SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE NOW APRIL 2019

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

New arrivals

Now

at Cotswold Farm Park

The secret garden put a spring in your step WYChwood festival competition april 2019 | Issue 34

PIC I’m K ME FREE UP

Pop your wellies on and head over to the farm.

See page 35 for more details

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

n 2 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

Warwickshire

04

Contents

16

South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now 8

APRIL 2019

HERE & NOW 04 Spring spectacular at Hatton Country World

Home & Garden 08 The Secret Garden

HEALTH & BEAUTY

26

22

16 Put a spring into your step

Weddings

31 32

22 Planning your perfect day

KEEPING ACTIVE 26 Gylnis Dray takes us around Bidford Lakes

what’s on 32 All the latest events in Warwickshire

38

throughout April

COMPEtition

30

38 Win tickets to Wychwood Festival

south

warwickshire

NOW 01905 723011 nowmagazines.co.uk

2nd Floor, Richardson House 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP

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

Advertising Emma Cox 01905 727902 emma@pw-media.co.uk

design Daisy Bennett daisy@pw-media.co.uk

Contributors Daisy Bennett Glynis Dray www.hoa.org.uk

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 Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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HERE & NOW

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Care home creates their own bespoke tea Residents at Low Furlong residential care home in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, enjoyed a professional tea blending session to create their own bespoke tea, aptly named the Low Furlong blend!

They happily sampled lots of different kinds of loose leaf tea from the Golden Monkey Tea Company in nearby Warwick, then got creative mixing them together to make their perfect cuppa.

The end result combined Assam, Ceylon, Rwandan and Keemun Panda varieties of tea leaves to create a blend that was robust, yet mellow, smooth but refreshing.

The Golden Monkey Tea Company will now package the bespoke ‘Low Furlong’ blend for the care home, which they can serve and

be available for purchasing at the homes community and social events.

As a special touch, residents moving in will find a bag of the very special tea waiting for them in their rooms with a china cup and saucer and an infuser, to help welcome them to their new home.

Residents of Low Furlong agreed that tea tasted better from their pretty vintage china and enjoyed the sensory reminiscence of brewing tea the proper, old-fashioned way.

For more information please contact Low Furlong on 01608 662005 or email low. furlong@runwoodhomes.co.uk or visit our website to find out more: https://www. runwoodhomes.co.uk/homes/low-furlong

Spring spectacular!

at Hatton Country World

know our visitors will love it too!

Racing, place your bets!

Our Spring Arrivals Marquee will have an abundance of cuties for you to meet with adorable lambs, gorgeous kid goats, porky piggies, bouncing bunnies, dippy ducks, cheeping chicks and so much more.

Meet the Masters of the Skies with one of our Falconry Displays.

Come along and meet them all. Feed and handle the animals within farmyard favourites or meet the Reptiles in Scales & Tails.

New this year, Baby Animal Chat in our Spring Arrivals Marquee!

Spring Spectacular is one of our favourite events at Hatton and is much loved by everyone who visits. With lighter, longer days and the sun peeping through, Spring is the air. It really is the most fabulous time of the year and we

There’s lots of fun to be had in our Easter Egg Hunts around the Park with the change to win yummy prizes, Hop aboard Hatton’s famous Tractor Safari for a spin around the park, We welcome the return of our Famous Sheep

n 4 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

New Magic and Puppet Shows, Outdoor Laser Combat (8yrs+), Fun Fair Rides (younger children) and of course our huge Indoor Softplay area Snorty’s Superslide Mania!

Re-charge your batteries with a lovely cuppa and naughty cake in Café Lavender Blue or head into our Spinning Jenny Restaurant for a tasty family lunch. Whatever you decide to do you’re guaranteed a fabulous day!

Remember to prebook your tickets via our website www.hattonworld.com for great online discounts!

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HERE & NOW

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Festival celebrates it’s twelfth year with superb line-up of speakers The Stratford Literary Festival celebrates its 12th year with a superb line-up of speakers and events. The eight day spring festival, which kicks off on 28 April, includes speakers debating science and ideas, mental health and women’s issues, medicine and the news, as well as welcoming some of the most celebrated literary fiction authors writing today.

Leading the way will be names including former ballet dancer and ‘Strictly’ judge, Dame Darcey Bussell, Bake Off judge Prue Leith, actress Juliet Stevenson and screenwriter Andrew Davies. Current affairs will be covered

by Newsnight anchor Emily Maitlis talking about life behind the headlines, and Radio 4’s Paddy O’Connell who will be celebrating radio with Charlie Connelly and newsreader, Corrie Corfield.

There’s music with Classic FM’s John Suchet, pianist Lucy Parham and leading female conductor, Jane Glover. Real Marigold Hotel’s Rosemary Shrager will be sharing her thoughts on food and globetrotting, and leading medics Henry March, Richard Shepherd and Angela Gallop will be sharing their expertise. Frontline doctor Dr David Nott will be talking about his experiences in delivering trauma surgery in some of the world’s worst war zones, and war photographer Lalage Snow will marvel at the gardens that blossom in the most treacherous parts of the world.

Veteran comedy writer Barry Cryer will reminisce about his friendship with Stratford writer, JB Priestley, and comedy professional Maggie Irving will show the audience how to make writing amusing, with Guardian cartoonist Harry Venning unlocking everyone’s inner cartoonist.

The Festival will also be showcasing awardwinning writers including Ali Smith, John

Inspired by Shakespeare

One of the UK’s leading creative talents, Lee Lapthorne has been selected

as

Residence

the at

new

the

Artist-in-

Shakespeare

Birthplace Trust, the independent charity which cares for the five

Lanchester, Tessa Hadley and Booker-prize

Shakespeare

winner Ben Okri, and welcoming back classicist

Stratford-upon-Avon, and promotes

Natalie Haynes and best-selling novelist,

the enjoyment and understanding of

Patrick Gale.

his works, life and times.

