The worcestershire grapevine february 2016 by Betty-Ann Ambury

TThe Worcestershire

www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

February 2016 Issue No. 67

Your Free Magazine

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

Luke's Garden Maintenance

Luke’s Fencing Services

Any gardening job quoted for, including: • Fencing cutting• Fencing • Hedge Hedge cutting • Patio cleaning •  Patios laid • Decking areas • Mowing Strimming •   Patio cleaning  • • Rubbish removals • Tree Tree workwork •  Mowing  • Vegetable patches rotovated  Fence and shed painting  • • Fence and shed painting  Guttering cleaning  • • Guttering cleaning •

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Windows, Doors & Conservatories

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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

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!

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

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he West Malvern Arts Festival has been held for the last 6 years, and, after much deliberation, the organising committee have decided to have a well earned break. This does not mean that the Arts Festival will never happen again, but the current format seems to have lost a little of its initial 'buzz' and attactiveness, and the 2015 Festival actually made a financial loss. The committee are keen to encourage fresh and younger participants and organisers who will take over the Festival, and will share all information relevant to the Festival with those who show interest. Many thanks to all the artists, venue providers and generous volunteer helpers who have supported the Fesitval since its commencement. For further information, please contact Laurie Gregory on 07801 818260 or 01684 573089.

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Hello Readers...

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

Can you believe its February already! And of course, February is Valentine's month, which means romantic dinners with someone special - both The Berkeley and the Star Inn have just the thing, so look out for them as you browse through this month's magazine. February is also the month that Abbey Butchers will be celebrating the grand opening of their new premises, so make a note to join them and maybe meet the TV celebrity who's doing the honours. And if you need a lift to the opening, or to the hospital or the airport, or in fact anywhere at all, James at Inkberrow Private Hire is the person to speak to. As always, the Cats Protection have numerous cats in need of loving homes. As a "cat person" myself, I can honestly say cats do make the most wonderful addition to any home - with a little love and attention, they can be great companions, and suprisingly, have a highly developed sense of humour!

Contributors

Age UK Amy Marshall Geraldine Holbourn Fran Holder Jonathan Bishop Pamela Green

Photography

Front Cover & Pages 38 & 39 Mike Ambury

Printers

And that's it for this month. Keep well and happy reading.

Betty

DC Print (Yorkshire) Ltd Tel: 01977 642331

Next Issue Copy Date 10th February 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. © 2016

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

Contents...

Abbey Butchers

ALM Fitness

Roast Beef Fillet

Vet Talk

What's on in February

The Cheeseboard

Coffee Break

Pershore High School Auction of Promises & Quiz Night

Community Contacts

Index of Advertisers

Focus article Jan fp Jan 16_Layout 1 18/01/2016 10:52 Page 1

West Malvern Arts Festival

Inkberrow Private I Hire

Silent Nights?

St Richard's Hospice

Age UK

19 20

Bandy

Winter hasn’t really happened this year yet. Night time temperatures have been higher than those in July. Spring bulbs and flowers have been blooming months before schedule and the birds have not stopped singing despite the short days. Even the tawny owls have seemed more talkative than usual this winter and although I’ve not seen the hedgehog, I’m not convinced that it’s actually hibernating its been so mild, so I’ve been putting out food just incase. The food disappears most nights but what has eaten it I’m yet to discover and as I’ve been given a wildlife camera I should be able to find out soon. Having said that, I’m embarrassed to say that despite the camera being very simple to use, in fact far more basic than my digital camera, I’m having difficulties getting it to record properly, but I will succeed!

West Mercia Police

Each night I go out to put down food, for the hedgehog, probably eaten by a feral cat that has taken up residence, I always stand for a while listening to the tawny owls’ hoots, screeches and ‘kwick’

12 noises that I find strangely comforting on a dark night, it seems like an ‘everything’s all right’ conversation between the owls as they call to each other, staking out their territories. Sadly not everything is all right for tawny owls for they have recently been put on the amber list of birds whose decline is cause for concern. Another, treasured British species like the hedgehog facing an uncertain future.

successfully in the woods for several years, that is probably not necessary. What concerns me most is the disturbance they and other birds like the woodcock, are subjected to by the mountain bikers who insist on biking ‘off piste’ day and night, despite efforts by the Conservators. This minority group are causing great damage and wildlife disturbance, spoiling the Hills for all who love them. How sad too, that in time to come nights on the Hills might be silent.

The Delightful Snowdrop

Cats Protection

Bird feeders are no use to owls, but I can provide habitat for voles and put up owl nest boxes, but as these owls have nested

photo and article by Geraldine Holbourn

Splitting Your Garden into Areas

Pershore High School Badminton Champions

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A day at the Zoo ... ?

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Computer Problems? -

PC repairs and upgrades Spyware and virus removal Health checks and PC servicing Website design and site marketing PC’s and media centres built to order General troubleshooting & support Configuring wireless networks Email and Internet problems Advice and ongoing help Apple Mac and Windows p: m: e: w:

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A blonde, driving towards the Gold Coast along one of those long, empty roads in the north of Australia, comes across a broken down van. The blonde stops and sees there is a man behind the wheel of the van with two moneys in the back of the van. “Is there anything I can do to help?” asks the blonde. The man replies, “I’ve phoned the recovery people but they’re likely to be some time and I’m supposed to be taking these monkeys to the zoo. Could you please take them for me as I don’t want them waiting in this heat? I’ll give you $100 for your help.” The blonde agrees, so they put the monkeys in the car, fasten their seat belts and off they go. Some hours later, the man has had his van fixed and arrives at the coast, and sees the blonde walking the along the pavement with a monkey in each hand. Furious, the man stops and says “What are you doing? I gave you $100 to take the moneys to the zoo!” And the blonde replies, “Yes, I took them to the zoo and we had a great time, and there was some money left over, so then we had an ice cream, and now I’m taking them to Sea World”.

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Business Business Profile Profile

Business: Business: Business: Type: Type: Type: Established: Established: Establised: Address: Address: Owner: Owner: Owner: Address: Website: Website: Telephone: Email: Email:

AW W Parker Parker Coal Coal Merchants Merchants Ltd Ltd A Inkberrow Private Hire Solid Fuel Fuel Suppliers Suppliers Solid Chauffeur Driven Car Hire 1920 1920 2015 34, 34, Bronte Bronte Drive, Drive, Ledbury. Ledbury. HR8 HR8 2FZ 2FZ James Graham Graham Parker Parker 1 Worcester Road, Inkberrow, WR7 4EU www.awparkercoalmerchants.co.uk www.awparkercoalmerchants.co.uk

01386 791593 awparker.ledbury@hotmail.com awparker.ledbury@hotmail.com

W o

offering quality fuels traditional, is chill in as draw ames,here owner driver of nights Inkberrow the protection of their customers, theaa business We’re offering top top quality fuels with with traditional, here is aaand chillprinciple in the the air air as the the nights draw ForWe’re Inkb personal, friendly service to all parts of in so get your coal delivered to your home carries full private hire insurance, including Private Hire, a man ofdelivered many andto varied in so get is your coal your home personal, friendly service to all parts of full Herefordshire, Worcestershire and for public liability cover. W or Herefordshire, Worcestershire and talents. for free! free! Gloucestershire. Gloucestershire.

