South Warwickshire Now - August 2018

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

Leamington Food & Drink Festival Returns 8th and 9th September See page 27 for more information

FREE ENTRY

CLEVER IDEAS FOR YOUR BALCONY THE LOW DOWN ON DRAWDOWN GREAT DAYS OUT AUGUST 2018 | ISSUE 27

YOUR FREE COUNTY MAGAZINE t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 ■

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

n 2 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

08

Contents

20 16

12

AUGUST 2018

HOME & GARDEN 08

Clever Ideas for a Beautiful Balcony

12

How to Reduce Plastic Waste at Home

16

Gardening Jobs for August

20

Nature’s Notebook

Health & Beauty 22

Our Guide to an all Natural Look

Food & Drink 24

Recipe Charcoal Mushroom & Minute Steak Flatbread

30

Competition Hillers Farm Shop

30

Competition Shakespeare Distillery

south warwickshire

NOW

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

24

editor

design

Elho

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Wye Vale Garden Centres

Advertising Mel Penkoks 01905 727901 mel@pw-media.co.uk Genna McCann-Taylor 01905 727902 genna@pw-media.co.uk

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Hiller’s Farm Shop

Contributors

Hanson Auctioneers

Front Cover: Leamington Food and Drink Festival

Shakespeare Distillery

www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk

Caravan Stuff 4 U

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Miles Jones

Glynis Dray

Pershore Patty

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34

30 36 38

Golden Years 30

The Low Down of Drawdown

Our Events Diary 34

Great Days Out

36

Caravan Stuff 4 U

38

Walks Wooten Wawen

39

Hanson’s Auctioneers

41

What’s On This Month?

competition winners The Royal Welsh Show T. Gilbert, Southam

Steve Harley H. Robinson, Studley

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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

Heroes of Halfords

Registered blind photographer dispelling myths with new film A video showing the work of a Warwickshire photographer who is registered blind is attracting considerable interest on social media.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) recently shot the video with Nivi Morales and uploaded it on to its social media channels. Since being uploaded more than 60 photos have been shared on Instagram and Twitter by blind and partially sighted people using the hashtag #HowISee. RNIB has also been tagged in a number of photos on Instagram.

“Photographers living with sight loss have a strong passion for the art, we have found a unique way of expressing ourselves through it and I believe this is something that can be seen in our work, which deserves the same merit as those who produce photography without having a visual impairment,” Nivi commented.

The video has been shared 37 times on Facebook and has had 1.6k views.

It has had almost 50 retweets and has been viewed more than two and a half thousand times on Twitter and almost 400 times on Instagram.

In July a little girl’s bike was stolen from outside The Willows School in Stratford upon Avon. It was doubly cruel that the thief had targeted this poor child as she had taken sometime to master the riding of it and she was using it everyday to get to and from school. It seems so heartless to target a school bike as the commuting on it, is one less car doing a journey in Stratford and one child living a health life.

Her mother Chelsey Fowler took the media to explain her daughters plight and the story was shared and commented on many times. The story reached the wonderful team at Halfords in Stratford Upon Avon.

Leo Wainwright, assistant manager, offered a brand new bike to replace the stolen one.

Leo was particularly touched by the story as he had attended The Willows School in the past. Luke Summerill, of Halfords, gave his time for free, staying behind to build the donated bike.

Chelsey commented ‘ I am so happy to say Halfords have replaced my daughters bike with a brand new sparkly bike and she is over the moon. Thank you so much guys you are amazing’

Tini Owens Loses Her Case Tini Owens of Broadway, who wants to divorce her husband of 40 years because she says their marriage is unhappy has lost a Supreme Court fight. Five Supreme Court justices have ruled that Tini must stay married to Hugh Owens. The justices upheld rulings by a Family Court judge and Court of Appeal judges.

Mrs Owens, who is in her late 60s, wants a divorce and says her marriage to Mr Owens, who is in his 80s, is loveless and has broken down. But Mr Owens refuses to agree to a divorce and denies Mrs Owens’ allegations about his behaviour. He says if their marriage has irretrievably broken down it is because she had an affair, or because she is “bored”. Mrs Owens petitioned for divorce in 2015 after moving out.

Supreme Court justices analysed rival legal arguments, which revolved around concepts of “unreasonable” behaviour and “fault”, at a Supreme Court hearing in London in May and delivered

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a ruling on Wednesday 25th July.

One, Lord Wilson, said justices had ruled against Mrs Owens “with reluctance”. He said the “question for Parliament” was whether the law governing “entitlement to divorce” remained “satisfactory”.

Lord Wilson indicated that Mrs Owens would be able to divorce in 2020, when the couple have been separated for five years. Another, Supreme Court president Lady Hale, said she found the case “very troubling”. But she said it was not for judges to “change the law”.

Mrs Owens had already lost two rounds of the battle.

The difficulty for Tini Owens is that until she can’t begin to sort out her own finances and remains shackled to Mr Owens until 2020, which is particularly onnerous for lady of her age.

Fiona Snowdon, family law expert at national law firm Simpson Millar said: “We are disappointed at this decision. Tini Owens has campaigned since 2015 for a divorce from her husband.

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Home & Garden

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l I u f r i e t u v a e e B Cl a

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Home & Garden Morsoe Kamino available from www.morsoe.com

With green space at a premium,

on solar energy. For every hour of full sun it

especially in our towns and cities,

gets during the day, you’ll get back an hour of

it’s a crime not to make full use

light in the evening.

of your balcony. A balcony should be so much more than a bike shed or dumping ground for that cross trainer you never use. With Elho’s clever ideas it’s never been easier to love your balcony and get closer to nature. So go on, get outside and feel happier, healthier and more energetic.

