Pershore High School Entry £1.00 Bingo tickets only £1.00 per book for 5 games Golden Bingo £1.00

Don’t forget to bring your own refreshments!

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Chocolate Orange & Cranberry Red Velvet Bombe This stunning festive dessert makes a great alternative to Christmas pudding, with a hidden cream cheese and cranberry filling.

INGREDIENTS For the Cake 175g butter, very soft

METHOD • 

Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Grease 2 x 16cm hemisphere cake tins, then dust with flour and shake out the excess. Stand the tins on two ramekins placed on a baking tray to hold them steady.

• 

Put the cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt and whisk together until smooth and evenly coloured bright red. Divide the mixture between the two tins and bake for 45 minutes.

• 

Remove from the oven, cool in the tins for 10 mins, then tip onto a wire rack and leave until completely cold.

• 

Meanwhile, make the chocolate-orange ganache and the filling. Pour the cream into a saucepan, add the orange zest and heat until just steaming.

• 

Put half the white chocolate in a bowl, and the dark and milk chocolates in another bowl. Pour 50ml of the hot cream over the white chocolate (strain it if the orange zest is in big strands), and the remaining cream over the dark and milk mixture. Leave the bowls for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

• 

Put the cream cheese in a bowl and whisk lightly to loosen. Add the icing sugar and the cooled white chocolate and cream mixture, then blend until smooth. Stir through the cranberries, then chill.

• 

When the cakes are cold, start assembling. With the cakes flat-side up, use a 7cm biscuit cutter to mark a circle in the centre of each. Use a spoon to gently scoop a dip in each cake, about 4cm deep.

200g plain flour 200g golden caster sugar 4 large eggs 2 tbsp cocoa 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1½ tsp baking powder 75g buttermilk 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 x 10g tubes Dr. Oetker red food colouring 2 tbsp white wine vinegar For the Ganache and Filling 450ml double cream zest 2 oranges 100g white chocolate, grated 100g dark chocolate, grated 200g milk chocolate, grated 180g tub cream cheese 3 tbsp icing sugar 50g dried cranberries, plus extra to serve

sprinkles and edible glitter to decorate

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

• 

Remove the cream cheese mixture from the fridge and use to fill the cavities in the cakes, spreading a little onto the flat surfaces too, to help them stick together. Invert 1 cake onto the other to create a sphere, and place on a wire rack set over a baking tray (this will catch any chocolate drips).

• 

To ice the cake, the chocolate ganache needs to be the right consistency – pourable but not too runny. If it has set a little too much, place in the microwave for 10-20 seconds, then mix until smooth; if it is too runny, chill until it has firmed up a little.

• 

Pour half the ganache over the cake, letting it cover the sides and run into the tray below. Cover the whole surface using a palette knife. This is just the first coating, so won’t fill the gap between the sponges.

•  Chill the cake for 20 minutes or until the ganache has firmed up a little. •  Remove the cake from the fridge. Cover the gap around the middle with the remaining ganache, smoothing it all over with a palette knife. Return to the fridge for another 20 minutes until firm, then transfer to a serving plate. •  Melt the remaining white chocolate in the microwave in short 10-second bursts. Drizzle over the top of the cake, then scatter with dried cranberries, sprinkles and edible glitter, if you like. •  Chill if not serving straight away – it will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Remove from the fridge 30 mins before serving. Recipe from Good Food magazine, November 2014