WR7 “Why drive your to up Before Private Hire, James Inkberrow Private Hire offers a 24/7 service; pre“Whystarting drive to toInkberrow your garage garage to pick pick up pre-packed pre-packed We pride ourselves on aa polite, coal when we can deliver straight to your door?” INKBERROW PRIVATE worked in the food industry as a food microis essential andon the contactprofessional numberHIRE is and We pride ourselves polite, professional and coal when we can deliver straight to your door?” booking timely service, so why not give us a try. asks Nick Fish of AW Parker Coal Merchants biologist and technical manager, for which he has an available until midnight seven days a week. Mob timely service, so why not give us a try. asks Nick Fish of AW Parker Coal Merchants 1 Worcester Road Ledbury. honours degree. He also currently runs a mobile Ledbury. Inkberrow, entertainment business in Worcestershire, which Worcestershire AW Parker started their coal delivery service in Parker startedfor their service INKBERROW PRIVATE HIRE hasAW been established 19 coal yearsdelivery and covers localin WR7 4EU Herefordshire and Worcestershire one year ago Herefordshire and Worcestershire one year ago 1 Worcester Road All lo and national venues.

The Warmth of a All local areas covered Real Coal Fire National Coverage

and and business business is is thriving. thriving.

Inkberrow, Mob. 07414 736319 Due to cut backs in the food industry, James Worcestershire Nick explains, “A W Parker are well established decided it was time careerare change, and as he is WR7 Nick explains, “Afor W aParker well established All4EU UK Airports within Forest of Dean and an a sociable person and within the the Forest of likes Deandriving, and it’s it’s Inkberrow an exciting exciting Seaports and All local areas covered challenge Private Hire to wascontinue born. to Train Mob. 07414Stations 736319 challenge to continue to expand expand the the delivery delivery area. area.

National Coverage We have lots of experience and knowledge within Hospital Service

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Coverage Stations The services Inkberrow Private Hire offers include: TrainNational

Nick’s wife Melanie, whose great-grandfather

Worcester All 1UK AirportsRoad Hospital Service Inkberrow Seaports and Worcestershire Train Stations WR7 4EU

wife Melanie, whosethe great-grandfather • Nick’s Executive travel covering whole of started the the business business almost almost aa hundred hundred years years ago, ago, started Worcestershire, Herefordshire and surrounding adds: “I “I have have been been bookkeeping bookkeeping for for the the family family adds: areas.

business business for for over over fifteen fifteen years years and and it’s it’s great great to to be be

• part Long journeys tocontinuation airports, seaportsthe and of distance the part the expansion expansion and and continuation of of the trainofstations.

Hospital Service

Mob: 07414 736319

For quality quality pre-packed pre-packed coal coal delivered delivered For W ed to your your door door at at competitive prices prices to competitive A W Parker Coal Merchants supply quality Wedding Car Chauffeur A W Parker Coal Merchants supply quality Ser v Wedding Car • Executive wedding car chauffeur service with a contact contact Nick Nick Fish Fish at: at: British house coal and smokeless fuel from Wales. ServiceChauffeur Offered Service Offered British house coal and smokeless fuel from Wales. difference, a choice of ribbon colour and a bottle Wedding CarA All c W Coal Merchants Ltd Chauffeur W Parker Parker All cars A Mercedes BenzCoal Fleet Merchants Ltd They provide excellent value for money Mercedes Benz Fleet They provide excellent valueand forgroom. money whether whetherAll cars of bubbly to toast the bride Service Offered Ledbury Ledbury you you need need coal, coal, anthracite, anthracite, charcoal charcoal or or All cars Mercedes Benz Fleet 01531 631675 or Currently Jamesfuels. is the Kindling principleand driver for the 01531 631675 or 07483 07483 350639 350639 manufactured nets of logs are manufactured fuels. Kindling and nets of logs are 24 www.awparkercoalmerchants.co.uk HOUR Service: 01386 791593 business, with a fleet of Mercedes Benz cars. www.awparkercoalmerchants.co.uk also available for delivery. also available for delivery. family family business. business.””

• Transport and to and from hospitals.

24 HOUR Service: 01386 791593

JAMES B Flyer v2.indd 1

18/12/2015 14:32

JAMES

Business Profile • Business Profile • Business Profile JAMES B Flyer v2.indd 1

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18/12/2015 14:32

Silent Nights?

t’s been a cheerless winter so far. We’ve seen the sun for only a handful of days and the rain has kept on falling, so much so that I’ve worn muddy paths to the bird feeders and the lawn is a bog. I’m writing this on a blissfully still day, the quiet seeming to be magnified by the fact that the wind isn’t bellowing over the roof, or rattling the tree tops. Winter hasn’t really happened this year yet. Night time temperatures have been higher than those in July. Spring bulbs and flowers have been blooming months before schedule and the birds have not stopped singing despite the short days. Even the tawny owls have seemed more talkative than usual this winter and although I’ve not seen the hedgehog, I’m not convinced that it’s actually hibernating its been so mild, so I’ve been putting out food just incase. The food disappears most nights but what has eaten it I’m yet to discover and as I’ve been given a wildlife camera I should be able to find out soon. Having said that, I’m embarrassed to say that despite the camera being very simple to use, in fact far more basic than my digital camera, I’m having difficulties getting it to record properly, but I will succeed! Each night I go out to put down food, for the hedgehog, probably eaten by a feral cat that has taken up residence, I always stand for a while listening to the tawny owls’ hoots, screeches and ‘kwick’ 12

noises that I find strangely comforting on a dark night, it seems like an ‘everything’s all right’ conversation between the owls as they call to each other, staking out their territories. Sadly not everything is all right for tawny owls for they have recently been put on the amber list of birds whose decline is cause for concern. Another, treasured British species like the hedgehog facing an uncertain future. Bird feeders are no use to owls, but I can provide habitat for voles and put up owl nest boxes, but as these owls have nested

photo and article by Geraldine Holbourn To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Special for February is: Full Body Massage Normally £36

now £29.99

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Happy New Year! support is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

s we enter a new year, we cannot help reflecting on the year just closing; thinking about all our successes and joyful times as well as the times that have been more difficult and have challenged us. Here at St Richard’s we strive each day to offer compassionate care to those coping with the challenges of their illness or bereavement of a loved one. Over this Christmas and New Year period we have continued to offer specialist care and support to patients and their families at this very special time of year. We are proud of all our staff and volunteers who worked over the holiday to ensure that our

Many families tell us that our care makes such a difference to them and even more so over the festive period, a time when families want to spend quality time together. The husband of one patient told us: “Without assistance from the hospice it would have been a pretty dismal time. I was completely taken aback by the unlimited nature of the care that was on offer.” We are able to care for patients at the end of their lives thanks to the amazing support we receive from our local community, and we are very grateful to everyone who has helped us be there for those in need. I would like to thank everyone who has helped us during 2015; those that have volunteered their

June Patel

time and skills to support patients and carers, to help us run our fundraising events, or to keep our shops open. Thank you to everyone who has donated funds to help us ensure that we can be here to provide care and support to those who will need our services in 2016. A peaceful New Year to you all! June Patel Care Director

Business advisers and accountants working Business advisers and accountants working Business Business advisers and advisers accountants and accountants working working in partnership with local owner-managed in partnership with local owner-managed in partnership in partnership with localwith owner-managed local owner-managed companies helping you to achieve your companies helping you to achieve your companies companies helping you helping to achieve you toyour achieve your business and personal ambitions with speed business and personal ambitions with speed business business and personal and personal ambitions ambitions with speed with speed and certainty. and and certainty. and certainty. certainty.