Make the most of what you’ve got There’s a Green Basics pot or planter for every nook and cranny. If you don’t have floor space to spare on your balcony, use railings, tables and hanging spaces. Liven up a wall with Balcony Pot Holders, or make a humble drainpipe look good with Drainpipe Clickers. And grow your own herbs, vegetables or fruit with the Flower Bridge Grow House.

Light up the night Extend the long summer nights with the clever

Happy plants, happy you Many Elho pots and planters come with an inbuilt water reservoir. If you overwater, or a heavy summer rain shower comes along (remember rain?) the excess water is collected. So you don’t need to spend hours tending to your plants - just sit back and enjoy the sunshine.

Going up If your balcony needs more green, embrace the trend for vertical gardening with the Corsica Vertical Garden. With brightly coloured pots you’ll always have colour on your balcony, even when the Summer is over. Extending the use of your balcony well into the Autumn.

Elho pots and planters are widely stocked at all good garden centres, retailers and available online.

Flower Light. It’s a pretty planter for your

www.elho.com

outdoor table and a practical light that works

www.facebook.com/elho

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Home & Garden

How to Reduce Plastic Waste at Home Time is up for plastic waste. The UK has grown more conscious about protecting the environment. Plastic waste is no longer silently strangling our world, rather the endless shocking photos of plastic found in the stomach contents of animals, wrapped round fish’s fins, wings and all across the globe have shone a piercing light on the stark realities of the global consumption of plastic and the price we are now paying. It is something we should all take responsibility for because plastic is engrained in our lives. Much like wi-fi and the internet, it seems we can’t live without plastic items. But we can start to make changes which are easier than you might think.

It’s pretty easy to continue using plastic items and not think about where you can cut down on plastic items.

They may seem necessary but there are many areas where you can reduce the plastic usage or cut it out completely.

The first and most obvious area to look at is food packaging. Much of the food we buy from supermarkets will have some form of plastic packaging. From cold meats and cheese to ice cream and pots of coffee, almost all food uses some form of plastic packaging.

Modern supermarkets often have loose food options n 12 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

as well as pre packaged goods. Have a look round to see which foodstuffs you can get. Fruit, vegetables and most meats can easily be bought unpackaged. Not only will this reduce your plastic consumption, you buy the amount you need rather than a pre set amount. Large supermarkets will have different counters for fish, meat and dairy products so take a look there to see what you can buy from them.

Alternatively, research whether you have any local farm shops in your area. These may seem less convenient and out of the way but everything will unpackaged and even be cheaper. The same goes for using separate shops to buy separate ingredients. Local independent butchers and bakeries are good places to buy unpackaged food.

Not only will these work out cheaper but you are also supporting local businesses. It’s a win-win situation.

In recent years the UK government added a 5p tax to plastic bag usage in most stores and supermarkets. If you are still buying plastic bags then now is the time to stop and use ones you already have. The major supermarkets have their “bags for life” which are stronger and can carry a larger amount of goods. They are certainly worth investing in. Just remember to take them with you.

Continued over the page

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Home & Garden The most recent controversial plastic stories have been about micro beads that are, as the name suggests, microscopic. These damaging micro plastics are in countless cosmetic products such as exfoliating scrubs and even in toothpaste. Watch out for any products that contain polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and nylon. Any products containing these ingredients will contain microbeads.

Toothpaste are not the only toiletries that use plastics, think of all the plastic containers we use. Shampoo, conditioner, cotton buds, deodorant bottles. All of these can be bought without the use of plastic. These so called ‘naked’ toiletries are available from all the major high street stores and are just as effective at scrubbing us up nicely as anything in a plastic bottle. Lush are currently leading the charge on ‘naked’ toiletries and have been doing so for a number of years.

Keeping your house clean is another area where plastic can be replaced by more traditional methods. Instead of the countless plastic cleaning containers needed for different type of surfaces try some good old fashioned

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vinegar and water. This mixture is an all purpose spray that can be used all over the home and is just as good as any high street brand. Similarly, baking powder is extremely effective as a scouring powder and for doing the washing up. Of course, homemade cleaning products can be stored in reusable plastic bottles.

Despite the many things we can do to turn the tide on the plastic waste that is gripping the globe, we must remember that plastic is everywhere and is part of our everyday lives. Nothing will change overnight but if we each of us took some responsibility for what plastics we can cut out of our lives then we can certainly help a fragile and overburdened natural environment recover from this plastic menace.

We should not limit the war on plastic to just the home either. Chew less gum, don’t use plastic straws in drinks, even just making your own sandwiches for work rather than buying meal deals will count as a small victory in this troubling conflict. There are many alternatives to using plastic that are readily available. All we have to do is make them part of our everyday lives too. n Miles Jones

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Home & Garden

Gardening Jobs

For August

The UK’s gardeners are making the most of the August weather to spend time outdoors, but they should also be looking to the seasons ahead and begin preparing their garden for the colder spell.

There are plenty of jobs to keep you busy in the garden this month; it’s the perfect time of year to plant your winter vegetables and start cutting back and deadheading flowers to encourage continual healthy growth.

David Mitchell, buying manager for horticulture at Wyevale Garden Centres, shares his gardening jobs of the month, helping you to get one step closer to your dream back garden: 1. Safeguard your tomato plants Remove the lower level leaves from your tomato plant to help reduce its risk of disease and keep it thriving for longer. When a tomato plant’s growth is dense or when the leaves lie to close to the ground this can mean that the leaves are permanently in the shade. By removing the lower n 16 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

level leaves from the plant the remaining leaves have more space and access to sunlight so are more likely to stay drier and free from soil containing pathogens, thus they are more protected from disease.

