Life in the Village Cotswold Edge - Late Spring 2017 by Lisa Lambon

COTSWOLD EDGE Late Spring 2017 FREE lifeinthevillage.co.uk

Life in the

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Cookery

Vanilla & Lime Tart with Steve Waites

Your Home A Guide to Sash Windows

Ultimate Gardening Be Inspired at RHS Malvern Spring Festival

Your Pets

How to Choose a Cat to join Your Family

Your Hair

Grey Blending For Men

Celebrating

Spotting

40 Years of Ashton Under Hill Open Gardens

Wildflowers HO MES

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Hello and welcome to our Late Spring issue. Between these pages, we offer you a slice of country life, locally. Our theme this edition is gardens so all things green and beautiful feature in every form from our guide to local wildflowers to how to use a prairie inspired planting scheme to updates on a range of great gardening events. We also bring you fresh ideas to improve your home, health and lifestyle. Try our recipe for Lime & Vanilla tart, enter our new competition to win a luxury box of chocolates and choose from a selection of money saving vouchers. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget that as well as our printed magazine, you can access Life in the Village wherever you are by following us on twitter @lisalambon or visiting www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find daily updates displayed on every page. Enjoy the countryside this season. Until next time,

Editor Lisa Lambon

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www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk 6

Contents Late Spring 2017

Enter our new competition online

Competitions & Offers 24 Competition Win a delicious box of luxury chocolates 62 Your money saving vouchers Choose from a range of great local offers

Local Life

17 Ultimate Gardening with Jane Furze 27 Creating Change with Rachel Berry 28 Fresh Challenge with Dr Tony Evans

34 Prairie Inspired with Johnathan Sairl 37 Guiding Hand with Sarah Ingles 39 Caring For Your Pets with Lizzie Threadingham 40 Years of Ashton under Hill Open Gardens with Malcolm Nelson 45 Engaging with HR with Kirsten Cluer 47 Installing Garden Electrics with Steve Owens 49 Clean Easy with Hristina Toteva 51 Rural Motoring with Eddie Robinson 55 Eckington Flower Festival & Open Gardens 56 Care & Conservation with Jo Ballin and Isobel Meikle 58 Life in the Village on twitter

Regulars

6 Welcome 8 Swaying in the Breeze with

Wendy Carter 14 A Guide to Sash Windows with John Lannen 19 Glorious Summer Events at Coughton Court with Abi Cole 21 Less Grey. More You with Graham West 23 Property Talk with Jon James 30 Local Policing with Supt. Kevin Purcell 33 Transfer Window with Spencer Holliday 43 Relax L&L Style with John Lannen 52 The British Asparagus Festival with Shelby Padley 60 Lime & Vanilla Tart with Steve Waites 65 Index Front cover image: ÂŠ www.Shutterstock.com/Mandyd This page, left to right, Eckington Flower Festival & Open Gardens courtesy of David Bainbridge, Ashton under Hill Open Gardens courtesy of Jo Brown, Kirsten Cluer of Cluer HR

Common Spotted Orchid PHOTO Paul Lane

Swaying in the breeze

With their heads nodding gently in the breeze and leaves upturned in praise of the sunshine, wildflowers are one of Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great delights. Wendy Carter of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust offers a guide.

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verges and hedges to woodlands and meadows, late spring is the ideal time of year to start following the colourful trail of our 8

wildflowers; watch the golden hues of spring turn into the cooler pinks and lilacs of summer. Fields of gold Cowslips (pictured overleaf) are one of the earliest spring flowers so are closely associated with much English folklore and tradition,

including adorning garlands for May Day and being strewn on church paths for weddings. Formerly a common plant, it was picked in profusion across the country for many celebrations. The species went through a hard time between the 1940s and 1980s when meadows were ploughed up and herbicides

Bluebell close up PHOTO Stephanie Franklin

Tiddesley Wood Bluebells PHOTO Paul Lane

drifted onto verges. It is a little known fact that Worcestershire was (and still is) the lowland county in England with the highest proportion of its land under wildflower-rich meadows, so numbers locally were particularly badly hit. All was not lost though – these delicate, egg-yolk yellow flowers have clung on along verges, in hedgerows, in old churchyards, on and around Bredon Hill and in the meadows that weren’t ploughed. For such a pretty flower, their name doesn’t have the most pleasant of derivations – ‘cowslop’ (cow-pat) hints at the close relationship between the plants and where they grow. Where Cowslips occur in good numbers alongside their cousin, the Primrose, the two can hybridise, giving rise to the False

Oxslip. Rather than having dangling flowers, this crossbreed holds its Primrose-like flowers upright, pointing to the heavens. It’s this plant that is the long-ago ancestor of today’s garden polyanthus cultivars. The first time I ever saw a False Oxslip was in our Tiddesley Wood nature reserve just outside Pershore. But, of course, this beautiful old woodland is famous for another reason; its stunning bluebells... Carpets of blue From mid-April onwards, swathes of ancient lilac -blue flowers carpet woodland floors like Tiddesley where the trees aren’t too dense to shade them out. Bluebells spend most of the year as bulbs underground; millions of them may exist in one wood. Sympathetic woodland

management means opening up woodland floors to help them thrive. Locally, teams of our volunteers are involved in scrub– cutting to create sunny glades, coppicing (cutting down trees to ground level) and regular ride maintenance on a cycle to enable our bluebells to bloom. There are three types of Bluebell in the UK – our native species, the introduced Spanish Bluebell and a hybrid of the two. Our native Bluebell is threatened by garden escapes of the Spanish Bluebell and the hybridisation that occurs. As with the Cowslip, the ‘original’ flower is much more delicate than the hybrid with dangling bells bending the stem to one side; the hybridised versions are much more upright and robust. Our native flower is also sweetly fragranced with pollen that is creamy white. 9

Lady’s Bedstraw PHOTO Ann Fells

Stems of purple Search in local Bluebell woods or up on Bredon Hill during May and you may be lucky enough to spot Early Purple Orchids – a multitude of wonderfully vivid flowers with spotty stiff leaves. Visit some of our woodland nature reserves or, better still, meadows or orchards throughout the Vale of Evesham, a little later in the year, and you may come across the UK’s most common orchid, the Common Spotted. The name ‘Orchid’ (Orchis) means testicle and refers to the pair of root-tubers growing beneath the plant – one is new and expanding, filling up with nutrients for the following year, and the other is withering away as it supplies the plant that you can see this year. Now, please forgive my 10

Cowslips PHOTO Steve Bloomfield

former ignorance here but it may help you out... Many years ago I watched an episode of Midsomer Murders in which a local community were guarding an orchid. It led me to believe that orchids were the rarest plants and only ever grew in ones and twos. If you are under the same misapprehension, trust me, it’s simply not the case! Although orchids are now relatively rare, largely because of the ploughing of meadows, they can still be found in good numbers where they survive. They are also present in unexpected places. One of our volunteers based in Redditch noticed a Common Spotted Orchid growing at the bottom of her garden. She left it to grow and the following year she had a couple more. Now, several years on, she has dozens of them

scattered throughout her lawn – she doesn’t mow it until they’ve all set seed for the following year. Why not take a closer look at your grass before you mow it or head to a local churchyard to see what’s coming up there? Whirls of pink One of the most common wayside flowers that can be seen, as spring turns to summer, is the thistle-like Knapweed. There are two types; Greater and Common. Take a closer look at Knapweed and you’ll see that it’s actually a composite flower, made up of florets. Greater Knapweed is bigger all round, with longer outer petals and more deeply divided leaves. Around the edges of the 'flowers' are large, ragged star-like ray florets, with smaller dense florets in the middle. It’s Common

Common Spotted Orchid PHOTO Paul Lane

Rainbows of light Of course, there are many more wildflowers that brighten up our lives throughout spring and summer. From mid-April (depending on the weather) Lady’s Smock or Cuckoo Flower is widespread across South Worcestershire especially in dampish places and along roadsides. This plant, favoured by Orange Tip butterflies, has delicate pale lilac flowers of only one to two centimetres across and bluegreen coloured upright stems with very narrow leaves in a rosette at its base. Its name, as you would imagine, signals the arrival of the first cuckoo. Lady’s Bedstraw is a plant that brings a flash of yellow to meadows as June arrives; it’s name probably originates from the old practice of using the dried plant in straw mattresses.

“

It is a little known fact that Worcestershire is the lowland county in England with the highest proportion of its land area still under flower-rich meadows and pastures. We’re launching an appeal to save some of these internationally important wildflower sites.