Speakers on mental health include crime

A prominent artist, fashion and

writer Nicci French discussing the impact of

textile designer, Lee Lapthorne will

dementia, and writers Ella Risbridger and Laura

be creating two bespoke pieces

Freeman share the moments and meals that

of furniture inspired by the historic

saved them. Historians headlining the Festival

interiors of the Shakespeare houses

will be Alison Weir, Damien Lewis and Tracy

and the Trust’s world-class museum

heritage

sites

in

Borman, and best-selling crime writers include

and archive collection.

Mark Billingham and Elly Griffiths.

They will go on display at Anne

Children can enjoy the multi-million bestselling writers Jacqueline Wilson and Francesca Simon and illustrators Lydia Monks and Nick Sharratt,

Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft in

Stratford-upon-Avon

from

11

March – 15 September 2019.

plus stage shows of the much loved books The

The Bard’s Rest is a re-interpretation

Rainbow Fish and Aliens Love Underpants.

of

Children’s events launch on 28 April with a

up sofa designed with bespoke

drop-in craft session to help build a giant Elmer,

textiles inspired by the Shakespeare

to celebrate the famous patchwork elephant’s

Birthplace

30th anniversary, and pre-schoolers can help

archive collection, including intricate

create a rainbow every weekday morning with

embroidery from a 16th century

craft and story-telling. Children’s Day this year

sweet purse, and the original rosette

rounds off the Festival on 5 May.

from David Garrick’s Shakespeare

a

Greaves

&

Trust’s

Thomas

museum

pop-

and

Jubilee of 1769*.

The Festival is adding to its array of writing and craft workshops with a first for 2019: a dedicated ‘Writers’ Day’ for people wanting to find the best route to being published and featuring literary agents, editors and other experts from the world of publishing.

This exclusive day will include the unique opportunity for attendees to have a short oneto-one session with an agent to discuss their work.

Full details can be found at stratlitfest.co.uk and tickets are available at ticketsource.co.uk/ stratford-literary-festival.

n 6 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

The Bard’s Rest will be displayed in Hall’s Croft - the elegant Jacobean home of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna, and her physician husband John Hall.

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Home & Garden

Th

c e S e

G t e r

t rfec e p e e th t a e Cr

n 8 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

n pe i a c s e

n e d r a

n. rde a g n r ow u o y

ED NU NTI O C

E PAG THE R OVE

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Home & Garden

Maison Wall Tiles from www.cravendunnill.co.uk

Scotts of Thrapston

A hidden hideaway or a place for teenagers to have their own space, there are a multitude of benefits from having a secret garden.

throughout your garden. Australian tree ferns are slow-growing architectural plants with spreading fronds above a thick trunk. They create a sheltered and shady garden and can grow up to 6m.

But how do you create a secluded area away from your home to give yourself a peaceful and tranquil retreat?

For gardens that are short on space, a large shrub can provide a certain amount of privacy to tight spaces. The Japanese maple, not only has beautiful foliage but are hardy throughout the winter and can be placed in large containers for low maintence.

We explore the different ways you can create your own space in the garden.

Shut out the world Close off a corner of the garden by adding trellis or fencing and introduce climbing plants around the base. Evergreen climbers such as trachelospermum Christbel Bielenberg and the clematis cirrhosa Ourika Valley are superb all year round, with the Ouika Valley having white bell shaped flowers throughout the colder months.

A smaller brick wall can also work wonders in separating a corner of the garden. Climbing plants ideal for walls include pyracantha, ivy, honeysuckle and the Virginia Creeper. Honeysuckle are popular plants, with heavily scented flowers which can bloom during the spring, summer or autumn. Their nectar attracts hummingbirds and different species of butterflies, helping pollination.

For a more unusual take on the garden wall, stack logs ontop of each other of varying diameter to create an eco friendly retained wall.

Leafy Canopies Create a world of discovery by adding different layers of plants

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Home from home Secret doesn’t necessarily mean small. A separate annexe to your house could provide valuable space for teenage children or elderly relative. Ginger Badger are a family run construction business that design, develop and construct beautiful oak framed buildings, extensions, stables and multi purpose garden rooms. They use traditional, sustainable materials with handcrafted methods, to create stunning additions to your home A smaller summerhouse can also create the right environment to relax.

Whether it’s to house a seating area for you to start a new hobby, sit and have your favourite drink, or a space big enough to house a hot tub, a summerhouse is a perfect hub to wind away the hours away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life.

Secret walkways Whether it’s a large annexe or summerhouse, add stepping stones or Continued over the page

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

Two bedroom annexe by Ginger Badger www.gingerbadger.uk

a mosaic pathway to your desired secret location. Design your own picture out of coloured pebbles or clay tiles to personlise your path or simply scatter bark chippings or smaller pebbles for a more discreet look.

Alternatively, large stone paths not only stand the test of time, but come in different sizes and textures. For a more rustic feel, create a simple wooden step path, or use the wood panels from old pallets, laid out for a relaxed look.

Water feature The sound of running water has a calming effect and can bring about improvement in our health. Time spent around water can relieve stress and can be soothing for the mind. A waterfall can also reduce noise pollution, blocking out the sound to create a quiet oasis in an

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otherwise hectic and loud environment.

A pond, however big or small has the added benefit of helping to save British wildlife. The RSPB’s 2018 Birdwatch survey found that sightings of toads have fallen by a third and those of frogs were down by 17%.

The dwindling numbers are due to a lack of natural habitat, with intensive agriculture and new developments major contributing factors. Pond-planet.co.uk are starting a campaign to raise awareness of a world without frogs to ecourage homeowners to add this habitat back into their gardens. If you don’t have space for a pond, choose instead a bird bath to encourage wildlife back into your garden. n

By Daisy Bennett

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Home & Garden

Sweet smelling plants

for your home

British households have been urged to replace potentially harmful artificial air fresheners with fragrant flowers such as lavender or mint. The garden whizzes at BillyOh.com have conducted research and found five of the best smelling house plants to use as natural scent alternatives.

