Life in the Village - Bredon - Early Spring 2018 by Lisa Lambon

BREDON Early Spring 2018 FREE lifeinthevillage.co.uk

Life in the Win!

Seasonal Supper

Belle House Fish en Papillote & Hollandaise Sauce

One of ten pairs of tickets to RHS Malvern Spring Festival

Simple Borders

How to use form, colour & texture in your garden

And

A style makeover at Graham West Hair Design

Gorgeous Pastels

Aveda hair colour solutions inspired by the natural world

Plus

One of five pairs to tickets to Prescott Bike Fest 2018

Personal Space

Creating a positive and efficient culture in your workplace

And

One of ten pairs of tickets to the Specialist Plant Fair at Spetchley

Spring Bird

Watching HO MES

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G ARDENS

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FO O D

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A single daffodil is the perfect tool for learning how to free your mind, so a gentle woman who carried an air of calm once taught me. All you have to do is pick a stem, sit somewhere quietly for a few minutes (you can be alone or with a friend) and take time to study it. Your task then is to describe what you see, starting from the base and slowly working your way up towards the flower, without using any of the usual labels like petal, leaf or stem. It seems impossible at first but gradually you find ways to talk about the ragged point at which it was plucked from the ground, the ribbed length of green and the fanfare of yellow frills in all their intricate detail. As the year progresses you can try the same exercise with a stick of cherry blossom, a tulip or a rose - it’s a simple way to connect with nature and escape your worries. In early spring, it’s hard to find an activity more inspiring than gardening so this issue, we’re delighted to have teamed up RHS Malvern Spring Festival and Spetchley Park Gardens to offer twenty lucky winners a pair of tickets for a fabulous day out. We’re also giving away five pairs of tickets to Prescott Bike Fest and a style makeover from Graham West Hair Design. To have a chance of winning just visit www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk and enter your details. Remember you can access Life in the Village wherever you are by following us on twitter @lisalambon or visiting our website where you’ll find our four magazines and much more in digital format. Until next time, enjoy the season.

Editor Lisa Lambon

01684 773135 07776 340736 lisa@lifeinthevillage.co.uk @lisalambon 8

Contents Early Spring 2018

Enter our four new competitions online Local Life 8 Welcome 12 A Hole for a Home with wildlife expert Wendy Carter 21 Steaming Asparagus with Angela Taylor 24 The Art of Composition with Jonathan Siarl 27 Spring Pastels with Aveda Colour Specialist Graham West

Competitions & Offers 11 Win one of ten pairs of tickets to RHS Malvern Spring Festival

45 Period Solution with Rob Shaughnessy of Buzz Electrical 46 On Values with Headteacher Dr Tony Evans 49 Space and Style with John Lannen of L+L 50 On the Blossom Trail with Angela Taylor of Wychavon

29 Caring for your Pets with vet Hannah Fry of Folly Gardens

54 Hand of Hope with Rosemary Vaux of Papyrus

33 Make Gains with Spencer Holliday of Irongate Wealth Management

Worcestershire with Superintendent Kevin Purcell

31 Win a style makeover at Graham West Hair Design

34 Using Water in your

53 Win one of five pairs of tickets for Prescott Bike Fest

37 Freshly Baked with Harriet Court of Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

61 Win one of ten pairs of tickets to the Specialist Plant Fair at Spetchley Gardens

38 Working Beautifully with kitchen designer Anthea Garley

63 Money Saving Vouchers

43 Personal Space with HR advisor Kirsten Cluer

Garden with Richard Mercer

41 Cottage Style with John Lannen of L+L

57 Policing South

58 Fish en Papillote with Belle House chef Steve Waites 65 Index

Front cover image: ÂŠ www.Shutterstock.com/Antonova Ganna This page, left to right, Anthea Garley, kitchen designer at Vale Kitchens, visitors enjoying RHS Malvern Spring Festival, & Kirsten Cluer of Cluer HR

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WIN ONE OF TEN PAIRS OF TICKETS TO RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 May 2018 It’s easy! Just visit www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk by Friday 6 April 2018 and enter your details as requested. CELEBRATING WHAT MAKES BRITAIN GREAT

RHS Malvern Spring Festival is set to take visitors on a journey of discovery, this year taking inspiration from The Great Exhibition of 1851. Hosted at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, from May 10-13, and set against the backdrop of the picturesque Malvern Hills, the event showcases the best in gardening, food and lifestyle, from inspiring show gardens and award-winning nurseries to fabulous food from inspirational chefs and lots of family fun.

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Advance standard adult tickets for Fri/Sat/Sun booked by 31/3/18* Quote code LITV18

Fresh for 2018 the Show features new exhibits including; The Great Pavilion of Art & Flowers; a space bursting with 2,600sqm of exquisite flowers and beautiful works of art. Giant Terrarium; three exotic six-metre terrariums, created by internationally acclaimed designer Paul Hervey-Brookes. Grow & Know; an Eco Marquee focused on growing food. Grow to Show; a pavilion enabling gardeners to show-off their best flowers, plants, produce and photography. Making a return are Show Gardens, the enormously popular Floral Marquee, the Live Well Zone, the Schools’ Garden Challenge and the huge plant village hosting over 35 specialist nurseries. With the Festival Theatre, indoor shopping arcades, the Food Pavilion, cookery demo’s and more, the Show offers a memorable day out for gardeners, foodies and kids alike. Tickets are now on sale. Entry is FREE for children under the age of 16. For more information on ticket prices, please call 0844 811 0050 (calls cost 7p per minute plus network extras) or visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk Terms & Conditions: One entry per household. Competition closes Friday 6 April 2018. Winners will be notified by Friday 13 April 2018 and will receive their tickets by post. Judges’ decision is final and not redeemable for cash. No correspondence will be entered into. By entering this competition you agree to be contacted in future by RHS Malvern Spring Festival and Life in the Village. Your information will not be shared with any third party. You can unsubscribe at any time by sending an email headed ‘Unsubscribe’ to unsubscribe@lifeinthevillage.co.uk.

*Offer cannot be applied retrospectively

www.rhsmalvern.co.uk 0844 811 0050

PHOTO: Great spotted woodpecker male Brian Eacock

PHOTO: Great spotted woodpecker male with juvenile Bas Yates

A Hole for a Home Discover three species of hole nesting birds locally this spring with expert guidance from Wendy Carter, Communications Manager at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. Did you know that in the UK, 46 species of birds nest in holes? From familiar blue and great tits to owls and woodpeckers; even a couple of species of duck are included. The bird boxes we put up in our gardens don’t just provide shade and shelter, they replicate the kind of natural hole that many of our native birds would usually call ‘home’. ‘Home’ for almost all of our birds is only ever temporary – nests are for raising young and not for all-year-round residence. 12

At the start of the breeding season one or both parents-to-be will construct a nest but, unless they try for a second or third brood, they will leave it behind as soon as their youngsters have fledged. From then on, both adults and juveniles alike will find a variety of sheltered spots in which to spend their nights. As winter turns to spring across Worcestershire, it’s possible to spot lots of examples of hole-nesters; just wander into any woodland or find a stand of mature trees that is well connected with others in the area and take a closer look. If there are a lot of trees in your neighbourhood, you might even

be lucky enough to find them visiting your garden. Perhaps the most obvious hole nesters (away from nest boxes in gardens) are woodpeckers, nuthatches and treecreepers. All three species feed on the trunks or branches of trees; both woodpeckers and treecreepers have relatively short, stiff tails which act to support them as they move along the bark. All three species tend to settle in one nesting area for life with nuthatches and treecreepers being particularly faithful to their favoured territory. Discover a nesting pair this year and you may have the pleasure of their company for years to come.

PHOTO: Great spotted woodpecker feeding young Pete Walkden

barred pattern which runs across the wings (compare the photos on this page and overleaf). Female and male ‘great spots’ can be distinguished by the colouring on their heads – males have red feathers at the nape of their neck whereas females have pure black caps. Look out for youngsters as the year moves on – they’re the ones with a red mark at the front of their heads. Great spotted woodpeckers start pairing early in the year; I heard one drumming in Birlingham on New Year’s Day, though this was unusually early. The unique sound of ten to twenty strikes of beak on wood once, twice, then again and again. Drumming is how both males and females advertise their existence and it’s the most important contact signal during pair-formation in late winter and early spring. An unpaired male may drum up to ten times a minute, 600 times a day, in order to attract a female. It’s a good job they have a shock-absorber at the base of their skull!

“

An unpaired male woodpecker may drum up to ten times a minute, 600 times a day, in order to attract a female. It’s a good job that they have a shock-absorber at the base of their skull!

“

Great spotted woodpeckers Britain’s three woodpecker species (great spotted, lesser and green) physically excavate their own holes, although green woodpeckers will sometimes adopt a pre-existing hole. To help them, they have evolved two toes facing forwards and two toes facing backwards, with strongly curved claws that enable them to grip the tree. Great spotted woodpeckers are the most commonly seen of the three species and are the type most likely to be found visiting gardens, often coming to nuts or fat balls. They are about starling size, much bigger than the sparrow-sized lesser spotted woodpeckers, which are now quite rare across the UK and difficult to find in this area. Both species are predominantly black and white but great spotted woodpeckers have thick black markings running vertically down their backs and vivid red at their tail. By contrast, lesser spotted woodpeckers have a distinct

PHOTO: Lesser spotted woodpecker Stefan Johansson

Once mated, woodpecker pairs are usually monogamous and their relationship will last for up to three years or so. Both parents take it in turns to excavate their nest-hole (which takes them 1415 days) as well as incubating and feeding their young. The sharp chisel blows made during hole excavation are a quieter and slower affair than drumming; look out for chips on the ground under a tree which give their game away. But woodpeckers are not only fast drummers. Great spotted woodpeckers also have long tongues with a sticky, harpoonlike tip to impale their prey. Think about it and it makes sense – perfect for poking and probing into crevices for insects and seeds. Long muscles running behind the skull enable their tongue to extend 4cm beyond the bill tip. And if you think this is impressive, you should look out for the ant-loving green woodpecker whose tongue can extend by an incredible 10cm! You’re more likely to spot a 14

PHOTO: Nuthatch Jason Curtis

green woodpecker (immortalised as Professor Yaffle in Bagpuss) pausing on the lawn in its hunt for ants rather than on appearing on a birdfeeder. Discover a field with anthills whilst you’re out walking, such as the one on Bredon Hill, and you’ll have a better chance of spotting one. Identify the sex of a green woodpecker by studying the detail of the ‘moustache’ which sits beneath its eyes; the male has a red centre to his whilst that of the female is solid black. Nuthatches These small birds are striking in appearance; blue-grey from above with a rusty orange undercarriage, a black eye-stripe and short tail. It’s a bird that’s usually faithful to the area in which it’s born - most travel no more than 15km in their entire lives - but some have been pushing the boundaries so their numbers and range have been rising steadily and they’re now found well into Scotland.

Although nuthatches are usually associated with mature trees in woodlands, gardens and parks, they can sometimes be spotted on solitary but wellconnected trees when they’re visiting winter feeding stations. Thanks to their strong claws, nuthatches are the only birds that you’ll spot walking down a tree as well as up one, a skill which helps them explore cracks and crevices with their daggershaped beaks as they search for insects. Nuthatches often re-use old woodpecker holes as their nests, blocking up the oversized entrances with mud to make a smaller and safer ‘front door’ of about 3cm in diameter. They have been known to use artificial nest boxes set up to attract them in woodlands. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust runs a rent-a-nest scheme and in 2016 supporters who had subscribed to a nest box in Tiddesley Wood, near Pershore, discovered a beautiful nuthatch home lined with dried leaves in one of their boxes.

PHOTO: Green woodpecker male Brian Eacock

PHOTO: Green woodpecker female Pete Walkden

PHOTO: Nuthatch John Caswell

Nuthatches are loud birds and their piercing whistles will carry through the treetops as the males spend several hours each day defending their territories against other birds. However, at this time of year, as nest-building begins, the female will become the dominant bird in a pair. Listen out for the nuthatch’s long, rich ‘tweep’ call as well as the sound of one of the pair hammering on a nut they’ll have wedged into the bark of a tree. Treecreepers The high-pitched ‘tseeeeptseeeep’ of a treecreeper is often the first sign that there’s one nearby. These well-camouflaged, brown-speckled birds are extremely active and almost mouse-like in appearance. They have clear white bellies which comb the bark as they busy themselves looking for insects and spiders to eat, or small caterpillars to feed their young. Pairs remain together throughout the winter months but come spring they’ll look for a 16

flap of loose tree bark or similar crevice behind which to create and build their nest; anywhere from ground level to five metres up a tree. Once established, they will aggressively defend their territories which can be as small as one hectare in quality habitats but up to fifteen hectares in poorer environments. Like nuthatches they don’t travel far, rarely beyond a kilometre from where they were born. Treecreepers have interesting anatomy including a long, thin down curved bill which enables them to search under loose bits of bark for food and suitable nesting spaces. They also have incredibly stiff tails which often become quite ragged from repeatedly brushing against bark. If you’re fortunate enough to spot one, take time to watch it spiralling its way up a tree and note its habit of moving under and over branches and limbs, probing almost every available crevice. Treecreepers prefer to nest in sites with mature trees and lots

PHOTO: Nuthatch eggs in a nestbox Stephanie Franklin

of foliage cover as these provide the best opportunities for food and shelter. Unlike nuthatches, they are birds that rarely visit garden feeders, only doing so in extremely cold and icy weather, but we can always hope... How to encourage birds Find ways to encourage birds to your garden by browsing our website and downloading our free factsheets including Feeding Garden Birds and Bird Boxes at www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ gardening-factsheets. Good bird foods include suet, sunflower seeds, unsalted peanuts, mealworms and coconut halves, baked potato, oats, sultanas, currants and raisins, pieces of apple, uncooked pastry and mild grated cheese. Find out more www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ spotting-sheets www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ wildlife/species-a-z www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ bird-food

PHOTO: Nuthatch Graham Wilkes

WWT spring events include:  Thur 1st March, 7.30pm – Farming with Nature by Caroline Corsie. Lyttelton Rooms, Malvern, £2.50 Sat 3rd & Sun 4th March, 10am-1pm – Log & Wood Chip Sales at Harry Green nature Reserve, Tiddesley Wood, near Pershore. Thur 22nd March, 7.30pm – Hollybed Farm Meadows Nature Reserve by Andrew Forecast. Wulstans Hall, Pershore, £2.50 Thur 3rd May, 7.30pm – Wildlife of British Woodlands by Paul Hobson. Lyttelton Rooms, Malvern, £2.50 Sun 6th May, 10am-5pm – Tiddesley Wood Open Day, Pershore. £3 adults, £1 children.

PHOTO: Treecreeper Pete Walkden

For full details of events visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ whats-on Helping wildlife this spring Visit the FAQ pages on our website for answers to our most popular queries - from what to do with a baby bird to where to see bluebells to how to book an expert speaker for your group. Did you know? We can recycle mobile phones, ink cartridges, stamps, cameras, laptops, video cameras, electronic gaming devices, mp3 players, iPods etc. Simply drop them off at Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip, near Droitwich, Worcestershire,

How Recycling Can Help Local Wildlife WWT can recycle mobile phones, ink cartridges, stamps, cameras, laptops, video cameras, electronic gaming devices, mp3 players, iPods etc. See below for full details.

WR3 8SZ during office hours or contact Becky on 01905 754919 or by emailing becky@worcestershirewildlife trust.org For daily updates about wildlife around the county please follow us on twitter @WorcsWT

To find out more about Worcestershire’s wildlife, becoming a member, volunteering or our programme of events visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/whats-on Call us on 01905 754919 @WorcsWT

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Steaming asparagus

he Vale of Evesham continues to celebrate its horticultural culture and delight in showing off its famous asparagus. In 2017 the majestic gras received PGI European protected food name status giving it a level of culinary prestige and superiority. The Vale’s asparagus is now part of the elite group of food and drinks including champagne, cognac and roquefort. Every year, St George’s Day sees the launch of the British Asparagus Festival – from then until Midsummer’s day, 21st June, the Vale will be going asparamad! With a profusion of events the whole area will turn “Green for the Gras” offering you the opportunity to taste, buy, cook and learn about this most sought after delicacy. The Asparagus Festival is proud to announce that this year’s Great English Asparagus Run will take place on the Asparagus Express – a steam train that will journey from

the newly opened railway station at Broadway to Cheltenham. The run will feature all things asparagus and you may even spot a celebrity or two!!! To buy your once in a lifetime tickets for this auspicious asparagus occasion please visit our website. The Fleece Inn at Bretforton will be hosting the famous asparagus auction, a popular ritual with hundreds gathering in the courtyard to bid for the season’s largest, freshest local asparagus. The asparagus Family Colour Fun Run will be taking place at The Valley on the 20th May. Asparagus green paint bombs will rain down on you as you manoeuvre the family friendly multi-terrain route. For further information please call 01386 565373 or visit www.britishasparagusfestival.org

Asparadates Monday 23 April The Great English Asparagus Run - Official launch of the 2018 British Asparagus Festival Thursday 10 & 17 May Asparabus Coach Tours Sunday 20 May Asparagus Family Colour Fun Run Sunday 27 May & Sunday 3 June The Famous Fleece Asparagus Auctions Friday 22 – Sunday 24 June National Morris Weekend

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Spring into Spetchley from 28 March Visit 30 acres of beautiful gardens & enjoy all that spring has to offer Enchanted Fairy Door Trail  Guided Tours  Events & Workshops Golden Egg Trail - Wednesday 28 March to Easter Monday 2 April

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Mothering Sunday SUNDAY 11TH MARCH Homemade pea & mint soup crusty bread

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Company Promotion

The Art of

Composition Applying the artistic principles of composition to your planting will transform your borders suggests garden designer, Jonathan Siarl. The most successful gardens - ones that you long to spend time in combine a strong design with the use of suitable materials and the pleasing composition of plants. Composition is simply the arrangement of form, colour and texture for visual effect. Follow a few simple rules and your borders will always work. Use form to define space Consider the overall shape of plants and the form that flowers take then combine specimens to complement or contrast with each other. Plants can be round, oval, conical, columnar, arching, fan-like and spiky, irregular or trained whilst there are six distinct flower forms: Spheres and spikes are best used in drifts, at the back of borders or as a punctuation to a border. Buttons and spheres which often grow in concentrated clusters with heads that stand out against a soft background are ideal for placing in the middle of a border. Upturned bowls Gently rounded saucer-like forms often resemble wild flowers and work well to 24

ground spheres and spikes. Plumes are visually soft and can be used to create a cloud-like effect, useful for softening and balancing stronger forms. Screens are light and airy, allowing for the creation of a net curtain effect which draws the eye to stronger forms beyond. Daisy-like have tightly packed foliage and simple flowers, useful in all areas of the border. Create mood with colour Colour is subjective so choose the colours you prefer but also consider the effect they will have. Green is undemanding, a pure and tranquil backdrop for other colours, yet foliage comes in many shades of greens, greys, silvers, purples and blues for variation. Red is a hot colour that demands attention and appears to

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come towards you. Yellow is less fiery but will still foreshorten space whilst blue recedes from the eye, almost merging with its background. Balance textures Combine different textures to work harmoniously with each other. Coarse plants with large, eye catching leaves draw the eye so are ideal as focal points or for altering perspective. Fine plants with tiny leaves are easy to look at and do not demand attention. Medium plants will link the two, helping to unify and soften the border. Use too many coarse textured plants and your design will become chaotic, whilst too many fine textured plants will make it dull. Balance is key.

Rune creates beautiful gardens of all styles and sizes. To see more examples of our work please visit our website where you will find case studies and a range of testimonials. The design process begins with a FREE initial consultation during which we visit your garden and discuss your needs. To book yours please call us on 01905 841405, 01451 861776 or 07908 734 022.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

...a design company with flair and a meticulous approach

PICTURE FRAMERS

 Prints & Paintings  Photographs  Needlework Specialists  Memorabilia  Re-framing  Trading 18 years

Cleaning & Ironing A reliable domestic service carried out to the highest standards, including all household chores, offered 7 days a week NEW! Small Hotel? B&B? Busy Family? NEW! Laundry Service Caring for all your washing & ironing NEW! Linen & Towel Hire Fresh baskets delivered & collected FREE Local Collection & Delivery

 Quality Assured

Call 01386 750547 gill@picturescene.co.uk

Find us at Church Street, Birlingham, Pershore Worcs WR10 3AQ - on the way to The Swan Inn!

Visit www.picturescene.co.uk

Call Hristina 07894 241168

01684 342501

hristina@bredonhillcleaningservices.co.uk

www.bredonhillcleaningservices.co.uk

Picture Scene

AB Painting & Decorating Specialist In All Aspects of Paintwork Domestic & Commercial Wallpapering Laminate Flooring Wood & Steel work Coving & Tudor Beams 22 Years’ Experience 5 Year Guarantee Fully Insured

Call Adam 07949 750698 01386 881059 Adam.boswell2@gmail.com 26

All Types of Roofing Work Covered Domestic & Commercial  Fascias, soffits & gutters  Specialists in rubber & fibre glass roofing  EPDM & GRP proven to last 50+ years  20 & 25 year guarantees  Fully qualified & insured Call for a FREE survey

07590 191700 I 01684 770074 liam@lcmflatroofing.co.uk

www.lcmflatroofing.co.uk

Interior & Exterior Painting

Company Promotion

It’s ideal for long, smooth styles, Book your particularly for Complimentary hair that is Hair Consultation shoulder length for Aveda samples, or longer, and a skin test and also for grey advice locks. The look can be as bold or subtle as you choose and as the colour is semi-permanent it’s a great way to experiment with a new look. Being 99% naturally derived* Aveda full spectrumTM colour creates amazing results yet is essentially damage free. Lots of our clients visit the salon and ‘interview’ us before we touch their hair. To book your complimentary consultation with Aveda samples please call us on 01386 860 361.

Hair Colour Specialists  Luxury salon & free parking  Tues to Sat; three late nights  Aveda skincare & products

Call 01386 860 361

Graham West on Aveda’s new colour palette for spring, inspired by gentle ice-cream tones. Inspired by the catwalks, hair colour for spring/ summer 2018 is all about pastel shades, especially apricot and lavender. Moving on from Balayage, where the roots are natural and the ends coloured, we’re now using a technique called ecliptingTM, weaving multiple shades through a base colour and *

From plants, non-petroleum minerals or water.

using light and shade to give fullness and movement. Placing panels of colour underneath the top layer of hair, which become visible when the hair moves, creates a fresh new look. It’s all about depth, tone and sophistication of colour - first we apply a base shade, then we carefully place blocks of icecream tones which are designed to flatter your haircut, face shape, eye colour and skin tone.

@westhairdesign Craycombe Farm Evesham Rd, Fladbury Pershore WR10 2QS

westhairdesign.co.uk aveda.co.uk

Chipped Bark by the Load  All Aspects of Tree Work  Garden Clearance  Stump Removal

 Hedge Trimming  Fencing & Turfing  Seasoned Hardwood Logs

Professionally Qualified & Fully Insured Domestic & Commercial Projects Undertaken Free Advice & Quotations

Call Chris on 07962 436211 or 01684 299378

MEADOWS FARM SHOP Find us at Home Farm, Bredon’s Norton, Tewkesbury GL20 7HA Great prices on bulk boxes of Pork and Lamb

High Quality Home Produced Beef, Pork & Lamb Our meat is reared on the slopes of Bredon Hill using traditional methods Local Poultry - Our Own Free Range Eggs - Local Veg & Produce Delicious Bread & Cakes - Local Honey, Jams & Pickles - Gifts & More Open Thursday & Friday 10am to 5pm & Saturday 10am to 4pm Special Order? Please call ahead we will prepare it in advance for collection.

To Pre-Order please call Anne or Mick on 01684 772322 28

Company Promotion

Caring for your pets

Vet Hannah Fry of Folly Gardens, who has a keen interest in dental health, on the benefits of preventative care. As with humans, dental care for cats and dogs, has progressed rapidly in the last ten years. Scientific research has given us a new understanding of the significant benefits of preventative care and the importance of offering treatment in the early stages of dental disease. It’s a good news/ bad news situation for owners; we no longer have to put up with bad breath and tooth loss as being inevitable as our pets age, but unfortunately, preventative care means actively brushing their teeth using pet toothpaste. The best approach is to get your cat or dog used to having a brush and paste in their mouth from an early age. Meat flavoured veterinary toothpaste will help with this and our consulting nurses are on hand to advise on brushing techniques if required. Ideally, teeth should be brushed twice a day for two minutes, morning and night, and as with any chore, it’s simply a case of getting into the habit. In the past, clients only

brought their pets to clinic when advanced disease made their breath unbearable and extraction was often the only solution. Now, with regular brushing, modern surgical techniques and dedicated nurse dental clinics as part of our standard care, we can prevent many oral health issues. To help us further, we’ve recently invested in a portable dental x-ray machine which has a tiny plate, twice the size of a postage stamp, that goes into the animal’s mouth. With cats and dogs, two thirds of the tooth lies beneath the gum line so it’s not possible to assess root and bone health during conscious examination. With this equipment, we can fully assess the oral health of all cats and dogs undergoing a standard dental clean during one swift procedure. Members of our Folly Care Club get a discount on dentals as part of their package. With a combination of diligent preventative care, both at home and in the clinic, we’ll help you keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come, complete with a shiny Hollywood smile.

Our RCVS accredited and cat friendly team of vets and nurses voluntarily undergo rigorous inspection and adhere to recognised clinical standards. For advice on any pet issue please call us on Tewkesbury 01684 292244 or Bishop’s Cleeve 01242 679880.

FREE Thai beer or glass of wine

when two diners eat in & both order two courses until 30/4/18

The Royal Oak Inn Main Road Bredon GL20 7LW Join us to eat in or take away! Pub open Mon-Thurs & Sunday 12noon - 11.30pm Friday & Saturday 12noon - 1.30am

  

Eastern Thai open Wed-Monday 12noon - 2.30pm & 5.30pm - 11pm Closed Tuesday

HARDWOOD FIREWOOD NEW! BAC’s Payment Available

Locally sourced, barn-dried firewood brought to you Logs by the trailer load, half load, bags & kindling Native hardwood in 8-10’’ lengths or cut bespoke Soft Wood at reduced rates. Mobile log splitting service

Call Simon

07739 968032 01386 882855 Beckford based

www.rosefirewood.co.uk 30

Nigel Copp C AB I N E T MAK E R Est.1983

Quality hand-crafted furniture made to order Period & modern designs Custom-built joinery & woodwork ~~~ Restoration & Repairs French Polishing ~~~ Wide selection of finest timbers & veneers Personal Service Visit the workshop at Red Lane, Tewkesbury

Tel: 01684 293935

WIN A STYLE MAKEOVER AT GRAHAM WEST HAIR DESIGN Treatment, Cut & Colour worth £120* & Invati AdvancedTM Discovery Pack RRP £33

+ One Runner Up Prize of Invati AdvancedTM Products RRP £99 GET STYLISH WITH AVEDA

Introducing an experienced new stylist to the growing team at luxury Aveda salon, Graham West Hair Design. We offer innovative technical expertise and top notch service delivered with warmth, authenticity and energy from our freshly extended and refurbished premises in Fladbury, Worcestershire. The winner will be invited to the salon on a week day for a complimentary treatment, hair cut and colour with a designated Level 1 stylist worth up to £120*. Discover more online at westhairdesign.co.uk or call us on 01386 860361

THICKER, FULLER LOOKING HAIR

Try the new invati advancedTM three step system for thicker, fuller looking hair. The nourishing shampoo cleanses and renews the scalp, the conditioner instantly thickens hair and the scalp revitaliser helps you keep the hair you have for longer**. The salon stocks the complete Aveda range including hair, body and skin care products, candles, fragrances and make-up. Visit aveda.co.uk/invati Terms & Conditions One entry per household. UK residents only. Competition closes on 6/4/18 & winners will be notified by 13/4/18. The winner will be invited to attend the salon to see our designated Level 1 stylist on a week day. The runner-up will be sent their prize by post. Judges’ decision is final. Prizes not redeemable for cash. By entering this competition you agree to be contacted in future by Life in the Village and Graham West Hair Design. Your information will not be shared with any third party. To unsubscribe at any time please send an email headed ‘unsubscribe’ to unsubscribe@lifeinthevillage.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER

It’s easy! Just visit lifeinthevillage.co.uk by Friday 6 April 2018 and enter your details as requested.

*with our designated Level 1 stylist **80% of 105 women reported they experienced less breakage after 8 weeks of using the complete invati advanced™ system

        

Boiler Breakdowns Boiler Services from £50 Boiler Installations Radiators & Controls Underfloor Heating Oil & Gas Systems Renewable Energy Bathrooms Over 10 years’ experience

All aspects of plumbing and heating undertaken

Graphic Designer?

We are looking for freelancers to help with our workload Please call us for an informal discussion

01684 210614 07930 639488

Call Lisa on

bbheatingsolutions@gmail.com Wimber Hill, Dingle Lane, Hill End Twyning, Tewkesbury Glos GL20 6DW

www.bbheatingsolutions.co.uk

01684 773135

lisa@lifeinthevillage.co.uk

www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk

RICKI DEAN

Carpentry & General Building Extensions - Conversions - Kitchens - Bathrooms - Plastering Wall Tiling - Flooring - UPVC Double Glazing - Fascias - Cladding Experienced, Insured & Tewkesbury based

01684 276386 - 07768 098255 ALL ASPECTS OF THE BUILDING TRADE UNDERTAKEN 32

Advertising Feature

Make Gains

Could the ‘residence nil rate band’ result in an Inheritance Tax saving for you?

amilies are paying more in Inheritance Tax (IHT) than ever before. Official figures show that the amount collected last year exceeded £5 billion for the first time1 and the Office for Budget Responsibility predicts that this will climb to £6.2 billion by 2020/21. The IHT nil rate band has remained at £325k per person since 2009 and will be fixed at this level until at least 2021. IHT payments are expected to keep rising despite the new ‘residence nil rate band’ (RNRB) introduced last year, initially at £100,000 per person, increasing over the next two years to £175,000. This RNRB works on top of the £325,000 nil rate band and is an allowance for people who pass on a property to their children, grandchildren or other lineal descendants. However, it’s cut back by £1 for every £2 by which an individual’s overall estate exceeds £2 million so currently there is no RNRB at all if an estate is worth more than £2.2 million. Business and agricultural assets count for this purpose even if they qualify for 100% relief. 1

HMRC Tax & Receipts, 21 June 2017

Spencer Holliday of Irongate Wealth Management

First things first? Many couples choose not to make use of the standard nil rate band on first death, on the basis that, if unused, it can transfer to their spouse or registered civil partner and be claimed on second death. However, leaving assets worth £325,000 to someone other than the surviving spouse can be useful if it keeps the survivor’s estate below the £2 million threshold. Many couples don’t realise that even if their estates are individually below £2 million, if the estate on second death is above that figure, all of the RNRB – including any transferable element – could potentially be lost. When calculating the value of an estate for RNRB, you don’t need to add back gifts made within seven years of death, as you do when calculating IHT liability. This means that making a gift over the £3k annual exemption could lead to savings. Where IHT liability can’t be eliminated, one option is to provide for it with life assurance held in trust. Wills should also be reviewed regularly to ensure that they meet the desired outcome.* The plan you end up

with should be one that meets your objectives regarding who should benefit on your death and when and for it all to be done as tax efficiently as possible. In seeking the best possible result for you and your family, it's vital to obtain professional advice. The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. *Will writing involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James's Place. Wills and trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Spencer Holliday, Chartered Financial Planner at Irongate Wealth Management on 01386 291020 or 07896 020803 or by email spencer.holliday@sjpp.co.uk Visit www.irongatewm.co.uk www.linkedin.com/in/spencerholliday-1726761 33

Using water in your

GARDEN

With RHS Chelsea Gold medal winning designer, Richard Mercer.

ater can provide the backdrop or focal point of any garden. From the stillness of a lake or pond to the splash and sparkle of a fountain, it has a unique ability to enhance our mood. Whether you want to create a tranquil place in which to relax, feel inspired or be invigorated, water will stimulate your senses, reflect the seasons and attract wildlife to your garden. It’s an essential aspect of any garden design. For optimum results consider the following factors:  Water can be used to create a sense of place or take us on a journey, perhaps from a calm seating area via a stream to an energising focal point. A feature that is not at first seen could be heard, drawing you in to explore.

Company Promotion

 Be sure to contrast the fluidity of water with a solid backdrop of rock, metal or timber, softened with plants. Rock must be hard enough to withstand heavy frosts and immersion; a few large pieces, well submerged, will be more convincing than several smaller ones. Rocks should be positioned so that the layers within them link naturally.  Ensure any form of open water is brimming. Bringing the level up as high as possible will create maximum impact and reflect light around the garden.  Never scrimp on filtration; instead oversize the unit for the volume of water intended.  Regulate the flow of water to create the desired sound effects. While still water is tranquil, a babbling brook can be soothing and the splash of a fountain or

waterfall will create vibrancy. With technical knowledge, it’s possible to improve the character of the sound with surprising results. A sheet of water flowing from a metal spout (above) can be virtually silent while a cascade (opposite) can be engineered to create a fine, mellow splash. Having trained at Pershore College over 25 years ago and been awarded an RHS Chelsea Gold Medal, our team has completed projects of all sizes, both domestic and commercial, across the Cotswolds and beyond. We focus on one project at a time and I am always on site to personally oversee the process. To book your free initial consultation please call on 07860 603598.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Creating a tranquil place in a busy world...

â&#x20AC;?

Call Richard Mercer

07860 603598

rm@water-stone.co.uk 35

Creating beautiful, workable, outdoor spaces. With a wealth of expertise in hard landscaping and specialist plant knowledge, we cover

all aspects of garden design, construction and maintenance. Careful planning, craftsmanship and customer care are our trademark.