2. Prune your perennial herbs Whether you’re looking to flavour your meat or garnish your cocktails, herbs are the plant of the moment and a fantastic addition to gardens of all sizes. Oregano and thyme are perennial herbs which mean they grow back each year without needing to be replanted. To promote their growth each year, trim them in August before the winter months hit to ensure they withstand the frost. continued over the page

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Home & Garden

3. Plan ahead for gardening leave It is important not to leave your plants neglected while you are on holiday. A great way to make sure your plants are being watered without asking the neighbours to cover is to invest in a growbag waterer. Once set up, you can control the amount and frequency of water needed for your plants, leaving them perfectly hydrated without becoming waterlogged.

4. Lop back your lavender As with many blooms, it’s important to cut back lavender after its flowering period to promote new growth. Make sure you do so lightly to help maintain the plant’s well-rounded shape. You should be pruning around one third of the plant using a sharp, clean set of pruning shears.

5. Deadhead petunia and potted dahlias Deadheading ensures that plants maintain a healthy continual bloom and August is the ideal month to trim back

Use this month to plant your hardy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussel sprouts

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potted petunias and dahlias. Plants such as dahlias have tough and stringy stems so opt for secateurs, scissors or knives when removing the flower heads.

6. Wind down for winter Use this month to plant your hardy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussel sprouts, so they are ready to be harvested throughout the winter months. Make sure you plant in an open site with free-draining soil and cultivate before planting to ensure these vegetables have the best chance of growing. n For more information and advice on August’s jobs of the month, along with all the tools you need to gain ground in the garden, visit www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk.

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nature Photo credit: Zsuszanna Bird

Be a Wildlife Hero!

Up to the 17th July central England had only had 3mm of rain and these drought conditions have a big impact on our wildlife. If you have a garden or outdoor space you can help! Lightly dig over hard ground to help birds find worms or soak some dried mealworms to put out - these are great for younger birds.

And make sure there’s a source of water; add a birdbath and dishes of water on the ground. You can also offer fruit that contains lots of water like apples or pears. To help protect plants which are a food source for bees and butterflies add extra layers of mulch – it helps cool the soil and hold onto any moisture. Remember to water wisely to keep plants alive but there’s no need to turn a sprinkler on your lawn. If it has yellowed, don’t worry, it has become dormant and will spring back to life when rain returns.

Count butterflies!

The UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme has been collecting information on butterfly numbers since 1976 and their findings look bleak for some of these beauties. White letter hairstreak butterflies are down 93% and Essex Skipper down 90% since 1976.

Others are doing better; one success has been the reintroduction of the Large Blue butterfly, as numbers are up by over 1000%! If people care enough about our wildlife we can bring back missing species and keep others from going extinct. Help your local butterflies by including droughttolerant favourites such as rosemary, thyme, lavender, sedum, sea holly and rock rose. Then play your part this n 20 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

summer by being part of the Great British Butterfly Count!

Spend 15 minutes counting butterflies (before 12th August) and submit your sightings online.

Learn your leaves In summer, with trees in full leaf, it’s the best time to teach yourself your trees. Become a detective and look for the clues that will prove which tree is which. Leaves come in all shapes and sizes but the all broad-leaved trees are either simple or compound. Simple leaves are whole and not divided though their edges can be indented. Compound leaves are divided right up to the middle vein into smaller leaflets! A great example is horse chestnut, a palmate (which means shaped like a hand!) compound leaf divided clearly into 5 to 7 large leaflets. The other type is pinnate compound like rowan, ash or elder. These have feathershaped leaflets attached in pairs down the middle vein.

Another good feature to look at is the edge of the leaf. If the edges have teeth it could be hornbeam or common lime, if they’re wavy it could be beech and if it’s lobed it could be oak. Looking completely different the conifers are divided into two types; scale-like leaves, which all the cypresses are, or needles which includes pines, spruces, firs, cedars and larches. Take a walk in your nearest park or nature reserve and test out your new knowledge! n

Louise Barrack, Communications Officer Warwickshire Wildlife Trust #staywild

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Our Guide to

an all Natural Look

1. L’OCCITANE Enriched with fair trade Shea Butter (10%), this moisturising certified Organic Shea Lip Balm helps to nourish, repair and protect dry and chapped lips leaving them soft and supple.

£9.00

2. THE ENGLISH MINERAL MAKE-UP COMPANY The hard-working Fairy Godmother doubles as a primer under or as a finishing product over foundation to add even more luminosity. It can also be used as a bed-time treatment to heal and add moisture, working overnight to give a dewy quality to skin, softening fine lines and evening out skin tone.

Fairy Godmother contains millions of microscopic prisms which reflect light, giving the appearance of fewer wrinkles and fine lines, whilst providing smooth texture. Although it is in loose mineral form, Fairy Godmother is filled with antioxidants to nurture skin, as well as rejuvenating rosehip and jojoba oils and can be worn by women with all skin tones.

£55.00

3. CLARINS These new luscious, ultra-absorbent balms come in six flattering shades to illuminate lips with sheer colour. Rich in active plant ingredients, they contain nourishing mango and shea leaving lips soft all day long, vitamin E to protect against free radicals and a natural peptide which helps to

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encourage the synthesis of hyaluronic acid thus maintaining optimal hydration and giving lips a fuller and more beautiful appearance.

The sensitive pigments in the My Pink shade, react with the pH level of your lips, producing a bespoke pink colour created just for you.

£18.50

4. CHANEL For the ÉCLAT ET TRANSPARENCE DE CHANEL collection which plays on the idea of colour in its sheerest and most carefree form, Lucia Pica takes the effort out of applying lip color and presents four delicious new summer colors in the soft, easy texture of LE ROUGE CRAYON DE COULEUR. No need to perfect a painter’s technique this season; no need to take lip liner and lipstick together; instead opt for the perfect, polished lip crayon which will allow you to create beautiful colour whenever and wherever the summer takes you.

Choose from the perfect pastel milky pink of À La Rosée; the ultimate rosy caramel nude of Au Naturel; the fruity coral raspberry of Rose Shocking or the vibrant tangerine red of Ultra Rose.

Beautifully hydrating and comfortable to wear, these four modern classics can be worn as a light, “just bitten” stain or built up to be more intense colour statement. They represent freedom, and the ability to be whomever you choose.

£31.00

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Food & Drink

Ingredients (serves four) • 4 wraps (we used Mediterranean style wraps) • 1 red pepper (we used sweet red pointed peppers) • 300g chestnut mushrooms • Salad / lettuce leaves • 250g Minute steaks • 150g drained fresh mozzarella grated • Charcoal Salt (we used Droitwich Salt) • Black pepper • Soured cream • Extra virgin olive oil

Charcoal Mushroom

and Minute Steak Flatbread

Michelin starred chef Brad Carter of Carters in

Method

Birmingham has teamed up with Droitwich Salt

1. Slice peppers lengthways and slice mushrooms.

Add to a bowl and mix together with 1 tbsp oil and 1/2 tsp charcoal salt.

to produce a new range of flavoured artisan salts, and they’re a must for any foodie’s store cupboard. I was unable to attend the recent cookery demonstration by chef Carter at Webbs to sample the dishes he made using the salts, but

a Michelin starred chef to use them. We wanted

3. Place a griddle pan on a very high heat and add the pepper & mushroom mix. Grill for a few minutes until they are cooked through. Transfer the cooked vegetables into a clean bowl.

to cook something simple that we could throw

4. Heat the flatbreads as per packet instructions.

I was sent some samples to try out for myself. The range of flavours include Charcoal, Sea Truffle and Coastline, but don’t worry you don’t have to be

together as a mid-week meal. This recipe is for charcoal mushroom and minute steak flatbreads, which are super easy to put together. The flavour of the charcoal salt we used to season the meat and vegetables really came through. We used a hot grill pan indoors, but the salt added a charred / BBQ taste without turning on the grill, as we’d For more delicious recipes visit: www.pershorepatty.com

2. Season the steaks with charcoal salt and black pepper.

hoped that it would. The flavoured salts are available to buy online at Food at Webbs.

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5. Cook the minutes steaks for 30 seconds on each side on the hot griddle pan for medium rare or 30 seconds longer if you prefer your meat more well done. Let the meat rest for a few minutes and then slice into strips.

6. Make up the flat bread with a handful of salad leaves, dollop of soured cream, vegetable mix, steak and grated mozzarella. Fold up and enjoy! n

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Our Events diary

Competition

hillers farm shop

Visit Hillers this summer, a family run enterprise that is passionate about bringing you the best in quality local produce and customer service that’s second to none!

Tractor Ted is visiting Hillers this August from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th. Come along and join in the free family fun. Children can bounce on our giant inflatable Tractor Ted bouncy castle or scoop up the balls in Digger Den! There are also family fun competitions at Welly Wanging – who will be the best or the funniest?

The Maize Maze is back at Hillers. A four acre adventure that has been designed in the shape of a sheep, that is suitable for families with children of all ages. £3.00 per child and you can go in it as many times as you like in a day – 2 accompanying adults go in for free.

There is lots of fun to be had once you are in the Maize Maze; if you find the hidden token in the middle, you can take it to the farm shop along with your ticket at the end of your visit to receive a free delicious treat! Also in the maize are 8 hidden animals, find them all and indentify them correctly, fill in the crossword and mystery word on the back of your ticket and correct entries will be entered into a free prize draw to win a Hillers Hamper worth £50.00. The entry will be drawn at the end of the maize season.

The Maze is open daily 10.30 – 5.00pm with last entry at 4.30pm. Ticket sales & maze entrance are located next to the Avonvale Miniature Railway - outdoor footwear is advisable.

Come and get up close and personal with the birds of prey and meet and ride the lovely ponies. They will be here for you to enjoy for free on 1st, 2nd, 28th, 29th & 30th August. Birds of prey will fly at 12noon and 2.00pm and please book your pony rides on the day at our information point, they are here from 10.30am – 3.00pm.

Make a day of it with a visit to the sandpit and enjoy a picnic or enjoy breakfast, lunch or cream tea at the Garden Restaurant followed by a visit to the bird hide, our best kept secret located in the display garden.

There really is something for everyone at Hillers, from the award winning Farm Shop that includes Ragley Estate Butchers, Hillers Fish Shop, deli, cheese counter and bakery, to the Garden Shop with display garden and bird hide. We have Hillers Gifts & Interiors where you can find the perfect outfit or a gift for that special someone and the Garden Restaurant with sunny outdoor terrace, perfect to enjoy the summer sun

www.hillers.CO.UK

To be in with a chance of winning an Afternoon Tea for Two at Hillers Garden Centre, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Answer: Name:

How many days will Tractor Ted be at Hillers Farm shop?

Address: Tel:

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

Email:

Closing date for entries is 18th August 2018. n 26 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

If you DO wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Hillers Farm Shop please tick this box

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Our Events diary

Competition

shakespeare distillery

Shakespeare Distillery has been creating hand-crafted spirits in Stratford upon Avon since 2015. Currently based on the 4000-acre Alscot Estate the distillery is probably best known for its award winning London-dry gin, aptly named after its hometown. Stratford Gin is a fusion of classic gin botanicals, including a healthy slug of Juniper, with five ‘Tudor Garden’ inspired herbs; Lovage, Rosemary, Sage, Lemon Balm and Rose. When mixed with a good-quality Indian Tonic Water, the resulting garden-fresh G&T is a modern twist on a British classic.

Shakespeare

Distillery

launched

their

Mulberry

Gin

to

commemorate the playwright’s 400th anniversary in April 2016 and have had great success with their New Place Edition, after harvesting Black Mulberries from the Great Garden in Stratford last summer. With the recent glorious weather the 2018 crop could be even better, leading to a dark rich fruity gin that marries perfectly with a dry sparkling white wine.

Rhubarb, commonly used to cure ailments in Tudor times, has since become a British favourite. To produce their newest gin, the distillery team extract the Rhubarb juice using a fruit press and blend it with Stratford Gin to produce a deliciously sweet and tangy gin. Bottled with a gloriously natural pink colour, this gin is equally at home with tonic or ginger ale, over ice with a slice or orange or twist of lime.

Not content with producing the smoothest and best tasting local gins, the Shakespeare Distillery team are currently planning to launch tours, on-site tastings and a Gin School at their new premises from the start of 2019. Great as a gift to a gin-loving friend or relative, or indeed to be kept to ones self, Gin School will allow visitors to distill their own bottle of gin using a gorgeous copper mini-still with the help of the Shakespeare Distillery experts, and a few Gin and Tonics along the way! Watch out for more information on this exciting development in the autumn or sign up to their newsletter for launch dates.

www.shakespearedistillery.com

To be in with a chance of winning a bottle of Stratford Gin, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Which herb, usually associated with remembrance, is one of the key botanicals in Stratford Gin? Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Shakespeare Distillery SWN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 18th August 2018. n 28 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

Answer: Name: Address: Tel: Email:

If you DO wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Shakespeare Distillery please tick this box

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Golden Years

The Low Down

on Drawdown

Drawdown is a flexible way to take an income from your pension, whilst keeping it invested. You can choose where you invest and how much income to take.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Plus, you can usually take up to 25% of the pension

The earliest you can usually access a

you use as a tax-free lump sum at the start.

pension is age 55 (rising to 57 from

Drawdown is a popular option, but it’s not easy or

2028).

risk-free, and unlike an annuity (which provides a

What you do with your pension is an important decision. We strongly recommend you understand your

guaranteed income for life) income isn’t secure.

Your income might run out

options and check your chosen option

Make sure you have enough secure income to fall

is right for your own circumstances.

back on if things don’t go to plan. Drawdown can

Take advice or guidance if you’re

offer great flexibility, the potential of an increasing

unsure.

income and the chance to pass on your savings to

The government provides a free

your loved ones. But if the investments you choose

and impartial service to help you

don’t perform as you’d hoped, you take too much

understand your retirement options.

out too soon or you live longer than expected, you

Pension Wise is available at www. pensionwise.gov.uk, by calling 0800

could run out of income later on.

138 3944 or face-to-face.

Having secure income from other sources can

This article is not designed as

mean you have a valuable safety net to cover

personal advice.

essential living costs in the event your drawdown

n 30 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

income falls. This is something you should think about before applying for drawdown.

Secure income can include an annuity and the state pension.

Investments can fail Choose your income and investments carefully and review them regularly. Being in drawdown means you’re in control. Your plan won’t run itself.

If your investments perform well there’s the chance your fund value, and income, will increase over time, which can help fight inflation and the rising costs of living. But, if your investments fall in value so could your income and you could get back less than you originally invested.

To help you might consider taking only the income that your investments produce – known as the natural yield. Using this strategy you can avoid eating into capital, which would eventually drain the fund and reduce the income available for the future. continued over the page

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

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

Mel Penkoks

Genna McCann-Taylor

Tel: 01905 727901 Email: mel@pw-media.co.uk

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

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 31 n

Golden Years Overpayment of Tax Make sure you understand how withdrawals are taxed. After tax-free cash, all withdrawals are treated as taxable income, and will be added to any other income you’ve received that same tax year. So taking large withdrawals could push you into a higher tax bracket. To overcome this you might consider spreading withdrawals over more than one tax year, so you can take full advantage of your personal allowance and tax bands.

The first time you withdraw from your pension, you may be taxed using an emergency tax code.

After your first withdrawal, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) should give an updated tax code to your provider which should automatically adjust any overpaid, or underpaid, tax when you next receive a payment. You can contact HMRC directly if you think you’ve paid too much or too little.

Charges from different advisers vary Make sure you understand all the costs. Charges can vary dramatically between providers. It’s vital you shop around to make sure you aren’t paying too much for your drawdown plan. Many plans will have administration and adviser charges, as well as transfer, set up and withdrawal costs, so it’s important to consider the full picture when comparing how much you’ll pay in total. Often the charges you pay will depend on the level of complexity you want from your plan. For example if you want to hold investments such as commercial property you’ll need a full SIPP which is usually more expensive in order to cover the running costs. However if you plan to stick to funds and shares you could significantly reduce your costs by choosing a low-cost pension.

Makes sure you compare not just the costs Administration and account features aren’t always the same from one provider to the next. Some could still have a drawdown age limit of 75, and some might have limited investment options.

Common things to ask are: • Can you access your account online and offline?

• How easy is it to speak to someone if you have a question?

• Can you get up to date valuations?

• How easy is it to buy and sell investments?

• Can you invest where you want to when you want to?

• How long can you stay in drawdown?

• Do you have access to support if you need it?

• Are there any research or interactive resources available to help? n

n 32 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

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

Mel Penkoks

Genna McCann-Taylor

Tel: 01905 727901 Email: mel@pw-media.co.uk

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

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n

great days out

Great Days Out Ryton Pools Country Park Ryton Pools Country Park, CV8 3BG has a whole host of events and activities on during the summer holidays to keep everyone entertained!

For the full programme check out our ‘What’s on’ guide on the website at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks We also have Heartbreak Productions returning after their successful

SUMMER FUN

AT RYTON POOLS COUNTRY PARK CV8 3BH

production last year on FRIDAY 3 AUGUST with The Railway Children Come and watch the acclaimed Heartbreak Productions theatre performance of this classic. A great evening of live outdoor theatre for the whole family, overlooking Ryton Pool. Booking essential – Please visit www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk or call 02476 305592 Another exciting event is taking place on MONDAY 6 AUGUST All Aboard Pirates Workshop and Trail Come aboard our craft ship ‘The Ranger’ and join Blackbeard to kit yourself out as a flea bitten pirate in preparation for the great lost treasure hunt. An event for children aged from 3 years, who must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 will need adult supervision during the activity.

• 2 Adventure Play Areas • Pirate Trail • Cafe • Waymarked Walks • Miniature Railway • Cycle Hire • Orienteering Course • Visitor Centre • Birthday Parties & Events • Volunteering Visit our website at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks Visit Country Parks on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @countryparks

No need to book! Drop in any time between 10.30 am and 2.00 pm n 34 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

Packed Autumn Season at Solihull’s Core Theatre Described as a ‘hidden gem’ Solihull’s Core Theatre is enjoying strong sales for the Autumn season and relaunched family panto show.

Adjacent to Touchwood, the much-loved venue is open all year with extensive facilities and friendly staff. Their programme, mixing great names like; Fairport Convention, Andy Fairweather-Low, Marty Wilde, Hazel O’Connor, Kathy Lette and Blake with dance, drama and tributes to bands like; ELO, Roy Orbison, Elvis and Led Zeppelin ensures there’s something from every era.

A new partnership with award-winning pantomime production Team Little Wolf Entertainments will see the launch of Sleeping Beauty which run from 14th December to 6th January. The Core Theatre is delighted to be offering their first ‘Relaxed Performance’ on Friday 4th January specifically for panto audiences who’d benefit from a more relaxed environment. Those with sensory sensitivities, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders or anyone for whom a regular theatre experience can be challenging.

Slight alterations can make a huge difference… keeping house lights on and doors open allows easy access. Whilst removing strobe lighting, pyrotechnics and having fewer loud sound effects can make a show far less stressful. A chill out area plus sensory toys and the ability to arrive early to acclimatise plus being ‘allowed’ to make a noise can make it fun!

Call Box Office on 0121 704 6962 to find out more, buy tickets or join the mailing list. Visit www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk for more info on the whole season. t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 35 n

Great Adventures Start with Caravan Stuff 4U

and explore the scenery. You’ll be needing essential kit and maybe thinking about changing your van so check out our awning range. We’ll be here too come Winter when your pipes have frozen, you’ve run out of Calor gas or you fancy a cosy cover for your van.

Our commitment to the planet...

Based in a beautiful part of Worcestershire and close to the Malvern Hills, we want to keep our environment healthy. Having re-used our waste packaging since our brand was born over 14

It’s been an exciting year here at Caravan Stuff 4 U...

Our speedy warehouse team have picked and packed thousands of parcels every week for home delivery all over the UK and beyond, and our super Customer Service team have helped all our lovely customers to get the best deals on the products you love. We are proud of our dedicated staff and to top it off we’ve recently been awarded Best Caravan Accessories

Retailer 2018 - UK by the 2018 Midlands Enterprise Awards, hosted by SME-News!

We’ve been here for you through it all...

During the wet and windy Spring our team were here when you wanted kettles, televisions and tie-down kits and In July’s heat-wave we’ve been here when you’ve needed fans, barbecues and chairs to relax in.

Autumn means the kids back at school and a quieter time for you to roam the open road

n 36 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

years ago, we are now reducing our need for plastics. Most of our parcels are now sent to you in recycled or recyclable packaging rather than in polythene bags and we’re working towards making our premises more energy efficient in partnership with the SevernWye Energy Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.

We stock everything you need for your next great adventure so come and visit us today for a truly great shopping experience! n

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 37 n

KEEPING ACTIVE Start / Finish: The walk starts at ‘The Bull Inn’ near the Parish Church at Wootton Wawen. (Junction of Alcester Road with A3400).

Public Transport: There is a ‘request’ railway halt at Wootton Wawen. You need to ask the guard for the train to stop so that you can alight. On your return, you will need to stay well back from the platform edge and signal to the driver to stop. The village is served by X20 from Stratford. Please use ‘Traveline’ and local bus timetables.

Parking: You will need to street park. Please park sensitively.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 220 Distance: The main walk is 7 miles. Also shorter 4 mile ‘there and back’ canal walk (points 10 back to 7) with a visit to Yew Tree Farm.

Time: Allow all day to do the main walk. The shorter option is manageable in a morning or afternoon.

Refreshments: Once you leave Wootton Wawen with its ‘Navigation Inn’, a coffee shop at ‘Yew Tree Farm’ and ‘The Bull’s Head’ there are no cafes or eating places en route so why not take a picnic and enjoy it along the way.

There is a useful village store on the main road opposite the church and a community shop at Wootton Hall.

Terrain: Apart from a few gentle slopes, the walk is largely flat, particularly along the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. with a few steps and stiles, kissinggates and some uneven paths. Boots are recommended. Wheelchair users can explore Wootton Wawen and visit the Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre. Largewheeled pushchairs may manage a canal walk in either direction.

History: St. Peter’s Church is the oldest in Warwickshire with the base of its tower dating from ‘Saxon’ times. The Grade 2 ‘Wootton Hall’, now ‘flats’, dates from the late 16th century. The nearby watermill was fed by the River Alne. The walk takes you past some pretty timber-framed cottages, two canal aqueducts at Edstone and Wootton Wawen and across some lovely rural countryside.

There are some interesting canal bridges with rope slots from the days of horse-drawn barges. The canal path and riverside can be muddy in winter but this is a lovely summer walk.

Note: Short Walk. From ‘The Bull Inn’ go towards Stratford to bridge (aqueduct) over road. This aqueduct can be accessed via ‘Pennyford Lane’(was there once a ford costing 1d to cross the River Alne?) or by a steep climb up the footpath on the right on the Stratford side of the ‘bridge’. You can tailor your walk to suit!

1. Main walk starts at ‘The Bull Inn’ and passes beautiful Parish Church and a useful family run convenience store. Opposite gates to Wootton Hall take track on right signed ‘Monarch’s Way’. Go through large farm gate and cut across grass to kissing-gate. Wander down long strip of grass – ancient trackway that followed River Alne to Aston Cantlow and on towards Stratford. Walk down to footbridge/ ford across River Alne but don’t cross it. Follow River Alne into corner near stile and turn right over a tiny concrete bridge and along left side of field to kissing-gate. Walk left between River Alne and boundary of sewage works. Take path slightly right that leads towards railway embankment and kissing-gate onto concrete track. Turn left to railway viaduct and bridge over River Alne at junction with lane.

2. Follow lane beneath first arch of viaduct. After 120 yards take track on left alongside River Alne towards Grey Mill Farm. At modern building bear right then right again to ‘front’ of farm where you join lane. Turn left briefly to kissing-gate on right. Climb up ‘Round Hill’ to another kissing-gatethen down-hill towards gateway, over stile and down right side of field to exit onto lane. Turn left.

3. After 100 yards cross River Alne taking footpath on right. After 40 yards cross stile on right and walk beside River Alne. Veer diagonally left across long field and through large gate.

4. After 350 yards, bear left to cross dismantled railway via two kissing-gates and down Chapel Lane (by-way) into Aston Cantlow.

Turn left at Bearley Road briefly to ‘by-way’ on right. This is an ancient zig-zag route that once led to Newnham 5.Climb up over ridge through woodland strip.

6. At bottom corner, turn left along bridleway then right into Newnham. At corner beyond hamlet take 2nd footpath on right that goes straight on (eastwards). n 38 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

Wootton Wawen

River and Canal Walk via Edstone Aqueduct

7. Walk diagonally left to stile then diagonally right across rough pasture, over stile, along left side of field to gap and over Draper’s Bridge on Stratford upon Avon Canal. Turn left towards Wootton Wawen.

8. Cross magnificent 475 feet long cast-iron ‘Edstone (Bearley) Aqueduct’ (longest in England). over road and railway (opened 1816).

It had pipes and valve beneath iron-trough used to fill steam engines on track below with water from canal.

9. In ½ mile, towpath crosses bridge over canal. Keep walking as far as Wootton Wawen Aqueduct.

10. At corner, take footpath into Pennyford Lane OR steep footpath on left before you reach aqueduct, crossing road beneath with care.

Turn left passing old mill, Wootton Hall and Church to complete circular walk at ‘The Bull Inn’. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

Toast of the Town A simple toast rack snapped up

according to Mr Rathbone: “The toast rack

by local newlyweds more than

appears as modern today as it has ever

80 years ago - just because they

been, with Alessi producing the same design

liked it – has sold for 10 times its estimate

today – angular, clean and simple. Designs

at auction.

like this were made for the forward-thinking

The Christopher Dresser toast rack, first

Bohemian elite of Victorian Britain.”

The seller said: “The toast rack was bought

identified as a design classic at Derbyshire’s

by my wife’s parents when they got married

Hansons Auctioneers.

in 1936. They chose it because they liked it

Hansons said: “We put a modest estimate of £200-£400 on it as there is some slight

– and they used it. I would guess that they didn’t pay much for it. They needed it for their first home.

damage but, thanks to its rarity and

“They had no idea it was anything special

pedigree, it sold for £2,000.

and, when we acquired it, we didn’t at first.

“It did well because Christopher Dresser, who was born in Glasgow in 1834 and died in 1904, was a pioneer of industrial design

should always bring things for free valuation.

So many items of historical value, left substantial windfall.” n

Hansons hold free monthly valuation events in Knowle, Stratford on Avon, Kenilworth and Bishops Cleeve. To find out more, call Carol Jones on 07802 839915.

and the toast fell out, so we put it away in a box.

“Later, we heard the name Christopher

decoration. Also, it was an original 1878

Dresser crop up on antiques programmes

design embossed on the back with the

on

words ‘Designed by Dr C Dresser’, which

something special.

Dresser’s designs were ahead of their time,

Their experience goes to shows why people

We used it a few times bit it’s a bit wobbly

based on form and function rather than

added to its value.”

Mr Rathbone said: “I’m delighted they did.

gathering dust for decades, can turn into a

designed for Hukin and Heath in 1878, was

Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director at

Decorative Arts specialist see it.”

TV

and

realised

it

could

be

“We took it along to a free valuation event run by Hansons and were advised to let their

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 39 n

What's On

AUGUST Every Day in August

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Wednesday 8th

Castle Green, Kenilworth, CV8 1NG

Abstract Photography

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present

Batsford Arboretum ,Batsford

Shakespeare’s magical tale of shipwrecks

Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD

and revenge. Bring your blankets and

War of the Roses

An

Warwick Castle, Warwick

class followed by a practical workshop

CV34 4QU

in

Huzzah! The critically acclaimed show, Wars

photographer Alan Ranger at Batsford

of the Roses Live returns with even more

for an informative morning theory class

stunts, tricks and dates.

0370 333 1181

in Batsford’s Education Centre to learn about camera, settings, composition and

Cost: from £15

01926 495 421 Cost: from £15

Wednesday 1st - Monday 20th Butterfly and Bug Trail

informative the

photography

Arboretum.

Join

theory

professional

technique. Follow on after lunch with a practical workshop in the Arboretum to put theory into practice with Alan’s help.

picnic baskets, and prepare to enjoy this classic play in the stunning setting of Kenilworth Castle.

Friday 10th - Saturday 11th Dragon Slayer

Suitable for any level with a bridge or DSLR

Warwick Castle, Warwick

camera, each two hour class will cover a

CV34 4QU

different topic and help you to get to grips

Experience a whole evening of spectacular

with those settings and skills to improve.

entertainment combining immersive dining

01386 701 441

experiences, a projection light show with

for a prize.

Cost: £65

dazzling pyrotechnics, fire jousting, live

www.coventry.gov.uk/coombeevents

Friday 10th

Cost: £2

The Tempest

01926 495 421

Kenilworth Castle

Cost: from £20

Coombe Country Park Brinklow Rd Binley, Coventry, CV3 2AB Pick up your trail sheet from the shop, collect the clues and work out the anagram

n 40 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

action stunts and much more.

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 41 n

What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Casablanca Screening Wednesday 15th August

Friday 24th - Monday 27th Camper Calling Ragley Hall Alcester, B49 5NJ Camper Calling is a perfectly formed family festival in its 3rd Year at Ragley Hall, this year headlined by Melanie C, Feeder & The Coral.

The August Bank Holiday weekend sees Camper Calling return for 3 nights at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire.

Amazing music from your best loved bands, as well as introducing you to your new favourites! Combine that with family entertainment, loads of activities including craft workshops, lake activities and some seriously tasty food & drink, you’ll be as busy – or as chilled out – as you choose!

01789 762090 Cost: from £35

Saturday 28th Wednesday 15th Casablanca Film screening at Temperance 33 Bath Street Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 3AF Casablanca (1942) Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), who owns a nightclub in Casablanca, discovers his old flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) is in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). Laszlo is a famed rebel, and with Germans on his tail, Ilsa knows Rick can help them get out of the country. This Temperance’s first film screening and it is an absolute classic.

01926 737233 Cost: £5

Thursday 21st Hoot Owl Batsford Arboretum, Batsford Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD Hoot Owl is no ordinary owl – he’s a Master of Disguise! And he plans to use his cunning camouflage powers to gobble up the tiny animals of the night. Trouble is, Hoot Owl’s prey keep escaping! Is Hoot Owl as masterful as he thinks he is? Will he become a member of the Owl Parliament? Will he EVER succeed in catching himself some dinner?

Bring a picnic and enjoy Hoot Owl live on stage amongst the trees at Batsford Arboretum! Original songs, colourful puppets, animation, hilarity, ridiculousness and rapid costume changes abound in this wildly inventive show from Proon Productions, based on the award-winning picture book by Sean Taylor, with sets faithful to Jean Jullien’s visually creative illustrations. Suitable for little ones...and grown-up wrinkly ones!

Gates open from midday for picnics. The show starts at 1pm and lasts approx 1 hour, plus a meet & greet at the end of the show with Hoot Owl and the gang!

01386 701 441 Cost: £10/£8/£30

Friday 24th - Monday 27th Dragon Slayer Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU Experience a whole evening of spectacular entertainment combining immersive dining experiences, a projection light show with dazzling pyrotechnics, fire jousting, live action stunts and much more.

01926 495 421 Cost: from £20

n 42 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018

Family Forest School Fun! Batsford Arboretum, Batsford Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD Come and explore Batsford’s very own Forest School site - build a den, play in our mud kitchen and discover the insects that inhabit there! Join children’s storyteller Michael Loader for spontaneous stories inspired by the animals and trees and have a go at making your own story character from natural materials to bring the stories to life! Why not stay for the day and head into the Arboretum for The Big Batsford Bug Hunt too?!

The Forest School sessions start at 10am or 1.30pm and last for approx 2 hours each. Sessions cost £5 per child, or £10 per child when combined with our Bug Hunt (combined price includes Arboretum admission for children. Normal Arboretum entry fee applies to accompanying adults for the Bug Hunt.).

Forest school sessions must be booked in advance as places are limited - to book, call 01386 701441*.

Please state whether you would like to include The Big Batsford Bug Hunt with your booking.

01386 701 441 Cost: £ from £5

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 43 n

n 44 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 27 | August 2018