While the level of chemicals used in air freshening products are regulated, a recent study found households using them contained higher levels of potentially harmful toxins.

Households exposed to air fresheners could suffer from a range of adverse health effects such as migraines, asthma attacks and earache.

These potentially harmful effects could be even more of a concern for families with young children. But thanks to mother nature households can maintain a naturally fresh smell by replacing the artificial fresheners with fragrant foliage.

There are a number of scented plants that can be grown indoors and emit potent flowery aromas, now the team from BillyOh.com have suggested five of the best.

Scented geranium With unique scents such as apple, lemon and strawberry, homeowners would be forgiven for thinking they were choosing from a range of air fresheners, not sweet-smelling plants. That’s because there is a range of germaniums that come with their own unique fragrances, leaving homeowners with a wide variety to pick from. The scented plants are split into seven main categories depending on their smell which are rose, lemon, mint, fruit and nut, spice, pungent and oak. To keep them alive and healthy it is recommended that potted geraniums are watered once every four weeks.

Lavender With its distinct soothing scent and widely recognisable purple flower tips, lavender emits one of the most popular fragrances from a plant. Its relaxing smell is thought to have a calming effect and many believe it can even help people them fall asleep. Although this is widely recognised it’s still unknown how this actually works.

Keeping lavender on a window sill is key to it growing indoors as this should ensure it gets the high level of sunlight it requires.

Citrus plant This plant emits the sweeter smells of lemon, orange and grapefruit but having these radiate throughout a home can require a high level of plant maintenance. When being grown indoors it needs at least eight hours of sunlight per day with one soaking every week.

If the plant is not supplied with these key elements, problems can develop and its sweet zingy smells will be no more. n 14 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

Mint plant One of the best alternatives for households that don’t like a traditional flowery fragrance is the fresh smelling mint plant. The two most popular scents are peppermint and spearmint which both emit delicate aromas.

However, this greenery does require a significant amount of plant maintenance as it needs at least three to four waterings every week.

Gardenia At some point green-fingered Brits may have unknowingly sprayed this on themselves as the plant is a regular ingredient in many popular perfumes. It has a heady sweet-smelling aroma that can keep households smelling fresh for months. To keep the plant healthy, it’s important to expose it to regular bright light and water once every week. n

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Put a spring in your step Running low on energy after hibernating over the winter months? Get fit this spring, with these sure fire ways of boosting your health and well-being.

INSULATED DRINKS BOTTLE

Never need to take a plastic bottle with you again - use this high quality, super insulated marine grade stainless steel bottle (which will not corrode like others) to keep hydrated. www.redoriginal.com

AUSTER MODULAR SUSPENSUION TRAINER

Designed to be carried with you and used anywhere, the special anchor system and dual carabiner means it can be mounted anywhere and have straps and dynamic resistance bands attached to the same point, allowing for hundreds of exercises. www.austerfit.com

SOUNDSPORT FREE WIRELESS HEADPHONES

The SoundSport Free headphones were engineered to strike a new balance between size, performance, power and stability – in a no-wire, made-for-exercise design. www.bose.com

LUMIE BODYCLOCK SPARK 100

Lumie lights are a real game-changer for people who want to get into shape by training in the morning. Spark 100 features the essential 30-minute sunrise and sunset plus a couple of popular customisations.

Available at John Lewis, Amazon, Lumie.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

FREELETICS FITNESS APP

Dubbed a ‘personal trainer in your pocket’, the Freeletics Coach is powered by artificial intelligence, and is able to create an almost infinite number of HIIT workouts and training plans.

Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, the Freeletics Coach is able to learn from millions of users worldwide, determining which workouts and exercises will work best for you, continually analysing your development to make sure you’re constantly challenged, motivated and progressing towards your goals. www.freeletics.com

BURLINGTON TRAINER GIRL

New ergonomic design features a plush sole and non-slip dots.

The moisture regulating material blend provides a comfortable climate during heavy activity. www.burlington.de

NORVIA ACTIVE PERFORMANCE SHAKES

Specially developed total nutritional formula from Nordic company Norvia. The product is a vegetarian protein plus 25 essential vitamins and minerals. www.norvia.com

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PROTEIN BALLS

With 8 unique flavours plus 3 clean protein sources to suit your taste, health and lifestyle. Plus the option of vegan or vegetarian our honest-to-goodness balls are deliciously sugar free and gluten free. www.theproteinballco.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Nordic walking

turns your walking into a workout

Nordic Walking is the fastest growing fitness activity in the world with over 10 million enthusiasts now regularly taking part and with Arrow and Arden Nordic Walking you have your own local group in South Warwickshire and the Vale of Evesham.

Classes are being held around Stratford upon Avon, Alcester and Evesham.

“It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels, simple to learn and really sociable” says Kathrin Foster, your qualiefied Nordic

Walking UK Instructor.

“By using the specially designed poles, you can use all the major muscles in the body and burn up to twice as many calories as ordinary walking but the best thing is that the poles actually propel you along so it feels easier! “she adds.

Come along and give fresh air fitness a try in one of Kathrin’s free taster sessions.

For further information contact Kathrin directly via 07875609324 or www.arrowandarden.co.uk t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 19 n

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Why podiatry? Why feet?

This is always a sad time of year at our clinic. Patients that have grown old with us unfortunately become ill and die, moreso in the winter months.

These are people we have grown close to over the years.

Together, we have shared life stories, celebrated special events, and chewed the cud on world news and weather. They have become friends as well as patients, often starting off with a painful foot problem that we fixed. Then, as they get older, moving on to help with foot care which we’ve provided for them. They’ve trusted us to keep them mobile, comfortable, and safe. They’ve recommended us to their family and friends and we have repaid that loyalty by always being there, always caring, always willing to help them.