01684 297781 07813 209096

info@stevewattsgardens.co.uk

www.stevewattsgardens.co.uk

The Rotary Club of Cheltenham North together with LINC invite you to

An evening of Elvis on Saturday 19 May 2018

Registered charity number: 078183

Registered charity number: 1021635

A tribute

Venue: The Parabola Arts Centre at 7.30pm

Tickets £12

from www.lincfund.org The Parabola Arts Centre (Tel: 01242 707338 ) & Cheltenham Tourist information office (Tel: 01242 237431) Keith Davies has performed as Elvis for more than 10 years. He has toured across Europe and America with his act in front of sell-out crowds, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities

25% off

your first dog walk for new clients until 30/4/18

Your pet’s welfare is our priority so each has their own individual care plan Dog Walking



Dog Boarding

Rabbit Boarding



Home Visits

Bespoke Pet Care

01684 297781 07717 893692 www.mutts-onthemove.co.uk info@mutts-onthemove.co.uk Tredington based

Paving - Walling - Planting - Timber - Ponds - Maintenance

Company Promotion PHOTO: Brown’s team member Beth Taylor

Freshly Baked Brown’s Garden restaurant, situated within Tewkesbury Garden Centre, has taken a new direction with a recent refurbishment and fresh look menu, as new manager Harriet Court explains. What’s new at Brown’s? We reopened in January after a complete makeover and the feedback so far has been fantastic. We’ve had lots of compliments on the new look space which has a contemporary yet cosy atmosphere with a choice of comfortable seating options and free wifi. We want it to feel inviting for all types of diners from children to couples and older people. Walkers and cyclists are welcome and it’s now ideal for anyone who wants to pick up a takeaway. Tell us about the new menu We’ve retained some traditional favourites and our focus remains on food freshly prepared on the premises, using locally sourced produce. But there’s also lots that’s new including healthier, veggie and gluten-free choices, brunch, light plates and an improved children’s menu. At breakfast we offer dishes such as

BUY ONE MILKSHAKE & GET ONE HALF PRICE Magnificent & freshly made for you! Ends 30/4/18

triple buttermilk pancakes, eggs benedict and three types of fruit smoothie; Green Goddess, Berry Blast and Orange Boost. How does the takeaway work? You can choose anything off our menu and we’ll package it to go. With a great location just off the A38 out of Tewkesbury and plenty of free parking, it’s easy to stop up, grab something to sustain you and get on with your day. Our takeaway breakfast bap - egg, bacon, sausage and hash brown crammed into a bun - plus a hot drink for £6.95 is hard to resist. Call ahead to pre-order. We also offer freshly made sandwiches and hot panini, soup, salads, jacket potatoes and children’s lunch buckets. What about sweet treats? We’re renowned for our homemade puddings, cream teas and cakes - try the popular Earl Grey sponge - and we now also

serve extravagant milkshakes, beautifully presented in a mason jar with a straw and delicious range of toppings. Bring the kids before 30/4/18 and buy one, get one half price - try Sensational Strawberry, Crazy about Chocolate or Bonkers Banoffee.

NEW! EAT IN OR TAKEAWAY… Breakfast, Brunch, Morning Coffees, Lunch & Afternoon Tea. Traditional home cooked dishes plus healthier, veggie & gluten-free choices. KIDS! Burger Fridays 3.15-4.30pm Burger, milkshake & colouring-in competition, £5.95 Booking essential Join us for Mother’s Day, Easter Friday & Saturday, or regular

Book on 01684 299996 info@brownsgardenrestaurant.co.uk

Sunday Lunch Booking essential

Find us at Tewkesbury Garden Centre Worcester Rd, Mythe, Tewkesbury GL20 6EB

Open Mon to Sat

www.brownsgardenrestaurant.co.uk

Closed Easter Sunday

9-4.30 & Sunday 10-3

Company Promotion

Working Beautifully Anthea Garley, Kitchen Designer at Evesham based Vale Kitchens, draws on 30 years’ experience to guide your choice of work surfaces.

ne of the most important decisions you’ll make when installing a new kitchen is which type of work surface to choose. Worktops are a natural focal point in your kitchen, complementing the units and flooring, so become a key part of the design process. Since they are also one of the most costly and frequently used elements, it’s important to get it right. You’ll want to choose a style that you like the look of, and is practical for your lifestyle. As with sinks and taps, worktop technology and design is constantly evolving so I start by asking three questions; What have you seen that you like? How hard wearing do you need 38

it to be? What’s your budget? Options fall into these camps; Granite Stylish, beautiful and luxurious, it’s one of the most popular choices but it’s extremely heavy and comes with a significant price tag. Quartz A man-made alternative to traditional stone worktops like granite, it’s also heavy and expensive, but can be created in any colour. Employing industrial techniques, natural quartz is fortified with resin creating a durable, customisable surface. Silestone or Corian A blend of natural minerals and clear acrylic, this stunning material can be shaped into any design, and any colour including multiple-edge profiles and integrated sinks, but is also

heavy and costly. Laminate The most economical option, laminate has progressed in terms of design and durability. Comprising a plastic overlay and design layer bonded to manmade board, it mimics hundreds of finishes, from weathered wood to veined marble, at a fraction of the price, whilst being water resistant. It’s ideal for those on a budget, but not as hard-wearing as other surfaces and rarely offers the wow factor. Quality varies widely so be sure to choose a brand that will last. Solid wood Good for country kitchens but needs regular aftercare in terms of oiling and protection. Although it ages well, it can stain and scratch. Stainless Steel/Zinc Great for

Up to

creating an industrial look, it’s hygienic and easy to clean but can look a bit clinical. Glass A fairly recent innovation, it’s stylish and works well with modern schemes but, not surprisingly, it isn’t the easiest of surfaces to keep clean! We’ve helped clients make decisions about kitchen design for almost 30 years. With expert knowledge of the best products available and proven solutions to

15% off Silestone worktops

hand, we’ll ensure you achieve a superb result.

Ends 30/6/18

To view a range of work surfaces or find out more please pop into our friendly Evesham showroom at 54 Cheltenham Road, Evesham, open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday 8.30am to 4.00pm.

Please call ahead or email us if you would like to arrange an appointment with one of our designers. Looking for ideas? Please visit our website or follow us on social media to view projects and access our many client testimonials. Discover why you can be assured of the best sales advice, project management and personal service.

Meet our Evesham based experts...

Anthea Garley Kitchen Designer

James Deen Kitchen Designer

Call us on 01386 765959

Bob Moss Bedroom Designer

Lettie Edwards Appliance Sales

www.thevalegroup.com

Find our showroom at 54 Cheltenham Road, Evesham WR11 2JZ

Classic Cottage Style

Classic Georgian bar windows are often the most appropriate style of glazing for cottages or traditional homes suggests John Lannen. The limitations of glass technology and the rate of window tax meant small pane windows were the norm in cottages and period houses. Until the arrival of plate glass in the nineteenth century most 40

windows were, by necessity, constructed from a timber frame divided by glazing bars into multiple panes of glass. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to replicate this style of window in your home you now have several options. Purists will always argue that timber is the most suitable material but even some

traditional architects now recognise how convincing some upvc products are in replicating the appearance of wood. If you want to maximise the thermal efficiency of your home, and minimise maintenance, the Evolution range offers a superb solution in terms of balancing comfort and aesthetics.

Company Promotion

BOOK A FREE SURVEY Call today for advice on upgrading your home

Known as the original timber alternative, this range offers the slimmest window on the market with the greatest glazed area. With its unrivalled wood grain finish it resembles timber in shape, colour and traditional handmade craftsmanship. Meticulously designed with painstaking profiling to the casement, a wide choice of colours (including a heritage range) and optional features such as leaded glass and working monkey tail handles, the range faithfully replicates historic joinery skills. Solid looking sill proportions are similar to historic timber products; a putty finish bar details the exterior of the window; unique weather bars provide for discreet trickle ventilation and you can choose from a high quality range of

handles and working peg stays for an authentic look. The range is manufactured in Great Britain, not welded or mass produced, but put together with time and care, by one or two people working around a bench. With an A+ energy rating, Evolution windows also offer exceptional performance. Taking the best from the past, this innovative range can help enhance and protect your home now, and for years to come, whilst being virtually maintenance free. Whether you decide that timber or upvc is right for you, all our products come with the promise of top quality installation, a standard ten year guarantee and a free annual inspection for peace of mind.

A family company established for over 35 years, the L&L team believes in delivering high quality products and impeccable service at an affordable price. Why not visit our Tewkesbury showroom with functioning displays and free parking; you can talk to us about the options for your home and experience our extensive range of products. Alternatively, please call us on 01684 295038 to arrange a free home survey.

Quality + Service       

Windows & Doors Conservatories Porches Bi-fold Doors Secondary Glazing Glazing Repairs Garden Buildings

01684 295038 sales@ll-installations.co.uk www.ll-installations.co.uk

Showroom: Red Lane, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5BQ Open Monday - Thursday: 8:30-17:00, Fridays: 8:30-16:00 and Saturdays: 09:00-13:00

Conservatories

Solar Panels

Friendly and Reliable Window Cleaning Specialist Guttering

 Domestic Window Cleaning  Commercial Window Cleaning  Conservatory Cleaning

 Solar Panel Cleaning  Gutter Cleaning  Fascia Cleaning

With over 22 years’ experience we offer a reliable and honest service. Choose from the traditional or reach and wash pole system method to suit. From a regular clean to a one-off service we ensure outstanding results every time.

Contact Eric on M: 07966 248 988 T: 01386 830 035 www.abbeycleaningservices.co.uk

Insured, NVQ/NPTC Qualified & CHAS Accredited Tree Surgery / Care Hedge Cutting Groundworks Patios & Paving Fencing Site Clearance Hard & Soft Landscaping Equestrian & Agricultural Projects  Domestic & Commercial  References on request

Contact Tim Coppin

07557 536 391 01386 882 436 timtcppn@aol.com

        

Company Promotion

Personal space

With Kirsten Cluer

esearch shows that a typical employee spends around ten percent of their paid time on non -work related online activities, and in some cases this rises to 40 percent. Whether it’s via a pc or mobile phone, surfing the net on company time is nothing new. There’s much to do; shopping, news, checking the bank balance, paying bills, answering emails... before we even begin to think about social media. Six out of ten people admit to going online to conduct personal activities during the working day; even the most diligent among us will spend a few minutes checking on the kids, cancelling the dentist or having a quick glance at the football results. Most of us would not take undue advantage but excessive usage can have a real impact on productivity and performance, as well as being irritating to colleagues and customers alike. So what does this mean for your organisation? Banning or blocking such activities outright would be counterproductive, as it

Read our blog and see what our clients say about us

penalises the many for the abuses of the few and is likely to fuel resentment. Instead of restricting use outright, consider creating a clear usage policy. Draw up a code of ‘do's and don'ts’ (these may differ widely between organisations) and attach them to a consent form, which everyone is invited to sign. For mobiles, this might include where they are kept, the sounds they make, when and where they can be used and expectations during meetings. Ensure the policy is fair and balanced, emphasising trust and personal responsibility. However, any such policy is worthless if it isn’t enforced. One option for pc’s is to install time tracking software to monitor employee internet use. There are various options available which can be tailored to the needs of your workplace and it need not be expensive or overly intrusive but must respect

an individual’s right to privacy. If you’d like a free initial consultation on personal internet/ mobile usage or need HR advice and ongoing support we’d love to hear from you. Please call on 01386 751740 or email info@cluerhrsolutions.co.uk

Guiding businesses through the challenges of employment and helping them to grow through their people. Meet the team...

Dawn

Suzanne

Emma

Clare

Call on 01386 751 740 www.cluerhrsolutions.co.uk Stockton’s Courtyard, Overbury, Tewkesbury GL20 7NT

Give Your Carpet a Facelift

TEM Plumbing QUALIFIED, RELIABLE AND FULLY INSURED PLUMBER With over 35 years experience

FREE

Now retired but getting under the wife’s feet...

ScotchgardTM

Available for repairs, installations, maintenance and all those annoying little jobs in the house and garden.

For FRIENDLY ADVICE with NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS call 07580 354087 or email catchadrip@gmail.com

Until 30/4/18

We Get Right Down To The Grime So You Don’t Have To  Quality Service 20 years’ experience

offering domestic and commercial carpet cleaning to the highest standard

 A Superior Clean including Pre-spot

Stain Treatment, Hot Water Extraction, Residue Free Rinse, Carpet Grooming & Rapid Dry System

 Eco Friendly We use only the newest hot water extraction units with ecofriendly & bio-degradable chemicals

PAINTING & DECORATING

 Safety First Fully Insured

Call Bredon based professional Julian Woods for a FREE no obligation quote

Interior & Exterior Paintwork General Household Maintenance including Carpentry • fully insured • over 30 years’ experience • friendly & reliable tradesman

Proud to be a member of The Painting & Decorating Association

Mike Dudfield & Son

01386 831597 07904 516951 44

Imperial Carpet Care Book today on

01684 773900 07530 090898

PHOTOS: L & R Cotswold Inns & Hotels, centre shutterstock/Luis Viegas

Period

SOLUTION Installing modern lighting and smart home control systems into a period property can create a fresh new ambiance suggests Rob Shaughnessy, Contracts Director at Buzz Electrical.

Period or listed properties can present a significant challenge when it comes to making modern electrical upgrades such as recessed lighting. The constraints created by solid walls and minimal voids will often impact upon options for routing cables and our aim is to always minimise the number of electrical routes. Great care must be taken to protect original features like quarry tiles, ornate floorboards or dado rails and thought must be given to the positioning of any new sockets, controls and switches. The most successful installations, completed with the least possible disruption, rely on an experienced contractor with sensitivity to the complex issues

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involved. Projects work best when there is a combination of thorough planning and close liaison between client or project manager and electrical foreman. Collaboration with specialist tradesman such as decorative plasterers may also be necessary to temporarily remove features like cornices and coving to allow electrical work to take place. The Buzz team has extensive experience of renovating historic homes and heritage commercial properties including the nine Cotswold Inns & Hotels, plus grade listed churches. For advice on any electrical project please call us on 01386 423600. Buzz Electricalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of sixteen fully qualified electricians, approved by the NICEIC, offers exceptional personal service locally; look out for our bright red vans. For inspiration, hints and tips please visit buzzelectrical.co.uk or follow us on facebook and twitter.

Excellent NICEIC approved electricians offering personal service at a competitive rate. Est. 1999

Call 01386 423600 www.buzzelectrical.co.uk 45

of Prince Henry’s ethos. Students learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and this is embraced throughout the curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to express their views in a safe environment.

On Values With Dr Tony Evans, Head teacher at Prince Henry’s High School, Evesham.

he Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that five key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. These are: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. Democracy This principle is consistently reinforced in schools, with democratic processes being used for important decisions within the school community. For instance, in many schools, elections are held by the pupils. The principle of democracy is also explored in subjects such as History, RE and Citizenship, and in form time and assemblies. 46

The Rule of Law Students are taught the rules and behaviour expectations of their school, as well as the values and the reasons behind laws that govern and protect us. They also understand the responsibilities involved and the consequences when laws are broken. In many schools, this is reinforced by visits from authorities such as the police, fire service and armed services. Individual Liberty Students are actively encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. They are encouraged and advised how to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms safely, for example through e-safety and form time work. Mutual Respect Respect is a strong part of the

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs This has been demonstrated through our International Schools Award. Students benefit from a number of international visitors, including exchange programmes. The PSHCE curriculum enables students to have a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths and cultures, whilst in a wider context we support Remembrance, educate our students about the Holocaust, participate in Duke of Edinburgh Award, and promote the Olympic and Paralympic values through our assemblies.

FIND OUT MORE Dr. Evans is Head teacher at Prince Henry's High School Victoria Avenue Evesham WR11 4QH Call 01386 765588 For more information about school life please visit princehenrys.worcs.sch.uk

Registered Charity No: 1051708

Entertainment In Tewkesbury

The Roses offers a huge selection of live shows, films and activities to enjoy and take part in virtually every day of the year.

Live Event Highlights

Film Highlights

Macbeth • Wed 7 Mar

Phantom Thread • Loveless • I, Tonya The Shape Of Water • Lady Bird Peter Rabbit • Mary Magdalene Ready Player One • Wonder Wheel Dark River • Finding Your Feet A Wrinkle In Time • Red Sparrow

The Westenders • Fri 9 Mar Vienna Festival Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty • Tue 13 Mar Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook • Sat 17 Mar Crimes Under The Sun • Wed 21 Mar David Baddiel • Sat 24 Mar G4’s Jonathan Ansell • Fri 6 Apr Tubular Brass • Sat 7 Apr Alice In Wonderland • Mon 9 Apr The Carpenters Songbook • Fri 13 Apr Jess Robinson: Here Come The Girls • Wed 18 Apr Big Girls Don’t Cry • Sat 21 Apr Dublin Legends • Mon 23 Apr

See www.rosestheatre.org for full programme of events and films Image: Jess Robinson

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Installation is simple and easy. All you need to do is decide on your location then select from a range of sizes, styles and six colours. With a choice of options for glass, brickwork, roofing and flooring, you can create a structure individual to you. Add insulation, roof vents, opening windows and air conditioning and you can be sure of enjoying a comfortable temperature all year round. As a family company, the L&L team believe in delivering high quality products & impeccable service at an affordable price. All our products are backed by a guarantee & service promise.

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On the Blossom Trail Whatever your mode of transport this spring, be part of the blossoming fun in the Vale of Evesham.

Blossoming Fun in the Vale Discover the Vale of Evesham afresh this season as it bursts into life and witness the subtle pink tones of cherry and apple blossom mixed with white blooms of plums and pears. After almost 35 years, this enchanting blossom trail that criss-crosses the river Avon and meanders through idyllic villages still attracts 1000’s of visitors. The trail is one of the worlds’ leading blossom events and the only one of its kind in the UK. You can appreciate this beautiful trail by car, coach, bike or on foot. Blossom Bikeaway Explore the Vale’s blossom by bike on the Blossom Bikeaway on Sunday 15 April. Organised by Bikeaway Ventures the event starts at Hampton Ferry, Evesham and provides the option of three routes that vary in 50

intensity and distance; 11, 27 or 59 miles. Enjoy the ride with friends and family whilst marvelling at the beautiful scenery. For more details please visit bikeawayventures.co.uk or email bikeaway40@yahoo.co.uk Blossom Trail Walks Get lost in the delightful blossom and celebrate the illustrious trail by foot with our pack of three local walks, all between three and six miles long. These walks have been created with blossom in mind, but can be appreciated at any time of the year. To purchase a walks pack please call Angela Taylor on 01386 565373 or visit local Tourist Information Centres where they are on sale at £2.95. Blossom Coach Tours Dudley’s Coaches and Evesham

Vale Tour Guides are offering their popular tours on Thursday 12 and Thursday 19 April, with a blossom tour guide who will highlight the best viewpoints and provide historical and entertaining insights, this is a great value day trip not to be missed. Pick up points from various locations throughout the County. For more information and to book your seat call 01386 792206 or visit eveshamvaletourguides.co.uk Monitoring the Blossom Blossom doesn’t last long so it is important to plan your trip. We have carefully crafted a blossom trail guide that will provide you with the best locations to witness the stunning blooms; to obtain your free copy please call Andrew Christopher on 01386 5655564. A virtual guide can be found at valeandspa.co.uk

PHOTOS: Stuart Purfield WORDS: Angela Taylor

Your Spring Highlights at a Glance… Spring Time in the Vale Coach Tours Thursday 12 & 19 April Organised by Dudley’s Coaches and Evesham Vale Tour Guides. To make a booking please contact Dudley’s Coaches on 01386 792206 or visit eveshamvaletourguides.co.uk Blossom Bikeaway Sunday 15 April Choose from an 11, 27 or 59 mile cycle route and discover the Blossom Trail while raising funds for local charities. For more information please visit bikeawayventures.co.uk Blossom Trail Walks A pack of 3 walks is available to purchase from Wychavon District Council and local Tourist Information Centres at £2.95 or please call Angela Taylor on 01386 565373. For further information please contact Angela Taylor on 01386 565373 or visit valeandspa.co.uk 51

E Hill & Son FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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WIN ONE OF FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS FOR PRESCOTT BIKE FEST 2018 14-15 APRIL IN AID OF BLOOD BIKES Entering is easy! Just visit www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk by Friday 31 March 2018 and enter your details as requested. TWO AMAZING DAYS – ONE WINNING WEEKEND

PHOTO: Allan Rhodes

Prescott Bike Fest 2018 is set to be the biggest and best yet and has been extended to two days. The popular, family-friendly event is your opportunity to enjoy an incredibly diverse range of extreme machinery and then watch them take to the hill on the Sunday. Love it or hate it, Electric is here and BikeFest will be among the first to showcase it. Throughout the weekend there’s also non-stop live music, large displays of historic, modern and race bikes, special guest appearances, stunt show, large kids’ zone, over 100 quality trade stands, motorcycle clubs, beer tent and great food. Not for the faint-hearted, you can even take part in a thrilling passenger ride experience. All proceeds go to a great cause; the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and regional Blood Bike group Severn Freewheelers.

A fab day out for all the family Over £200k raised for Blood Bikes so far!

Terms & Conditions: One entry per household. Competition closes Friday 31 March 2018 and the winners will be informed by Friday 6 April 2018. Tickets, valid for either day, will be posted. Prize not redeemable for cash. Judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. By entering this competition you agree to be contacted in future by Life in the Village. Your information will not be shared with any third party. Unsubscribe at any time by emailing unsubscribe@lifeinthevillage.co.uk

For further details or to purchase advance tickets please visit www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk Prescott Bike Festival, Gotherington, Nr Cheltenham, GL52 9RD 53

Hand of Hope As the leading cause of death in young people under 35, suicide is everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business, suggests Rosemary Vaux of Papyrus.

n the UK suicide is the main cause of death in young people under 35. 200 school children take their own lives every year. Huge numbers of young people consider suicide and many thousands of those actually make a suicide attempt. Children and young people today can be under a lot of pressure. Depression, anxiety and other mental health problems can manifest themselves from early childhood. Talking about fears and feelings is difficult, even to those we know love and care about us. This can prevent others from recognising the distress and being able to help. It is easy to understand that someone is hurting if they have been badly injured or are

physically ill. Emotional pain cannot be seen, but it can be just as unbearable. National charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide believes that we can all help, that suicide a concern for the whole community. Not only parents, brothers and sisters, but grandparents, family friends, teachers, neighbours, sports and community workers, the school bus driver, all are in a position to spot that something is not quite right. There are many common reasons why children and young people can become anxious or depressed: struggling at school; peer pressure to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fit inâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; to be popular; bullying, cyber bullying and social media; finding a job. A significant change in family

circumstances or relationships, ill health or death of a close friend or family can also make a young person feel suicidal. You are not alone Attempted suicide is far more common than most of us realise. In the UK, thousands of young people are admitted to accident and emergency departments each year because they have tried to kill themselves. Although most people who attempt suicide survive, many remain at high risk of taking their own life afterwards so any suicide attempt, however minor it seems, should be taken seriously. Spot the signs How do we know if someone is having thoughts of suicide? We cannot be certain without asking

directly but there are often signs we can look out for. People at risk may be giving away possessions, withdrawn socially, acting impulsively or self-harming. You may notice they are feeling hopeless, sad, lonely, angry or worthless. Other signs include selfneglect, loss of appetite, disrupted sleep patterns and changes in behaviour. Often there are verbal clues; “everyone will be better off without me”; “I can’t take it any more”, “I want to die”. If something doesn’t feel right don’t hesitate to explore further. If you are worried about someone ask directly: “Have you had thoughts of suicide?” It sounds scary and many people resist, worried that it might put the idea into the person’s head. However, research and life experience confirms that this cannot happen and by asking, you communicate that you are a safe person who they can talk to and support them to seek help … you could save a life!

For more information and guidance please visit www.papyrus-uk.org If you are a young person or worried about a young person you can contact PAPYRUS HOPELineUK on 0800 068 4141 text 07786 209 697 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org for confidential help and advice. Bredon Hill resident Mike Scott is cycling the London to Paris bike ride, 295 miles, from 16-20 May in support of Papyrus to raise awareness of our high rate of suicide; increase awareness of this national charity which draws experience from many who have been touched by young suicide and believe that many cases can be prevented; and raise £1 for each of the 6000+ deaths that occur each year. To support Mike please visit www.justgiving.com/MikeScott300, call 01684 773970 or email mikeandjanescott@gmail.com

How can you help? Do Ask If worried ask how they are feeling. Try to be patient if they are angry or refuse to talk. Listen This is the most important thing you can do. Treat them with respect; try not to be judgemental or critical. Empathise by showing you really care, no matter what, and are trying to understand things from their point of view. Reassure them that desperate feelings are very common and can be overcome. Try to give practical support and help them to cope with any extra pressures. It may not be possible to deal with all the things that are troubling them, but you’ll help them to seek further help. Don’t Put them down. Feeling suicidal means that self-esteem is already very low. Nag Although well meant, nobody wants to be pestered all the time. Intrude Try to balance being watchful with respect for privacy Criticise their actions However you may be feeling try to remember the pain and turmoil that they were, and may still be, going through.

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Policing South Worcestershire

With Policing Commander for South Worcestershire, Supt. Kevin Purcell.

outh Worcestershire is a largely rural area, where people living in isolated areas can sometimes feel vulnerable, which makes it extremely important that we tackle rural crime and the fear of crime, effectively. As such, it is one of my key priorities. The term “rural crime “ is defined as any crime or antisocial behaviour that takes place in a rural location or is identified as such by the victim. Certain offences are specific to rural areas, such as:  crimes involving farm equipment and livestock  crimes against small rural businesses  wildlife crime, such as the taking or illegal trapping of animals or birds  theft or damage to heritage sites and buildings  tourism crime, including offences committed on holiday sites and damage to beauty spots  serious and organised crime: remote locations can be attractive for organised crime groups  road safety offences, which affect the quality of life for rural residents Recognising the valuable contribution of rural communities, I am determined to work in partnership with them to

Finalist for the International ConnectedCOPS Awards for work on social media #TopCop

reduce the harm caused by crime. According to research commissioned by the National Rural Crime Network, the number of crimes in rural areas may well be under-reported. In South Worcestershire we want to encourage people to report crimes – but also to report unusual and suspicious behaviour that might need to be investigated. If you’ve seen something that gives you cause for concern, phone West Mercia Police on 101 so that we can further investigate. Led by our Safer Neighbourhood Teams, and supported by a dedicated Rural & Business Crime Officer plus specially trained Wildlife Officers, we’ve been working closely with communities and the National Farmers Union (NFU) to identify and solve local issues of concern. Through increased reporting we’ve been able to gather intelligence about those who target or commit offences in rural areas, take part in proactive operations to disrupt offenders, and provide a visible presence in rural villages and towns. Recent successes have been the reporting of offenders for poaching offences and my team are currently engaged in cross border targeted patrols, focusing

on the rural areas. My team also includes a specially trained Design Out Crime Officer (DOCO), who provides bespoke advice on how to protect yourself, your farm or household, and your property and livestock. You can help the police tackle rural crime by taking an active approach towards crime prevention, and signing up for Community Messaging or one of our rural watch schemes at worcestershireruralwatch.co.uk

Get In Touch... Contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 to report information anonymously. Visit our website and use the postcode finder for local news www.westmercia.police.uk Follow us on twitter @SuptKevPurcell @SWorcs Cops @PershoreCops @EveshamCops @MalvernCops

Fish En Papillote & Hollandaise Sauce Parcel fish with seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or tomato then simply serve or dress with hollandaise sauce. FISH EN PAPILOTTE 4 x 110g (4oz) fillets of fish such as sea bass, sole or hake selection of seasonal vegetables such as 2 carrots, shredded 2 shallots, shredded 2 courgettes, shredded 12 new potatoes, boiled ¼ pint of white wine 4 knobs of butter salt and pepper 1 lemon 4 x 50cm squares of kitchen foil 4 x 50cm squares of silicone paper

 Pre-heat the oven to 180/160 degrees fan  Place the foil squares onto a tray on the work surface with the silicone paper squares on top.  In a bowl, mix the shredded seasonal vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Slice the boiled new potatoes into 2cm thick rounds. Scatter the potatoes and vegetables on the paper and sit a fillet of fish on top.  Season from a height, add a knob of butter, a splash of wine and a squeeze of lemon.  Crimp the silicone paper and foil tightly into crescent shaped parcels leaving no gaps for the steam to escape.  Cook for 18 minutes then transfer to plates.

HOLLANDAISE SAUCE 3 tbsp white wine vinegar 6 black peppercorns 1 bay leaf 2 egg yolks small knob of butter 110g (4oz) melted unsalted butter lemon juice salt & freshly ground white pepper

 Place the vinegar, peppercorns and bay leaf in a small heavy saucepan. Bring to a simmer then reduce the liquid to 3/4 the original amount. Strain and set the liquid aside.  Whisk the yolks with a pinch of salt and a knob of butter in a small heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a small saucepan of simmering (not boiling) water and beat until slightly thicker.  Add a little of the liquid reduction and continue to stir over the heat until slightly thickened.  Remove from heat and gradually beat in the melted butter, teaspoon by teaspoon.  Taste then add salt and pepper, lemon juice and the rest of the liquid reduction as necessary.  Keep warm and serve; hollandaise sauce will set firm if allowed to go cold and curdle if overheated.

Did You Know? ‘En papillote’ from the French ‘in parchment’ is a simple way to cook fish, although using foil is more practical. Allow your guests to open their parcel at the table so they can enjoy the aroma.

Recipe courtesy of Steve Waites proprietor of Belle House Restaurant & Deli-Traiteur, Bridge Street, Pershore, WR10 1AJ. www.belle-house.co.uk 59

Severn Seating

Bredon’s Norton Lambing Day Sunday 8th April 2018

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Adults £4 Children £2 Family Ticket £10

Home Farm Bredon’s Norton Tewkesbury GL20 7HA

Proceeds to Bredon’s Norton Church

Call John Roberts

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Pregnant women are advised not to attend

Cheltenham & District Orchid Society Annual Show Churchdown Community Centre Parton Road, Churchdown Gloucester GL3 2JH

Saturday 3rd March 10.30am to 4pm Society & Trade displays Re-potting & Advice Orchids & Garden Plants for sale

Get £1 off Visit our website & follow the link to ‘2018 Orchid Show’ to download a voucher

Bring your Orchid and have it re-potted for £1 Resident Artist & Refreshments Entry £2.50 Free Parking

www.cheltenhamorchids.org 60

for a country or period garden

WIN ONE OF TEN PAIRS OF TICKETS TO THE SPECIALIST PLANT FAIR AT SPETCHLEY PARK GARDENS 22 APRIL 2018 Entering is easy; just visit www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk by Saturday 31 March 2018 and enter your details as requested. A GREAT DAY OUT FOR GARDENERS & FAMILIES

The Spetchley Specialist Plant Fair is one of the Midlands’ recognised gardening events and this year it’s set to be the best yet. With over 30 stall holders offering 1000s of rare and interesting plants, including new varieties seldom seen, there will be something for every garden. Plus staff from Pershore College will be on hand to answer any gardening dilemmas. Admission includes entry to the 30 acres of historic gardens with plenty of space to play, offering families a fabulous day out and a last chance to see the glorious display of daffodils. Refreshments will be available on the lawn. The Gardens at Spetchley Park are going through one of the biggest revivals in their 400 year history. The Heritage Learning and Interpretation centre is now open in the newly converted cart sheds enabling visitors to learn more about the gardens and the Berkeley family using audio visual and touch technology. The family’s beloved sovereign coach is also on display after over 100 years following a period of restoration; built c1875 the coach is thought to be one of only twenty remaining. Admission to the Plant Fair is £6 for adults and under 16s go free. For details please visit www.spetchleygardens.co.uk

Terms & Conditions: One entry per household. Competition closes Saturday 31 March 2018 and the winners will be informed by Friday 6 April 2018. Tickets will be held for collection on the gate. Prizes not redeemable for cash. Judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. By entering this competition you agree to be contacted in future by Life in the Village and Spetchley Park Gardens. Your information will not be shared with any third party. You can unsubscribe at any time by emailing unsubscribe@lifeinthevillage.co.uk

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GARDEN SLEEPERS FROM £14.00+VAT

Compare our prices: Softwood 8'x8"x4" £14.00+VAT. New Oak 8'x8"x4"£26.00 +VAT. Ends 30/4/18 or whilst stocks last. The Old Sawmill, Evesham Rd, Toddington Glos GL54 5DF 01242 620 000 www.cotswoldvalesupplies.co.uk

MUTTS ON THE MOVE

COTSWOLD & VALE SUPPLIES

FREE CHOCOLATES WITH A MOTHER’S DAY BOUQUET*

FREE SCOTCHGARD WITH EVERY CARPET CLEAN

*When you pre-order by 4/3/18, Mother’s Day is 11/3/18. Excludes wholesale & Interflora.

Lif ini the Life

Call 01684 297781 or 07717 893692 info@mutts-onthemove.co.uk www.mutts-onthemove.co.uk

Ends 30/4/18.

01684 290288 flowershedtewkesbury.co.uk flowers@flowershedtewkesbury.co.uk Tewkesbury Garden Centre, Worcester Rd, Mythe, Tewkesbury GL20 6EB

Bredon based mobile service 01684 773900 or 07530 090 898 imperialcarpetcareuk@yahoo.co.uk

FLOWER SHED TEWKESBURY

IMPERIAL CARPET CARE

FREE THAI BEER OR GLASS OF HOUSE WINE*

BUY ONE & GET ONE HALF PRICE ON MILKSHAKES*

*when two diners eat in and both order two courses. Ends 30/4/18. The Royal Oak Inn, Main Road, Bredon, Tewkesbury GL20 7LW 01684 772616 www.royaloakbredon.co.uk

ROYAL OAK BREDON (EASTERN THAI)

Lif ini th Life the

Lif iin the Life Lif ini the Life Lif ini the Life

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25% OFF YOUR FIRST DOG WALK FOR NEW CLIENTS

*Choose from Sensational Strawberry, Crazy about Chocolate or Bonkers Banoffee. Ends 30/4/18. One per person. Worcester Rd, Mythe, Tewkesbury GL20 6EB 01684 299996 www.tewkesburygardencentre.com

BROWN’S RESTAURANT

Offers are one way to grow your business but we have lots of other ways to help... Our four magazines, website and twitter updates offer a slice of country life, locally. Our readers are based in the villages around Bredon Hill, the Vale of Evesham and beyond and through our online and social media activity we also reach a wider group, further afield. We have a proven history of generating growth for a wide range of local organisations since 2005. To find out more or discuss your options please contact Lisa on 01684 773135.

01684 773135 lisa@lifeinthevillage.co.uk www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk 64

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Creating a HOME you will LOVE Expand your living space this spring

Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten!

MONARCH HOME IMPROVE ME NTS WINDOWS, DOORS & BI-FOLDS CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES GARAGE DOORS & CONVERSIONS FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING

Call Neil Hunt for a FREE Survey or advice

01386 861256 or 07970 979831 monarchhomeimprovements-evesham.co.uk 67

View Our Expanded Range of Garden Goods Superb range of shrubs & perennials incl. Early Season Starter Collections Wide range of Grow Your Own goods, herbs, Johnson’s Seeds & raised Veg Trugs Eden Hall greenhouses & Nordic garden buildings from L+L Beautiful range of pots and planters for indoors and out

New Lines in Home & Garden Accessories Weber BBQ’s, bird food, tables & nesting boxes Durable & lightweight garden tools and accessories Wellies, gardening gloves & a great range of aquatics

Grand Clearance On Garden Furniture

Until 31 March or while stocks last

Brookes’ Greengrocer Open all day Thursday & Friday + Sat morning - FREE parking Regular Opening Hours Mon-Sat 9-5.30, Sun 10-4. Closed Easter Sunday.

Call us on 01684 293103

www.tewkesburygardencentre.com

T E W K E S B U RY G A R D E N C E N T R E , W O R C E S T E R R D , M Y T H E , T E W K E S B U RY G L 20 6 E B lifeinthevillage.co.uk

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@LisaLambon

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01684 773135