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Tuesday 1st December St Richards Hospice Lights of Love - Malvern Dedicate a light in memory of a loved one this Christmas. 6pm. Tel: 01905 763963. The Great Malvern Priory, Malvern, WR14 2AY. www. strichards.org.uk/lightsoflove Wednesday 2nd December The Sensational 60s Experience Herman’s Hermits, Chris Farlowe, Steve Ellis (the voice of Love Affair) Union Gap UK, New Amen Corner Hosted by Alan Mosca from Freddie and The Dreamers - without doubt the most explosive 60s show touring the UK - when pop music was at it’s very best. 7.30pm – 10pm. Tel: 01684 892277. £29.68. Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3HB. www.malverntheatres.co.uk/events/event/the-sensational-60sexperience/ Friday 4th & Saturday 5th December A Feast of Music - Christmas Concert Join us at the Pershore Abbey to enjoy a feast of music performed by the Worcester Male Voice Choir and guests from 7pm! In aid of Headway Worcestershire and Friends of Pershore. Tickets £12, includes program, a drink and a mince pie. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Tel: 01905 729729. Pershore Abbey, Church Street, Pershore, WR10 1DT. Saturday 5th & Saturday 12th December Christmas Wreath Workshop Impress your friends and family with a fabulous handmade wreath of your very own. Cost £37.50 per person, £10 deposit on booking. Price includes your wreath to take home. All tools and materials are supplied. Book early as places are limited. 10am – 3pm. Tel: 01527 821421. Jinney Ring, Hanbury Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, B60 4BU. www.jinneyring.co.uk/acatalog/Christmas-WreathMaking-Workshop.html. Monday 7th to Saturday 12th December The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Don't miss this thrilling musical adaptation by Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) of C.S.Lewis' classic tale. Performances from 7.30pm Monday 7th to Friday 11th December; Saturday 12th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm at Number 8 Community Arts Centre, Pershore, WR10 1BG.

Tickets from the Box Office tel: 01386 555488. www.number8.org. Thurs 10th December to Sunday 3rd January Peter Pan This spectacular production stars Mark Moraghan as love-able baddie Captain Hook. Starring alongside Mark will be Andrew Agnew and Hannah-Jane Fox, Jessica Punch will take the title role and Hook’s pirate crew will include the hilarious comedy acrobats The Nitwits. Tel: 01684 892277. £10.34 - £26.88. Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3HB. www. malvern-theatres.co.uk/events/event/peter-pan/ Saturday 12th December The Nutcracker - Live ballet in Evesham for Xmas The acclaimed Vienna Festival Ballet bring the magic of live ballet to Evesham this Christmas, dancing The Nutcracker live on the arts centre stage. Dance fans and those who've never seen a live performance can all enjoy this hugely popular classic ballet: a memorable Christmas present or a great-value indulgence! 3pm. Tickets £20 (£18 for pensioners, £13 children) from Evesham Almonry 01386 446944 and www.EveshamArtsCentre. co.uk. Sunday 13th December Grand Christmas Whist Drive Guaranteed prize win. Admission £2. 4pm. Tickets tel: 01527 893421. Venue: Astwood Bank Club 5 Dark Lane, Astwood Bank, B96 6AS. Sunday 13th December Bretforton Silver Band Christmas Concert Join Bretforton Silver Band and let the Christmas fun begin! A packed programme of festive favourites from 7.30pm. Tickets £8 from the Arts Centre Box Office or by calling 01386 446944 or online at www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk. Evesham Arts Centre, Evesham, WR11 4QH. www. bretfortonsilverband.co.uk Wednesday 16th December Club WOW - Christmas Party! Christmas crafts and party time at Lower Smite Farm. Suitable for 5-13 years. 6pm – 7.30pm. Tel: 01905 754919. £2.00 per child. Wildlife Farming & Education Centre, Lower Smite Farm, Worcester, WR3 8SZ. www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/ 2015/12/16/club-wow-christmas-party