And when they’ve gone, we miss them.

All too often we don’t hear about

their passing until weeks or months have gone by. We’ve not heard about the funeral arrangements. We’ve not been afforded the opportunity to mourn with others. We just notice they aren’t coming to clinic any more. We may receive news of their passing at a much later date. We may never receive the news. These are the realities of life as a Podiatrist. But there is so much positive stuff that comes from what we do, it far outweighs the negative emotional things.

Every day we get told that we have solved a problem that no-one else has managed to solve. Every day we hear of the improvement to quality of life we have made. Every day we realise we have made a difference. We have created joy and happiness where there was pain and suffering This is Podiatry. This is why I do what I do. This is why I grow to be the best

Jonathan (far right) pictured here in a recent photo with good friends with whom he studied Podiatry 30 years ago

I can be to make the biggest difference to my patients. Those who haven’t been to my clinic are just friends I haven’t yet met. And friendship makes the journey easier and the trip worthwhile. n Jonathan Small, Lead Podiatrist & Business Mentor Health First Foot & Gait Clinic, Southam, CV47 1PH 01926 811272 www.healthfirstsoutham.co.uk

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WEDDINGS

Planning Your Big Day There are a lot of things to consider when planning your perfect wedding.

Here are some handy tips to help you get started.

Location Where you decide to hold your wedding ceremony and reception is one of the most important and costly decisions you will make. Therefore there are a lot of factors and considerations to keep in mind before you commit yourself. Will you have your ceremony in a church and go elsewhere for your reception, or will you have the whole day in one venue? Do you want a traditional wedding, or a fun, unique wedding that is personal to you?

The options are endless. These days you can hold your wedding in a zoo, underground cave, aquarium, theme park, castle; the list goes on.

For this reason, it is important to establish the theme of your wedding before you set about choosing your venue.

The first things you should decide when you begin to plan your wedding should be your budget and approximate number of guests.

Both of these pieces of information will be crucial when you begin the search for your dream venue. All venues have a maximum number of guests, for instance, and some have a minimum. If you have found an ideal venue for your wedding, but it is a bit out of your price range, enquire as to whether they have seasonal or weekday discounts to cut down on the costs.

Photography Your wedding photographs will be the singular lasting memory of your special day. They are likely to be displayed in your home, as well as the homes of close family and friends and will last for generations. The same is true of your wedding DVD. Therefore, choosing your photographer and videographer is not a task to be taken lightly. It is important to find someone who will capture your day perfectly.

Wedding Flowers With dozens of florists to choose from, choosing one to create your wedding flowers can be a difficult task. Your floral arrangements will be one of the most important features of the decoration, so it is important to choose your designer carefully.

Catering Finding a good caterer is paramount. So plan early. Book a caterer at least 12 months before the wedding date if the engagement period permits. There are two types of caterers: on-site (in-house) caterers and offpremises caterers. On-site caterers work within a particular facility and provide all catering services if you book your event with that facility. You will typically find on-site caterers at hotels, banquet halls and country houses. Off-premises caterers provide mobile catering services for events held at nearly any location, indoors or outdoors.

If you find a reception facility with on-site catering service, be certain not to base your decision on location alone, as a beautiful locale will not be as fondly remembered if the food wasn’t to match. Always sample the catering menu.

Bridalwear Probably the singularly most exciting aspect of wedding planning is deciding what you will wear on your big day. There are thousands upon thousands of wedding dress styles, designs and options; there is literally a dress for every single bride. Often, the style of dress you choose will fall in line with the tone of your big day. However, this is not a strict rule, merely a starting point. There is nothing to say that you can’t have the princess dress you have always dreamed of if you are getting married at a registry office. Likewise, if you are getting married in a grand building, there is no rule against wearing a simple, elegant gown. The choice, of course, is entirely yours.

The only thing that matters is that you feel your absolute best on your big day. Don’t let anyone interfere with your dress choice!

Bridal Hair The first thing to consider when trying to choose a hair style for your big day is the tone of the event. For an informal daytime wedding, wearing your hair down is probably

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appropriate, while an up-do may be more suited to a formal evening occasion. Many brides choose to hire a specialist designer to style their hair on the day. This is advisable, as a professional will be able to provide advice about what looks good with which face shape, colour, accessories, veil and general theme. If you do opt to hire a professional, a ‘test run’ will often be included in the package. When you go for this appointment, be sure to walk around with your styled hair. Ensure that it is comfortable, and likely to stay in place for the whole day. A general rule is, the more simple the better. Lots of hair pins can sometimes be uncomfortable, and a very intricate do may be too delicate for the wear and tear of a wedding day. Furthermore, it is often a good idea to make an appointment with your chosen designer in their salon for your big day. Hair stylists and make-up artists are often most comfortable with their own tools and equipment around them.

Bridal Make-Up Hiring a professional to apply your makeup for your big day is a popular choice with brides. Ensure that the artist will offer a trial beforehand. Discuss your ideas prior to the wedding and make sure that you are both on the same page. Many brides opt for a natural look on their big day, although some prefer to go for a glamorous style. This option is becoming increasingly popular, which is logical. Often for special occasions, women will change their clothes, jewellery and accessories but not their make-up. The difference between natural-looking make-up and glamorous make-up is usually the use of darker, more shimmering colours. These will give you a much more distinctive look than shades that naturally blend into your skin.

Whatever your preference, don’t forget to discuss it thoroughly with your chosen makeup artist. If you are unsure, experiment until you come across a look that will make you feel a million dollars. You deserve nothing less for your big day! n

WEDDINGS

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GOLDEN YEARS SENIOR LIVING

Should I

Downsize?

There are a number of reasons why downsizing to a smaller home is a good idea.