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advert proof

october 2015 editions

The Home Care Specialists

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Berkeley The

Evesham Road, Worcester, WR7 4QL Tel: 01905 345269 Email: info@theberkeleyworcester.co.uk www.theberkeleyworcester.co.uk Food Served 9am until 9pm everyday

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s the festivities of Christmas are once again a distant memory we move into a New Year where, for older people, the weather makes it often a restive and challenging time. The health of older people in the winter is a concern for us. Statistics show that more older people die in the winter period than in the summer. This is often put down to their inability to keep warm properly. We refer to this phenomena as 'excess winter deaths’ - but with some good support they could be avoided. Very simply, winter triggers a number of consequences. If the temperature drops it triggers a need to keep warm and that is difficult for some older people when the cost of fuel is so high in relation to their income. That, in turn, affects their diet and mental wellbeing as they spend less on

good nutritious food and less time socialising with friends. If all of that isn’t bad enough they start watching more television and we all know how depressing that can be sometimes! As a consequence older people become more susceptible to life threatening health conditions. So even though the days may be getting longer now, February is traditionally the loneliest time of the year for many as the weather isolates people so very easily. So how can you help? One of the best ways is to get older people to seek good information and advice to help them understand the health implications and ways to combat the consequences. Age UK has a great booklet on the subject which is free, and there is a short but very informative video on YouTube which is worth a viewing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=stmYCgRbgfE&feature=youtu. be. If you know an older person, why not drop into your local Age UK and ask for a free booklet and just pop it through their letterbox or get one put up on your local community centre notice board. It might just help make Herefordshire and Worcestershire a better place to grow old and keep people warm and well over the winter months. Philip Talbot Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire

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coal when we can deliver straight to your door?” asks Nick Fish of AW Parker Coal Merchants Ledbury.

For Forall all allyour your your For plumbing plumbingneeds needs needs plumbing Nick explains, “A W Parker are well established AW Parker started their coal delivery service in Herefordshire and Worcestershire one year ago and business is thriving.

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Business Profile • Business Profile • Business Profile 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

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lose your eyes for a moment and imagine a world where you can shop without ever having to spend money … wouldn’t it be amazing? Now imagine going into a giant department store. One that’s so big, you can find almost anything you’ve ever wanted within its walls. Fashion, technology, books and films. Whatever it is that you’ve always wanted, it’s right there waiting for you and you won’t need a penny to make it yours. Bandy is a brand new mobile app which brings that dream to reality. Its aim is to revolutionise the 2nd life shopping experience by allowing you to exchange your unwanted items with other people in the local area. Simply upload your items into the app, choose the types of things you’d like to shop for and then start browsing by liking or passing on the items presented to you. If someone likes your item back, you’ve got a match. You can even find your

friends on the app and search what they’ve got to offer. Bandy is the brainchild of Harsh Jani and Ross Macfarlane who were looking for a fun and interactive way of getting rid of their unwanted stuff. “With eBay”, explains Harsh “just putting an item up for sale can be a long drawn out process. Then, if it does sell - you’ve got listing fees and commission on top. It’s no wonder so many people choose to throw away their unwanted items rather than giving them a second lease of life”. There’s an environmental angle to it to. Bandy aims to encourage more people to think first, before binning their unwanted items. With the UK population sending almost 27 million tons of rubbish to landfill in 2014 (2015 figures have yet to be released) there’s a real need to think beyond plastic bottles and cardboard boxes when it comes to recycling. The scarily addictive mobile app, which works in the same

style as the popular dating app Tinder, launched in midDecember, perfectly timed to coincide with the January rush of unwanted Christmas gifts. “The uptake has been strong and the feedback so far has been hugely positive”, said co-founder Ross “the only down-side with the app is that you could end up with even more stuff than you started off with”. Bandy is currently available for download for the iPhone / iPad. An Android version of the product will be available later in the year. You can download the app here: bandyapp download A video about Bandy can be seen here: bandyapp video Our Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/ thebandyapp/ Our Twitter feed can be found here: https://twitter.com/bandy swap.

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New Year's Eve Call Figures

est Mercia Police would like to thank communities for their co-operation on New Year's Eve after experiencing a reduction in 999 calls. The force was prepared for New Year's Eve to be one of the busiest nights of the year, but the number of emergency calls received actually fell compared to last year. Between 7pm on 31st December and 7am on 1st January, there was a 6.9% reduction in 999 calls compared to the same period last year (405 calls in 2015/2016 compared to 433 calls in 2014/ 2015). The 2014/2015 period also experienced a reduction compared to 2013/2014. Of those calls, 97.3% were answered within 10 seconds. During the busiest hour (1am to 2am) call handlers received one 999 call every 56 seconds. Non-emergency calls - also known as 101 - saw a slight increase of 0.4%. Chief Inspector Sean Kent said: "New Year's Eve can be one of the busiest nights of the year to police, and we had extra resources in place to meet the demand. I'd like to thank our communities for their 20

co-operation during this time. The reduction in 999 calls meant those genuinely in emergency situations were able to speak to someone as quickly as possible and get the help they required. I would continue to ask the public to think carefully about whether 999 is the correct service for their needs. For nonemergencies, you can always get in touch by calling 101 or by using our online Services."

Looking for love online this Valentines? An increasing number of people are using the internet, both dating chat rooms and websites, to look for love. Whilst this approach can be successful for many, there are others who do not find the love of their lives and instead become the victims of fraudsters. Every year the police investigate cases where unsuspecting people have been tricked out of money sometimes thousands of pounds. This can be a hugely damaging experience, both financially and emotionally. The online fraudsters take advantage of the anonymity of

the internet to create the 'perfect profile', making promises to tempt their victims into letting their defences down. They then start asking for money. In 2014 in England and Scotland the total financial loss as a result of dating fraud - the majority of which was online - was approximately £32 million, with 3,295 reports submitted to Action Fraud. The average loss per victim was approximately £12,000 in 2014, the Action Fraud figures show. If you are internet dating please take a look at the following tips. Internet Dating? #Be Cyber Smart • Don't let your heart rule your head. Stop and think before you fall head over heels. • How well do you really know the person you are forming a relationship with? • Are they who they say they are? • Are they really looking for love or do they have pound signs in their eyes? • Are the pictures they send you believable? • Are they asking you lots of

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questions but keeping tight-lipped about themselves? • Have they quickly started using pet names or endearing terms? • Do they want to swiftly move their communication with you away from the website or chat room and instead to instant messaging and text messages?