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

What's on in December & January Monday 21st December Arthur Christmas (Cert U) Family comedy Arthur Christmas, reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child's question: 'So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?' 6.30pm. £5.Parking free. Tel: 01905 770154. Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED. www.norburytheatre.co.uk. Thursday 31st December & Friday 1st January New Year’s Eve - The Captain’s Gala Dinner This year we are "pushing the boat out" with a night of Glitz and Glamour! A 4-course "round the world" menu and live entertainment from wonderful vintage vocalist Simon Partridge, with songs from the 20s, 30s and 40s. Tickets £60 per person. Dress code: Black Tie. Arrival between 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Carriages at 1am. Tickets available online, by phone or at the Gift Shop. Tel: 01527 821272. Jinney Ring, Hanbury Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, B60 4BU. www.jinneyring. co.uk/acatalog/New-Year-s-Eve.html Saturday 2nd January Afternoon Concert: American Adventure Welcome in the New Year with the Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra and their traditional New Year’s Viennese Concert. A wonderful musical selection of music by Mozart and Strauss. 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Tel: 01684 310487. Church Street, Pershore, WR10 1DT. Friday 22nd & Friday 29th January Friday Angel Place A Friday Market with a twist, located at the general market place Angel Square. A welcome addition to the market showcasing fine Produce, with a twist of Vintage, Antiques and collectables a great addition to the city's shopping. 9am – 5pm. Tel: 01384 877336. Free entry. Worcester, WR1 3QN. www.worcestercitymarkets.co.uk Saturday 30th January Cinderella Step Up Performers - Happy Steps Presents Cinderella. A funny pantomime with a spin off of the story we all know. A great family show with lots of songs, laughter and fun to be enjoyed by all. 2.30pm. £9. Tel: 01905 770154. Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED. www.norburytheatre. co.uk

Worcester Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks December 2015 Mon 21st - Droitwich & Salwarpe walk Meet 10am at Droitwich Leisure Centre car park, Briar Mill, Droitwich WR9 0RZ (SO888630). A leisurely 5 mile morning walk. Leader Dena: 01905 774452 Tues 22nd - Callow End & Deblins Green walk Meet 10.00am at Lower Ferry Lane WR2 4UN opposite the recreation and sports grounds. (SO837498) A leisurely morning 5 mile walk. Leader Sally: 01905 424341 Thurs 24th - Tiddesley Wood & Pershore walk Meet 10.00am at Tiddesley Wood car park, Besford Road Pershore WR10 2AD. (SO929462) A leisurely 5 mile morning walk. Leader Dave: 01386 556543 Sun 27th - Ombersley & Uphampton walk Meet 10.00am at the roadside near Cricket Pitch, Old Road Ombersley WR9 0ER for a 6 mile walk. Leader Cedric: 01905 779872 Mon 28th - Spetchley morning walk Meet 10.00am the eastern end of Worcester Woods Country Park car park, Wildwood Way WR5 2LG (SO 877542) for this ideal postChristmas 5 mile walk. Leaders Martyn & Helen: 01905 312198 Tues 29th – Around the Southern Malvern Hills Meet 10.00am at Duke of York Car Park, Tewkesbury Road, WR13 6JQ. (SO 782 354). Please park in extension car park. 6.2 mile walk. Leader Derek: 07730 221444 Text only. Wed 30th - Worcester to Grimley walk Meet 11.00am at Sabrina footbridge (Hylton Road side) in central Worcester WR1 3EJ (SO 843552). A leisurely 6 mile stroll. Leader Cliff: 07815 678229 Thurs 31st - Malvern Hills morning walk Meet 10.00am at Wynds Point Car Park (British Camp £3 Pay & Display) A499 opposite The Malvern Hills Hotel WR13 6DW (SO0763403) A leisurely 5 mile walk. Leader Dave: 01386 556543 January 2016 Sat 2nd - Grafton Flyford with Packed Lunch Meet 9.30am at St. John the Baptist church, Grafton Flyford WR7 4PG (SO961556) for a moderately paced walk about 8-9 miles. Bring a packed lunch.

