South Warwickshire NOW - April 2018

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Lodge's For Sale

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From £215,000

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refurbishing your kitchen tips & tricks for summer what’s in season? april 2018 | Issue 23

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HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD & DRINK • WALKS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • WHAT’S ON • COMPETITIONS

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Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

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Contents

30

APRIL 2018

HOME & GARDEN 8

Refurbish Your Kitchen

16

Classic Herbs for that Culinary Adventure

20

Nature’s Notebook

Health & Beauty 22

The Perfect Scents for Spring

24

Tips & Tricks for Summer

24

Food & Drink 30

What’s In Season?

south warwickshire

NOW

01905 723011 nowmagazine.co.uk 2nd Floor, Richardson House 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP

editor

design

House of Colour

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Deaf Direct Stratford Hearing Centre

Advertising

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

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

Contributors

Hanson Auctioneers

Front Cover: Willow Park

Mama Festivals

Genna McCann-Taylor 01905 727902 genna@pw-media.co.uk

WCS Care Group Glynis Dray Verity Elson

www.willowparkluxurylodges.co.uk

Wagon House Gardens Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

British Asparagus Festival Worcester Racecourse

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38 32 39

Golden Years 32

Helping With Hearing Loss

35

WCS Care Group

37

Impact of Hearing Loss in Social Situations

38

Walks Vale of Evesham Orchards

39

History Gordon Russell Museum

Our Events Diary

48

40

What’s on this month?

41

Hansons Auctioneers

46

Competition Wychwood Festivals

48

Steaming Asparagus

50

Competition Worcester Racecourse

competition winners Grand Designs Live J. Watkinson, Blackwell

Elemis J. Oldfield, Lowsonford

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & 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 & 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 magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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here & Now

Let’s Reduce Plastic Waste in Warwickshire

Penhurst Garden Care Home An Oxfordshire care home has been rated as one of the best in the region by its residents. Penhurst Gardens Care Home in beautiful Chipping Norton was rated as one of the top 20 care homes the region by a survey conducted on carehome.co.uk.

In doing so, it was rated highly amongst the 3,000 care homes. The home received the commendation after residents, their friends and their relatives took the time to complete reviews on the website. Matthew Berry, Penhurst Gardens Care Home’s manager, said: “We’re all just delighted with the home’s achievements so far and this recognition from family, friends and residents living in the home means so much particularly as it is derived out of their personal experience of life in the home. As a home manager, I couldn’t ask for anything more from my team – they are caring, skilled and compassionate and this is a common theme throughout the reviews and feedback we have received. I’m incredibly proud.”

The care home, in New Street, was given a good rating by the Care Quality Commission in December, with its responsiveness rated outstanding.

Meanwhile, Davina Ludlow, the chairwoman of carehome.co.uk, said: “It is the residents and their families and friends who have first-hand experience of what a care home is like, which is why we use their reviews to find the best care homes in the UK. “Their reviews reveal that many care homes are warm and sociable places, where residents can interact with others and take part in stimulating activities, looked after by staff who are caring and compassionate.” “It is such an achievement to be recognised for being a top-rated care home by the people you care for. Finding the right care home can be hard. We hope our awards help to make people’s search for a care home a bit easier.” The home is in the Porthaven Care Homes group of homes.

National Asparagus Day The first-ever official National Asparagus Day will be celebrated this year with the unveiling of the Asparagus Express Steam Train. The marking of the Vale’s favourite green vegetable will be at the start of the English Asparagus Season on Monday April 23.Traditionally, the day, which also happens to be St. George’s Day, is marked by a host of festivities to honour the first-cut round of asparagus, which is then delivered to a worthy cause. This year, the round will board the Asparagus Express at Broadway Station, being re-opened this year by the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, more than 50 years after it closed.

After a journey that will include music, entertainment and an aspara-breakfast, the round will be met at Cheltenham Racecourse Station by Bobby the Asparahorse and representatives from Cotswold Riding for The Disabled Association who plan to auction it to raise money for their charity. Anyone interested can buy tickets from www.britishasparagusfestival.org - with the chance to make the first, non-stop steam train journey from Broadway to Cheltenham in more than 100 years.

Breakfast, coffee and entertainment included within the ticket price. The day starts at 10am and the train will return to Broadway by early afternoon.

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A scheme to reduce plastic waste could be coming to Leamington. Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western has joined forces with BID Leamington to promote an idea that has already gained traction in other parts of the country. The ‘Refill’ scheme which currently operates in Banbury, coordinates participating cafes, bars, restaurants, banks, galleries, museums and other businesses to simply place a notice in their window to display they are part of the scheme and passers-by are free to refill their water bottles. Mr Western said: “I am pressing for a ‘Refill’ scheme for the local area by working with local businesses and BID Leamington to reduce the number of plastic water bottles being used each year.

“This is an opportunity to have new water fountains installed in public places but the scheme works readily with participating cafes, shops, hotels and others that are willing to refill local residents’ water bottles for free. “This will also facilitate a wider conversation about reusable materials and ensuring an environmentally sustainable future.

“We need to drastically reduce the amount of plastic we use in order to help protect our environment and this is an innovative local strategy that should be introduced.

“It is a simple and completely free scheme which can radically reduce the number of water bottles being sold locally.” A free mobile phone app will show people where they can refill on the go and people can add refill stations to the map. Stephanie Kerr, executive director of BID Leamington, said: “We are very keen to support local initiatives that will result in a reduction of plastic bottles and cups being thrown away.

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Home & Garden

h s i b r K u f r e u R o Y

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Home & Garden

Paint Your Cabinets Before starting a kitchen paint job, empty the cabinets, clear off the counters, and remove freestanding appliances.

Relocate tables and other furniture to another room. Mask up the countertops and cover the flooring, and tape plastic sheeting over the splashback, windows, fixed appliances, and interior doorways. Mask off the wall around the cabinets. Finally, set up a worktable for painting doors, drawers, and shelves. In kitchens the key to a good paint job is surface prep. “Old cabinets are covered with everything from hand oils to greasy cooking residue, “You’ve got to get all that off or the paint won’t stick.”

Install new worktops Worktops can be reasonably easy to replace so this can be done as a DIY project to save money. But be very careful, worktops are not cheap and getting a neat finish in a mitered corner is not as easy as it looks, especially if the walls are not straight.

Even if going the DIY route, if you have a built-in gas oven or hobs then then you’ll need an approved Gas Safe engineer to remove and then re-install it after the worktops have been fitted.

There are many different materials used to make worktops, but laminate worktops are the most popular type in the UK however there are so many options it can be hard to choose which material would suit your lifestyle best – wood, natural n 10 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

or engineered stone, stainless steel or marble?

Whichever worktop you do choose will have a huge impact on your kitchen, in terms of both visual appeal and function. Manmade composite worktops made from minerals and resin offer a smooth and durable surface in a huge range of colours. Concrete work surfaces are very cool right now and there’s a surprisingly large range of colours to choose from. However, it’s not terribly robust and needs expansion joints so is not seamless.

Update your kitchen floor Kitchen flooring might need to be practical and hardwearing, but there’s no need for it to be dull.

From painted floorboards to geometric patterns, there is a kitchen flooring material to suit every style. As kitchens often blend with dining areas into larger, open-plan spaces, kitchen flooring can be a great way of uniting different areas of the room, creating a cohesive finish. Modern porcelain tiles tend to be the most hard-wearing choice for kitchen flooring, as they are waterproof, stain resistant and scratchproof, as well as easy to clean.

Natural stone will last a lifetime if properly installed and treated, but it’s porous and must be sealed.

Solid and engineered wood floors are warm and offer character, but tend to be less durable, although solid floors can often be refinished a number of times.

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Home & Garden

Wooden ov er

mantle avai lable from Tw yford Co oker s of Leom inster

Improve kitchen storage

contrasting shade to give the space instant drama and

Store away clutter, whether it’s on your shelves, in the

depth. If your walls are already painted a bright hue, try

cabinets or on the worktop – clutter is the enemy of a

a complementary colour a few shades darker or lighter

small kitchen space. Drawers and a narrow larder can

on the feature wall.

help to maximise the amount of storage space available, which allows you to hide away ingredients, utensils and crockery, keeping worktops and shelving clean and clear.

Be brave, be bold and follow your gut instincts – and most importantly, have fun!

That’s not to say nothing should be on display. Statement

Change your cabinet doors and handles

pieces like freestanding mixers will add to the design of

Changing the cupboard hardware is one of the easiest

the room; daily essentials such as kettles and toasters

ways to spruce up your kitchen! Since the beginning

are impractical to pack away, and fresh flowers, herbs

of the 80s the sizes of cupboard handles have been

and other small decorative items will keep the room

standardised. The distance between the screw holes

feeling homely, so display them all sparingly. Adding

is called CC-size. CC stands for centre to centre, ie.

hanging racks close to action add interest and are great

the distance between the centre of one screw hole to

storage.

the centre of the other screw hole. Start by measuring

Create a feature wall The wall you choose to highlight should ideally be the space to which your eye is first drawn when you enter the room. Avoid walls with doors or windows if you can, as they’ll tend to detract from the effect you’re trying to create. Be brave with your paint colours. If your room is already a neutral colour, choose a strong n 12 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

the distance between the screw holes. The easiest way to do that is by opening the cupboard/drawer and then measure the distance between the center of the screws on the backside. Measure the distance in millimetres between the two screws. The most common measurements are 64 mm, 96 mm, 128 mm and 160 mm Continued over the page

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Home & Garden

Liven up your scheme with accessories Accessories will brighten your kitchen in an instant and you can choose a theme to bring the look together. Display selected items on open shelving and think about reorganising your worktop so you only have your favourites on show. If you have a dresser, this is the perfect place to show off neat stacks of crockery, cups and glassware.

Use new fabrics From new seat cushions for tired old chairs to pretty blinds and tablecloths, fabrics can work wonders and don’t have to cost the earth. Oilcloth table coverings are also back in fashion.

Buy new appliances New appliances and can refresh your kitchen without changing any of the furniture. You’ll need to ensure that they will fit into the existing space, though,. Freestanding appliances can be replaced more easily. Also, consider upgrading to energyefficient models to save on gas or electricity.

Install extra lighting Shed new light on a kitchen scheme by incorporating dramatic ceiling lights. Oversized metal pendants are the perfect way to make a statement and introduce an industrial feel. Hang them over a table or island to create a focal point and provide both task and mood lighting. If

you choose a smaller design, follow the interior designers and hang them in threes for maximum impact.

Update kitchen walls Valspar Premium Blend v700 Walls & Ceilings is a paint and primer in one, giving you an exceptional finish in half the time. It has excellent scrubbability and great stain resistance means Blend v700™ withstands the toughest household stains from felt tips to black coffee, making it perfect for busy homes and high-traffic rooms. Valspar has over 2,000 pre-mixed colours and a colour matching service, so you can take anything you’d like into store and have it colour matched. Valspar is exclusively sold at B&Q, and costs £25.20 for 2.5L. Refresh the sink Sinks add distinctive character to a kitchen and you can change the feel of yours in an instant by adding a white butler sink for a country look, a stainless steel design for a contemporary feel or a distinctive copper one to make a real statement. Think carefully about how you use your sink – you might find one with a large double bowl or an integrated drainer is more practical if you don’t have a dishwasher. n

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Home & Garden

Classic Herbs

For That Culinary Adventure Every garden should have a plentiful supply of fresh herbs.

They are so easy to grow and you can fill your herb bed with interesting scents together with the added luxury of your own fresh grown herbs for your culinary needs... fresh chopped Coriander on your curry is truly sensational.

A dedicated herb bed or border can be so beneficial just outside the kitchen door, and so handy for easy pickings. Many will grow happily in pots or window boxes but can just as easily be inserted between other plants in your borders, if space is limited herbs do well in containers. Many herbs such as Rosemary are evergreen, originating in warm mediterranean climates preferring well drained soils, they actually thrive on neglect, requiring little fertiliser and crop really well without much feeding. Soft herbs like Basil and Coriander have to be sown annually as they will not overwinter and they also need a little more watering, then Chives which are easy to establish and maintain do need plenty of water and do need a moisture retentive spot in a sunny or semi shade position, all classic herbs for that culinary adventure.

Early April onwards is a good time to establish your herb garden for the summer months that lie ahead providing you with a never ending supply through to the autumn.The soil is warming up and your newly planted mature plants will quickly become established.

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Home & Garden

These will be pot grown from a nursery, do not be tempted to plant the fresh herb type from a supermarket as they are different and although they have roots they are grown specially for cutting and using from a window cill.

Generally pest free organically grown herbs encourage wildlife into the garden enhancing your gardens ecology, many are Bee friendly too. With little effort you can end up with a fragrant part of your garden with varying colours of foliage and flowers in all shades of pink through to deep purple.

Growing your own herbs has never been easier so make this a filled year. n Karl Strawbridge Wagon House Gardens, The Jinney Ring Craft Centre Tel: 01527 821421

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nature

Showery Weather

Walking With Wildlife and Wriggly Worms!

The truth behind April showers Do you know why showers are actually different to rain? Rain falls from weather fronts, the boundary between different bodies of air. Clouds forming at these boundaries may be stratus, alto stratus or nimbostratus and can cover hundreds of miles. So it’s hard to avoid frontal rain as it can stretch across large areas!

In contrast showers fall from a specific cloud type called cumulus - tall, fluffy clouds which reach high up into the atmosphere. The tallest of these are cumulonimbus and can be thousands of metres tall, gathering ice rather than water droplets. But when they form they are short-lived, sometimes only lasting tens of minutes; which explains why showers can be sudden and brief!

But how do these clouds form and why do we get more of them in April? It’s partly the jet stream driving low pressure weather systems towards the UK but also the temperature of the air and the sea. The sea and air are still cool after winter but the days are longer and the sun is higher in the sky generating heat on the ground. This hot air then rises, cools and condenses into the towering clouds that cause our seasonal showers.

Get your nature fix!

Whatever the weather, nature reserves are the perfect place to keep active while getting a nature fix! Research by the University of Essex showed that contact with a wide range of natural environments can provide multiple benefits for health and wellbeing. And the government has set a target for us all – the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines is to do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week.

Those of us that achieve this gain health benefits, including n 20 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

a reduced risk of dementia, depression, diabetes, and improved mental health. Walking is still the most popular activity so if you can enjoy the natural world and even spot some wildlife at the same time you’ll get double the benefits! Get outdoors and enjoy the spring weather we’ve all been waiting for!

The world of worms Worms are the unsung heroes of the invertebrate world and are more fascinating than they might appear. Instead of eyes they simply have cells which sense light levels helping them work out if they’re underground or above ground. Having no lungs, they breathe through their skin but it must be kept moist as their surface mucus helps absorb oxygen. They’re also important; earthworms raise soil fertility and help store carbon by mixing dead plant material into the soil.

We have 27 species of earthworm in the UK and three main types. Deep-living worms are dark reddish-brown, grow up to 30cm long and dig long vertical burrows which they drag leaves into. Surface-feeding earthworms don’t make burrows but live near the soil surface, feeding on dead leaves and creating compost. Soil-feeding earthworms are pale, usually pink, but can have a blue or green tint and they’re great for gardeners as they mix air into the soil and improve drainage.

So pull up some paving, plant a new border and invest in a lush green lawn and you’ll be creating new habitat for these amazing creatures. n

Louise Barrack, Communications Officer Warwickshire Wildlife Trust #staywild

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Health & Beauty

The Perfect Scents

for Spring...

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2

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Health & Beauty

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1. chanel

3. MUGLER

In 2018, COCO MADEMOISELLE is reclaiming its territory. Remaining true to its oriental origins, COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum Intense is for all those who wholeheartedly embrace their folly, their passion and their excessiveness with an open smile. A captivating fragrance that makes a strong impact, with no intention of being forgotten. A creation for women who always want more...

The quintessence of Alien Flora Futura is the symbiosis between the crisp, green freshness of “Buddha’s Hand” and the extraordinary rarity of the “Queen of the Night” flower that only blooms for one night.

£82.00

2. L’OCCITANE The iconic Terre de Lumiere bottle blossoms with powder pink hues to reflect the light of dawn in Provence. Enclosed within is a delicate fragrance that breathes serenity.

It’s the scent of daybreak, of that beautiful moment when the sun’s rays emerge gently over the horizon. Inspired by Provence at first light, the serene notes of this tender, floral fragrance evolve slowly, giving each accord the time to reveal itself fully, like the unfolding dawn...

£49.00 - 50ml £65.00 - 90ml

Alien Futurais contained within a talisman-like bottle featuring original architectural shapes, which encapsulates this incredibly precious “flower of the future.” It has changed its hue, departing from the amethyst tones of the iconic bottle to embrace an even more feminine orangey-pink to evoke the dawn sky, the prelude to a kinder, more optimistic day during which everything becomes possible: loving, believing, dreaming, being true to oneself...

£42.00 - 30ml £52.00 - 60ml

4. DIPTYQUE Diptyque will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their first personal fragrance, L’Eau, with the launch of Fleur de Peau, developed by perfumer Olivier Pescheux.

In ancient Greece, one myth stood out as the most passionate and sensual: the love between Psyche and Eros, the beauty’s quest to meet with her lover and the happy outcome of their union which led to the birth of their daughter, Hedone... Only one scent can convey this legend as a fragrance, that of musks. Equally legendary, they have the unique ability to enhance the skin with their arousing carnal accents. They are at the very heart of Fleur de Peau, as cottony and light as they are soft and moist. Highlighted with the elegantly powdery iris and fruity, ambery ambrette seeds, they reveal their full tactile dimension.

£115.00

5. CHANTECAILLE Blossoming Brazilian gardenia adds a feminine floral touch to this Le Wild Eau de Parfum from CHANTECAILLE, while Casablanca lily, tuberose and jasmine mingle to create an ethereal floral veil. Lastly, sensual ambergris and creamy musk wrap the fragrance in glowing warmth, releasing the dreamy potency of each individual bloom.

£40 - 20ml £100 - 50ml

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Health & Beauty

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Barbour International Bearings Jacket, £139 Barbour International Bearings Tee, £32.95 Barbour International Bearings Scrambler Skinny, £79.95 n n 24 24 || South South Warwickshire Warwickshire and and North North Cotswolds Cotswolds Now Now || Issue Issue 23 23 || April April 2018 2018

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Health & Beauty Barbour Leathen Dress, £149, Barbour Glentrothes Tote, £59.95

The streamlined look - jeggings, leggings, skinny and straight jeans seems to have been with us forever, doesn’t it? It’s because that pared-back silhouette is a trend. A fashion trend lasts for several seasons, sometimes years - unlike a craze, which comes and goes within a few months.

Top tip: if you get used to these trends early on,

So I want to share with you an overview of the latest looks and tip you off about the new long-term trends that are on the horizon And yes, you’ve guessed it: roomier, wide-legged trousers are going to be here for a while. The mid-length is also spreading, for dresses and skirts as well as jackets and coats.

also pretty feminine prints with utility details like

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you can make some very smart buys right at the start, and update your whole wardrobe for months to come.

Tropical Utility: if you like to make a statement, you can team exotic bold prints with safari jackets and wide-legged or cropped trousers. There are metal poppers and D-rings, giving your outfit an edgier feel.

Continued over the page

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Health & Beauty Transformed Traditions: traditional tailored silhouettes are updated with asymmetric shapes, twisting and draping and lots of colour blocking.

Layering is still big this season, so jackets and cardigans will come in handy to take your day outfit through to the evening.

Elevated Basics: This look is all about the details that transform a trusted pair of jeans into something smarter carrying on the hi-lo trend from last season. Quick reminder: hi-lo is when you mix the opulent - ruffles, embellishment, silk with a casual look, like a denim or a sweatshirt. So statement jeans, with floral embroidery, sequins and lace, make a return from last season.

Summertime Bright: put your sun specs on! For high summer, dazzle with bold colours in one piece

dresses and jumpsuits or two-piece ‘dresses’ with the skirt and top in the same fabric and pattern.

Have fun mixing and matching with separates in other colours from your palette.

Springtime Whimsy: if sheer fabrics and ruffles are your thing, you’ll love this. Think florals, pastel colours and delicate cut-out details. The silhouettes will define the waist with flattering fit-and-flare shapes. Asymmetry is also big this season, with hi-lo hems on dresses and skirts and one-shoulder tops. n Keep watching for more tips and trends Jane Brook House of Colour Jane.brook@houseofcolour.co.uk 07070 293341

Barbour International Triple Sweat, £69.95 Barbour International Hairpin Skinny, £79.95 n n 28 28 || South South Warwickshire Warwickshire and and North North Cotswolds Cotswolds Now Now || Issue Issue 23 23 || April April 2018 2018

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Food & drink

What's in Season

In the Farm Shops?

Jersey Royals have been grown on Jersey for 140 years. Today there are approximately 20 island farmers who grow Jersey Royals, many of whom grow potatoes and no other crops. The potatoes are grown on approximately 16,500 vergees (approx. 7,300 acres). The Jersey soil is light and well drained and many farmers still use seaweed harvested from Jersey beaches as a natural fertilizer (it is known locally as Vraic). Jersey has some of the most formidable tidal flows in the world, and the strong movement of the sea deposits large quantities of vraic on the shore. The practice of using vraic on the land dates back to the 12th century.

lifted, with mechanical harvesters used only for

The Jersey Royal season begins in November with planting under glass. The main outdoor crop is planted from January to April with harvesting from the end of March through to the July. The peak of the season is May, when up to 1,500 tonnes of Royals can be exported daily.

Potatoes planted on the early slopes are hand

origin in much the same way that France was

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the later, flatter fields. The fields on slopes near the coast - known as côtils - are so steep that almost all the work is done by hand.

Once harvested, the level of care continues at each stage. Jersey Royals are checked twice by workers and quality controllers before being packed and loaded into refrigerated trailers for export. The potatoes are harvested, graded, packed and shipped daily to ensure that consumers are buying them when they are at their freshest and finest.

Besides being unique to Jersey, the Jersey Royal enjoys EU protection of designation of granted sole use of the word ‘champagne’. The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is an official recognition granted by the EU to protect the product as it is produced in its country of origin.

In other words, if a batch of potatoes doesn’t have the PDO it isn’t the genuine article. n

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact one of our sales team.

Jess Keare

Genna McCann-Taylor

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

Tel: 01905 727902 Email: genna@pw-media.co.uk

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golden years

Helping with

Hearing Loss What is tinnitus?

Who gets tinnitus?

Tinnitus comes from the Latin word

It is a misconception that tinnitus only affects

for ‘ringing’ and is the awareness

the elderly. Tinnitus can affect anyone and at

of sound when no actual sound is present. The

any time. Some children are even born with it.

sounds themselves vary from person to person

Mild tinnitus is common and most people will

and there can be multiple sounds heard at the

get a form of tinnitus at some point in their

same time. It may be in either ear, both ears, in

lives. Approximately 10% of the population

the head or be difficult to pinpoint its location.

has tinnitus continuously and 1% of adults have

For some people the sounds are very gentle and can only be heard in a quiet room. For others

it more severely with their quality of life being affected.

the sounds are extremely loud and can make

What causes tinnitus?

it difficult to hear external noises over them.

Tinnitus is not a disease, but a non-specific

They may be low, medium or high pitched,

symptom that can be brought on by a mental or

continuous or come and go in varying intervals.

physical ‘change’, not necessarily related to the

Some of the common sounds are: • Ringing • Whistling • Heart beat (pulsatile tinnitus) • Music or singing • Hissing • Grinding • Humming • Buzzing n 32 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

auditory system or hearing. It has many different causes and the precise cause of an individual’s tinnitus may never be fully understood, but it is important to establish what triggers the tinnitus, whether there are particular times of the day when it’s more noticeable, and whether there is anything that makes it better or worse.

Continued over the page

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education golden years

Some of the common causes are: • Hearing loss • Blow to the head • Earwax build up • Ear injuries • Ear diseases and infections • Stress • Exposure to loud noises Visiting the GP Tinnitus is rarely an indication of a serious disorder, but it is wise to see a doctor if tinnitus is suspected. The GP may make a referral to an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist. Some GPs are more informed on tinnitus than others so it is important to explain the affect the tinnitus is having on everyday life, i.e. stress, inability to concentrate, lack of sleep, depression etc.

What is the treatment for tinnitus?

There is currently no cure and no surgical interventions or medication available. There are however a number of ways in which you can manage your tinnitus and it may be possible to treat the underlying cause. There is no single treatment for tinnitus that works in the same way for everyone. Tinnitus itself is a condition n 34 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

that isn’t harmful and may improve over time.

Most people learn to live with tinnitus, although it can often have a significant impact on day-today life.

What else can be done?

If a specific cause can’t be found, the focus will be on managing the condition on a daily basis. If the noises seem louder at quiet times, background noise such as music or the television can help distract from the sound of tinnitus.

Keeping busy Many people notice tinnitus less when they are doing something, so keeping occupied helps.

Specialist equipment At night listening to natural relaxing sounds, such as the sound of rain or the ocean, can also help. Environmental sound generators are small electronic devices that produce these types of soothing sounds. These can be bought on the internet and from specialists such as Action on Hearing Loss.

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Relaxation Most people report a worsening in tinnitus when they are anxious, stressed or tired.

Learning to relax is one of the most useful things you can do if you have tinnitus.

Counselling Understanding tinnitus is also very important. Tinnitus counselling involves discussing the condition with a specialist counsellor. As well as learning about the condition, the counsellor will be able to suggest ways of dealing with it. Practicing relaxation and taking time out can also be agreat help. n Where can I get more information?

The British Tinnitus Association www.tinnitus.org.uk Action on Hearing Loss www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk Hearing Link www.hearinglink.org/tinnitus NHS www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tinnitus Deaf Direct Head Office 36 Widemarsh Street, Hereford, HR4 9EP Call: 01905 746301 Email: info@deafdirect.org.uk www.deafdirect.org.uk

n 36 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

golden years

Impact of Hearing Loss

in Social Situations

Did you know that the one thing that separates us from all other living creatures on earth is the human ability to communicate through language? Our senses of speech and hearing are critical to our communication process.

Language and communication through speech and hearing are essential to allow us to exchange our thoughts, explain ourselves, share emotions and relate to others our perception of our life experience and our feelings for them. Therefore, the loss of hearing or speech is devastating to our ability to communicate.

When we cannot communicate with others, our life experience begins to suffer.

Some common social problems for people with untreated hearing loss include: • Isolation and withdrawal • Inattentiveness • Bluffing • Depression • Loneliness • Distraction/Lack of concentration

• • • •

Problems at work - may have to give up working/retire Problems participating in social life and reduced social activity Problems communicating with friends and relatives Loss of intimacy

Therefore, it is vitally important to pursue some options for hearing rehabilitation. In most instances, hearing aid technologies will solve the problem. Professional audiologists can often restore a person’s ability to hear and understand speech with precision, comfort, and great quality of sound.

To regain the ability to hear and understand clearly with intervention via hearing aid technology is a positive and simple way to avoid the downward spiral of separation, isolation, and depression, thus significantly improving the quality of one’s life. n

To book your full hearing assessment call 01789 264111 or e-mail at office@stratfordhearingcentre.co.uk Stratford Hearing Centre 4 The Minories, Henley Street, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 6NF www.stratfordhearingcentre.co.uk

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keeping active Start / Finish: The Walk starts and ends at Evesham Railway Station.

Public Transport: Nearest railway station is at Evesham. Please use ‘Traveline’.

Bus Station is 10 mins walk from Railway Station.

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

O/S Map: Explorer 205 Distance: The main walk is 7 miles (optional extra mile). Short walk 4 miles. (see ‘sketch-map’) – go left at point 2, backwards along ‘The Squires’ from point 9 to 8 then follow main walk directions.

Vale of Evesham Orchards

Time: Allow all day so that you can spend some time at the ‘Evesham Vale Light Railway’ or retail area called ‘The Valley’. The shorter route is a half-day walk.

Refreshments: There are numerous eating places in Evesham and plenty of picnic spots. There are also cafes and restaurants at ‘The Valley’ Country Centre at Twyford.

Terrain: The route is a mixure of level sections and gradual gradients, no really steep climbs involved. Waterproof boots or comfortable ‘Wellies’ are essential in winter or wet weather. There are several kiss-gates and narrow paths so the walk is unsuitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs but Evesham and the River Avon are accessible.

History: There are orchards old and new all along the route - some have survived from what was a boom industry in apples, pears and plums. There is a recent revival in the planting of new orchards on the sunny slopes of the Avon.

The restored tower and a perimeter wall are all that remain of the extensive Evesham Abbey but in Norton Church you can see the lectern believed to have come from there. At ‘The Valley’ at Twyford there is a ‘Light Railway’ opened in August 2002, its oldest engine dating from 1970. The short walk and additional walk explores the grounds of ‘Abbey Manor House’ now private apartments with a permissive walk to enable visitors to view Simon-de-Montfort’s (Earl of Leicester) Tower and the obelisk in memory of those who fell in the Battle of Evesham in 1265.

1. Leaving Evesham Station, go up station approach, across main road and left up Greenhill. After 1/3 mile cross Collinsfield taking footpath on right to old orchard. Curve left along top of orchard with views across Avon Valley. Take small gate into field walking northwards to lane where you turn right.

2. As you walk down towards river, you will see a large orchard on your left. Shortly track narrows to footpath but once horse-drawn traffic would have brought goods over a bridge from Offenham, up this slope and along ‘The Squires’ towards Pershore. Cross stepstile into field, walk down left side parallel to by-pass. Go over stile, through gate and across by-pass (A46). Be patient, there are breaks in traffic. Go over stile and through gate opposite. Walk down old railway track for short distance and through wooden kissing-gate on right. Turn immediately left and walk along top edge of field to gate into woodland. Cross planked footbridge. Shortly turn left up to old railway track then right for ½ mile. (Note: paths in this area are subject to review so please follow way-markers).

3. Up track on left is ‘The Valley’ country centre (WC) with orchard rides on Evesham Vale Light Railway and cafes and restaurants.

Please return to point 3 on walk. In dry weather there is a ‘right of way’ northwards along river-bank.

4. In ½ mile the path curves westwards, crosses small bridge then goes left through large gate and climbs across several fields via stiles and gates to A46. Walk left along verge for 20 yards then cross with utmost care to way-marker opposite. Climb bank, cross stile and go through kissing-gate on right. Walk parallel to A46 for 300 yards to kissing-gate, through 2nd gate on left and up path to Norton, crossing to pretty Norton Lane and Church.

5. Take path left of Church gate to Evesham Road (B4088). Turn right to turning towards Lenchwick. After 300 yards, walk diagonally across ‘Phoenix Park’ then across next field exiting between houses.

6. Walk 10 yards right crossing to footpath between houses. Walk straight towards ‘Tunnel Hill’ with mast. Cross footbridge, walk beneath pylon lines, through barns, over footbridge then up swathe of grass between solar panels. Cross stile and walk with woodland n 38 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

on left and orchard on right. Cross track then walk down slope with hedge and orchards on right 7. Turn left along wide verge of A44 to roundabout at Chadbury Farm Shop. Cross Evesham Road to cycle path opposite along ‘The Squires’. You will see Lord Leicester’s Tower on right.

8. On right is optional extra mile along a permissive path that leads to tower and round grounds of Abbey Manor House to obelisk. You need to retrace your steps back to point 8 then walk along ‘The Squires’, with vast orchards on your left, to ‘Greenhill’.

9. Walk down ‘Greenhill’ to turning on right to see ‘Battle Well’ and ‘Battlefield’ where Battle of Evesham took place.

10. Walk down ‘Greenhill’ to Railway Station where walk ends. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

Living History

Gordon Russell

Museum

A museum in Broadway devoted to one of the twentieth century’s most influential furniture designers, Sir Gordon Russell (1892-1980) is this year celebrating its 10th anniversary, having been officially opened by Sir Terence Conran on 4th April 2008.

Reflecting on Gordon Russell’s considerable influence, he observed that ‘Gordon Russell’s multifacted career should be an inspiration to everybody’, adding that ‘he was the first man to understand that design had a major effect on people’s quality of life.’

prolific he was. During the period that Gordon Russell was

In Broadway today, the Russell name appears on buildings, and in the names of squares and streets, hinting at the important role the village and its inhabitants played in shaping British design history. It is in the Gordon Russell Design Museum, based the original Grade II listed workshop, that the remarkable story of Gordon Russell and his company is revealed.

self respect, a sound knowledge of old furniture, and an

The story begins in 1904, when Gordon Russell’s father bought The Lygon Arms Hotel, moving his young family to Broadway.

It was in the small workshop dedicated to the restoration of antiques for the hotel that Gordon Russell immersed himself in the history and craftsmanship of furniture, which together with the rich Arts and Crafts traditions of the area fired his imagination. It was his experiences in the First World War however that went on to shape his design philosophy. As he described in his autobiography, ‘my generation, which had destroyed so much lovely work, had a constructive duty to perform; somehow or other we had to hand on to those coming after us good things of our own creation.’

1930s, designing buildings, furniture and fabrics inspired by

The influence of the Arts and Crafts movement can be seen in one of the earliest pieces in the museum, the beautifully detailed Paris Cabinet which cemented the reputation of the Broadway workshops and its craftsmen, winning the Gold Medal at the Paris International Exhibition in 1925. Where Gordon Russell differed from many of his predecessors and contemporaries however, was his willingness to embrace new technologies. Gordon Russell believed that it was through a blend of hand and machine - by ‘teaching the machine manners’ as he put it - that good design could be made affordable, and accessible to all.

Knighted for his services to design in 1955.

The original plan chest of design drawings on display in the museum, numbered from 1 - 1,000 hints at just how

designing, he averaged between 2 and 3 designs per week including furniture, glassware and metalwork, and was completely self-taught. As he put it:’I had no qualifications beyond a burning belief that my own age might recover its interest in the possibilities of the machine.’

It was this ability to embrace new ideas that ensured the company remained at the forefront of British design.

Gordon’s brother Dick Russell, and Dick Russell’s wife Marian Pepler took the company in a new direction from the European Modernism. The company continued to work with many of the leading national and international designers of the day, and with a long-established apprenticeship scheme had a highly skilled workforce, eventually employing over 250 craftsmen and women in the Broadway workshops.

Gordon Russell went on to become Director of the Council for Industrial Design (now the Design Council) and in his role as Chairman of the Utility Furniture Advisory Committee during the Second World War, his aim to design furniture that was affordable for all found new expression. He was

The museum provides a fascinating snapshot of twentieth century design along with a changing programme of exhibitions and events, while the museum shop brings the story up to the present day with the work of contemporary designer-makers. The aim of the museum is not only to reveal the stories of the past but also - through its education programme and support for young furniture designers - to inspire the next generation, and continue Gordon Russell’s legacy as a champion of design education. n Verity Elson, Curator Plan your visit at www.gordonrusselldesignmuseum.org

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What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH SWAN THEATRE, WATERSIDE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, CV37 7LS

APRIL Tuesday 3rd - Sunday 15th Easter Holidays: Family Craft Activities Coventry Transport Museum, Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry CV1 1JD Over the Easter holidays there will be several drop in sessions. The crafts will take place in the Learning Centre on the first floor by the Future Technology gallery.

For more information: http://www.transport-museum.com/ events/1321/easter_holidays_family_ craft_activities

mischief-making and mind-bending plot twists with a sharp satirical and distinctly female wit. Her colourful cast of characters dupe and dissemble as the intrigue builds.

Will Mrs Rich ever squeeze her way into high society? www.rsc.org.uk

Friday 6th April Thursday 14th June The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich – Mary Pix Swan Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7LS Mrs Rich, a wealthy widow, aspires to rub shoulders with the great and good and perhaps even gain a title. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one after Sir John Roverhead!

Unlike Aphra Behn, a fellow female playwright from the late 1600s, Mary Pix has been almost lost to history. But like Behn’s The Rover, a sell-out success in early 2017, Pix’s comedy of manners combines

Sunday 8th Coventry & Warwickshire Spring Foraging Courses Bubbenhall Wood Bubbenhall, Warwick, CV8 3BH This course is a simple foraging walk where we hope to be able to identify a selection of edible and poisonous plants, fruits and wild mushrooms. These ancient woodland contrasts beautifully with the new meadow to give us a very diverse selection of plants. We will meet at the

n 40 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

car park at 12pm where the course starts with a 20 minute introduction on how to forage safely and sustainably, and a brief of the general countryside codes where they relate to foragers. We will then set off for an est. 2.5 hour walk around Bubbenhall Wood, where we will identify a selection of edible and poisonous wild plants and perhaps some mushrooms. It will start at 12:00 and finish at 15.30. We’ll stop for some refreshments along the way such as our homemade hogweed and wild garlic soup. Afterwards we will head back and cook up a wild food lunch based around our finds, such as a wild salad we’ll pick on the day or a wild garlic pesto. After the course, we will email you the details of the plants and mushrooms we find to help you to remember what you have learnt. This is an identification course, where we will pick sparingly for identification purposes and for the meal at the end only. There are limited spaces available so please book your tickets online.

Ticket prices: Adults £45, under 16’s £22.50, under 12’s free.

While we welcome dogs on most of our courses, at this venue they must be kept on a lead at all times.

Please dress for all weathers and don’t forget to bring your camera!

Suffragette Game Unearthed in Warwickshire

Shows How Advanced Women Activists Were More Than 100 Years Ago

A century-old game unearthed in Warwickshire to support the suffragette movement has been described as a ‘wonderful find’.

Pank-a-Squith was made to fund and

The discovery, made in the year Britain marks the 100th anniversary of some women winning the right to vote, was found at a free antiques valuation day.

and, at the throw of a dice, the player follows

The dice game called Pank-a-Squith was named after Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the British suffragette movement, and her adversary Herbert Asquith, prime minister from 1908-1916.

Mr Keightley said: “Object like this show how

promote the suffragette movement. It is essentially a version of snakes and ladders.

There are six suffragette figures in the game instructions such as: ‘Dodges the police and must go back to her home on square number 1’.

He advocated denying women the right to vote. Despite his views, the Representation of the People Act 1918 gave women over 30 the right to vote.

Jon

Keightley,

advanced the suffragettes were in terms of making merchandise to back their cause.”

Hansons hold free monthly valuation events in Knowle, Stratford on Avon, Kenilworth and Bishops Cleeve. To find out more, call Carol

valuer

for

Derbyshire’s

Jones on 07802 839915.

Hansons Auctioneers, found the game at a valuation event held by the firm at The Malt

The suffragette game will be sold at

House, The Rookery, Alveston, Stratford.

Hansons Auctioneers, Heage Lane, Etwall,

He said: “It’s a wonderful find. The game

Derbyshire, on March 27 with an estimate of

isn’t complete as it is lacking the board. It

£100. n

dates back to around 1909.”

Hanson’s Auctioneers

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What's On Friday 13th Head Gardener’s Walk Hill Close Gardens, Bread and Meat Close, Warwick CV34 6HF Come and join the Gardens Supervisor in an informal walk round Hill Close Gardens, which are under his professional care. The focus of the walk is on plants of seasonal interest as well as the new developments in both planting schemes and layout of the different individual gardens. The walks are tailored to match the interest of the participants with plenty of time for discussion and questions. Old varieties of vegetables are grown and are for sale when in season. The Gardens also have a valuable collection of more than 60 different varieties of apples and pears.

Admission Prices: Adults £4.50, children 5-16years £1, includes garden trail and children under 5 years free and members are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dogs (except assistance dogs) are not allowed. Members of HCG & RHS have free admission. www.hillclosegardens.com

Monday 16th - Thursday 19th Phantom Thread Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, CV4 7AL Set in the glamour of 1950s post-war London, renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Day-Lewis) and his sister Cyril (Manville) are at the centre of British fashion, dressing royalty, movie stars and socialites in their distinct style. Women come and go through Woodcock’s life, providing the bachelor with inspiration and companionship, until he comes across a young, strong-willed woman, Alma (Krieps). As she becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover, Woodcock finds his once controlled and planned life disrupted by love.

Tickets: £9 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Friday 20th Dungeon Lates Warwick Castle, Warwick, CV34 4QU 7PM – Midnight Get your blood pumping with our all NEW Dungeon Lates.

Blending scary storytelling with wicked humour and manic theatrics, this gory production is a strictly adults-only affair, mixing special effects with live performance

Immersion proudly bring their trademark

art.

To book, please email our Events Team on Events@warwick-castle.com or call 01926 406 660.

the chance to meet the characters after

Saturday 21st The Jungle Book – 4.30 pm Evesham Arts Centre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham WR11 4QH Following the success of Alice in Wonderland, Immersion Theatre are thrilled to be returning in 2018 for a fourth year with their brand new musical adaptation of family favourite, THE JUNGLE BOOK!

n 42 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

style and energy to their wildest show yet, filled with catchy music, a laugh-out-loud script, audience interaction and of course, the show. So join Mowgli, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther on a madcap adventure in the jungle as they meet and attempt to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys and the fierce tiger, Shere Khan!

Funny, exciting and wildly entertaining, this larger-than-life musical promises to be the perfect treat for families of all ages! Ticket prices £10.50 and £8.50 for concessions. www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk/thejungle-book

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What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Stratford Literary Festival

Sunday 22nd - Sunday 29th April

Sunday 22nd - Sunday 29th Stratford Literary Festival Celebrating its 11th year in 2018, The Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival is an exciting mixture of debate, ideas, celebrity author events, workshops and humour. Alongside this is a programme of education events in Stratford and local schools involving favourite authors, poets and illustrators, entertaining and inspiring children from 2 to 18.

and the ancient tradition of well dressing. It is all set amongst the brick summerhouses, flower borders, vegetables, fruit trees and auricula theatres which make up Hill Close Gardens.

We will be serving light refreshments in our cafe overlooking the gardens, and there is a large greenhouse and plant sales area www.hillclosegardens.com

Monday 7th May The Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival is the highlight of the regional calendar and one of the most significant literary festivals in the UK, attracting thousands of people who share one passion: a love of books, writing and reading. www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

Saturday 28th A Celebration of May Day and Springtime Hill Close Gardens, Bread and Meat Close, Warwick CV34 6HF The sixteen restored Victorian gardens of Hill Close in Warwick will come alive with a celebration of May Day and springtime.

This long weekend will offer a chance to re-live our folk traditions and heritage with displays of maypole dancing, folk music

Kids Carnival Day Warwick Racecourse, Hampton Street, Warwick CV34 6HN The May Racing Carnival can simply not get off to a better start than this.

We are excited to announce that Peter Rabbit™ is coming to our South West Racecourses! He will be making personal appearances at intervals during our May Carnival on Kids’ Carnival Day at Warwick Racecourse.

Join in the fun as we open the centre course to make a massive fun Horseplay kids’ play area, including face-painting, Astroglide Slide and Cups and Saucers, Clip Clop pony rides, Chair O Planes and even a traditional Mini Carousel.

n 44 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

A whole host of free entertainment and activities for children on what is one of the most enjoyable and enjoyed days of the year at Warwick Racecourse.

For more information please visit: http:// warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk/eventstickets/whats-on/kids-carnival-day

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact one of our sales team.

Jess Keare

Genna McCann-Taylor

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

Tel: 01905 727902 Email: genna@pw-media.co.uk

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Our Events diary

Competition

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL

Wychwood Festival returns to Cheltenham Racecourse for its 14th annual year from the 1st to the 3rd of June, 2018. The UK’s favourite family festival takes place within the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, with over 100 acts performing across four stages including headliners The Gipsy Kings, Shed Seven, Baxter Dury and Feeder, joined by The Beat Ft. Ranking Roger, The Go! Team, Nina Nesbitt, Pokey Lafarge and many more!

As well as amazing musical entertainment, Wychwood has a newly expanded family and workshop area for 2018, featuring 6 brand-new carefully curated venues, jam-packed full of family fun set to delight: The Village Hall: Your daily dose of organised mayhem, sports games and dancing for all the family. Dazzle on the dance floor with lessons from resident teachers. Meet here for sack races, tug of war, medaling ceremonies and more…

The Hullabaloo: Make music with your Wychwood friends and family in foot-stomping fun-loving music classes and performance workshops.

The Spinning Top: Clowns of all shapes and sizes are invited to run away with the circus and discover tricks of the trade. Take a spin on a unicycle or stand tall in stilts in dedicated workshops and performances.

The Workshop: Adorn yourself in home-made jewellery, mould a clay creation, or cross-stitch and willow weave the day away. Screen-print your own design or get futuristic and learn the basics of Robotics in our eclectic workshops.

The Speaker’s Corner: Discussion, author talks, story-telling, poetry and more. Uncurl ideas in inspiring debate, listen to interviews and discussion on contemporary issues or hear your favourite authors and poets read their original work.

The Wheelbarrow: Marvel at WorldClass Street Theatre, magic and madness at the new outdoor stage.

From escapologists to mind-bending magicians, whizz-bang science shows and family sing-alongs, prepare to be astounded.

With optional idyllic camping and something to satisfy all appetites, there’s no wonder Wychwood has been nominated as ‘Best Family Festival’ each year at the UK Festival awards. n Adult Tier 2 tickets are now available at just £137.50 plus booking fee.

Kids under 5 go for free! For further info and to buy tickets head to www.wychwoodfestival.com.

Facebook - @wychwoodfestival Instagram - @wychwoodfestival Twitter - @WychwoodFest

www.wychwoodfestival.com

To be in with a chance of winning two Wychwood weekend camping tickets, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the

Answer:

following question:

Name:

Who is the Friday Headliner Baxter Dury’s legendary musical father?

Address: Tel:

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Wychwood SWN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP.

Email:

Closing date for entries is 18th April 2018. n 46 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

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

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Steaming

Asparagus

The Vale of Evesham continues to celebrate its horticultural heritage and delights in showing off its famous Asparagus. In 2017 the majestic “Gras” received PGI European protected food name status providing it with an enviable level of culinary prestige and superiority.

Every year St George’s Day sees the launch of the British Asparagus festival in the Vale of Evesham – from then until Midsummers day, 21 June, the Vale will be going asparamad! With a profusion of events the whole area will turn “Green for the Gras” and will offer the opportunity to taste, buy, cook and learn about this most sought after delicacy.

for this auspicious asparagus occasion please visit

The Asparagus Festival is proud to announce that this years Great English Asparagus Run will take place on the Asparagus Express – a steam trail that will journey from the newly opened station at Broadway to Cheltenham where the “100” Round of Gras will be presented to representatives of the Gloucestershire Riding for the Disabled Association. The run will feature all things asparagus and you may even spot a celebrity or two including Bobby The Asparahorse!!!

place at The Valley on the 20th May. Asparagus green

Join us on this unique journey and enjoy this majestic vegetable. To buy your once in a lifetime tickets

01386

n 48 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

www.britishasparagusfestival.org Don’t miss the unique AsparaBus tours hosted by Dudleys Coaches and the Vale of Evesham Tour Guides – taking place on 10th and 17th May – booking is essential.

The Asparagus Family Colour Fun Run will be taking paint bombs will rain down on you as you manoeuvre the family friendly multi-terrain route.

The Fleece Inn at Bretforton will once again be hosting the famous asparagus auctions, a popular ritual with hundreds gathering in the courtyard to bid for the season’s largest, freshest local “Gras”. n For further information on all these events call 565373

or

visit

our

www.britishasparagusfestival.org

website

at

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competition

Competition

FOOTBALL FEVER COMES TO WORCESTER RACECOURSE

As the summer is quickly approaching we’re all starting to look forward to sunshine, blue skies and of course the football World Cup! England play Panama on Sunday 24 June, coinciding with the first Family Fun Day of the year at Worcester Racecourse.

In association with the West Bromwich Albion Foundation, Worcester Racecourse present the Football Extravaganza Family Fun Day on Sunday 24 June. Children under 18 go FREE, and there will be a host of FREE children’s entertainment, including the West Bromwich Albion Foundation football skills station where you can win free soccer camp places, enjoy mini quad bikes, giant inflatables, an England bouncy castle, penalty shoot out, face painting, pony rides and much more! Picnics are welcome in the Centre Course, parking is FREE at the Racecourse and there will be special drinks offers during the England match.

This will be the perfect day for the whole family to enjoy seven thrilling horse races and the England V Panama match live on the big screen. Adult tickets start from £10.

Other highlights this season at Worcester Racecourse include the Cider Racenight, the perfect start to the bank holiday weekend on Friday 25 May with plenty of unique ciders to

try plus live music from The Mangled Wurzels. The famous Crowngate Ladies Day is back on Saturday 2 June, where we’ll have live music after racing from Abba Revival.

This is a special year for Worcester Racecourse, as one of the oldest racecourses in the UK they are celebrating 300 years of racing in Worcester. The 300 year anniversary raceday will be taking place on Wednesday 4 July, and to celebrate the Worcester Grand Annual Steeplechase is being revived after an 85 year absence. Once one of the most important steeplechase races in the National Hunt calendar, the Worcester Grand Annual ran from 1836 until 1933. The importance of this race was highlighted in 1853 when Bourton won the Grand Annual, then went onto win the 1854 Grand National.

Book in advance for best prices, with Centre Course tickets starting from just £10 and County Enclosure tickets £17 when booked in advance. Or why not experience a day at the races in style in the Severn Restaurant, with stunning views over the city and the racecourse and fine dining menus for only £65 per person.

For more information or to book tickets visit www.worcesterracecourse.co.uk or call 01905 25364

www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk

For your chance to win one of four sets of 4 adult tickets (children under 18 go free) to the Family Fun Day on Sunday 24 June simply fill out the

Answer:

entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Name:

Which football team are England playing

Address:

on Sunday 24 June?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Worcester Racecourse SWN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester,

Tel: Email:

WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 29th April 2018. n 50 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018

If you would like to receive news, special offers and exclusive discounts via email from Worcester Racecourse please tick this box

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n 52 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 23 | April 2018