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Next month, the topic will be about how to protect yourself against Identity Theft. Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

Drover at the Pearly Gates A drover from a huge cattle station in the Australian outback appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. "Have you ever done anything of particular merit ?" St. Peter asked.

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"Well, I can think of one thing," the drover offered. "Once, on a trip to the back blocks of Broken Hill out in New South Wales I came across a gang of bikers who were threatening a young sheila. I told them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him in the face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring , and threw it on the ground. Then I yelled, "Now, back off !!! Or I'll kick the sh*t out of the lot of ya!" St. Peter was very impressed, "When did this happen?" "A couple of minutes ago."

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he much-loved snowdrop is the true herald of spring. Bursting through frost and snow they are a delight to see in barren, winter landscapes. I find them delightful and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for them to flower and to photograph them.

Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease in a number of countries. Galanthamine is also used in the treatment of traumatic injuries to the nervous system. Galanthus Nivalis is found to stimulate or increase menstrual flow.

The snowdrop is often thought of as a native British wild flower, or to have been brought to the British Isles by the Romans. Actually, they were introduced to our shores around the early sixteenth century and are not currently a protected species in the UK.

Snowdrop lectin (GNA; Galanthus nivalis agglutinin) is also being studied with regard to its potential activity against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

The snowdrop is also native to a large area of Europe, stretching from the Pyrenees in the west, through France and Germany to Poland in the north, Italy, Northern Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and European Turkey. This unassuming little plant has medical uses, for example it contains an alkaloid, galanthamine, which has been approved for use in the management of

This tiny flower has also been found to be very affective in insecticide and research has suggested that it could be a candidate for introduction into genetically engineered crops, such as tobacco and tomatoes, to increase their resistance to insect pests. Whatever medical properties they have I just find them beautiful and so delicate. They are very popular with gardeners and are easy to grow. Once established they increase freely, producing new bulbs and with

article & photography by Pamela Green

patience, impressive drifts. Large drifts can be easily obtained after some years. Snowdrops should be planted in autumn in dappled shade. The soil should be well drained and if planted in grass they should be left to die back before the grass is cut. There are a number of snowdrop gardens in England, Scotland and Ireland that are open to the public in February through to March. One such garden I visited was at Bank Hall, Bretherton, Lancashire, which is a registered charity. All through February and March they hold snowdrop Sundays, especially on Valentines day, and the carpets of snowdrops are truly a winter delightful. This humble little flower is said to celebrate spring, and they certainly do that.

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Creating Your Garden Paradise article by Jonathan Bishop

SPLITTING YOUR

Garden into Areas

irstly, thank you to those that have contacted me - a few have asked about soft fruit so I will cover this in next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue. If anyone has a topic they would like more information on then please get in touch and I will be happy to cover it. The great advantage of splitting up a garden is it gives you the option to create different elements in your garden, some of which you may want to screen from view. These areas can be as large or small as you like, from a 24

dumping corner or wheelie bin area to a vegetable garden or orchard. Dividing your garden up means not everything is on show straight off, and you can explore the garden and hidden areas as you walk around. To enhance this add unusual plants or eye catching objects to move your eye from one area to another. There are many ways to spilt up areas: the Victorians did this with hedging and walls, and most

manors of their time had walled vegetable gardens to create a warmer sheltered area for growing vegetables. Nowadays this can be created quicker by fencing rather than the expense of erecting walls. Hedging gives the option of cutting in arches and growing them to the heights you want without blocking out views. Even planting done in the right way can make divisions in a garden. The kind of areas you could create: I have already mentioned vegetable gardens or compost bin areas, but really the options are endless. A wildlife area at the back of a garden with a pond is the most common thing to do but here are some others if you need some inspiration: work area by a shed, gravel garden, rockery, orchard, long grassed area, shady area or a secret paved area to have a quiet cup of tea or read a book. How to split parts of, or your entire, garden: This really depends on you and what you want to achieve but here are some pointers for you. If your garden is already established then

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you may only want to change one area. You will have a pretty good idea if it would work and where the boundaries should be, as you may have already pondered over it for some time. If you are working from a blank canvas then you have the option to sketch out the area; make sure you look at where the sun rises and sets as you do not want to build your seating area in the shade. Planting: make sure you do your research on how big things get and if they are suited for the area - you do not want to put a sunny plant in a shade area. The main thing is to get the areas to the size you want - no good if your patio area doesn’t fit your new furniture. I would recommend buying some outside marker spray from your DIY store and spray out your plan first.

Garden Tasks for February Now is the time to start using your compost on herbaceous beds before the plants start coming through. If you have not divided your plants yet this is the last time as long as the temperature is not below 5°C or the cold weather will damage tender roots. This is also the last time to plant bare root plants such as hedging plants. It is also cheaper to get them this way. If you are rotating your compost bins and they are wooden, you should have one free, so now is the time to treat the wood before you start filling it. Towards the end of the month roses need their final prune. Take down to 3 to 5 buds on last year’s growth with the bud facing

outwards so the new shoots do not grow into each other. This also helps to let the air travel through the plants helping to stop diseases getting a hold. If there are no frosts and buds start to break open, start spraying with ‘Rose Clear’ as this will help to prevent diseases before they get a hold. Feeding plants This can be done with a slow release fertilizer such ‘Growmore’ if no frosts are about as you do not want to encourage new growth that the frosts could damage. Do not forget you have until the end of this month to prune your apple trees as the sap will start to rise soon. Next month I will look at soft fruit.

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

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Follow me on Twitter @JonBishop15

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New Year . . . New Cat?

t has been an eventful past year for Evesham Cats Protection, with a big move to a new, much larger and modern premises. This has been achieved by the determination and passion of the long standing volunteers, who want to help and give their best to care for the local cats. Without these people there are many cats who would not now have kind and loving homes.

keeping the rodent population under control. Please give them a break and a fresh start for the New Year too. We are open from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm, everyday for visiting and cat chat. We look forward to a busy year!

Looking forward to 2016, please help us to make Evesham Cats Protection a continued success, and to do this we need the unwavering support of the local community. More voluntary help is needed at the rescue centre to clean and care for the cats. Come a visit and talk to the co-ordinator if you have a few hours or more to spare and you are keen to help cats. There are many different daily tasks that need to be completed ... why not begin the New Year with a new interest. There are also many cats in our care presently that have been needing a home for a number of months now; all with different needs and personalities. Perhaps start the new year with a new companion and give them a new start?

Dave

Dave is a friendly and affectionate cat, although he has had a couple of homes, he doesn't want to share his affections so needs a home with no other pets. Sophia also needs a bit of freedom and needs a home where she can have outside space but also a comfy bed somewhere warm and dry. We also have a number of feral cats who need to live on a small holding or stables environment. They need regular food but would repay this by

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GROOMING AT FERN'S •

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Abbey Butchers

Pershore’s Premier Butcher & Delicatessen No. 10 The High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1BG 01386 554349 Email Ken@kctallis.wanadoo.co.uk

THE MOVE IS COMPLETE

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Dear Customer

Having successfully completed our move from the Pershore Retail Market after thirty years trading there, to our new location at

No. 10 The High Street, Pershore, we are open for business immediately … without any delay!!