39 ToWORCESTERSHIRE advertise yourGRAPEVINE event, email Please mention THE when betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk responding to advertisers

Amateur Bromsgrove rider takes SEIB Search for a Star Horse of the Year Show title

ophie Clark, (25) from Bromsgrove won the hack final in the 2015 SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star series at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last week. Sophie rode her horse, Dowhills Daffi to victory in the final at the prestigious Birmingham NEC venue. There was hot competition throughout the classes and the hard work, training and preparation that each of the competitors have put in since the qualifiers was evident, giving judges, Robert Oliver (conformation) and Katie Jerram (ride) plenty to think about.

said Sophie, who studied Sport and Community Development at Sheffield and is now working as a teaching assistant at a Special Educational Needs school. “HOYS is something I have dreamed of for years and years. It is amazing!” she said. Now in its nineteenth year, Search for a Star was the brainchild of SEIB Insurance Brokers who still run and support it today. It is exclusively for amateur riders and owners and designed to give these enthusiastic people a chance to compete at the Horse of the Year Show and also to discover new equine talent. SEIB has been providing equestrian insurance for over five decades and is a major player in equestrian insurance.

go at Search for a Star, and the standard of horses and ponies coming forward just gets better each year. The atmosphere at HOYS was magical. It is wonderful to be able to give genuine amateur owners and riders this opportunity and I hope that many will go on to further success. I am so thrilled with the success of Jordan Cook and Fleetwater Xecutive, who were Search For A Star Champions in 2007 and stood Reserve Champion Hack of the Year this time – it just goes to show that it is possible to go on and win in open classes!” says SEIB Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie.

SEIB has launched their new SEIB Sophie bought the mare, Dowhills Horse Hive where people can Daffi by Strinesdale Mastermind register to be among the first to out of Millcroft Minadab, as a 6 receive details of dates, venues and month old foal from Dowhills Stud entry information for SEIB events, “Robert and I were on the same on the Devon / Somerset border including Search for a Star and wavelength throughout and he was and the breeders were at HOYS to Racehorse to Riding Horse just great to judge with. There were qualifiers for 2016. The SEIB see the win. “We went to see a 2 no disagreements, but when you get Horse Hive promises to be buzzing year old, but chose a foal instead”, horses from up and down the country with activity, with exclusive offers, explained Sophie. Last year was produced so well, for us to come and news and information. Visitors can their first season competing locally, judge has been a total pleasure”, said register on the company website or and they enjoy hacking and “doing Katie Jerram. via the Facebook page www. normal things” at home. “I wanted facebook.com/SEIB.Search4AStar “I am always impressed with the a show hack, and she has been to share the experience. number of people wanting to have a maturing while I have been at uni”, 40 To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

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A Right Royal Romance

Royal entourage, including the Mistletoe Queen, her Holly Prince, Royal Attendants and their loyal subjects, will parade through the pretty Worcestershire town of Tenbury Wells on Saturday 5th December, to celebrate the importance of mistletoe locally, nationally and worldwide. On the day, the Mistletoe Festival will feature the traditional crowning of Tenbury's Mistletoe Queen, Santa's Parade, a lantern procession, and a free-to-enjoy programme of story telling, poetry, music, visual arts and street entertainment, provided by a mix of nationally acclaimed artists. As England's Mistletoe Capital, Tenbury Wells can chart a long history of Druid connections, internationally known holly and mistletoe auctions and it is believed, Royal approval as Queen Victoria's â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Little Town 42

in the Orchard'. The town is surrounded by gently rolling hills blanketed with hundreds of beautiful and ancient apple orchards that are a favourite host for the parasitic mistletoe plant. Festival Organiser for the Tenbury Mistletoe Association, Caroline Palethorpe said: "Mistletoe harvested in Worcestershire and Hereford-shire travels all over the world, and this gives Tenbury Wells an international name and a small but significant place in the festive celebrations. Having our schools, colleges, families and other community supporters all involved in welcoming and entertaining visitors at this time of year is lovely to see at a local level. We hope to attract lots of people to Tenbury Wells for the day . . . to collect their mobile kissing devices!" As well as providing a literary and cultural focus, the festival

will feature the Vamos Theatre bringing fun, frivolity and just a little mayhem to the streets. A Winter Vintage Craft Fair will be held throughout the afternoon and many independent local retailers will stay open for late night shopping. As a part of the whole 2015 Season, National Mistletoe Day on Tuesday 1st December will be celebrated locally. National Holly & Mistletoe Sales will take place at Burford House Garden Store on Tuesday 24th November, National Mistletoe Day itself and finally, on Tuesday 8th December. All sales start at 9am. A Druids Thanksgiving Ceremony will be held on the Burgage at 3pm on Saturday 28th November. More information about the 2015 Mistletoe Festival and Mistletoe Season of events can be found at: www.tenburymistletoe.org

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Inkberrow Players Present:

Humbug & Mistletoe

Friday 4th and Saturday 5th December

A What’s What of Christmas

Inkberrow Village Hall

Come and find out the stories behind some Yuletide traditions! A fun evening of readings and songs, sketches, poetry and prose to set you up for Christmas!

Doors open 7.30pm Performances start 8.00pm Licensed bar Over 14’s ONLY Tickets £8 available FROM 1ST NOVEMBER AT INKBERROW PO AND THE VILLAGE SHOP

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Christmas Trivia

Number Workout

(answers on page 49)

Fit the numbers 1-6 once in every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the The North Pole, said to be Santa's home, same. No number is repeated in any hexagon. is located in which ocean? 2. 'And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas day in the morning...' is from which Christmas carol? 3. Marzipan is made mainly from sugar and the flour or meal of which nut? 4. Which Christmas condiment is made from fruit sometimes referred to as marshworts? 5. Which Christmas slogan was introduced by Clarissa Baldwin of Dogs Trust in 1978? 6. Which British monarch (born 1865, died 1936) introduced the custom of giving thousands of Christmas puddings to staff? 7. Who composed the music for the Christmas themed ballet The Nutcracker? 8. What day of the week was Christmas day in the year 2000? 9. Charles Dickens is said to have considered the names Little Larry and Puny Pete for which character? 10. Under which Puritan leader did the English parliament pass a law banning Christmas in 1647? 11. Which traditional Christmas plant was once so revered by early Britons that it Kakuro had to be cut with a golden sickle? Fill in the blank squares, ensuring that the 12. In the song 'The Twelve Days Of numbers add up to the number in the grey box Christmas', how many swans were to the left of the row or above the line. Only a-swimming? numbers 1 to 9 can be used and no number 13. In which country does Santa have his own can be repeated in the same row or line. personal postcode HOH OHO? 14. 'Nadolig Llawen' means Merry Christmas 20 10 12 21 in which western European language? 10 15. What red-blooming Christmas plant came originally from Mexico? 16. What song topped the UK charts at 27 Christmas in 1957 and in a medley version 14 29 in 1978? 4 16 17. What is the name of Dorothy Gale's dog 17 in The Wizard of Oz? 21 8 18. Who is the central businessman character in the film It's a Wonderful Life? 5 19. Gwyl San Steffan is the name for 26th 14 December (St Stephen's Day or Boxing Day) in which country? 28 20. From what does the month of December take its name? 44 To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk 1.

4 3

1 3

1 4

3 6

Christmas Break

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

3 5 3 7

7 2

9 8

Across

1 Blue-green gem (9) 6 British film and TV award (5)

7 Group of sportsmen (5)

9 Obligation (4) 10 Tentative suggestion (6) 12 Apprehensive (6) 14 Freshwater carp (4)

17 Yellow-brown (5) 18 Big (5) 19 Yet no mist (anag.) (9)

Down 2 Out of training (5) 3 Wharf (4)

4 Unseated (6)

5 Head bone (5) 6 Misfortune (3,4) 8 Hard-wearing (7)

15 Large wading bird (5)

11 Help out (6) 13 Delete (5)

16 Jam fruit (4) 19

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E. Hill & Son Funeral Directors Established 1960

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01386 552141 www.ehillandson.co.uk

Charity AEDdonate are looking to team up with Schools, Local Communities, Parish Councils and Clubs to raise funds to place Defibrillators (AED’s) within them. At present in the UK just 8.6% of people who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospitals are saved in time this is because there are simply not enough AED’s out there. Other countries such as Holland 21% and Norway 25% are way ahead of us. As cardiac arrest is the UK’s biggest killer AEDdonate is on a mission to increase the UK survival rate. The charity arranges raffle prizes, local vouchers from local businesses which will generate income for the campaign, on-line personal challenges that locals can take part in if they want - anything from small runs, parachuting to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. They also have over 3000 on-line retailers that pay commission if people follow a link on the pubs' personalised fundraising web site. AEDdonate is also looking for support from local organisations, councillors and MP’s. Kevin Turner on behalf of the charity said “It is essential that we place as many AED’s as possible out there; with the help of local communities we can do this. The existing fundraising activities means that people can fund-raise by spending as they normally do on a daily basis, from buying your groceries from Asda to getting your hair cut, the campaigns get paid a small percentage and it all goes the specific local campaign, we also support each local campaign by providing a pack including posters, collection tubs and ideas, a campaign manager and loads of support.” If you want to take part and can see this as a value to your local School, Community or Club, then please call AEDdonate directly on 01785 472224 or you can email Kevin Turner k.turner@aeddonate.co.uk 46

Fairfield House, Defford Road, Pershore, WR10 1HZ

The Worcestershire Grapevine

GET PAID

TO EXERCISE! Like walking? Earn while you walk! We need Distributors to deliver The Worcestershire Grapevine in

FLYFORD FLAVELL PEOPLETON UPTON SNODSBURY These are all small routes and would suit someone wanting a first paper round.

Interested? please contact Betty on Tel: 01684 833715 betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

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VETS & ANIMAL CARE Evesham Bowler Lewis & Partners Tel: 01386 442804

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pershore Martin & Carr Tel: 01386 553631 UPTON-UPON-SEVERN The Stocks Veterinary Centre Tel: 01684 592606 RSPCA Tel: 0300 123 4999

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CHEMISTS

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT CHILDLINE Tel: 0800 1111 CHILD PROTECITON HELPLINE Tel: 0800 800 500 CRIMESTOPPERS Tel: 0800 555 111 WORCESTERSHIRE RAPE & SEXUAL ABUSE SUPPORT CENTRE Tel: 01905 611 655 SAMARITANS Tel: 01432 269 000

RAILWAY STATIONS EVESHAM Tel: 0845 700 0125 malvern Tel: 0121 634 2040 pershore Tel: 0845 700 0125

EVESHAM Lloyds Parmacy Tel: 01386 48899 Morrisons Pharmacy Tel: 01385 40610

Bishampton Tel: 01386 462873

MALVERN Boots The Chemist Tel: 01684 572905 Lloyds Pharmacy Tel: 01684 573811

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PEOPLETON Tel: 01905 840471

WEST MERCIA POLICE Victoria Road, Malvern Station Lane, Upton Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore Abbey Road, Evesham Tel. 0300-333 3000

EVESHAM Tel: 01386 423344

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN Talbot Cooper Chemists Tel: 01684 592637

CITZENS ADVICE EVESHAM, PERSHORE & WORCESTER: Wychavon CAB Tel: 03444 111 303 MALVERN Malvern Hills CAB Tel: 01684 563611

Upton Snodsbury Tel: 01905 381511 UPTON-UPON-SEVERN Tel: 01684 592634

TOURIST INFORMATION

EMERGENCY SERVICES POLICE FIRE AMBULANCE Emergency: 999

AMBULANCE SERVICE Victoria Road, Malvern Tel: 01684 561556

EVESHAM Tel: 01386 442348

Spetchley Road, Worcester Tel: 01905 764226

MALVERN Tel: 01684 892289

GAS Tel: 0800 111 999

Malvern Community Hospital Tel: 01684 612600

PERSHORE Tel: 01386 556591

WATER Tel: 0800 783 4444

Pershore Hospital Tel: 01386 502070

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN Tel: 01684 594200

ELECTRICITY Tel: 0800 328 1111

HOSPITALS Evesham Community Hospital Tel: 01386 502432

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.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.

BD AUTO SERVICES Unit 6, 79 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1EU (behind the carwash)

Servicing â&#x20AC;˘ MOT Repairs Clutch & Brake Repairs Welding â&#x20AC;˘ Diagnostics

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

Tel: 01386 550013 Mob: 07850 550238 Answers to Christmas Trivia on page 44 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Arctic Ocean I Saw Three Ships Almond Cranberry sauce A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas King George V Tchaikovsky Monday Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol Oliver Cromwell Mistletoe Seven Canada Welsh Poinsettia Mary's Boy Child (Harry Belafonte and Boney M, respectively) Toto George Bailey (played by James Stewart) Wales Ten (Latin, decem - it was the tenth month of the early Roman calendar)

Primary Business Contacts: brianjoyce@usa.net

Mobile: 07949 273 948 www.bgdigitalphotographs.co.uk

Answers to Crossword on page 44 ACROSS: 1. Turquoise, 6. BAFTA, 7. Squad, 9. Duty, 10. Feeler, 12. Uneasy, 14. Chub, 17. Khaki, 18. Large, 19. Testimony DOWN: 2. Unfit, 3. Quay, 4. Ousted, 5. Skull, 6. Bad luck, 8. Durable, 11. Assist, 13. Erase, 15. Heron, 16. Plum

Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

Accountants Crowthers 36 Haines Watts 32 Bathrooms & Kitchens A Job 4 John Dream Doors

32 5

Boiler Services Johnston Scotia

Bookkeeper Services Dalton Bookkeeping

Building & Construction Evesham Trade Centre 43 Simon Haines Construction 10 Butchers Abbey Butchers Manor Farm Butchers

11 & 51 31

Cars: Parts, Repairs & Sales BD Auto Services 49 Marshalls of Evesham Ltd 25

Funeral Directors E Hill & Son

Gardening & Landscaping Bowbrook Gardens 13 Cut Above The Rest 31 Earls Croome Garden Centre 41 Foliation 26 Garden Machinery Mobile Service & Repair 14 Luke's Garden Maintenance 28 Haberdashery & Material The Fabrik Shop 20 Handyman A Job 4 John

Health & Beauty ALM Fitness The Beauty Barn

16 37

Heating & Plumbing Johnston Scotia J S Plumbing N A Taylor

19 14 20

Pet Care Cats Protection Dapper Doggies Fern's Cattery Grooming at Fern's

22 14 18 18

Picture Framing Huxley Imaging

Photography BG Digital Photographs

Plumbing & Heating Johnston Scotia J S Plumbing N A Taylor

19 14 20

Pubs & Restaurants The Berkeley The Star Inn

23 23

Roofing Services G.M. Roofing

Shoes Humphries 45

Cleaning Services Chris James Cleaning

Chimney Services Elite Sweeps

Interior Design & Soft Furnishings Sunflower Soft Furnishings

Coal Merchants A W Parker

Kitchens Dream Doors

Community Services Age UK Aspen Retirement Bluebird Card Helping Hands St Richard's Hospice

12 9 10 43 21

Locksmiths Alcester Locks

Windows, Doors & Conservatories Cloudy2Clear Windows 3 ETC Windows, Doors & Conservatories 36

M O T BD Auto Services Marshalls of Evesham Ltd

49 25

Wood Burning Stoves Chase Heating Elite Stoves

Computing & IT Services Pendas CS Ltd 4

47 10

Oven Cleaning Ovenclean 4 Ovenclean 32

32 28 25

Driveways & Paving Castle Paving Premier Paving & Driveways

13 25

Pershore Retail Market Christmas Market

14 22

Pest Control Opkill 14 Vale Pest Control 31

Online Dating Matcheo 32

Decorators & Painters A Job 4 John Aztec Painting & Decorating CR Decorating

Electricians Craig Merchant Electrical Marchwood Maintenance

Waste Disposal Active Welfare

Parties & Toys Cosmos Party & Toys

2 52

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Abbey Butchers

Pershore’s Premier Butcher & Delicatessen currently at Unit 1, Pershore Retail Market, King Georges Way, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1EY 01386 554349 Email Ken@kctallis.wanadoo.co.uk

WE ARE MOVING!!! WE ARE MOVING!!! Dear Customer, it is with great pride and

much excitement that both I and the team at Abbey Butchers & Delicatessen wish to make you aware that we are on the move!! Yes we are moving … lock stock and barrel!!! All of us!! After Christmas!!

We will be officially open for business on January 14th 2016 … come and see us at:

No. 10 The High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1BG THE FIRST NEW TRADITIONAL FAMILY BUTCHER’S SHOP TO OPEN IN PERSHORE FOR TWENTY YEARS!!! After thirty years of very happy and successful trading in the Pershore Retail Market, we have made the decision to move forward, leave the market and further expand our business, meeting the demands and requirements of all of our customers by opening six days a week. We have acquired the property known as No. 10 The High Street (the old Capers Delicatessen), located between Number 8 Theatre and Coffee One. As we go to print, the new shop is undergoing a major rebuild and refurbishment, and when completed in early January, Abbey Butchers will not only enhance, but also complement Pershore’s busy High Street with its new prestigious style, offering a full range of our traditional meats and delicatessen products, and complementing this with a full range of home cooked meals and a new takeaway menu. From a salad bowl to home-made sausage rolls; a bowl of olives to a rib of beef; a jar of home-made chutney to home-made cakes … and more. We will have it all, to meet what ever you require on a daily basis. EVERYTHING STAYS THE SAME – THE PHONE NUMBER – THE STAFF - THE EMAIL ADDRESS – CONSISTANT PLEASANT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WE WILL BE OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK!!

Look for our opening special offers.

Bring this leaflet on the opening day and receive a 10% discount on all purchases of £20.00 and over.

BIG ENOUGH TO COPE SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE

Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

Pe W rsh el or come e M to ar ke t

mM eo to rshooWrreelceM e t o e Mmaaerrtakorektet ket

C herr y Orchard, Orchard, P ershore, W Cherry Pershore, Worcs, orcs, WR10 1EY 01386 553232 www.pershoremarket.com w w w.pe . rshoremarket.com

Christmas 2015 Opening Hours

CCherher y OrOrchharard, PPerershoorre, WWororcscs, WR10 1EY CCherher CChery553232 hOrOercrhharyaOrOrdrwww. oertcsc.sc,omoWR10 01386 wc, hharPwPeraewrd.sph,ershoremarket ePPeroorrsrerh,sohWWorroroemrecsc,asWWor,rkWR10 m1EY 1EY 0138601386 www.www. ewrswh.poershoremarket 553232553232www. wpershoremarket errsemhaorkemt.acromokmet.comom

Monday 21st Dec Tuesday 22nd Dec Weds 23rd Dec Thurs 24th Dec Friday 25th Dec Sat 26th Dec Sunday 27th Dec Monday 28th Dec Tuesday 29th Dec Weds 30th Dec Thursday 31st Dec Friday 1st Jan Saturday 2nd Jan

Open 9.00-4.30 Open 9.00-4.30 Open 9.00-4.30 Open 9.00-3.00 Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Open 9.00-4.30 Open 9.00-3.00 Closed Open 9.00-4.30

Enjoy the Brass Band on Saturday 19th December and our spectacular Christmas lights display

Do all your Christmas shopping under one roof Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got everything you need for a wonderful Christmas, all your fresh foods, gifts and much more 52

T: 01386 553232 E: Pershore@pershoremarkets.co.uk www.pershoremarket.com To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk