South Warwickshire NOW Dec 17/Jan 18

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE

N W DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

issue TWENTY

Eat, Drink & be Merry at The Fuzzy Duck This festive season

See page 35 for more information @NOWWARWICKSHIRE FIND US ON FACEBOOK WWW.NOWMAGAZINES.CO.UK

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ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

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

ADVERTISE

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

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

Editor

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

DESIGN

Paul Blyth Bex Small

10

Statement chairs add life to a room by being a centerpiece that accents the rest of the decor.

CONTRIBUTORS

Louise Barrack Jane Brook Glynis Dray Age UK Warwickshire Dogs Trust Inspired Villages Snowshill Manor Warwickshire Council Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

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COMPETITION WINNERS

24

A Tour & Tasting experience for two people at Cotswold Distillery S. Westlake, Evesham

Wrap up for a chilly, wintry walk and become a wildlife detective this winter

A 12/14lb Free Range Oven Ready Turkey from Lower Clopton Farm Shop C. Wainwright, Warwick 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 and Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media and Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

mind your manners

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Here are a selection of products that are ideal as a gift for yourself, friends or family.

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CONTENTS

36

32

your winter wedding

34

Pear & Apple Mince Pie Filling by Asimakis Chaniotis Head Chef at Pied à Terre

DEC 2017 ¯ jan 2018

ISSUE twenty

42 40

Take a walk from Shipston-on-Stour to Todenham

staying safe and healthy this winter

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

58

win with eckington manor

48 4

WIN WITH THE GRANVILLE

Many children arriving at primary school are not ready to take part in classroom activities.

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HERE & NOW

A dog is for life,

not just for Christmastm

The team at Dogs Trust are keen to advise people to think very carefully before introducing a dog into their family at Christmas. It’s such a busy time and can be very stressful for puppies and new owners during a time when there are lots of visitors, disrupted routines and everyone at home to care for a new dog.

When the New Year arrives and everyone goes back to work and school, this is when the reality of dog ownership really sets in and Dogs Trust is often left picking up the pieces for many unwanted dogs.

Chris continues, “Of course we would encourage anyone who believes a dog is for life and wants to enjoy

A

the s our thoughts turn to Christmas

“There is no denying that we’re a nation

and what the perfect presents

of animal lovers, but sadly sometimes

would be for friends and family, the

that love can mean some people may

team at Dogs Trust Evesham are hoping a

rush into getting a dog, often without

puppy isn’t on anyone’s Christmas gift list.

ample research or even rushing into

Dogs Trust’s famous slogan, ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’™ is almost 40 years old, but it is sadly as relevant today as it was when the phrase was first coined in 1978. The charity cares for around 15,000 dogs of all shapes and sizes each year, many of which have been abandoned or are simply unwanted pets.

With puppies readily available at the click of a button, and many dogs bought as presents being discarded even before the decorations are taken down, the team are encouraging people to adopt not shop this Christmas and consider rehoming a rescue dog.

a

canine

give a dog a second chance to have the wonderful life all dogs deserve. We have plenty of dogs all looking for their special someone.”

To find out more about the dogs

can be such a rewarding addition to

looking for a new home and for advice

any family, but they do come with

on all aspects of dog ownership visit

long-term responsibilities that will

www.dogstrust.org.uk

have a lasting impact on their new owner’s life.

“Last year, we received a staggering 227 calls in the weeks following Christmas from owners wanting to give up their dog, which is really sad as dogs aren’t disposable commodities; they are a huge commitment and should be part of the family for life.

“If you are thinking about getting a dog in 2018, please consider rehoming a

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centres, says:

rescue dog.”

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

benefits

a last minute online purchase. A dog

Chris Slight, Manager at one of the many

6

wonderful

companion can offer, to visit us and

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7

Podiatrists Attempt BASE Camp Everest

M

relief as possible to maintain mobility &

where I'll (hopefully) watch the sunrise

independence, and to relieve suffering.

over Everest.

In 2011 I took on the hardest challenge of

I then managed to talk a few podiatry

my life to raise funds for the Scleroderma

colleagues into my mad scheme and so

& Raynauds UK charity. I climbed Cotopaxi

we are all doing the trek to raise funds

in Ecuador at a height of 19347 feet (5897

for our own charities, but also to raise

metres) and it nearly finished me off. I

the profile of the profession of Podiatry

swore I'd never climb that high again even

as we help to keep the world walking as

though I did raise over £4000.

#podsfixfeet.

which impacted tremendously on our

Move forward 6 years and I get the crazy

So please support me and the charity that

family's life). My mother battled on until

idea to go altitude trekking again but I

is close to my heart by donating whatever

she reached the age of 55 before she lost

keep telling everyone its not as high so

you can. Don't forget the Gift Aid as that

the fight.

I'll be fine (trying to reassure myself!).

makes a big difference as well.

As a Podiatrist (Foot Specialist), I see

Everest with my own eyes, so am trekking

patients with either or both of these

to Everest Base Camp. The highest point

Johnathan Small

debilitating conditions and their effects

will be Kala Patthar at 18519 feet (5644.5

w w w.jus t gi v ing.com / fundraising /

on the feet. I try to provide as much

metres - the 0.5m is obviously important!)

footmanj2017

y

childhood

dominated

by

years

my

were

mother's

illness in the 1970's as she

struggled to get a diagnosis whilst suffering with the pain of Raynauds and the progressive nature of Scleroderma, until her kidneys were affected and she spent the 1980's on dialysis (she was one of the first people in the UK to use a continuous dialysis system at home

I'm off to fulfill a dream of mine to see

Thank you and keep on walking!

Great¯grandmother Sheila

to Switch on Whitnash Christmas Lights been married for over 60 years. Sheila

Whitnash Councillor Simon Button said:

has osteoarthritis and was finding her

‘this is a fantastic community event

bungalow was becoming more difficult to

that seems to get better every year.

manage. She also wanted to make some

Although it takes an enormous amount

new memories.

of effort to put on this event, it is well

‘This is a new memory I will take with me for the rest of my life,’ she said.

A

worth it. We generally have well over 1200 people visiting us and enjoying the

live

n 84 year-old great-grandmother

Switch-on will take place at the Plough

Christmas sees over 300 excited little

has been chosen to switch on the

and Harrow Public House with the fun

children. We are extremely grateful

Christmas lights in Whitnash.

starting at 4pm. The event includes live

to Inspired Villages for their valuable

bands, dance performances, fairground

sponsorship this year, along with the

rides and attractions and a selection of

help from other local individuals and

stalls.

organisations.’

The switch on is being organised by

Inspired Villages Warwick is a retirement

volunteers from Whitnash Town Council,

village in Heathcote. The first phase of the

their families and friends.

£65m development is open and work has

Mayor and Father Christmas at the event on Sunday 3rd December.

Sheila is a resident at Inspired Villages Warwick, who are sponsoring this year’s Christmas lights. Sheila said she was

attractions

magician

The 2017 Whitnash Christmas Lights

Sheila Gowlett will appear alongside the

other

performances,

&

and

Father

started on phase two.

‘speechless’ when she was asked to play

Sheila’s granddaughter is landlady of the

a key part in the town’s celebrations

Plough & Harrow, and Sheila has been a

For

and is looking forward to the event. She

visitor to the Christmas lights switch on

Inspired Villages Warwick please visit

decided to move to an apartment at the

before. ‘I never thought that one day I

www.inspiredvillages.co.uk

retirement village last year, following

would be switching them on,’ she said.

01926 683514

the death of her husband. They had

‘I like to do something different.’

8

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

more

information

about or

call

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9

homestyle

Confluences sofa

statement

chairs

Statement chairs add life to a room by being a centrepiece that accents the rest of the decor. When people enter the room, their eyes are drawn to it. Statement chairs are usually uniquely shaped, colourful, or highly elegant. Regardless of their design, they are meant to be appealing and stylish.

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ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ÂŻ january 2018

>>

'

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homestyle

Harlow Armchair

B

y adding a statement chair to

the first step is to choose the type

people; find pillows that accent the

a room, the overall design of

of chair. The more unique it is, the

fabric for the best overall effect -

the living space can feel more

more of a statement it will make.

Unique rating – high

complete. The nice thing about

However, regular chairs can also

statement chairs is that they are both

draw

decorative and functional. They provide

below defines the different types of

extra seating for family and guests

chairs as well as lists which ones are

while still adding a design feature to

more unique.

the room. For an even greater effect, people can purchase two or three of the same chair. However, having several different styles of statement chairs will just make the room feel cluttered and confusing. This guide will help buyers locate and select a statement chair that is perfectly fitted to their living space.

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attention.

The

information

The chaise longue is both elegant and unique; in ancient times only the wealthy and royalty had them; a long chair that extends out to support the legs and feet without the

Arm chairs are simple, comfortable,

use of an ottoman; make excellent

and functional as well as heavily

centrepieces especially if they are

cushioned with armrests; to make a

bought in a colour that is separate

statement, these need to be made

from the other furniture, but still flow

with

with the room décor.

attention-grabbing

fabric;

to

maximize the look, purchase these in sets of two or three. Unique rating – low

Unique rating – medium Club chairs are a fancier version of

A chair and a half is very unique

the arm chair; features a low back,

Types of Chairs to Select From

because of its size; it is wider than

a good amount of cushion, and

The purpose of a statement chair is

a regular chair, but smaller than

armrests; often has nailhead trim on

to draw attention to itself without

a loveseat; it is modern, perfect

the armrests and back; works best

overdoing it. When looking for one,

for lounging, and can still seat two

as statement chairs when bought in

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homestyle

Chairs by Arlo & Jacob

groups of two or three.

Slipper

modern;

can be perfect statement chairs;

Unique rating – low

characterized by being upholstered

upholstered with an upright back

and having no armrests; since these

and wings that protrude from the

are fairly simple chairs, they work

side; sometimes they have ornately

best in groups.

carved wooden claw feet.

Unique rating – medium

Unique rating – medium

back; usually they are a half-circle

Tub chairs are also modern; features

shape or something similar that still

Where to Shop for

a back and armrests that are one

supports the body without having

continuous piece; the back is rounded

Statement Chairs

a defined back or armrests; unique

around the cushion and sometimes

designs makes them good statement

slopes downwards towards the front

chairs, but their comfort can vary.

to create the armrests; simple and

Unique rating – high

unique, but their comfort level is

Minimal Chair - These chairs embody the statement that less is more; range in shapes and styles but they have no armrests and usually no

Recliners

are

the

classically

comfortable chairs; are very common so it is harder to turn them into a statement piece; shop for high quality leather with decorative accents to

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chairs

are

usually pretty low; if purchasing solid fabrics, buy them in a group; striped or pattern upholstered tub chairs can be statement chairs on their own. Unique rating – high

make them stand out more.

Wing chairs are common, but fancy;

Unique rating – low

if decorating an elegant room, these

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

Since statement chairs are generally unique, visits to your local independent retailer are more likely to yeild your perfect chair. They themselves use statement chairs to draw the eye to a particular range or lead your eye through the showroom. Of course the perfect chair maybe found at an auction or vintage shop , then your local upholstery company can fully refurbish it in new fabric.

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homestyle

What to do with your food waste?

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

Feed Your Green Bin

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

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

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

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

You can line the caddy with compostable liners or newspaper,

green bin include:

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

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

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

B By recycling food waste it reduces the amount of

For further details visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/kitchenwaste.

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

greenhouse gases that are thought to be a major contributor

and dairy products shouldn’t go into a traditional compost

to climate change.

bin, there’s a new generation of ‘hot’ composters which

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

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www.biobag-uk.com/warks

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

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

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homestyle

TABLE MANNERS Good table manners have long been a source of national pride, but they have taken quite a knock in the past few years.

F

irst, Bill Bryson criticised our lack of tipping.

To counteract this worrying trend, we have compiled

Now, traditionalists will be shocked to hear, a

a guide to etiquette for those who have adopted the

new survey has suggested our manners are

American way:

going the American way. The dining habits of

those across the Atlantic seem to have reached our shores, and the worst habit we have picked up from

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1. The knife is held in the right hand, the fork in the left - this is non-negotiable

our American friends is using a knife and fork the

2. A spoon should be held with your right hand. You

wrong way. The main perpetrators, according to the

should eat off the side of the spoon too, rather

survey by search engine Ask Jeeves, are the younger

than at a right angle to your mouth

generation. Around a third of the under-30s surveyed

3. Keep your elbows off the table

use their fork with their right hand - going against

4. Look people in the eye when saying hello

British traditions.

5. Keep your phone out of sight at the dinner table

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homestyle

and even away from the table don't text while

Debretts A-Z Modern Manners

speaking to people

for full table ettiquette but the following is a brief

6. Your wine glass should never be filled more than halfway to allow the wine space to breathe when you swirl it (which, of course, you should be doing) 7. If you there are two wine glasses before you,

introduction.

Laying the Table Whether it is a formal dinner or a much more casual

choose the smaller for white wine. Red wine

occasion, the basic rules do not vary when laying

glasses also have shorter stems so the heat from

the table. Give each person as much elbow room as

your hand warms up the wine

the table permits. Leave an even amount of space

8. Use the side plate on your left for bread rolls

between places. Knives and spoons go on the right,

9. If you are eating from a bowl, never lift the bowl

forks on the left. The idea is always to work from the

up from the table 10. Wait until everyone is served before you start eating 11. Don't talk with your mouth full and try not to eat too noisily. According to Debretts, this is the

outside in. Formally, it is correct always to lay side plates – even if they are not going to be used – with the napkins simply folded on them.

Knives, Forks and Spoons

cardinal dining crime. "Nothing is more likely to

The basics are large and small knives, large and small

get you noticed and promptly blacklisted," says its

forks, teaspoons, dessert (pudding) spoons and forks,

guide to table manners.

and tablespoons. There may be small blunt knives

12. Place your cutlery in the middle of your plate to signal you have finished eating

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is a great source

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

for butter, fish knives, soup spoons and extra small spoons for coffee, or for salt and mustard. Some

>>

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homestyle

plates are ten inches or a little more for dinner plates (main course), eight inches for pudding plates and six inches for side plates. With so many contemporary designs and shapes

`The world was my oyster but I used the wrong fork.’ ¯ Oscar Wilde

available this is just a guide, not a rule.

Using Cutlery The fork and spoon are the only things that should go into the mouth. Never lick the knife or eat off it. If using a knife and fork together, always keep the tines of the fork pointing downwards and push the food on to the fork. It may be necessary to use mashed potato to make peas stick to the fork but it is incorrect to turn the fork over and scoop. There

people have different shaped spoons for soup and pudding, but cutlery design is not standard. If the dessert spoons are

are foods that are eaten with just a fork, including some pasta and some fish. In this case use the fork in the right hand and

very small, then traditionally tablespoons are used for the

have the tines up, more like a spoon. When finished, the knife

soup. Teaspoons are also for tea and coffee, or for eating

and fork (with tines facing upwards) or spoon etc are placed

grapefruit or boiled eggs, for which you may sometimes find

on the plate in a six-thirty position.

a type with a more pointed shape.

Spoon and Fork

Plates and Bowls

Always eat puddings with a spoon and fork (both should

Soup should be served in shallow bowls. Pudding, unless

always be laid); the spoon should be a dessert spoon. Ice

there is a lot of sauce, is served on small plates. A special

cream may be eaten with a teaspoon, or a long teaspoon

dessert service with a decorative pattern may be used, or the

if served in a tall glass. Sorbet, served between courses, is

same plates as the first course. The traditional diameters of

eaten with a teaspoon.

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE

N W merry christmas

and a happy

new year to all of

our readers!

SHIRE CREATIONS LTD Agricultural, Equestrian & Rural Services

Stables • Field Shelters • Wooden Buildings • Domestic and Commercial Fencing • Groundwork’s Landscaping • Construction

E: info@shirecreations.co.uk Tel: 07972 307994 Find Us On Facebook!

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

© Danny Green

WINTERY WONDERS Wrap up for a chilly, wintry walk and become a wildlife detective this winter.

S

pot tracks and signs and work out which animal left

it’s from by the pellet’s shape, size, contents and where

them! Print off a spotter sheet, pull on your wellies

you found it, as different owls roost in different locations.

and find a muddy path to look for prints. If we’ve had

As the name suggests, Barn owls prefer buildings and

some seasonal snow then prints will be easy to spot. Fox prints are rather like dog's with the same number of pads but generally narrower. Hedgehog footprints are hard to find but distinctive with three toes pointing forward and two out to the sides. Identify a squirrel print by looking for prints with much larger hind feet than fore feet.

Look for the little details too - have you found a slimy trail?

Is it broken? Then it’s made by a snail! If it’s continuous, it’s a slug! Keep your eyes peeled for holes under hedges and in banks – they’ll be rabbit’s homes. And if you find a pile of broken snail shells you’ll know a song thrush has been feeding nearby, cracking open their shells for a tasty treat.

Other birds including crows, rooks, herons and gulls also spit out pellets of undigested food and you can tell which bird produced them by their contents. Obviously seagull pellets will contain fish remains whereas rook pellets will have plant remains plus small stones which they swallow to help them grind up food.

Festive food for flying friends While you’re decorating your home for the festive season why not get creative and make a wreath for the garden too? This great idea will feed your garden birds while also adding art to the outdoors. Twist together bundles

Dissecting the detail

of long twigs and use garden wire to fasten them into a

Winter can be a good time to spot birds when the leaves

ring. Mix bird seed, grated cheese or breadcrumbs into

have fallen from the trees and if you venture out at dawn

softened lard in a bowl. Squish this mixture onto dried

or dusk you may be lucky enough to spot the silhouette

pine cones and decorate them with dried fruit and nuts.

of an owl.

Secure the cones onto the wreath with wire and finally

As owls usually swallow their prey whole they can’t digest the fur and bones and have to regurgitate them as a pellet.

Owl pellets can be fascinating finds and dissecting them

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Tawny owls roost in trees.

weave greenery such as holly, ivy or laurel through the twigs. Then hang it in the garden for you and the birds to enjoy! #staywild

will reveal what they’ve been feeding on, from earwig cases

Louise Barrack

to shrew bones! You can actually tell which species of owl

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

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25

BEAUTIFUL

FESTIVE WINTER WONDERS The festive season is just around the corner. Here are a selection of products that are ideal as a gift for yourself, friends or family.

CHANEL

ELEMIS

COLOR WOW

Chanel introduces the

Pro-collagen perfect duo. A magnificently

Dream Coat, inspired by

Limited Edition N°5

moisturizing experience. It hydrates, firms and

new textile technology,

Fragments D’or 250ml

smoothes. Future-proof your face with this pair

covers each hair

to illuminate skin with a

of power-packed moisturisers, for skin that has

strand with an invisible

beautiful golden shimmer

never looked or felt better. Pro-Collagen Marine

waterproofing cloak. Heat-

while subtly perfuming it

Cream 50ml and Pro-Collagen Oxygenating

activated polymer works

with the iconic fragrance of

Night Cream 50ml.

to compress, tighten and

the House.

£70.00

£115.00

seal hair strands. Hair is supernaturally-sleek, smooth and super-silky.

£22.00

26

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

DHC

CLARINS

ESTEE LAUDER

DHC Astaxanthin Collagen

An innovative cream-to-

A rich body cream that hydrates,

All-in-One Gel tones, hydrates,

powder formula, that

smooths, and softens with the

brightens while fighting free

offers the comfort and

delicate scent of a luxurious Tuberose

radical damage. It features

smoothing effect of a

blend, which complements both the

super antioxidant astaxanthin,

cream with the fine quality

Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le

a vitamin-like substance

and hold of a powder.

Soir fragrances.

considered 6000 times more

The new rich iridescent

powerful than vitamin C.

midnight blue shade

£40.00

£70.00

creates a sultry smoky eye.

£19.00

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Stockist Details: Chanel - 0207 493 3836 - www.chanel.co.uk. Elemis - 0117 316 1888 - www.elemis.com or www. timetospa.co.uk. Color WOW - www.colorwowhair.com. DHC - www.dhcuk.co.uk.

Clarins - 0800 036 3558 - www.clarins.co.uk. Estee Lauder - 0870 034 2566 - www.esteelauder.co.uk.

BEAUTIFUL

27

BEAUTiful

TIPS FOR the office

christmas party That combination of colleagues, cocktails, end-of-year stress, your boss… and camera phones. Is there a work event more fraught with peril? Relax, we’re about to make things a little easier for you. Here’s our handy guide on what to wear to a work party – the `’dos’, the `don’ts’ and the 'absolutely-avoid-at-all-costs’. remember you’re

mind when choosing a party outfit

take a photograph. If in doubt, go for

still at work

for your work do. It may sound unfair,

an outfit that you’re happy to have

This isn’t like other Christmas parties.

but the amount of skin you reveal is

shared on social media for your boss

You’re not letting loose with friends

in inverse proportion to the amount

to see, and your future boss, and the

or family and regardless of how much

of authority you’ll project.

boss after that...

you enjoy yourself, it’s important to

Lace can come to your rescue here. It’s

think beyond the event. The image

a great way to look elegantly gorgeous

you present to your work colleagues will stick with them, and you don’t

maintaining

a

professional

image. And even better, lace is bang on

think about what you’d normally wear to work but with added sparkle and glamour. The easiest way to

want to be the subject of whispered

trend at the moment.

water-cooler conversations for the

be consistent

accessorise - especially handy if

It’s really easy to sabotage your

your Christmas party is immediately

professional credibility by wearing

after work because the new look

something that’s wildly inconsistent

can fit neatly into your handbag or

with

briefcase.

next 6 months. So how do you tread that fine line between "I’m attractive and sexy" and "Take me seriously, I’m a professional"?

Don’t reveal too much flesh You know that old adage about showing off either cleavage or legs, not both? It’s a good one to bear in

28

while

Consistency is key. As a general rule,

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

your

everyday

glam up a daytime work outfit is to

work

look.

Understated elegance will always beat the wacky or the risqué when it comes to work parties.

Remember, someone is bound to

For example, with a slightly higher heel or elegant stilettos you can quickly transform a work suit into a stunning evening look. And let’s face it, an

>>

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29

BEAUTiful

amazing pair of statement earrings will have far more impact than a pair of flashing Christmas trees.

Don’t go overboard with the make-up A recent Harvard study has revealed that make-up sends a strong signal about your perceived authority. In short, you’ll appear competent and in control when you wear a moderate amount of make-up. However, if you go overboard with the glam look, your perceived trustworthiness diminishes.

Again, this is a bit depressing. Evidently, books are still judged by their covers, but it’s worth knowing – and it means choosing your work party make-up strategically.

As a general rule, think about what you’d normally wear to work but with added sparkle and glamour.

Go for subtly alluring eyes teamed up with your best red lipstick.

You’ll exude confidence without looking overly made up. A hint of bronzer on the collar bones or shoulders is a great way to add subtle illumination – a bit of glitz and subtle sparkle without exposing too much flesh.

You’ll probably need to refresh your make-up during the party, so pop a mineral foundation into your compact and load up a retractable lip brush with your favourite lipstick. That way, they’re ready to whip out when you’re feeling a bit sweaty (sorry, glowing

Catchment areas: Solihull, Central Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Warwick & Worcester

Hand Clinic PA: Alison James Email: alison@medicalpa-solihull.co.uk Call: 07830 774476 or 0121 364 1600

a bit too much).

All patients welcome whether you have private medical insurance or you are self-paying

In the end, there’s nothing wrong with being yourself at your

Midland Hand Clinic lead by Mr G Shyamalan FRCS NHS consultant hand surgeon.

Christmas work do. But be yourself within reason. Have fun, let loose, enjoy the party – and look your fabulously confident, professional best.

30

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

www.midlandhandclinic.com

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31

weddings

A Guide to Your Winter Wedding Winter is arguably the most romantic time of year. Find out how to make your winter wedding extra special,

W

and how to make the most of getting married at such a wonderful time of year. inter is an exceptionally beautiful time

the budget. There really is no limit to the ways in which

to get married. Think snow, fairy lights

to make your winter wedding beautiful.

and that magical feeling of Christmas time. Think serving warm mulled wine,

and making wedding-themed crackers for your tables.

Think Christmas trees and roaring log fires.

decoration, and will enhance the magic of your special day. You could even take it a step further and have miniature Christmas trees for your centrepieces,

Choose Suppliers Carefully

perhaps even with small favours wrapped like

Because the winter months are generally less popular

Christmas presents underneath.

for weddings than the summer months, many suppliers, including venues, florists, caterers and photographers will offer a discount for getting married in winter. Shopping around can save you a lot of money,

Favours Choose winter-themed favours. Silver, wedding-themed crackers are a great idea, and you can buy the equipment

but ensure not to compromise on quality for a bargain.

to make them yourself. Likewise, you could compile

Think Seasonally

Christmas tree decorations. Think about imagery such

Having a winter wedding offers a great opportunity to get creative with your catering. Warm, hearty dishes like casseroles and sticky toffee pudding or fruit crumble will go down very well with your guests and make a great change from standard wedding food. It is not just the

miniature Christmas stockings or give personalised as snowflakes, robins and snowy winter scenes. You can create a magical Christmas-esque feel without having to have Santa’s face or the nativity scene everywhere.

Your Honeymoon

wedding breakfast you can get creative for however,

Just because you are getting married during winter, it

think of seasonally-themed reception drinks, such as

doesn’t mean that you can’t have a traditional beach

warm mulled wine, rather than Pimms, and at your

and spa honeymoon. Many locations around the

evening buffet, serve mince pies instead of cupcakes.

world are at their warmest time of year while we are at

Decoration Winter offers the chance to make the decoration for your wedding extremely beautiful. Enquire with your chosen venue whether there will be a Christmas tree, if

32

Fairy lights make a great, wintery addition to your

our coldest, so you can book your fantasy honeymoon and dazzle your friends with your tan when you get home. Ensure to ask your travel agent what the best locations are for the time of your honeymoon.

your wedding is close to Christmas time. Speak to your

If you are looking to do something a little different,

florist about seasonal flowers, such as Snowdrops

why not jet off for a city break? London, Dublin, New

and Camellias. Think about silver and white table

York, Paris and other cities are at their most beautiful

decorations, chair covers, centre pieces and crockery.

in winter. Your city honeymoon will provide a great

You can take this a step further, with ice sculptures

opportunity to shop, ice-skate and curl up by a roaring

and other large decorations for your room, if you have

fire. What could be more romantic than that?

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE

N W if you would like to advertise in OUR next issue please contact one of our sales team Michele Ford Tel: 01905 727902 michele@pw-media.co.uk

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

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33

FOOD & DRINK

Pear & Apple Mince Pie Filling

By Asimakis Chaniotis

HEAD CHEF AT Pied à Terre Pied à Terre are thrilled and genuinely excited to announce the appointment of Asimakis Chaniotis as the new Head Chef. Asimakis brings his dynamic and innovative skills on his return to the prestigious restaurant.

Having served his time as sous chef under both Marcus Eaves and Andy McFadden, Asimakis, in the timehonoured fashion at Pied à Terre was promoted to the top job having come through the ranks, as all previous head chefs have done. Aged just 27, Asimakis’ energy brings an air of excitement to the London restaurant scene and a fresh vision for the future of the critically-acclaimed French restaurant. Whilst he will maintain the renowned standard of the dining experience at the Michelin Star restaurant, Asimakis will introduce his own style, look and feel on the menu to heighten the culinary experience.

David Moore, owner and restaurateur of Pied à Terre, has partnered with some of the greatest chefs to work in London. David gained two Michelin stars with his founding partner Richard Neat, and maintained them with chefs Tom Aikens and Shane Osborne.

David sees a new energy in Asimakis which he hasn’t seen on the London restaurant scene for many years. David believes Asimakis’ energy, personality and showmanship will bring a fresh touch to one of London’s longest standing Michelin starred restaurants.

The new menu launched this Autumn, and with each dish the diner will share a taster of Asimakis’ own culinary journey. Having grown up in Athens, Greece, Asimakis has taken inspiration from his roots as well as his experiences within the Pied à Terre family to create each dish.

Asimakis comments: ”Food was always at the centre of family life. I spent my school holidays at my grandparent’s farmhouse in Kefalonia where I was surrounded by fresh produce with trees and bushes producing the finest fruit and vegetables including pomegranate trees, fig trees, wild oregano and olive trees as far as the eye can see. So when it came to deciding my career, I knew straight away I wanted to be a chef. My new role at Pied à Terre has given me the opportunity to develop my creativity and continue to deliver an outstanding experience.”

Pied à Terre is an independently owned West End gastronomic restaurant located in the heart of Fitzrovia, London W1. Pied à Terre was established in 1991, operating under the guidance of David Moore. The restaurant has gained some of the highest awards and accolades possible, starting with its first Michelin star in 1993 and becoming a two Michelin star restaurant in 1996, retaining one star currently.

34

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

Ingredients

Method

B 3 Granny smith apples,

1 Slowly melt the butter.

peeled and finely chopped

2 Add the rest of the ingredients into the melted butter apart from the sugar and stir.

B 60g of sultanas, finely chopped

B 1 William pear B Zest from one orange and a lemon

B 1 Clove B ¼ of a cinnamon stick B 1 star anise B 50g of muscavedo B 25g of butter

3 One combined, sprinkle over the demerara sugar and mix again.

4 Cover with a lid and cook slowly.

5 When almost cooked, turn the heat to high and reduce the leftover liquids.

6 Take off the heat immediately and chill the mix before filling your pastry.

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35

COMPETITION

win a meal for four at THE GRANVILLE COUNTRY PUB & RESTUARANT

T

he Granville Country Pub &

Atmosphere buzzes in our spacious bar

and relaxed as possible. We've tailored

Restaurant is located in the heart

area with the open fire and contemporary

the menu and the bar to suit all tastes and

of the historic village of Barford,

design also comprising of a more relaxed

preferences. We hope that our attention

just a stones throw from the M40

dining experience. For the more intimate

to detail and desire to deliver fresh food

and the A46, boasting a contemporary feel

of dining experience our restaurant with

and beer shines through each and every

high vaulted beamed ceilings and rustic

moment of your experience.

without losing the charm and character of a country pub. At the Granville we focus on serving freshly cooked, locally sourced food and a superb selection of local ales,

brickwork are set alive with the glow of the log burning fire and candles.

The Granville Country Pub & Restaurant 52 Wellesbourne Road

world beers and fine wines enjoyed by

The Granville Country Pub & Restaurant is

Barford, Cv35 8DS

locals and visitors alike.

designed to make you feel as comfortable

Tel: 01926 620 118

Competition

To be in with a chance of winning a three course meal for four people including a bottle of house wine at The Granville Country Pub and Restaurant, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Which historic village is The Granville Country Pub & Restaurant located in?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Granville SWN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 17th January 2018. This offer is for a 3 Course Meal for 4 Including a bottle of house wine, excluding steaks. Prize cannot be redeemed on: Christmas Day, ISSUE TWENTY Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve & Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or any other SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE NowLtd hold the right to withdraw the prize at any Bank Holidays.

Penny Farthing Pub Company DECEMBER 2017 january time without prior notice. The ¯prize holds no 2018 cash value & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

36

Answer: Name:

Address: Tel: Email: If you do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Penny Farthing Pubs please tick this box

POPULAR FRENCH RESTAURANT BISTROT PIERRE GETS A MAKEOVER such as boeuf bourguignon maison and

in time for the festive season; We have

confit de canard in an authentic bistrot

some excellent value offers running

setting, was founded by school friends

throughout

Rob Beacham and John Whitehead.

three-course lunch £18.50 and a three-

“Leamington

Spa

was

the

fourth

restaurant in the Bistrot Pierre family and we are proud to have become a part of this beautiful town. We have such a loyal

M

uch-loved

base of customers here, and the refurb French

restaurant

Bistrot Pierre has been given a stunning makeover after 11

shows our commitment to providing the highest possible standards for them while maintaining our brand ethos of no

December

including

a

course dinner £26.95. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family or colleagues, our bistrot is the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations.”

As well as a fantastic festive offering, Bistrot Pierre has also launched a unique loyalty app – Mon Pierre Rewards – whereby customers earn points for every pound spent within the restaurant. Downloadable

successful years in Leamington Spa.

two bistrots being the same,” said Rob.

Unveiling its new look at an exclusive launch

The refurbishment of the popular bistrot

customers receive 1000 points for just

event, staff hosted more than 200 guests

incorporates the group’s fresh new look

installing the app – another great excuse

for drinks and canapes as well as a dinner

found within the newer bistrots including

to visit the refurbished bistrot.

service serving its autumn/winter menu.

a new colour scheme, new lighting, wall

The restaurant group, which is renowned for serving great value French dishes

art and fittings.

Rob added: “The makeover comes just

from the Apple App Store and Google Play,

Bistrot Pierre is located on Park Street, please call: 01926 426 261 for all reservations.

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37

Christmas just isn't Christmas without mince pies UK shoppers purchase around 370 million of them over the Christmas period each year, with each of us scoffing 27 each. But how many of us actually know how to make our own version? Mince pies aren't all that complicated to make but they do taste different.

T

elegraph food writer Xanthe Clay says this is because “unlike shop-bought, home-made pastry is made

Head Chef has given us the following tips

Organic Farmers - These rich, buttery little

and tricks on how to create and enjoy

pies, baked in a wood-fired oven, have a

the very best mince pies: "Create the

festive filling of apples, plump vine fruit,

without sugar. I prefer to cook them with

pastry with flour, unsalted butter,

citrus peel, flaked almonds and a slosh

a high heat, which can slightly caramelise

ground almonds, caster sugar and

of brandy. Just wonky enough to look

eggs. Firstly I place the flour, the

homemade – ideal if you want to pass

butter, and the ground almonds in a

them off as your own.

the edges of the filling, mitigating the sweetness further” Despite the name, mince pies, by and large, don't actually contain any mincemeat.

Years ago they did, filled with a mixture of minced meat and suet. Nowadays the mince pie contains a mixture of chopped dried fruit (such as prunes, raisins, and currants), distilled spirits and spices.

Christine Cossins of the Award Winning Real Pie Company “Our top tip to making

large bowl and rub the ingredients together with my hands to achieve a crumbly consistency. Afterwards I will add the sugar and continue mixing all the ingredients together. Before serving, make sure the mince pie is warm to achieve the full flavour of the dried fruits, spices and distilled spirit. Lightly sprinkle some caster

the best mince pies is make the mix

sugar on top and optionally, serve with

early and gradually add each week

a glass of port wine or a scoop of ice

a little Cointreau, Disaronno & Rum,

cream." For more information please visit

makes a great tasting mince pie!”

www.partridges.co.uk

Partridges, the Queen’s grocer who’s

For an homemade look try Riverford

38

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

According to etiquette expert William Hansom, mince pies should never be eaten using a fork when eaten alone or be served cold. Hanson told the MailOnline: “There is no need to use a pastry fork when eating a mince pie. Your hands are fine, although make sure they are clean. Ideally, mince pies for a drinks party will be served gently warmed, but if eating at home you could serve them much warmer with gently melting ice cream, rum or brandy butter. Here, a fork and spoon will be needed to avoid those mucky fingers.”

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39

keeping active Start/Finish: Walk starts in Market Square at Shipston-on-Stour. Public Transport: Nearest Railway Stations at Stratford upon Avon, Banbury and Moreton-in-Marsh then buses to Shipston. Please check ‘Traveline’ and current timetables for last service of the day. Parking: There are car parks around Shipston including a riverside car park but do not use if floods imminent as the River Stour rises very quickly after heavy rain. O/S Map: Outdoor Leisure 45 (North Sheet). Distance: The main walk is 7.5 miles.

Shorter option 4.5 miles. Time: Allow all day to do main walk so that you can have a picnic in the countryside and explore the hamlet of Todenham. The Shorter walk can be done in a morning or afternoon. Note ‘sunset’ times.

Refreshments: There is a public house at Todenham. Please check opening times and whether they are serving food or take a picnic and snacks and enjoy them along the way. Terrain: This walk is not arduous. There are a few uphill sections to attain the highest point on walk at 400 feet. There are some stiles gates, kissing-gates and steps so the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Poles useful in places. Dogs on leads near livestock and traffic please as some necessary lane-walking. There is an option to return along tracks and lanes on the shorter route after a spell of heavy rain that renders the main route unsuitable. This involves some walking with traffic.

It is also the route of the shorter walk. This can be a ‘Winter Wellies Walk’!

History: The outward walk is just over ½ mile from the Roman Road, ‘Fosse Way’ for the first few miles. Shipston has developed on one side of the bridge over the River Stour. There has been a market here since Medieval times and Shipston has an historic market square with ‘encroachments’. Todenham is a hamlet with a Manor House and Church and is a step back in time.

The return walk over Hanson Hill is part of an ancient routeway between Moreton-in-Marsh and Shipston-on-Stour that passed closed to the lost ‘Medieval’ villages of Upper Lemington. Lower Ditchford and Ditchford Frary and also past Todenham Manor and the Parish Church.

1: The walk starts in Market Square. Take West Street to Campden Road. Walk 1/3 mile to right curve in road. Cross to bridleway on left (effectively straight on).

2: After ¼ mile, go through kissing-gate on right. Please follow any diversions through the building site. Climb hillside aiming for gap in hedge. The footpath is aligned from north-east to southwest at this point and follows this line for several miles passing

spots on sketch-map). Main walk continues through ‘Ditchford Farm’ to ‘Ditchford Cottages’. This farmland is under high level stewardship so please keep to marked routes and help to protect wide field margins as wildlife haven.

4: At ‘Ditchford Cottages’, turn left up track to bridleway on right that has been marked through crop. Follow this route for a mile over 400 ft. hill before dropping down to ‘Ditchford Frary’.

5: Keep to marked paths, through kissing-gate and through paddock across front of timber-framed house (wooden fence on left) through a pedestrian gate and left through gate with chain.

Cross ‘bumpy’ land (site of lost ‘Medieval Village’ of Ditchford Frary) and concrete bridge across Knee (pronounced ‘nay’) Brook. You are between two streams on a water-meadow here so beware of flooding. You have now gone from Warwickshire to Gloucestershire!

Go through small coppice, up narrow path to small gate. Walk up slope towards (not through) gap in hedge. Route goes right with hedge on left. Cross stile and keep hedge on left whilst going over rise. You should be walking straight towards Todenham Church Spire. At large gate, turn right to stile through gap and left back to path, aiming for spire once again. Over stile then diagonally left to

‘Middlehurst Farm’, up track on right.

another gate that will take you out onto track to Todenham.

3: (Note: shorter walk and ‘wet weather walk’ go left along

6: From Village Hall, turn left through hamlet (Church worth a

track from ’Ditchford Cottages’ either to return along ancient

visit) and 1/3 mile beyond to a track back on yourself that passes

routeway on left or to go past ‘Horsleys’ (route marked with pink

behind Church.

7: Near gates to Manor, turn right down a ‘by-way’ that leads northwards for a mile, passing a woodland and leading down to a ford and footbridge.

8: Where track curves to right near ‘High Furze’, you need to go through gate straight on. From this point, this ancient ‘bridleway’ follows edges of some 14 fields back to Shipston. You will also cross ‘Pig Brook’ en route.

9: The track is quite obvious and goes left or right of hedge, almost in a straight line for just under two miles. You will cross Hanson Hill at 400ft from which you can see Shipston down below. It is better to concentrate on looking for track rather than counting fields.

10: You will pass kissing-gate on your left that you took on outward walk. From here, retrace your steps back to Market Square where walk ends.

Written and Illustrated by Glynis Dray

Shipston-on-Stour to Todenham 40

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

LIVING HISTORY

SNOWSHILL MANOR Nestled in the Vale of Evesham near Broadway is Snowshill Manor. The manor has a long history; parts of the building date back to the fifteenth century. Over the years it passed through successive owners and tenants until Charles Paget Wade purchased it in 1919. and craftsman, he saw beyond the ordinary and created a magical world for himself at Snowshill,’ notes House Steward, Jennifer Rowley-Bowen.

With a home established for his extraordinary collection, Wade chose to live in the small building next to the manor which he named the Priest’s House, in recognition of the days when the manor belonged to Winchcombe Abbey. The Priest’s House was also home to Wade’s workshop where he repaired and restored many of the items in his collection.

Outside, Wade saw the opportunity to create ‘a garden Snowshill Manor ©National Trust Images.

James Dobson

W

of interest’. Wade worked with M. H. Bailie Scott who he knew from his days as a professional architect before the First World War. Together they created a garden which was ‘an extension of the house, a series

ade was born in the suburbs of London in 1883. His parents, Paget and Amy Wade, were owners of several sugar estates in the West Indies. At the age of seven

Wade began a life-long interest in beautifully designed and skilfully-made objects. His grandmother owned a Chinese cabinet filled with a collection of small treasures.

The cabinet would only be opened on Sundays to allow the young Wade to peek in. Stirred by the sight of these treasures Wade started to make his own collection. His first ‘find’ was a small shrine of St Michael made of bone which cost him 18 weeks’ pocket money.

of outdoor rooms’.

Contained within the garden is one of the first model villages designed for use outdoors. Wade began to create Wolf’s Cove when he was an architect. When he came to Snowshill he was able to lay the village out in the garden and to add a road, canal, harbour and railway to complete the vista. Recently a team of National Trust staff and volunteers have been working on an ambitious project to recreate the village. When complete, Wolf’s Cove will once again include an operational railway and canal system as well as a myriad of houses and buildings. General Manager, Hayley Gaisford-Gotto,

Wade’s collection continued to grow and he began to

notes: ‘you can see from archive photographs that Mr

look for a home for it. During the First World War, he

Wade really delighted in putting together the village

served with the Royal Engineers in France. One day while

and we hope that by reinstating it, not only might we be

sitting in a staff canteen leafing through an old copy of

able to bring that sense of delight to our visitors, but we

Country Life he came across an advert for the sale of

will have restored a key part of Mr Wade’s legacy to its

Snowshill Manor. When he left the army he sought out

rightful place.’

Snowshill and purchased it in 1919.

Charles Wade gifted Snowshill Manor and his collection

The manor house provided the ideal home for his

to the National Trust in 1951. The National Trust is an

collection. Wade gave each room of the manor a name

independent conservation charity (funded through

and a theme. From model boats to suits of armour,

memberships, donations, legacies and commercial

masks to musical instruments ‘Charles Wade was an

operations). Snowshill Manor is now closed for the

avid collector of extraordinary objects; an artist, poet

winter and will reopen in March 2018. @NOWWARWICKSHIRE FIND US ON FACEBOOK WWW.NOWMAGAZINES.CO.UK

41

golden years

staying safe and healthy

this winter Getting ready for the cold weather means that you’re more likely to keep warm and well.

Here are some things you can do to make sure that you stay safe and ward off the winter chills.

I

f you’re exposed to a cold environment for a long

holding on to the back of a chair. Even moving your arms

time, or to extreme cold for only a short time, your

and legs and wiggling your toes can help you keep warm.

blood pressure rises which means you could be

You can watch videos online that demonstrate chair-

at risk of a heart attack or stroke. To help you stay

based exercises by visiting the NHS Choices website

well, it’s important to keep warm, follow as healthy a lifestyle as you can, and have a flu jab. To find out more about following a healthy lifestyle see our free guides Healthy living and Healthy eating

42

(www.nhs.uk).

Eat well Hot meals and drinks help to keep you warm, so eat at least one hot meal each day and have hot drinks

Keep moving

during the day. Having a hot drink before going to bed

Staying active is not only essential for your general

and keeping one in a flask by your bedside are good

wellbeing and fitness – it also generates heat and helps

ideas. Include a good range of foods in your diet and

to keep you warm. When you’re indoors, try not to sit

aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each

still for more than an hour. Get up and walk around and

day, so that you’re getting plenty of nutrients and

spread out any chores throughout the day. If walking is

vitamins. Frozen vegetables are as good as fresh. It’s

difficult you can do chair- based exercises while sitting or

important to eat enough, especially in winter. Not

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

>>

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43

golden years

that make them susceptible to complications if they have flu. Ask your GP or pharmacist if you think you’re

Good hand hygiene is a simple way to prevent the spread of colds and flu.

eligible. It takes up to 10 days for the vaccine to take effect, so it’s best to have it as early as possible – most surgeries and pharmacists start to offer it in September or October. Your vaccinated arm may be sore, or you may have a slight temperature or aching muscles for a few days, but other side effects are rare.

The ‘pneumo’ (or pneumococcal) jab is a one-off

your health as it makes it more difficult to keep warm

vaccination that helps protect you against pneumonia,

and fight infections. If you’re worried about a poor

meningitis and septicaemia (a type of blood poisoning).

appetite or losing weight, speak to your GP.

Ask your GP about it if you’re aged 65 and over, and

Have a seasonal flu jab

44

Check you’ve had a ‘pneumo’ jab

eating enough and becoming underweight is bad for

haven’t had one.

If you’re aged 65 and over, the Government

Have good hand hygiene

recommends that you have a flu jab. Flu viruses are

Good hand hygiene is a simple way to prevent the

always changing, so you need a jab every year, using

spread of colds and flu. Wash your hands regularly

the latest vaccine. Flu isn’t only unpleasant, it can also

with soap and water, and clean surfaces such as your

develop into pneumonia, which can be serious. The

telephone, door handles and keyboard to get rid of

flu jab is free to people aged 65 and over and also

germs. Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose

to carers and people under 65 who have conditions

when you cough or sneeze.

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

>>

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45

golden years

Consider taking a vitamin D supplement

Keep your spirits up

Our bodies create vitamin D from sunlight when we’re

It’s not unusual to feel down in winter – particularly

outdoors. We need it for healthy bones, teeth and

when the days are short and it can get dark by 3.30pm.

muscles. During the winter months in the UK the sun

Try to keep to your usual routine and if you can’t visit

isn’t strong enough for our bodies to make vitamin D,

friends or family, make sure you phone or Skype them

and it’s difficult to get the amount we need from food

regularly for a chat. If you’re feeling lonely contact your

alone. You might want to speak to your GP to discuss

local Age UK to see if they offer friendship services. If

taking a supplement to boost your levels in winter.

there are no local services and you’re interested in a

Protect yourself against chilblains Chilblains are itchy, red swellings that occur when your skin gets cold and you try to warm up too quickly, often by sitting close to an open fire, a radiator or heater. Dab the swellings with calamine or witch hazel to reduce itching, but don’t scratch them as this could cause an infection. Speak to your pharmacist for advice on treating chilblains and see your GP if you get chilblains regularly or have diabetes. To help prevent chilblains, keep your whole body warm at all times – wear trousers, socks or thick tights and a scarf, hat and gloves whenever you go out in the cold.

Take care when driving If you absolutely have to drive in bad weather, make sure you allow extra time for your journey. Tell someone

Call in Time Service at Age UK on 0800 434 6105 to find out more.

It helps to do something you enjoy every day. If you can and it’s not too cold, go for a short walk in the middle of the day, or at least go outside while there is daylight. There may be local classes or social groups you can attend. Check your local community centre or library noticeboard or contact your local Age UK to find out what opportunities there are in your area.

If you feel down for several weeks and it’s stopping you going out or making you feel lethargic and lacking in energy, it’s very important to share these feelings with someone, perhaps a friend or your GP.

your destination and when you expect to arrive there.

For more information please visit

Always charge your mobile phone fully before you set

www.ageuk.org.uk

off and make sure you take warm clothes, boots, food, water, a torch and a spade in case you need them.

46

weekly telephone friendship call, contact the national

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

The best in Residential Care in Stratford T

he refurbished Scholars Mews

that the care provided is consistently

great engagement with the community

Care Home in Stratford upon

of the highest standard. The home is

with visitors and local groups coming

Avon was recently rated as ‘Good

centrally located in the town on Scholars

in to the home and regular trips out

in All Categories’ by the Care Quality

Lane, between Church Street and the Firs Gardens, within walking distance of all of

each week in Scholars Mews’ own private

Commission (CQC) from an unannounced inspection. Scholars Mews is owned

the famous attractions and River Avon.

and operated by leading national care provider Avery Healthcare and provides the best in Residential and Dementia care.

During

2016

Scholars

Mews

Spacious bedrooms are furnished to a high standard, all with flat screen TVs and en-suites. There are a choice of lounges and restaurants, plus a private dining room

transport. Free internet access ensures that residents can maintain contact with family and friends through social media.

Avery Healthcare has created a new standard of residential and retirement

where residents can celebrate a special

living for the Stratford area at Scholars

Avery to improve the home and its care

occasion with family and friends. Within

Mews. Visit any time, call 01789 579408,

services. Staff training and recruitment

a comprehensive Well-being Programme

or search ‘Scholars Mews Care’ on-line or

were also a focus for Avery, to ensure

there is a daily activities schedule and

on Facebook.

received a £1million-plus investment by

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47

EDUCATION

SCHOOL READINESS Eight out of ten school leaders report that many children arriving at primary school are not

O

ready to take part in classroom activities. f these, 86 per cent were concerned that children’s school

readiness

is

worse than five years

ago. The findings come from a new survey of school leaders published in September by NAHT (the union for school leaders) and the Family and Childcare Trust.

The

most

common

reasons

highlighted by school leaders for children not being school ready were: • Failure to identify and support additional needs early enough (67%) • Parents having less available resources / pressure on parents and family life (66%) • Reduction in local services to support families (63%) • Reduction in local health services to support families (57%)

School leaders highlighted particular concerns about communication skills and physical development. Speech, language

and

communication

problems were the biggest issues with 97% of respondents identifying these problems as a concern.

education demonstrated the most challenging issues. There is strong evidence that early education can help to boost children’s outcomes and narrows the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers – but only if it is high quality.

The

Government

must

make

NAHT and the Family and Childcare

sure that every child can access

Trust called on the Government to

high quality early education and

prioritise funding for support for

that parents can get the right

families in the early years to help

support to help them to give their

set children up to learn at school

children the best start in life.”

and beyond. Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary said: “We want to see extra money for education, including early education before children

start

school,

and

renewed investment in critical services

for

families.

Without

proper investment, the youngest and most vulnerable in our society

Almost a quarter said that more than

will be starting off behind, with

half their intake was not ready for

uncertain chances of catching up.”

school.

48

children who had no previous early

improving school readiness.

Anne Lyons, NAHT President, and head teacher at St. John Fisher Catholic Primary School said: “With this report we are hoping to highlight the impact that cuts to public services are having on families and children. The support that families of all kinds regard as essential are being cut back or have already disappeared. Cuts to school budgets mean that it’s also

Ellen Broomé, Chief Executive of the

getting harder to address these

Almost 9 in 10 (88%) said inadequate

Family and Childcare Trust, said: “Four

issues once the children are in

school funding was a barrier to

fifths of school leaders said that

school.”

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

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49

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51

OUR EVENTS DIARY

It really is the most wonderful time of year

at Coventry museums This festive season Coventry museums have a wealth of fun planned for the entire family.

F

rom

Friday

24

November,

24 November until Saturday 23

presents for family and friends, enjoy

sleigh

December. The ride is open in term

festive drinks and delicious food

ride will be open again at

time which is an ideal quieter time to

the Transport Museum. The

bring pre-schoolers to enjoy their visit

and even take part in wreath making

treasured vintage ride housed for

with Santa. And if you’re planning to

over 60 years at the city’s Co-op

do a little Christmas shopping before

On the Sunday GreenMatthews will

is now a firm festive fixture at the

you visit there are a number of later

be performing A Christmas Carol:

museum, so new generations of

openings, last admission 5.30pm.

A Folk Opera at The Old Grammar

Coventry’s

beloved

children can enjoy the magic.

school. This brand new retelling of the most thrilling Yultide adventure

Visitors can take a sleigh ride through

this Christmas but are looking to

a snowy landscape, including a trip

immerse yourself in Christmas cheer,

of them all – Charles Dickens’ A

over Warwick Castle, meet Santa,

why not visit the Herbert Art Gallery

Christmas Carol is enough to get

tell him their Christmas wishes and

& Museum for their Making Merry

any Scrooge like characters into the

receive a special gift.

weekend taking place from the 8th to

Christmas spirit.

Features being introduced this year

52

If you don’t fancy a trip to Lapland

workshops!

the 10th December.

There is also a huge range of activities

to help with demand include timed

There are various activities and

ticket slots and a Christmas craft

events taking place on the Friday

zone on selected dates. Also new this

evening, including a talk by actor

year are Relaxed Early Sessions on

Sinead Matthews, gin tasting with

selected dates aimed at those who

The Little Gin Company, festive food

have additional needs and would

and drink, arts and crafts, music,

benefit from a low sensory offer.

choirs and more!

For more information on any of the

Organisers are encouraging families

On the Saturday the Herbert has

festive happenings at Coventry

to come early and beat the rush, as

the perfect antidote to the stresses

museums please visit:

the sleigh ride is open daily from

of the high street with their Arts,

transport-museum.com

10.00am until 4.30pm from Friday

Crafts and Gifts Fair. Find unique

theherbert.org

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

for the littlest of family members across the festive season, including Sensory Stories and Rhymes: Santa Special, 12 crafts for Christmas and Star Vehicle Stories: Sleigh Special.

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53

OUR EVENTS DIARY

DECEMBER

Santa and his Elf are returning to their magical grotto at Batsford

Saturday 2th

December. £5 per child - each child visiting Santa will receive a gift.

Spot Santa and His Reindeer

www.batsarb.co.uk

Compton Verney, Warwick, CV35 9HZ. Father Christmas will be taking time out of his busy schedule to enjoy a couple of days out a Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park. Take part in a range of Christmas activities as we begin the festive countdown. Enjoy willow crown making: create your very own festive headwear, from angelic halos to reindeer antlers. These activities are included in a standard day ticket admission. www.comptonverney.org.uk Saturday 2nd – Sunday 31st Sleeping Beauty The Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN. Joining Spa Centre favourites JP McCue and Sean Dodds are Sally Peerless as the good fairy Gabriella, Denise Pitter as the wicked fairy Carabosse, Chloe Fay as Princess Rosa, Glyn Dilley as the King, James Leeman as Prince Victor and Teddy Moynihan as Carabosse’s side kick, Fran. Tickets cost from £13.50. www.warwickdc.gov.uk Friday 8th – Sunday 10th Victorian Christmas Market Stratford upon Avon Town Centre. A new traditional Victorian Christmas Market opens in Stratford-upon-Avon from 8 – 10 December with 150 stalls selling gifts, local produce, homemade crafts, handmade cakes, decorations plus traditional roast chestnuts, mulled wine, ciders, gin and Bailey’s chocolate. Join in the spirit of Christmas with the sound of choirs, instrumental performances, dance displays, stilt walkers, a Victorian carousel and barrel organ music. www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk Saturday 9th Spot Santa and His Reindeer Compton Verney, Warwick, CV35 9HZ. Father Christmas will be taking time out of his busy schedule to enjoy a couple of days out a Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park. Take part in a range of Christmas activities as we begin the festive

Arboretum this Christmas! Come and visit them from 2.30-4.30pm on Saturday 9th December and 2.00-4.30pm on Sunday 10th

Saturday 16th Christmas at Chedham’s Yard 2 School Road, Wellesbourne, CV35 9NH. Enjoy Christmas at Chedhams Yard in Wellesbourne on 16 December with carols in the Visitor Centre around the wood fire plus music and traditional Fayre including cake and mince pies. Children can also meet Father Christmas and take part in activities. Open from 10am to 4pm, free entry for all. www.chedhamsyard.org.uk Carols at Warwick Castle Warwick Castle, Warwick, CV34 4BJ. Carols at the Castle is a popular charity event held in the magnificent grounds of Warwick Castle on Saturday 16th December 2017. The spectacular event held annually in the dramatic surroundings of Warwick Castle is a highlight of the festive calendar and raises funds of many local causes. It is expected that the evening will be enjoyed by a capacity crowd of 2,500 people so it is advisable to book early. Last year’s event sold out well in advance and record funds were raised for local charities.

The event encourages full participation from attendees and will feature carol singing from the outstanding Choirs of St Mary’s Church accompanied by the Royal Spa Brass Band. Free Stratford Road Car Park – free, doors open at 6.45pm, carols from 7.30pm – 9pm. Admission £6 on or before the 30th of November and £7.50 from the first of December, children under 12 £1. www.enjoywarwick.co.uk Wednesday 20th – Saturday 30th Jack and the Beanstalk Stratford Arts House, 14 Rother Street, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6LU. Watch Jack and The Beanstalk at Stratford ArtsHouse from 20 - 30 December. The pantomime will feature sensational scenery, stunning costumes, incredible special effects and plenty of audience participation. Mattie Parkinson plays Dame Trott and the sensational Clare Reilly stars as Fairy Beansprout. Tickets cost from £10. www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk

countdown. Enjoy willow crown making: create your very own

Tuesday 26th

festive headwear, from angelic halos to reindeer antlers. These

Boxing Day at Batsfords

activities are included in a standard day ticket admission.

Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AD. Burn off your Christmas

www.comptonverney.org.uk

dinner with a walk around the Arboretum! If you've had a hectic

Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th December Santa’s Grotto Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AD. Bring the children to meet Santa in his magical grotto at Batsford!

54

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

build up to the big day, why not join us for a magical winter walk through the Arboretum on Boxing Day with family or friends, with a free glass of warming mulled wine (while stocks last!). www.batsarb.co.uk

>>

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55

OUR EVENTS DIARY

JANUARY Saturday 6th

The Late Christmas Party Ramada Hotel, The Square, Solihull B91 3RF. £20 per person price includes 2 course hot & cold buffet and DJ Entertainment. www.ramadasolihullhotel.co.uk

fantastic 2 day event. Ticket prices vary. www.weddingfairs.com Saturday 27th Ghost Hunt Events St John's House, Warwick, CV34 4NF. Discover what lies within on a ghost hunt event at St Johns House, a Jacobean Masion in the historic town of Warwick. Explore the haunted cellar and attic and

Monday 8th

many other spooky rooms just waiting to reveal their stories. As

Comedy at the Belgrade, Desi Central

you walk up the driveway towards St John's Mansion you can't

Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry, CV1 1GS. Get

help but stop to admire this amazing Jacobean Mansion. As you

your week off to a flying start with our Monday stand-up nights,

stand to reflect upon the beautiful architecture of this home try to

hosted by acclaimed comedy club Desi Central. The show starts at

imagine how it used to look in the 12th Century when upon this

7.45pm, tickets are £11.75 or £14.75 on the day. Please note these

land stood a medieval hospital. Tickets are £39 per person.

are discounted online prices. Tickets will cost slightly more when

www.haunted-houses.co.uk

booked via box office. www.belgrade.co.uk

Sunday 28th Evesham 45’s Meet Up Group

Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st

The Angel Hotel, 9 High St, Pershore, WR10 1AF. If your social-

UK National Midlands Wedding Show

life is in need of a boost, join our Meetup group, Evesham Over

Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Coventry CV6 6GE. 100 exhibitors,

45’s, a friendship group for the over 45`s. Theatre, cinema,

live performances, TV programme ''Say Yes to the Dress UK

walks, meals and much more. Come along and meet us for a

appearing live, fashion shows throughout the day and so much

coffee/drink and a chat and find out more from 6pm – 7.45pm.

more. Everything you need to plan your big day is here at this

07501 023391

SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE

N W if you would like to advertise in OUR next issue please contact one of our sales team Michele Ford Tel: 01905 727902 michele@pw-media.co.uk

56

ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018

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

Stanley Matthews – The football legend lives on

B

ritain’s dedicated football fans snapped

people of Ghana, to honour him for his

up the chance to own a memento

sporting dedication to youngsters in their

from one of the greatest footballers

country. From the 1950s until he was nearly

who ever lived, Sir Stanley Matthews.

His

daughter,

Jean

Matthews-Gough,

auctioned off several items relating to the England, Stoke and Blackpool football legend and said: “I wanted football fans to have the opportunity to own something that belonged to Stanley Matthews.”

Lots sold at Hansons Auctioneers, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, on November 27 included a giant scrapbook documenting Matthews’ football career and two of his suits.

80 years old, Matthews went to Africa every year to coach young black footballers.

According to Jean, his work in Africa became the most important thing in his life – and created a lasting legacy which she has continued since his death in 2000. She is patron of the Sir Stanley Matthews Coaching Foundation which helps thousands of young people.

If you think you may be sitting on antique treasures or collectables of any kind, Hansons

But for Jean, 78, who lives in Staffordshire

Auctioneers hold free valuation days once a

with husband Bob, 82, one item above all

month at locations in Stratford on Avon,

others symbolised what meant the most to

Knowle, Kenilworth Wootton Wawen and

her father – a ‘throne’ made for him when he

Cheltenham.

was crowned Football King of Ghana.

For

more Carol

information,

The ‘throne’, a small carved wooden stool

contact

known as an ‘ashanti’ (estimate £1,000-

on

£1,500), was given to Matthews by the

service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

07802

Jones, 839915

Area

please Manager

or

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email

57

COMPETITION

win a meal for four at eckington manor

N

estled in the Avon valleys on

After being crowned one of the UK’s finest

farm or sourced from local producers,

the border of the picturesque

chefs, Mark returned to the Eckington

grown in the kitchen’s orchard, vegetable and herb gardens.

Cotswolds is where you’ll find

Manor kitchen to continue creating honest

Eckington Manor, a gorgeous country

and diverse dishes with his head chef

house set within a 260-acre working farm.

partner and wife, Sue. The culinary couple

The award-winning kitchen and luxurious

have both been cooking since a young age

modern bedrooms entice guests in

and have travelled the world together to

to truly relax and unwind, with every

explore the top kitchens and menus in

little detail taken care of by the friendly

Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.

Eckington Manor team.

The hotel is extremely passionate about

Although food is an important aspect of the hotel, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to gorgeous countryside walks and activities to enjoy surrounding Eckington Manor. Less than a 10-minute drive away is the Bredon Hill nature reserve; a prominent area of the Cotswold Hills with breathtaking views over the

Chef Mark Stinchcombe is one half of the

food and host its very own cookery school.

head chef duo in the hotel’s kitchen. In

The cookery school teaches budding

2015, Mark proudly won MasterChef: The

cooks the story of food; from garden

The hotel is easily accessible from the M5

Professionals and during his time on the

fork to dinner fork. All ingredients in the

and is less than a two-hour train journey

show, inspired a nation of foodies with his

cookery school and hotel kitchen are fully

from London, for those wishing to escape

creative dishes.

traceable and produced by the on-site

the big city for the weekend.

Competition

To be in with a chance of winning a meal for four people at Eckington Manor, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

What year was head chef at Eckington Manor, Mark Stinchcombe, crowned winner of MasterChef: The Professionals?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Eckington SWN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 17th January 2018. T&Cs: Offer not applicable on Saturdays.

ISSUE TWENTY No monetary refund or exchange. No supplements included. One glass of Prosecco will WARWICKSHIRE be offeredSOUTH on arrival, all other beveragesNow must be paid for. One visit for four guests, not DECEMBER available for two guests 2017 over two visits. Offer 2018 must be booked and redeemed by 31st March ¯ january 2018, subject to availability.

58

surrounding countryside.

Answer: Name:

Address: Tel: Email: If you do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Eckington Manor please tick this box

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ISSUE TWENTY SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE Now DECEMBER 2017 ¯ january 2018