Come and visit our newly refurbished Traditional Butchers & Delicatessen shop, with its own old and new classical style. We offer as always a variety of our own award winning pies and a huge selection of our own home cooked quality meats, from ham off the bone to our own recipe traditional faggots. Or perhaps you would like a hot Cornish pasty or a home made savoury roll to take away? Bacon rolls or hot pork baps for a snack? All accompanied by locally produced fruit juices, chutneys and pickles. Our fully qualified butchers are also on hand to advise you and help you choose your weekend joint or select your choice of fresh meat for the week, and even give you some new recipe ideas! As always we have a huge selection of our home cured bacon, free range eggs and of course our famous home-made Pershore sausages.

Come and see us and take advantage of our special offers, with 10% discount on all sales over £20.00!!! Our official opening will be on Saturday 20th February, when we will be joined by a well-known TV celebrity along with all of our customers both old and new!

COME AND SEE US AND JOIN THE PARTY!!!

Special offers for this month: 2lb stewing steak £6.99 (£7.71 per kg) 2lb minced beef £5.99 (£6.61 per kg) 2lb boneless chicken fillets £7.99 (£8.86 per kg) 2lb rindless short back bacon £5.99 (£6.61 per kg) Fresh 4lb chickens £7.99 each Our own freshly roasted chickens at £2.99 each or try our hot roasted belly pork at 99p per 100gms From Pershore’s premier cheese merchants: 2.5kg blocks of mature cheddar for £12.00. New from Gorse Hill Abbey – organic cheese from the Cotswolds: St Egwin, St Oswald and the award winning St Eadburgha. Try before you buy! BIG ENOUGH TO COPE SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE!!

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Which is Better for Weight Loss: Diet or Exercise?

ou want what millions of other people do — to lose weight. Whether you want to trim off extra pounds so you’ll feel better, look better, or be better prepared to tackle whatever demands come your way, you probably want to find the most efficient way to do it.   Well, with this article you can figure out if your emphasis should be on diet or exercise to get the results you want. Without further ado, I present the contenders for your weight-loss attention …   In the Left Corner: Diet   Whilst fad diets have tried their hardest to malign the fine name of dieting, proper diet continues to be a vital way to lose weight. In fact, research has shown that if you’re only going to do one thing in your journey to 32

weight loss, it should be dieting.    What does dieting mean exactly? It means taking very careful note of every bite you put in your mouth. But you can’t stop there. Because paying attention to what you eat isn’t going to make you lose an ounce of weight. You’ve got to take note of it and then reduce the number of calories you consume. If you want to lose even more faster, you’ll even want to make sure your calories are good calories. In other words, you can’t eat just Big Macs every day: you need fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and lots and lots of water.    In the Right Corner: Exercise As with diet, there have been all sorts of fad exercise

programmes that have spanned from dangerous to ridiculously funny. But exercise hasn’t lost its place in the race for weight loss. Why? Because savvy people realise you’ve got to hit the gym if you’re going to maximise your weight loss. The best technique for weight loss is to burn more calories than you take in, and exercise is your golden ticket for shredding calories.    There are other reasons exercise rocks in the world of weight loss. It is the best way to ensure your weight you drop is fat and not muscle. Also, when you exercise, your muscles tone up and grow stronger. With more muscle, your body’s ability to shave off calories increases, making

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VS it easier to burn calories even when you’re doing nothing at all. Diet can’t do that!    Who Wins the Battle? More than likely, you are reading this hoping that exercise alone will help you lose weight, because you hate the idea of watching what you eat. Or maybe you’re just the opposite, and you prefer to watch your diet but absolutely loathe exercise. Well, there’s bad news for you either way. This battle has been waging on for decades - make that centuries - and it is ultimately a draw.

If you’re not willing to eat right and exercise, the success you see today will be gone tomorrow. Try as you might, one of these ingredients alone is not enough to help you lose weight, keep it off, and have an overall healthy lifestyle. In fact, you will find that once you become serious about losing weight, you will be careful about what you eat because you don’t want to put all that exercise to waste. At the same time, you’ll push yourself harder in the gym because you realise you could burn even more calories and

get closer to your weight goal today.    So stop putting diet against exercise, and do both. Your good health and thinner self await!

If you want to get in shape and 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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Roast Beef Fillet with Rich Wine Sauce The sauce makes all the difference to this roast beef dish. Ideal for a dinner party or family meal, as the recipe doubles well for a larger number of people. Delicious served with dauphinoise potatoes and green vegetables.

METHOD Preheat oven to 190°C.

•   •

In a 23cm pie dish, toss shallots with olive oil to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Roast until shallots are deep brown and very tender, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

• 

In a large saucepan, combine beef stock and port. Bring to the boil. Cook for about half an hour over a high heat until reduced by half. Whisk in tomato puree. Set aside.



Sprinkle beef with thyme, salt and pepper. In a large roasting tin, saute bacon over medium heat on the hob until golden. Transfer bacon to kitchen roll. Add beef to tin; brown on all sides over a medium-high heat, for about 7 minutes.

• 

Put the tin in the oven. Roast the beef for 25 minutes for medium rare, five minutes longer for well-done. Transfer beef to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

• 

Place tin over high heat on hob. Add stock mixture, and bring to the boil; stir to scrape up any browned bits. Transfer stock mixture to a medium saucepan, and bring to simmer.

• 

Mix 20g butter and flour in small bowl to form smooth paste; whisk into stock mixture, and simmer until sauce thickens. Whisk in remaining butter. Stir in roasted shallots and reserved bacon. Season with salt and pepper.

• 

Cut beef into 1cm thick slices and place on a warm serving dish. Spoon some sauce over, and serve with vegetables of your choice.

INGREDIENTS 350g shallots, peeled and halved lengthwise 1½ tbsps olive oil 750ml beef stock 175ml port wine 1½ tsps tomato puree 1 (1kg) whole beef fillet 1 tsp dried thyme 3 rashers streaky bacon, diced 40g butter 1 tbsp plain flour freshly ground black pepper salt 4 sprigs watercress, to garnish Serves 6 34

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Vet Talk

with Martin Leith BVetMed MRCV

ardly a day goes by that we don't have a pet handed in to the surgery, which has been found and brought in by a kind member of the public. Only a few weeks ago we had a member of public come in with a lost Great Dane. We were surprised that someone could lose such a large dog but we scanned his chip and phoned the owners. The owners had let him out for five minutes and he had wondered off without them noticing. We checked him over and kept him in a kennel until he was reunited with his owners within three hours. This fortunately is a typical story as more pets are microchipped these days which makes it easier to reunite them. The same is true for cats, who should also be microchipped as they sometimes go missing or get into vehicles and end up a long way from home – totally untraceable without a microchip! No matter how small or large, they can be tracked with a microchip!

Microchipping Matters

Have yourself merry, offer 20% adiscount trouble-free pet Christmas It’s that time of year again when we prepare our houses for the festive season, putting up blades in cats. decoration anddogs filling and the house withImplantlots of tasty goodies. many of our pets can’tno ing theUnfortunately microchip should hurt resist joining in this festive fun. Whether it’s the more than a routine injection and cat that eats tinsel, the puppy that pinches those beautifully wrapped dark chocolates form under once microchipped your pet has the tree or the dog that eats the Christmas cake a traceable form of IDdecorating! should that you have only just finished These are all potentially life threatening cases they escape, get lost, or be stolen. that we have seen that fan easily be avoided with a bit of thought and extra care.

After your pet is microchipped,

Top for a trouble-free Christmas: thetips details will bepetregistered

with andatFound Pet DogsaareLost very good sniffing out edible presents under or onworst the tree.happens Keep these out Service. If the of reach until Christmas morning. Dark and your are petvery goes missing, is chocolates poisonous, even aitsmall amount can be verythey serious. very likely that will be Be careful with flowers and plants, Lilly taken a when locala cat vet, pollen to (even justpicked brushes upup by against it) andwarden, Mistletoe areor both nasty the animal handed in poisons. toGrapes one and of the rescue raisinsanimal are poisonous for dogs so keep an eye on those mince pies. organisations. These places are Keep Christmas decorations well out of reach equipped with special scanners as cats, and especially kittens love those sparkling baubles. which can read the lost pet's However tempting it is to give them a big unique Christmasmicrochip treat – beware,number too much inand one go tends to have an unfortunate ending!

this will enable them to find Should you have ANY suspicion that your pet your 365 days of might details have eaten24/7, something it shouldn’t please contact us immediately swift be action is the year. You can asthen conessential for successful treatment. tacted directly so they can reunite you with your missingVale pet. would Everyone at Leadon

like toof wish you aVale’s Merry As part Leadon ongoing Christmas and New Year. commitment toHappy promoting responsible pet ownership, We are always on the endhave of a your petifmicrochipped us phone you have anywith concerns until andperiod. you will over6th thisApril festive receive a 20% discount off the Find usprice at: Lower Road Trading normal if you bring this Estate,along Ledbury, HR8appointment 2DJ advert to the with you.

From the 6th of April 2016, all dogs must be microchipped and registered by law to an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old.

A microchip is a capsule about the same size as a grain of rice that carries a unique identification number. It is implanted under the skin, usually between the shoulder Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

Monday 1st February Women of RAF Defford - Heroines of Croome at War RAF Defford, the secret airfield with buildings in the grounds of Croome Park, was the centre where British airborne radar, based on the inventions of the scientists at Malvern, was tested, developed and proven by flying trials, during the Second World War and after. The outcome was a series of remarkable achievements, which played a crucial role in victory for the Allies in the War. Arrive 4.30pm for refreshments, talk 5pm to 6pm. Booking essential. Tel: 01905 370901. £15 pp. Visitor Centre, Croome D’Abitot, nr High Green, WR8 9DW. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome/ whats-on Wednesday 3rd February Glynis Dyer 'My Favourite Things' Bishampton Gardening Club, Villages Hall, WR10 2LY 7.30pm. For details see www.bishampton gardeningclub.org.uk Sunday 7th February Young Farmers Drama Festival Clubs from the Worcestershire Federations of Young Farmers go head to head in their Drama & Choir competitions. There will be laughs & entertainment to be had as they turn their hand from farming to drama with some agriculturally standards! From 10.30am. Tickets £5 - free with a valid Young Farmers card. Tel: 01905 770154. Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED. Sunday 7th February Waking the Windmill Weather permitting, the Museum's 19th century windmill will be sailed for the first time in 2016 by our team of specially trained volunteers, and there will be demonstrations of traditional baking in the Tollhouse. 10:30am to 4pm. Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR. www.avoncroft.org.uk Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th February Snowshill Manor & Garden - Open Garden for NGS Delightful hillside garden surrounding beautiful Cotswold manor, designed in Arts & Crafts style. Garden consists of a series of contrasting outdoor rooms. Simple, colourful plantings tumble and scramble down the terraces and around byres and

ponds. Lunches, snacks and cream teas. Admission £6.50, Children £3.50. 2pm to 4pm. Tel: 01386 842810. Open for charity. Snowshill Manor & Garden, Broadway, WR12 7JU. www.nationaltrust. org.uk Saturday 13th to Friday 19th February Spying and Secrecy Learn about industrial espionage in the 18th century, the secret recipe for making porcelain and the lengths the factory owners went to ensure no others knew of their invention; we guarantee the exhibits will delight and surprise you! 10am to 4pm. Tel: 0190521247. Severn Street, Worcester, WR1 2ND. www.museumofroyalworcester.org/ Saturday 13th February No Regrets - The Life Story & Songs of Edith Piaf A celebration of the life story and songs of the iconic French chanteuse Edith Piaf, who rose from the backstreets of Paris to become the most highly paid female entertainer of her time! 7.30pm doors open at 7pm. Parking free after 6pm. Tel: 01905 770154. Tickets £12. Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED. Saturday 13th February Edward Lear: Travels and Nonsense Ashmolean Museum Broadway will host an exhibition focusing on the extensive travels of Edward Lear (1812-1888). Lear was one of the most versatile and prolific artists of the nineteenth century. 10am to 5pm. Last entry 30 minutes before closing time. Tel: 01386 859047. Tudor House, High Street, Broadway, WR12 7DP. www. ashmoleanbroadway.org/ Sunday 14th February Malvern Flea & Collectors Fair Visit the UK's largest flea fair. Discover all manner of items - from clothing, ceramics and toys, to gardenalia, house clearance goods and everything in between! This fair is paradise for vintage lovers, thrift seekers and up-cyclers. Catering facilities, ATM machine and free parking. 7.30 am - 3.30pm. £4. Tel: 01636 676531. Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW. www. b2bevents.info Monday 15th to Sunday 21st February February Half Term: Treasure Island All aboard, me hearties, for some pirate fun at

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What's on in February Avoncroft Museum! The New Guesten Hall will be transformed into your very own Treasure Island for February half term week. 11am to 4pm. Normal Museum admission charges apply and there is a £3 additional charge for activities in New Guesten Hall. Please book in advance on 01527 831363. Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR. www.avoncroft.org.uk Wednesday 24th February Prestigious Double Concerto series with Craig Ogden Australian born guitarist Craig Ogden is one of the most exciting artists of his generation. Craig Ogden guitar, David Curtis conductor. Pre-concert talk 6.45pm. Tel: 01684 892277. Tickets £29.12, £25.76, £22.40, £19.04 (including 12% booking fee). Grange Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3HB. www.orchestraoftheswan.org/event/prestigiou Saturday 27th February Inkberrow Brownies Jumble Sale Inkberrow Brownies Annual Jumble sale. 12 noon to 2pm. Entrance 50p. Ladies, men and children's clothing & shoes, toys, books, bric a brac, furniture etc. Tea and cake stall. All money raised goes to Inkberrow Brownie Funds. More info call or text. 07870 598323. Inkberrow Village Hall, WR7 4DZ. Saturday 27th February Don Maclean Don is a much admired entertainer, and makes his first visit to the Norbury with his special brand of humour in a special show to support Mission Morogoro. One of the best known comedians on TV and radio who claims to have left school 0 levels, 2 spirit levels and a girl’s bike. Doors open at 7pm. Parking free after 6pm. Tel: 01905 77015. Tickets £15. Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, www. norburytheatre.co.uk Sunday 28th February Wedding Open Day Champagne and canapés from midday, then explore the hotel, meet the team and chat to our recommended wedding suppliers. Free event. Brockencote Hall Hotel, Chaddesley Corbet, Kidderminster, DY10 4PY. Tel: 01562 777876. www.brockencotehall.com

EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE Saturday 6th February Think Floyd This is a must-see for all Pink Floyd fans: two hours of classic sounds - and the band are just fantastic, that is really what I think! Think Floyd's performance starts at 8pm. Tickets £19.50. Saturday 13th February John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett : "The Final Straw" The irrepressible John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett are with their 'Final Straw' tour - a fantastic mixture of great music & outrageous antics. The musical anarchy begins 8pm. Tickets £10 advance (£12 door) Friday 19th February Rory Mcgrath : "Remembers... or is it Forgets?" The star of BBC’s 'Three Men In A Boat' and 'They Think It’s All Over' looks back on his life and career. Join Rory as he remembers some bits and makes up the rest. Contains adult themes and traces of peanut oil. Rory takes to the stage at 8pm. Tickets £14 (£12 concs & EAA) Friday 26th February Hal Cruttenden : "Straight Outta Cruttenden" Host of 'Live At The Apollo' and star of BBC Radio 4, the great Hal Cruttenden brings his 2015-16 tour to Evesham on 26th February. He'll be ranting about the real evils of the modern world - over-sharing on social media and the 5:2 diet. The more he complains, the funnier he gets. Hal takes the stage at 8pm. Tickets £17. Minimum age 16. Saturday 27th February Rapunzel From the Emmy-Award-winning team behind the TV series Friends comes Rapunzel - an exciting musical that's perfect for all the family! A familiar tale with a fantastic new spin, Rapunzel. Get tangled in this glittering gem of theatrical goodness at 4:30pm. Tickets £10 (£8 concs). Tickets for all shows from Evesham Almonry Abbey Road tel: 01386 446944 and www. EveshamArtsCentre.co.uk

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

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Isle of Mull

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trong, fruity and brooding, Isle of Mull is an extremely tasty mature farmhouse cheddar with a long taste and flavour.

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Trivia (answers on page 45) 1. Which British aircraft manufacturer produced the Spitfire? 2. Which street runs between Piccadilly and Oxford Street in the West End of London? 3. Name the most populated city in Brazil?

Sudoku

4. Who hosted This is Your Life after the death of Eamonn Andrews?

Fill in the grid so that each line, row and 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repetition.

3 1

2 7

7. In Roman Times, what was a Gladius?

8. Which American singer died in Paris in July 1971?

9. Can you name the Collie dog renowned for finding the stolen football world cup in 1966?

2 7

6. Which ornithologist and conservationist first became famous as one of The Goodies?

5. Singer Louisa Rose Allen is better known by what stage name?

5 2

10. Name the most widely spoken constructed language in the world?

3 7

7 8

10 12

DOWN

14 15 17

20 21

ACROSS 1 Respiratory organs (5) 4 Satellite's path (5) 7 Everyone (3) 8 Convulsion (5) 9 Multiple river mouth (5) 10 Obstruction (8) 14 A four in cricket (8) 17 Unsuitable (5) 19 Indian corn (5) 20 Be indebted (3) 21 Extremely small (5) 22 Faithful (5)

1 2 3 4 5 6 11 12 13 15 16 18

Lean to one side (4) Imminent (4) Tried out (7) Ancient (3) Sentimental song (6) Merchant (6) Chewy sweet (7) Sudden (6) Vicar's assistant (6) Sympathy (4) Vend (4) Plaything (3)

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Friends of Pershore High School

Friends of Pershore Friends of annual…… Pershore High High School School It’s our Friends Pershore It'sof our annual High . . . .School It’s our annual…… It’s our annual…… It’s our annual……

Auctionofof Promises Auction Promises andand Auction of Promises and Quiz Night Quiz Night Quiz Night Friday February Friday 5th February 5th5th February Friday 5th February

Dining Hall at High School Dining at Pershore Dining HallHall at Pershore Pershore High High SchoolSchool only £2 per person, maximum of ADMISSION Dining Hall at Pershore High School ADMISSION onlyonly £2£2 per person, maximum of 6 6 per per team. per person, maximum of team. 6 per team. ADMISSION only £2 per person, maximum of 6 per team. ADMISSION Doors open at 7pm. Quiz starts at 7:30pm Doors open at 7pm. Quiz starts at 7:30pm

Doors open at 7pm. Quiz starts at 7:30pm

Doors open at 7pm. Quiz at 7:30pm Bidding starts during the quiz break. Bidding starts during thestarts quiz break. Bidding starts during the quiz break. Bidding starts during the quiz break. Featuring our very own, Mr Clive Corbett as quiz master Featuring our very own, Mr Clive Corbett as quiz master and and Featuring ourvery very own, Mr Clive Corbett asmaster quiz master and Featuring our own, Mr Clive Corbett as quiz the fast talking, Mr Richard Wood as auctioneer. the fast talking, Mr Richard Wood as auctioneer. and the fast talking, Mr Richard Wood as auctioneer. Lots to include: 4 for Worcester Warriors, the fast talking, Richard Wood as auctioneer. Lots to date date include:Mr 4 tickets tickets for Worcester Warriors,

4 Enclosure Tickets at Worcester Race Course, Lots to to date include: 4 tickets Worcester Warriors, Lots date include: 4 tickets for Worcester Warriors, 4 County County Enclosure Tickets atfor Worcester Race Course, Hayloft plants 44County Enclosure Tickets at voucher, Worcester Race Course, County Enclosure Tickets at Worcester Race Course, Hayloft plants voucher, Round of golf for 4 at the Bankhouse Hotel, Hayloft plants voucher, Round of golfHayloft for 4 at plants the Bankhouse Hotel, voucher, Bespoke lampshade courtesy of Tigley Textiles, Round of golf for 4 at the Bankhouse Hotel, Hotel, Bespoke lampshade courtesy of Tigley Textiles, Round of golf for 4 at the Bankhouse Number 8 cinema tickets, Bespoke lampshade of Tigley Textiles, Number 8courtesy cinema tickets, Bespoke lampshade courtesy of Tigley Textiles, Afternoon for The Norton Number cinema tickets, Afternoon tea tea for two two8 at at The Wood Wood Norton Hotel, Hotel, Number 8The cinema tickets, Spa voucher The Retreat, Kempsey, Afternoon tea for two atfor Wood Norton Hotel, Spa treatment treatment voucher for The Retreat, Kempsey, Afternoon tea for two at The Wood Norton Hotel, A selection of Avonbank Nurseries plant’s……and many Spa treatment voucher for The Retreat, Kempsey, A selection of Avonbank Nurseries plant’s……and many more! more! Don’t forget your refreshments! Spa of treatment voucher for The Retreat, Kempsey, A selection Avonbank Nurseries plant’s……and many more! Don’t forget bring bring your own own refreshments!

forget bring your own Happy quizzing and bidding! A selectionDon’t of Avonbank Nurseries plant’s……and many more! Happy quizzing andrefreshments! bidding!

Don’t forget bring your refreshments! Happy quizzing andown bidding!

Remember Remember all all funds funds raised raised go go directly directly to to enhance enhance the the learning learning and and life life experiences experiences of of the the students at Pershore High School. Remember all funds raised go directlyattoPershore enhanceHigh the School. learning and life experiences of the students students at Pershore High School.

Happy quizzing and bidding!

Remember all funds raised go directly to enhance the learning and life experiences of the

Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers students at Pershore High School.

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

NTACTS AGE UK

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

malvern Malvern & District Tel: 01684 560666

CATS PROTECTION EVESHAM Tel: 01386 833343

EVESHAM & PERSHORE South Wychavon Tel: 01386 422700

CATS PROTECTION WORCESTER Tel: 01905 425704

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN 15 High Street Tel: 01684 593633

RSPB Tel: 01767 693690

CHEMISTS

POST OFFICES

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

GREAT MALVERN Tel: 01684 573003 Inkberrow Tel: 01386 792201

FIRE BRIGADE Worcester Road, Malvern Minge Lane, Upton upon Severn Tel: 01684 572948

PERSHORE Boots The Chemist Tel: 01386 556860

Lower Moor Tel: 01386 861705

Defford Road, Pershore Tel: 01905 24454

pershore Tel: 01386 552608

Merstow Green, Evesham Tel: 01386 466388

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

Male or female ... ? A language teacher was explaining to her class that in French, nouns unlike their English counterparts, are grammatically designated as masculine or feminine. "House" in French, is feminine - "la maison", while "pencil" in French is masculine - "le crayon."' One puzzled student asked, "What gender is a computer?" The teacher thought it would be a good exercise to have the students decide what they thought the gender should be. So she split the class into two groups appropriately enough, by gender, and asked them to decide whether "computer" should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Both groups were required to give four reasons for their recommendation.

Vale Pest Control Fully qualified and insured pest control expert Domestic, commercial and agricultural

All types of Rodents & Insects Wasps, Ants, Fleas, Cockroaches Rats, Pigeons, Moles Carpet Pests

Call 01386 244680 or 07892 447450 or email: lcgardening@yahoo.co.uk

The men's group decided that computer should definitely be of the feminine gender ("la computer") because: 1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic. 2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else. 3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later review. 4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you constantly find yourself spending more money on accessories for it. The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be masculine ("le computer") because: 1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on. 2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves. 3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem. 4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer you could have had a better model!

Answers to Trivia on page 42: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Supermarine Bond Street Sao Paulo Michael Aspel Foxes Bill Oddie A sword Jim Morrison Pickles Esperanto

Answers to Crossword on page 42: ACROSS: 1. Lungs, 4. Orbit, 7. All, 8. Spasm, 9. Delta, 10. Blockage, 14. Boundary, 17. Unapt, 19. Maize, 20. Owe, 21. Teeny, 22. Loyal. DOWN: 1. List, 2. Near, 3. Sampled, 4. Old, 5. Ballad, 6. Trader, 11. Caramel, 12. Abrupt, 13. Curate, 15. Pity, 16. Sell, 18. Toy

Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

Accountants Crowthers 40 Haines Watts 14

Electricians Craig Merchant Electrical Marchwood Maintenance

22 4

Bathrooms & Kitchens A Job 4 John Dream Doors

41 5

Funeral Directors E Hill & Son

Boiler Services Johnston Scotia

Fencing Luke's Fencing Services

Bookkeeper Services Dalton Bookkeeping

Building & Construction Evesham Trade Centre 10 Simon Haines Construction 8 Butchers Abbey Butchers

Car Hire Services Inkberrow Private Hire

Cars: Parts, Repairs & Sales BD Auto Services 4 Marshalls of Evesham Ltd 36 Cleaning Services Chris James Cleaning

Chimney Services Elite Sweeps

Coal Merchants A W Parker

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

17 9 40 15 14

Computing & IT Services Pendas CS Ltd 8

Flyer & Leaflet Delivery Grapevine Publications 10 Gardening & Landscaping Cut Above The Rest 35 Earls Croome Garden Centre 35 Foliation 24 Garden Machinery Mobile Service & Repair 22 Luke's Garden Maintenance 2 Luke's Fencing Services 2 Haberdashery & Material The Fabrik Shop 35 Handyman A Job 4 John

Health & Beauty ALM Fitness The Beauty Barn

32 13

Heating & Plumbing Johnston Scotia J S Plumbing N A Taylor

29 18 27

Interior Design & Soft Furnishings Sunflower Soft Furnishings

Kitchens & Bathrooms A Job 4 John Dream Doors

41 5

Locksmiths Alcester Locks

22 4 36

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

41 35 31

M O T BD Auto Services Marshalls of Evesham Ltd

Driveways & Paving Castle Paving Premier Paving & Driveways

27 31

Oven Cleaning Ovenclean 4 Ovenclean 28

Pershore Retail Market Decorative Touches 48 The Model Hobby & Game Shop 48 Pest Control Opkill 15 Vale Pest Control 45 Pet Care Cats Protection Fern's Cattery Grooming at Fern's Leadon Vale Vets

26 28 28 37

Picture Framing Huxley Imaging

Plumbing & Heating Johnston Scotia J S Plumbing N A Taylor

29 18 27

Pubs & Restaurants The Berkeley The Star Inn

16 16

Recipe of the Month Roast Beef Fillet

Roofing Services G.M. Roofing

Shoes Humphries 18 Waste Disposal Active Welfare

Windows, Doors & Conservatories Cloudy2Clear Windows 2 ETC Windows, Doors & Conservatories 2 Wood Burning Stoves Chase Heating Elite Stoves

47 21

Veterinary Services Leadon Vale Vets 37

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

Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

Decorative The Tack Shop NOWTouches OPEN

Rugs •For Feed Gilets all •your cake Jodhpurs decorating • Fly Masks Tack Cleaning • Grooming equipment and Fly Sprays and more supplies The Tack Shop is part of from to finish Pershore Pet &start Livestock

from flour to telephoneand 01386 561635 flowers

telephone: 01386 Pershore Market: with over 50 stalls and shops all conveniently together in one place, this is your ideal one-stop shopping “mall”. 561136

The Model Hobby & Game Shop

Open Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 4.30pm, here you can get anything from apples to anoraks, buttons to books, cards to cakes and everything in between.

Speciliases in horror, sci fi, tv and film collectibles. Build kits, die cast models & remote control models.

Conveniently situated in the middle of Pershore with ample parking … come along to Pershore Market where you can get everything you need for your summer barbecue, fresh fruit and veg for smoothies and salads, a range of everyday essentials, or just browse for gifts and knick-knacks.

Pershore Mar together in one

find us on facebook at the model and Then take a break and enjoy a game shop 2, the cuppa or a meal at one of our 48 arches friendly restaurants. To advertise call 01684 833715 family or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk