South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now April 2017

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE

N W APRIL 2017

issue TWELVE

The Blooming Vale

Vale of Evesham bursts into life

See page FORTY for more information

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

CONTENTS South warwickshire AND NORTH COTSWOLDS now 2nd Floor, Richardson House, 24 New Street, Worcester. WR1 2DP 01905 723011 www.nowmagazines.co.uk

ADVERTISE

Jess Keare Tel: 01905 727908 jess@pw-media.co.uk

Michele Ford Tel: 01905 727902 michele@pw-media.co.uk

Editor

Dawn Pardoe PW Media and Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk

DESIGN

10

Upcycling tips for your home

Paul Blyth

Amy Thomas

CONTRIBUTORS

Louise Barrack Glynis Dray Edward Peake www.ageuk.org.uk/warwickshire www.visitwychavon.com www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

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COMPETITION WINNERS

Cheltenham Jazz Festival S. Sime, Wellesbourne Wychwood Festival J. M. Cooke, Broadway

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour

CLEANING PAVING AND PATIOS

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Kitchen Garden: Growing beans

transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media and Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media and Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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Spring time: Blossom, bunnies and Easter eggs galore

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CONTENTS

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SPRINGTIME IS HERE

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Smoked Haddock Fillet, grilled with Grain Mustard Rarebit, served on Niçoise Potatoes

APRIL 2017

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ISSUE TWELVE

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Sezincote a place of contrasts

VISITING ENCHANTING EVESHAM

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

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our events diary

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evesham ¯ AVON VALLEY

Win tickets to RHS Malvern Spring Show

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HERE & NOW Andrew Marr by Steve Schofield ©BBC

Sarah McIntyre by Dave Warren_biopic

ST RAT FO R D ¯ U P O N ¯ AVO N

LITERARY FESTIVAL 2017 CELEBRATES TEN YEARS

T

aking place between 23 and 30 April 2017, this year

Alma, the Emergency Poet. To celebrate the centenary of the

Stratford Literary Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary

death on the Western Front of the landscape poet Edward

by returning to its beginnings in 2008 with the theme of

Thomas, the talented Oxford Bach Soloists will perform a brand

‘Sharing Stories’.

new arrangement of some of his work by the acclaimed writer

"That is what a Literary Festival should be all about," says

Robert McFarlane and composer Colin Riley.

founding director Annie Ashworth. "Whether we are giving a

And 2017 sees the return of pianist Lucy Parham, presenting

platform to a novelist, a biographer, a poet or a memoir, it is

her latest 'Composer Portraits' with actor Henry Goodman, to

all about telling and sharing our stories."

celebrate the composer Rachmaninoff.

The 10th year of one of the UK's most ground breaking festivals is celebrated with its largest and most diverse programme yet.

Headline speakers include the queen of cookery Mary Berry, journalist and writer Andrew Marr, historians and former politicians Paddy Ashdown and Roy Hattersley, former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, former head of the British Army

And for children there’s former Children's Laureate Malorie Blackman, award- winning Sarah McIntyre, CBeebies Jess French and philosopher Peter Worley. Children’s Day will round off the Festival with the Horrible Histories Barmey Britain Show, a show for younger children.

Richard Dannatt, Beirut hostage Terry Waite and Waterstones

"We've tried hard to offer a wide variety of events to engage

Book of The Year author Sarah Perry.

as many people as possible", adds Annie Ashworth. "I really

Also leading economist Bill Emmott, cultural curator Roy Strong, food writers William Sitwell, Bee Wilson and Allan Jenkins and Guardian columnist Alys Fowler.

hope though that people will give some events a try that they might not believe are for them. They might discover lovely surprises!"

Tickets are on sale at www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk or by calling

Poetry plays a leading role in this year's programme with the

01789 207100, and the full programme is available at

country's most acclaimed poet Simon Armitage and Deborah

www.stratlitfest.co.uk.

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

¨

A BREATH OF FRESH

AIR IN THE ART FAIR WORLD

A

rt lovers will be invited to see art in

Riley, Sir Peter Blake, Peter Wileman, Sophie

enthusiasts and introducing new talent

a different way with the launch of

Ryder, Edward Noott and Alan Halliday.

to collectors. There will be information

the UK’s first major contemporary

Among them will be many rising stars

art fair in the Heart of England.

and fresh new faces including Ukrainian-

and expert talks throughout the weekend

Fresh: Art Fair, which launches its first show

born oil painter Iryna Yermalova, French

at Cheltenham Racecourse in May, is a new

sculptor Lou-Brice Léonard, English wildlife

national art fair on a mission to make quality

sculptor Adam Binder and Spanish-born

Tickets for the three-day show are from

art more accessible to the regions, filling a

still-life artist Raquel Alvarez.

£6 per person. One ticket admits two

gap currently under-served by other art fairs.

For the first time in the art fair world, Fresh:

encouraging visitors to explore their own artistic sensibility.

when bought online. The Friday is a free day for all visitors, and children under 16

Co-founded by Anthony Wardle, a former

visitors will not only be able to buy art, but

chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi subsidiaries,

also bring some of their old paintings that

years old have free entry throughout the

Fresh: will launch with 45 of the UK’s best

they might wish to sell. Experts from Fine

Fair. The venue is less than 10 minutes

contemporary galleries, many of which

Art Auctioneers Bonhams will be on-site

from the M5 and there is unlimited free

are rarely seen on the UK art fair circuit.

to provide free valuations.

With some

parking, with a shuttle to the town centre

With some 5000 paintings and sculptures

of the excitement of The Antiques Road

for those who would like to make a day of

from over 400 established and emerging

Show, visitors to Fresh: may find they have

artists there will be something to suit

a treasure in the attic.

it. This makes Fresh: one of the best-value

art lovers of all tastes and budgets from established and aspiring collectors to complete newcomers to the world of art.

A father and daughter team are behind Fresh: Art Fair. Anthony and Eleanor Wardle have their own Gallery in Cheltenham

and most accessible art fairs in the UK. This is the first launch from Fresh: but there are plans to extend to other regions similarly under-served. The 2017 fair runs

On show will be work from internationally

with extensive experience in the art fair

acclaimed and collected artists, Royal

world. They aim to make contemporary

Academicians and Royal West of England

art more accessible to art lovers at all

Academicians, and Members and Fellows

levels of experience, helping newcomers

View on the evening of Thursday 11th

of The ROI, RSW, RBSA and RSA. They

to understand what lies behind the art

May. For more information and tickets

include Barbara Rae, Mary Fedden, Bridget

they see, stretching the boundaries for

visit www.freshartfair.net.

from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th May at Cheltenham Racecourse with a Private

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LEAMINGTOn NIGHT SHELTER Leamington Night Shelter was set to

when they leave. With no referral systems

change. There are a number of different

relieve poverty amongst persons in the

they do not know beforehand how many

roles to suit different people's inclinations

town of Leamington Spa and surrounding

clients will arrive each night of opening.

and experience. It is best to come along one

areas by the provision of a night shelter and any other services which may be appropriate to their needs.

Upon entering the premises each client is assessed as the needs of each client are not the same. All clients sign a register

They provide a night shelter for the

before entering the premises and are

homeless, where people are in a warm,

searched before entering the main part

dry environment, providing food and a

of the building. The hot meal promotes a

place to sleep for the night. The shelter is

feeling of wellbeing and helps the clients

a safe, caring environment, where people

to relax. As the shelter provides a safe

are not judged, and are given acceptance,

place for our clients to be, and provides

unconditional love and compassion. Set

continuity for our clients, this helps them

up under a Christian initiative, welcoming

to have some structure that they can't

people from all faiths or none. Their

find in their sometimes chaotic lifestyles.

signposting helps them to work with other organisations to ensure maximum support

Clothing and bedding are all put out for the

for homeless and vulnerable people.

clients to help themselves. Most of this has

The shelter operates at the Radford Road Methodist and United Reformed Church on a Wednesday and Sunday evenings.

Opening times for clients are from 9.00 pm in the evening to 9.30 am the following

been donated by many individuals. Warm winter coats are kept separate and are given out upon request. The shelter’s volunteers help where they can to ensure that all of the above happens each time of opening.

morning. Each client is given food, shelter

How can you help ?

and a bed for the night. In the morning they

Although they are currently well placed for

serve a simple breakfast and sandwiches

volunteers just now they are always happy to

are available for their clients to take away

take names for future contact when things

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

evening to explore further (without pressure to come again!). You would be joining a stable experienced group who enjoy and are blessed by their time at the shelter.

Money and non-perishable items are always welcome The food bill alone is around £60 each night we open. A Hepatitis B vacination for a volunteer is £135. Total running costs average out at £150 a night (just £5 per client!). Donations can be made via post: PO BOX NO. 6213, Leamington Spa, CV31 9LA Items for giving to people are very useful.

However, we are only able to accept non-perishables. Items you can provide change each week but these are a few examples: sugar, coffee, tins of meat, gloves, deodorants and combs.

Items can be left in several churches that have collection points or dropped off at Radford Road Church at 8.00pm on Wednesdays and Sundays (right hand door). leamingtonnightshelter.org.uk

ACTION... 1960s ICON AUDREY

SET TO TOP THE BILL AT STRATFORD FESTIVAL OF MOTORING

A

1960s icon will be the star billing at this year’s Stratford

The event – which last year attracted 60,000 visitors - will include

Festival of Motoring over the May Day Bank Holiday

around 300 classic cars parked throughout Stratford town

weekend. Audrey - the last known surviving vintage

centre for the two days.

mobile cinema of her type - recently featured in George

Clarke’s Amazing Spaces hit TV show. Described by Clarke as “the

www.stratforward.co.uk/events

most amazing cinema bus in the world”, she is set to wow tens of thousands of people expected to attend the two-day festival on Sunday, April 30th and Monday, May 1st.

And it will be a bit of a homecoming for the 50-year- old classic beauty – whose Bedford SB chassis was fitted with coachwork

by Coventry Steel Caravans. Audrey was one of seven custombuilt mobile cinemas built by the Government in 1967 to tour engineering companies around the country promoting modern production techniques in an effort to help improve UK productivity.

Auctioned off in 1974 at the end of the project, she is believed to be the only survivor of the seven. Over the years since various owners have lovingly completely restored her including upgrades to the engine, gearbox and brakes to handle modern traffic conditions, enabling her to tour events around the country for all to enjoy.

Her cinema has been given an update too, with modern cinematic technology replacing the original 35mm projector housed in a perspex dome above the driver’s cab, including a High Definition digital projection unit and Dolby 7:1 surround sound for the full cinema experience. Today Audrey is owned by Ben Moorhouse who bought her in 2015.

Festival visitors will be able to watch Pathe archive newsreels dating back to the early 1890s, as well as material provided by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and hear about the plans for the trailer.

Audrey’s attendance at the event is sponsored by local classic car hire company - The Open Road. @NOWWARWICKSHIRE FIND US ON FACEBOOK WWW.NOWMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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homestyle

Sugru mouldable glue is perfect for adding finishing touches to your upcycled furniture

UPCYCLING Without a doubt, the easiest way to spruce up a piece of furniture is to give it a lick of paint. Whatever your tastes and level of painting skills, with a little imagination and a bit of elbow grease, the possibilities for fabulous looking furniture are endless.

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

W

hat type of paint you need to buy, and what preparation you’ll need to do, depends on the material of the piece that you’re going to paint.

Before you start make sure you’re in a well ventilated room (open some windows) and you’ve covered the floor with an old sheet or some polythene – your carpets won’t thank you for painting them!

>>

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homestyle

Everlong is a premium chalk paint, that is affordable, toy safe, environmentally friendly and of a superior quality

Priming

sanding it. Look for primers that

remove any bumps or drips, and

Depending on how smooth the

are designed for ‘difficult surfaces’.

wipe down with a damp cloth.

wood is, you’ll need to use the right

They’ll work on any kind of wood; as

weight of sandpaper to achieve an

well as metal, plastic, tiles and many

Painting

even surface. For rougher wood, use

other surfaces.

What kind of paint you choose will

coarse sandpaper, followed by light sandpaper, working in the direction of the wood grain. If the surface is smooth, light sandpaper should suffice. Wipe off any dust with a damp, lint-free cloth.

If your piece of furniture is varnished, you’d usually need to completely remove this, using a noxious solvent or lots of sanding. With laminate furniture, you can’t remove the

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Once your surface is smooth and splinter-free, you’re ready to start

the surface you’re painting.

really

Using a good quality brush, apply your

important not to skip this step –

chosen paint evenly – making sure

to make sure your paint goes on

to get in all the nooks and crannies

applying

the

primer.

It’s

smoothly and doesn’t flake off.

(you may need a smaller brush for

Some materials, such as laminated

areas, try using a mini roller kit (only a

wood, won’t hold onto the paint

couple of pounds at most DIY stores),

without primer, making for a costly

working in one direction only to avoid

and messy mistake.

leaving marks. Leave the paint to dry,

shiny surface at all. However, there

Apply an even, medium coat of

are certain primers that will stick

primer and leave it to dry (as per

to these surfaces; you’ll just need

the instructions on the tin). Once

to create some texture by lightly

dry, give it another light sanding to

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

depend on the finish you want and

the fiddly bits). For larger surface

according to the timings on the tin.

Once it’s dry, you’ll be able to see if it needs another coat (or two) and repeat the painting/drying process.

>>

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homestyle

Protect your hands from paint and stains with Marigold’s Extra Universal Disposable Gloves (RRP £5.99 for a box of 60).

Special effects

how you want the finished product to

your choice to seal it all in, finish it off

If you want a distressed finish, now

look.

and keep it looking good for longer.

Water down some PVA glue (3:1 glue

If you choose to use a varnish,

to water ratio) and apply, with a foam

opt for an acrylic (rather than oil)

applicator, to the area you want the

based product as this won’t ‘yellow’

pattern to stick to. Alternatively,

your colour. Apply according to the

there’s

instructions on the tin, making sure

is the time to sand off some choice areas – but don’t go overboard – aim for different degrees of sanding on the edges where wear would naturally occur. You could even paint two coats of different colour paints, to reveal a contrast when sanding areas of the top coat away.

To add a pattern, you can either buy or make a stencilling kit, or try decoupage. Decoupage is a craft that’s had somewhat of a comeback in recent years. All you’ll need is some patterned paper (try wallpaper off-cuts, wrapping paper, maps, magazines, sheet music – the

American

product

called Mod Podge, which you can sometimes find in UK craft shops.

Place your paper or fabric carefully and stick down. Leave it to completely dry and then add another coat or two of glue mixture over the top. If you’re upcycling a dresser or chest of drawers, consider

changing

the

hardware.

Inexpensive handles and knobs are easy to come by and will give your piece

to use a good quality brush.

When it comes to a wax, you can use either clear or dark wax. Clear wax will change the colour slightly, but it gives a much more natural finish than varnish. Dark wax is good for a distressed or antiqued look, if that’s what you’re going for. Apply your chosen wax, following the instructions on the tin, with a clean

a lovely, pulled together finish.

brush or cloth. Leave to cure for the

You can then either cut out the

Finishing

buff into the wood.

patterns or keep it whole, depending

Lastly, apply a clear varnish or wax of

possibilities are endless) or fabric.

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an

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

advised amount of time and then

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homestyle

cleaning paving and patios Cleaning paving and patios is often thought of as a tough job and therefore tends to get pushed to the bottom of the garden to-do list.

Why Do I Need to Clean My Paving and Patios?

harder it is to remove it. And like most gardening or

It seems obvious but regular cleaning of your paving

outdoor jobs, regular maintenance is key. You should

and patios is essential to maintaining their condition

ideally clean your garden patios and paving slabs on a

and ensuring they last as long as possible.

dry day. This is so you can ensure that the cleaner or any

Moisture and bacteria can cause moss and algae build ups which, while making your garden look tired and unkempt, can also make surfaces very slippery. Cleaning off the moss before it gets out of hand can help to prevent accidents.

this doesn’t mean you put off the job in the winter as this is when your paving and patios are going to get really dirty. Three or four times a year is normally enough.

This also applies to decking surfaces. Also, if left to their

What Tools Do I Need?

own devises, weeds can find their way in between the

This kind of depends on the problem you are facing and

paving slabs and in areas you wouldn’t think were possible

how much the paving has previously been maintained.

for them to grow. A regular clean will keep these at bay.

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chemicals you are using has time to fully take effect. But

If your patio is in fairly good condition and its part of a

When Should I Clean My Paving?

regular maintenance routine, a bucket of warm soapy

The longer you leave dirt and grime on paving, the

water or patio cleaner that prevents and kills mould,

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

>>

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homestyle and a stiff broom is probably enough.

die off before cleaning and then sweeping the paving.

If there is a little more work to be done, then a sharp

The Soapy Water Method

tool or scrubbing brush will help to remove any weeds,

Fill your bucket with warm soapy water – You can use

moss and debris and a broom will sweep them away

almost any soap based cleaning product, just check for

nicely. Most patio and paving cleaners will continue to

any corrosive warnings on the bottle.

work in the days after the product is washed away with a watering can or low pressure garden hose.

Pour the mixture on the paving – Start with a small section

Pressure Washers

using a circular motion - the amount of elbow grease

This is a method that many have adopted as a quick

required will depend on the condition of the paving. Rinse

way of cleaning paving and patios, but should be used

- using a watering can, garden hose or bucket of clean

with extreme caution. Pressure patio sprayers work by

water, wash away the soap suds and dirt, taking care not

blasting the surface with water and aggravating the dirt

to let it run into your flower bed. Repeat as required

that lies on the paving to remove it. They can be very effective and when used correctly can keep your paving

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at the furthest end of your patio. Scrub with a stiff brush

Using Patio Cleaning Products

looking as good as new.

This is a general guide and you should always follow the

What is the Best Way to Clean?

cleaning product with water as per the instructions.

Preparation is key whichever method you choose to

Apply the cleaner – Most cleaners can be applied using

clean your patio. Ensure that the surface is clear of any

a watering can, low pressure sprayer or just a simple

debris, this includes loose dirt, dust and weeds. Remove

bucket. Use a brush for hard to reach areas. Wait – High

weeds with a brush or kill them with a weedkiller. You can

quality patio cleaner tends to carry on working gradually

use a weed killing product that attacks the whole plant

over time, with you seeing the effect two – four days

but you should wait the allocated time for the weeds to

after application.

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

instructions on the product carefully. Dilute the patio

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homestyle

What to do with your food waste?

We all hate wasting food but there’s always some unavoidable waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings, meat bones and tea bags which can be put to good use.

Feed Your Green Bin

Feeding your green bin with the aid of kitchen caddy – available

If you live in Warwickshire and have a green wheelie bin then

from your local district or borough council – is a neat solution.

you can recycle all your food waste. The benefits of feeding your

You can line the caddy with compostable liners or newspaper,

green bin include:

and there’s a special deal of 150 liners for just £7.95 at www.

B Potential savings of around £1 million a year if everyone in Warwickshire placed their food waste in their green bins rather than their black/grey bins.

B Recycled food waste can be used on farmer’s fields as a soil improver, reducing the need for fertilisers.

B By recycling food waste it reduces the amount of greenhouse

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/kitchenwaste.

Home Composting Composting uncooked food and garden waste at home is a great way to reduce waste going to landfill and it provides you with a free soil conditioner. Whilst cooked vegetables, meat and dairy

gases that are thought to be a major contributor to climate

products shouldn’t go into a traditional compost bin, there’s a

change.

new generation of ‘hot’ composters which can safely process

B The chance to win monthly prizes by registering at www.feedyourcaddy.co.uk.

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biobag-uk.com/warks For further details visit

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

these foodstuffs. For further details visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/composting.

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homestyle

Kitchen Garden: Growing beans As well as being nutritious, delicious and easy to grow, beans flower beautifully and look great wherever they’re planted.

With so many different types and sizes of bean available, you’re sure to find one to suit you. Here’s Wyevale Garden Centres simple guide to growing the three most popular types; French, runner and broad beans.

Prepare and propagate

Broad beans:

B All beans appreciate a rich, deep, well-drained soil in a sunny area. B Broad beans don't need much looking after; just tie shoots B Before sowing or planting, clear any rocks and large stones to supports if they need it, and keep the plants well-watered. from your plot.

B Dig in a good amount of compost or well-rotted farmyard manure.

Harvest French beans:

Plant

B Plant bean seedlings in late spring, once the frosts are over B French beans sown in April should be ready to harvest from early June. and the seedlings are around 7.5-10cm tall.

B Remember to harden off the seedlings before planting by leaving B Pick the pods once they are about 10cm long, before the them outdoors in their pots during the day, gradually increasing the length of time they are outdoors – do this for a 7 to 10 days.

beans can be seen through the pods.

B Pick regularly, as this will encourage the plant to produce more beans.

Care French beans:

Runner beans:

B For direct sown seeds, remove the weakest of each pair of B Runner beans sown in April should be ready to harvest from July. seedlings to give the stronger one more chance to grow.

B Pick the pods once they are between 15-20cm long, before B Tie the shoots to cane supports as they grow. the beans start to swell.

B Once they reach the top of the canes, pinch out the growing B Again, pick regularly to encourage a bumper harvest. tip to encourage the plant to produce more side shoots – this will give you more flowers and thus a better harvest.

Broad beans:

B Keep the plants well-watered, especially during dry periods B Broad beans sown in April should be ready to harvest from and when the flowers start to develop into bean pods.

June onwards.

Runner beans:

B If you’re planning to eat your broad beans whole, pod and all,

B Take out the weakest of each pair of seedlings. pick them when the pods are between 7.5-10cm long.

B Tie shoots to supports if they need it, although runner beans B To harvest pods for shelling, wait until the beans are visible through are usually good at clinging to supports by themselves.

B Once

growing tips and water regularly.

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the pods and then pick, starting from the base of the plant.

they reach the top of the supports, pinch out the

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE

N W Jess Keare Tel: 01905 727908

Alcester feature Next month If you would like to guarantee your space on this feature please call ONE OF our sales team: Michele Tel: 01905 727902

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23

NATURE NOTEBOOK

Rabbit © Darin Smith

i Spring time Blossom, bunnies and Easter eggs galore Spring is here! The hedgerows are bursting with vivid lime-green leaves.

Pretty white flowers are already cascading from the branches of blackthorn and soon you’ll spot hawthorn blooming too. Though known as the May tree, the heavy scent of hawthorn flowers may be in the air by the end of April.

I

t’s the trimethylamine found in the blossom that gives

Chomping on Chocolate

it its distinctive smell and helps attract flies and other

As you munch into your Easter chocolate you may wonder

pollinators. However it also gives rise to reputation

where the magic, melty stuff comes from. The cacao tree

as an unlucky plant, which people won’t have in their

is unusual as the flowers develop on old wood, a method

home – trimethylamine is one of the chemicals released

called cauliflory. The tiny flowers on the trunks are pollinated

when animal tissue begins to decay!

by little flies, midges or maybe mosquitoes. Once ripe the

To get the best spring time blossom the great British weather has to give us a fairly chilly and damp January and February, followed by a sunny, warm March – quite a prescriptive forecast.

Fluffy bunny facts Want to watch for rabbits? They are crepuscular which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. As they are prey to many birds of prey and mammals like weasels, badgers and

to be fermented, dried and roasted, ready for chocolate production. The botanist Linnaeus renamed the tree Theobroma back in the 18th century. This botanical name is derived from Greek and translates as ‘food of the gods.’

In the UK, male mosquitoes also pollinate flowers and actually don’t bite! It’s only female mosquitoes which need the protein from blood to produce eggs.

stoats, rabbits need good defence mechanisms. Their large

Wild walk

eyes are set on the side of their heads giving them almost

And if you’ve over-indulged, why not work off your choccie eggs

180 degree vision, helping them stay alert to danger.

with a wild walk? You could catch sight of the first fledglings of

Rabbits love to munch on any vegetation within reach, from tree bark to grass, herbs and farmer’s crops, if they can get hold of them! The phrase ‘breeding like rabbits’ comes from the fact that each adult female can have seven litters a year with three to seven bunnies each time.

These little balls of fluff grow fast and will be independent in four weeks!

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yellow cacao pods are harvested and the seeds removed

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

the season as resident birds like blue tits and blackbirds may have their first brood. Peer into ponds for wriggling tadpoles and watch for butterflies on the wing as peacock, orange tip and speckled wood butterflies appear in April. Get out into nature and experience spring-time in all its beauty.

Louise Barrack www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

@NOWWARWICKSHIRE FIND US ON FACEBOOK WWW.NOWMAGAZINES.CO.UK

25

BEAUTIFUL

SPRINGTIME is here Spring is finally here. It’s time to Spring clean and refresh your beauty regimes

ELEMIS

JOHN FRIEDA

This is a new dawn in skin protection, in choice, in

This innovative lightweight mineral-pressed

technological development and outstanding results.

powder from the John Frieda Root Blur

Where the addition of SPF actives has compromised

range is applied to the roots of the hair to

many creams, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

blend regrowth and greys in an instant. The

has been developed using the latest technology to

specifically designed angled fibre brush allows

preserve everything about it that makes it the hero

for precise application of the powder for

of the ELEMIS anti-ageing collection. Using a new

flawless colour coverage for your brunette hair.

sunscreen with enwrapping technology, ELEMIS

The various colour palettes allow you to blend

is able to deliver a more evenly distributed layer

colours to achieve your ideal shade.

of protection which provides high SPF with lower concentrations of sunscreen actives. The result is a formulation comfortable in texture and easy to apply.

£82.00

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

£14.99

DHC

CHANEL

GOOD THINGS

Lathering DHC Olive-

Limited edition, a palette of blushes

This range is specifically

Corn Body Scrub &

to play with the colour codes of Chanel.

formulated with calming

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Chanel colour codes reinterpreted with

yet powerful spot-fighting

does it all: cleanses,

new shades and multiple effects. A palette

ingredients to soothe and

sloughs off lifeless skin

that invites you to apply makeup while

clear oily, blemish-prone

cells and moisturises

breaking the rules.

skin. Each of the Pore-fectly

your arms, legs and torso by leaving behind

£49.00

Clear products includes the potent Active Charcoal,

a veil of hydration from

known for its ‘magnetic’

skin-loving olive oil and

ability to absorb dirt and oil.

nourishing vitamin E.

£15.50

£5.99

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Stockist Details: Elemis - 0117 316 1888 - www.elemis.com or www.timetospa.co.uk. John Frieda - www.johnfrieda.co.uk DHC - www.dhcuk.co.uk. Chanel - 0207 493 3836 - www.chanel.co.uk. Good Things - www.goodthingsbeauty.com.

BEAUTIFUL

27

beautiful

NEW CAMERA WILL MAP OUT BODY’S LYMPH NODE SYSTEM A camera that will help surgeons to treat lymphoedema - a condition that affects around 20% of women who have been treated for breast cancer - has just been unveiled at Spire Parkway Hospital, Solihull.

T

Surgeon Ms Anne Dancey traces a patient’s lymph node pathways using the new PDE camera

he Photo Dynamic Eye (PDE) provides a ‘road map’ to the

about 0.3mm in diameter and we must use a microscope to

body’s lymphatic system – a network of channels and

reattach them , as they can barely be seen with the naked

glands throughout the body – as surgeons operate on

eye. Once the nodes become established they can drain the

the condition that causes the painful swelling of body

clear lymphatic fluid back into the bloodstream and the

tissue, mainly in the arms or legs.

The camera, which cost nearly £50,000, is now being used by

swelling should, over time, reduce – in many cases almost back to normal size,” said Miss Dancey.

Consultant Plastic Surgeon Miss Anne Dancey, a member of

She added: “As far as I am aware this is the only camera of its

the British Lymphoedema Society and one of the UK’s leading

sort available in the Midlands and I think it will be a great asset

experts on lymph node transfers, who described it as ‘a fantastic

in the treatment of lymphoedema in this region.”

tool in the treatment of such a debilitating condition’.

There are more than 200,000 lymphoedema suffers in the UK and, according to Cancer Research UK figures, 20% of those are women who have been treated for breast cancer.

Explained Miss Dancey: “Lymphoedema is a build-up of lymph fluid which happens when the lymph drainage channels or

www.spireparkway.com

party at mavericks in aid of shakespeare hospice

lymph nodes are blocked, removed or damaged – something

It’s nearly that time of year again for Mavericks

that can happen during cancer treatments. This can cause painful and unsightly swelling and usually requires patients to wear compression garments on the affected areas, normally the arms or legs."

L

to throw their yearly party. ike last year, all proceeds will be going to the

salon or ask one of the stylists.

Shakespeare

Mavericks started in Feburary

Hospice, as they do such

1999 by Sarah Charlton, who

problem areas where the nodes have ceased to function. In amazing work and is a charity the past this procedure has contained an element of trial that Mavericks hold very close

previously managed The Kevin

process involves the injection of a highly fluorescent dye into

decided to move location to a

“To treat this I carry out lymph node transfers, taking healthy nodes from one part of the body and installing them into the

fabulous

and error but the PDE should signal an end to all that. The to their heart. the patient. Then, by using the camera, the surgeon receives a dynamic image of the lymphatic vessels and nodes and can also check which channels are functioning properly."

“This makes it much easier for us to select the correct nodes from the donor site to reduce the risk of causing swelling of the limb that we borrow them from. These nodes can then be transferred to the problem area by reattaching their supplying artery and vein to ensure they have a

The party will be taking place on Saturday 13th May at 8pm.

There will be live music, drinks, food and much more.

If you’d like to attend, tickets are £10 each and includes a complimentary glass of wine and a Mavericks burger.

blood supply and survive. The blood vessels we attach are To purchase tickets call into the

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

John Salon in Stratford-uponAvon. In November 2013 they larger premises. At their Priory Road, Alcester site they have all you would expect and more plus they have their own car park for their guests.

To book an appointment or seek advise on the latest hair and beauty trends, call or visit the salon.

MAVERICKS HAIR & BEAUTY Hair|Beauty|Barbers|Car park What our guests say about us: “My first micro-dermabrasion facial, skin feels super clean and polished. Will definitely be booking more.

Thank you Lena” Yvonne “Great service and friendly, professional stylists. Always feel like a million dollars when I leave!”

Liz

“Doing things differently” Priory Road, Alcester B49 5DY | 01789 766222 | 01789 766333

www.maverickshair.co.uk @NOWWARWICKSHIRE FIND US ON FACEBOOK WWW.NOWMAGAZINES.CO.UK

29

FOOD & DRINK

Smoked Haddock Fillet,

grilled with Grain

Mustard Rarebit, served

on Niçoise Potatoes

Serves 4

quarters into strips lengthways.

Ingredients

Cut the other tomato quarters

B 24oz Natural smoked haddock

into very small dice and combine

fillet B 4oz Mature Cheddar (grated) B 1 egg yolk

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

through slightly.

B 2 tsp Worcester sauce

grain mustard, egg yolk,

B 50ml Bitter

Worcestershire Sauce, bitter and

B 2oz Mixed green olives (pitted)

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juice and salt/pepper then warm

4 Combine grated cheese,

B 10oz New Potatoes

Chateau Impney Hotel, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 0BN 01905 77 44 11 www.chateau-impney.com

with a little rapeseed oil, lemon

B 1 Tbsp Grain mustard

B 1 tsp chopped dill

Eating at The Chateau Impney To say food service at The Chateau Impney is diverse would be an understatement. From the all-day menu of classic dishes such as beer battered cod with hand-cut chips and mushy peas, a daily changing restaurant dinner menu of dishes such smoked haddock with grain mustard rarebit on niçoise sauté potatoes, through to traditional afternoon teas, sharing platters and in the Spring and Summer months our ‘Tapas on the Terrace,’ where you can enjoy a wide range of sharing tapas dishes overlooking our magnificent gardens and grounds, taking al fresco dining to another level. When you combine this with the fact that at the same time we could be serving a wedding or banquet for up to 1000 people I think it definitely could be called diverse Stephen Unwin l Executive Chef

only the flesh. Slice 4 of the

chopped dill and mix thoroughly.

5 Cut the smoked haddock into

4 equal sized pieces and trim

B 2oz Green Beans

out any small bones. Drizzle with

B 2oz Red onion (thin sliced)

a little rapeseed oil and freshly

B 2 Medium Tomatoes

ground black pepper the grill until

B 2 tsp chopped chives B 1 lemon B Rapeseed oil

just cooked (around 5 mins on medium heat). Spread the rarebit mixture thickly and evenly over the 4 fillets of fish and return to the grill until glazed golden

Method:

brown. Set aside in a warm area.

1 Steam or boil the new potatoes

for 15-20 mins until just cooked

6 Sauté the new potatoes in

then allow to cool. Cut the potatoes

a little rapeseed oil for a few

lengthways into quarters.

minutes; add sliced red onion, green beans and olives and

2 Steam the green beans for

continue for another 2 minutes.

2 minutes and refresh in iced

Finally add the tomato strips and

water. Trim the ends and cut into

chopped chives and stir through

2-3cm pieces.

for 30 seconds or so.

3 Plunge the tomatoes into

7 Spoon the Niçoise potatoes

boiling water for approx. 40

onto 4 warmed plates and place

seconds until skins begin to split.

the haddock fillet on top.

Take from water with slotted spoon and put into iced water.

8 Drizzle a little of the tomato

Peel skin from tomatoes. Cut the

dressing over the fish and the

peeled tomatoes into quarters

remainder around the plate and

and remove the centres leaving

garnish with a sprig of dill.

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31

FOOD & DRINK

THE BLUEBELL, FREEHOUSE AND RESTAURANT Situated in the pretty market town of Henley-in-Arden, just outside of Stratford upon Avon lies the Bluebell freehold pub and restaurant. Passionately run by a Father, Son and Sister team, Keith, Joe and Kate Adams, the Bluebell welcomes both drinkers and diners alike. The cosy country feel of the place will instantly make you feel at

H

home with the added luxury of a casual yet personal service from Kate and her team. eading up the kitchen is Joe, who aims to deliver classic

best it possibly can be. Stocking the cellar with the very best local

British fare using modern techniques whilst turning

ales, alongside the better known and loved brands of beer.

raw ingredients into something special. The duo insist on using professional quality suppliers to gather the

Recognising the current trend in gin, Kate is ever increasing her

best ingredients from all over the British Isles. Serving Tuesday

range to ensure that, no matter what your taste may be, you’re

through to Sunday lunch, a full a La Carte menu is offered daily

sure to find your perfect Gin & Tonic at the Bluebell. As with

alongside a weekly changing lunch menu. You could also choose

all spirits you’ll find a mix of common brands along with more

something from the daily specials board to ensure there is always

unusual and exclusive bottles.

something to delight.

With regards to the wine list, there is a good selection of both

Just popping in for a drink and feeling slightly peckish? Why not

new and old world. Ranging from a young, fresh Brazilian Pinot

order some delicious bar snacks, hot or cold, in accordance to

Grigio/Reisling blend to a more complex, seductive Burgundian

the time of day. The way that Joe prides himself on his dishes,

Pouilly Fuisse, you're sure to find something to suit both your

Kate is out to ensure your whole experience at the Bluebell is the

palette and your budget.

LUNCHTIME MENU OFFER 2 courses £14.50 | 3 courses £18.00 includes tea or coffee, available lunchtime Tues - Fri

Complementary Chase Gin and Tonic with every 3 course lunch purchased on Wednesdays and Thursdays only Bring this advert in to redeem free drink

Private dining bookings up to 12 covers 93 High Street | Henley-in-Arden | B95 5AT T: 01564 793049 E: info@thebluebell-henley.co.uk

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

Countryside

Alliance Awards Champion Butcher Pete the Meat, Evesham Road, Astwood Bank, Redditch, Worcestershire, 01527 892654

A

stwood Bank Butcher ‘Pete The Meat’ has plenty to

all suppliers, including the local small abattoir, which will always

shout about, on Wednesday 22nd March Pete Lawton

source rare breed pigs when he has none of his own available.

was crowned champion butcher within the whole of the UK by the Countryside Alliance.

Pete’s ethos has always been about high quality produce focusing on locally farmed meat, with high welfare values which are very

Having been a butcher for 40 years, Pete and his team includes

important to him along with visiting all suppliers & farmers

two thirty somethings who came to him as apprentices and never

regularly. All the meat joints are prepared on site, he makes, bakes

left. There is an apprentice on his team now and Pete feels very

and produces everything in his perfectly formed shop. The judges

strongly – as we all do – that butchers have a duty to support

and our NOW Magazine staff just love the pork pies with cider

the upcoming generation of butchers so these skills are not lost.

chutney and Colston Bassett cheese – they were described as

After 40 years in the same shop Pete has great relationships with

supernatural. I guess it is the way they disappear!

FOOD FESTIVAL For a great day out, especially if you love good food and

drink, the Alcester and Forest of Arden Food Festivals cannot be beaten! 2017 dates are May 20th and Oct 21st from 9am

A

to 5pm Free Entrance. Free Park and Ride from Adams Way lcester

really

our welcoming pubs and cafes

welcomes visitors, we

will be open. Come along to

are a Festival Town

taste, browse and buy.

with something going

on nearly all the time, and the Food Festivals are the Jewels in our Events Calendar, with over a hundred exhibitors offering the very best of cheeses, pies, artisan breads, cakes, fresh and cured meats and sausages, fruit and vegetables, pickles,

So for a perfect foodie day out, forage through the food festival stalls and enjoy wonderful food and drink. Although dogs are welcome, please be aware that the Streets get very busy. The Organisers Information Stand is located by St Nicholas Church.

oils and preserves, kitchen

Our Food Festivals are run and

equipment, a pig roast, award-

managed entirely by volunteers

winning street food, handmade

and we would like to thank

chocolates, local beers, ciders,

the

wines and spirits. Our individual

organisations who make our

local shops will be contributing;

wonderful event possible.

many

individuals

and

Ltd

Meat, Poultry, Game, Fish, Dairy, Pig Roast, Veggie Treats, Wines, Beers, Ciders, Prepared Foods, Artisan Breads, Cheeses Preserves and much more!

Saturday 20th May 2017 Saturday 21st May October 2017

9am - 5pm Alcester High Street, Church Street and Henley Street The perfect foodie day out, forage through an array of festival stalls, visit local pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops and enjoy the day.

Free Park and Ride Shuttle with Dudley’s Coaches from Adams Way (off Arden Road, A4089), Arden Forest Industrial Estate to the festival and return.

www.alcesterfoodfestival.org.uk

07707 469649

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33

keeping active Start / Finish: The walk starts and ends at the Evesham railway station.

Public Transport: The nearest railway station is at Evesham. Please use ‘Traveline’ to check times and available bus routes.

Parking: Street parking in the vicinity, please park sensitively.

O/S Map: Explorer 205 | Distance: The walk is 5.5 miles. The shorter option is 4 miles. | Time: Allow all day so that you can spend some time at the Evesham Vale Light Railway or retail park called The Valley. The shorter walk, omitting points 6 and 7 is a half-day walk.

Refreshments: There are numerous eating places in Evesham and plenty of riverside picnic spots. There are also eating places at The Valley retail park.

Terrain: The route is mainly flat. Waterproof boots or comfortable wellies are essential in wet weather. There are several kiss-gates and narrow paths so the walk is unsuitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs but an interesting time can still be had exploring the Town of Evesham with its park and ‘Avon’ riverside paths.

HISTORY: The River Avon flows round a massive loop, with the old town of Evesham inside this loop. The restored tower and a perimeter wall are all that remain of the extensive Abbey that once stood by the River Avon, now the park. The route leads out of the town alongside a disused railway that led to Redditch. All along the route, there is evidence of the Vale of Evesham market gardening business. There are also some old orchards along the way that have survived from

across bridge). Take the gate into ‘Monks Walk’. Cross to Mill Street and at the corner, walk into the Mill Bank then approx.

100 yards to the riverside path that starts near the river lock and weir. Follow this path round as far as the railway viaduct.

3 Once beneath the railway viaduct, notice the disused railway on the left that went from Evesham towards Redditch. Follow the river round to the meadows. (If waterlogged, you may need to turn left through the kiss-gate and use the higher route between points 7 and 10). Use the board walk then bear right along the river’s edge walking towards the by-pass viaduct in the distance. Notice the remnants of the old orchards and Riverside Hotel opposite.

what was a boom industry in apples, pears and plums. There is a

4 Once beneath the A46, you will be in the fields where on the

recent revival in the planting of new orchards on the sunny slopes of

4th August 1265, the Battle of Evesham took place and Simon de

the Avon with the annual Asparagus and Plum festivals too. At The Valley retail park on Evesham’s outskirts, you will also find a Light Railway which has carried children, young and old, on exciting trips since it opened in August 2002, its oldest engine dating from 1970.

1 Note: if the River Avon is in flood, you can do a ‘there and back’ walk along the higher route between points 7 and 10. Leaving Evesham Station, go up the station approach and turn right.

Walk to the Town Hall with its ornate bell tower. Those travelling by bus can join the walk here. You can either turn left and walk down the main street to the old river bridge and left along Mill Street or walk to point 2 and join the river path there.

2 Follow the River Avon to the town bridge, passing the Abbey grounds and tower - all that remains of the Abbey Church. (WC

Montfort met his untimely death. Shortly you will go beneath some pylons. Notice The Bridge Inn – there was once a bridge, preceded by a ‘ford’ at this old crossing point that connected Offenham to Twyford and continued along ‘The Squires’ towards Pershore. It has also been the site of Offenham Ferry. Note: the shorter walk turns left here and climbs to point 9. The main walk continues through the coppice.

5 Cross the footbridge, keeping to the path crossing the neck of the promontory. Pass through the old orchard where you may hear whistles from the Evesham Vale Light Railway above. Keep walking for ½ mile to the path on the left.

6 Climb the slope, over the old railway embankment and up to the EVLR station itself and retail area known as The Valley.

7 The return walk leaves the railway, goes through the second large gate and turns right through the old orchards, parallel to the pylons to where the path drops left down the slope.

8 Walk alongside the disused railway to the A46. Cross carefully, through the gateway and immediately left.

9 Walk parallel to the main road and round the field edge to Oxstalls Farm. Turn left along the track around the edge of the farm to the opposite side where the track becomes a bridleway. Walk to railway viaduct, noticing the old bridge on the disused railway.

10 Walk through the arch. Turn right up the footpath climbing to the level of the current railway and remains of the skew bridge on the disused line. Walk to St. Mary’s Road, built on the old railway.

The Railway Inn once stood between the two lines. Notice the old bridge parapet opposite. The old railway went beneath the road here to the station building in the railway car park operated by the Midland Railway Company until the line was closed in 1963.

Written and illustrated by glynis dray

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

Evesham – Avon Valley

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35

LIVING HISTORY

Sezincote a place of contrasts Sezincote is unique and extraordinary. At the heart of a traditional, family-run estate covering 4,500 acres of rolling Cotswold countryside stands a 200-year-old Mogul Indian palace, set in a romantic landscape of

T

temples, grottoes, waterfalls and canals reminiscent of the Taj Mahal.

he architecture is in the Mogul style of Rajasthan,

was designed in 1814 by Thomas Daniell, the famous painter

with a central dome, minarets, peacock-tail windows,

of Indian scenery, and the help of Humphrey Repton, to

jali-work railings and pavilions. A curving Orangery

surround the extraordinary Mogul Palace, which he had

frames the Persian Garden of Paradise with its

helped to design in the Indian style. The garden - with its

fountain and canals. Sezincote was built in 1810 by Charles

Temple to Surya, the Indian Sun God, its spring and stream

Cockerell, who had worked out in India, assisted by his brother,

linking seven lovely pools, the Indian Bridge, and its grottoes

the architect Samuel Pepys Cockerell, and Thomas Daniell, the

- was designed to resemble the romantic landscapes with

great painter of Indian architectural scenery.

The House is privately owned and remains the centre of a thriving agricultural estate, which provides resources both to maintain the house, and to sustain the complex tapestry of rural life. The house remains a genuine ‘family affair’ with a brother and sister team managing the house and estate respectively with continued support from the older generation and some engaged interest from the younger.

The Estate is run to traditional English standards, with a mixed farming enterprise allowing plenty of permanent grassland and proper fencing, complemented by well managed woodlands that provide not only timber but also good wildlife habitat.

which Daniell had in his pictures surrounded the ruined temples and palaces which he painted in India.

Later, in the 1950s, the garden was developed by the famous plantsman Graham Stuart Thomas, who added the distinctive serpentine-edged borders beside pools and stream, planted with a mosaic of large groups of the plants he favoured: Hostas, Astilbes, Rodgersia and Peltiphyllum Peltatum. More recent additions are the Wildflower Meadow with an avenue of Persian Quinces and the collection of fragrant Jasmines and Roses in the Orangery.

Visitors are welcomed to the house and garden at set opening times. A limited number of special weddings are also hosted every Summer.

Sezincote Garden is a classic and unique example of the

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'picturesque' style of garden design, fashionable at the turn

Edward Peake

of the eighteenth to nineteenth century. Sezincote Garden

www.sezincote.co.uk

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

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37

VISITING WYCHAVON

Enchanting Evesham Watered by the River Avon and bordered by the Cotswolds, Bredon and the Malverns, lies the bustling market town of Evesham. For centuries the area has been considered the fruit and vegetable basket of England, at the same time also being home to one of the ‘Top Wonders of Spring’ – the Blossom Trail. Evesham has been welcoming visitors since the Romans and today offers many ways to while away the time, from tranquil river trips to energetic bike rides and everything else in between.

E

vesham benefits from a wide range of independent

14th century Grade 1 Listed property. Here you will find

retailers, a selection of your national favourites,

the museum and TIC to help carve your route around

with quirky and quaint shopping mews all in the

the town’s many assets. You can’t miss the majestic Bell

heart of the town. Never more than a stone’s

Tower, perhaps the town’s most iconic symbol. Housing a

throw away from the great and historic assets, visitors can

peal of 13 bells, it stands tall overlooking the church yard

blend the old with the new as part of their retail therapy

and Abbey Park – no visit to the town is complete without

through the many streets and characteristic areas. As an

seeing it.

added bonus, you will find a Charter Market occupying Market Place every Saturday with a variety of stalls.

Despite the many opportunities for relaxation and

At the north of the town, The Valley is the perfect place

mid-March, it effectively also constitutes the start of the

to spend a relaxing day with a great mix of shops, cafés

Evesham events season. People would be hard-pressed

and restaurants all set within 125 acres of stunning rural

to find anywhere else in England where the festival

countryside. Furthermore, some of Evesham’s great

programme is so diverse! Ranging from celebrating the

attractions are housed here with the Evesham Vale

internationally acclaimed Vale of Evesham Asparagus to

Light Railway (over a mile long 15” gauge track) and the

rubbing shoulders with national Morris teams, or water

children’s Castle Adventure Playground.

based activities with a River Festival filled with a flotilla of

Back in the town centre, bask in the beauty of the River Avon with boat trips or the river walk; play or relax in the adjacent Abbey Park; or take in the wealth of Evesham’s history. Speaking of which - make your first stop a visit to the Almonry Heritage Centre, locating within a beautiful

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

tranquillity, when the blossom bursts onto the scene in

decorated boats to the annual Angling Festival. Evesham packs in as much as it can with culinary, musical, historical, arts, sporting and the downright eccentric – the festivals really do make for a colourful year. www.visitwychavon.com

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39

VISITING WYCHAVON

blooming fun in the vale No matter what your mode of transport this spring, why not explore the enchanting local Blossom Trail?

34 years old this year and still attracting thousands of visitors.

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iscover your local area this season as the Vale

again offering their popular Spring Time in the Vale Coach

bursts into life with the subtle pink tones of

Tours on Thursday 13th and Thursday 20th April. With a

cherry and apple blossom and the striking white

blossom tour guide who will highlight the best viewpoints

blooms of plums and pears, follow the blossom

and provide historical and entertaining insights, this is

Trail, a 50 mile AA yellow signposted route, criss-crossing the River Avon and meandering through some of the most idyllic villages Worcestershire has to offer.

Pick up points from various locations throughout the

The Blossom Trail is one of the major blossom events in

contact Dudleys Coaches on 01386 792206

the world and the only one of its kind in the UK and it can

County. For more details and to book your seat please

be explored by car, walking, cycling or via a coach tour.

Monitoring the Blossom

Blossom Trail Walks

Vale doesn’t last long, don’t miss out on this fascinating

If you prefer walking, enjoy the blossom trail on foot with

phenomenon. Cherry Plum and ornamental blossom are

our pack of three local walks, all between three and six

already in bloom, and buds are appearing on early plum

miles long. These walks have been created with blossom

trees in anticipation of a spectacular show

in mind, but can be appreciated at any time of the year.

To purchase a walks pack call Angela Tidmarsh on 01386 565373 or visit local Tourist Information Centres where

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certainly a value for money day trip not to be missed.

The AA signs are already up and as the blossom in the

If you have any questions about Spring Events, the Blossom Trail or to help you plan your trip , please call 01386 565373

they are on sale at £2.95 each.

for your free colour copy of the Blossom and Vale Trail

Blossom Coach Tours

know about the Vale of Evesham and its horticultural

Dudleys Coaches and Evesham Vale Tour Guides are once

heritage. Alternatively visit www.visitwychavon.com.

ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

publication – this has details of everything you need to

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41

golden years

What is dementia?

Dementia is a progressive disorder that affects how your brain works and in particular,

T

the ability to remember, think and reason.

he most common of these is Alzheimer’s disease.

Another is vascular dementia which can develop following a stroke or mini stroke or if there is blood vessel damage that interrupts the flow of blood to your

brain. Other types of dementia include – dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia.

dementia increase with age.

Genetics This seems to be more significant if you develop dementia under the age of 65. In the majority of cases, the significance of inheritance seems small. If a parent or other relative develops it, your own chances are only a little higher than if there were no cases in your family.

Dementia is not a consequence of growing old but the risk of having dementia increases with age. In 2014, of the estimated

Lifestyle

that 850,000 people who were living with dementia in the UK,

People who follow a healthy lifestyle that protects their heart and

773,502 were aged 65 and over.

blood vessels and who enjoy active and fulfilling lives have been

Common symptoms of dementia In most cases, the symptoms that characterise dementia come on gradually and get worse over time. Symptoms can vary according to the disease causing them and from person to person. They affect your daily life and are more than just occasional lapses.

Symptoms of dementia include:

B Struggling to remember things that happened recently, even though you can easily remember things from longer ago.

shown to have a lower risk of dementia. Therefore aim to:

B Eat a varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

B Eat less salty and fatty foods, particularly avoiding those high in saturated fat.

B Drink alcohol in moderation.

B Stop smoking.

B Take regular exercise.

B Enjoy an active life with plenty

of outside interests that

exercise body and mind.

B Ask your GP to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.

B Struggling to follow conversations, particularly in groups.

B Keep your blood glucose well controlled if you have diabetes.

B Forgetting the names of people or things.

B Struggling to follow a story on television or in a book, or Diagnosis and treatment understand magazine and newspaper articles.

B Having trouble remembering the day or date.

B Having trouble remembering where you put something, or where things are kept.

B Being unaware that you are repeating yourself or losing the thread of what you are saying in mid- sentence.

B Difficulty completing familiar tasks.

B Struggling to do things you used to find easy.

B Feeling confused even in a familiar place.

B Having problems controlling your mood, or controlling your emotions.

Could you be at risk?

There does not appear to be a single cause of dementia. Research

As a first step, your GP will chat to you to find out more about you and your symptoms. Your GP may carry out some recognised tests to check your thinking and memory. If a family member or someone who knows you well can be there too, it can be helpful for moral support and to support what you are saying.

Your GP may feel able to make a decision based on their findings but is likely to refer you for a fuller assessment to a memory clinic or consultant with more specialist knowledge.

Staff at the memory clinic may want to carry out further tests, including a brain scan, to get a clearer picture that will help them reach a diagnosis.

to date suggests a combination of factors affect your overall risk

Seeking further advice

of developing it. You cannot do anything about factors such as

If problems like these start to affect your daily life, it is worth

your age or genetics but you can make changes to your lifestyle.

sharing your concerns and making an appointment to discuss them with your GP.

Age This is the most significant risk factor and chances of developing

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

www.ageuk.org.uk/warwickshire

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43

our events diary

win tickets to RHS MALVERN SPRING SHOW RHS Malvern Spring Festival is proud to present its biggest ever Floral Marquee, boasting a spectacular

M

display from the finest specialist nurseries across the country. easuring length

the of

equivalent

almost

NEW VARIETIES

Alongside veteran exhibitors, RHS Malvern

four

Exciting new varieties will preview in the

Spring Festival will also welcome five

Olympic swimming pools

2017 Floral Marquee. These include: A

newcomers to RHS Malvern to exhibit in the

at 190 metres, the Floral

new Aquilegia ‘Swan’ series in a range of

prestigious Floral Marquee for the very first

Marquee welcomes 69 leading growers

colours grown especially for RHS Malvern

time. These include: Summerdale Garden

setting the horticultural standard at the

Spring Festival by The Botanic Nursery;

Nurseries of South Lakeland; Acorn Trees

start of the season. Visitors can expect

New varieties of Hostas from Brookfield

a Plant Finder Parlour designed by BBC

Plants; A new hydrangea by Cooks Garden

and Shrubs; The Tree Peony Company;

Gardeners’ World presenter Joe Swift,

Centre; New varieties of Streptocarpus

the RHS Master Grower exhibit featuring

from Dibleys Nurseries; Clematis ‘Reiko’ by

RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2017 will

Fibrex Nurseries, 5 brand new nurseries

Floyds Climbers and Clematis; New varieties

take place from Thursday 11 May until

and a host of new plant varieties as

of Heuchera, Heucherella and Tiarella

Sunday 14 May. For more information

well as the chance to stock up on old

by Plantagogo; Epimedium ‘Rhubarb &

and to book tickets, please call 01684

favourites.

Custard’ by Straight Mile Nursery Gardens.

584924 or visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

Competition For your chance to win one of three pairs of tickets to the RHS Malvern Spring Show simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the

Palms Exotics; Harkness Roses.

Answer: Name:

following question:

What is the length (in metres) of the Floral Marquee at this year's Spring Show?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Malvern Spring Show SWN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 TWELVE 2DP. Closing date for entries is 26th April 2017.

ISSUE

44

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

Address: Tel: Email:

If you do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from The RHS Malvern Spring Show please tick this box

2017 FESTIVAL HITS The 2017 Leamington Music Festival Weekend put on in the splendour of the Royal Pump Rooms promises another

T

he opening concert

the Dante Quartet and pianist

on

April

William Howard playing that

features

Friday

two

28

string

most Romantic of Quintets by

quartets,

the

Doric

Cesar Franck.

Mendelssohn’s sparkling Octet.

The four lunchtime concerts

Soprano Dame Felicity Lott

Piano Trios, cellist Raphael

and the UK’s top clarinettist

Wallfisch celebrating 35 years

Michael Collins follow on 29

with his duo partner John York

April with works from Schubert to Noel Coward.

Festival

involves

Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA

unforgettable five days.

and Jubilee and concludes with

The

LEAMINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL WEEKEND Friday 28 April Tuesday 2 May

involve the Leonore and Kinsky

and another clarinettist, Jack McNeill teaming up with the

centrepiece

baritone

Roderick

Williams singing Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin on 30 April and Howard Skempton’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner on 1 May and the evening concerts finish on 2 May with

Gildas Quartet.

It adds up to a feast of music that will bring audiences from all over Britain to Leamington at spring time when its parks are at their best! www.leamingtonmusic.org

Iain Burnside, Michael Collins, William Howard, Felicity Lott, Jack McNeill, Roderick Williams, Dante, Doric, Gildas and Jubilee String Quartets Leonore and Kinsky Piano Trios and Ensemble 360 Twelve concerts featuring music by Beethoven, Britten, Coward, Dvorak, Franck, Haydn, Howells, Lalo, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Saint-Saens, Schubert, Schumann, Howard Skempton, Spohr and Weber

Online booking and details on www.leamingtonmusic.org Call 01926 334418 Visit Leamington Town Hall Box Office

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45

WIN TICKETS TO

MELLO FESTIVAL

H

eld over the Spring Bank Holiday 26th28th May 2017, Mello

is bringing back the essence of

a

big

chilled

family

festival. With an eclectic mix of indie, folk, jazz and dance, Mello will broadly appeal to music lovers of all ages. Set at the iconic Throckmorton Airfield next Spring Bank Holiday the organisers spotted a gap in the Worcestershire market for a large scale festival that champions 'real' music.

Mello

festival

musically,

feels

that,

Worcestershire

lacks a festival that champions 'real' music on a large scale, hence the need to create the festival.

They're

delighted

to be holding it at the iconic Throckmorton Airfield and intend to take into account the historical values it holds when producing the festival.

It really is an exciting project are Mello are delighted to announce their 2017 line-up include

Hawkwind,

Lookin'

Chain,

Goldie

Republica,

Altered Images, Johnny Hates Jazz, Rozalla, Lucy Spraggan, Dreadzone & Urban Cookie Collective as well as a whole host of local talent.

Competition For your chance to win a weekend family ticket (worth ÂŁ250 - 2 Adults & 3 teenage (13-17yrs)) to Mello Festival, which includes camping from

Answer: Name:

the Friday to the Monday, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Where is Mello Festival taking place?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Mello SWN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 26th April 2017.

ISSUE TWELVE

46

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

Address: Tel: Email:

If you do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Mello Festival please tick this box

HANSONS FREE ANTIQUES VALUATION DAYS A vibrant valuation day at the new Hansons' location of Bishop's Cleeve near Cheltenham saw a

A

variety of high value jewellery and Arts and Crafts apprentice pieces.

mid Century diamond and ruby dress ring estimated at

known Arts and Crafts furniture designer Ernest William Gimson

ÂŁ800 to ÂŁ1200 is set for Hansons Fine Art Sale together with

in 1901 and examples of his work may be seen in the Cheltenham

an unusual sporting watch. The 19th Century continental silver example was decorated with carriage racing, horse

racing and rowing sporting vignettes on a double sided dial.

Art Gallery and Museum. "We will be hosting valuation days on the last Tuesday of every month and look forward to seeing clients with unusual and good quality antiques and fine art"

"The King's Head Pub in Bishop's Cleeve is an ideal valuation

added Kate. Our next valuation day at the Kings Head Pub in

day location" commented jewellery consultant Kate Bliss. "Just a

Bishops Cleeve will be on 25th April from 11am to 4pm.

stone's throw from the Cotswolds, it was fantastic to see such highly sought after pieces as an Arts and Crafts Harry Davoll

Please contact Area Manager Carol Jones for further information

Tea Caddy." Harry Davoll was taken on as an apprentice to the well

on 07802 839915.

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47

OUR EVENTS DIARY

APRIL Friday 7th april – Thursday 4th may Julius Caesar Royal Shakespeare Company Waterside Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6BB Cost: ticket prices vary www.rsc.org.uk Friday 7th - Saturday 29th Billy Elliot Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst Street Southside Birmingham B5 4TB Cost: ticket prices vary www.birminghamhippodrome.com Saturday 8th Evesham Beer & Music Festival Evesham Rugby Club Blind Lane off Albert Road Evesham WR11 4JX Cost: contact Rugby Club for details 01234 567 890 Saturday 8th – Monday 17th Cadbury Easter Egg Trail Snowshill Manor and Garden Snowshill WR12 7JU Cost: ticket prices vary www.nationaltrust.org.uk Saturday 8th – Sunday 23rd Big Batsford Chicken Hunt

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre Moreton-in-Marsh Gloucestershire GL56 9AD Cost: ticket prices vary www.batsarb.co.uk Easter at Warwick Castle – Various activities Warwick Castle Warwick CV34 4QU Cost: ticket prices vary www.warwick-castle.com Tuesday 11th The many-sided Poetic Genius of Robert Browning Dormer Conference Centre at St Peter's Church Dormer Place Royal Leamington Spa CV32 5AA Cost: £2.50 / free for members www.leamingtonliterarysociety.org.uk Wednesday 12th Alison Rayner Quinett Stratford Arts House 14 Rother Street Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6LU Cost: ticket prices vary www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk Thursday 13th – Tuesday 18th Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Charlecote Park Charlecote Warwick CV35 9ER Cost: ticket prices vary

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Friday 14th New York Minute The White Swan 100 High Street Henley in Arden Warwickshire B95 5BY Cost: free www.thewhiteswanhotel.com Friday 14th – Saturday 15th Easter Weekend Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum Leamington Library Royal Pump Rooms Parade Leamington Spa CV32 4AA Cost: free warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms Friday 14th – Monday 17th Craft Fair The National Herb Centre Banbury Road Warmington Banbury OX17 1DF Cost: free www.herbcentre.co.uk Friday 14th – Sunday 23rd Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience Warwick Arts Centre University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL Cost: ticket prices vary www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

>>

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OUR EVENTS DIARY

Saturday 15th Superheros Breakfast The Falstaff Hotel 16 – 20 Warwick New Road Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5JQ Cost: £14.95 per child www.dbatheatre.com Latin American themed evening - Coffee, chilli and chocolate!

Talton Mill Newbold on Stour Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 8UG Cost: £20 per person www.taltonmill.co.uk Saturday 15th – Monday 17th A Victorian Easter Hill Close Gardens Bread & Meat Close Warwick Warwickshire CV34 6HF Cost: Adult £4, child £1 www.hillclosegardens.com Monday 17th The Easter Eggspress Toddington Railway Station Toddington Gloucestershire GL54 5DT Cost: Ticket prices vary www.gwsr.com The Solid Silver 60’s Show Birmingham Town Hall Victoria Square Birmingham B3 3DQ

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017

Cost: £33 - £38 per person www.thsh.co.uk/whats-on Tuesday 18th – Saturday 22nd Fantastic Mr Fox Belgrade Theatre Belgrade Square Coventry CV1 1GS Cost: ticket prices vary www.belgrade.co.uk Wednesday 19th saturday 22nd English Touring Opera - Opera That Moves Everyman Theatre Cheltenham Regent Street Cheltenham GL50 1HQ Cost: ticket prices vary Contact: 01242 572573 Saturday 22nd Maet Loaf & The Never Neverland Express Priory Theatre Rosemary Hill Kenilworth CV8 1BN Cost: £15 per person www.priorytheatre.co.uk Sunday 23rd – Sunday 30th Stratford- upon – Avon Literacy Festival Stratford Arts House 14 Rother Street Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6LU Cost: ticket prices vary www.stratlitfest.co.uk

Sunday 23rd april – Wednesday 21st June British Asparagus Festival See website for various events details Cost: ticket prices vary www.britishasparagusfestival.org Wednesday 26th april – Monday 1st May Cheltenham Jazz Festival Various venues throughout Cheltenham Cost: ticket prices vary www.cheltenhamfestivals.com Friday 28th – Tuesday 2nd Leamington Music Festival Weekend The Royal Pump Rooms Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5AA Cost: ticket prices vary www.leamingtonmusic.org Saturday 29th Open Day at the Yard Chedham's Yard Trust 2 School Road Wellesbourne CV35 9NH Cost: normal entry prices 01789 842770 Sunday 30th – Monday 1st May Stratford Motor Festival Town Centre Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6NB Cost: Free www.stratforward.co.uk

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ISSUE TWELVE SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now APRIL 2017