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cousin has flower heads with tiny bright pink florets surrounded by a crown of long, pink bracts (leaf-like structures). For bees, butterflies and many other insects, this composite form is great news because each of the florets provides sweet nectar to give them energy – spy a bee on a Knapweed bloom and it will probably be there for a little while (at least long enough for you to take a photo if you’re able to sneak up on it). Knapweed’s Worcestershire stronghold is around Bredon Hill and the Cotswold fringe so keep your eyes out for it on your walks in the area. It’s a huge favourite of all kinds of butterflies including Common Blues, Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns and you may sometimes spot it because it is smothered in these species.

Great Burnet PHOTO Wendy Carter

Common Spotted Orchid PHOTO Dave Butler

Lady’s Smock (Cuckoo Flower) PHOTO Rosemary Winnall

Knapweed PHOTO Mervyn Needham

It’s a relatively low growing plant but the spikes are filled with tiny yellow flowers that help it to stand out in the meadows and along waysides wherever it grows. Head a little further west of the county and you’ll find Great Burnet on the floodplain meadows of the River Severn and the Longdon and Eldersfield Brooks. Great Burnet has oval, crimson flower heads that appear on long green stalks from June to September, giving them the look of lollipops. The presence of its bulbous, blood-red heads is an indication of a rare group of plants and flowers flourishing together in floodplain meadows. These special grasslands have thrived for centuries because of the way they are managed which results in a flower-rich hay crop. A 12

member of the Rose family, Great Burnet can survive for decades due to its extensive root system. Visit our website or follow us on social media and you’ll see that in the next couple of months we’ll be launching a fundraising appeal to save some of these internationally important wildflower sites. Planting a wildflower meadow Wildflowers can be grown at home even if you haven’t got a garden - they can be sown in hanging baskets or window boxes. Not only are wildflowers pretty to look at, they are extremely important for our native wildlife, providing hunting and feeding grounds for many insects, mammals and birds. Indeed they have evolved together and many species are

inter-dependent for their survival. To download a fact sheet that shows you how to help conserve our rich flora and fauna at home please visit: www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ sites/default/files/ wildflower_meadow.pdf Find out more For more details about wildflowers please visit our website and browse our Habitat Explorer and Species Explorer under the Wildlife tab. Our Wildflower A-Z will help you identify a wide range of species. www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ wildlife/species-explorer/plants -and-fungi/wildflowers

Early Purple Orchid PHOTO James Hitchcock

WWT events include:  Sun 30th April, Tiddesley Wood Open Day, Pershore, WR10 2AD, 10am-5pm. Join us for our popular annual event. Take a closer look at the wood on a wildlife discovery walk in this beautiful woodland setting, peruse the craft stalls, find out more at information stalls, enjoy a light lunch and relax to the live music. Much more besides! £3 adults, £1 children.  Saturday 6th May, Tiddesley Wood Guided Walk, Pershore,

Knapweed close up PHOTO Rosemary Winnall

Donations. To book a tour of this lovely ancient woodland reserve please call 01527 272074.  Wednesday 17th May, Upton Warren Wetland Reserve Guided Walk, £3.50. To book call 01886 812854  Wednesday 31st May, Pied Flycatchers on the Malvern Hills Guided Walk, 10am12.30pm Donations. A morning's guided walk with Simon Roberts from the Malvern Hills Conservators to hear about, and hopefully see, this species.

 Wednesday 21st June, 6.309pm, Slow-Worm Walk, Cherry Orchard local nature reserve, Worcester, WR5 3DH. £3.50. Did you know...Worcester is slow-worm city? It lays claim to having the largest single urban slow-worm population in Britain and the first ever City Council designated slow-worm sanctuary. For bookings please call 01886 821854. Full details of all events are at www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ whats-on

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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A guide to

sash windows

The replacement or restoration of sash windows presents particular challenges so consider your options carefully suggests John Lannen.

R 14

enowned for their style and elegance, sliding sash windows date back as far as the seventeenth century. They were widely used during the Georgian period

and were a popular feature of Victorian houses. Although window design has evolved tremendously since then, many people still cherish them as the ultimate in craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. The level of architectural detail and technical expertise

required to make and install a sash window means that replacement or restoration inevitably involves a significant investment. Before settling on a design you need to consider the precise age of your property and the original style of the windows. Sash windows come in a

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variety of types but traditionally consisted of two timber panels or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sashesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which acted as a frame for the glass. Originally, they would have been single glazed and often, the glass was divided into six panes with fine glazing bars. The sashes might be single or double hung, with one fixed or both sliding, but only operate vertically, balanced by a heavy steel, lead or cast-iron weight concealed within the frame. Traditionally, they were painted white or cream and secured with a clasp where they meet. Today, sash windows are available in timber, aluminium or UPVC and can be single or double glazed. The pulley cords can be replaced with a spiral spring and security/child safety features like double locks and

on upgrading stays can be plastered in. If this your home incorporated. Many is true in your home, of these features are all is not necessarily used successfully in new lost. With proper attention to the buildings which mimic interior, a timber box can be traditional style. fitted retrospectively, the wall For period buildings, the plastered and architrave crafted, regulations that apply to listed restoring the original appearance properties and those situated in a and character of the building. conservation area will often demand that the sash is made of As a family company, the L&L timber and single glazed but team believe in delivering high there is the option of secondary quality products and impeccable glazing to improve thermal service, at an affordable price. efficiency. They can be made of Why not visit our showroom in softwood, engineered timber or Tewkesbury, with functioning hardwood and will come ready displays and plenty of customer painted with a coating that gives parking; you can talk to us about protection for five to seven the options for your home and years, without any maintenance. experience our extensive range Over the years, many sash of products. Alternatively, please windows have been replaced call us on 01684 295038 to with casement units and the box arrange a free home survey.

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Up to

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ULTIMATE gardening

Fresh for 2017, RHS Malvern Spring Festival is taking inspiration from Malvern’s heyday as a fashionable spa resort, as Head of Show, Jane Furze, explains.

his year’s celebration of the start of the gardening season includes lots that’s new. Visitors often make a bee-line for the Floral Marquee so we’re proud to present our biggest ever display from the finest specialist nurseries across the country. Measuring the equivalent length of almost four Olympic swimming pools, it will be home to 69 leading growers setting the horticultural standard at the start of the year. It’s the very first opportunity to get your hands on brand new varieties. Plus BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, Joe Swift, will be unveiling a unique centerpiece - the Plant Finder Parlour - bringing to life exotic stories of discovery. British Queen of Herbs, Jekka McVicar, is

designing the first ever specially commissioned permanent garden in our new Live Well zone, which brings to life the contribution horticulture makes to our health and wellbeing in today’s bustling world. We’ve also introduced a new show garden category, Spa Gardens, which gives fledgling designers the platform to showcase their talents. And this is all on top of the traditional favourites including superb plant and shopping arcades, live music, demonstrations, arts and crafts, and the lively Food & Drink Pavilion which offers a range of artisan products with lots of samples and a cookery kitchen. We promise a packed day of inspiration, education and entertainment for all the family and the chance to enjoy the company of A-list gardening guests including Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don. For further details and the most up to date information please visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

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Enjoy a summer day out at one of Warwickshire’s most beautiful family homes

COUGHTON COURT PRESENTS A GLORIOUS SUMMER OF EVENTS Families will love the new Treason Trail at Coughton Court suggests Marketing & Events Oﬃcer Abi Cole

he Throckmorton family created and continues to manage the spectacular award-winning gardens at Coughton Court. There is a huge amount of variety in the landscape, bringing pleasure throughout the seasons. Highlights include the delicate roses in the walled garden, foxgloves towering over the pathways, the plentiful vegetable garden, orchard, and bog garden. From late April through to May the area known as Timm’s Grove is covered in a dense carpet of shimmering bluebells which gives oﬀ an incredible perfume. Our gentle family walk will take you over the ﬁelds to this ancient woodland which is also the location for our newly built Treason Trail, a natural play trail based on the turbulent

Dates for your Diary

events of the Gunpowder Plotters. Children can grab a hobby horse from the Welcome Centre and gallop across the ﬁelds, pretend to be royalty on the oversized throne, take their photo with our Guy Fawkes ‘Wanted’ posters and make up a tune on the huge wooden xylophone. Eight story panels will guide you around the woodland where you’ll learn the story of the plotters, play, and most importantly, have fun in the great outdoors! For May half-term and the summer holidays we have an exciting range of events planned including our annual duck race, a fete and traditional games for the whole family to enjoy.

For opening hours please call 01789 400777 or visit: www.nationaltr ust.org.uk/coughtoncour t www.facebook.com/CoughtonCourt

May half-term. Sat 27 May – Sun 4 Jun, 11am-4pm. Family fun including outdoor games; tick off some of our 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. The Duck Race. Sun 18 June, Thurs 27 July & Thurs 10 Aug,2pm Celebrate Father’s Day and the summer holidays by getting the family together to sponsor a duck down the River Arrow and play traditional family games. Coughton Village Summer Fete. Sat 8 July, 12noon – 4pm. Traditional stalls, games and competitions on the lawn to raise money for local causes. Free admission to the gardens. Outdoor Theatre: Comedy of Errors Fri 21 July, gates open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men perform this Shakespeare classic against our beautiful backdrop. Adult £15.75, child £8.40, family £40 0344 249 1895 Outdoor Theatre:The Lost World Sat 19 August, gates open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. Join Illyria Theatre Company on a Jurassic adventure with prehistoric thrills, monster laughs and life-size dinosaurs. Adult £15.75, child £8.40, family £40 - 0344 249 1895

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Property Talk

With Jon James, Director of independent Evesham estate agent Gusterson Palmer & James.

istory shows us that the property market, by its nature, ebbs and flows, with constant fluctuations in demand from buyers and sellers. Prices also behave in a similar way - they are constantly shifting and hard to predict. Conditions in the market around the Vale of Evesham are currently reflecting the national picture. Talk to any local agent and they will tell you that there is most certainly an imbalance. The issue we are experiencing is a real lack of available homes to buy in the market. This may sound odd but the number of properties for sale locally are in as short a supply as there were in the last property boom of 2007. The positive side of this is that vendors are selling their homes in record short time and achieving excellent prices once

they come to market. But the frustration for us all is, that having agreed a sale it is sometimes proving tricky for them to find a home to buy. So what is the reason for this situation? It’s not a lack of confidence because there are plenty of buyers who want or need to move, and properties are changing hands swiftly. It’s true that the mortgage market can be difficult to navigate but there are also some attractive rates on offer. Brexit – who knows? But one thing that is for sure, as 40 years of in-house experience tells us, the balance in the market will soon enough move in another direction. It’s one reason why estate agency remains so fast paced and stimulating. As professionals, we face the constant challenge of keeping abreast of local patterns

01386 761241 7 Merstow Green, Evesham, WR11 4BD www.gustersonpalmerandjames.com Company Promotion

and market trends so that we can best advise our clients and help them secure a sale at the most favourable price. If you are thinking of selling or would like assured professional advice on any property matter please call Jon James or Andrew Leggett on 01386 761241, option 1 or email office@ gpandjames.co.uk

MEET OUR EXPERT TEAM...

Andrew Leggett

Jon James

Karen Nightingale

Kelly Harris

Jack Phillpot

Colin Morris

gustersonpalmerjames @gpandjames

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Enjoy a bumper box of top-selling luxury chocolates, including a delicious selection of milk, dark and white treats, delivered direct to your door.* From pralines to soft centres to champagne truffles...everyone has their favourite chocolate and this top-selling selection is virtually guaranteed to please every palate. Whether you choose to give it to someone you love for a birthday, anniversary or celebration, or share it with family and friends it’s certain to bring lasting moments of tasting pleasure.

HOW TO ENTER It’s easy! Just visit www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk by Wednesday 31st May and enter your details as requested. The winner will be notified by Friday 9th June 2017. The prize will be delivered using a standard shipping service, in protective packaging to ensure no loss of quality. *Shipping is available nationally, within the UK. The winner can provide us with a contact telephone number and delivery instructions that may help us with delivery. Typically, this could include leaving an order with a neighbour or perhaps in a safe place if you are not home. Terms & Conditions: One entry per household. Open to UK residents only. Competition closes Wednesday 31st May 2017. Winners will be notified by Friday 9th June 2017 and will receive their chocolates 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 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

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Creating change

Feeling limited by anxiety can stop us moving forward but you can free yourself from symptoms suggests therapist Rachel Berry.

racing heart. A churning stomach. Feelings of dread, tension and restlessness. These are just some of the deeply unpleasant and debilitating symptoms that signify anxiety. For a growing number of people, under pressure in our 24/7 culture, these sensations have become a way of life, but your life does not have to be like this. Anxiety usually stems from a

Book Your FREE Initial Consultation Come and ask the questions you feel are important in a safe, nonjudgemental and confidential setting. Based near Bredon, I will identify which therapy is best suited to you and explain how I can help. Sessions can be face to face or via Skype. Take the first step today; call on 07855 700968

Positive Exchange

Rachel Berry DHP MAPHP MAAMET MNRPC Member of The Association for Professional Hypnosis & Psychotherapy

conflict of interest in the psyche, when you consciously want to do something that your subconscious mind ‘believes’ that it should not or cannot. This conflict creates a symptom or set of symptoms which, being designed to stop you from doing what you consciously want, will strike precisely when it is most effective, often making daily life difficult to manage. Various therapies can be used to treat anxiety and as a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Hypnoanalyst, EFT & NLP Practitioner and Reiki Master/ Teacher, I have a big bag of tools to work with. It means I can tailor sessions to your specific needs and combine therapies to help you create the life you want. You will also be given coping strategies to take away to give you confidence for the future. EFT, Hypnotherapy/NLP and Reiki are some of the most popular techniques used for eradicating anxiety. EFT (or

First Degree Reiki Course Fri 21 & Sat 22 July Help yourself and others experience good health and wellbeing, reducing the stress of daily life. Small groups for personal attention.

Emotional Freedom Technique) is a form of energy psychology which can dramatically reduce symptoms fast. This simple tapping technique helps balance the body’s energy system and restore positive flow. Hypnotherapy can be helpful for more complex issues such as childhood trauma. Reiki creates a gentle healing process and will help to address problems and stimulate healing at all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Energy flows to the areas of need, soothing pain, restoring balance and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It can even be used on horses and other animals alongside standard veterinary care. To find out more please call 07855 700968 or visit www.postiveexchange.co.uk where you will find full details about my therapies and courses. Company Promotion

Fresh Challenge An update from Dr Tony Evans, Headteacher at Prince Henryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High School, Evesham on reforms to the GCSE examination system.

n a few weeksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time, students will take examinations in the newly reformed GCSEs in English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. The changes to the syllabus have been significant. In English Language the focus has been upon better reading skills and good written English. English Literature was modified to require students to read, write and think critically; the GCSE will assess students on

challenging and substantial whole texts and on shorter unseen texts. In Mathematics, a greater focus upon areas such as ratio, proportion and the rates of change has been seen. An important point to make here is that the outcomes that the students receive will appear different as well. Exam grades for these subjects will be changing to numeric scores. The numeric system does not equate exactly to previous grades and to provide you with some guidance, the broad equivalencies are given as follows:- Grade 9 = A*; Grade 8 = A*/A; Grade 7 = A; Grade 6 = high B; Grade 5 = low B / high C; Grade 4 = C; Grade 3 = D; Grade 2 = E; Grade 1 = F/G. Our understanding is that the the new grade 9 will be allocated to the top 20% of the cohort that obtain the 3 highest grades. Therefore, this will be the top

fifth of the cohort who achieve a 7, 8 or 9 in that subject nationally. In the summer of 2018, students will be examined in the newly reformed courses in Art & Design, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Languages, Music, PE, Religious Studies and Sciences and the grades awarded for these subjects will also fall under the new numeric system. In time, Performance Tables will be adjusted to reflect these changes. A-Levels have also changed and Sixth form students are already studying the new twoyear linear course in some subjects. The current Year 11 will be the first to have experienced the reformed Maths and English GCSEs as they transition into Year 12.

FIND OUT MORE Dr. Evans is Headteacher 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

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Policing South Worcestershire

With Policing Commander for South Worcestershire, Supt. Kevin Purcell

ationally, police receive a report of a missing person every 90 seconds. That figure sounds astonishing but anyone who uses social media will be conscious of the relentless number of reports posted daily, often with the hashtag #MissingPerson. A report published in February by the Missing Persons Bureau 1 highlighted the extent of the problem we are dealing with in the UK with regard to missing people. In recent years, better recording practices have given rise to a significant increase in calls relating to people going missing. In 2015/16 135,382 separate individuals were recorded as missing - an average of 370 people per day.1 Many reports are repeat incidents. The most important thing that informs our procedures is our determination to remember that behind each of these statistics is a real person, a person in crisis and in need of support, a person with a family and friends who care for them. As a society, we have to make decisions about how best to deal with such significant numbers. At a national level the Missing Persons Bureau is supporting work by NPCC and the Home Office to design and build a National Register for missing 30

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

persons. In future, a UK wide system will be devised that receives information automatically from all police forces, providing more accurate information. The report of a missing person is different to the many other incidents to which the police are called. All missing people are investigated when reported. Our first priority is to ensure that each missing person is found safe and well and happily, this is the case for the majority. Many missing persons are adults who have chosen to go missing. Some individuals are more vulnerable because of their age, physical or mental health or the circumstances they find themselves in. When we receive a report, the person's details are entered onto a computer system called COMPACT which is specifically designed for recording, managing and investigating missing person enquiries. Details will be circulated to all West Mercia's operational officers as well as other UK police forces and internationally. We record a vast range of information including any known health problems or medical conditions, all known associates, where the missing person lives, works and

socialises, details of any recent events that could be linked with their disappearance, plus financial and contact details. We use assessment tools for evaluating risk as low, medium or high which helps us manage the case and we continually reassess as the situation unfolds. If you are worried about someone who you think may be missing, always contact the police. There is no time limit on when you can make a report, whatever their age. You don't, for example, have to wait 24 hours. The easiest ways to report a person missing are by calling the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency) or going to a police station. When a person goes missing, their friends and relatives are left desperate for news. Agencies such as Missing People can be an invaluable source of support (call or text 116000 or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk The Missing Persons Bureau also issues a series of factsheets at www.missingpersons.police.uk @SuptKevPurcell

www.westmercia.police.uk

*1Source: National Crime Agency UK Missing Persons Bureau, Missing Persons Data Report 2015/16 ver2

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WORDS: Spencer Holliday

Transfer window

Final salary pension scheme transfer values have soared recently so should you leave yours?

inal salary pension transfer values increased by 15% in 2016.1 This means a 64 year-old male with a final salary pension of £10,000 a year could expect an average transfer value of just over £234,000 at the end of December 2016 – an increase of more than £30,000 compared to a year earlier. This increase follows sharp falls in UK gilt yields in which final salary pension schemes tend to invest heavily. A downward trend in gilt yields have made it more expensive for schemes to meet their obligations

so many are taking steps to offload their liabilities by offering members large cash sums to transfer out. It is reputed that some schemes are offering transfer values of 30, 40, even 50 times their projected annual pension income. This gives some employees a difficult choice as the lure of a large pot of money has to be weighed against the benefits that are relinquished when you leave a scheme. A final salary pension offers a secure, index-linked income in retirement, with no investment risk. They are among the most generous and sought-after schemes around, so conventional wisdom says that swapping them for riskier defined contribution pensions is generally a bad idea. Yet sky-high transfer valuations mean many people wish to do so. Nearly all final salary schemes allow you to transfer the ‘cash equivalent transfer value’ (CETV), which represents

the value in cash terms of your existing benefits, for a defined contribution (DC) arrangement to get cash or income from the pension if you are 55 or over. But unlike a final salary pension, DC pensions offer no income certainty and the value of the pension pot can fluctuate. Yet many individuals like the flexibility of DC schemes as they gain control of investments and withdrawal; and they can pass on the residual fund when they die. If you don’t need to insure against a long life, or you expect to have periods of very different income and capital requirements, or other assets will provide enough income and you want to leave your pension to your children; then you might consider swapping a final salary pension for a DC pension. But if you’re in good health and you want a guaranteed lifetime income with limited risk, or you want protection for your spouse or partner, then you should stay in the final salary scheme. Ultimately, if the final salary pension is likely to be your only source of income in retirement, there’s little point coming out it, especially if you’re trying to replicate the guaranteed benefits that are already provided. 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 01242 898400 or 07896 020803 or by email spencer.holliday@sjpp.co.uk 1

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Prairie Inspired

Some of the principles of Piet Oudolf’s Dutch inspired prairie planting can be used to spectacular effect in the Cotswold landscape suggests garden designer, Jonathan Siarl. Begin with a strong design Planting is important but it’s like the icing on a cake - it only works if all the other elements are in place. If you want to improve your garden it’s always tempting to rush to the planting stage but instead, ask yourself: What are you trying to achieve? Successful gardens combine the layout of a pattern on the ground with materials appropriate to their setting - great planting brings it all together. A space will only really sing if a strong design remains in place when all the planting is taken away. Set the garden in the landscape Prairie planting creates a stunning naturalistic effect, reminiscent of a meadow. It’s most effective on a large scale, usually in a back garden, hillside or bank but can also be used to create a border as small as 10x5 metres. Softness and movement is integral to the style so it sits well with old Cotswold stone in traditional gardens but can also be breathtaking with crisp white walls in a contemporary scheme. 34

Create year round interest Using trees and evergreens to create structure and focal points, drifts of hardy ornamental grasses for movement and flowering herbaceous perennials as fillers gives a prairie inspired garden colour and form through all four seasons. Prairie planting is more muted in colour than a traditional cottage garden scheme with the grasses and seed heads bringing golden oat-like displays which last way past summer. Leave perennials uncut until late winter and they will create a magical, ethereal effect when the frosts come as well as encouraging all types of wildlife.

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Plant in swathes Planting clumps of 20 or 30 of the same species en masse creates a sense of depth and abundance to your space. Repeat planting adds a sense of unity, coherence and rhythm whilst also allowing variation. Think in waves Traditional border design aims to create an amphitheatre effect, with the tallest plants at the back and smaller ones in front. Instead, prairie planting is designed in sections creating more organic tiered waves which rise and fall in every direction. Rune creates beautiful gardens of all styles for plots of five metres square upwards. 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.

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Visit our website to view our many client testimonials

need any assistance we can help ease the burden and worry by helping and guiding you through the legal process. We also appreciate that you might be concerned as to the cost of handing over the administration to a solicitor so we aim to be flexible and transparent in our fees by offering tailored packages to suit your requirements.

Guiding hand With Sarah Ingles, Consultant Solicitor at Thomson & Bancks.

ith the high number of celebrity deaths occurring in 2016 many of us have been prompted to consider our own mortality. But if the worst happens and a loved one dies have you ever considered the practical steps that you would need to take to deal with their affairs? After the practicalities of registering the death and arranging the funeral, the deceased’s financial affairs need to be dealt with. If the deceased left a Will this directs who does what and who gets what. The deceased’s assets and liabilities

form their “estate” which will need to be administered by the Executors in the Will. The administration will consist of collating details of the assets and liabilities, paying liabilities (including inheritance tax), collecting in the assets and then distributing the correct assets to the right beneficiaries. To do this you may require a “Grant of Representation”, one form of which is a Grant of Probate, the document issued by the Court recognising the authority of the Executors to administer the estate. Administering an estate can be time consuming, complicated and emotionally difficult. Matters may be particularly complicated if the deceased died “intestate” i.e. without having made a Will. If you therefore

Sarah Ingles is a Consultant Solicitor who works from our Pershore and Cheltenham offices. She has over 15 years’ experience of advising on LPAs, Wills, inheritance tax planning, trusts and administration of estates and can be contacted on 01386 562000 or 01242 235250.

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other owners, our nurses can offer advice, and you can do your own research online at www.gccfcats.org and www.cats.org.uk. Most families will opt for a moggy because pedigree cat breeding is a highly specialist field and long haired varieties demand enormous dedication in terms of grooming. Once you’ve decided how to source your cat, you need to prepare your home for its arrival and think about training. Putting in the effort to handle it, play with it and teach it basic right from wrong will set you all up for a problem free experience. Microchipping is advisable for clarity of ownership because cats are talented at having multiple homes. Since your cat will wander, climb, socialise, have sexual contact and possibly fight with other cats, vaccination, worming and flea protection are all important. You may also want to invest in medical insurance to protect against unexpected bills. Whether you are choosing your first cat or bringing a second or third cat into your home, we can help with advice, offer an initial health check and

for further advice on cat ownership

ats are a huge love of mine, an affection I share with many others. At Folly Gardens, cats make up 40% of our patients whilst in the UK alone there are currently around 8.5 million kept as pets. There are many reasons why cats have such appeal, but for most of us it comes down to the fact that they bring love and fun into your life without the intense daily commitment required by a dog. Of course, taking on the responsibility for any animal is not something to be done lightly but cats are lower maintenance than dogs, for instance, they don't need walking. However, they need regular interaction with humans and must be cared for and played with every day to keep them physically and mentally active. So how do you go about choosing a cat for your family? The first question is do you want a regular moggy (domestic shorthaired) or a pedigree? Next, think about whether you want a kitten or to rescue an adult animal. It’s worth talking to

Vet Lizzie Threadingham of Folly Gardens, Tewkesbury and Bishop’s Cleeve advises on how to choose a cat to join your family. routine health checks plus ongoing support. For help with any cat issue please call us on 01684 292244 or 01242 679880.

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40 years of Ashton under Hill

Generous discounts for groups of 10+ when booked by 31/5/17

OPEN GARDENS

Villagers of Ashton under Hill have hosted an Open Gardens weekend since 1977. Malcolm Nelson invites you to enjoy this annual event.

very summer, for four decades, gardeners in Ashton under Hill, a beautiful village on the edge of Bredon Hill, set in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, have welcomed visitors from all over the world to our celebration of gardening. Enthusiasts come to enjoy a variety of delightful green spaces from small cottage gardens to sweeping landscaped grounds, and share the many challenges of gardening. Our 40th anniversary event takes place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June, from 1-6pm each day, and there will be more than 25 gardens open to explore. Local 40

photographer Steve Gledhill, who recently completed a portfolio of weekly images 'On Bredon Hill' will be exhibiting a selection of his stunning photographs in St Barbaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church. As last year, there will also be a photographic competition, open to all, to find original images to be used in printed and online publicity next year. Refreshments Visitors will be able to buy a light lunch or cream tea from noon in the dedicated refreshment marquee, or sandwiches and cake served by the WI in the village hall. Full meals will be available all day in Ashtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pub The Star Inn. Quality plants and craft goods will also be on sale

PHOTOS: This image, left, far left and bottom courtesy of Jo Brown

PHOTO: James Attwood

and there’s a free illustrated programme, free car and coach parking, plus a complimentary minibus service around the village. Fundraising This popular annual event aims to raise funds for the community. In the past money raised has been donated to St Barbara’s church for repairs, the village community centre, the WI, the Guides and both local schools to encourage the gardeners of tomorrow. Group Discounts We are pleased to offer groups an advance booking rate of rate of £5 per person (£1 off the normal adult price) for a party of 10 or more. There is no charge for under 16s and Saturday tickets are also valid for Sunday. We also offer an added incentive of one free ticket if your booking is for more than 20 people. If you'd like to take advantage of our group rates for members of your club, society or other organisation please call 01386 881431 or 01386 881487 or email Malcolm Nelson on marketing@ashtonopengardens.co.uk Find us with Sat Nav WR11 7SW. For full details and the most up to date information please visit www.ashtonopengardens.co.uk 41

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Cotswolds Based Experts in Plumbing, Heating, Electrics & Renewable Technologies We are an independent company, established in 2011, offering a professional, efficient and practical service to all our customers. We combine traditional services with a specialism in modern technologies to help reduce your energy usage, your impact on the planet and your bills.

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View displays at our showroom + at Tewkesbury Garden Centre

CHOOSE & RELAX

All you need to do is choose your spot then select from a range of sizes, styles and six colours. With options available for the glass, brickwork, roofing and flooring, you can create a unique structure to suit your individual needs. Add insulation, roof vents, windows and air conditioning and you can ensure 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.

Visit our showroom at Red Lane, Tewkesbury, GL20 5BQ & view our display. Open Mon-Thurs 8:30-5, Fri 8:30-4 & Sat 9-1. Free parking

Call 01684 295038 sales@ll-installations.co.uk www.ll-installations.co.uk 43

Get AWARD WINNING advice at our HETAS approved showroom near Tewkesbury

Est. 1997

NEW! External Awnings

Cre ate shade and shelter from the rai n. Enhance, protect and prolong the use of your patio all year round. Useful for homes and businesses.

Free! Stove Starter Pack RRP £99 with every stove installation Ends 30/6/17*

     

Streamline flush fitting design Motorised remote control Built-in wind protection sensor Spring tensioned folding arms 100's of hardware & fabric colours LED lighting & heating options

From your trusted local supplier of all types of window & conservatory blinds

Call Andy Pike

07749 795085 01386 725361 h omechoiceblinds@ outlook.c om www.homechoice blinds.org.uk

From cast iron to steel, boiler to heat only, wood-burning, multi fuel, gas, oil or electric, there's a stove to suit every situation. As a local family company with 10 years’ experience we can help you choose. Visit our HETAS approved showroom Monday to Friday 10-4 or Saturday 9-12 or call to arrange a free survey Find us at Wimber Hill, Dingle Lane, Hill End, Twyning, Tewkesbury GL20 6DW

01684 210614 07930 639488 www.bbheatingsolutions.co.uk

Ben Bowers Heating Solutions Ltd

Roofing Problems?    

All types of roofing covered Domestic & commercial Fascias, soffits & gutters Local specialists in rubber & fibre glass roofing, EPDM & GRP proven to last 50+ years  20 & 25 year guarantees  Fully qualified & insured  Free Inspection Call Liam Mellor t/a LCM Flat Roofing for a FREE survey

07590 191700 01684 770074

email: info@lcmflatroofing.co.uk

www.lcmflatroofing.co.uk 44

x bag of kindling wood, 1 x tube of 100 fire lighters, 1 x stove thermometer, 1 x moisture meter & 1 x bottle glass cleaner

Company Promotion

Engaging with hr

With HR expert Kirsten Cluer

he workplace is a complex arena for relationships, especially in the field of social media. So what would you do, as an employer, if you found that one of your employees had posted defamatory comments about you on facebook? It’s a scenario we considered recently at a mock employment tribunal at Bristol Chambers as part of our ongoing training. The employee in the case was claiming unfair and wrongful dismissal after being dismissed for doing just that. Wrongful dismissal and unfair dismissal are two entirely different concepts. A wrongful dismissal is a dismissal in breach of contract, usually where an employee is dismissed without notice or with insufficient notice under the terms of their contract. The right not to be dismissed unfairly, however, is statutory and depends on the employer’s reason for dismissal, if that was reasonable, and whether a fair procedure was followed. In the mock case, the claim of wrongful dismissal was not

Visit our website upheld to see what our clients but the say about us claim of unfair dismissal was because of the failure to follow a fair procedure. Flaws in the process included using the same person to carry out the investigation and to hear the disciplinary hearing; using the person specifically referred to in the facebook comments to hear the appeal, and not warning the employee before the hearing that one possible outcome could be dismissal without notice. We see this all too often. An employee is caught red-handed and clearly at fault but because the employer hasn’t followed the correct procedure, all of a sudden they are in the firing line. If ever there was case in point for HR intervention it was this. HR support can help you to get the processes right, so that if the worst ever happens and you are taken to an employment tribunal, you can rest assured, knowing that you have followed the correct procedures and have a paper trail to prove it.

If you’d like a free initial consultation on receiving 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...

Liz

Dawn

Clare

Emma

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

Have you heard what people are saying about us?

"Every time a magazine is issued we take on at least five new clients."

BREDON HILL CLEANING SERVICES

“Our summer editorial brought us thirteen new clients, five in one week alone.” Graham West WEST HAIR DESIGN, FLADBURY

“I’ve had several jobs from the Avon & Severn magazine this season. The advert easily pays for itself.”

David Williams, EARLY DAWN LANDSCAPES

If you’d like more business, locally, why not give us a call? We create high quality, relevant, exclusive content for use across multiple platforms - print, digital and social media - making it easy for you to communicate, whatever your message. We have a proven history of generating growth for a wide range of local organisations since 2005.

Call Lisa on

01684 773135 lisa@lifeinthevillage.co.uk www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk 46

“We recently had the pleasure of working with Lisa at Life in the Village and are delighted with the results! It's a great local publication with a reach of over 12,800 households, so we gained some great coverage for our Club. We thoroughly recommend it! Thanks Lisa!" PERSHORE TENNIS CENTRE

“Thanks so much for your help. I’m pleased to say the response has been great to my editorial!” Rachel Berry, POSITIVE EXCHANGE

transform your garden at night. Fix wall lights, hang lanterns and/or string fairy lights around your seating area and it will be transformed by dark into an intimate grotto. Combine with a series of spotlights strategically placed to create features of your trees, shrubs or potted plants and your space will take on a whole new appeal.

Installing

garden electrics Style, form and function should be your top priorities when upgrading your outdoor electrics suggests Steve Owens, M.D. at Buzz Electrical.

njoying your garden is so much easier when you have an outdoor source of power. Carrying out routine jobs like lawn mowing and hedge cutting becomes so much more convenient, especially if you prefer to use lightweight electrical equipment. At last, you can ditch the hassle that comes with an extension lead and miles Company Promotion

of cables. And essential summer pleasures like listening to music on the patio with a glass of wine are suddenly no problem. Using a fixed outdoor supply is also safer, not only because it eliminates trailing wires but because exterior sockets must be RCD protected. An RCD (residual current device) works by switching off the flow of electricity when a cable is cut so preventing awful accidents. It’s usually a simple matter for an electrician to run armoured cable from your house to wherever you need it. If you have a shed, summerhouse, greenhouse, gazebo, outdoor office or workshop, installing electricity will open up all kinds of new possibilities. Functional items like pond pumps, heaters, and security lights look neater when wired in close proximity. With a bit of imagination and technical know-how lighting will

Installing outdoor electricity is a straightforward task for a competent professional. Buzz Electrical’s team of 16 fully qualified electricians, approved by the NICEIC, has offered exceptional personal service for over 18 years. Please look out for our bright red vans across the Vale and Cotswolds. For further details or advice call us on 01386 423600, visit www.buzzelectrical.co.uk or follow us on facebook.

Excellent NICEIC approved electricians at a competitive rate

 Established over 18 years  Friendly, personal service  Experienced in residential

commercial & industrial

01386 423600 www.facebook/buzzelectrical for hints, tips & offers

www.buzzelectrical.co.uk 47

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

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

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

thinking about advertising with us

It’s the ideal way to raise your business profile locally. With three sister magazines, Life in the Village - Bredon, Avon & Severn & Folly View you could reach up to 12,800 homes & businesses in the villages around Pershore, Evesham, Broadway, Tewkesbury & Upton upon Severn. To find out more contact Lisa on:

Call Lisa 01684 773135 lisa@lifeinthevillage.co.uk www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk

Airport Transfers Business Travel Sports Events Chauffeur Service 



 Exceptional Comfort  Complimentary WiFi  Tewkesbury Based

The perfect airport transfer! On time every time, immaculate Mercedes, excellent driver.

Call Mike on 01684 770448 @MGExectiveTrav

mike@mgexecutivetravel.co.uk

www.mgexecutivetravel.co.uk 48

“

 Mercedes Benz E Class Car  Professional & Reliable  Competitive Prices

10% off Your first journey for new clients when booked by 30/6/17

Company Promotion

20% off

your first clean or iron booked by 30/6/17 T’s & C’s apply

Clean Easy A B&B lifestyle is a dream for many but the reality is that changeover day can be hard work. Hristina Toteva suggests one way to make it easier.

unning a B&B, holiday cottage or your own business should be fun and fulfilling but without the proper support you need, every day can leave you feeling under pressure. Established locally for over the five years, we have evolved a set of flexible domestic services designed to meet the needs of busy homeowners, hoteliers, restaurateurs and landlords. Through a combination of cleaning, laundry and ancillary work we can relieve you of many tiring and time consuming tasks, leaving you free to focus on your venture or enjoy some precious free time. With a committed and energetic team of eighteen,

all of whom have been personally trained in-house, we deliver a complete range of domestic and contract services carried out to the highest standards. In B&B’s or holiday cottages, we will clean up after guests, pick up used laundry, prepare the space for incoming guests and complete routine chores such as shopping for fresh milk and replenishing toiletries. Used laundry is taken away, washed, ironed and returned the following week. Our focus is on providing a reliable, efficient service, seven days a week, throughout the year including weekends and public holidays. Being a large team we can rotate staff to cover sickness or holidays. Our staff are managed centrally giving you a single point of contact for communication. For further details, to request references, or to book a trial of our cleaning, laundry or ironing services with 20% off your first session please call on 01684 438741 or 07894 241168 or email hristina@bredonhillcleaningservices.co.uk

A Reliable Cleaning & Laundry Service of the Highest Standard  Regular Domestic Cleaning  B & B’s & Holiday Homes  Pubs, Offices & Tenancies

 Spring & Deep Cleaning  Laundry &/or Ironing Service  Available 8am-8pm, 7 days

www.bredonhillcleaningservices.co.uk

Call Hristina on 07894 241168 or 01684 438741 49

Company Promotion

Rural motoring Eddie Robinson set up Eddie’s Autos in 2011 with the specific needs of rural motorists in mind. How specifically can you help village based motorists? Throughout 20 years working in the motor trade locally, I realised that many people based in the countryside, especially those working from home, find it inconvenient to have to drive into town to find a garage. When I set up my business I chose Beckford as my base because it offers a central location for Bredon Hill, just off the A46. With three courtesy cars and a complimentary pick up and collect service, we can help you maintain your car with minimal disruption to your week. Six years on, what do drivers value you for most? Many motorists worry about the cost of

MOT & Full Service £195 Competitively priced + local pick up & collect + 3 courtesy cars available

maintaining their car and are concerned about being ripped off. Compare our rates and you’ll find they are highly competitive and our pricing structure has fair, honest service as its cornerstone. I want people to be comfortable to bring their car to me, assured of a reliable standard of workmanship at a reasonable rate. You can be sure that we will never work on your vehicle until you have a quote and we will only ever suggest fixing something if it really needs to be done.

models including diagnostics, repairs, servicing, MOT’s, tyre fitting and laser alignment tracking. We can also advise on and carry out modifications. To find our more call us on 01386 882011.

How has your team grown over the last year? We’re now a team of five and provide the full range of services on all makes and

Compare our prices:  MOT £45  Full Service £159 incl. parts & VAT  Full Service & MOT £195 incl. parts & VAT  Air Conditioning Service £65 incl. VAT & ReGas £49 incl. VAT  Repairs, diagnostics & oil changes  Tyre fitting & laser alignment tracking service  Free tyre pressure & under bonnet levels check

Call Eddie on

O1386 882011 Open Mon - Fri 8.30 to 5.30

Station Yard, Station Rd Beckford GL20 7AN Opposite The Beckford Inn Beckford tio St a d oa nR

Eddie’s Autos

help@eddies-autos.co.uk www.eddies-autos.co.uk

A46

Evesham

Tewkesbury

WORDS: Shelby Padley PHOTOS: Angela Tidmarsh

The British Asparagus Festival in the Vale of Evesham 23 April - 21 June 2017

Numerous events and activities will take place across the Vale of Evesham during the next two months to celebrate the finest ‘gras.’

t’s official – Vale of Evesham Asparagus is now a protected delicacy. This jolly green vegetable, grown in the heart of Worcestershire, has received the supreme culinary prestige of being awarded European protected food name status and joins the elite group of food and drinks which include champagne, cognac and roquefort. It’s the perfect excuse to celebrate the growing, harvesting and eating of this most sought after delicacy. The Great English Asparagus Run Aspara-activities start on 23rd April, St Georges Day, at the award winning Fleece Inn at Bretforton. Come along, join in the family fun and commend the 100 round of ‘gras on the first

day of the asparagus season. Asparabus Tours, 11th & 18th May Operated by The Vale of Evesham Tour Guides and Dudley’s Coaches, these great value days out, complete with an asparaguide, offer an amazing asparagus experience. You will gain an entertaining insight into this majestic green protected vegetable! For details and to book your seat call Dudley’s Coaches on 01386 792206 Asparagus Auctions Sunday 28th & Sunday 4th June A popular ritual, the auctions at The Fleece, Bretforton see hundreds gather in the courtyard to bid for the season’s largest, freshest local asparagus. The event has attracted immense media coverage including the

BBCs’ Countryfile, Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip, Alistair McGowans’ My Life on a Plate and Phil Vickery of This Morning. The Asparagus Run, Sunday 28th May It’s time to get green with this amazing 5km family colour run at The Valley in Evesham! Asparagus green paint bombs will be raining down on you as you manoeuvre the multiterrain family friendly run. Plus come and meet the fella himself Gus the Asparagus Man! AsparaFest, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June A boutique Festival providing an A–Z weekend of entertainment at Ashdown Farm, near Badsey with a mix of magical music, the freshest food, farm and country

crafts, barrels of beer and awesome asparagus! The Festival will include appearances from Cathy Ashworth of “I Can Cook” CBeebies fame, asparagus eating competitions and the crowning of the Asparagus King or Queen. Asparagus Tasting Sunday Lunch, Sunday 28th May Join winner of ‘Masterchef, The Professionals,’ Mark Stinchcombe, at Eckington Manor for a green extravaganza. National Morris Weekend, Friday 16th - Sunday 18th June Celebrate a local pastime with a national competition attracting Morris dancers and sides from across the UK competing for the highly prized Evesham Stick. Real ale and music make for a fun weekend of free entertainment. For more details call 01386 565373, email info@britishasparaguefestival.org or visit www.britishasparagusfestival.org www.visitwychavon.com The British Asparagus Festival @AsparagusFest @asparagusfestival 53

Would you like to get paid to keep fit?

We are looking for distributors to join our growing team. We enjoy working with people who are:  Reliable, honest and polite  Fit and healthy with a practical disposition  Like walking and being in the countryside

 Have a few hours spare, five times a year  Want flexible, part time hours to suit  Able to drive and have their own car*

Rounds are currently available in various villages across Bredon Hill and the Vale of Evesham

Please contact Lisa on

01684 773135

e-mail: lisa@lifeinthevillage.co.uk

@LisaLambon

www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk *If driving, you may need business insurance which is free from many insurers 54

Eckington Flower Festival & Open Gardens Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th June 2017, 10am-6pm daily

Reductions for groups 10+

Photos: David Bainbridge

Call to book ahead for reduced rates & a free cup of tea for every coach passenger

Enjoy a summer’s day out in support of Holy Trinity church.

ckington’s Open Garden and Flower Festival was started to support the beautiful and historic Holy Trinity Church which sits in the centre of the village under the shade of an enormous cedar. Each year, our talented flower arrangers compete to produce stunning themed floral displays which decorate its interior. This June, the entire church will be transformed into a micro-world of flowers, delighting the senses. The village has at least four

gardens which are part of the National Gardens Scheme and are outstanding in their design and location. At least 30 more of varying size and design will also be open for your enjoyment. In addition, there will be a variety of entertainment on offer including a brass band, morris dancing, children’s maypole dancing, live music, classic cars, plant stall and a grand prize draw. Refreshments will be available at several locations including light meals, homemade

Weekend Admission Adults £6 Children Free 01386 751698 www.eckington.info

cakes, a pudding parlour (all freshly baked) and a barbeque. A free circular minibus will be available to transport you from site to site around the village. Eckington lies on the B4080, halfway between Tewkesbury and Pershore, nestled beneath Bredon Hill. There are two pubs, a shop and walks down to the river where there’s a wharf and picnic area. Please find us with the postcode WR10 3AN. For the most up to date information please visit www.eckington.info

10am- 6pm Sat 17th & Sun 18th June Free Car Parks - Coaches Welcome 55

Care & Conservation Wick Care Farm, near Pershore, is a not for profit enterprise that uses the farm environment in a therapeutic way for the benefit of children and adults. We talked to co-founders, Jo Ballin and Isobel Meikle. What is a therapeutic farm? (Jo) The project grew out of our awareness that farming, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rearing animals or growing plants, can be good for us. The farm provides a safe but structured environment in which people can grow, harvest, cook and eat together plus look after animals including hens, lambs and piglets. How does that bring benefits? Wick Care Farm is a welcoming, friendly place where adults and children are supported to carry out a wide variety of activities based on the farm. Each day is loosely structured and designed to offer opportunities to help people improve their mental and 56

physical health. The work needed to keep the crops and animals healthy is meaningful, giving participants a role and a sense of belonging which they may have never had before. People who come here form bonds with the animals and each other, develop new skills, learn to plan and adapt, and gain independence. They also become part of a community where they feel valued as individuals, both physically and emotionally. Taken together, these various benefits have a positive effect on health, bringing stability and optimising wellbeing. People gain in confidence in so many ways. As an aside, carers also get a much needed break.

Who comes to the farm? We work with children and adults who travel to us from across the region, 51 weeks a year. The groups that run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are made up of nine adults aged 18 to 80 with long term mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or dementia, although there are spaces for one or two younger people. Wednesdays are set aside for groups of up to six young people who need an alternative curriculum. Referrals come from a range of sources such as friends and family, nurses, teachers, social workers and mental health professionals. People can also self-refer.

Company Promotion

Visit us as part of LEAF Open Farm Sunday Sunday 11th June 11am-3pm

How was the project originally conceived? I am an Occupational Therapist and Isobel is a teacher who farms in partnership with her husband Tom. We shared a vision for the care farm focused on improving quality of life for the people we worked with. How has the care farm grown? Isobel lives at Wick Grange Farm (an arable farm growing cereals and vegetables) and to start us off she went on a course about care farming. We set up in 2014 with a patch of her and Tom’s land, a basic building, two dogs, four hens and a couple of raised beds. Today, we have a flock of Jacob sheep, 30 hens, a greenhouse and a polytunnel which has extended what we can grow. Progress is slow but with constant hard work and support from local people, we keep moving forward. For example we’ve established our flock of sheep by raising three batches of orphaned lambs donated by a friendly farmer. We hand feed

and halter train them and we’ve also been through several cycles of raising piglets. How is the project financed? The only way we can afford to run the care farm is if participants pay for their attendance so that’s usually funded from Personal Independence Payments, by schools, or by older people using savings. Wick Care Farm is a not for profit enterprise and we’re currently working towards becoming a community interest company. All of our income is consumed by our wage bill, running costs or expansion. How can we support you? Please tell your friends and family about us, and if you feel it may be appropriate for someone you know to come along, give us a call to discuss a referral. We always need volunteers to help run the Care Farm, especially people with gardening or farming experience. We also need fundraisers to help raise

money for projects. How can we find out more? Come along on Sunday 11th June 11am-3pm when we’re open as part of LEAF Open Farm Sunday. We’re always keen to raise awareness through school visits and hosting groups such as Brownies & WI in the evening. For Wick Care Farm contact: Isobel Meikle 07967 173740 Jo Ballin 07971 363092 info@wickgrange.co.uk wickgrange.co.uk Wick Grange Farm is open for Open Farm Sunday on Sunday 11th June. It sits between Evesham and Pershore, just off the B4084 at the east end of Wick. Owlets' Lane, Wick, Pershore, WR10 3PB Other local farms open for LEAF Open Farm Sunday are  Church Farm GL20 GHT  Overbury Farms GL20 7NR www.farmsunday.org 57

Life in the Village ...in print, online, on twitter

Stay in touch with our regular twitter updates offering you a slice of country life, locally. Inspirational Rugby...

ith over 4,700 of us now connected, twitter is a great way to keep up to speed with country living, locally. Our daily updates cover local events and offers, nature and wildlife, gardening, photography, recipes, sport and more. If you’re new to twitter you could start by following some of our favourite rugby accounts:  @EnglandRugby News, sporting updates and reactions from the official account of our national team.  @WelshRugbyUnion News, updates and results from the home of Welsh Rugby Union.  @Gloucesterrugby All the news you need from the team at Kingsholm.  @GlosRugby_Acad Development pathway for young local players aimed at creating the complete rugby professional worthy of wearing a Gloucester shirt.  @WorcsWarriors Match reports, club, corporate and community news from the team at Sixways Stadium.

@Nigelrefowens Referee, TV presenter and after dinner speaker. If you haven't listened to his superb interview on Desert Island Discs, download it now.  @ChrisRobshaw Hugely popular account of the flanker who plays for Harlequins and England.  @jameshaskell Tweets from the third highest carrier for England since 2006.  @elliotdaly Updates from the stand out player for Wasps and England.  @CliveWoodward Fascinating feed from the Rugby World Cup winning coach 2003 and Director of Sport Team GB at Beijing, Vancouver & London. Visit www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk for daily updates via twitter on    

Local events Country living Rural issues Local producers

   

Local business Nature & Wildlife Photography And much more...

Photos we share including wildlife projects and recipes. All photos on this page are Shutterstock

Visit us online for… Daily updates on local events, products and services, country living, rural issues, nature and wildlife, travel, competitions, recipes, photography and more. www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk

Join us on twitter. It’s easy:  Go to www.twitter.com/signup  Enter your name, email and a password  Select a username  Click Create my account  Then, to follow, search for @lisalambon  Click Follow… all done!

Please Follow Us

www.

@LisaLambon

chelten 59

Belle House Lime & Vanilla Tart Crisp pastry and a smooth custard filling give this simple dessert good bite and contrast. The addition of lime lifts the flavour for a fresh, summery tasting experience. Perfect to prepare ahead for lunch with friends. INGREDIENTS SWEET PASTRY 500g flour 150g butter 100g caster sugar 100g icing sugar 2 eggs 50ml water

INGREDIENTS TART MIXTURE 3 eggs 3 limes (zest and juice) 100g sugar 250ml double cream ½ vanilla pod

Serves 4 60

METHOD SWEET PASTRY  Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.  Combine all of the dry ingredients into a food processor until it is like breadcrumbs.  Add the water and eggs to combine.  Cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage.  Line a 6-8” tart case. Bake blind (line with baking parchment and fill with baking beans or rice) for 10 minutes and then for a further 5 minutes without the beans/rice until golden.  Allow to go cold. METHOD TART MIXTURE  Whisk the eggs and lime juice and zest together until thick and pale.  Boil the cream, sugar and vanilla.  Combine everything together, sieve and then pour into the tart case.  Bake at 130 degrees until set which will take approximately 20 minutes.  Serve cold with Salted Chocolate or Chocolate ice cream.

Did You Know? To ensure a crisp base to your tart bake blind until golden, brush the pastry base with a little egg white then bake again for 5 minutes. A metal tart plate which conducts heat will give the best results

Recipe courtesy of Steve Waites, Michelin trained chef and proprietor of Belle House Restaurant & Bar, Bridge Street, Pershore, WR10 1AJ. www.belle-house.co.uk 61

Lif ini the Life

Lif iin the Life



REDUCED ENTRY FEE &/OR A FREE CUP OF TEA FOR GROUPS OF 10+

Call 01386 765959 info@thevalegroup.com 54 Cheltenham Road, Evesham WR11 2JZ www.thevalegroup.com

ECKINGTON FLOWER FESTIVAL & OPEN GARDENS

THE VALE GROUP

FREE STOVE STARTER PACK WITH EVERY NEW STOVE*

TWO FREE 1:1 PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS*

*Free Stove Starter Pack (RRP £99) with every new stove installation ordered by 30/6/17. Terms & Conditions apply.

SUMMER PAVING OFFERS FROM £13.80m2 + VAT*

ONE FREE WEEK OF GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING

Autumn Sandstone from £13.80m 2+VAT. *Full packs only, collected from our yard. Ends 30/6/17 or whilst stocks last.

Lif ini th Life the

TONIC PERSONAL TRAINING

Small group classes take place in the studio Monday to Friday. Ends 30/6/17. Offers cannot be combined. T’s & C’s apply.

The Old Sawmill, Evesham Rd, Toddington Glos GL54 5DF 01242 620 000 www.cotswoldvalesupplies.co.uk

Call on 07796 957402 tonicpersonaltrainingstudio@gmail.com www.tonicpersonaltraining.co.uk

COTSWOLD & VALE SUPPLIES

TONIC PERSONAL TRAINING

CLASSIC AROMA FACIAL + INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE £25*

FREE ADVERT DESIGN FOR BOOKINGS BY 31st May

*(50% off). Please quote LITV at the time of booking. T’s & C’s apply. Offer ends 31/8/17. Call 01386 462189 to book.

Lif ini the Life

Lif ini the Life Lif ini the Life th

BEN BOWERS HEATING SOLUTIONS LTD

The Lodge at The Vale Golf Club, Hill Furze Road, Bishampton, WR10 2LZ www.thelodgetherapy.co.uk

New Customers only. Not valid with other offers. 01684 773135 /07776 340736 lisa@lifeinthevillage.co.uk www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk

THE LODGE AT THE VALE GOLF CLUB

LIFE IN THE VILLAGE

UP TO 20% OFF SELECTED WOODEN, ROLLER & VERTICAL BLINDS

10% OFF YOUR FIRST LUXURY JOURNEY*

Measured and fitted free. Ends 30/6/17. Call 01386 725361 or 07749 795085 homechoiceblinds@outlook.com www.homechoiceblinds.org.uk

HOMECHOICE BLINDS

Lif ini the Life th

Lif ini th Life the

*In the studio until 30/6/17. Offers cannot be combined. T’s & C’s apply. Call on 07796 957402 tonicpersonaltrainingstudio@gmail.com www.tonicpersonaltraining.co.uk

01684 210614 or 07930 639488 bbheatingsolutions@gmail.com www.bbheatingsolutions.co.uk

*Free dishwasher from Bosch, Siemens or Neff with every new kitchen designed and installed by Vale ordered by 30/6/17.

Call 01386 751698 www.eckington.info

Lif ini the Life

Reduced rates for parties of 10+ & a free cup of tea for every coach passenger at our Flower Festival & Open Gardens 17/18 June.



FREE DISHWASHER WITH EVERY NEW KITCHEN*

For new clients of MG Executive Travel - airport transfer, business travel, weddings, events and Cotswold tours - when booked by 30/6/17. Call Mike 01684 770448 Email mike@mgexecutivetravel.co.uk www.mgexecutivetravel.co.uk

MG EXECUTIVE TRAVEL

Lif ini the Life

For new clients of Emily Freeman MChiro. M.M.C.A, G.C.C worth £15 until 30/6/17. T’s & C’s apply.

VALE CHIROPRACTIC AT VALE GOLF CLUB

COTSWOLD & VALE SUPPLIES

20% OFF YOUR FIRST CLEAN OR IRON

FREE SCOTCHGARD WITH EVERY CARPET CLEAN

When booked by 30/6/17. Terms & Conditions apply.

Ends 30/6/17.

BREDON HILL CLEANING SERVICES

IMPERIAL CARPET CARE

£1 OFF FOR GROUPS OF 10+ & FREE TICKET FOR 20+*

2 FOR 1 ADULT ENTRY

*£1 off advance group bookings of 10+ on Sat 10th or Sun 11th June. Plus one free ticket for groups of 20+ when booked by 31/5/17.

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Lif ini the Life

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

Contact 01386 881431 or 01386 881487 or marketing@ashtonopengardens.co.uk www.ashtonopengardens.co.uk

Open 11-6 Wed-Sun & Bank Holiday Monday’s from 1 April-30 Sept 2017, 11-4 Sat-Sun only from 1-29 Oct, & Wed 25-Fri 27 Oct. Offer excludes Plant Fairs and Events. Sorry no dogs except Guide Dogs. Please check opening hours online. Offer only valid on days we are open. Spetchley, Nr J6 M5, Worcester, WR5 1RS 01905 345106 www.spetchleygardens.co.uk

ASHTON UNDER HILL OPEN GARDENS

SPETCHLEY PARK GARDENS

DESIGN, PRINT & DELIVER 10,000 A5 LEAFLETS £580+VAT

CHOOSE FROM 4 BEST VALUE BEAUTY BUNDLES*

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Lif ini the Life th

Softwood 8'x8"x4"£14 +VAT. New Oak 8'x8"x4"£23 +VAT Ends 30/6/17 or whilst stocks last. The Old Sawmill, Evesham Rd, Toddington Glos GL54 5DF 01242 620 000 www.cotswoldvalesupplies.co.uk

07894 241168 or 01684 438741 hristina@bredonhillcleaningservices.co.uk www.bredonhillcleaningservices.co.uk

New Customers only - ends 31/5/17. Not valid with other offers. 01684 773135 /07776 340736 lisa@lifeinthevillage.co.uk www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk

*Choose from 4 different therapy bundles & save up to £32 until 30/6/17. Present voucher at reception. Offers cannot be combined. The Coach House, 2a Bull Lane, Winchcombe Glos GL54 5HY 01242 604017 www.beautybeyondwinchcombe.co.uk

LIFE IN THE VILLAGE

BEAUTY BEYOND

HOT DRINK & SLICE OF CAKE FOR £3.00*

£10 OFF ANY BEAUTY OR HOLISTIC TREATMENT

From 2-5pm every day at Cotteswold Coffee at The Roses. Ends 30/6/17. Terms & Conditions apply.

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Lif ini th Life the



GARDEN SLEEPERS FROM £14+VAT

Call 01386 462189 or 07909 861058 valechiropractic@hotmail.com www.valechiropractic.com

Lif ini the Life

Lif iin the Life Lif ini the Life



FREE INITIAL CHIROPRACTIC CONSULTATION WORTH £15

For new customers of Beauty Beyond until 30/6/17. Please present voucher at reception. Offers cannot be combined.

Sun Street, Tewkesbury Glos GL20 5NX 01684 295074 www.rosestheatre.org

The Coach House, 2a Bull Lane, Winchcombe Glos GL54 5HY 01242 604017 www.beautybeyondwinchcombe.co.uk

The ROSES, TEWKESBURY

BEAUTY BEYOND 63

Like to be Included?

Join us from ÂŁ145+VAT per year

Call Today 01684 773135

07776 340736

www.lifeinthevillage.co.uk 64

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Discover The Roses The Roses offers a huge selection of live shows, films and activities to enjoy and take part in almost every day of the year. Why not call in to enjoy a drink and slice of cake in our bustling coffee shop to see for yourself?

Live Event Highlights OperaUpClose: Opera Cocktail Fri 5 May 7.30pm

Orchestra Pro Anima Sun 14 May 3pm

Pasha Kovalev

Thurs 25 May 7.30pm

Dominic Kirwan

Sat 27 May 7.30pm

The Phil Beer Band Wed 31 May 7.30pm

The Quo Experience Sun 4 June 7.30pm

The Manfreds

Fri 9 June 7.30pm

Ballet Cymru: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

OFFER:

Fri 16 June 7.30pm

Hot Drink & Slice of Cake for £3

Film Highlights

2pm - 5pm every day. Offer ends 30/06

The Time Of Their Lives • Rules Don’t Apply The Zookeeper’s Wife • Sense Of An Ending Lady Macbeth • Mindhorn • Their Finest Another Mother’s Son • Miss Sloane

S ee more online ! 67