As the number of over 55’s looking to downsize in the UK grows the Home Owners Alliance looks to help you decide whether it’s right for you.

Why downsize?

Release equity: A common complaint after you retire is that you become asset rich but cash poor. By selling your house and buying a smaller, less expensive property you can free up equity locked in your home.

Reduce monthly outgoings: With low interest rates badly affecting returns on savings, you may decide to downsize simply to reduce the cost of bills. Current estimates suggest that you could make annual savings of over £500 on energy bills alone by relocating from a four bedroom to two-bedroom house.

Reduce your maintenance burden: Smaller homes obviously require less in the way of general maintenance.

Move to a better served location: If you’re living in wonderful rural isolation and depend heavily on driving to get to local amenities, you

might

want

to

consider

moving

somewhere with good transport links and a vibrant high street in close proximity.

Costs to consider The accumulative costs of selling a property

can be considerable and should be carefully considered and accounted for before downsizing. Stamp Duty, estate agent fees, conveyancing fees, clearance: Don’t underestimate the job of decluttering! and moving costs all add up.

Why do smaller houses look expensive compared to my 4 bedroom property? If you are looking to move to be closer to family, then you may be restricted in where you can move to and may end up competing with first time buyers, landlords, new families and the like who are also looking for smaller properties with gardens, amenities within walking distance and good transport links.

With low stocks of suitable housing helping to push property values upwards, it can be difficult for downsizers to find a suitable home at a price which will make moving worthwhile.

According to research by Legal and General, the number of houses built each year in this country is 25 times lower than the numbers needed to accommodate the 3.3 million over 55’s who currently want to downsize.

Downsizing options In many cases, if you own your home outright,

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you will be looking for a straightforward sale on their current home to a smaller and (preferably) cheaper property. Other options, shared ownership or part exchange.

When should I downsize There is no right time, but there may be another life event that triggers you thinking about downsizing, such as retirement, the final payment on your mortgage or moving nearer to grown children and grandchildren.

It makes sense to consider downsizing before you get too old, as the accumulated stress, hassle and sheer timescale of negotiating and completing a house move should be easier to deal with at this stage, when you are still relatively fit and healthy, as opposed to later in life when illness or mobility issues potentially start to take their toll. The psychological or emotional upheaval of moving from a family home, full of poignant memories, or of saying goodbye to friends and family is another significant obstacle to factor in, but the sooner you move, the sooner you are likely to make new friends and feel settled. n For more information visit hoa.org.uk

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KEEPING ACTIVE

Bidford-on-Avon Start / Finish: Walk starts at St. Laurence Church, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.

WC across road from Church.

Public Transport: Nearest railway stations – Redditch and Evesham, linked by Diamond Bus 247 and X18 from outside Evesham Station. Use ‘Traveline’ and local bus timetables. Saturday times are different.

Parking: Street parking available as well as car parks.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 205 Distance: The main walk is 7.5 miles. Shorter Walk – 5.5 miles (note: the path has been diverted along edge of ‘Heart of England Forest’ Please follow signs).

Time: Allow all day for the main walk as there is plenty to see.

Refreshments: Enjoy a picnic as there are seats in Dorsington area. There is a convenience store in the High Street near the Church at Bidford-on-Avon along with cafes, pubs, restaurants and food shops.

Terrain: The walk is largely flat with a few gentle climbs. There is some necessary lane walking - boots essential. Poles useful.

History: This is a varied walk across open countryside that is mainly arable. The paths are well marked and there are wide ‘wildlife margins’ around field edges.

There are churches at Bidford and Dorsington. Bidford Bridge over River Avon has parts dating from 15th century. Some stone used in 16th century repairs came from Alcester Priory. You go through the pretty village of Barton on the way there and back. Dorsington has some lovely timber-framed cottages and a moated Farm-house. There are orchards on the slopes of the Avon Valley and you will pass near Bickmarsh Hall. The short climbs are worth it for the specatacular views across the Vale of Evesham.

to Dorsington

1. The walk starts outside St. Laurence Church in High Street. (WC opposite Church). With ‘back’ to Church, turn left. Walk to traffic lights at cross-roads in town centre. Turn left across Bidford Bridge.

(Walk on left with pedestrian recesses). If ‘Avon’ is in flood, walk to road on left leading to Barton. Turn right at corner to Point 3.

around two right-angled corners.

2. Once over bridge, turn left through kissing-gate taking ‘Heart of England Way’ diagonally right across flood-plain. Go through double kiss-gate and straight across next field. Climb 6 steps onto flood defence bank and alongside ‘Upper’ River Avon to weir and lock. (Note: River Avon flows into River Severn at Tewkesbury, Gloucs.) Note that ‘outward’ walk to point 3 is also ‘return’ route.

Follow path down slope into lane that comes out near ‘Cottage of Content’ Public House, Barton.

goes beyond to continue along ‘Heart of England Way’.

3. At junction walk straight ahead, passing pretty thatched cottages, to corner taking lane on left that climbs gently for ¼ mile to footpath on right (Note: Leaving ‘Heart of England Way’). Walk up unsurfaced track with red brick barn to left until you reach ‘Old Stone Barn’ with extensive views. Note vestiges of old orchard behind barn. Follow generous wildlife margin along right side of next field. Where path narrows, go through gap in hedge on right following path through young woodland to corner of field.

left retracing outward route across floodplain to Bidford Bridge.

4. Follow track round to right – now heading towards ‘Bickmarsh Hall’. Just beyond another woodland, turn left along top edge to path on left that cuts through woodland to ‘stiled’ footbridge.

Turn left to corner then right and walk with hedge on left to stile in far corner and ‘planked’ bridge onto track. Turn left along this bridleway with ‘Fox Covert’ woodland on right. Shortly you will reach ‘Fox Covert Farm’.

5. Keep walking along track. (Note: Short walk goes along path on left. This path re-routed along edge of Dorsington Arboretum to point 8.) Those doing main walk, continue along surfaced track for ½ mile to village of Dorsington.

6. Turn left, passing orchard on right, to village green with old roadsign and circular tree bench. St.Peter’s Church (built c.1750) stands on stone foundations of former church. Notice ‘Moat House Farm’ behind it. Fork left at Church towards Bidford-on-Avon. Follow lane n 26 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

7. On outside of 3rd corner, turn left along bridleway leading to Collett’s Farm. Go through large gate along-side Collett’s Wood.

8. At corner, short walk comes in from left and turns left. Main walk Follow path with hedge on right round several corners to ‘Barton Farm’. Go left of farm following track past brick barn.

9.Follow ‘Heart of England Way’ down track to where you turned off on outward walk, retracing route along track to Barton Village.

Turn right to next corner.

10. From ‘Cottage of Content’ PH, follow track to riverside, turn Cross bridge turning right at cross-roads. n Written by Glynis Dray

Expert gives free valuation of treasures If you’d like to unleash a spring windfall now’s the time to delve into your trinket boxes to hunt for an auction star.

Jewellery expert Kate Bliss, a familiar face on TV’s Bargain Hunt, will be offering free jewellery, watches and silver valuations in Warwickshire in April/May and she’d love to see your treasures.

Right now, jewellery is flying high at Hansons with everything

Lot 374, these Art Deco, butterscotch amber beads sold for £680 from an estimate of £300-£400.

Lot 242, This Georgian garnet ring sold for £160 at auction from a low estimate of £80.

from amber beads and mourning jewellery

to

Georgian

rings

exceeding estimates. Kate said: “The beauty of auctions is that you can reach a worldwide audience and - if a bidding battle ensues - your item can soar to success.

“For example, in Hansons’ March jewellery sale, lot 374, an Art Deco, butterscotch amber bead necklace sold for £680 from an

estimate of £300-£400.

“Then there was lot 283, a late Victorian/early Edwardian 9ct rose gold bracelet set with graduated oval opals. It sold for £600 from a guide price of £150£200.

“Rings to do well included Lot 242, a gold Georgian ring featuring a cushion-shaped

garnet flanked by seed pearl accents and pink tourmaline. Its estimate was £80-£100 but it sold for £160.

“I also loved, lot 243, a striking gold Georgian mourning ring set with four pearls in a cross shape featuring a diamond and black enamel shoulders. It sold for £210 from a £100-£150 estimate.

We would love to see more

jewellery from the early 1800s.”

Enjoy free jewellery valuations with Kate Bliss on April 11, 10am3pm in Kenilworth, with coin expert Don Collins in attendance.

Items invited for fine art and standard jewellery auctions by Hansons Auctioneers, or to find out more, please email cjones@ hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.n

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EDUCATION

Hand in Hand

For Oscar

Nearly 5,000 people queued in the rain over the weekend to see if they are a stem cell match for boy, five, battling rare cancer after his parents launched a desperate plea in hope of saving his life to the local media in Worcester.

Oscar SaxelbyLee, from Worcester, has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and his doctors say he only has three months to find a donor to help cure his cancer. This promoted thousands of people have tried to become stem cells donors to save little Oscar.

The crowds of people turned up to an event at Pitmaston Primary School in Worcester, where Oscar is in reception class, over the weekend to see if they could be a match. The charity which will test the swabs, DKMS, said its previous record for a single event was 2,200 people – meaning Oscar’s more than doubled that.

He has already had chemotherapy since being diagnosed in December, but will need more aggressive treatment in order to overcome the disease. Oscar’s parents first became concerned when they noticed unexplained bruising on their son’s body, and in December they were told he had ALL.

Oscar’s teacher Sarah Keating told the press: ‘I’ve been teaching for 20 years and I’ve never had a child go through something like this. ‘You hear about children getting cancer and you think “that’s dreadful”, then you move on. In this case we haven’t moved on, we will fight this.’

The family is now in a race against time to find someone who can donate blood stem cells – they say his chances of survival will ‘severely diminish’ if a donor isn’t found within three months. n 28 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

ALL is a rare illness and only affects around 650 people in the UK each year, around half of whom are children. It is a fast-growing, aggressive cancer which causes large numbers of underdeveloped white blood cells to be released

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EDUCATION from diseased bone marrow.

These blood cells continue to spread and cause symptoms like tiredness, difficulty breathing, pale skin, fever, and bone and joint pain.

Oscar’s teaching assistant Laura Senter, 22, said to the press “his diagnosis came as a shock to their class because his illness developed so quickly. I couldn’t believe it. I saw him before Christmas and he was his usual happy-go-lucky self.”

Oscar’s mother, Olivia, said he has been ‘a true warrior’ throughout his illness “It’s a nightmare for this to happen. You can’t really do anything about it, it’s heartbreaking. We have gone into action mode to try and find a donor.”

About 80 volunteers queued outside in the rain and took over two of the school’s halls for the weekend, handing out swabs and completing donor registration forms.

Scientists will try to find a donor whose blood cells have a similar

n 30 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

structure to Oscar’s so his body will accept them if they are transplanted. He needs a stem cell transplant to replenish his own blood cells, which are being destroyed by chemotherapy – the closer the match is, the more likely the treatment is to work.

Ms Senter added: ‘I visited Oscar in hospital last month when it was his birthday. ‘Because of all the chemo he was very swollen but you could tell he was very much still him inside.

‘When we came out we knew we needed to do everything we could to support him.’

Sarah Gray, spokesperson for the charity DKMS told the BBC Hereford & Worcester: ‘It’s really difficult to find a match, it’s essentially like winning the lottery.

‘It’s very complex and so the more people we can get on that register, the more chances there are to saves lives of patients like Oscar.’ n

EDUCATION

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What's On APRIL Saturday 6th #Love Local - Craft Fair A unique collection of local artisans, artists and crafters selling a wide range of handmade products at Warwick Visitor Centre. Free entry, 10am-4.30pm.

Saturday 6th, Wednesday 10th

Monday

8th,

As You Like It Rosalind is banished, wrestling with her heart and her head. With her cousin by her side, she journeys to a world of exile where barriers are broken down and all can discover their deeper selves. Kimberley Sykes (Dido, Queen of Carthage) directs a riotous, exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. The play is performed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon. For more information, call the box office 01789 331111.

Until Sunday 7th

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

collection of more than 60 different varieties of apples and pears. The event runs from 2pm with admission £4.50 adult, children £1.

UB40 40th Anniversary Tour Birmingham’s world-famous reggae stars UB40 have announced a massive tour next year in 2019 to celebrate their 40th anniversary!Featuring UB40’s five founding members Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan, and long-time members Duncan Campbell, Martin Meredith, Lawrence Parry and Tony Mullings, the band will embark on their 40 date tour across the UK. Fans can expect to hear UB40’s greatest hits at The Assembly in Leamington Spa, including ‘Food For Thought’, ‘One In Ten’, ‘Kingston Town’, ‘(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You’ and ‘Red, Red Wine’, amongst many, many others. For tickets go to www. eventbrite.co.uk

Thursday 18th Girl Power With nine number one singles, 80 million record sales worldwide, two worldwide concert tours, plus movies and musicals to their name, there is no doubt that the Spice Girls were the biggest girl band of all time! Celebrating two decades of hits, unprecedented merchandising, recordbreaking achievements, iconic symbolism and wowing audiences all over the world, Girl Power brings you the ultimate Spice Girls experience. The event takes place at the Palace Theatre in Redditch. Tickets are £24, for more information, call 01527 65203.

Wednesday 24th Sam Lee’s Singing With Nightingales Live Naturalist and Mercury Prize nominated folk artist Sam Lee brings the celebrated Singing With Nightingales starlit walks indoors.

Folk music star and Mercury Prize nominee

CheeseFest Say Cheese!! This ever-popular category of the festival returns with its 2019 selection at Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery, Riversley Park, Nuneaton. As always, the show will be made up of submissions entered during the drop-off days and the entries will be judged by the Festival of Arts’ adjudicators. Fingers crossed your favourite gets an award! If you, or someone you know, are interested in exhibiting in the Festival of Arts you are welcome to pickup a syllabus with more information from the Museum reception. Entry is Free. Opening hours for the Museum and tearoom - Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am until 4.30pm, Sunday, 2pm until 4.30pm, Bank Holiday Monday (excluding Christmas and New Year), 10.30am until 4.30pm.

Friday 12th Gardener’s Guilded Walk 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 n 32 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

Until Sunday 7th CheeseFest

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What's On Sam Lee brings you a very special concert, along with guests Alice Zawadzki and Kadialy Kouyate. Sam’s spoken and sung narrative will guide you on a forest walk into the lore and ecology of the English woods, illuminated with transporting folk song. The event culminates in a live audio feed of the nightingales’ celebrated song, as the musicians join this most rare and musical of birds in a remarkable duet. The concert is produced by folk music promoter, The Nest Collective, who’ve been holding Singing with Nightingales events in the woodlands of England since 2015, taking place again this year in Kent, Sussex, and Gloucestershire. The event starts at 8pm at The Theatre at Warwick Arts Centre, tickets £16.

Thursday 25th Charlie Landsborough - Farewell Tour In 2019, UK Country Music legend Charlie Landsborough plans to retire from touring to concentrate on writing and recording music. Before his retirement Charlie will be embarking on an extended tour of Britain.

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Known as the UK’s premier country music singer, country music is only one part of his live shows. Charlie’s gigs are a night of beautiful ballads, folk, blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, gospel and anthems. Winner of ‘Best Songwriter’, ‘Best Song’, ‘Best Male Vocalist’ and ‘International Country Album,’ Charlie’s talent and chart-topping records received the ultimate recognition in 2011 when he was inducted into the British Country Music Hall of Fame. The show will be at the Main Stage, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa at 7.30pm.

For more information and tickets go to www. warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre

Friday 26th Le Gateau Chocolat: Icons Opera and lycra loving cabaret sensation Le Gateau Chocolat storms into Warwick Arts Centre with his latest work, Icons. Walking the tightrope between his public and private personas, Le Gateau Chocolat explores the people, the moments, the relationships, the art that have come to shape us and the

n 34 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

ideals we aspire to. Accompanied by a live band, Gateau unashamedly weaves through an eclectic mix of music; pop, opera, rock, Kate Bush, Whitney, Meatloaf, Pavarotti, investigating his own objects of worship through the songs and music of his personal icons. The event takes place in the Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre at 8pm, tickets are £16.

Sunday 28th Warwick Masterclass 2019: Painting Flowers and Leaves in Watercolour This watercolour flower workshop in the Helen Martin Studio, Warwick Arts Centre is suitable for beginners and improvers who would like to learn to paint and enhance their skills with watercolour. Participants will be taught various watercolour techniques and washes and how to mix colours to create delicate petals and leaves. They will also be able to take their artwork home with them! Please note that the usual Warwick Arts Centre Terms and Conditions do not apply to Masterclasses.

Tickets are £95. n

WHATS ON

New arrivals at

Cotswold Farm Park

If you’ve never been to Cotswold Farm Park,

Centre has been aptly named ‘The Ox Shed’

or perhaps haven’t visited in a while, now

and is open to the public from 9am – 5pm

would definitely be a good time to pop your

every day.

wellies on and head over.

If the first reviews are anything to go by,

Lambing, a highlight of the farming year,

the new shop and restaurant space will fast

is taking place until April 28th, with new

become a firm favourite for locals. The Ox

arrivals due every day. During the Easter

Shed has been sympathetically designed,

holidays, a number of extra activities will be

styled on the look of traditional farm

taking place too, with a daily egg hunt, craft

buildings, whilst bringing the Farm Park’s

activities, face painting and a puppet show

facilities up to date with beautiful aesthetics,

to entertain the little ones, as well as all of

eco-friendly features and visitor comfort at

the usual Farm Park fun – stroking bunnies

the forefront of the process.

and holding chicks, bottle feeding the lambs twice daily and tractor rides on the hour.

The real stand-out feature of the new space is definitely the glass fronted dining area

The Visitor Centre has recently been

and terrace though, with views out over the

completely renovated too, tripling in size

fields and towards Stow-on-the-Wold. The

by being extended out on to the site of the

perfect space to soak up the spring sunshine

farm’s old livestock barn. Taking the original

and enjoy a good old cuppa and homemade

use of the site as inspiration, the new Visitor

slice of cake.

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What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Stratford Upon Avon's

first cat cafe

Welcome to Stratford’s first cat cafe, Shakespaw!

The cafe provides a service so that people who are unable to keep their own pets or may not want the responsibility to interact with cats alternatively you may just want to 90 minutes surrounded by cats and who can blame you?

The concept of the Cat Cafe originates from Taiwan and is very popular in Japan.The Cafe is like a hotel for kitties, they live here, this is their home.

The cafe provides a service so that people who are unable to keep their own pets or may not want the responsibility can interact with cats.

Guests arriving at the cafe will be allocated a table and a 90 minute time slot where you can relax with the cats enjoy a hot drink and delicious food.

The cafe encourages you to make yourself at home just remember it’s the kitties home too!

So we ask you to respect that.

The owners are so passionate about what they are doing at the Cat Cafe and they can’t wait to open the doors to all fellow cat lovers!

The Cafe is located in the heart of Stratford Upon Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare.

The owners have worked hard to create an environment that is homely and comfortable for both humans and our furry friends.

The cafe is open every day except Tuesdays, 10am-6pm.

Booking is essential and you can do this by using our online booking system.

The Cafe is located at 6 Union Street in Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6QT.

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For more information and to book online go to www.stratfordcatcafe.com or call 01789 414899.

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What's On

Competition Wychwood’s 15th year celebrations Wychwood Festival returns to the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside to celebrate its 15th year in style on 31 May - 2 June 2019. With more than 100 acts performing across four stages, plus a plethora of activities offering something for all ages to enjoy.

Voted the UK’s favourite family festival, this year’s line-up so far includes headliners and legendary punk band The Stranglers, 80s new romantic heroes ABC, and pop rock sensations Scouting for Girls; plus T’Pau, Toyah, Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band, Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer, DJ’s Steve Davis (yes the snooker player!) and Kavus Torabi, Bez, Count Skylarkin, Tankus The Henge, John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett and many more, including Wychwood’s world famous house band Thrill Collins.

As well as amazing musical entertainment, Wychwood hosts a packed programme of workshops, dance and music sessions, circus skills, crafts and a kids’ literature festival, as well as a well-curated programme of talks, debates and comedy for all ages, with lots aimed at families to do together.

Aardman Animations will bring model making classes for everyone to create and take home their favourite character. The Olá Samba Bateria brings a taste of Brazil, and Tiny Wild Fox is a collective of actors and interactors who will be running sports, games and activities for the whole family, joining Chichi Fit, Mr Dilly’s World of Wonder, Jo Porter’s Kitchen Dancing, comedy juggler Ben Cornish, and family songs with Nick Cope, with more to come.

The latest additions to the workshops programme include the Danceworks Studio, pre-school yoga sessions with Andrea from Tatty Bumpkin, Robot and Retro gaming experts Raspberry Jam, with Junk Drumming workshops and World Class Street Theatre set to delight.

Music and light adventure playground specialists Bleephaus will bring an unusual mix of bald head hoopla, slow motion movement, robotic dance, contact juggling and audience participation. And join Sohan Kailey for live family stage shows performing songs from Bhangra, Bollywood, Dino Rocks, Bhangra Pirates and more.

Other attractions include Magical Musical Theatre, The Art and

Visit the South Warwickshire Now Facebook page for details on how to enter!

n 38 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 34 | April 2019

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Science of Rockets, The Maverick Mime Show, ukelele for adults and children, Gospel/Harmony Singing, Music Technology and Kashaka, plus Family Boogie, Belly Dance, Belly Rock, Sea Shanties and Melody Mamas and board games.

Plus there’s loads of crafts including screen printing, jewellery enamelling, space discs, Cool-a-Shakers, Hackspace, Robotics, Funny Festival figures, Still Life, Masks, Friendship Bracelets, Head Dresses, Flags and Banners, Magical Masks, Shakers, Giant Origami, Raggy, Withies, painting.

And an open Mic Session gives everyone a chance to perform, along with poetry for all ages and plenty more besides.

For cycling enthusiasts, Wychwood has launched discounted festival tickets when purchasing a Red Fox Cycling Tour through the English countryside – a chance to make new friends, reduce your environmental impact and enjoy picturesque beauty, with start locations in Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

With optional idyllic camping and something to satisfy all appetites, it’s no wonder Wychwood has been nominated as ‘Best Family Festival’ each year at the UK Festival Awards.

And kids under 5 go for free!

Tier Three tickets are almost sold out but are currently still available. For further info and to buy tickets head to www.wychwoodfestival.com Facebook - @wychwoodfestival Instagram - @wychwoodfestival Twitter - @WychwoodFest www.wychwoodfestival.com

Warwickshire South

Now

Wychwood Festival is offering readers the chance to win two weekend camping tickets. Please visit the Worcestershire Now Facebook page AND NORTH COTSWOLDS for details on how to enter. n

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

Emma Cox Tel: 01905 727902 Email: emma@pw-media.co.uk

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